In this amazing new feature our pal SpyMagician makes things personal!  He takes us step by step on how he turned a 1/64th scale version of his own car into a happy, smiling version of his Scion that fits in perfectly with Mattel and Disney/Pixar’s CARS line.  

Click here to check out the feature. 

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Hey there! SpyMagician here!

Like our fearless leader, Julius Marx, I am a HUGE fan of Disney Pixar’s Cars! And I finally got around to doing a custom "figure" I’ve been meaning to make for ages… Now I love my real car, a Black Cherry Pearl ’05 Scion xA.

So what would be cooler than a toy xA toy done in the style of the Cars Movie? Now a diecast of my car is not that common, most Scion toys are of the xB. But in Japan there are a few toys of the Toyota ist, the Japanese version of my xA.

So I finally tracked one down and finally could start my project! Step 1: The first step was to disassemble the toy , sand it a bit for repainting (I was fortunate that the original Ist Diecast was silver, so I didn’t need strip the paint, I’d just paint right over the silver) and sculpt the 2 key details, the Cars Movie style eyebrow and mouth.

To do this I needed some putty that could be sculpted but would adhere to diecast. I was in new territory here as my normal work involves action figures that are all plastic so I can use polymer clays. In this case I found some Quicksteel Putty at Pep Boys. It sets VERY FAST however, so I only had about 5-10 minutes to do the sculpt!!! Unlike with Sculpey, which won’t set until you heat cure it, giving you hours and hours to work the sculpt, I had to do a quick rough sculpt and finish the rest by carving and sanding. The Quicksteel sanded very well though, and I got a good seamless bond to the metal. To sculpt the eyebrow, I used some more Quicksteel Putty and sculpted right onto the plastic windshield after removing it from the car body. This was much easier as it was a simple shape. Step 2: Step 2 required that I paint the body and eyebrow in the Black Cherry Pearl metallic paint. I checked Pep Boys for the exact color but it was not avaiable but I found a similar color. It’s a touch darker than my actual car but not so much that it doesn’t work.

 

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The 2008 Canadian 80s Toy Expo (http://www.80stoyexpo.com/) has been announced.

It will be Sunday, March 16th at the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel and Conference Centre.
The show features 2 halls filled with dealers selling Transformers, Star Wars, GIJoe, Super Heroes, and tons of other Action Figures and collectibles. Many of the same dealers from the Action Figure Expo (http://www.actionfigureexpo.com/) and TFcon Toronto (http://www.transformerscon.com/) will be setup at this show. Located at 3063 South Service Road the location is directly off the QEW with free parking for everyone.

For directions and more details go to the Canadian 80s Toy Expo website: http://www.80stoyexpo.com/.

You can also RSVP via Facebook for the event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=6720678567

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New York- The air was cold and the wind was punishing, but Damien Glonek and Mike Drake of Mezco Toyz, braved the elements to deliver toys for a most intriguing event. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Times Square Odditorium was hosting an “Unusual Toy Drive” and the good folks at Mezco Toyz were donating 17 cases of some of the hottest collectible toys of the season. Cases of Goonies, Underdog, and Edward Scissor Hands were delivered by Glonek and Drake and received by Ripley’s host, the Lizard Man. A palpable excitement filled the air, as the toys were unpacked. “Chunk and Sloth!” screamed one young girl as she saw The Goonies action figures. A thirty something man and his companion began to sing the Underdog theme song as Mezco employees unpacked the Underdog and Simon Barsinister two packs. “Its all about the kids” Damien Glonek told a reporter, “there are countless children living in dire circumstances, if Mezco Toyz can do even a little to help bring a moment of joy to their lives then its all worthwhile”.  Michael Drake added “With so many toy drives falling short of their goals this year, Mezco was happy to step up to the plate and help give back to the community and the children in need. After all, they are the children are the blossoming toy collectors of tomorrow”.

(more…)

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We’re extremely pleased to reveal the next Minimates in the Battlestar Galactica line will be based on the classic version of the interstellar franchise.  Two box sets featuring characters from 1978’s original Battlestar Galactica series will be released early next year – just in time forthe 30^th Anniversary of this classic property!

The Classic Colonial Warriors and Classic Cylon Empire box sets each include five all-new Minimates – including the first four-legged Minimate ever.  The heroic Colonial Warriors set will include Commander Adama, Captain Apollo, Lieutenant Starbuck, Lieutenant Boomer and Muffit the Daggit!  The evil Cylon Empire set is scheduled to include Baltar, Lucifer, Imperious Leader, a Cylon Centurion and the gold Cylon Commander!

Both box sets will be available in the January issue of Diamond Previews with a suggested retail of $19.99.  All of these space-faring Minimates were sculpted and designed by Art Asylum and are in scale with past two-inch releases.

 

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WizKids previously announced the“WizKids Convention Weekend” beginning on February 1 to February 3,2008, which brings the WizKids free-with-purchase convention giveaways to your local hobby and game stores.  But now, the “WizKids Convention Weekend” will now also offer DC HeroClix JOHNNY THUNDER limited edition figure.  Only available before at DC HeroClix events at Gen Con Indy 2007, don’t miss your chance to get JOHNNY THUNDER!

At the “WizKids Convention Weekend,”WizKids fans can get those hard-to-find giveaways — such as the Mighty Thor, BATMAN, Vlad the Impaler, and the all-new Classic Fin Fang Foom colossal figure.  Now, fans can add Jonny Thunder to that list of must-have figures!

The “WizKids Convention Weekend” will only be happening at local hobby and gaming stores!  Contact your local store today to find out if they will be hosting the “WizKids Convention Weekend.”  To find a store near you, visit the WizKids Store Finder at www.wizkidsgames.com.

 

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December 19, 2007 (SEATTLE) — WizKids Inc. announces one of the most exciting HeroClix® Buy-It-by-the-Brick figure yet!  The World’s Finest figure is a HeroClix one-of-a-kind SUPERMAN and BATMAN duo figure.  This limited edition, numbered figure is free with the purchase of a DC HeroClix: Crisis Brick (a ten-booster bundle).

“This is one of the most exceptional HeroClix pieces ever,” said Mark Tuttle, HeroClix brand manager.  “It is an impressive, 3” based, 500-point figure with both BATMAN and SUPERMAN, and is the first numbered HeroClix collectible.”

For information on the HeroClix Buy-it-by-the-Brick program, as well as stats and abilities for the World’s Finest figure, go to www.heroclix.com/brick.

The World’s Finest figure is limited to only 5,000 numbered pieces and is available only while supplies last.  DC HeroClix: Crisis will release in February 2008, so consumers should preorder their brick early!  Visit www.wizkidsgames.com to find a store near you.

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If you love RC cars, transforming robots, or just really cool stuff, then you have to check out our video review of Johnny Lighting’s V-Bot. 

 

I brought the V-bot into the office, and everyone that saw it, loved it.  I already know of two that will be under the Christmas trees of co-workers.

You can also check out the commercial here: 

In Conclusion:

• A great R/C Car
• Great range on the remote
• Come on!  A transforming Robot!

•  SUPER FUN!

We give the Johnny Lightning V-Bot a hearty- RECOMMEND!

Check back tomorrow for our Video Feature on BATTLE WHEELS! 

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Here is the latest round of DC Direct products from their new solicitations. 

 

ACTION FIGURES 

 

JUSTICE SERIES 8 ACTION FIGURES

Designed by Alex Ross
 

The best-selling action figure line from the hugely popular JUSTICE series

reaches its amazing conclusion with four new figures!

Includes: 

Supergirl • 6.5” h

Batgirl • 6.5” h

Toyman • 8” h

Captain Cold • 6.75” h

Each figure features multiple points of articulation and abase.

Advance-solicited; on sale August 13, 2008 * Action Figures* PI 

Retailers please note: Supergirl, Batgirl, Toyman and Captain Cold are intended for individual sale to consumers, but are sold to retailers in inner and master cases.

Consult your Retailer Order Form for packaging and pricing details. These products are being offered simultaneously beyond the comic-book specialty market.
 

 

ELSEWORLDS RED SON BOX SET 

From the wildly successful SUPERMAN: RED SON!

What would have happened if Superman’s rocket had landed in the former Soviet Union instead of Smallville? The stars of SUPERMAN: RED SON are featured in this box set, which includes a never-before-produced version of Bizarro, and the 48-page Prestige Format comic SUPERMAN: RED SON #1. Packaged in a 4-color window box.

Advance-solicited; on sale August 6, 2008 * Box Set * PI

 

 

HARLEY QUINN 1:6 SCALE Deluxe Collector Figure 

The Joker’s girlfriend, Harley Quinn, is added to the 1:6scale line this month. Realistically proportioned, this deluxe collector figure comes clothed in her own authentically detailed fabric costume with character-specific accessories and a display stand. 

Packaged in a deluxe 4-color window box with a fifth panel.

Advance-solicited; on sale August 20, 2008 * Collector figure * $79.99 US

 

 

 

THE JOKER 1:6 SCALE Deluxe Collector Figure

Batman’s number one enemy, The Joker, joins DC Direct’s line of realistically proportioned 1:6 scale figures! This deluxe collector figure comes clothed in an intricate and authentically detailed fabric costume,complete with character-appropriate accessories and a display stand. 

Packaged in a deluxe 4-color window box with a fifth panel.

Advance-solicited; on sale August 20, 2008 * Collector figure * $89.99 US

 

 STATUES/BOOKENDS 

JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE: PART 1

Based on the art of Ed Benes

Sculpted by Alterton Bizarre

Ed Benes’ legendary image from the cover of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #7 stands tall as it becomes a multi-part statue! Sold in three parts, each features two of the world’s greatest superheroes and includes apiece of a bonus Red Tornado figure. (To fully assemble Red Tornado, all three Build-a-Scene statues are needed.) All of the pieces slide together to make a complete cover scene in striking 3-D!
 

• The first part of the statue includes Batman, Wonder Woman, and the base and tornado portion of Red Tornado.

• Part two will include Superman, Black Canary, and the torso of Red Tornado.

• Part three will include Green Lantern, The Flash, and the head and cape of Red Tornado.
 

The JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE is a limited-edition,hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue measuring approximately 8” tall x 14”wide x 10” deep when fully assembled. (Each piece measures approximately 8”tall x 5” wide x 5” deep, except for Red Tornado, which measures approximately10.375” tall x 8.5” wide x 5.5” deep.) It includes a certificate of authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. This limited edition statue is manufactured to order.

 
Advance-solicited; on sale August 13, 2007 * Statue *  $150 US

 Minor assembly is required.

 

  

GREEN LANTERN VS. SINESTRO BOOKENDS

Inspired by the art of Ethan Van Sciver 

Bitter enemies Green Lantern and Sinestro battle it out in these bookends, based on art from the hit storyline “The Sinestro Corps War.”This limited edition, cold-cast porcelain bookend set includes a full-color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. Each side measures approximately 8” tall x 6” wide x 6” deep.

Advance-solicited; on sale August 27, 2007 * Bookends *$295.00 US

 

POSTERS 

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #11 Poster

Art by Alex Ross

Advance-solicited; on sale August 27, 2008 * Poster * $7.99US
 

 

 

 

GREEN LANTERN/SINESTRO CORPS SECRET FILES #1

Art by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert 

Advance-solicited; on sale August 27, 2008 * Poster * $7.99 US

 

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We got a quick update from the folks at Gentle Giant to clarify some information regarding their Animated Pirates of the Caribbean Maquette line.  Although they announced the cancellation of distributor orders for Will Turner and Captain Barbossa Maquettes at the beginning of this week, they are still producing the 2 items.  These items will be available directly through Gentle Giant and limited to 1,000 pcs world wide. They will be available to purchase through their website www.gentlegiantltd.com in spring of 2008, and are currently still available to pre-order. They have not cancelled preorders previously placed through the website.

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