Hot Toys 1/6th Berserker Predator PREVIEW

Hot Toys is proud to present the MMS130 (Movie Masterpiece Series) 1/6th scale Berserker Predator Collectible Figure from the "Predators (2010)" movie. The movie-accurate Berserker Predator collectible is specially crafted based on its image in the movie, highlighting the newly sculpted and painted head and body armory, interchangeable open and closed mandibles, face mask and detailed weapons.

The 1/6th scale Berserker Predator Collectible Figure specially features: Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Berserker Predator in the movie Predators, Realistic and accurate 1/6th scale of 14 inches / 35 cm tall, Over 22 points of articulations, Newly sculpted and painted head and body armory, Interchangeable open and closed mandibles, Two (2) pairs of interchangeable palms including: One (1) pair of fists, One (1) pair of relaxed palms. Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted

Triad Toys EBS Tyrus 12-Inch Figure

This is the Triad Toys 1:6 scale 12-inch Tyrus Kilemahl: Elite Ballistics Support (EBS). Some background: With the highest confirmed killing record of all time, Tyrus Kilemahl has become a celebrity among the armed forces of America. Facing numerous court martial charges for using excessive force as well as civil suits for violence, Tyrus is forced to quit the military despite his willingness to serve the country. Gunn Industries quickly seized the opportunity by creating a new fire support division to be led and trained by Tyrus. Dying for some action, Tyrus quickly joins the Elite Ballistics Support division to provide private support for hot zones when the military units are unable to go beyond their powers. [source: triadtoys]

Triad Toys Elite Ballistics Support (EBS) Tyrus Box Packaging. Guess which American actor the headsculpt is supposed to resemble?

Hot Toys 1:6 Berserker Predator Sneak Peek

Hot Toys has released a picture of their upcoming 1:6 scale MMS Berserker Predator from the "Predators" movie. Most interesting skin texture and no more camouflage netting? Get out your wallets folks and prepare to empty the contents into Hot Toys bank account.

Will post more pictures when I get them CHEERS

UPDATE July 12, 2010: Hot Toys Berserker Predator Prototype / Preview pictures HERE

March of the Penguins

This is NOT a post about "March of the Penguins" (French: "La Marche de l'Empereur"), a 2005 French nature documentary film about the yearly journey of the emperor penguins of Antarctica. The film won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

This blog post: "March of the Penguins" is to showcase some of the Penguins a.k.a Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot (super-villain and arch-enemy of Batman) that have been produced and released as a toy and action figure as a result of the movies or TV series (including the animated ones) in which they have appeared over time.

Hot Toys Assassin's Creed II Ezio 1:6 Figure Preview

Finally! Official pictures of Hot Toys VGM12 Assassin's Creed II: 1/6th scale Ezio Collectible Figure have been released, along with the expected release period.

Hot Toys is proud to present the 1/6th scale Ezio Collectible Figure from the Assassin’s Creed II video game series. The real-like collectible is fully poseable, specially crafted based on the image of Ezio in the video game, highlighting the newly developed head sculpt, highly detailed costume and weapons.

The 1/6th scale Ezio Collectible Figure specially features: Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Ezio in the video game Assassin’s Creed II, Approximately 30 cm tall, TrueType body with over 30 points of articulations, Real-like hair sculpture with detachable ponytail tied up with ribbon, Three (3) pieces of interchangeable posing palms including One (1) pair of open palms (right palm with glove), One (1) pair of relaxed palms and One (1) pair for holding swords (right palm with glove). Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted

Mattel Penguin from "The Batman" series

Another "man" in a suit, albeit a much shorter one. The Penguin (born Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot) is a DC Comics super-villain and one of Batman's oldest, most persistent archenemies.

The Penguin is a short, rotund man known for his love of birds and his specialized high-tech umbrellas. Bill Finger (co-creator with Bob Kane) also thought the image of high-society gentlemen in tuxedos was reminiscent of emperor penguins. This is Mattel's Penguin from "The  Batman" animated series.

Hot Toys Assassins Creed 2: Ezio Auditore da Firenze TEASER

From the award-winning historical fantasy video game "Assassin's Creed II", Hot Toys is proud to present Ezio Auditore da Firenze, an ancestor of Desmond Miles, and a descendant of Altaïr. Altaïr ibn La-Ahad, (Arabic: الطائر ابن لا أحد aṭ-ṭāʾir ibn lā ʾaḥad),(Flying One - Son of None) usually known by the mononym Altaïr, is an assassin who was born in 1165 and who lived during the Crusades. His name is Arabic for 'The Flying One' or 'Bird of Prey' and is pronounced in three syllables. "Ibn La-Ahad" means "Son of no one". Altair is the greatest assassin to have ever lived. [source: wiki]

1:6 President Obama on July 4, Independence Day

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States. [source: wiki]

During the 2008 US presidential campaign following the New Hampshire Democratic Primary, then-Senator (now President) Barack Obama, used the similar English translation of the slogan of United Farm Workers (UFW) – "Sí, se puede" (Spanish for "Yes, it can be done") in his speech. "Yes we can" became a slogan popularized by Obama and very much associated with him.

A very buff and fit 1:6 scale Obama figure produced and released by Hot Toys most recently. This is their new 1/6th scale TrueType Body – TTM-15 African American Male (Advanced Version).

Sideshow Star Wars 12" Momaw Nadon a.k.a. Hammerhead

Momaw Nadon was an Ithorian who served his people for decades as high priest of Tafanda Bay. He was exiled from his homeworld, Ithor, after he revealed secrets of Ithorian agricultural technology to the Galactic Empire. He spent much of his exile on Tatooine, and was seen in Chalmun's Cantina when Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi came searching for passage to Alderaan. [source: wookieepedia]

During production of "Star Wars: A New Hope", Momaw Nadon was known simply as "Hammerhead". His colloquial nickname was then used for the Kenner Star Wars action figure. This was before the Star Wars franchise took off and the expanded universe had to be created to feed the starved fans clamoring for more details of their new found universe in a galaxy far far away.

Sideshow's Comic-Con celebration has kicked off, featuring daily product specials and reveals. Once such reveal is their newest 12-inch Star Wars figure: MOMAW NADON, aka HAMMERHEAD. As usual, two versions of this cool cantina creature are being offered - the standard and exclusive versions. There's even a 12-inch environment: "Mos Eisley Cantina - Nadon's Nook" being offered.

Meet the new Spidey!

Just when I was thinking who would name their child Garfield (I was writing on Firefly and found out his given name was Garfield Lynns - see previous post) other than their cat, it was announced in the newspaper today that Andrew GARFIELD is the New Spiderman!

Sony Pictures has cast British actor Andrew Garfield, 26, to star as the young ‘Spider-Man’. Garfield was among the final list of contenders along with Jamie Bell, Anton Yelchin, Aaron Johnson, Logan Lerman, Alden Ehrenreich, Frank Dillane, Michael Angarano, and Josh Hutcherson, who was rumored to have had the part already in the bag. Shooting begins in early December and the studio will release the film in 3D on July 3, 2012.

As Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield will be taking over the reigns from Tobey Maguire, whose role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the Spider-Man films grossed nearly $2.5 billion worldwide.

Mattel Firefly from The Batman

Enough of Batty (see previous posts), let's get back to Bats (that's Batman for the uninitiated ;>)

In season 1 of "The Batman" animated series, Firefly (Garfield Lynns) is a mercenary and arsonist for hire. A corporate saboteur, Firefly executed a few take-downs of rivals to Goth-Corp. Paid by the job, Firefly did each one with ease until The Batman intervened.

Mattel's Firefly marked the first time that Batman's pyromaniac foe was given a figure. Firefly is a villain that's actually been around since the 50's, and has gone through several incarnations.

Going All Batty

No, I'm not going crazy ;) just a post to show pictures of the two Brother Production "Blade Runner" 1:6 movie figures that have been released (Rick Deckard and Roy Batty - Batty was reviewed in the previous post while Deckard was covered much earlier) as well as some comparison shots with Toy Syndicate's "Blade Runner" figure.

IMHO Brother Production did quite a good job with the headsculpt for both figures as well as the movie accurate costumes (outfits) and accessories BUT their Deckard which was released much earlier is much taller than their recently released Batty and throws the whole scale off. Deckard shouldn't be taller than Batty. Because of the height difference, Deckard looks bigger in size too, not helped by the multi-layers of clothing as compared to the minimal attire Batty is wearing

Commemorating SAF Day, July 1st!

The first SAF day, then known as Armed Forces Day, was held on 1st July 1969 and witnessed a 1,500-strong contingent of servicemen and women in a grand parade finale and march-past at Jalan Besar Stadium. On a day filled with regimentation and pledges of loyalty, the most solemn moment was the presentation of the SAF Flag for the first time to the 3rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR). [source: mindef]

For all male Singaporeans who have been through National Service and those who are still doing their National Service, the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) play a significant part in our lives as we have to be on standby for mobilisation, and be called up for reservist training as well, all part of our duty to the nation and the defence of Singapore.

And every year on SAF Day, the best units in the Army, Air Force and Navy are awarded top honors and get to be the Guard-of-Honour contingents at the National Day Parade held on August 9 . The GOH contingents are made up of members from the three arms of the Singapore Armed Forces (the Army, represented by the Best Combat Unit; the Navy; and the Air Force) as well as the Singapore Police Force.

This year's Best Combat Unit once again goes to the 1st Commando Battalion, 7th win in a row for the red berets and 24th time for the elite unit in the competition's 41-year history. The RSAF 140 Squadron was named Best Fighter Squadron and RSS Stalwart Best Ship.

And here's a picture of an SAF Commando in training, taking a leap off the Jump Tower as part of his parachute or airborne training. I remember my airborne training and it brings back fond memories, both the training for the jumps and the actual jumps itself - what a rush and what a privilege to be able to do something not everyone gets to. IMHO tandem jumps just don't cut it because the instructor guides the student through the whole jump from exit through freefall, piloting the canopy, and landing.

Related post: Commandos are BEST Combat Unit again (posted June 30, 2009)

Elite Brigade US Navy Landing Party

During World War II there were few examples of the use of sailors as infantry. Most famously, a Naval Battalion, formed from the remnants of the shore establishment of the 16th Naval District in the Philippines, performed bravely and effectively on Bataan in late 1941 and early 1942. The USS Philadelphia landed a landing party to assist the 47th Infantry in capturing airport at Loa Senia, Morocco, during Operation Torch. Admiral Halsey’s Third Fleet sailors, organized as three battalions of infantry, assisted marines and a British Landing party with the occupation of Yokosuka Naval Base at the end of World War II. Samuel Eliot Morison suggests that the sailor battalions were necessary because not enough marines were available to Third Fleet. [source: Navy Dept Library]

This is a Elite Brigade 1:6 scale US Navy Landing Party 12-inch military figure released by Cotswold Collectibles many years ago. Elite Brigade figures were based on the "1960's" G.I. Joe concept and offered some interesting original as well as authentically reproduced items to complement the 12-inch G.I. Joe figures. This was in the late 90s before the 1:6 market went BOOM! and exploded into what is is today with so many choices and options.

G.I. Joe U.K. Royal Marine 12" Figure

You've probably read this comment already: "This 2010 World Cup is like World War II. France leave early, USA turn up at the last minute and England are left fighting the Germans." And the Italians? Almost non-existent!

So here's another British figure (see previous post), this one being a Royal Marine released by Hasbro as part of the G.I. Joe line many years ago.

The U.K. Royal Marine came fully equipped with black balaclava, divemask, Dog Tag with Chain, Grey Jump Suit with oil stains (Nomex flight suit), Boots, Sterling L2 Machine Gun, L2 Machine Gun Clip, 9mm Uzi Submachine Gun, 9mm Semi-automatic Pistol, Semi-automatic Pistol Clip (15 Rounds), LST-5L SAT COM Receiver with throat microphone and earpiece, Marine M1014 JSCS (Joint Service Combat Shotgun) a.k.a Benelli M4 Super 90, Grenade, M-16/M203 Grenade Launcher, Flashlight, Smoke Grenade, Binoculars with Strap, L85A1 assault rifle, 3 M-18 Claymore Mines, and 2 MREs.

Toys City 1:6 SBS Sniper Review II

Continuing from my earlier post on Toys City 1:6 scale SBS (Special Boat Service) 12-inch UK military figure, now we look at the fully kitted out figure with all his gear, accessories and weapons.

The Royal Navy's Special Boat Service (SBS) is the lesser-known sister unit of the British Army's Special Air Service (SAS) regiment. Whilst the unit specialises in water-borne activities, they are also highly skilled on dry land. Recent operations have taken place in the mountains of land-locked Afghanistan and deep in the deserts of Iraq. [source: special boat service]

Having switched the Toys City Sean Connery head for a much younger headsculpt as I felt that the SBS wouldn't have such an old operator in the field of operations, the fully kitted SBS wears a black skull cap with hands-free forehead mounted head light, LBT (London Bridge Trading) 1961G Chest Rig over his black smock (combat jacket) and Green T-shirt, Combat Field Pants (MARPAT desert camouflage) with Rescue Harness, knee pads, Black Diamond gaiters, and Hiking Boots.

Soldier Story U.S. Navy SEAL SDV Team 1 Preview

Hot on the heels of Playhouse's announcement that they will be releasing a 1/6 scale 12-inch US Navy SEAL Team Ten (pictures HERE) operator, Soldier Story has also released pictures of their very own SEAL SDV Team to be added :) Good times for 1:6 collectors, more choices for us when they (1:6 manufacturers) all decide to have a go. We'll just call this the SEAL showdown

Soldier Story has called their figure a Operation Red Wing 5th Anniversary Edition. Operation Red Wing was a counter-insurgent mission in Kunar province, Afghanistan, involving four members of the United States Navy SEALs, which took place on June 28, 2005. Three of the SEALs were killed during the initial operation, as were other American Special Operations soldiers (SEALs and Nightstalker pilots) whose helicopter was shot down while flying to provide support and rescue to the team. [source: wiki]

The headsculpt for this Soldier Story U.S. Navy SEAL SDV Team 1 military figure is most interesting indeed, certainly one I did not expect but was pleasantly surprised ;)

Toys City British Royal Navy Special Boat Service (SBS) REVIEW 1

From the French (see my previous posts) to the British. In terms of performance in the 2010 World Cup, both football teams have played way below par, with Les Bleus being knocked out at the group stage in shame and disgrace for the way they had played both on and off the field. The England team has just barely scraped through, finishing second in their group behind USA. Who could have imagined this result at the start of the World Cup? Especially for a football mad country that has brought the game to the world :( SIGH tsk tsk

Anyway, on to better things :) This is my second Toys City boxed set after their recently released CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) Operative military figure with a headsculpt that resembles actor Kurt Russell.

When I first saw the box cover, I almost laughed out loud :) In the background is a black and white picture of a plane with propeller and warships of a bygone era. How can Toys City put the image of a modern day warrior with a picture from World War II? They definitely don't go together.

Hot Toys "T2" T-1000 12-inch figure PREVIEW

News just in! The next "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" or "T2" 1:6 scale figure to be released by Hot Toys will be the Hot Toys MMS129 (Movie Masterpiece Series) Terminator 2 T-1000 collectible figure. The T-1000 is a fictional android assassin and the main antagonist in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)". The T-1000 is portrayed primarily by Robert Patrick.

The T-1000 ambushes a police officer on arrival and takes on his identity, tracking down John Connor through the police cruiser's on-board computer and eventually confronting him in a shopping mall, where it meets a T-800 Model 101.

BBi Elite Force French Foreign Legionnaire 'Corporal Léon Javert'

Yet another French Foreign Legion military figure (see my previous posts); this is the 1:6 scale BBi Elite Force French Foreign Legionnaire 'Corporal Léon Javert' with Jean-Claude Van Damme likeness

The French Foreign Legion (French: Légion étrangère) is today known as an elite military unit whose training focuses not only on traditional military skills but also on its strong esprit de corps. The Legion is equipped and armed as a rapid deployment force of about 8,200 men. The colors of the legion are Red for Sacrifice and Green for Hope.

G.I. Joe French Foreign Legionnaire

The French Foreign Legion accepts only the toughest of men - one in five volunteers will not make the cut. When on assignment, Legionnaires will be on missions in the deepest, remotest part of the world. Top physical shape is a must, and constant training keeps the Legionnaire ready for anything he may run into on his mission. Wearing the French Foreign Legion's khaki uniform, beret with beret badge, personal equipment belt, pouches, H-harness, boots, and carrying a canteen with pouch, a bayonet in sheath and the 5.56mm FAMAS F1 bullpup-styled assault rifle, the G.I. Joe French Foreign Legionnaire is ready to take on the toughest mission.

This 1/6 scale 12-inch G.I. Joe Classic Collection French Foreign Legionnaire was released in 1997 following renewed interest in 12-inch action figures of all kinds. Hasbro decided to go beyond the 12-inch versions of their "Hall of Fame" G.I. Joe line and reintroduced a series of figures closer in spirit to the original G.I. Joe lineup. Hasbro's G.I. Joe Classic Collection figures were thus released in 1996, under the Kenner brand. The initial four figures offered were the U.S. Army Infantry (desert camo), British SAS, Australian ODF and U.S. Airborne Ranger. The following year saw the release of the U.S. Army Tank Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Sniper and French Foreign Legion, followed by the Modern Forces Assortment.

Playhouse US Navy SEAL Team Ten Preview

Playhouse could possibly be the new (unofficial) military branch of Hot Toys; after all, they have a history together. Playhouse used to be the factory producing all the 1/6 military gear and stuff for Hot Toys before Hot Toys went "Hollywood" and the sets that Playhouse has been releasing are simply stunning.

There was the exceptional Playhouse USMC Regimental Combat Team (RCT) from 6th Marine Regiment in Operation Iraqi Freedom (Previewed HERE - I've gotten it but yet to post a review) and then the Playhouse 1:6 scale GSG-9 low-profile version followed by the equally good Playhouse 1:6 scale 12-inch D-Boy Battle Of Mogadishu (Somalia) 1993 Operation Spy in Bakara Market military action figure (reviewed HERE).

Next on the list will be this Playhouse 1/6 scale 12-inch US Navy SEAL Team Ten operator and he's packing! Man, is he PACKING?!! Check out that loadout - this guy's armed to the teeth and then some.

Action Man French Foreign Legionnaire

You cannot talk about the French and not mention the French Foreign Legion. Anyway, at the rate the French football team is playing in the 2010 World Cup, these are the only French worth watching ;p even if they are only 12 inches tall and 1/6 scale LOLZ

The Action Man French Foreign Legionnaire (1973) uniform consists of Kepi with separate white cotton cover and neck flap, plain white collarless undershirt, navy blue silk body belt or cumberband / sash, greatcoat (navy blue serge M1877 double breasted greatcoat), white trousers, ankle boots, waist belt and M1892 'Y' braces and three pouches - two at the front and one at the back plus a bayonet frog for the scabbard which holds the bayonet (which is 2.5 inches long), horizon blue M1877 2-litre water bottle or canteen with two spouts, 1886 Lebel rifle (longest rifle in the Action Man line at 9 inches), and sand colored backpack.

Polistil Action Man French Officer released 1970s

Having already covered the Action Man 1/6 scale 12-inch French Resistance Fighter in my earlier post HERE, I though I'll continue the French theme with this next figure. This is the vintage Polistil Action Man French Officer outfit consisting of Officer's Kepi, beige shirt with brown tie, jacket, pants, socks and dress shoes. This was very much a pretty basic figure, much like the G.I. Joe Air Force Dress Uniform (posted HERE)

Hot Toys Prince of Persia 1/6 Prince Dastan Preview

Hot Toys is proud to present the MMS127 (Movie Masterpiece Series) "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" 1/6th scale Prince Dastan Collectible Figure from the "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" movie. The highly detailed Prince Dastan collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Jake Gyllenhaal in the movie, highlighting the newly sculpted head, multi-layered stereoscopic hair sculpture, muscular body, detailed weapons and two styles of costume.

Action Man French Resistance Fighter

This giant banner (13m x 16m) of France's General Charles de Gaulle was put up on the facade of Paris town hall two days ago to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the French General's stirring appeal on BBC radio from London to resist Nazism on June 18, 1940. The banner is a giant mosaic of 1,016 portraits of Compagnons de la Liberation (members of the French Resistance in World War II).

So I thought it would be most appropriate to blog on the Action Man French Resistance Fighter, part of the Action Man Soldiers of the Century series, first introduced during 1967/1968 when the 1/6 scale 12-inch Action Man figure was just beginning to take England and Europe by storm.

The French Resistance Fighter (Maquisard or Maquis) came dressed in black moulded beret, black sweater, denim trousers and standard black ankle boots. He would carry his Lebel revolver in his brown shoulder holster. He also was awarded the Croix De Guerre medal for bringing the fight to the Nazi Germans.

Knight and Day

No ;p This isn't about the action comedy film starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz BUT to show the difference in details between a 1/6 scale 12-inch Medieval Knight in full armor and a Playmobil version. The differences are as night and day. I'd blogged about the very detailed Cotswold Collectibles Medieval Knight armored figure in an earlier post HERE

Now let's take a look at a Playmobil Knight. Grew up with some of these figures as a kid and they still strike a chord in me every time I walk past a shop that sells Playmobil. The prices of these things still astound me though; the bigger sets are really costly. Keeping in mind that these are toys targeted at children (unlike Hot Toys collectibles meant for adults), they seem to be priced rather high if one wants to have an entire pirate ship or castle or fort.

Comparing Sarahs

No, this post isn't about which Sarah Palin is better - the real Sarah Palin or the Tina Fey version nor am I going to blog about Sarah Jessica Parker, this post is to compare the Hot Toys T2 Sarah Connor and the Sideshow Collectibles Sarah Connor released in 2007, both 1/6 scale female figures from the 1991 movie "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" or T2 for short. Although it seems Sideshow has gone over to Hot Toys as the latest T2 Movie Masterpieces all have Sideshow Collectibles logo on them as well. I'll also be comparing this Hot Toys Sarah Connor with the Hot Toys T2 T-800 "Arnie" Terminator figure. Scroll down to see the pictures :)

I was quite surprised to see how big and tall the 2007 released Sideshow Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) was compared with the recently released Hot Toys version of the T2 Sarah Connor. I really like the well toned muscle arms and new female body of Hot Toys Sarah Connor, along with the outfit, gear and all the accessories by Hot Toys.