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'Overwatch' action figures and Monopoly are coming this spring
Hasbro is about to give you many, many ways to flaunt your Overwatch fandom beyond the occasional Nerf gun. It's launching a series of toys and games themed around the character-driven shooter, including Monopoly Overwatch Collector's Edition. The $50 board game turns maps into properties, cards into loot boxes and player pieces into familiar characters like D.Va and Winston. However, that's really just the start of the collection -- the action figures in particular stand out.
'Stranger Things' action figures cash in on '80s nostalgia
Netflix's Stranger Things is ultimately one long nostalgia trip for kids from the '80s, so it only makes sense that it you'd see tributes to every last facet of '80s culture, right? Funko agrees. It's preparing Stranger Things action figures that are bound to rekindle memories of playing with GI Joe or She-Ra toys as a kid. The collection will include two packs of three figurines that mostly center around the kids at the heart of the series, complete with character-appropriate props. Eleven has a box of Eggo waffles, for instance, while Lucas is packing a slingshot.
Lightseekers brings your video game into the real world
Action figures can look a little staid next to video games where your character can walk, talk and fire all manner of weaponry. But there's still something special about the tactile experience of holding a cool character in your hand, which is why we've seen game developers embrace the world of toys with products like Skylanders, Amiibo and LEGO Dimensions. But, while placing a figure on a base can unlock characters or entire worlds, the interaction between game and toy tends to end there. Lightseekers, launching today on Kickstarter, changes that dynamic by making its action figures a living (and almost breathing) part of its games.
Star Wars villains get a moody re-imagining by Square Enix
Square Enix, the gamesmaker that gave us the Final Fantasy series (alongside plenty of other games), also has a sideline in fancy high-end action figures. Its latest collection tackles the Star Wars universe, well, the darker side of said universe. Alongside Darth Vader (which was teased late last year), Play Arts Kai (the brand Square Enix releases them under) has revealed two more additions: a particularly stoic-looking Stormtrooper and Boba Fett. But reimagining action figures (or perhaps licensing) ain't cheap: Each one retails for around 12,000 yen (roughly $100), but (but!) they can be articulated at 14 different points, with three joints on each arm for maximum dramatic posturing... not to mention reminding yourself (and younger family members) that these aren't for kids.
Qumarion 3D modeling mannequin coming soon for $750, still won't play with your kid (video)
Trying to get convincing, natural poses out of 3D models can be tricky, so it's a relief that two Japanese universities' joint ventures, the University of Electro-Communications' ViVienne and the University of Tsukuba's SoftEther, are close to wrapping up work on their posable mannequin. Now called Qumarion, the model formerly known as QUMA uses 32 sensors across 16 body joints to translate the humanoid statue's pose to the computer screen simply by bending limbs, much like you would the legion of action figures you had when you were eight. Neither you nor your kids will be using Qumarion to storm Fort Barbie anytime soon, but the 120 frames per second sample rate over USB does mean that poses are mirrored in your modeling tools almost instantly. You also won't have much longer to wait to buy one for your fledgling anime production: the mannequin and custom modeling software from Celsys should be bundled together sometime within the summer for a comparatively frugal $750.
An in-depth look at World of Warcraft action figures series 8
Some video footage of the new DC Unlimited's series 8 of the World of Warcraft action figures has surfaced, thanks to Toy Fair 2011 and Kotaku. This video shows not only series 8, but series 7 and the premium series 3 and 4. This is all a great extension of the last time we took a look at these figures. To recap, series 7 features: Human paladin Judge Malthred Orc rogue Garona Halforcen Worgen spy Garm Whitefang Series 8 includes: Gnome rogue Brink Spannercrank Kobold miner Snaggle Forsaken priestess Confessor Dhalia The Black Knight Premium series 3 features: Garrosh Hellscream Troll hunter Taz'Dingo Finally, the newest premium series 4 includes: The Headless Horseman Moonkin Wildmoon
Steve Jobs shrinks down to action figure size, ego remains untouched
Whether he's playing hero or villain in your personal technology drama, Apple CEO and marketer extraordinaire Steve Jobs likely has a role -- and now the dramatis persona has his very own action figure to help you act it out. For $80, Jobs comes complete with his trademark black turtleneck and rimless glasses, nicely crinkled Levi's jeans, a pair of New Balance sneakers, a miniature iPhone 4 and a truly epic beard. He's even got an Apple logo to stand on and a set of speech bubble cards, which hopefully work with a dry erase marker considering how often the man comes up with juicy new quotes. See the astounding level of detail at our source link, or even grab one for yourself.
SK Telecom's Android action figures as flexible as the OS itself (video)
Here you go: Androski, the skiing Android mascot. He certainly gets more exercise than you (at least he meets more snow bunnies), and he'll look great on your desk. Too bad he's only available from SK Telecom way off yonder in the Republic of Korea. Of course, this ain't the first Android toy we've seen in this space, but it's certainly the most athletic! See for yourself after the break. Update: It looks like there's actually a variety of places to get the figures, not just SK Telecom -- there's also KT, LG U+ and some other names at the bottom of the website that we're not terribly familiar with.
World of Warcraft action figures series 8 first look
Reader Jab tipped us off to pictures of DC Unlimited's series 8 of the World of Warcraft action figures, featuring: Gnome rogue Brink Spannercrank vs. Kobold Miner Snaggle The Black Knight Forsaken priestess Confessor Dhalia All of the figures so far look really cool, and it's nice to see Blizzard having DC add in these quirky characters. The release date for the series 8 figures is slated for May 11, 2011. Check out the first-look pictures here. Series 6 is really cool, and these new figures don't seem like they're going to disappoint. Still ahead are the upcoming Series 7 figures, including human paladin Judge Malthred, orc rogue Garona and worgen spy Garm Whitefang. Check out all of the DC Unlimited WoW action figures at the DC website. On the site, each series lists places where you can order or pick up figures, including plenty of brick-and-mortar stores for you old-school shoppers.
A look at the new WoW figures at SDCC 2010
Last weekend saw one of the greatest comic book conventions in North America, the San Diego Comic Con, come and go. One of our own WoW.com crew attended the great event and came back with photos of DC Unlimited's newest (and some older) World of Warcraft action figures. These displays featured many from the Premium Series 2 and 3, along with the regular series 6 and 7. I personally have a few of these around my apartment. They're of superb quality, and the regular series usually costs around or under $20. The larger premium series goes for quite a bit more (usually hovering around the $50 mark) but is undoubtedly worth it. You can actually preorder some of these (including those not show, like the Lich King) right from DC Unlimited's website. Check out the full gallery below! %Gallery-98354%
Gears of War action figures boxed, grumpy-looking
The long-awaited (but never viewed) first salvo of Gears of War action figures should be landing in your neighborhood Hot Topics and comic book shops in the next few weeks -- as a special teaser, manufacturer NECA released a plethora of images of the four burly, sailor-mouthed characters featured in the first series of man-dolls: Marcus Fenix, Augustus "Cole Train" Cole, Locust Drone, and everyone's favorite, Locust Sniper. We can't even imagine the kind of brutal, testosterone-enriched tea parties we're going to hold once we obtain these tiny gunhavers -- especially when our supply of Earl Grey begins to dwindle. Gallery: Gears of War Action Figures [Via X3F]
Gears of War dolls of masculinity available spring '08
It's time to play out your own Emergence Day with the first wave of Gears of War action figures featuring Marcus Fenix, Augustus Cole and the Locust Drone -- your old He-Man figures are going to have to substitute for the rest of the cast. The figures will be available "late spring of 2008" and the second wave of dolls will crawl out "late 2008." The figures will be available at Hot Topic, FYE, comic book shops and other specialty stores. There's no word yet currently on price or what the second batch of characters will be, but it seems kind of unfair for Marcus to be without his Dom for an extended period of time (guess Man-At-Arms will have to do for the meantime).%Gallery-14117%
Gears of War gets all dolled up with action figures
They aren't dolls! They're action figures! And they aren't Gears of War munny dolls either, which makes us sad pandas. The National Entertainment Collectables Association (NECA) has announced they'll be making action figures based on Gears of War "and any potential sequels." Sadly, there isn't a single prototype to show off so we'll just have to keep staring at the cute munny doll."Only once in a while does a property come along that is so rich in content, with amazing character designs and groundbreaking achievements in art, music, and story. While having to turn down most properties made available to us, this was an offer we could not refuse," said Joel Weinshanker, president of NECA. He apparently didn't notice how many dolls action figures his company actually makes. Well, we gamers are suckers for anything with the word "collectible" on it, so collectible action figures probably fall into the same category. At least now some people will be able to fulfill their Marcus and Dom make-out scenes with their dolls action figures.
McFarlane previews Halo 3 action figures
As you know, McFarlane is busy working on creating a set of Halo 3 action figures for release next Spring and so far all we've seen has been a Master Chief prototype. But yesterday McFarlane decided to reveal their work-in-progress models and boy are they beauts! Viewable after the jump are unpainted sculpts of the Brute Chieftain, Jackal Sniper and the Puma Warthog. Just look at the detail on these little guys! Analyze these work-in-progress models and agree with us that they are not only pretty, but will totally be worth the cash.[Thanks, TMD]
More DC figures coming this February!
As if somehow sensing that there might be some meager amount of money in my pocket left over from the holidays, DC has released the proofs for the next series of World of Warcraft figures for us all to covet and add to our Wish Lists! Pictured from left to right are: Human Warrior - Archilon Shadowheart Night Elf Druid - Broll Bearmantle Troll Priest - Zabra Hexx Additionally, the site lists a Gnome Warrior named Sprocket Gyrospring as being part of this next set of figures. Sadly, I couldn't find an image of him out there as yet. I suppose he's either lost somewhere behind all that Druid gear, or the Troll made some Gnome stew. In any event, these fantastic new figures are set to go on sale on February 20th, 2008. Luckily, this gives me more than enough time to clear off some shelf room in my office for them -- and Illidan! [via Action-Figures]
McFarlane working on Halo 3 action figures
According to a press release issued today, McFarlane Toys will be producing a line of Halo 3 action figures and vehicles, as part of a licensing agreement with Microsoft. The line is due in Spring 2008. Included in the lineup will be Cortana, Grunts, the Brute Chieftain and, of course, Master Chief, standing proud at five inches tall. Announced vehicles include the Warthog, Ghost, and the new Brute Chopper. No Mongoose yet, but here's hoping everyone's favorite ATV will eventually make it on the list. McFarlane Toys is known for creating high-quality figures from a number of movies, television shows, and comics. Todd McFarlane, CEO of McFarlane Toys and the dude behind Spawn, is also designing special edition Halo Xbox 360 controllers and a headset, as reported earlier. McFarlane also produced a series of figures for Soul Calibur II, and designed the character Necrid for inclusion in the game. Let's just hope that Master Chief is the only big green guy around this time. Details of the figures and vehicles from the press release, and a nice shot of the prototype MC figure after the jump.[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Transformers figure turns 'Game Boy' into 'Game Bot'
Hasbro has unveiled a series of "Real Gear Robots" as a tie-in to the Transformers universe. What caught our eye particularly is the POWER UP VT6 who, when not moonlighting as a Decepticon, spends its days as the hybrid of a Sega Game Gear and the bottom half of a Nintendo DS.At $6.99, we're pretty sure it's neither a functioning handheld game system nor a functioning micro killing machine. Drat.(Rest assured, our headline writer has been sacked. Those responsible for sacking the people who have just been sacked, have also been sacked.)[Via Engadget]
Illidan says: You are not prepared (for my coolness)
Somewhere out there, one of my guild-mates is about to squeal with glee. For that matter, so am I... if only internally.For you see, buying Collectors Edition Boxed-Set versions of the game, trading card game packs, t-shirts and stickers just isn't enough for my collectable-loving little heart. DC and Blizzard have ensured that I will once again break down into a puddle of "that is SO COOL" in front of my fellow gamer geeks. (Well, okay, maybe only in front of the fellow geeks who happen to frequent my favorite local comic book store, but I digress...)Sure, we knew back in February that the Illidan Stormrage figure was coming out. We even had an idea of the rough look of the statue. And considering the already drool-worthy things we've seen from the DC World of Warcraft line, we knew it was going to have to be cool. But now we have the final picture of what the new figurine is going to look like. Much like the others in the DC figure line, it is truly a (SO COOL) thing of beauty.Mind you, I can't speak for anyone else - or ultimately that guild-mate of mine who is probably noting the December 19th release date even now - but I know what just landed on my holiday wish list!Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to go invest in some earplugs before the squealing starts up over Vent.[Via bowzerblack on the WoW LJ community]
WoW action figures: now with karate-chop action!
Well, actually, no, none of these action figures, made by DC Unlimited, specifically suggests karate-chop action (though they do point out that the figures feature "multiple points of articulation") -- but perhaps that will be an improvement for the second run. Due to be released in October, there are four different figures available, including a dwarf warrior, an orc shaman, a blood elf rogue, and an undead warlock. (Interestingly enough, these do not remotely match the figures that were initially announced in January, and included Illidan. However, these are listed as "Series 1," which implies there might be a "Series 2" in the future.) They all appear to be amazingly detailed -- and perhaps they'll be the perfect item to decorate your own WoWspace with.
The Warriors action figures: only $750!
Now that The Warriors' release is nearly upon us, you may want to grab some The Warriors loot. Maybe you'd want some action figures? ToyWiz has a pretty good selection, provided you want to pay up to $750. I don't know they can justify the price ... maybe there's some snuff hidden away in the packages?[Via GameSpot]
