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'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.
This young Steve Jobs action figure is insanely lifelike
Japan's Legend Toys is set to release a young Steve Jobs action figure that is insanely lifelike. As noted by CNET, the 12-inch figure of Jobs captures his likeness from the late 1970s and early 1980s, complete with his moptop haircut and a stunningly detailed 1:6-scale Apple I accessory. This isn't the first time there's been a Steve Jobs action figure. I showed off one I obtained back in 2010, before Apple made the company cease sales of it. Then in 2012, Icons Productions announced Apple had threatened a lawsuit if it didn't stop selling its Steve Jobs action figure. So they did. As for the Legend action figure, the company told CNET that they have heard nothing yet from Apple, so plans to sell the action figure are still on. "We think all the Steve fans will want to collect these historic symbols to remember him and to witness the history of the legend," a Legend spokesperson told CNET. "We think you can feel that we are not just making a commodity -- all our artists including sculptors, painters, tailors and all our staff are working wholeheartedly to recreate our spiritual mentor." The young Steve Jobs action can be pre-ordered now for US$199.99.
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.
Apple moves to ban Steve Jobs action figure
Do you remember the Steve Jobs action figure that was so life-like it was creepy? It appears the model may never see the light of day because of Apple's proactive legal team. According to a report in the Telegraph, Apple is threatening to sue InIcons, the company that created and marketed the figurine. Apple supposedly sent a letter to the company that said it's illegal to use a company's logo, a person's name or his or her likeness without consent. InIcons has been taking pre-orders for the action figure and expected to ship it sometime next month. InIcons hasn't said what it would do, but comments from InIcons' Tony Cheung suggest the company isn't going to step down. Cheung recently spoke to ABC News and said: "Apple can do anything they like. I will not stop, we already started production." Cheung also says his legal team advised him his figurine is in compliance with the law because it's not sold with any replica Apple products. As for Jobs' likeness? Cheung says Jobs is "not an actor, he's just a celebrity. There is no copyright protection for a normal person." He further argues that "Steve Jobs is not a product...so I don't think Apple has the copyright of him." InIcons is not the first company to create a Steve Jobs action figure. MIC Gadget produced a life-like action figure last year, but it was shut down by Apple's legal team. [Via MSNBC and ABC News]
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.
DC Series 6 figures feature Sylvanas and Bronzebeard
We only just posted about the DC Unlimited Premium series 2 figures, and here comes another set that's getting announced way earlier than it's getting released. The series 6 set isn't actually due out until March of next year (seriously, what's with all of the early announce dates on these things?), but it does have some of the most-wanted lore figures in the game depicted in action figure form. Magni Bronzebeard, Sylvanas Windrunner, and goblin tinker Gibzz Sparklighter are all making appearances, as you can see over on DC's page.I think they look pretty darn good, though I'm still not sold on actually buying one. We'll likely see them on the floor at BlizzCon, so if you want to get a closer look, be sure to poke around the DC booth there. And even if you're not going, we'll be sure to take pics for you.
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%
Active camouflage Spartan from McFarlane toys
Expanding on their series of Halo 3 dolls, McFarlane toys started pre-orders today on the Halo 3 Active Camouflage Spartan figure. The action figure is modeled after the EVA Armor and will not be sold in stores. Pre-order registration begins today and runs through Dec. 12, the figure will be available in May '08.McFarlane also produced a set of Halo 3 controllers and a slew of other Halo figures. Wonder if McFarlane will come out with a Halo camouflage controller, which would consist of two clear pieces of plastic as the controller's body? Easy money.[Thanks TMD]
McFarlane Halo toy details and price
We've got more details now about the Halo 3 action figures being produced by McFarlane toys and Microsoft. The six-inch tall dolls are expected to release in the spring of '08. We received a plethora of information regarding the proposed lineup of action figures back when they were announced in June, but now we have a much better idea of what they look like and price. Above you can see Cortana and after the break you'll find the Master Chief.This would not be the first time in recent memory McFarlane and Microsoft collaborated. McFarlane also did the art for a few official Halo 3 controllers that came out this year as well. The action figures do look nice even as prototypes and the $14 price isn't half bad. And we do get a chuckle knowing somewhere out there this spring a little boy will play out inappropriate scenes between his Halo and Gears of War dolls action figures.[Via BBPS]
Castlevania action figures belong in this world
It was not by our hands that these action figures were given "flesh." They were brought here by NECA, who wished to pay Castlevania tribute. Simon Belmont, hero of Castlevanias I, II, and (Super) IV, and Alucard, of III, Symphony of the Night, and (spoiler alert, sort of!) Aria and Dawn of Sorrow, are shown here in unpainted, prototype glory. The link below has more views of Simon, but all we have of Alucard is this one shot-- for which we had to put our biohazard suits on and go into Myspace.They resemble the beefy character art of the first NES game more than Ayami Kojima's work, and Simon's stomach isn't something that should be looked at directly, but these are still awesome. We've been looking for some new decorative items, and these will do nicely. Our desks are as empty as our souls. Blogger-kind totally needs action figures such as these.
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]
Another Spore model; get your own "for a fee" [update 1]
Randall wasn't the only Joystiq special correspondent to get his virtual Spore creation brought kicking and screaming into physical space. C.K. received his figurine and managed to throw 65 images onto his Flickr account. He writes:"I designed a Spore creature while I was at E3, and the nice people at EA were kind enough to make it into a little 3-D figurine like the ones they had sitting around their booth and ship it to me. It has two heads, one bird-like and the other more like a moose, with large fighting arms."Three readers also tipped us off to three separate works discussing the future availability of mail-order Spore creatures. Clayton sent in a link to a Discover Magazine article that reveals, "In Spore, a player can animate any creature imaginable; for a fee, it can be made into a three-dimensional reality." For a fee, eh? Darius pointed us to Next Generation, who speculate "it is likely that a model-making service (which will probably require payment) will be available when the game appears." So don't be jealous. If the stars align just so, we'll all have our very own Spore figurines come Q2 2007.Matt noted the following paragraph while readingThe Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More by Wired Magazine's Chris Anderson: "Will Wright, the legendary video-game designer, is putting the finishing touches on his next game, Spore. In it, you'll be able to evolve your own creature, imbuing it with traits and characteristics of your own design. If you like your work, you'll be able to upload your creation to the Spore servers. And then, for about $20, you can have it 3D printed onto a real action figure – colors, texture, and all. Each one is unique and will show up at your front door in a week or two." This is the first time we're seeing a price ... and $20 sounds reasonable to us. Does that include shipping, guys?[Thanks for the links, Clayton and Darius ... and Matt!][update 1: Added the bits from The Long Tail. Thanks, Matt!]
Our one of a kind Spore figurine
Some Joystiq readers will no doubt be jealous when we remind them of how Joystiq special correspondent Randall Bennett got to play Spore behind closed doors at E3. And again when he got to see Robin Williams crack jokes while making his own creature at that Wired party.Well, our jealousy was rekindled when, after some months, Randall's friendly neighborhood UPS guy rang his bell to deliver a Spore figurine identical to the character he had designed at E3. They should definitely have a service so consumers can order their own custom figurine. More pics after the break.
Colossal figurine ... at 1/150 scale
We've been spending most of our free time feeding this dog radioactive kibble in a poorly thought out plan to make him 100 feet tall. Every night, we lay out an oversized bowl, filled to the brim with a dangerous concoction of kibble laced with some radioactive waste that Ludwig found out back. Every night the dog eats it and every morning he's the same size. Not sure that radioactive waste is radioactive at all. On to Plan B: We'll instead focus our efforts on shrinking ourselves and then ascend this 195mm (that's about 7.7", yanks) Shadow of the Colossus figurine and plunge our (now shrunken) swords into its dense resin exterior. 'Course we'll need to order the thing from Japan first and, at ,290 (that's about $90, everyone), it's not coming cheap. Compared to the rough numbers we've been putting together, it's the shrinking machine and not the figurine that's going to set us back. [Via NeoGAF]
