Big Bad Toy Store is now taking preorders for Takara’s Metal Collection assortment of figures from The Force Awakens. Available are Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, First Order Stormtrooper and BB-8.
Monthly Archives: September 2015
Toyguide Update: First Order Stormtrooper (2)
The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at the First Order Stormtrooper from wave 2 of the Build-A-Weapon “Snow” assortment.
PROS: Hasbro was wise to issue another First Order Stormtrooper in the follow up wave to the Force Friday launch. I would assume that the First Order Stormtroopers will be ubiquitous in the film so getting them out there en masse is probably a safe bet. Like the first release, the sculpt is solid, albeit limited in articulation. Regardless, a hand full of these standing behind Kylo Ren or Captain Phasma in a display will look decent in most cases. The First Order Stormtrooper only includes the standard F-11D blaster, but it can attach to the right leg (like the 6″ version) which looks far better (aesthetically) than the old holsters of previous troopers. Also for this release, Hasbro elected to change up the character art and offer a new build-a-weapon part so variation devotees, take note.
CONS: Articulation is sorely missed on troopers of this sort as it appears in the trailer they’ll be seeing a lot of action. The consolation is that we’ll be getting a 3.75″ Black Series version so there’s that.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.
Hot Toys 1:6 Scale First Order TIE Pilot Preorder
Sideshow Collectibles is now taking immediate preorders for the Hot Toys 1:6 Scale First Order TIE Fighter Pilot figure.
The First Order has enlisted a wide range of troops to carry out its will across the galaxy in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Following the reveal of the First Order Snowtrooper, Sideshow Collectibles and Hot Toys are continuing to expand the First Order army and are delighted to officially present the newly designed First Order TIE Pilot sixth scale collectible figure from the highly anticipated movie!
Toyguide Update: X-Wing Pilot Asty
The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at X-wing Pilot Asty from wave 2 of the Build-A-Weapon “Snow” assortment.
PROS: Hasbro LOVES X-wing pilots so it’s not surprising that we get a couple right out of the TFA gate with X-wing Pilot Asty. Obviously, not much is known about the character yet, but what we do know is that Hasbro didn’t simply repurpose an existing Poe Dameron sculpt, they went all out and tooled another design from the ground up with not a part shared. The alien design is new for Star Wars, but familiar at the same time, if that makes sense. Like the other figures in this line, the sculpt is solid and the articulation is adequate enough for standing around in a Resistance mission briefing or piloting the latest T-70 X-wing. Asty includes a simple blaster pistol which can be stored in a small holster on his right hip. Surprisingly, there are a few easter eggs with this figure as well but I’ll let you read about those on the toyguide page itself.
CONS: As discussed previously on the First Order Snowtrooper, the pack-in “Build-A-Weapon” accessory is kind of silly, as it is a set of skis that serves dual purpose as wings(?) that can be attached to Asty courtesy of a hole in his back. Like I said, the BAW concept extends the play of the figures but is really superfluous overall. Don’t get me wrong, the concept is sound, but maybe not necessary.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.
6″ Black Series Special Forces TIE Fighter Landing at TRU
Time to start checking your Toys”R”Us as the 6″ Black Series First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter with Elite TIE Fighter Pilot has started hitting stores as posted by the 6″ Black Series Collectors Group on Facebook.
Thanks to Corey from the Wolfpack Podcast for the heads-up.
Reminder: Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Debut This Weekend
Just a quick reminder that starting on Oct. 3 through Oct. 11, Hallmark is launching their Keepsake Ornament Debut where collectors can pick up their Kylo Ren and/or Magic Motion Holiday Darth Vader Ornament
DisneyXD Reveals Names for Star Wars Rebels Season 2 Inquisitors
DisneyXD has updated their Star Wars Rebels mini-site to include the names/designations for the two new Inquisitors for season 2. The male is called “Fifth Brother” and the female is named “Seventh Sister”. No additional details are yet known but look for some new info at NYCC in a couple weeks. Season 2 premieres October 14 on DisneyXD.
Toyguide Update: First Order Snowtrooper
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume to kick off a series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at the First Order Snowtrooper from wave 2 of the Build-A-Weapon “Snow” assortment.
PROS: Hasbro/Kenner has come a long way since the first 5 POA figures they released in the 90’s. Gone are the muscle bound proportions, instead we have a near-screen accurate representation of the latest snowtrooper from The Force Awakens in a more kid-centric line of products. The emphasis on “kid centric” is important as this line isn’t intended to subvert the diehard collector, but to give options in the toy aisle. Some may hate them, but again if you do, you’re probably not the audience anyway and that can’t be helped. As for the First Order Snowtrooper figure itself, the design is solid with a lot of detail in the stark white armor. Articulation is basic but the figure stands well and the ball-jointed head lends a little “attitude” when posing the head. He includes the standard issue F-11D blaster rifle (with extended stock), removable cold weather survival pack and two pieces for the “Icebreaker*” Build-A-Weapon.
CONS: For me, the jury is still out on the build-a-weapon concept. Sure, it adds to the playability of the figure (depending on the part), and there’s a nostalgic Vintage Kenner Droid Factory vibe I get from the constructs you assemble, but as a collector, they don’t really scratch that itch fully and leave me cold. In short, I wouldn’t miss them if they were abruptly dropped from the line in favor of a waist joint or a $1 decrease in price.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.
*unofficial name
Episode #77: Across the Galaxy in 80 Days
Despite being only 80 days away from the The Force Awakens, the flow of product in and money out seems to be never ending. On this episode of The Realm Recap, Flyguy and I take a look at the latest reveals from Hasbro, Bandai, Funko, Anovos and much more (and hopefully with 100% less audio distortion).
Click on through to check out the latest episode and feel free to subscribe to our channel and leave suggestions on what you’d like to see covered on the show.
Also, if you prefer an audio-only version, a downloadable MP3 is available as well.
Customizer Spotlight: Hemble
Tonight we spotlight the fantastic customizing skills of Hemble, who has updated with more 6″ scale custom figures in our forums. Take a moment and check out his latest efforts after the jump!