Category Archives: Collecting News

Collecting News, Podcasts/Streaming

Episode 52: Blasé Toy Fair

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After a somewhat disappointing Toy Fair (from a certain point of view), Flyguy and Yakface are back this week to discuss the latest in collecting news. Topics covered this week include Hasbro’s showing at Toy Fair, Hot Toys’ impressive Obi-Wan Kenobi and Funko’s deluge of Hikari figures reveals. We also touch on the official reveal of the UCS TIE Fighter and expanded encyclopedia from LEGO, new customized projects and announcements from Marvel. We wrap things up with our latest review and toy acquisitions – all this and more on Episode 52 of The Realm Recap!

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.

Continue reading Episode 52: Blasé Toy Fair →

Collecting News, Events/Livestreams, Podcasts/Streaming

Episode 442: Toy Fair 2015 Part 1 – Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, and LEGO

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From New York Toy Fair International 2015 Marjorie & Arnie reveal the new Star Wars toy news from Jakks Pacific, LEGO, and Hasbro!

Star Wars Celebration, San Diego Comic-Con, New York Comic-Con…when it comes to toy news they all pale compared to New York Toy Fair International.  The show is where toy manufacturers reveal most of the toys that will ship throughout the year.  The show is for the toy makers to sell to wholesalers and retailers, but press is let in and for collectors it becomes a preview of the year’s new Star Wars toys!
On the first part of the Star Wars Action News report from Toy Fair, find out about all the announcements from some of the biggest Star Wars toy manufacturers–LEGO, Hasbro, and Jakks Pacific!  With an exclusive interview with Hasbro’s Star Wars brand team and more, it’s all in this episode!
And check back next week for more interviews and news from Toy Fair!
Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: TIE Pilot (SL13)

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The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with the latest entry in the Saga Legends/Star Wars Rebels 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at the TIE Pilot (SL13).

PROS: Again, like most of the Rebels figures, Hasbro has translated the series’ animated style to plastic very well. The figure’s proportions seem spot on and the deco, while minimal, is precise – especially the buttons on the life support chest piece. Accessories are spartan as he includes a standard issue E-11 blaster rifle.

CONS: Like others in this line, finding these decent quantity may be an issue. Some/many/most dislike the limited articulation, so they’ll be perpetually disappointed in its execution. Due to the design of the helmet and flight gear box, the head for the figure has a very limited range of movement. Oddly, we get this figure but without an accompanying vehicle on shelves. Sure, we have a dozen TIE fighters from previous lines and The Inquisitors’s personal craft we could use, but not a standard support  fighter from the series. Seems like an opportunity squandered.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Movie Realization Figures Line Coming To The US

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Tamashii Nations has officially announced that their line of Star Wars Samurai-inspired figures are coming to the US.

Star Wars Movie Realization line coming to the U.S. officially Late Spring 2015! And even more to come!

Thanks to JediDefender for the tip.

You can check out our review and toyguide gallery of the Samurai Taisho Darth Vader

Collecting News, Customizing

Desert Alcove Sets Available for Preorder

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After a boring Toy Fair, and really a down time for 3.75″ collecting in general, there’s finally something to get excited about!  Thanks to Twelfth Parsec, who is now offering preorders for some spectacular looking Desert Alcove playsets, collectors can FINALLY have something to proudly display their various action figures in.

Collectors who got in on their amazing “Space Trees” playsets last year were able to finally have a place for their furball warriors to call home, and can attest to the quality and value of the items made available by the folks at Twelfth Parsec.  Check out the conversations by those who have received previous products from them here in our forums.

So, if you are a collector and want to spice up your action figure scenes, these Desert Alcove sets may be just what you’ve been waiting for.  Support this team as they listen to what fans are asking for as they are themselves collectors too, and we can hope that with success on this latest playset items that we’ll see more great products in the future.

On any note, isn’t it frustrating that the big companies with all the resources in the world overlook amazing products like these mini playsets and instead focus resources on stuff like this?  It’s all the reason why so many collectors and fans of the hobby in general have been voicing strong opinions in the forums about the state of the hobby for quite some time.

Collecting News

Toyguide Update: Jedi Temple Guard (SL17)

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TG_JTG_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with the latest entry in the Saga Legends/Star Wars Rebels 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at the Jedi Temple Guard (SL17).

PROS: Fans of The Clone Wars series have been clamoring for this figure ever since the character made its debut in season 5. Sadly, we never got one in that era of figures, but Hasbro did manage to get the figure out in some form. The result is a very, very nice representation and one that collectors of the Saga Legends/Rebels line are sure to want multiples. The sculpt overall is highly detailed with different textures applied to the simulated Jedi garb. The paint apps are pretty tight as well. One could see the potential for a lot of “slop” in areas, especially on those little “keys” that hang around the Guard’s belt, but the samples I’ve see seem to be pretty clean in those areas. Articulation is mininal, but for a Saga Legends it may be one of the best Legends figures yet.

CONS: The biggest issue this figure will have will be its availability. Collectors are sure to snatch this figure up and I imagine secondary market prices will reflect the demand. I would suggest preordering the wave or individual figure when available to ensure you’re able to secure one. Due to the design of the hood, the head for the figure has a very limited range of movement.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.