Episode #106: Return of the ‘Cap

realmrecaplogo_new2016

Once again, The Realm Recap return this week with the latest in Star Wars collecting. This week, we discuss various reveals and store reports for the Hasbro, as well as new product announcements from Hot Toys, S.H.Figuarts, Kotobukiya and more. Finally, Flyguy and I share our latest acquisitions and reviews since our last show. This and much more on Episode 106 of The Realm Recap.

Click on through to check out the latest episode and feel free to subscribe to our channel. Also, if you prefer an audio-only version, a downloadable MP3 is available as well.

Continue reading Episode #106: Return of the ‘Cap

UPDATE: Toyguide Update: Entertainment Earth Astromech Droid Pack

astromechdroid_tg_preview

The Yakface Toyguide returns from semi-retirement today with the addition of the Exclusive 3.75″ Astromech Droid Pack from Entertainment Earth.

PROS:  If variety is the spice of life then this set is for you as Entertainment Earth has created a truly unique boxed set featuring several different astromechs pulling from live action and animated sources. My favorites of the set include Jabba’s unnamed bartender droid – a figure I for one never expected to receive; R2-C2 – Ziro the Hutt’s bartender/service droid mainly because of the wild deco; and  finally, QT-KT because of its reference to R2-KT and a great arc in The Clone Wars series. The sculpt used for the base of each droid is recycled from the Vintage Collection R2-D2 (VC25) which is a solid design with a decent amount of articulation for an astromech.

CONS: This biggest complaint I’ve run across for this set is the price, which is interesting considering the cost breakdown per figure is about what we pay at retail now for TVC/Black Series quality figures. Secondly, depending on your mileage, paint apps are a little loosey-goosey on some droids, and not quite accurate on others so it’s a mixed bag, but nothing that should stop you from acquiring this set. Thirdly, a couple of the astromechs have issues with the retractable leg remaining in its fully-extended position, resulting in the droid falling forward. And finally, the first runs of this set have a four digit date stamp pressed into each of the 6 domes* which is disappointing, but it is on the back of the dome so it’s not really a deal breaker either.

Head to the toyguide for our detailed image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this set is worth adding to your collection.

*According to Entertainment Earth, the date stamp should only be present on these early samples and production pieces will not have them.

Note: this advanced sample was provided to us by Entertainment Earth and I’d like to thank Bethany and Adam for including us in this early product reveal.

UPDATE: We have added six new images into the toyguide for this set to reflect the final production versions which eliminate the production stamps on the back of each dome.

Toyguide Update: Imperial Ground Crew

igc_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates continue for our next entry in the Rogue One 3.75″ basic figure assortment with the Imperial Ground Crew figure.

PROS:  I’m a sucker for figures that expand the ranks and background fodder for the Empire. This figure evokes a strong sense of nostalgia with this precursor the the Imperial Gunner figure from 1985. There are also hints of more modern figures like the 2006 TSC Death Star Gunner and 2008 TLC Imperial Engineer. The sculpt for the Imperial Ground Crew figure does stand out on its own with excellent details and the ability to stow the included control beacons on the figure’s back.

CONS: Can’t help but wish that this figure included an E-11 blaster or some other type of sidearm. The combat gear/flight pack seems something directly out of Batman, not Star Wars, but it should be a fine additional play feature for the kiddos.

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

Product provided by Entertainment Earth.

Toyguide Update: 6″ TBS Director Krennic

tbs_krennic_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates continue for our next entry in the Rogue One 6″ Black Series assortment with the ruthless Director Krennic.

PROS:  A fabulous figure overall with a spot on likeness to Ben Mendelssohn. The silhouette and stature of Krennic is well captured, especially when flanked by a few Death Troopers. The articulation is more of the same for this scale allowing for some commanding and battle-ready poses and the paint apps, while minimal, are well applied. Now that there is an Imperial body to use as a base, hopefully we will see more ranking officers, perhaps a Tarkin or even a Grand Admiral Thrawn figure in the future.

CONS: I’m sort of on the fence about the cape as the cut and drape are nice but as with most plastic accessories, it inhibits the range of motion for the limbs. Cloth may have been a better choice but Hasbro’s execution in tailoring may have been just as problematic.

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

Product provided by Entertainment Earth.

Join the Rebellion: Rogue One IMAX Screening Sweepstakes

swr1_imax_on_whitev2

Calling all rebel forces: in preparation for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, we’ve placed an exclusive in-theatre display in select IMAX theatres starting November 3!

Brush up on your Aurebesh – that’s how you’ll decode secret messages hidden by the Rebel Alliance throughout the display.

That’s not all! Your mission: find one of our IMAX-exclusive displays, take a picture in front of the display and post it to Twitter with the hashtag #RogueIMAXsweeps.  Boom! Now you’re entered to win a trip for two to IMAX’s headquarters in LA for a private screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – in the same theatre where director Gareth Edwards and the filmmaking team worked on the IMAX version of the movie!

Click on through to see the hidden messages I’ve translated thus far.

Continue reading Join the Rebellion: Rogue One IMAX Screening Sweepstakes

Serving Star Wars Collectors Worldwide