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Toys & Collectibles

Born On The Bayou: DC Collectibles’ Swamp Thing Action Figure

DC Collectibles' Deluxe New 52 Swamp Thing Action Figure
DC Collectibles’ Deluxe “New 52” Swamp Thing Action Figure

Wearin’ O’ the Green…
If there’s a bit of spanish moss hanging out of your chimney this coming Christmas it might mean you’re the lucky recipient of one of DC Collectibles New 52 Swamp Thing Deluxe Action Figures.

I snapped these glimpses of the great green one at Toy Fair last February and was quite impressed with its proportions and detail. Standing at nearly 10” tall, it sports a 15” wingspan and 23 points of articulation.

The sculpt is based on Steve Snyder and Yanick Paquette’s re-spin of the character originally envisioned by writer Len Wein and artist Berni Wrightson. The stag horn style head gear lends an elemental grandeur to the environmental avenger. He’ll come equipped with sword and shield accessories to turn enemies into greasy grimy gopher guts.

SkeletonPete Says…
Slated for December 2013 release, pre-order street price seems to be approximately $75.00. Be kind to Mother Nature and maybe she (or your wife) will put this puppy in your paws and make your collector friends green with envy.

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Toys & Collectibles

Steely Man: DC Collectibles’ Iconic Statues

DC Collectibles' Iconic statue Series features Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel
DC Collectibles’ Iconic statue Series features Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel


“The Kiss” is on My List…
A couple of months ago I was thrilled to furnish a sneak peak at the fabulous Jim Lee designed and Tim Bruckner sculpted Superman and Wonder Woman statue “The Kiss.” DC Collectibles has that slated for October 2013 release. Now, with the premiere of the Man of Steel movie only one month away here’s a look at some of the really exceptional creations based on the emigrant from Krypton soon available to collectors everywhere.
DC Collectibles Iconic General Zod Statue Captures the Visage of Michael Shannon as the Phantom Zone Criminal
DC Collectibles Iconic General Zod Statue Captures the Visage of Michael Shannon as the Phantom Zone Criminal


Iconic Series…
DC Collectibles Iconic Series depicts the characters of the film in 1/6th scale (13” tall) in cold cast porcelain renditions sculpted by the folks at Gentle Giant Studios. I’ve seen these limited editions up close and personal at New York Toy Fair and was duly impressed with their incredibly life like skin texture and minute detail. The series includes Henry Cavill as Superman, Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Michael Shannon as General Zod, and Antje Traue as Faora.
DC_ManOfSteel_TF13_06
Tearin’ the Doors Off…Also available will be the vault busting tableau pictured above based on the film’s early promo shot. Another Gentle Giant produced piece, this scene is a 1:12 scale hand-painted resin casting. I really like this figure as it is reminiscent of the brick wall busting Aurora Superman model from my childhood.
Lee Bermejo's Design for DC Collectibles' Metallic Series
Lee Bermejo’s Design for DC Collectibles’ Metallic Series


Metal Men…
A nice sister assortment to the Batman Black and White Series, DC Collectibles offers Artists Frank Quietly, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, and Rags Morales take their shot at illustrating Superman in 3D. The Superman Metallic Series has already begun roll-out, with additional pieces arriving through the end of 2013.

SkeletonPete Says…
I know there is some trepidation in the comics community on how this film will be spun, that’s a given when a character with the multi-generational longevity of Superman is up for rethink. As a fan of Superman 2 (1980), what I consider the best of the Christopher Reeve trilogy, I think the Phantom Zone adversaries hold spectacular potential. If Michael Shannon plays Zod with half as much crazed zeal as he portrayed Kim Foley in The Runaways we’ll have a doozy of a ride. I’m truly looking forward to this one.

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Toys & Collectibles

Kai in the Sky: Square Enix/Play Arts’ DC Universe Figures

DC's Green Lantern Gets an Anime Make-Over from Square Enix/Play Arts
DC’s Green Lantern Gets an Anime Make-Over from Square Enix/Play Arts
The Future’s So Dark I Gotta Wear Blades…
The roll out for Square Enix/Play Arts roster of DC Universe figures, as previewed at NY Toy Fair 2013 in February, has begun with The Dark Knight Trilogy Batman and Bane currently available. Catwoman Selina Kyle as portrayed by Anne Hathaway, and Heath Ledger’s Joker will follow in the coming months.

Arkham Gals Won’t You Come Out Tonight…
Rounding out the Batman related characterizations, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy will add a twisted feminine touch to the Batman Arkham City series. Both are scheduled for mid-June 2013 release.

Ani-makeovers…
Also scheduled for release throughout spring and summer are the Anime-esque “Kai” Variants of DC’s revered heroes and heroines. Along with a samurai sword wielding Batman, the series will include sleek and angular spins on Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and down the road Batgirl and Flash. The latter two were displayed in early prototype pre-painted versions that I think highlighted their beautiful geometric look. That said, The Flash should be spectacular in full color.

SkeletonPete Says…
Many of the characters were displayed with a host of swappable parts, including hands, weapons and masks. Please keep in mind that all photos here were taken of prototypes – in some cases still pending licensor approval. Final products may vary. You can see the official product images of these and other Square Enix/Play Arts collectibles at their website.

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Toys & Collectibles

Super Romantic in the DC Comics Universe

superman and wonder woman kiss
Diana and Kal's Kiss to be Immortalized in Resin

Saint Valentine’s Day seems the perfect opportunity to share this photo with you. It’s a little romantic surprise snapped at this week’s American International Toy Fair in New York City.

The Smooch Heard ‘Round the World Cast in Resin…
Yes, even the “Man of Steel” and the most empowered woman on the planet need love. Superman and Wonder Woman’s hook-up in the New 52 era of DC Comics has been cause for much fan discussion over the last year. The photo above is a unique shot of DC Entertainment’s prototype for their upcoming resin statue depicting Kal and Diana in a lost-in-the-stars embrace.

Love Hurts…
Unfortunately, the at the moment one of a kind piece was damaged in transit and was not officially on display at DC Entertainment’s booth. Thanks to the kind folks behind the scenes Ken Pierce and I got a sneak peak at part of this beautiful sculpt, though not its entire tableau. They’ll be more to come as the release date and ordering information is announced.

Much More To Come…
Keep an eye out here and at PiercingMetal.Com for lots more coverage and photographs of DC’s awesome array of collectibles to be released this year.