Tales To Astonish

Announcement: Hot Toys X-men Wolverine

MarvelousRoland — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 23:59:32 +0000

This announcement came a bit of a surprise to me.
I didn’t even know Hot Toys had a license for X-men 3: The Last Stand. Which this Wolverine is based from.
This is Hot Toys second Wolverine. The first one was based on the Wolverine Origins movie.
The first Wolverine got me into Hot Toys, somewhere back 2009.
I always despised 12″ figures. I my head they were dolls. Like barbie and Hasbro’s GIJoe. At that size, they always looked to fake to me. Especially the clothes were a jail breaker for me. I only had a SideShow Stormtrooper and the Hot Toys she-predator and Iron Man mark III at the time. All armored figures. Then I saw the announcement for Wolverine mms103. He looked awesome. The clothing looked life like and the head sculpt was the best I’ve seen at the time. So I took a leap of faith and since than, I spend way too much money to Hot Toys.
I wasn’t the only one. The first Wolverine figure has become a rarity and goes for $500 at ebay. Crazy!
Back to this one. It’s like stepping in the Delorean and going back in time. Back to X-men The Last Stand from 2006. I like the X-men film. But I didn’t really dig the costumes and I always thought Wolverine’s hair looked stupid.
Here We are. 6 years later. Wolverine hair still looks stupid and on this figure even more so. The costume is starting to grow on me. And it’s fair to say Hot Toys again did an terrific job at the tailoring. I thing the head sculpt doesn’t look bad. But still it’s not 100% Hugh Jackman, the actor portraying Wolverine.
Still I would have bought him if this price wasn’t ridiculously high. With only four extra hands, a figure stand and an environment base, I think $230 is just to steep to take is seriously. So i’ll let this one pass.

For images and specifications, read more after the jump.

View or download high resolution photo’s

Hot Toy – MMS187 – X-Men: The Last Stand: 1/6th scale Wolverine Limited Edition Collectible Figurine Specification

The 1/6th scale Wolverine Limited Edition Collectible Figurine specially features:

- Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in the X-Men: The Last Stand movie

- Approximately 30 cm tall
- Muscular body with over 30 points of articulations
- Movie-accurate facial expression featuring his angered gesture with detailed wrinkles and skin texture
- Detailed hair sculpture and beard
- Three (3) pairs of interchangeable gloved palms including:
- One (1) pair of fists with blades
- One (1) pair of fists
- One (1) pair of relaxed palms
- Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted

Costume:

- One (1) set of X-Men suit including one (1) leather-like black jacket and one (1) pair of leather-like black pants
- One (1) pair of black boots

Accessories:

- Figure stand imitating the movie scene with transparent pillar
- Figure stand with Wolverine nameplate and the movie logo

Artists:

- Head Sculpted by Im Jung Hyuk
- Head Painted by JC. Hong
- Head Art Directed by Kojun

**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different

**Battery not included for figure stand, 3A batteries are required

Release date: Q1, 2013

Marvel, X3, and all related character names and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are used with permission. Copyright © 2012 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. www.marvel.com

Announcement: Hot Toys Hulk

MarvelousRoland — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 22:36:18 +0000

Finally! Ever since Hot Toys got the license for the Avengers, Ffans got excited about a sixth scale Hulk figure. Including me
Well, he’s finally here. “We Have A Hulk”.
Before there was even a mention if a Hulk was going to be produced, people got speculating the size, if the joints were visible, what material he was going to be made of. And so forth. So he got very hyped by the fans.
First shown at Ani-con in Hong Kong, heated discussions were unleashed with very mixed reactions. About it’s sculpt, the color, if the arms could bend, if the hands were unchangeable and about the exposed shoulder joints.
Now we have an official announcement.
I, for one, am very happy. This Hulk is a monster. He’s approximately 42 cm tall. I love the head sculpt.
A few thing could’ve been better in my opinion. I think his abs are extenuated to much compared with the movie. He has very limited accessories. Seriously, It doesn’t even have a figure stand! I expected at least another head scupt, more hands or a Bruce Banner figure.
I don’t mind the exposed shoulder joints. I understand It can’t be covered unless there is some kind of cloth. I Like the hidden elbow joints. I wonder what material is being used for the arms and If if can stand the teeth of time. With previous figures with covered joints with “skin”, they used rubber. Which will wear out and cracks happen over time. Is the rest of the figure’s skin made of the same material.
And how far will the arms bend? I am also curious what independent rolling eyeballs are. Does that mean we can pose him cross eyed?
Everything is new with this guy. He entire body is newly sculpted. I wonder how they will milk this figure. Will we see a Red Hulk in the future as a convention exclusive? Maybe a Hulk version 2.0 in a couple of years time?
I understand some people are very disappointed with what Hot Toys delivers in oppose what they had in mind, which is the sky. Hot Toys can only R&D and produce this much while keeping the price ‘down’. I can’t wait until march 2013 when he will be released when I have him in hand.
He would stand nicely against my Hot Toys Wolverine of beside Iron Monger. Or just being part of the Avengers!

For images and specifications, read more after the jump.

View or download high resolution photo’s
Hot Toys – MMS186 – The Avengers: 1/6th scale Hulk Limited Edition Collectible Figurine Specification

~ MMS Series ~

The 1/6th scale Hulk Limited Edition Collectible Figurine specially features:

- Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Hulk in The Avengers movie
- Approximately 42 cm / 16.5 inches tall
- One (1) newly developed head sculpt with separate rolling eyeballs
- Movie-accurate facial expression featuring his angered gesture with detailed wrinkles and skin texture
- Detailed hair sculpture
- Giant green-skinned muscular body featuring detailed skin texture and tendons, with over 20 points of articulations with built-in joints in neck and arms which allow flexible movement.

- Two (2) pairs of interchangeable palms including:
- One (1) pair of relaxed palms
- One (1) pair of forceful fists
- Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted

Costume:
- One (1) pair of ragged grey shorts

Artists:
- Head Sculpted by Kim Hyun
- Head Painted by JC.HONG
- Head Art Directed by Kojun
- Body Sculpted & Painted by Joseph Tsang

**Prototype shown is not final, pending licensor approval

Release date: Q1, 2013

Announcement: Hot Toys Iron Man mark VII

MarvelousRoland — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:29:48 +0000

No big surprise for Hot Toys to release this figure. It was just a matter of when.
The mark VII was featured in the Avengers movie and marks the return of the circular light in the chest. The differences between this and the previous mark again is very subtle. The first images of the figure unleashed some heated discussions between fans. Mainly concerning about the chest piece and differences compared to the movie version. And of course about the head sculpt.
I have tho admit. Hot Toys set the bar for high quality and lifelike head sculpts very high for themselves . Which resulted in disapoiting head sculpts in their Avengers line. All the sculpt seems to be just off. Well, they still are high quality and lifelike and to be fair, we’ve seem some great sculpts like Loki and Black Widow and I am more than curious to judge them them real life. But overall you expect better from Hot Toys.
Like this head sculpt of Robert Downey. To me it’s not Downey. It could be his brother. Sure, it’s a great sculpt and I love that little smirk, but he looks more like Dustin Hoffmann to me than Robert Downey.

What sets this figure apart from the rest of the Avengers line are it’s accessories. It’s common place for an Iron Man figure. Interchangeable armor plates, battle damage and a an extra head.
Unfortunatelythis is felt by the steep price tag. Did the previous Iron Man mark II (version 2.0) go for just under 200 euros. This baby would go up to 250 euro featuring far less accessories.
That’s where I will draw the line. This would probably my last Iron Man. I also dare to say that, because the images I’ve seen of the new Iron Man armor from the third movie didn’t get my heart pumping. In the meantime, this mark won’t be released before March 2013. So I have to time to save up.
For images and specifications, read more after the jump.

View or download high resolution photo’s

Hot Toys -MMS185- The 1/6th scale Mark VII Limited Edition Collectible Figurine specially features:

- Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Mark VII in the movie

- Interchangeable head sculpt of Tony Stark with authentic likeness of Robert Downey Jr.

- Approximately 30 cm tall

- Over 36 points of articulations

- Special features on armor:

- LED-lighted eyes and circle-shaped RT on chest (white light, battery operated)
- One (1) interchangeable battle damaged mask
- One (1) pair of damaged shoulder armor
- One (1) removable chest armor
- One (1) damaged chest armor
- One (1) pair of detachable forearm rockets
- One (1) pair of wrist laser on forearm armor

- Two (2) pairs of interchangeable palms including:
- One (1) pair with improved articulations, movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
- One (1) pair of forceful fists

- Improved articulations on waist armor which allow flexible movement
- Three (3) sets of interchangeable thigh armor (missile, armor & normal styles)
- Fully deployed air flaps at back of the armor with built-in metal flaps
- Articulated flaps at the back of armor on left and right legs
- Metallic red and gold-colored painting on armor

Accessory:
- Figure stand with Mark VII nameplate and movie logo

Special Edition:
- One (1) Holographic Mark VII collectible (approximately 3 inches tall)
(This special edition is for selected markets only.)

Artists:
- Head Sculpted by Kojun
- Head Painted by JC. Hong
- Head Art Directed by JC. Hong

**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different

**Battery included for collectible figure, AG1 batteries (6 pieces) and AG9 (3 pieces) are required

Release date: Q1, 2013

Announcement: Hot Toys The Amazing Spider-man

MarvelousRoland — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 01:10:46 +0000

I just got around posting this announcement here. And what a better timing than Spider-man turning 50 today! It’s not long ago Hot Toys released their Spider-man figure from the Spider-man 3 movie. Just after the first trailers of the Spider-man reboot movie began emerging.
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As my review from last year stated, the Hot Toys Spider-man from the third movie is great figure in it’s own right. It was for me, a must have within my sixth scale super-hero collection.
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Now there’s this new one. From the rebooted franchise. I made no secret I like the redesigned costume. I think it’s has a more Kirby-feel to it than the previous Spider-man, which was technically a more accurate comic-version.
This new Spider-man is sleeker and more athletic-looking than the buff Spider-man from last year. And it feels more ‘grounded’. A better fit in a real world setting than the previous Spider-man which was part of a some what more campy world director Sam Raimi created.
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I think it’s cool the makers had the balls to go forth with a redesign of such a iconic super-hero suit.

I’m not sure which Spider-man I want to put in front. I have to see this figure in hand to make a judgement. I like the detailing. This time there’s a head sculpt included of Peter Parker, portrayed by Andrew Garfield. And he has webshooters! The spider emblems are reminisced of the Raimi’s Spider-man, but I like that. What I don’t like are the yellow lenses and the glossy coating on the suit. But then again, I have to see it in real life.
A really big disappointment is the lack of accessories and the price tag. Almost $50,- more than last year’s version, which had more accessories and even a cool piece of building.
This Spider-man is expected to swing by around februari, next year.

View or download high resolution photo’s

Hot Toys -MMS179- The Amazing Spider-Man: 1/6th scale Spider-Man Limited Edition Collectible

_______________________
Figurine Specification
~ MMS Series ~

The 1/6th scale Spider-Man Limited Edition Collectible Figurine specially features:

- Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man/ Peter Parker in the movie

- Two (2) heads, including head sculpt of Peter Parker and Spider-Man

- TrueType body with 30 points of articulation

- Approximately 30 cm tall

Five (5) pairs of interchangeable palms with silvery cobweb pattern including:
- One (1) pair of relaxed palms
- One (1) pair of fists
- One (1) pair of palms for cobweb shooting
- One (1) pair of palms for cobweb swinging
- One (1) pair of palms for climbing

Costume :
- One (1) red- and blue-color Spider-Man suit embossed with black cobweb pattern with dark blue spider icon on chest
- One (1) pair of red-color boots embossed with black cobweb pattern

Accessories:
- Four (4) long narrow strips of cobweb including:
- Two (2) for imitating the flying scene
- Two (2) of cobweb shooting
- Figurine stand with Spider-Man nameplate and the movie logo

Artists:
- Head Sculpted by Im Jung Hyuk
- Head Painted by JC.Hong
- Head Art Directed by Kim Kyung Ah
- Costume Designed by Hai Lim

Release date: Q4, 2012

**Prototype shown is not final, pending licensor approval

Announcement: Hot Toys Captain America – Rescue Version

MarvelousRoland — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 12:49:10 +0000

This is the Hot Toys’s rescue version of Captain America from the movie Captain America: the First Avenger.
Long awaited and finally announced. But in another way I imaged.
I thought this figure would come out as a regular release. Instead, the lucky few attending the San Diego Comic Con can get their hands on this figure together with Angelica from Pirates of the Caribbean and Jim Gordon from The Dark Knight.
Both very, very awesome. I will post the Jim Gordon announcement later on.
I bet Sideshow will have this exclusive figure at pre-order pretty soon.
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I digg this figure. A great miss in the previous release of Captain America was the headsculpt. This release as a great lifelike head sculpt of Chris Evans, who plays the character of Steve Rogers.
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I really like the colour-scheme and love the leather bomber jacket.
This is Cap’s pre-star spangled, WWII outfit. And the costume designer really nailed it.
Cap is holding his triangular shield. A really nice nod to the first couple of comics of Captain America.
I don’t have any WWII soldiers to accompany him. That’s the only reason I won’t add him to my sixth scale collection. All the other [super-hero] figures in my collection are from present time. Somehow this figure would stand out beside them. True, I have a Captain America from the forties. But I really like his WWII ‘battle’ classic costume, and it looks like it still could be worn by Cap in present time.
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Yeah, I need to draw the line somewhere. This looks like a great figure. Again, great colour-scheme, very contemporary, and spot-on head sculpt. But then there’s the price tag. I find $220 just to much for a figure packing not a lot of accessories.

View or download high resolution photo’s

The Captain America – Rescue Version Sixth Scale Figure features:

Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers in Rescue Version costume from the film, Captain America: The First Avenger
- Approximately 30 cm tall
- TrueType body with over 30 points of articulation
- Movie-accurate facial expression with detailed wrinkles and skin texture

-Two (2) pairs of interchangeable gloved palms including:
- One (1) pair of fists
- One (1) left palm for holding shield
- One (1) right palm for holding pistol or knife

Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
- One (1) leather-like brown jacket with suspenders with pouches
- One (1) blue tee with white star on chest
- One (1) pair of light brown and green pants with pistol holster
- One (1) pair of light brown leggings
- One (1) pair of brown shoes
- One (1) shield
- One (1) pistol
- One (1) knife
- One (1) helmet
- One (1) pair of googles

-Figure stand with Steve Rogers nameplate and the movie logo
Sideshow Exclusive: The Captain America Rescue Version Sixth Scale Figure is a Comic Con 2012 Exclusive

New photo set: Hot Toys -MMS 186- The Avengers: Hulk announcement

MarvelousRoland — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:09:38 +0000

I just added a new set of Hot Toys -MMS 186- The Avengers: Hulk announcement photos on my Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/tales2astonish/sets/72157630998438320

New photo set: Ani-com coverage

MarvelousRoland — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:17:11 +0000

I just added a new set of Ani-com coverage photos on my Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/tales2astonish/sets/72157630772751442

Sneak peek: Agent Coulson and Chitauri coming from Hot Toys

MarvelousRoland — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:34:02 +0000

Well, isn’t this a great surprise? Hot Toys just teased a sixth scale figure of Agent Coulson and a Chitauri footsoldier from The Avengers line.

I would very much like to add Coulson to my collection. I don’t really give that much for the footsoldier, however a pleasant surprise.
I like a ‘normal’ guy standing next to my superheroes.
This news make me wonder if I should buy the Nick Fury figure…?
Wallet says no.

The Coulson figure should be pretty straight forward. Normal Hot Toys Truetype body type. The clothes aren’t really complex. Only Coulson head sculpt and gun are the most work. I expect an official announcement pretty soon. And to see the figure early next year.

The Chitauri footsoldier, on the other hand, looks like will need a new bodytype. and a lot of R&D to get this figure right. Within the next 4 month I expect more news with a release somewhere mid-2013.

New photo set: Tie Fighter MOC

MarvelousRoland — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 21:47:36 +0000

I just added a new set of Tie Fighter MOC photos on my Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/tales2astonish/sets/72157630347220616

Announcement: Hot Toys Avengers – Black Widow

MarvelousRoland — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 01:08:45 +0000

Wow. That’s more like it! Hot Toys just officially announced Black Widow from the Avengers line.
We got a Hot Toys Black Widow before. From the Iron Man II line.
At that time she was a must-have. A very hot figure. People were saying the figure captured Scarlett Johansson’s likeness very well.
There where some complaints, mostly about her breasts. So at the hands of some people she got a boob job. Not because they were small, but because were sitting to low.
Looking back at the old Black Widow figure now, I wonder who that Black Widow was. Sure she’s a hot lady, but doesn’t really look like Johansson.
So when the Avengers line was announced I saw a new change for a Black Widow. And a more accurate Scarlett Johansson.
Ow boy, The prototype images are promising. Hot Toy’s new Black Widow just looks awesome. The likeness of Scarlet Johansson is really close. I’d say the best in in the Avengers line so far. As far of accurate sculpts go. Hot Toys also uses a new body type for this figure. The proportions are more ‘balanced’. The figure has smaller breasts and head is slightly bigger compared to the previous Widow. I think this figure is smaller than the previous one. Who’s as tall as Spider-man and slightly smaller than Thor. While in fact Scarlett Johansson is a lot smaller than Helmsworth. I believe Hot Toys made the body height more accurate. After all, we all saw them standing side by side in the movie. Hot Toys can’t ignore the fact Black Widow has to be smaller and Thor taller.
Again this member from the Avengers also does not pack a lot of accessories. The price tag is reasonable. Compared to Loki and Captain America.
I can’t wait for the end of this year, when I have her in my hands. ;-)

Hot Toys is proud to present the 1/6th scale Black Widow Limited Edition Collectible Figurine from the smash hit The Avengers. The movie-accurate Black Widow collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Scarlett Johansson in the movie, highlighting the newly sculpted head, hair implantation, prominent body shape, highly detailed costume and accessories.

View or download high resolution photo’s

Hot Toys – MMS178 – The Avengers: 1/6th scale Black Widow Limited Edition Collectible Figurine Specification

~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~

The 1/6th scale Black Widow Limited Edition Collectible Figurine specially features:

- Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in the movie The Avengers
- Newly sculpted head with movie-accurate facial expression and make-up
- Real fabric hair implantation in brownish red short curly hair
- Newly developed TrueType body highlighting her prominent body shape
- Approximately 28 cm tall
- Over 28 points of articulations
- Eight (8) pieces of interchangeable gloved palms including:
- One (1) pair of palms for holding pistols
- One (1) pair of fists with real-like tazer effect
- One (1) pair of fists
- One (1) right palm for posing on waist
- One (1) right palm for throwing discs
- Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted

Costume :
- One-piece tight black colored jumpsuit with belts and holsters on thighs
- One (1) pair of black colored platform boots with buckles

Weapons:
- Two (2) pistols
- Two (2) discs with pouches
- One (1) alien rifle blade

Accessories:
- One (1) pair of stinger bracelets with multiple-bullet design
- One (1) pair of stinger bracelets with multiple-bullet design with real-like tazer effect
- Figure base with Black Widow nameplate and the movie logo

Artists:
- Head Sculpted by Yulli
- Head Painted by JC. Hong
- Head Art Directed by JC. Hong

**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different

Release date: Q4, 2012