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Diamond Select Toys Coming this Fall: Gotham, Ghostbusters and Doctor Strange!

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Brett

Due out this fall from Diamond Select Toys, the new offerings include items from the Batman Classic TV Series, Batman The Animated Series, Gotham, Ghostbusters, Jay and Silent Bob, Marvel Select, Predator, Pulp Fiction, Star Trek, Universal Monsters and more! It’s the best of all worlds!

Batman Classic TV Series Catwoman Resin Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! Batman’s rogues gallery continues to grow as Catwoman joins the Riddler and the Joker in DST’s line of busts, based on the Classic Batman TV Series! This 6-inch-tall resin bust depicts Julie Newmar as Catwoman, perched atop a colorful base inspired by the show’s animated opening credits. Even with her mask on, Catwoman’s hypnotizing beauty will have Batman baffled! Packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Designed by Barry Bradfield! Sculpted by Jean St. Jean! (Item #MAY152172, SRP: $59.99)

Batman Animated Series Femme Fatales Poison Ivy PVC Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! DST’s line of Femme Fatales PVC statues based on the women of the DC Animated Universe continues with Poison Ivy! Based on her appearance in Batman: The Animated Series, this PVC statue of the plant-loving Pamela Isley stands 9 inches tall atop her diorama base, and depicts the villainous vixen visiting with a vine-like friend, perhaps discussing how best to entangle the Dark Knight. Packaged in a full-color box window box. Sculpted by Steve Varner Studios! (Item #MAY152173, SRP: $45.00)

Gotham TV Select Action Figures Series 1 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! One of the hottest shows on TV is Gotham, a look at the crime-ridden streets of Batman’s hometown. Now, the hit show is an all-new line of Select action figures! Each 7-inch scale figure comes with character-specific accessories, as well as a deluxe diorama base representing a location in Gotham City: The Penguin comes with a pier, Jim Gordon comes with an alleyway, and Selina Kyle comes with a fire escape – connect Jim and Selina’s bases to form a larger scene! Each figure features approximately 16 points of articulation and comes packaged in the famous display-ready Select packaging, with spine art for easy shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant! (Item # MAY152171, SRP: $24.99/ea.)

Ghostbusters Movie Select Action Figures Series 1 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! After years of producing a variety of quality Ghostbusters products, DST is finally tackling 7-inch-scale Select action figures! With 12 releases planned in the line, the first three will be Ray Stanz, Winston Zeddemore and Louis Tully, each with detailed sculpts, exacting likenesses and character-specific accessories. Each figure will also include a diorama piece – collect all twelve to build the rooftop battle scene from the end of the film! Each figure features approximately 16 points of articulation and comes packaged in the famous display-ready Select packaging, with spine art for easy shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant! Coming in Series 2: Peter Venkman and Egon Spengler! (Item #MAY152168, SRP: $24.99/ea.)

Ghostbusters Logo Bottle Opener

A Diamond Select Toys release! You have the tools, you have the talent… but do you have a bottle opener? When you’ve defeated an invasive supernatural entity, and it’s time to celebrate with a cool beverage, be sure you have this 3” metal bottle opener handy. Scultped in the shape of the Ghostbusters logo, this opener has magnets on the back so it will stick to your refrigerator, containment grid or the hood of the Ecto-1. Packaged in a full-color slipcase. (Item #MAY152169, SRP: $18.00)

Jay and Silent Bob Minimates Zombie 2-Pack

A Diamond Select Toys release! Jay and Silent Bob will never die! Literally! This all-new 2-pack of Minimates mini-figures features undead versions of America’s favorite comedy team, as seen in the movies, comics and cartoons of writer/director Kevin Smith. This set includes zombie-specific accessories, including a hunk of meat and the severed heads of four familiar victims. Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and fully interchangeable (and removable) parts. Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #MAY152176, SRP: $9.99)

Marvel Select Dr Strange Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth! Marvel’s Secret Avenger, supernatural Defender, Sorcerer Supreme and soon-to-be cinematic superstar Dr. Stephen Strange is the newest comic-based action figure in the Marvel Select action figure line! Measuring approximately 7 inches tall with 16 points of articulation, Dr. Strange comes with a diorama display base depicting part of his Sanctum Sanctorum. Packaged in Select-style display packaging with spine artwork. Sculpted by Jean St. Jean! (Item #MAY152177, SRP: $24.99)

Predator Minimates Foil Bag Counter Display Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release!! Get to the chopper! It’s a whole new line of Minimates mini-figures, based on the cinematic world of Predator! This first blind-bagged assortment features Billy and the Jungle Predator (masked, unmasked and thermal) from the first film, the City Predator (regular and battle-damaged) from Predator 2, and Edwin and Cuchillo from Predators! There are eight different figures in all, with a full set in every display case of 18 foil bags, but Edwin is the rarest figure, with only one per case! Let the hunt begin! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation as well as interchangeable parts and accessories. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #MAY152178, SRP: $5.99/ea.)

Pulp Fiction 20th Ann. Minimates Bring Out the Gimp Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! Bring out the gimp!! No more wondering if the gimp is sleeping – the famous Pawn Shop scene from Pulp Fiction has finally been made into Minimates form! The fourth box set based on Quentin Tarantino’s iconic 1994 film captures the main players in the famous dungeon sequence: Butch, Marsellus Wallace, Zed and the Gimp! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation as well as interchangeable parts and accessories. Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #MAY152174, SRP: $19.99)

Pulp Fiction Red Apple Red Metal Zippo Lighter

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Zippo lighter is one of the most distinctive lighters ever made, and has starred in a thousand movies, including the legendary Pulp Fiction. This new, all-red edition metal Zippo sports the logo of director Quentin Tarantino’s favorite cigarette brand, Red Apple Cigarettes – flip it open and you’ll identify yourself as a lover of both fine films and timeless design. Comes packaged in a collector case. (Item #FEB158126, SRP: $29.99)

Star Trek TNG Lt. Worf Vinyl Bust bank

A Diamond Select Toys release! Where’s the safest place on the Enterprise? Right behind Worf! Make your money that safe by putting it inside this 7” vinyl bust bank depicting Star Trek’s most famous Klingon crew member, with his phaser at the ready. With detailed, bust-quality paint applications and a coin slot on his back, this functional collectible is torn between two cultures – does he belong to both, or neither? You decide! Comes packaged in a clear polybag. Sculpted by Patrick Pigott! (Item #MAY152170, SRP: $22.99)

Universal Monsters Select Mummy Version 2 Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! Response to DST’s revisited Creature and Frankenstein figures has been so positive, we’re going back to ancient Egypt for our next release! Not seen since the first series of Universal Monsters Select action figures, the Mummy returns in an all-new edition, completely resculpted by Jean St. Jean with approximately 16 points of articulation, as well as an all-new diorama base depicting the inside of an Egyptian temple. The figure comes packaged in the famous Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. (Item #MAY152180, SRP: $24.99)

Universal Monsters Select Wolfman Version 2 Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! Clap for the Wolfman! One of the first figures made in DST’s Universal Monsters toy line, the Wolfman has not been seen in several years… until now! This all-new sculpt by Jean St. Jean features approximately 16 points of articulation, and comes with an all-new diorama base featuring the ruins of a tomb, including skulls and a broken columns The figure comes packaged in the famous Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. (Item #MAY152179, SRP: $24.99)

Monster Hunter Lucy Westenra Select Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! Joining fellow monster hunter Abraham Van Helsing, Lucy Westenra is the next original figure creation from DST! Re-imagining the classic character from Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a fierce warrior woman, this wholly original sculpt by Jean St. Jean features approximately 16 points of articulation, various monster-fighting weapons, and an all-new diorama base depicting a ruined church doorway. The figure comes packaged in the famous Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. (Item #MAY152181, SRP: $24.99)

New Items Coming from Diamond Select Toys: Batgirl, Clerks, Slimer, NBX and More!

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Brett

It’s time for a new batch of toys and collectibles from Diamond Select Toys! As seen in this month’s Previews catalog, the following new items are now available for pre-order from your local comic shop or specialty store, as well as your favorite online retailer. Read on for new items from Ant-Man, Batman, Clerks, Ghostbusters, Hack/Slash, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Marvel, My Little Pony, Nightmare Before Christmas and Predator!

Batman Classic TV Series Premier Collection Batgirl Resin Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Batgirl of your dreams is now the centerpiece of your statue collection! The first full-size statue in our Batman Classic TV Series line, the Premier Collection edition of Batgirl depicts actress Yvonne Craig as the unforgettable sidekick to Batman and Robin, the way she appeared in the third season of the classic TV show. Sculpted by the legendary Clayburn Moore in her distinctive purple-and-yellow crimefighting costume, this resin statue of TV’s Barbara Gordon stands approximately 12 inches tall atop a Bat-logo base. Packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Limited to only 1,966 pieces!

(Item # APR152297, SRP: $199.99)

Batman The Animated Series Batman Resin Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! Evildoers beware – Batman is kicking off the next big bust line from Diamond Select! Based on the iconic and revolutionary Batman: The Animated Series, this line of 6-inch resin busts will depict Batman and his friends and foes just as you remember them from the cartoons! The Caped Crusader himself will be the first release in the series, with his arms crossed atop an art-deco base inspired by the show’s distinctive style. Packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Limited to 3,000 pieces. Sculpted by Steve Varner Studios! (Item #APR152298, SRP: $59.99)

Clerks Select 20th Anniversary Action Figures Series 2 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! We assure you – this toy line is open! DST continues their line of action figures based on Kevin Smith’s classic film Clerks with RST Video employee Randal Graves and subvocal spectator Silent Bob! Each 7-inch scale action figure is captured in the film’s famous black-and-white palette, and includes film-accurate accessories, as well as a diorama base that can be used to re-create the exterior and interior of RST Video. Complete the shopping center diorama started by Dante and Jay! Sculpted by Patrick Piggott, and packaged in Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork. (Item #APR152301, SRP $149.94/case)

Randal B&W Figure (Item #APR152299, SRP: $24.99

Silent Bob B&W Figure (Item #APR152300, SRP: $24.99)

Femme Fatales Hack/Slash Cassie Hack PVC Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! Supernatural slashers beware! If you’re an undead monstrosity, or an seemingly unstoppable psychopath, you might just be Cassie Hack’s next victim. The star of the hit Image comic series Hack/Slash, Cassie is the newest 9-inch PVC statue in the Femme Fatales statue line from Diamond Select. Walking along an axe head, Cassie holds her partner’s mask in one hand, and a bat with nails in it in the other. Sculpted by Sam Greenwell, based on a design by creator Tim Seeley! Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #APR152308, SRP: $45.00)

Ghostbusters Slimer Pizza Cutter

A Diamond Select Toys release! Pizza need cutting? Who you gonna call? How about the Ghostbusters’ resident foodie, Slimer? As a focused, non-terminal repeating phantasm, Slimer tends to eat his food by the handful, with no cutting required, but the overall shape of this Class 5 full roaming vapor is perfect for housing a pizza wheel! A three-dimensional sculpt of Slimer stuffing his face with a whole pizza acts as the handle for a palm-sized blade, perfect for carving out a New York slice. Blade is easily removable for cleaning. Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #APR152304, SRP: $14.99)

Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back Bluntman and Chronic Tumbler Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! Another innovative product from the world of Kevin Smith! In the film “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” the release of “Bluntman and Chronic” on the big screen was an important pop-culture event, but did you know the Mooby’s fast food chain released a pair of commemorative drinking glasses to mark the occasion? Well, they did, and now those glasses are available outside the View Askewniverse for the first time ever! Own a piece of film-within-a-film history as DST expands their Reelware line of meta movie merchandise! Packaged in a full-color window box.

Bluntman Glass (Item #APR152302, SRP: $9.99)

Chronic Glass (Item #APR152303, SRP: $9.99)

Marvel Hulk Plastic Gelatin Mold

A Diamond Select Toys release! There ain’t no party like a Hulk party, because a Hulk party cannot be stopped! By anyone! Not even Thor! Make your next get-together unstoppable with this plastic gelatin mold in the shape of the gamma-irradiated Avenger’s face. Measuring approximately 8 inches tall, this mold works with any color gelatin, not just red and green, and comes packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #APR152306, SRP: $14.99)

Marvel Minimates Ant-Man Movie Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! The smallest Marvel movie of all time is almost here! This four-pack of Minimates based on Marvel’s Ant-Man movie includes four different 2-inch mini-figures – Scott Lang as Ant-Man, Hope Van Dyne, Hank Pym and Yellowjacket! Each Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation, as well as interchangeable parts and accessories. Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #APR152307, SRP: $19.99)

My Little Pony Rainbow Dash Vinyl Bank

A Diamond Select Toys release! Equestria’s greatest flyer is now the greatest bank ever! This dynamic 7-inch sculpture of the speedy pegasus Rainbow Dash, as she appears in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, may look like a high-end statue, but it’s actually a vinyl bank! With a coin slot in the back of her cloud, and an access door in the base, you can set her up on a high shelf, and watch your savings soar into the stratosphere! (Item #APR152305, SRP: $22.99)

Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington 16″ Coffin Doll

A Diamond Select Toys release! Halloween is coming, and so is Jack Skellington! The star of Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece, The Nightmare Before Christmas, this 16-inch tall doll of Jack is a must for any home that embraces the spirit of Halloween. With a fully articulated body and a real cloth costume, this exacting re-creation of the classic Jack figure will rest comfortably in his coffin-shaped window box until the times comes for him to rise once again! Limited to 1994 pieces! (Item #APR152291, SRP: $49.99)

Nightmare Before Christmas Select Action Figures Series 1 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is finally getting the Select action figure treatment! The Select line is known for its detailed sculpts, larger scale and its diorama bases, and NBX promises to put all of those features to the test! Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie will make up the first series of figures, each sculpted to a 7-inch scale with character-appropriate articulation. Jack Skellington will come with a cemetery environment, Sally with a Halloweentown environment and alternate kneeling legs, and Oogie will come with a stone floor base and a removable face! Each figure will come packaged in the Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork. Sculpted by Dave Cortes! (Item #APR152296, SRP: $149.94/case)

Jack Skellington Figure (Item #APR152293, SRP: $24.99)

Sally Figure (Item #APR152294, SRP: $24.99)

Oogie Boogie Figure (Item #APR152295, SRP: $24.99)

Nightmare Before Christmas Minimates Foil Bag Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! Christmas is coming early this year! Each foil-bagged mini-figure in our display of Nightmare Before Christmas Minimates is like a little present to open, and there are eight different figures you can get! The first series includes Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, The Mayor, Dr. Finkelstein, and three exclusive figures – a Skeleton Reindeer, a glow-in-the-dark Jack, and a rare, one-per-case glow-in-the-dark Sally! With 18 packs to a display, there’s a full set in every one! (Item #APR152292, SRP: $5.99/ea.)

Predator Unmasked Vinyl Bust Bank

A Diamond Select Toys release! DST goes deeper into the jungle with this vinyl bust bank of an unmasked Predator! With his mandibles out and his shoulder cannon at the ready, this hunter is protective of his prize, and his prize is your loose change! Insert coins through a slot in the back and remove them through an access door in the base. With a detailed, collectible-quality sculpt by Eli Livingston, you’ll take one look at this bank and you’ll say, “You are one ugly money-saver!” Packaged in a clear polybag. (Item #APR152309, SRP: $22.99)

We Talk Alien Vs Predator and Ghost with Chris Sebela

Posted on February 2, 2015 by

We recently got the chance to discuss comics with comic veteran Chris Sebela. Maybe better known for his work at the indies on a variety of titles, he has also taken on Carol Danvers and the Fantastic Four. The focus of our discussion was Alien Vs. Predator and Ghost, but as usual some other things came up in the discussion, breaking and entering, pregnant women and dripping bugs.

Graphic Policy: Ever since the appearance of the xenomorph’s skull in Predator 2, fans have been clamoring for a matchup between the two, but previous versions of the battle have fallen short somewhat, especially the movie versions. Did that have any effect on your approach to the series?

Chris Sebela: I was and am right there with the fans that the movies definitely left a lot to be desired. I’m a fan of the original AVP comics stuff, but I made sure not to revisit that as I didn’t want any of it to bleed through, but I went back and watched the first AvP and enough of AvP: Requiem to confirm I didn’t like it the first time. None of that really altered my approach though, which was, simply: don’t screw it up. Giving myself the AvP I always wanted was my main priority. Not that every fan of either franchise is going to love what I love about these franchises or these creatures, but I feel like I’ve been almost a lifelong fan of these things, I’ve been there through their highs and lows, so I hopefully knew enough to steer the boat and not sink it.

GP: The new series involved a mixture of the xenomorphs, the predators and the aliens from Prometheus, a decent mix of different characters, but do you feel that anything is missing from the shared universe? Another species or another setting perhaps?

CS: I felt like the writer’s room was very cognizant of letting the books go nuts, but not letting them go infinitely nuts. I think we were pretty well balanced, we never went too far out in one direction or another to tip things wildly in one direction. The universe itself doesn’t need another species, at least not one that poses any sort of challenge to the dominant lifeforms. We have Engineers, Predators, Xenomorphs, Constructs, I think we’ve got lots to choose from, and that’s before you start throwing the black goo around and creating new variations on old themes. Settings, though, I feel like yeah, there’s lots more ground that can be covered in a universe that’s this big and this all-encompassing, as long as it’s never the Predator home planet, because I never want to see that and have the fanfiction in my head officially contradicted.

GP: The first movie of AVP set up the Predators as the heroes, but that was a difference from their depiction until that point in their own movies as they were mostly villains. Do you think they are rightfully more heroic than the xenomorphs, or do you see it a different way?

CS: I think one of the failings of the films was trying to pose either side as being heroic or vilainous. They’re both unstoppable killing machines that would kill anyone who got in their way. Making Predators the heroes makes sense because audiences can relate more to a vicious murdering thing if it also has 2 legs and 2 arms and a head and a torso like we do. Who could relate to the slithering, dripping bugs with inner mouths? I mean, someone probably can, but not a lot of people. Predators can be posed as leaning heroic because they have a code that they hunt by: they don’t kill pregnant prey, they don’t kill sick or wounded prey. But these seem more like the finer points of sports handicapping than actual morality. I dunno, in the end, I feel like Predators are as capable of heroic acts as the people you pass on the sidewalk, a lot of them could be, but if they were given the choice, would they?

GP: What are the challenges between working on various titles at the same time? Especially ones with such different themes and concepts as AVP and Ghost?

CS: I think them being so different in concept and theme makes jumping between those two books and all my other books less of a challenge. It’s a good thing to have, sometimes you’re not just in the mood to get as bleak and claustrophobic as you need to be to write AvP. Sometimes you want to write about a family dynamic, to have people talking to each other without constant threat of danger, so there’s Ghost. Or any of the other books I do, it’s all about keeping my fingers moving when I sit down to write, so having all these options means even if I’m in the midst of a spectactuarly awful day, I ideally have something to work on that fits my headspace.

GP: Ghost is interesting in that it looks at the main hero from a different standpoint, and addresses the fact that a lot of the actions that heroes undertake are in fact often illegal (breaking and entering, assault). Why did you choose to focus on this aspect of the character?

CS: I felt lucky being asked to join up when Ghost got expanded from that first 4-issue arc that Kelly Sue DeConnick and Phil Noto did. It felt like a chance to really tell the story of how Elisa decides, “I’m going to take this thing I can do and help strangers with it”. I wanted to track the progress of Elisa coming back from a huge trauma, with all sorts of deficits, and being strong enough to pick up this weird mantle she’s been saddled with and making the best of it. I wanted her transition into Ghost as a hero in this world to feel genuine and earned, not that she just came to grips with everything and wrapped it in a neat little bow. Sometimes it’s hard to make even the smallest life choices and not have the “what if” haunt you afterwards. These are bigger life and death, crazy or sane decisions that are just amplified and distorted. I didn’t want to do a villain of the week format, I wanted to focus on Ghost and, more importantly, on Elisa and how she recovers and rebuilds. That involves weighing the power of what you can do with the right or wrongness of what you should do, only with Elisa and Ghost, it’s much higher stakes that often floats right over the grey area of the moral spectrum. No one is born a paragon of goodness and few people achieve it and maintain it, for Elisa, I was interested in the inverse, how no one is (re)born a monster and what it takes to claw yourself back to some kind of state of grace.

GP: What are some of the challenges that you felt as a man writing a female main character? Was writing across the gender line a problem?

CS: Not really. It was harder for me to write sibling relationships, because I’m an only child. That’s a thing I don’t understand. Being a human being in this world who is confused and screwed up? That I understand. I felt like I understood Elisa from the get go and that was ultimately the biggest hurdle to cross for me to write her, getting to know who she is when she’s not handing people their asses.

I had some of hesitations when I started in on High Crimes, which also features a female main character, but I also felt like I knew her enough that she’d tell me when I was screwing up, when I was making her do things that weren’t what she’d do. I’m definitely aware of not screwing up and I try to make sure that I don’t. I’ll check some things with women I know to make sure I’m not completely off-base because I’m not confident to the point of delusion. And I’m still learning as I go, I will be forever learning to see outside of myself. Writing women is as hard as writing men, it’s getting inside their heads and figuring out ‘why do you do this?’ or ‘where did you get this from?’ that’s the killer part of the process. And I like it more, to tell the truth. It makes my job harder and easier at the same time. I got into writing to tell stories and build characters. The further away these fictional people are from my personal daily setting of white dude, the better.

GP: Was a more realistic female character a goal, or just something that came naturally?

CS: It’s not a spoken goal, but sure, it’s always a goal. Considering that “unrealistic women” or “no women at all” has been such a standard setting in comics for so long, who wants to read more of the same old same old? I don’t. And I definitely don’t want to write it. That’s why when I talk about Ghost I refer to her as Elisa more often than not, or why the Captain Marvel fandom is called CarolCorps and not CaptainMarvelCorps, it’s these women when they’re not in uniform that’s infinitely more interesting. None of the superheroics stuff matters if it’s just an empty suit stuffed full of cliches and tropes.

GP: We never really got to see Ghost long enough for a collection of villains to be established as her adversaries, but do you even think that a superhero needs a main arch-nemesis as is so common? Or can they exist without them?

CS: I think the closest we got was Dr. October, because she was so tightly associated with how Elisa became Ghost. I felt like there was a time for her to come back, but I was more interested in the chaos that spins out from Ghost even existing in this world. All of this ties into the rest of the baggage that comes with being a superhero. By your very existence, you open the possibility for bigger and weirder things to come wandering into the world. And having the element of surprise is helpful when you’re dealing with a hero whose main power is she can’t be touched if she doesn’t want to be, so diversifying the gallery of potential threats is always more fun.

But I do think superheroes do need an arch-nemesis of some kind. Hell, we all have them in our lives, even if they only exist on our Facebook friends list these days, there’s always someone who sort of exists in your life to remind you of the times you screwed up or the choices you didn’t make. Regular villains are great for physical trauma, but heroes always heal. I think the reason archenemies are necessary is because they inflict psychic trauma, which is, for my money, the far more lasting and crippling of traumas.

GP: Is this the end of Ghost as we know her for the moment?

CS: Sadly, yeah. It’s the end of me writing her and I believe it’s the end of her running solo for the time being. I’m proud of what we managed to do in a short space, that we got to rebuild a hero from scratch and push her (sometimes roughly) out of the nest into full-blown Ghost status. With all that and Project Black Sky still happening, I wouldn’t be shocked to see her turn up there running circles around the rest of the capes.

Toy Fair Sneak Peek: 18 New Items, Five New Licenses from Diamond Select Toys!

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Brett

New York Toy Fair is fast approaching, and Diamond Select Toys has unveiled a whopping 18 new items in the February issue of Diamond Comics’ Previews catalog. Of the 18 new items, five are from brand-new licenses – Comic Book Men, Predator, The Nightmare Before Christmas, SpongeBob Squarepants and Valiant Comics! Keep an eye out for more merchandise from each of those licenses to be revealed at NY Toy Fair and beyond.

Aliens Alien Queen Metal Bottle Opener

A Diamond Select Toys release! All hail the Queen! Hang the skull of the Queen Alien in a place of honor on your refrigerator, and pay tribute to her reign by occasionally taking her down and opening a few bottles for yourself and your friends in the Colonial Marines. This 4-inch metal rendering of the ruling xenomorph from Aliens is the perfect shape for removing bottle caps, and you can drink in peace knowing that the rest of her is somewhere far, far away. Packaged in a full-color slipcase. (Item #JUL148436, SRP: $18.00)

Batman Classic TV Series Mr. Freeze Resin Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! Everybody freeze! The most cold-hearted of Batman’s foes from the Batman Classic TV Series joins DST’s line of resin busts! Measuring approximately 6 inches tall, this detailed rendering of famous director Otto Preminger in his turn as the villainous Mr. Freeze sits atop a pedestal base inspired by the show’s animated opening sequence. Sculpted by Jean St. Jean, he is in scale to DST’s busts of Batman, Robin, The Joker, The Riddler, The Penguin and most comic-book characters! Comes packaged in a full color box with a certificate of authenticity. Limited to 3000 pieces! (Item #FEB152152, SRP: $59.99)

Comic Book Men TV Minimates Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! The gang’s all here! The five stars of AMC’s hit reality TV series Comic Book Men combine to form the most powerful Minimates box set in the galaxy! Kevin Smith, Walt Flanagan, Bryan Johnson, Ming Chen and Mike Zapcic each get their own 2-inch Minimates mini-figure in the first five-pack dedicated to the Comic Book Men. Each figure stands 2 inches tall with 14 points of articulation, and features interchangeable parts and accessories. Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #FEB152151, SRP: $24.99)

Jay and Silent Bob Bluntman Baseball Cap

A Diamond Select Toys release! You can’t fight crime without the proper headgear! Cover your dome with this official baseball cap, based on director Kevin Smith’s crime-fighting duo Bluntman and Chronic! This black, faux-leather baseball cap features Bluntman’s trademark ears and has an adjustable strap, so one size fits all. It may not offer much in the way of protection while battling evil, but dang if it doesn’t make you look good while doing it! Packaged in a clear polybag. (Item #FEB152154, SRP: $24.99)

Kill Bill Minimates Deadly Vipers Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! Black Mamba. Copperhead. Sidewinder. California Mountain Snake. Along with Cottonmouth, these four killers made up the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, commanded by the Snake Charmer, Bill. When Beatrix Kiddo was left for dead, she came back to kill every one of her old comrades, and now Beatrix, Vernita Green, Bud and Elle Driver make up the fourth Kill Bill Minimates box set! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure stands 2 inches tall with 14 points of articulation, and features interchangeable parts and accessories. Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #FEB152159, SRP: $19.99)

Lost in Space Jupiter 2 Spaceship Metal Bottle Opener

A Diamond Select Toys release! Travel to the farthest reaches of your refrigerator with this 3-inch metal bottle opener of the famous Jupiter 2 spaceship from Lost in Space! You won’t need a helper robot to open your bottles anymore, and magnets on the underside will allow it to hover in place on your refrigerator door, or on the dashboard of your lunar rover. Packaged in a full-color slipcase. (Item #FEB152164, SRP: $18.00)

Marvel Deadpool Plastic Gelatin Mold

A Diamond Select Toys release! Nothing burps better than Deadpool! Put the Merc with a Mouth inside your stomach using this plastic gelatin mold of Deadpool’s head! Cast up an approximately 8-inch by 6-inch chilled gelatin dessert in the likeness of X-Force member and hired killer Wade Wilson, complete with squinty eyes and partially exposed brain. But you might want to eat it fast – the self-regenerating mutant could be back on his feet in no time! Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #FEB152163, SRP: $14.99)

Marvel Select Avengers Age of Ultron Black Widow Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! Finally, the figure fans have been waiting for has arrived! After three blockbuster film appearances, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow joins the Marvel Select Avengers line-up, just in time for Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron! This 7-inch scale figure features her look from the new movie, has 16 points of articulation, and includes a diorama base that connects to Age of Ultron Thor’s to create a scene from the film. She comes packaged in the now-famous Marvel Select display packaging, with spine artwork for shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant! (Item #FEB152166, SRP: $24.99)

Marvel Select Ant-Man Movie Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! The smallest Marvel movie hero is now the next big Marvel Select action figure! From the upcoming Marvel Studios film, “Ant-Man,” this 7-inch scale figure captures Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, with detailed paint applications and 16 points of articulation. The figure comes packaged in the now-famous Marvel Select display packaging, with spine artwork for shelf reference, and includes interchangeable hands and a shrunken Ant-Man micro-figure! Figure is in scale to other Marvel Select movie action figures. Sculpted by Gentle Giant! (Item #FEB152167, SRP: $24.99)

Marvel Minimates Series 62: Axis Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Inversion is upon us, and some of Marvel’s biggest heroes and villains have changed their looks, as well as their minds! This all-new assortment of comic-based two-packs includes Sam Wilson as Captain America vs. Red Onslaught, Superior Iron Man vs. Apocalypse, Carnage vs. Hobgoblin, and Sabretooth vs. Kluh, the evil Hulk! Each two-inch Minimates mini-figure features 12-14 points of articulation, as well as interchangeable parts and acccessories. Each 2-pack comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #FEB152165, SRP: $9.99/ea.)

Nightmare Before Christmas Jack and Sally 12″ Coffin Doll Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! What’s this? What’s this? After a long absence, the stars of the stop-motion animation holiday classic Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas are back, just how you remember them! Re-creating the classic collectable figures of yesteryear, these 12-inch poseable figures of Jack Skellingon and his true love Sally feature real cloth costumes over articulated bodies, and come packaged in a coffin-shaped window box. Limited to 1,000 numbered pieces. Originally designed and created in Japan. (Item #FEB152151, SRP: $99.99)

Predator Unmasked Metal Bottle Opener

A Diamond Select Toys release! Predators love the heat, and nothing beats the heat like a cool, refreshing drink. Whether you’re slogging through an impenetrable jungle or hiding out in a Los Angeles barrio, use the mandibles on this metal Predator bottle opener to pop the cap off of your favorite bottled beverage. Plus, magnets on the back will hold it fast to your refrigerator or trophy case, so you’ll never have to “hunt” for an opener again! Packaged in a full-color slipcase. (Item #FEB152158, SRP: $18.00)

SpongeBob Squarepants Minimates Series 1 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? It’s SpongeBob Squarepants, the star of a new Minimates mini-figure line! Based on the long-running hit animated series, the first assortment of two-packs includes SpongeBob with Sandy, Patrick with Squidward, Mr. Krabs with Perch Perkins and a rare, one-per-case box set of Grandpappy Redbeard with an orange Perch Perkins! Yarrr! Each Minimate stands approximately 2 inches tall with multiple points of articulation, and each figure features interchangeable parts and accessories. Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #FEB152155, SRP: $9.99/ea.)

Star Wars Classic X-Wing Fighter Metal Bottle Opener

A Diamond Select Toys release! Stay on target! A bottlecap is a pretty small bulls-eye, but you won’t need a targeting computer to open one with this solid metal bottle opener of an X-Wing fighter from the original Star Wars trilogy! Raise a toast to the Rebellion, and then hang the opener on your refrigerator using the magnetic docking clamps on the underside. Packaged in a full-color slipcase. (Item #FEB152161, SRP: $18.00)

Star Wars Stormtrooper Vinyl Bust Bank

A Diamond Select Toys release! The legendary Imperial Stormtrooper has joined DST’s line of vinyl Star Wars bust banks! Measuring 8 inches tall, this vinyl, waist-up bank depicts of one of the iconic soldiers of the original Star Wars trilogy, blaster at the ready. Not only does it feature the detailed painting and sculpting of a collectible bust, it also has a coin slot and an access door in the base, making it a fully functioning coin bank. He’ll keep your money safer than Cell Block 1138! Packaged in a clear polybag. (Item #FEB152160, SRP: $22.99)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Minimates Series 2 Foil Bag Counter Display

A Diamond Select Toys Release! Ninja Turtles Minimates are back, with new Turtles, new friends and new enemies! Each countertop display contains 18 blind-bagged pouches, and each pouch contains one 2-inch Minimates mini-figure, featuring interchangeable parts and accessories. The assortment includes nine different Minimates, including new versions of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael, plus new characters Splinter, Casey Jones, Karai, Chris Bradford and a Norman! There’s a full set in every case! Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #FEB152156, SRP: $5.99/ea.)

Valiant Minimates Battle Damaged X-O Manowar and Bloodshot 2-Pack

A Diamond Select Toys Release! Prepare to enter the world of Valiant Entertainment! The Valiant Universe has been reborn, and heroes X-O Manowar and Bloodshot are back in new monthly comic-book adventures! Kick off your collection of Valiant heroes with this two-pack of X-O Manowar and Bloodshot fresh from a skirmish, maybe even against each other! Each two-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation as well as interchangeable parts and acccessories. Packaged in a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #FEB152162, SRP: $9.99)

New York Comic Con 2014: Dark Horse Comics and Archie Comics team up for a bloodbath in Riverdale! Archie Meets Predator!

Posted on October 11, 2014 by Brett

America’s favorite teen meets the galaxy’s fiercest hunter! Archie Comics and Dark Horse Comics are proud to bring you spring 2015’s hottest crossover: Archie Meets Predator.

With writer Alex de Campi at the helm, and artist Fernando Ruiz, things are going to get wild quickly.

Archie and friends hit Costa Rica for spring break, where party and beach games soon get replaced by the most dangerous game! What mysterious attraction does the gang hold for the trophy-collecting Predator, and will the kids even realize they’re in danger before it claims them all?

Review: Aliens: Fire and Stone #1

Posted on September 24, 2014 by

This new Aliens series from Dark Horse sets out with the concept to tie the story line of Prometheus into the bigger shared universe. This is alluded to in the preamble to the series, part of which mentions another new series from Dark Horse which focuses on Prometheus (which I have not read). In trying to tie together different elements from the series, this is partially successful, though at times it seems to be paying almost too much homage to other series.

The crowded halls of the movie Aliens is evident here as are a few other major staples of the series (minor spoiler to follow) such as every escape craft ever used having an alien tag along on it, and that is no different here. The end state of this story is a bit of a further stretch as well, as it is almost as if it is alluding to the forest planet from the movie Predators, at least in atmosphere and setting if not in actual plot.

As such this first issue is not so much of anything new, more like a pastiche of every other Aliens films with even a bit of Predator thrown in. This is a bit problematic as well when also adding Prometheus to the mix, as the level of interconnectedness is a bit much to take with all of the continuity glitches that such a merge would make. At its base though, this issue succeeds, if one forgets about all which doesn’t make sense from a continuity standpoint and focuses on the story alone here. It may not be groundbreaking, but fans can’t really get enough of the xenomorphs, who show up too infrequently in pop culture, and this story at least offers something a little new to go along with a lot of the old.

Story: Chris Roberson Art: Patric Reynolds
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Preview: NECA News

Posted on May 30, 2014 by

NECA unveiled their final SDCC ’14 exclusive figure today, and it’s a Predator named Ahab!!!!!!

This guy will be featured in a new Dark Horse comic series, Fire and Stone, debuting in October.

The story description of this new Predator: In his prime, Ahab took deadly trophies from countless worlds, his scars a proud record of glorious battle. Now an elder of his tribe, he leaves small game to the next generation as he looks to his final hunt. Following a lifelong obsession, Ahab searches for a creature more formidable than any Predator has ever faced before.

Hmmmmm, seems oddly familiar? I can’t wait for the Ishmael Predator!

Only 5000 of these will be available worldwide at a price of $30. Ahab features a removable backpack, removable mask and a spear staff weapon.

NECA also showed of the first final production shots of the 12″ (24″ Head-to-Tail) Godzilla figure from the new film. The 6″ (12″ Head-to-Tail) is already in stores and his big brother version ships in July. I’m waiting to see both in the wild first before deciding which one to get. I just feel the larger scale will show off the sculpting better. The paint looks more vibrant on the 12″ figure too. Plus the larger features that famous Godzilla roar. Check the specs below:

12″ tall and 24″ from head to tail
Features authentic roar sound effect
Over 25 points of articulation
Bendable tail

I kind of wish the tail was articulated like the smaller version. I’m a little nervous about bendy parts on toys. I always worry about wear and tear when positioning. The price point on the King of the Monsters is expected to be between $50 and $60 when it arrives later this summer.

Toy Review: Dillon, you son of a bitch! A review of NECA’s Jungle Disguise Dutch from Predator

Posted on April 17, 2014 by

I want to welcome Garry who will be taking on the challenge of expanding Graphic Policy’s toy coverage! You can find him regularly blogging at The Tell Tale Mind. Welcome Garry! – Brett

With that line, we were all introduced to one of the greatest bromances in movie history. To honor this relationship, movie, and franchise let’s take a look at NECA’s Jungle Disguise Dutch from the Predator series.

The packaging on this particular figure had seen better days. It was sitting in back of a storeroom at my local comic store for a while before hitting the shelves. I had seen this in the store before but didn’t have the means to pick It up (*cough* money *cough*). I thought I had missed my chance until I walked in and saw this dinged package calling my name. The front and back feature some nice close-up shots of the figure and the series line-up is also shown. A plot synopsis for the movie is on the reverse but you’ve all seen Predator right? If not, why? Go watch it then come back. This review will still be here.

LOOK AT IT!!!!!!! JUST LOOK AT IT!!!!!!!! This is a 6” scale action figure. This is not a Hot Toys or Sideshow Collectibles release. This isn’t even a NECA Quarter scale figure. This is a 6” INCH action figure that is available at mass market retail. I was blown away when I picked up this figure. I couldn’t believe that NECA was able to produce a sculpt this detailed on such a scale. Even if you ignore the muscle structure and texturing on the torso (which you shouldn’t), LOOK AT HIS FACE! This has got to be one of the absolute best Arnold likeness made in any scale, ever. NECA has some talented sculptors on staff and this figure is a showpiece for that talent. The muscle definition is outstanding. Arnie wasn’t Conan-sized in Predator and this figure captures his veiny, lean, and muscular physique very nicely. The layers of mud present on the torso also help create a sense of depth. The lower torso features a great army pant design that is full of belts, pockets, buckles, stitching, and seams. On a whole, the sculpt is as near perfect as one could ever ask for. Dutch comes loaded with accessories too. You get a bow, arrows, grenade staffs, spear, pouch and torch. The value packed into this figure is leaps and bounds above others in this scale. NECA is one of the few toy makes who haven’t forgotten that accessories are an important part of an action figure.

Over the years, NECA has improved greatly on the articulation of its figures. Dutch continues that fine endeavour. Human figures are always hard to articulate while maintaining the integrity of the sculpt. Shitless and muscular figures are even more difficult. The lower half has great rocker ankles, hinged and rotating knees, and ball joint hips. Tight joints allow Dutch to be posed very easily and stay standing without any external support. This is something NECA has had issues with in the past. Thankfully, Dutch stays right were you put him. The upper body has waist swivel, rocker ab, socket shoulders, hinge/rotating elbows and rotating wrists with a slight hinge to them. There is no cut bicep on this figure. A joint that I assume was left out in order to preserve the sculpt. The elbow joint may end up looking a little unusual, depending on how the figure is posed. At a right angle, the top half of the arm creates a small lip between the lower half. This may have been unavoidable given the design of figure. I played around with varies poses for Dutch holding his weapons and settled on the one you see in the pictures. All of the possible display options looked great and there is no wrong way to display this figure.

Dat face! To cap everything off Dutch features a beautiful paint job. The camouflage pants have a great forest/jungle deco on them. Although given the part of the movie this figure is from, some mud paint applications on the pants could have been added. One issue I’ve had with NECA’s other Predator figures is the unpainted hip joints. The ball joints are left in the casting colour and do stand out when posed in such a way as to expose them. Hopefully NECA may start painting these or casting them in a more suitable colour for the figure. The torso and head are outstanding. Just look at the photo! The layering of browns, greys, and coppers create a deep and complex appearance. Re-creating the look of layers upon layers of mud and jungle is achieved without a single sloppy brush stroke or any colour bleeding. How the folks at NECA achieve this is beyond me. All the accessories feature great paint apps as well. The twine used to hold the knife on the spear has a nice metallic look and the pouch is a nice contrasting green. Once you look closely at the face you’ll notice even more incredible paint work. Arnie’s intense eyes were always a prominent feature in the movie and this figure does a great job capturing that intensity. The contrast between the mud on the face and the whites of the eyes really make them pop. The small bit of blood trickling from his lip is a great touch that shows off NECA’s attention to detail.

There really isn’t much more to say. This truly is an incredible action figure. The likeness of the character is near perfect, it comes loaded with accessories, features a rich paint scheme, and solid articulation. What else could you ask for? Jungle Disguise Dutch was released last year and had I picked it up then, it would have been my figure of the year (and I got quite a few great figures last year). As it stands though, it’ll probably be my pick for best figure of this year. There are plenty of great figures coming out but I can’t imagine anything coming together so perfectly as to challenge Dutch here. I have no idea how the artists (and they are artists) at NECA keep making such incredible figures. If I ever get the chance to meet Randy Falk I want to shake his hand and say thank you for everyone’s incredible work. This figure exemplifies all the things I love about this hobby and it is a welcome addition to my collection.

A Universe of Terror Drawn To One World… Aliens, Prometheus and Predator at Dark Horse

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Brett

Upper Deck & 20th Century Fox to Launch Alien, Predator and Firefly Products

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Brett

Upper Deck and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products announced today than fans of Alien, Predator and Firefly will soon be able to purchase trading cards, trading card games, stickers and sticker books inspired by the popular franchises. Upper Deck and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products continue to grow an already existing partnership offering film and television fans, collectors and gamers a merchandise collection true to the titles they love.

The first product to be released under the new agreement will be Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game. While the game can be played on its own, Upper Deck is working to incorporate certain elements from the Marvel Legendary Deck Building Game to be compatible with the new Alien game.

Upper Deck is planning to release additional trading card games for the three franchises, along with brand new lines of trading cards and stickers. Details and release dates for these products will be announced later this year.

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