Tag Archives: the thing

Around the Tubes

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The Thing #1

It’s new comic book day! What are you getting? What are you excited for? Sound off in the comments below! While you wait for comic shops to open, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web to start the day.

Kotaku – Japan’s Manga Piracy Crackdown Continues – This has been interesting to watch.

Good Housekeeping – 20 Best Graphic Novels for Kids of Every Reading Level – What would you add to the list?

Reviews

Toys Matrix – Grrl Scouts: Stone Ghost #1
Atomic Junk Shop – Meadowlark
Talking Comics – The Thing #1

Review: The Thing #1

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The Thing #1

The Thing #1 kicks off a new series that’s described as “sweeping.” And after reading the debut issue, it might be a bit too “sweeping.” The story has Ben Grimm embarking on a journey that has potential but doesn’t quite click for a first issue. It seems he’s having a bit of bad luck, he in fact might be cursed. That lands Grimm in trouble and a rift between himself and his love. We get the start of Ben’s journey, whatever that might be.

Written by Walter Mosley, The Thing # has a lot of potential but doesn’t quite get across exactly what it’s going for. There’s some interesting aspects, like what would Ben attempting to date be like and what a jail to hold him would be, but overall, the story has a choppiness about it. There isn’t a smooth narrative, instead it has its moments setting up what’s to come with the end result coming off more like a puzzle of which we’re missing some pieces.

A dark ominous figure overshadows the story. Who that is, isn’t really teased much. Why they’re doing what they’re doing isn’t as well. Instead, we just know there’s this enemy that’s manipulating events and making Ben have a really bad few days. It’s a setup but one that leaves a bit too much unanswered.

Tom Reilly‘s art is interesting. With color by Jordie Bellaire and lettering by Joe Sabino, it captures a sadness and frustration as far as what’s happening to Ben. There’s some scary moments that come off well and create enough of a visual tease to play off of the dialogue that only dangles further mysteries. The Thing looks great with a style about the comic that feels a bit like a riff on Jack Kirby.

The Thing #1 is an interesting start but not one that really excites. It has its moments and potential but there’s just too much that feels rather random or unexplained to really get the reader excited for what’s to come. There’s a clear threat but beyond being an annoyance, it doesn’t feel much like one. The Thing #1 might take the whole “thing” to heart a bit too much and feels like it leaves a lot of things hanging.

Story: Walter Mosley Art: Tom Reilly
Color: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.65 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Venom #1

Wednesdays (and now Tuesdays) are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.

Amazing Spider-Man #78 (Marvel) – “Beyond” has been a fantastic new storyline that has put Ben Reilly front and center and taken the series in an interesting direction.

Eternals #7 (Marvel) – Thanos is now in charge of the Eternals in this jumping-on point.

Ginseng Roots #9 (Uncivilized Comics) – Craig Thompson returns after a break to further dive into his childhood and growing up in the world of ginseng.

Mazebook #3 (Dark Horse) – This series follows a father who lost his daughter but is convinced she’s still out there, at the end of the maze in front of him.

My Date With Monsters #1 (AfterShock) – Dreams are now stalking the real world and Risa Harumi finds herself fighting monsters and finding true love.

Phenomx #1 (Image Comics) – A new comic series from John Leguizamo, we’re intrigued where this former prisoner who undergoes an experiment story goes.

The Recount (Scout Comics) – A controversial election. A nation split. An armed uprising. The series is collected and hits a bit too close to home.

Regarding the Matter of Oswald’s Body #1 (BOOM! Studios) – We’re always up for a solid conspiracy.

Robin & Batman #1 (DC Comics) – The early years of Batman and Robin from the perspective of Dick Grayson. It’s amazing.

The Thing #1 (Marvel) – We’re a sucker for stories staring The Thing.

Undiscovered Country #17 (Image Comics) – This series has kept us on our toes with every issue and we seriously have no idea where it’s going with each issue.

Venom #1 (Marvel) – Coming off an epic run, a new creative team is no onboard the series and we want to see what else can be done with this character who has become a pretty big player in the Marvel Universe.

What’s the Furthest Place From Here #1 (Image Comics) – This one is fantastic and the less we say, the better. Go out and get it, but hurry as we’re expecting it to sell out quickly.

Preview: The Thing #1

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The Thing #1

(W) Walter Mosley (A/CA) Tom Reilly
RATED T+
In Shops: Nov 10, 2021
SRP: $4.99

THE NEXT BIG THING BEGINS HERE!
Renowned storyteller Walter Mosley brings his signature style to a sweeping saga of Yancy Street’s favorite son that will range from the urban sprawl of the back alleys of Manhattan to the farthest reaches of the cosmos itself! A lonely evening and a chance encounter (or is it?) sends Ben Grimm embarking on a sojourn that will have him encountering – and battling – figures both old and new. Featuring guest appearances from figures drawn from throughout the Marvel Universe as well as precision artwork by Tom Reilly, THE NEXT BIG THING will remind audiences why the Thing is one of the most popular and beloved characters in the history of comics!

The Thing #1

Diamond Select Toys in Store This Week: The Fantastic Four, Ahsoka Tano and More!

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Diamond Select Toys has lots coming to stores this week! The Human Torch and the Thing team up to defeat Doctor Doom, Ahsoka Tano faces off with Asajj Ventress, and Iron Man and Rogue do whatever a couple of awesome busts do! Busts, action figures, statues… there’s a little bit of everything in this week’s offerings. It’s the best of all worlds!

Legends in 3D Marvel Comic Doctor Doom 1/2 Scale Bust 

A Diamond Select Toys release! Behold the magnificent visage of Doom! Victor Von Doom, ruler of Latveria, is a Legend among his people, and now he’s a Legend in 3D! This 10-inch bust depicts the monarch in scale, atop a castle pedestal decorated with Doom’s monogram, and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. Limited to only 3,000 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item #DEC202073, SRP: $175.00)

Legends in 3D Star Wars Ahsoka Tano Half-Scale Bust

A Gentle Giant Ltd. release! She’s one of the most popular characters in Star Wars fandom, and now Ahsoka Tano is a Legend in 3D! This approximately 10-inch bust captures the Jedi Knight in scale, atop a sculpted, lightsaber-inspired pedestal. Limited to only 1,000 pieces, she features detailed sculpting and paint applications, and comes packaged in a numbered, full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. (JAN211969, SRP: $175.00)

Marvel Animated Style Thing Statue 

A Gentle Giant Ltd. release! It’s clobberin’ time! The rocky curmudgeon of the Fantastic Four is now a super-adorable animated-style statue! Based on the variant cover artwork of Skottie Young, this action-packed piece shows Thing running into the fray, and stands approximately 4 inches tall. Limited to only 3,000 pieces, it features detailed sculpting and paint applications, and comes packed in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by Paul Harding! (Item # DEC202079, SRP: $49.99)

Marvel Animated X-Men Rogue Mini-Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! Mutant pride, shugah! Southern belle Rogue enters the fray as the newest bust based on X-Men: The Animated Series! Capturing the cartoon’s costume and colors, this approximately 6-inch tall, 1/7 scale bust sits on a grey pedestal and is in scale to the rest of the X-Men. Includes a numbered certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. Limited to 3,000 pieces. Designed by Barry Bradfield, sculpted by Paul Harding! (Item #NOV201956, SRP: $59.99)

Marvel Comic Iron Man 1/7 Scale Mini-Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! Iron Man flexes his technological might in this all-new bust based on Marvel Comics! Charging up a repulsor blast while extending various segments of his armor, this 1/7 scale bust stands approximately 6 inches tall atop a similarly armored pedestal base. Featuring detailed sculpting and paint applications, this resin bust is limited to 3,000 pieces, and comes packaged in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed by Nelson Asencio, sculpted by Juan Pitluk. (Item # DEC202077, SRP: $69.99)

Marvel Select Human Torch Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! Flame on! The Fantastic Four’s hot-headed member gets his first-ever Marvel Select action figure with this all-new release! Standing approximately 7 inches tall and featuring 16 points of articulation, this figure is cast in translucent material, and comes with interchangeable flame effects, a flight stand and a Golden Age Torch head! It comes packaged in display-ready Select packaging, with side-panel artwork for shelf reference. Designed by Eamon O’Donoghue, sculpted by Chris Dahlberg! (Item #NOV201958, SRP: $29.99)

Star Wars Clone Wars Asajj Ventress 1/6 Scale Mini-Bust 

A Gentle Giant Ltd. release! Asajj Ventress makes her long-awaited entrance to the 1/6 Scale Star Wars bust line from Gentle Giant Ltd.! The Sith wields her twin red lightsabers and includes a removable cloak, making her a necessary addition to any Star Wars bust collection. She stands approximately 6 inches tall, 8 inches with lightsabers. Limited to only 1,500 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. (Item #DEC202068, SRP: $120.00)

Novelist Walter Mosley Takes on The Thing for Marvel this November

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This fall, renowned storyteller Walter Mosley, known for his definitive and bestselling international work in mystery and crime fiction, brings his signature fiction writing style to a sweeping saga of Yancy Street’s favorite son in The Thing. The six-issue series debuts in November 2021.

Written by Mosley and with art by Tom Reilly, the story will range from the urban sprawl of the alleys of Manhattan to the furthest reaches of the cosmos itself. In The Thing, a lonely evening and a chance encounter (or is it?) sends Ben Grimm embarking on a sojourn that will have him confronting—and battling—figures both old and new.

Featuring guest appearances from throughout the Marvel Universe, as well as precision artwork by Reilly, THE NEXT BIG THING will remind audiences why The Thing is one of the most popular and beloved characters in the history of comics!

Don’t miss The Thing when it hits stands this November.

Diamond Select Toys New to Pre-Order: Vision, Scarlet Witch, Iron Giant, and More!

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It’s almost time for a new Previews catalog to arrive, full of new items from Diamond Select Toys and Gentle Giant Ltd., and here’s a sneak peek at what’s in it! In addition to a new figure based on the popular WandaVision series, and the first-ever set of G.I. Joe Minimates, there are products based on Marvel, Star Wars, The Crow, The Iron Giant, and Lord of the Rings! Read on for details, then pre-order through your local comic shop!

The Crow Movie Gallery Rooftop PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! Crouching on a rooftop, Eric Draven stalks his prey in this all-new Gallery Diorama based on the cult-favorite movie The Crow! With the Crow on his shoulder and steam circling his feet, this approximately 10-inch sculpture is made of high-quality PVC and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Caesar, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item #APR212361, SRP: $49.99)

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Minimates Series 1 FCBD Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! Yo, Joe! Who fights for freedom wherever there’s trouble? The all-new G.I. Joe Minimates line! Based on the popular Real American Hero looks, this first box set includes Snake Eyes, Scarlett, Storm Shadow and Cobra Commander, and it’s exclusively available to retailers participating in Free Comic Book Day! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and includes interchangeable parts and accessories, and all come packaged in a full-color blister card. Designed by Barry Bradfield! (Item #APR210053, SRP: $29.99)

Iron Giant Select Battle Mode Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Iron Giant attacks! Celebrate the dark side of the Iron Giant with this all-new action figure featuring gun hands, undented angry head and of course, light-up eyes!,This approximately 8.5-inch action figure features approximately 16 points of articulation and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. It comes packaged in our display-ready Select action figure packaging. (Item #APR212366, SRP: $29.99)

Lord of the Rings Deluxe Action Figures Series 3 Asst,

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Evil one has risen! Complete your 13-inch build-a-figure of Sauron with this, the third series of Lord of the Rings Deluxe action figures! Aragorn and a Moria Orc are the two figures in this series, each with weapons and accessories – the orc even includes alternate heads so you can customize different orcs! Each 7-inch scale figure features multiple points of articulation, as well as detailed sculpting and paint applications. Each comes packaged in a full-color Deluxe window box. Designed by Eamon O’Donoghue, sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios! (Item #APR212365, SRP: $29.99/ea.)

Marvel Animated Style Apocalypse Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! The first mutant makes his animated-style debut in this all-new statue based on the Marvel artwork of Skottie Young! Measuring approximately 4.5 inches tall and almost as wide, this detailed statue of X-Men foe Apocalypse features art-accurate paint applications, and comes on a simple black base. Limited to only 3,000 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by Paul Harding! (Item #APR212359, SRP: $59.99)

Marvel Comic Premier Collection Thing Resin Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! It’s clobberin’ time! The ever-loving blue-eyed Thing arrives in the Premier Collection as an all-new classically styled statue! The Fantastic Four’s rocky curmudgeon strikes a fighting pose in front of a poster announcing an upcoming wrestling match, and clocks in at about 9 inches tall. Featuring detailed sculpting and paint applications, this statue is limited to only 3,000 pieces and comes packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Designed by Caesar, hand-sculpted by Clayburn Moore! (Item #APR212360, SRP: $175.00)

Marvel Comic Gallery VS Vision PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Vision appears! A long-awaited addition to the Marvel Gallery line, this approximately 10.5-inch-tall sculpture of the synthezoid Avenger depicts the Vision on a battlefield base, phasing through a piece of rubble. Featuring detailed sculpting and paint applications, it comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Nelson X. Asencio, hand-sculpted by Jean St. Jean! (Item #APR212358, SRP: $49.99)

Marvel Select Scarlet Witch TV Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! It’s Wanda! The Scarlet Witch arrives in the Marvel Select action figure line with a figure based on her final look in the WandaVision Disney+ series! Measuring approximately 7 inches tall, Wanda wears her latest outfit, and comes packaged in the famous Select action figure packaging. It features 16 points of articulation, as well as detailed sculpting and paint applications and an interchangeable hooded head. Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios! (Item #APR212357, SRP: $29.99)

Star Wars Return of the Jedi Boba Fett Milestones 1/6 Scale Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! Boba is back! The recently revived bounty hunter is captured at his moment of triumph, in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, in this all-new 1/6 scale statue. Standing in Jabba’s throne room, blaster at the ready, Boba Fett measures approximately 12 inches tall and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. Limited to only 1,000 pieces, it comes packaged with a numbered certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. Sculpted by Joe Menna! (Item #APR212362, SRP: $250.00)

Star Wars Rebels Darth Maul 1/7 Scale Mini-Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Sith warrior is now the latest animated bust! Based on his appearance in the Star Wars: Rebels animated series, Darth Maul wields his double-bladed lightsaber in preparation of facing his Jedi opponents. Measuring approximately 6 inches tall, this 1/7 scale mini-bust features detailed sculpting and paint applications. Limited to only 3,000 pieces, it comes packaged with a numbered certificate of authenticity in a full-color window box. Designed by Barry Bradfield, sculpted by Paul Harding! (Item #APR212363, SRP: $59.99)

Star Wars Rise of Skywalker Emperor Palpatine 1/6 Scale Mini-Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! As seen in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the evil Emperor Palpatine returns! This all new 1/6 scale bust captures Sith lord Palpatine’s appearance in the latest Star Wars film, and stands approximately 7 inches tall. Limited to only 1500 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed by the Silva Bros., sculpted by Gentle Giant Ltd.! (Item #APR212364, SRP: $120.00)

Diamond Select Toys Summer Preview: Star Wars, Marvel, Tron and More!

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Summer is coming! Okay, not for a while, but if there’s one thing that will get you through the long, cold months, it’s images of the newest pre-orders from Diamond Select Toys and Gentle Giant Ltd.! Shipping this summer, new items from Marvel Comics, Godzilla, Tron, Mortal Kombat and Avatar: The Last Airbender are now up for pre-ordering thorugh your local comic shop and your favorite online retailers.

Avatar The Last Airbender Gallery Katara PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! Avatar: The Last Airbender is finding a new generation of fans on Netflix, and the Gallery Diorama line is targeting a new generation of collectors! This approximately 9-inch tall diorama of Katara depicts her wielding her waterbending powers as she stands in the middle of a mini-tsunami. Made of high-quality PVC, this diorama features detailed sculpting and paint applications, and features translucent water effects that catch the light. Packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Uriel Caton, sculpted by Salvador Gomes. (Item #DEC202071, SRP: $49.99)

Godzilla Gallery King Ghidorah 1991 PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! Hail to the King! King Ghidorah rises from the sea in this detailed diorama, a companion piece to the 1991 Godzilla diorama. Based on his appearance on the poster for Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, he measures approximately 11 inches tall. Display it with Godzilla to form a larger scene! It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Jorge Santos Souza. (Item #DEC202072, SRP: $89.99)

Legends in 3D Marvel Comic Doctor Doom 1/2 Scale Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! Behold the magnificent visage of Doom! Victor Von Doom, ruler of Latveria, is a Legend among his people, and now he’s a Legend in 3D! This 10-inch bust depicts the monarch in ½ scale, atop a castle pedestal decorated with Doom’s monogram, and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. Limited to only 1,000 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item # DEC202073, SRP: $175.00)

Marvel Animated Style Thing Statue

A Gentle Giant Ltd. release! It’s clobberin’ time! The rocky curmudgeon of the Fantastic Four is now a super-adorable animated-style statue! Based on the variant cover artwork of Skottie Young, this action-packed piece shows Thing running into the fray, and stands approximately 4 inches tall. Limited to only 3,000 pieces, it features detailed sculpting and paint applications, and comes packed in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by Paul Harding! (Item # DEC202079, SRP: $49.99)

Marvel Comic Iron Man 1/7 Scale Mini-Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! Iron Man flexes his technological might in this all-new bust based on Marvel Comics! Charging up a repulsor blast while extending various segments of his armor, this 1/7 scale bust stands approximately 6 inches tall atop a similarly armored pedestal base. Featuring detailed sculpting and paint applications, this resin bust is limited to 3,000 pieces, and comes packaged in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed by Nelson Asencio, sculpted by Juan Pitluk. (Item # DEC202077, SRP: $69.99)

Marvel Comic Gallery Firestar PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! This Gallery Diorama is smoking hot! Depicting New Warrior, Avenger and Spider-Man amazing friend Firestar, this sculpture shows her soaring into the sky, fire at her fingertips. Measuring approximately 10 inches tall, this dynamic figure is made of high-quality PVC and  features detailed sculpting and paint applications; the flames are cast in translucent material to catch the light. It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Uriel Caton, sculpted by Alejandro Pereira. (Item # DEC202075, SRP: $49.99)

Marvel Comic Premier Collection Sabretooth Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! The claws are out! This approximately 10-inch tall statue of Wolverine foe Sabretooth shows the assassin in his classic costume, hunting his prey across a rocky, snowy landscape. Made of high-quality resin, this statue features detailed sculpting and paint applications. It is limited to only 3,000 pieces and comes packaged in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed by Nelson Asencio, hand-sculpted by Clayburn Moore. (Item # DEC202076, SRP: $200.00)

Marvel Comics Minimates Series 80 Espionage Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! It’s the landmark 80th series of Marvel Minimates, and we’re celebrating with a packed wave of fan demands! Since 2003, the line has captured hundreds of Marvel characters, but there are still plenty to make, and this wave delivers! Frequent fan requests Deathlok, Mockingbird, Ghost and Constrictor are joined by Spider-Woman in her second outfit and Iron Man in his stealth armor – an updated throwback to one of the first Minimates ever released! Each 2-inch mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and fully interchangeable parts and comes in a pack of two. Designed by Barry Bradfield!  (Item # DEC202078, SRP: $9.99/ea,)

Marvel Select Titanium Man Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! One of the most requested Marvel Select action figures is now a reality! Despite being one of Iron Man’s oldest and deadliest foes, the Titanium Man has never been captured in his classic appearance as an action figure. Now, this 9.5” figure will fill a massive hole in fans’ collections! Featuring 16 points of articulation, this figure features an interchangeable Boris Bullski head, interchangeable hands, and clip-on energy effects. It comes packaged in display-ready Select action figure packaging with side-panel artwork for shelf reference. Designed by Yuri Tming, sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios! (Item # DEC202074, SRP: $29.99)

Mortal Kombat Gallery Raiden PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Kombat continues! The next entry in the knockout Mortal Kombat line of Gallery Dioramas is none other than Raiden himself, protector of Earth! Based on his appearance in the original 1992 video game, this approximately 10-inch diorama sees him drawing up electricity from the earth to launch a lightning attack! Made of high-quality PVC, it features detailed sculpting and paint applications, and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Nelson Asencio, sculpted by Salvador Gomes. (Item # DEC202070, SRP: $49.99)

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker C-3PO & Babu Frik 1/6 Scale Bust

A Gentle Giant Ltd. release! C-3PO gets a tune-up in the newest 1/6 scale Star Wars bust from Gentle Giant Ltd.! With Babu Frik on his shoulder and his wiring exposed to the world, C-3PO measures approximately 6 inches tall, and is a necessary addition to any Star Wars bust collection. Limited to only 1,500 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. (Item # DEC202069, SRP: $120.00)

Star Wars Clone Wars Asajj Ventress 1/6 Scale Mini-Bust

A Gentle Giant Ltd. release! Asajj Ventress makes her long-awaited entrance to the 1/6 Scale Star Wars bust line from Gentle Giant Ltd.! The Sith wields her twin red lightsabers and includes a removable cloak, making her a necessary addition to any Star Wars bust collection. She stands approximately 6 inches tall, 8 inches with lightsabers. Limited to only 1,500 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. (Item #DEC202068, SRP: $120.00)

Tron Electronic Arcade-Style Action Figures Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! Greetings Programs, welcome to the world of Tron!  Straight out of Flynn’s arcade comes Diamond Select’s newest box set from the 1982 landmark motion picture Tron.

This exclusive action figure packaging is inspired by the actual vintage 1980’s Tron arcade machine. This electronic boxset showcases Tron and Sark’s final showdown as Flynn plunges into the Master Control Program’s core to return to the real world.   

The arcade-styled packaging features a full light-up Tron marquee, an authentic replica of the Tron arcade joystick and two different UV light sequences. The multiple flashing multicolored LEDs and ultraviolet lights are activated by either pressing the Player 1 or Player 2 start buttons located on top of the replica arcade control console.   

This Tron boxset comes packed with 7″ collectors scale action figures of Tron, Sark and Flynn, featuring 16 points of articulation with identity disc accessories and UV reflective paint which glows, when electronics in the package are activated. The Tron Electronic Arcade Style Boxset includes batteries and stands over 16 inches tall and over 11 inches wide. Final product may vary.

Figures designed by Yuri Tming and sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios. Packaging design by David Forrest of Kinetic Underground. (Item #MAR208005, SRP: $120.00)

The Thing Enters Kabam’s Marvel Contest of Champions

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It’s clobberin’ time! The “Thing” has officially made his way to Kabam’s Marvel Contest of Champions! Join THIS MAN…THIS MONSTER event quest and stay tuned as other Fantastic Four characters will be added into the game throughout the year.

Benjamin Grimm, also known as “Thing”, served as the pilot on the starship expedition led by Reed Richards. During the voyage, the ship encountered unprecedented levels of radiation, granting the crew extraordinary powers. Ben gained incredible physical strength, and his body was covered in a flexible, rock-like hide. After returning to earth, the team banded together to form the Fantastic Four.

The Champion’s spotlight is here if you’d like to know about this character’s abilities and stats.

Review: Fantastic Four #1

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After a three year absence, the book that kicked off the Marvel Universe is back sort of in Fantastic Four #1. Dan Slott, Sara Pichelli, Elisabetta D’Amico, and Marte Gracia’s first issue doesn’t have Marvel’s First Family fighting Mole Man or the Trapster just yet and creates a slow build to the reunion. However, there is plenty of sweetness, comedy, and a little of bit of familial strife along the way as Slott and Pichelli play in-universe with reader expectations about the team reuniting and the oil and water dynamic of the Human Torch and the ever loving blue eyed Thing. They do have a quite funny flashback to a “forgotten” adventure of the Fantastic Four that asks as a proof of concept that shows that Slott call pull off all the voices of the bickering, yet loving sitcom family with superpowers. In addition to this, Slott, Simone Bianchi, and Marco Russo craft a Dr. Doom backup story that is a little more traditionalist than his recent appearances in Invincible Iron Man and Marvel Two-in-One,  and there’s also a super fun and quite metafictional one page backup drawn by Skottie Young and colored by Jeremy Treece.

For her work on Fantastic Four #1, Sara Pichelli brings a looser, almost more playful art style that still shows emotions and body language in a fluid way with the help of inker Elisabetta D’Amico and colorist Marte Gracia. Even though he’s made of rocks, Pichelli’s take on The Thing is lively and utterly human. Beneath his ungainly movements, he’s a loving man, and the scene where he proposes to his long time girlfriend Alicia Masters is sentimental without being sappy. Dan Slott writes The Thing as maybe giving up on seeing Reed, Sue, Valeria, and Franklin ever again, but he still has a family in Alicia and Johnny. However, The Thing and the Human Torch aren’t always loving BFFs, and Gracia shows the subtle difference in the Torch’s flame when he’s going off in action and when he flies off the handle after Ben asks him to be his best man. This scene shows that there’s still tension in Ben and Johnny’s relationship in an organic, not drama for the sake of drama way and even builds off the way that Chip Zdarsky has written them in Marvel Two-in-One where Ben knows that Sue and Reed are lost forever while giving Johnny a false sense of hope that they’re somewhere in the multiverse.

Johnny still believes the Fantastic Four will reunite and immediately flames on to where their sign shoots off in the sky with a flare gun like in the original Fantastic Four #1. Of course, it’s just a prank, but it’s foreshadowing to a grander, earned moment all overlaid in a beautiful blue by Marte Gracia like hope in the midst of despair. And hope and family are major themes throughout Dan Slott and Sara Pichelli’s story in Fantastic Four #1. Even if Ben and Johnny don’t interact with Ben and Sue, they share plenty of moments with the “extended” Fantastic Four family, including Wyatt Wingfoot, Jennifer Walters, and the aforementioned Alicia Masters. Johnny and Wyatt take in a Mets game, and Slott engages in what is either queer subtext or queer baiting using the stadium kiss cam while Jen pops up later to flirt with Wyatt and also legally represent the Yancy Street kids who set off the false Fantastic Four flare. Slott modernizes the relationship between the Thing and what was formerly known as the Yancy Street gang making him kind of a community leader instead of the participant in an endless Itchy and Scratchy situation.

Other than the poetic ending, the best moment of Fantastic Four #1 is the flashback sequence where the Fantastic Four and supporting cast find their way back to New York City through the power of Johnny singing the Wayne Newton standard, “Danke Schoen”. It’s funny, cheesy, heartwarming, and adventurous all at once like the best Fantastic Four stories. This is thanks to some little details emphasized by Pichelli like the way Reed cranes his neck when explain the quantum science or whatever of this karaoke journey home situation and then immediately retracts when he doesn’t want to out and out say that Sue isn’t the greatest singer. There’s also time for some transcendent beauty in the midst of screwball comedy: a Marte Gracia colored cosmic flame in the deep blue night sky that even Alicia, who is blind, can see. This little adventure shows the Fantastic Four are about science as well as deep human wonder through the vessel of a family ensemble.

Slott, Simone Bianchi, and Marco Russo’s Dr. Doom backup story creates a different kind of wonder, and the baroque severeness of Bianchi’s art easily contrasts with the cosmic smoothness, yet expressive cartooning of Sara Pichelli and Elisabetta D’Amico. It’s a back to basics Doom story as one of his former subjects pays a visit to the half-abandoned Doomstadt (There’s lots of Doombots per usual.) and asks him to liberate Latveria from one of the many stop gap authoritarian regimes that have been in place since he left them to play hero/Iron Man. And the way Slott writes Doom and Bianchi draws him is the complete opposite of the “Infamous Iron Man” as his face is no longer pretty, and he’s ready to rule with an iron grip and an iron mask. Like the main story of Fantastic Four #1, the Doom backup is about hope and symbols, but it’s a dark and twisted mirror to Marvel’s First Family.

Fantastic Four #1 is nothing short of a triumphant return for Marvel’s first superhero team. Dan Slott hits a nice balance between tearing heart strings, broad humor, and the wonders of the universe in his script while also crafting an aura of mystery and terror in the Dr. Doom backup story with Simone Bianchi and Marco Russo. In the visual department, Sara Pichelli shows why she is one of Marvel’s best and versatile artists hitting all the smaller, yet very important character beats as well as the big spreads and “Flame on!” moments.

Whether you’ve been reading the title since 1961 or this is your first FF adventure, Fantastic Four #1 is definitely worth your $5.99.

Story: Dan Slott Pencils: Sara Pichelli Inks: Sara Pichelli with Elisabetta D’Amico
Colors: Marte Gracia Backup Art: Simone Bianchi, Skottie Young
Backup Colors: Simone Bianchi and Marco Russo, Jeremy Treece Letters: Joe Caramagna
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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