Issue 19 : Saturday 2nd April, 2016
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New Who New Mez co New Turt les LOTS of Aliens
We didn’t have to wait too long for our first glimpse of how NECA will be interpreting the Kenner figure from 1992… Facehugger Friday saw NECA tease this card insert from the Kenner inspired Ripley. It pretty much confirms the intent to copy the attire of the 90’s Ripley, with purple shirt and yellow scarf. The headsculpt looks to be a re-use of one of the Ripley sculpts already in circulation. Most likely the Aliens version. Tuesday the 29th of March, and you could almost hear the cry of excitement when Twentieth Century Fox put out the full details for the inaugural Alien Day. Alien day will fall on the 26th of April, a spin on LV426 where the Aliens originated from in Alien and that was revisited in Aliens, renamed to Acheron by that point. Alien Day will predominantly take place online via social channels and will include an online Trivia quiz with Alien prizes to give away. The day will also be supported by a whole wealth of merchandise from such companies as Funko, Hot Toys, Medicom and of course NECA.
Newt is one of the main protagonists of Aliens, a survivor from the main Alien assault on Hadley's hope. Played by Carrie Henn, we already know that Newt will come packed with Casey - her plastic dolls head - as per this teased image that NECA have put up.
It also looks like Lt. Ripley (Space Marine) will also make an immediate re-use of the Smart Gun that we will come with Vasquez. And to top it all off, the pack will include a Dark Horse comic - a pack-in that NECA have used previously on a Predator release.
You can read the full press release over the page. But from this point we will focus in on the NECA releases, which for the first time EVER will include the addition of a Lieutenant Vasquez and a Newt into their Alien 7" series. It isn't fully clear how these figures will manifest on the 26th of April. NECA have said however they won't be available at this time to purchase. It is therefore reasonable to expect the 26th to simply be the full reveal for the figures and perhaps pre-orders to go live on this date from one of the main Alien Day partners, such as Big Bad Toy Store.
Vasquez is one of the two Smart-gunners from the 1986 sequel Aliens, played by Jenette Goldstein who had up to this point always been resistant to her likeness as an action figure. The release of Vasquez does give clarity on where the teased picture of a 7" scale smart gun from earlier in the year will fit in. Also announced is another Ripley figure, who will be a Kenner inspired release. Following on from how NECA have interpreted Predator's from Kenner, we would assume that the release will be along a similar theme to the 1990's figure seen below - but in a realistic style and using the Weaver head-sculpt.
Here at the Mephitsu Archives we will be taking part in Alien Day with a top 10 countdown of the NECA Alien figures released to date. You can shape this Top 10 now by visiting our poll and choosing your top 3 figures. The poll will close on the 25th of April and then across the 26th we will be posting the Top 10 in reverse order via our webpage - and via Twitter and Facebook.
Fox Consumer Products has teamed with an impressive portfolio of licensing partners; showcasing everything from unique apparel to exclusive comic books to high-end collectables. One of the most-requested licensed products, the Reebok Alien Stomper worn by Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, as well as the mid tops worn by Lance Henrikson as the Android Bishop, are being released by Reebok in limited edition to mark ALIEN DAY. The iconic movie sneakers will be available beginning April 26th at Reebok.com and select Reebok stores worldwide. Other ALIEN products include the following: ● ● ● ●
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Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products announced today an out-of-this-world global celebration of the ALIEN franchise culminating with a special 24 hour, fan-focused social media event on April 26th – a nod to LV-426, the planet from the iconic ALIEN films. ALIEN DAY (#AlienDay426) to encompass a wide range of executions including nationwide screenings, never-before-seen consumer product activations and the kickoff of the ALIEN: Ultimate Trivia Challenge, allowing fans to test their ALIEN knowledge – with the chance to win memorable prizes every 42.6 minutes on Twitter.
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NECA announces the first ever Lieutenant Vasquez (Jenette Goldstein) and Newt (Carrie Henn) figure; as well as the release of a Kenner toy-Inspired Ellen Ripley figure FUNKO will release an ALIENS Queen & Power Loader and Ripley figure set in the tradition of their wildly popular ReAction retro action figure series HOT TOYS – The Hong Kong-based collectible manufacturer is announcing an all-new ALIEN Ripley 1/6th figure KOTOBUKIYA – The Japanese manufacturer unleashes an assortment of highly detailed collectables this spring including a 1:10 scale Warrior Drone ARTFX+ statue from ALIENS and mini "Big Chap" figurines posed to strike up conversation around your home or office! SUPER 7 – The San Francisco based designer toy and apparel company has developed several toys in honor of the ALIEN DAY: ALIEN Muscle figures on card; ALIEN ReAction carrying case with exclusive ALIEN figure; Nostromo playset Kit Bash kit; Japanese vinyl Queen and ALIENS Glassware LOOT CRATE – The monthly mystery subscription box for pop culture fans will launch a limited-edition ALIENS 30th Anniversary crate on 4/26 filled with exclusive merchandise, collectibles and more from all core licensee partners. HOLLYWOOD COLLECTIBLES to release a large-scale model of the Derelict from Alien, molded from an original model that H.R. Giger created for an exhibition in Las Vegas MEDICOM TOY – Japan-based toy company MEDICOM TOY will release VCD (vinyl super deformed) ALIEN figure and retro style ALIEN figure via Diamond Comics DARK HORSE COMICS expounds upon Brian Wood and Tristan Jones’ ongoing ALIENS comic book series with exclusive covers for participating retailers and a deluxe 30th anniversary hardcover version of the original ALIENS series from 1986 USAopoly – Launches a pair of classic board games with a thrilling twist: YAHTZEE ALIEN VS PREDATOR and CLUE: ALIEN VS PREDATOR TITAN BOOKS launches the brand-new novel Alien: Invasion (The Rage War book 2) by Tim Lebbon INSIGHT EDITIONS – The illustrated pop culture book publisher will release the trade edition of the Weyland-Yutani Report THE UPPER DECK COMPANY – The leading trading card company will launch ALIENS Anthology Collector Trading Card and the ALIENS “Vs” Trading Card Game system DC ENTERTAINMENT – Together with Dark Horse Comics, DC Entertainment will re-release the fan-favorite Batman VS ALIEN comics for the first time in over a decade FRIGHT RAGS – Horror apparel retailer Fright Rags will release limited edition ALIEN-themed apparel Available on Audible; a brand new audio drama, Alien: Out of the Shadows - starring Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner and Batman Begins) in his first audio role, Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter film series) and Corey Johnson (The Bourne Ultimatum) is a terrifying fight for survival and an intense struggle between human and artificial intelligence.
In addition, the Alamo Drafthouse is producing a nationwide screening program on April 26th returning the ALIEN franchise to theaters across the country. In over 20 cities, including Austin, New York, Los Angeles and Dallas, participating Alamo locations as well as partner venues will showcase a double-feature presentation of ALIEN and ALIENS. In Alamo locations, each pre-ordered ticket includes a Mondo-designed ALIEN T-shirt, released exclusively for the event screenings. Additionally, the screenings will be accompanied by exclusive ALIEN merchandise— including apparel, accessories, posters and records—from pop-culture company Mondo. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, to find a full list of participating theaters, visit http://AlamoAliens.com. ALIEN: Ultimate Trivia Challenge The hallmark of ALIEN DAY will be a 24-hour Twitter contest. Every 42.6 minutes a new ALIEN trivia question will be presented via the official Alien Anthology twitter account, @AlienAnthology. In advance of the contest kickoff, beginning at 12 AM ET on April 26th, fans will need to pre-register their Twitter handle at ALIEN Anthology (http: //AlienAnthology.com). Each trivia question (35 in a 24-hour cycle) will have various prize packages from 20th Century Fox’s ALIEN franchise licensing partners. To qualify to win the corresponding prize, participants must “Reply” to the initial “question tweet,” correctly answer the question, and use the #AlienDay426 and #Contest hashtags. A winner (or “winners” when multiple prizes are offered) will be selected for each of the questions. Please refer to "Official Rules" for additional detail.
The highly-anticipated ALIEN: COVENANT, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Michael Fassbender, will be released in August 2017 by Twentieth Century Fox.
Mezco released a number of promotional images this week for their One:12 Collective Punisher. The images were released as part of a brilliant "behind the scenes" article which follows the figure from concept to final production. To tie in with the DVD/Bluray release of Star Wars, The Force Awakens, Disney stores will be re-releasing the Disney Elite die-cast figures.
There is no denying Mezco Toyz are undergoing a resurgence at present, particularly with the launch of their highly sought after One:12 Collective figures. But as well as the very high end 1/12 figures, Mezco are continuing their bread & butter lines that served them so well in the early 2000's. The latest addition to that is a 5" scale Chucky figure from Child's Play.
In the US that is scheduled for the 5th of April (next week), while if the UK is going to follow suit we will have to wait until the 18th of April.
Chucky will retail at $21 in the US and pre-orders are already being taken direct from Mezco for US customers with delivery due in September/October. UK price is likely going to be a straight £20 upwards, and we will watch for UK pre-orders going live.
All 6 limited original & prequel trilogy figures will be re-released, and within the re-release the Boba Fett will be updated to now include a cape - an omission in the first release.
Frank Castle, aka the Punisher. His path for vengeance and justice is a dark and brutal journey. When the One: 12 Collective team was designing the figure we wanted to show visually that he has been through a lot and that he is capable of dispensing even more.
CLICK HERE to go direct to the Mezco pre-order page, and while you are there checkout the larger 15" talking version if you really want a Chucky to give you nightmares...
There is still speculation that we may also get a Force Awakens red-armed C-3PO, but as yet this is nothing more than a handful of rumors. It does however make sense considering Disney have paid for both the C-3PO and R2-D2 sculpts and yet only released them as part of the limited to 500 units D23 set. Anyone who remembers the wording of the D23 set will remember that they stated the droids were limited in terms their appearance indicating variants of the droids were planned all along. Click the image below to read the full story over at Nerdist.com
"Hi, I’m Chucky, wanna play?" Chucky, the homicidal doll possessed by the spirit of Charles Lee Ray — a serial killer better known as "The Lakeshore Strangler" — is the latest addition to our ever-expanding line of Chucky merchandise. Our designers have created an all new sculpt in an all new 5" scale that not only captures the look of Chucky, but the very essence of his redhaired menace. Every detail has been captured, from his classic coveralls to his striped shirt. His glistening, insane eyes, his sneering lips, and his shocking red hair make this the most evil and iconic Chucky action figure ever. The Chucky 5" action figure features not only two film accurate weapons — a gun and knife — but two sets of arms as well! Choose your weapon, and then attach the appropriate arms for dynamic and versatile poses. Chucky is packaged on a display friendly blister card so he can watch you and plan his attack!
In a week where Aliens is grabbing all the headlines, NECA have snuck in this image for #Prednesday. This packaged sample is the Temple Guard, part of Series 15 the 2nd consecutive wave that will be based on Predator's from the Alien vs Predator movie. Series 15 is due sometime in May 2016, and you can click through the link to pre-order this, and many other NECA goodies, from our affiliate partner Forbidden Planet.
WhoNA have shared this image as a new Dr Who 5" set coming to them later in 2016, and to B&M stores here in the UK. The three pack contains a repack of the Delgado Master. A blue coated variant 3rd Doctor from Invasion of the Dinosaurs. And a variant Jo Grant who looks to be from the Time Monster. As a B&M set, the UK price should be favourable with previous 3 pack ringing up at just £12.99 - although I suspect this one will actually start around £20 And just in case we hadn’t had our fill of Alien news this week, NECA shared this cardback image of their upcoming Series 8 figures. There is no detail on the card-back regarding the two versions of the Dog Alien - who will come in gray as well as the original brown colouring. There has also been no more news regarding the molten version of the Dog Alien that NECA were considering adding in as a chase figure.
Secret of the Ooze US collectors will be in Turtle heaven later his year with these Walmart exclusive releases. Announced this week via Toy News International, the range will contain all four of the turtles in a new boxed packaging and based on their look from the Secret of the Ooze feature.
Issue 20, and we will be talking to the man behind
Each pack comes with weaponry and four head options, each with a specific expression. At this stage there is no detail if these will make their way over the pond. The chances of a UK release are better than usual for a US exclusive due to it being Walmart who may chose to translate the exclusive over to Asda in the UK. For now Turtle fans may need to make friends with a US collector. Click through the image for the full story and galery over at Toynewsi.com