Uggo

Well well well. One of my predictions came true. Hot Toys is producing Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow.

I would just like to say that this figure is just blergh. I know what most of you might say that this is just the prototype that yeah it might come out different once the design has been finalized but man this is one uggo figure. At first glance you can't even tell if its Scarlett or Angelina Jolie. If you go closer you might find some sort of resemblance to Scarlett but as Randy Jackson would say "sorry but I just ain't feeling it dawg". And I'm not loving the open mouth thing she's got going on.

This will be an easy pass for me. Thanks Hot Toys but no thanks. Now let's see what other of my predictions will come true, hehe!

Read on...

God of Thunder

Oh My Odin! Thor!!! Nuff' said

Read on...

The Losers

A lot of smaller scale comic book titles are mushrooming out into the silver screen some good and some bad. Kick Ass, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World just to name a few. The Losers is based on the DC Vertigo comic book series of the same title.


I'm always wary of films like these but I would always go in the cinema with an open mind. So I went to catch the movie last weekend and boy I wasn't disappointed! It's actually a decent movie. I'm not talking about Oscar nomination or things like that but The Losers was entertaining and that's exactly what movies should be; entertaining.

I know a lot of hates out there are complaining about us dissing Transformers 2 being a big pile of manure but that was exactly it. I'm not expecting a good script, nor Academy award performances. I just wanted to see big giant robots kick the living crap out of each other but all I got most of the movie was a whiny kid with his dumb girlfriend and 2 questionably stereotypically racist robots.

Anyway back to The Losers. It's a good all round movie. Its got comedy, good action sequence, and one steamy sex scene. All the ingredients you need to make a decent movie. Think Ocean's 11 meets Snatch meets the A-Team and you got yourselves The Losers. I know some might say its been done before and there's nothing new or innovative about the movie. It just follows the exact same formula as any action movie. The protagonist will always be an ex of some kind (CIA, FBI, Spec Ops, Marines etc), go and save the world literally single handed and they get the girl in the end. Same old same old. But if its not broken why fix it innit?

The Losers is one solid movie and I believe is going to be one of those sleeper hits of 2010. Seriously go and watch!

Pop Culture Junkie's Must-Watch-O-Meter : 7.5 over 10

Read on...

Capitalism

"Good thing comes to those who wait..." BUT "The early bird catches the early worm..."

Ok ok. Enough of the expressions. Down to business. Now we all know that Ironman 2 is around the corner and Hot Toys is busy churning out figures for the movie. So far we've seen War Machine, Whiplash and the Mark IV. So that's 3 figures so far. SO FAR. But as always we collectors can expect more products from a certain franchise if the merchandise license holder feels that the property will be a huge hit, why not milk it for what it's worth right?

So to my count, Hot Toys will be producing at least 4 more figures (plus 4 more maybes) for the Ironman 2 series. Question is, which ones? I'm just speculating here but here's my short list of what we can expect from Hot Toys:

1. Mark V (The suit that resembles an unfinished Silver Centurion suit)
2. Mark VI(The updated Silver Centurion suit but without the silver)
3. Those War Machine knockoffs (Justin Hammer's mass producing those in a Proton factory somewhere)
4. Probably a variant of one of the abovementioned suits including the ones that have been announced
5. A variant of the Mark II (It did make an appearance in the movie)
   
6. Maybe even Tony Stark in his racing outfit (wouldn't be suprised if they did)
7. Samuel L Jackson as S.H.I.E.L.D numero uno Nick Fury
8. Scarlett Johansson as Natalia Romanova a.k.a The Black Widow
   

Having said that, collectors everywhere will start to ask the question "Should I buy now or should I wait for another version of the same model?" (See how my opening line makes sense now?). As for me, its pretty simple. I'm just going to get the first one of each. War Machines's a no brainer seeing that this is his first outing we won't be seeing a variant version anytime soon. I might even consider picking up Nick Fury. But other than that whatever variants Hot Toys might cook up after I think I'll pass.

How about you guys? Buy now or wait?

Read on...

Hot Damn Marvelous Toys

With the recent announcement made by Hot Toys that they had acquired the license to produce Marvel Comics characters, I was ecstatic. I was happier than a fat man on free donuts day at the bakery. I had high hopes for this merry marriage of the 2 pop culture giants. What's not to get excited about? 2 of my major loves; 1:6 figures and comics. Comics and toys were my world growing up as a kid.

I grew up with Marvel comics, reading and buying them as a lil lad and still collecting them till this day. From Spider-man to the X-men, Avengers and Invaders, I even had Spider-Ham comics! (I'm not making this up, google it up if ya don't believe me hehe!). I was just drawn to the Marvel universe. At one point in time I did try to venture out to other publications (my "I-wanna-be-different" phase) during the big fall out at Marvel where Todd McFarlane, Rob Liefield, Jae Lee, Jim Lee and a few others decided to pack up and leave Marvel to start their own publication. I was a huge follower of McFarlane back then, so I started picking up Spawn. It had a decent storyline and McFarlane was a good artist/writer but when Greg Capullo took over penciling duties from McFarlane I was hooked. I think I was up to issue 78-79 when things started to get lame. I dropped the book completely and went cold turkey with comics. (Marvel wasn't doing too well at that point, facing bankruptcy and possible close down) The stories they were coming up with were utter nonsense. The Clone Saga? Really? That was crap. They manage to bastardize your friendly neighbourhood webhead and turn the entire thing into a circus. The people at Marvel still joke about the saga till this day. They even drop jokes in the comics sometimes.

Even so, I was always drawn back to Marvel. It was hard not to cos I grew up with the characters and to know and love them as a kid. I started picking up Marvel titles again a few years back and have been continuing collecting ever since. So now that Hot Toys has the license to produce Marvel characters, I'm psyched to see what figures they will produce. I have faith in Hot Toys to pull off a good job. Their first outing under the Marvel license would be Blade from Blade 2 the movie. Wise choice with the character. Tho a small time player in the Marvel Universe, the movie was off the chain. It proved Marvel that they can make good superhero movies which lead them to greenlight the Spider-man and X-Men movies. And let's face it, Blade is one cool cat. As for the figure, what else can I say other than it is one stunning mother father! (I'll review mine when I have time to actually snap the damn thing, hehe!).

Character choices are just as important as actually making them. Hopefully Hot Toys will do justice to the franchise. So to help point Hot Toys in the right direction, here are is wishlist of Marvel characters that I pray Hot Toys will produce. So without further ado I present to you;

The Pop Culture Junkie's Marvel Hot Toys Wishlist

Captain America (Steve Rogers)

Captain America, the ultimate American hero. Steve Rogers took part in the Super Soldier program by the US in an effort to create the ultimate soldier. Steve Rogers emerged from the program with a body as perfect as a body can be and still be human.

Captain America is one figure Hot Toys should invest in. I mean come on, its Captain America. Greatest hero who isn't a superhero. He'd hold his ground against the Skrulls and give Ironman a beat down of his life.

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter: 10/10



WW II Captain America (Steve Rogers)

Whats more cooler that Captain America in his costume? Captain America in his WWII duds that's what! Sporting his classic crest shield and US Army standard issue combat helmet, this figure could kick ass! I know there have been kit bashes before this but I want Hot Toys' magic hands to craft this one.

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter: 9/10







Captain America (Bucky Barns )

Once Captain America's sidekick, James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes now holds the mantle of the fallen Captain America. Presumed dead by Cap, Bucky became the Winter Soldier under the USSR due to his memory loss. He eventually was freed of the mind control.

Need I say more why Hot Toys should make this figure? Just check out the costume design by Alex Ross himself.

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter: 8/10





Iron Spider (Peter Parker)

During the Secret Invasion crisis, the then S.H.I.E.L.D director Tony Stark ordered all super beings to register themselves to the government. Some followed and some retaliated. Peter Parker was one of the first super human to register and openly reveal his identity to the world. As a show of gesture, Tony hired Peter to be his personal bodyguard. Tony created a new suit for Peter to use, and a new name to go with it; Iron Spider!

I wanna see Hot Toys pull this one off. I reaahhly want them to make this one!

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter: 10/10


Cyclops (Scott Summers)

One of the original X-Men, Cyclops learned a lot with Professor Xavier's guidance. Due to the trauma of losing his parents and separation from his brother, Cyclops can't really control his optic blast. Hence the visors.

I really love the new Cyclops. Ever since the events of The House of M, Cyclops has been one bad ass mofo. He's not the sissy Cyk of yesteryear, he's so bad ass now Wolverine actually listens to him without questioning! And Im digging the new costume

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter: 8/10



Prelate Summers (Scott Summers AoA)

During the Age of Apocalypse (AoA) storyline, ol Cyks here is one of the bad guys. Him and his brother Havoc run the show under their "father" Mister Sinister. Oh yeah and Beast does weird experiments on people. Neat.

This version of Cyclops is just to good to pass. He's one of the baddies, he lost one eye to Wolverine and the costume is cool.

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter: 8/10





Cyclops (Scott Summers)

Jim Lee designed this Cyclops costume. Nuff said!

PS: Medicom's version sucked balls!

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter: 8.5/10









Angel (Warren Worthington III)

Also one of the original X-Men, Warren grew up in the school that Xavier build. Gifted with wings, Warren mutant powers also include healing factor. I don't think Hot Toys has ever done a winged figure yet so this could be their experiment. Heh!

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter: 8.5/10








Archangel (Warren Worthington III)

Angel was kidnapped by Apocalypse. Wanting him to lead his 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse as Death, Apocalypse manipulated Angel's DNA. With blue skin and razor sharped wings, Angel now became Archangel.

Winged figure. METALIC winged figure. Too cool for Hot Toys to pass on.

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter: 10/10





Apocalypse (En Sabah Nur)

Believed to be the first ever mutant, Apocalypse was a true believer of Social Darwinist philosophy of the survival of the fittest. By far one of the baddest, illest villains Marvel Universe has ever conjured up!

Come on, its Apocalypse here! A must!

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter: 9/10







Apocalypse (AoA)

In a world where Charles Xavier never lived to form the X-Men, Apocalypse ruled the world with an iron fist where only the strong survived!

Cool alternative to the original.

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter:7/10







Planet Hulk

Banished from earth by the Illuminati, Hulk crash landed on the planet Sakaar only to be captured and made a gladiator for the Red King's entertainment. Hulk eventually freed himself after the Silver Surfer destroyed the obedience slug controlling the gladiators.

Hulk + Gladiator outfit + big ass shield and mace = Cool Ass!

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter:10/10






Colossus (Peter Rasputin)

Born and raised in Russia, Peter Rasputin's awesome mutant abilities to change his skin to organic metal makes him one bad ass mother trucker!

If Hot Toys can pull this one off with real metal I'm buying their stocks!

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter:9/10






Magneto (Eric Magnus Lehnsher)

One of the X-Men's first and greatest foes, Magneto believed that mutants should rule the planet. Xavier's long time buddy, Magneto have fought with and alongside the X-Men. Frienemies?

What's an X-Men to do without its greatest foe? BTW Medicom's version also sucked balls!

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter:9/10






Cable (Nathan Christopher Summers)

Having to give up his son to save him, Scott Summers handed over his son to the Askani in hopes to save Nathan from a techno organic virus sent to kill Nathan by Apocalypse. Now back from the future, Cable fights alongside the X-Men!

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter:7/10








Gambit (Remy LeBeau)

Born Remy LeBeau, Remy was kidnapped at the hospital by the New Orleans Thieves Guild thinking that he is the chosen one. After a stint with Mr Sinister and the Marauders, Remy soon encountered Storm, where she sponsored his admission to the Xavier School for the Gifted.

Remy was always one of my favorite characters from Marvel. The movie didn't really do him justice. I hope Hot Toys will if they ever decide to produce him.

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter:7/10



Thor

The son of Odin the All Father and Jord the spirit of Earth, the Asgardian god of thunder has fought alongside Captain America in numerous occasions.

His new costume kicks the old costume's ass! But either way if Hot Toys produce this i wouldn't mind splurging my hard earned money on this one

Hot Toys Must-produce-O-Meter:9/10

So if you guys have a wishlist too, feel free to make one. It'll be interesting to see who has what on their wishlist. Happy listings! Read on...

Old School Flava : Kenner Batjet

Back in 1989, Toy Biz was initially producing the Batman figures but lost out the contract to Kenner. Kenner kicked started the franchise with The Dark Knight Collection. They were mainly producing Batman figures with many variations of the character, with different gadgets and new costumes. The series started off with 4 figures; Crime Attack Batman, Iron Winch Batman, Shadow Wing Batman and Tech Sheild Batman (2 of which I owned, Shadow Wing Batman and Tech Shield Batman).

The series also produced several vehicles. One of them being the famous Tim Burton Batmobile. I didn't buy the Batmobile seeing as how I already had the Toy Biz version (reviewed here), so I got my hands on the Batjet. The Batjet wasn't based on the movie, but in actual fact was a repaint from their SilverHawk series

Talk about being lazy. Reduce, reuse, recycle, repaint.

The Batjet came with retractable wings that can spring out and missile blasting action. According to the leaflet you retract the wings for "dive bombing" and with a press of a button BAM! the wings pop out and Batman flies off. As you can see I'm missing the front end of the Batjet, that's where the missile is suppose to be but yeah I kinda lost it.

I used to play the shiznit out of this toy. But now I keep it safe in its box and hopefully it'll survive another 20 years or so. Hopefully by then it'll hold some sort of value then I have to move it into a vault or something, heh!

Read on...

Finally!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, finally our very own Toy Fair! Wohoooooo! Check out more details here. This would be a good opportunity for local collectors to finally meet up. So I'm calling all fellow Malaysian toy bloggers, lets set up a gathering. My fellow Singaporean bloggers are more than welcome to join us too. I'll be updating any news about the event so stay tuned!

Read on...