Awesome Toy Blog

One of the big news items to come out of the UK Toy Fair were the details around the ‘Avengers’ toy line; particularly the existence of a 3ft S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. While the thumbnail image gave some impression of the piece, there wasn’t much to go on. Earlier this week IGN posted a full preview of the vehicle, which is mirrored below. Personally, I’m pleased – the vehicle has a nice balance of play features (firing missles, catapult) but doesn’t sacrifice a cool aesthetic. Expect full details on this vehicle next week, as AwesomeToyBlog heads to New York for Toy Fair 2012.

The fine folks over at eFx, makers of high quality pop culture collectibles, released a new image today of one of their upcoming pieces in their Marvel line. Pictured below is ‘The Avengers’ version of Thor’s hammer, which has several differences over the Thor movie prop replica. It’s a great looking piece and can’t wait to see more of it. The items will be making their public debut at Wondercon, in March. In the meantime, stay tuned for updates as they become available. I’ll be keeping my eyes on these!

eFx Collectibles, known for collectibles based on iconic properties such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica and Disney are adding Marvel Comics to their liscensed properties. The full product line will be revealed in the first quarter of 2012 and prop replicas from ‘The Avengers’ will be on display at WonderCon (3/16 – 3/18). Prop replicas from ‘The Avengers’ includes  Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s helmet, Thor’s hammer and helmet. In addition to high end collectibles, there will also be lower price products putting these into the reach of every fan. Check below for a preview pic of the products and see the whole press release after the jump.

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Quite a busy day of news from the  UK Toy Fair.  Earlier this morning rumors started leaking about the next “big” vehicle in the Star Wars line being the ‘MTT’ (you know, the thing with the Battle Droids on it) from The Phantom Menace. By noon this was confirmed via scans of the Hasbro UK booklet. Scans were posted over on TheRedShadows.com.

The other big (literally) news from Hasbro were details on the vehicles in the Avengers line-up. While a Quinjet has long been rumored to appear in the toy line it is now confirmed. As is a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. Which is sorta cool. Check out the scans below, and expect more detailed information in a few weeks from New York Toy Fair!

With just months to go until the Avengers hit the screens, the Hasbro toys supporting the movie have already started sneaking out. But if you’ve not seen them yet in person – they were officially unveiled over the weekend by Marvel Comics and Hasbro. Check out Collider for all the pics; or look below for the best of the bunch. Apparently the Avengers toy line is limited to just 15 figures – meaning they all should come out!

Funko has also sent out some preview images of their upcoming licensed Avengers product.  On tap, due March 15th, are their Pop! Vinyl figures and plush figures.  Pop! vinyl figures include Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and Nick Fury.  Plush figures of Cap, Thor and Iron Man are on tap.  Also coming up are Avengers Wacky Wobblers – coming out March 22nd – but there aren’t any preview pictures due to the sensitive spoilery nature.  Check out images of all the upcoming figures in the gallery below.

Images of the next wave of Marvel Universe figures are popping up online revealing a tweak to the card design.  The round S.H.I.E.L.D. or H.A.M.M.E.R. logo on the edge of the card has been replaced with a collectible “comic shot” featuring character art.  Also, as with years past, the artist drawing the cardbacks is changed – hence the very different style on the below Psylocke card.  Finally, and unfortunately, the single carded figures no longer include a stand, likely to keep costs down.  Look for this newest wave (Iron Fist repaint, Patriot, Psylocke, ShadowLand Daredevil, Storm, Thor) to hit stores in the next few weeks.

HasbroToyShop.com, Hasbro’s online store, is offering a special Friends and Family discount – 25% off and get free shipping! There are some exclusions, but this is a chance to save a few bucks; it does look like there’s a few new Marvel Universe figures available as well as some of the online only Iron Man figs.  Go to HasbroToyShop.com to browse and use coupon code FSFAM11 to save some coin.

Over on PlaySaver.com there are a few $5 off coupons for various Marvel items including the Captain America shield and Thor’s Hammer.  These items are on sale now at Target, so this is a great chance to pick up some role play toys at a bargain.  Head over there and print them out!

To celebrate their NYCC debut – Hasbro is offering a 10% discount on their HasbroToyShop.com offerings.  At check-out; use code NYCC2011 and you’ll save some dough!  I’ve been told there are exclusions to this coupon, but as I don’t have a physical copy (last time I don’t go to NYCC!) I’m not sure what they are.

So head on over to HasbroToyShop and try it out.  They did post the NYCC exclusives and at ‘press time’ the only sold-out item is Compound Hulk.

Thanks to Adam16bit for the scoop on the coupon.  Check out 16bit.com cause its great, and he’s a good dude.

If you spent the weekend the way I did, being bitter that you weren’t at NYCC – then this is the post for you!  The fine folks at Hasbro sent out word that their remaining stock of their NYCC exclusives will be hitting HasbroToyShop.com this Wednesday, October 19th after 10AM Eastern.  This is your chance to score a Compound Hulk, Spider-men Mini-muggs or that fantastic Transformers: Prime Bumblebee and Arcee two-pack.  Stock will be likely be limited, so don’t delay and grab your exclusives Wednesday.

Dark Horse sent over an announcement of their 2011 NYCC exclusive – a Spider-man syroco statue.  Similar to their sold out SDCC exclusive, this statue features a rougher surface texture, visible seam lines, and other slightly distressed aspects, making this a unique Marvel collectible.  The statue is limited to 4 per person and will retail for $49.99.  This looks like another top notch addition to the classic Marvel syroco line; check it out below!

A few weeks ago, not only did Hasbro announce their debut at NYCC, they also announced that they would have some exclusive merchandise with them.  Details on this exclusive items are now being shared.  First, via the Nerf Facebook page – the Bumblebee Nerf gun is a follow on piece to the SDCC exclusive Optimus Prime Nerf gun.  The foam weapon features Bumblebee-centric IDW comic art.  Today, on Marvel.com, the Marvel Universe “Compound Hulk” figure was announced.  He’s 1/2 green Hulk and 1/2 Red Hulk, and very Christmasey!  Check out images of the exclusives below.

Dark Horse Deluxe has announced a new Marvel Comics collectible statues line.  Based on ‘Syroco figurines’ these statues are aiming for a vintage aesthetic, in both character / costume choice as well as sculpting and paint.  The figures will alternate between classic Marvel characters and members of the Fantastic Four.  The first statue will be Spider-Man and features Spidey in his early costume, web wings and all.  The statue is available today and limited to a total edition of 2000 units.  Its a great looking piece, so be sure to track one down if you’re a Spider-fan!  Check out an image below, or the full press release after the jump.

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Name: X-Men First Class
Released: September 9, 2011

This past summer, the film that surprised me the most was X-Men First Class.  The film serves as a prequel to the X-Men trilogy; documenting the early relationship of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr – as they gather and train a team of young mutants to defeat Sebastian Shaw as he attempts to bring the world to nuclear warfare during the Cuban missle crisis.  In the course of saving the world from nuclear war, the rift between Xavier and Lehnsherr forms; setting the stage for the future X-Men films.  Some of the other mutants featured in the film include Beast, Havok, Banshee, Mystique, and the White Queen.

Director Matthew Vaughn takes a fresh look at the X-Men universe with this prequel; which does set the stage for Bryan Singer’s 2000 film x-Men.  He takes full advantage of the film’s 1960s setting; with both set design and costumes reflecting a mod/cool design aesthetic – this was an element of the film that I personally loved.  The film is well directed and paced; and avoids many of the missteps of X-Men: the Last Stand.

Overall, the film is well acted with McAvoy (Xavier) and Fassbender (Lehnsherr) solidly anchoring the film.  Kevin Bacon more than fills shoes of the film’s antagonist; which was the source of some concern prior to seeing the movie. The supporting cast generally handles their material well, but as with any ensemble piece individual characters don’t get as much development or screen time as you may want.

The DVD both looks and sounds great; with audio options including an English DD 5.1 track as well as an English DD 5.1 Descriptive audio, plus Spanish and French Dolby Surround. Subtitles are available in English and Spanish.  Special features on the DVD include “Children of the Atom: Filming X-Men: First Class” a two-part making of featurette and an anti-smoking PSA.  The Blu-Ray release includes several other special features including10 X-Men digital comics, a mutant database, an 8-part making of series, extended and deleted scenes, trailers and an isolated score.

In summary, ‘X-Men First Class’ is a great re-launch of the X-Men franchise.  With a story that’s engaging, great effects, solid acting and direction – the film delivers on all accounts.  Both Blu-Ray and DVD releases hit retail September 9th (or can be pre-ordered now).  If you’re a fan of any of the x-Men films, be sure to give First Class a chance.

Thanks to Fox Home Entertainment for providing a review copy of X-Men First Class to AwesomeToyBlog.