REVIEW: GI Joe: Retaliation Ninja Showdown Red Ninja

Produced by Hasbro | Released May 2012

Ninja Showdown Red Ninja

We return today to the GI Joe: Retaliation Ninja Showdown three-figure pack to take a look at the Red Ninja. How does he shape-up compared to his pack-mate, the excellent Snake Eyes? Read on and find out.



Packaging





Sculpt and Design

The Red Ninja uses the same basic body as that used by the previously-released (and

NEWS: Martin Longbottom On Sale Today!

Don't forget that Martin Longbottom goes on sale later today (8PM GMT for those wondering), so be sure to head over to the UME Toys Store to snare yours!

VIDEO VIEW: DWFO #4 Dalek Suite

Here's the fantastic Doctor Who Fan Orchestra with their interpretation of Murray Gold's Dalek Suite.

PODCAST: Ya' Heard! Show Episode 13

Here's our first (even though it's actually the thirteenth recorded) check-in with the Ya' Heard! Show, a Podcast ''a no-holds-barred look into the current state of the arts, the community, and all things ‘From the Street Up’.



Be advised that this Podcast contains language some listeners may find offensive.



Ya' Heard! Show Episode 13

NEWS: Kotobukiya's Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters Seto Kaiba Ani*Statue

Nope, I don't know either but Kotobukiya has just posted a new batch of images of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters Seta Kaiba Ani*Statue.






A Kotobukiya Japanese import! Up next in the line of Ani*Statues from the world-famous manga/anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters is the off and on friend/rival of Yugi, Seto Kaiba! A young and brilliant CEO, Kaiba excels in the use of Blue-Eyes White

VIDEO VIEW: Death, Tiny Titans and Black Mask Preview

Here's Mattel's Scott ''Toy Guru'' Neitlich giving us another look at some of the company's upcoming releases, including the Tiny Titans, Black Mask and The Sandman's Death.

PODCAST: Nerd City Podcast Episode 132

Here's Episode #132 of the Nerd City Podcast, which features - among other things - an in-depth analysis of ''the popular cultural phenomenon known as The Littlest Hobo.'' And if that doesn't get you to listen, I don't know what will...



Nerd City Podcast Episode 132

NEWS: Mega Blocks Skylanders

Mega Brands has announced it's to produce a line of mini-figures based on the incredibly popular Skylanders videogame sequel, Skylanders Giants.



Licence signed to make Mega Bloks and Mega Puzzles based on the No.1 kids video game



Mega Brands has entered into a multi-year global licensing partnership with Activision to produce toys based on its forthcoming Skylanders sequel: Skylanders

VIDEO VIEW: 3A WWRp Heavy Bramble - Gravedigger Review

I'm not a collector of 3A's stuff but I know they have their fans (and detractors...) so here's DesignerToysUK's Kenton giving us the full skinny on the WWRp Heavy Bramble - Gravedigger.

NEWS: GI Joe: Retaliation Waves 2 and 3 Delayed

We've just learned that Hasbro will not be releasing any subsequent waves of GI Joe: Retaliation toys until closer to the movie's release next year.





Kokomo Toys posted the following comment on their Facebook Page following an email from Hasbro, which outlines the company's plans for the upcoming movie toy line:




We regret that Hasbro has sent an e-mail this morning stating that Wave

REVIEW: GI Joe: Retaliation Ninja Dojo Night Ops Roadblock

Produced by Hasbro | Released May 2012


GI Joe: Retaliation Ninja Dojo 3-Pack

Yesterday we took our first look at the new GI Joe: Retaliation toys in the form of the surprisingly excellent Ninja Showdown Snake Eyes. Today, just to keep things interesting, we're looking at a figure from the other three-figure pack, the Ninja Dojo Night Ops Roadblock.



Night Ops Roadblock

Roadblock is

NEWS: UME Toys' Martin Longbottom Release Info

Martin Longbottom is coming.


Created by Rich of UME Toys, Martin Longbottom has been the unofficial mascot of the company for a fair while but until now we've never seen this handsome chap in the flesh. Well, in the resin. Because making toys from flesh is just plain wrong. So don't do it.



Available from tomorrow (May 31st) at 8PM GMT, each Martin Longbottom stands at 5'' tall and is

PODCAST: Moderately Geeky Podcast Episode 7

Another new Podcast for all you fans of using your ears to learn about toys and geek stuff, Moderately Geeky's Episode 7 takes a look at the Spy Monkey Creations line-up of aftermarket accessories as they chat with Spy Monkey's Brian. Plus there's a round-up of all things nerdtastic in the weekly news.



Moderately Geeky Podcast Episode 7: By the Power of Spy Monkey

NEWS: GI Joe: Retaliation Wave 3 Pre-Order

I'm afraid this particular boat has already sailed but it could be that a few lucky individuals may have managed to snag themselves the third Wave of GI Joe: Retaliation figures on pre-order.





As reported at the HISS Tank, Big Bad Toy Store updated their inventory listings yesterday to include the five and twelve-figure cases of the line's Wave 03. This third release of single carded

PODCAST: Atomic Geeks Podcast Episode 163

Not enough Podcasts in your life? Then here's another one for you in the form of the Atomic Geeks Podcast, which this week features a round of geek TV reviews.



Atomic Geeks Podcast Episode 163: Gunpoint Reviews

NEWS: Sideshow's Dark Rider of Mordor

Sideshow Collectibles has just released a round of shots of their upcoming Lord of the Rings Dark Rider of Mordor statue, along with details on how to pre-order the piece. Click through for both.





The statue - or Premium Format Figure, as Sideshow are calling it - will be available to pre-order from tomorrow, May 31st through the Sideshow Collectibles Newsletter. The Dark Rider features

PODCAST: AFB Podcast Episode 15

Here's this week's AFB Podcast, in which the Action Figure Blues crew discuss play sets and old Thunder-Thighs herself, in the form of the Play Arts Kai Street Fighter IV Chun Li. 



AFB Podcast Episode 15

REVIEW: GI Joe: Retaliation Ninja Showdown Snake Eyes

Produced by Hasbro | Released May 2012





GI Joe: Retaliation Wave 1

Last week saw the first - and presumably, last (at least for a while) - of Hasbro's GI Joe: Retaliation toys landing at retail. As well as featuring an assortment of single carded figures, roleplay toys and vehicles, the line-up also includes two, three-figure packs: the Ninja Showdown and Ninja Dojo. In order to do

NEWS: LoEB ''Social Media'' Round-up

Regular readers may have noticed last week was a little light on the updates front. The reason? A rather nasty Summer cold (which I'm now thankfully on the tail-end of.) But as a result of that I wasn't able to take part in the social media-themed League of Extraordinary Bloggers assignment, which was something I was really looking forward to doing (for the record, mine would've been a riff

PODCAST: Nerd Lunch Episode 39

You know, I should've kept my Podcast waiter spiel for this post, given it's the Nerd Lunch Podcast. Oh well. Anyway, this week's cast is about that most topical of subjects, GI Joe. Except rather than dissect Hasbro's recent Retaliation-related weirdness, the Lunchers have their sights set firmly on the past as they ponder the wonders of the Real American Hero animated series.



Nerd Lunch

VIDEO VIEW: Elementary Trailer 2

I have to admit that Elementary has moved up in my estimation from ''weak Sherlock knock-off'' to ''actually might not suck'' and - although it pains me, as a Sherlock fan, to say it - after watching this trailer is now teetering on the brink of ''could be quite good.''



Thanks to Bleeding Cool for the spot.

PODCAST: Geek Shall Inherit Episode 25

Attention movie geeks, toy collectors, TV obsessives and all other assorted nerds! The Geek Shall Inherit Podcast has something for you all in its latest episode, so go listen to it now!



Geek Shall Inherit Episode 25

NEWS: Gold Dober's Flight Commander Coming Soon

It's been a while since we checked in with him but our favorite Micronauts Mad Scientist Gold Dober has been beavering away in his Micro-lab putting the finishing touches to his run of hand-built tributes to the Micronauts' Force Commander, the Flight Commander.



And now we're promised a release very soon - hopefully as early as next month. But ahead of that, why not check-out the history

PODCAST: The Articulated Monster Podcast Episode 35

Another serving of Podcast, sir? Might I recommend The Articulated Monster? It's rather tasty today due to the Hot Toys and Play Arts Kai. Very good, sir, I'll have it right out for you.



The Articulated Monster Podcast Episode 35

VIDEO VIEW: MOTUC Griffin & Ghostbusters Zuul Preview

In a week when Hasbro's PR department seemed happy to issue comments on the future of GI Joe composed entirely of Handwavium and Shoogoaway, it's nice to see Mattel putting a human face on their marketing machine and actually telling you something, as seen in this video preview of their upcoming Zuul and Griffin toys, presented by Scott ''Toy Guru'' Neitlich. Consider yourselves lucky,

NEWS: The Walking Dead's Michonne

Entertainment Weekly has the scoop on Season Three of The Walking Dead - complete with our first pic of new cast member, Danai Gurira, who joins the show as the Katana (and possibly later, spoon) -wielding Michonne.

Thanks to SFX for the spot.

VIDEO VIEW: Toy Talk Friday Episode 9

OK, so I know we usually post our Toy Talk Friday coverage a little later than, well, Friday but the three-day Memorial Weekend kind of took over at That Figures. So here's this week's Toy Talk Friday. On the following Tuesday. Toy Talk Tuesday. Heh. That works.

PODCAST: What's on Joe Mind? Episode 56

Recorded mere hours before Hasbro and Paramount's ''unique'' approach to the marketing of the upcoming GI Joe: Retaliation was about to turn fandom on its head, here's the latest edition of the excellent What's on Joe Mind? Podcast.



What's on Joe Mind? Episode 56

VIDEO VIEW: Atomic Martians Toy Reviews Episode 67

NEWS: Hasbro Comments on GI Joe: Retaliation Delay

Following the news that GI Joe: Retaliation's release has been pushed back until 2013, collectors of the GI Joe toys have been speculating as to what impact this will have on the line. Now Hasbro has gone on record with a statement regarding the property's future.

G.I. Joe is an ongoing consumer franchise and therefore there is merchandise available to consumers. There is a limited amount of

NEWS: Hot Toys Tease Amazing Spider-Man Figure

As ever, Hot Toys' teasers reveal little about pricing or the scheduled release date, so for now you'll have to be content with the above image of their upcoming Amazing Spider-Man 1:6th scale figure - although I'm sure we'll have more on this very soon.



Hot Toys Facebook Page.

NEWS: Warlords & Warriors KyGaar

The upcoming line of retro action figures Warlords & Warriors expands with the addition of ''heroic barbarian prince'' KyGaar, as seen at the newly-launched Warlords & Warriors site.

Warlords & Warriors Official Site

NEWS: Glyos Stealth Division Drop This Friday!

The Glyos Transmission Weblog has all the clear-plastic goodness you could ever want, as this Friday's Stealth Dimension Division drop is detailed in full. Highlights include a line of Glyans, Buildmen and Phaseons in Smoke and Clear Aqua Green, Travellers and Sincroids in the same two colorways, Axis Joints, Blocks, Crayboths and a whole host more. And best of all, prices start at just $4,

VIDEO VIEW: Pixel Dan Reviews GI Joe: Retaliation Storm Shadow

Given the announcement that the GI Joe: Retaliation movie has been pushed back until 2013, it may be that these figures won't actually see a full release now but here's Pixel Dan's video review of the Wave 1 Storm Shadow.

PODCAST: Nerd Lunch Podcast #38: TV Crossovers

This week's Nerd Lunch Podcast takes a look at those awesome moments in pop culture when two (or more) TV properties decide to join forces - the crossover episode.



Nerd Lunch Podcast 38: TV Crossovers

NEWS: GI Joe: Retaliation Pushed Back to 2013

Paramount has announced that GI Joe: Retaliation's release has been pushed back to 2013.




Deadline broke the news yesterday that Hasbro's latest toy-to-big-screen adaptation was to be given a 3D conversion, a process that will result in the movie not hitting next month but instead in March 2013 - nine months later than originally scheduled. According to Deadline's source the studio

NEWS: LoEB Assignment ''Social Media'' Now Live

Here's this week's assignment for The League of Extraordinary Bloggers:


Take a peek at a fictional character’s social media account. What would his or her Twitter feed or Facebook page look like?



Learn more over at Cool and Collected.

PODCAST: Geek Shall Inherit Episode 24

Here's Episode 24 of the Geek Shall Inherit Podcast, your round-up of all things - and I do mean all things - geek.



Geek Shall Inherit Podcast Episode 024 - Rainbows and Sunshine vs The Curmudgeon

NEWS: MOTUC Mekaneck Teaser

Fans of the Masters of the Universe's telescopic-necked Mekaneck will be overjoyed to see he's finally to join the ranks of the MOTU Classics range later this year, as seen in this digital flyer detailing the upcoming Club Eternia release schedule.

Thanks to AFI for the original spot.

VIDEO VIEW: Atomic Martians Toy Reviews Episode 66

Be advised that, as ever, this episode of Atomic Martians Toy Reviews contains strong language and content unsuitable for minors.

NEWS: Hot Toys Teases Black Widow

Hot Toys has released the first teaser image of their upcoming Marvel's The Avengers Black Widow 1:6 Scale premium format figure. Although we don't have much to go on right now (aside from the above image) it looks like Hot Toys has nailed the SHIELD Agent's details - right down to the buttcentric advertising.



Hot Toys: The Avengers - Black Widow is Coming Soon!

PODCAST: Cold Slither Podcast Episode 31

This week's Cold Slither Podcast plays host to the Battle of the Techno-Barbarians, with the Most Powerful Man in the Universe going up against the Lord of the ThunderCats. Who will win? Listen now and find out!



Cold Slither Podcast Episode 31: Masters of Thundera

VIDEO VIEW: Game of Thrones ''Blackwater'' Trailer

Be warned that if you haven't been watching Season Two of the excellent Game of Thrones, then this trailer contains spoilers.



This penultimate episode airs this Sunday.

REVIEW: GI Joe Basic Assortment Shipwreck

 Produced by Hasbro | Released May 2012 [Dollar General Exclusive]





Basic Assortment Shipwreck (AKA Dollar General Shipwreck)

Following on from this weekend's Review of wave-mate Snake Eyes, Shipwreck is another figure in the recently-released series of ''Basic Assortment'' GI Joes - AKA the Dollar General Joes, a line of six figures equipped with a minimal amount of gear and released at

VIDEO VIEW: Skyfall Official UK Teaser Trailer

NEWS: Resin is King Series 1

Imagine if members of The Avengers weren't super-powered individuals but were, instead, resin toy artists. And imagine now if you will that Nick Fury was Dead Hand Toys' Brian Ahlbeck and Agent Coulson was Tenacious Toys. Then that would make The Avengers the Resin Is King Series 1.



Available now from Tenacious Toys, the blind-boxed series features eight equally-distributed figures created

NEWS: Shrunken Head Studios Tease New Project

Just a quick news story-ette, but Shrunken Head Studios - the company behind the very cool Creepshow 12'' retro dolls - recently revealed they're working on a line of 1:6th scale zombie figures, as seen at their Facebook Page.



We''ll bring you more when we have it.

NEWS: Sony Releases Dan Harmon from Community

Sony has released Community creator Dan Harmon from his position as showrunner .




The news comes only weeks after the announcement that a fourth Season of the meta-comedy had been ordered by NBC. Sadly whilst the show is indeed going ahead, it will be doing so without Harmon, who confirmed - despite NBC's comments - this was not some kind of mutually-agreed upon decision or Harmon's choice,

PODCAST: Mego Museum Podcast - Mego Meet Pre-Show/Toyroom Dreamin'

Here's the latest episode of the Mego Museum Podcast, covering such diverse topics as the Mego Meet 2012,  owning a toy room, BiffBangPow's SDCC-exclusives and more.



Mego Museum Podcast - Mego Meet Pre-show/Toyroom Dreamin'

VIDEO VIEW: Toy Lords of Chinatown Episode 3

Here's Part Three of the Super Sucklord's epic Toy Lords of Chinatown. For those unfamiliar with this adults-only series, you can also check out Part One and Part Two here.

NEWS: More Mad Monster Party Images

The Art Asylum has just released the latest round of images showcasing their upcoming 7'' Mad Monster Party figures. Click through to check them out for yourself.





The first wave of figures - Fang, The Baron and Dracula - is set for a September 2012 release but - sadly - only through comic stores and specialist retailers (so head over to the rather handy comicshoplocator.com to find your

PODCAST: What's On Joe Mind? Episode 55

With the Basic Assortment ''Dollar General'' GI Joes and Retaliation toys landing at retail next week (or even sooner in some areas), it's a fun time to be a GI Joe collector. And what better way to keep up with what's a-goin' on than to check-out the latest edition of What's On Joe Mind? where this week the aforementioned figures come under the microscope, plus Shipwreck himself - AKA Neil

VIDEO VIEW: Arrow Trailer

REVIEW: GI Joe Basic Assortment Snake Eyes

Produced by Hasbo | Released May 2012 [Dollar General Exclusive]





Basic Assortment GI Joes?

As most GI Joe fans will know, GI Joe: Retaliation - and it's associated line of tie-in toys - is just around the corner. In a move presumably designed to cash-in on the movie hype, Hasbro has released a series of ''Basic Assortment'' GI Joe figures, a line up of six characters (Snake Eyes, Duke,

FEATURE: LoEB ''Geek Confessions''

I'm late to the party this week (stupid real life stuff...) but here's the That Figures contribution to this week's League of Extraordinary Bloggers assignment.

This week, Cool and Collected's Brian posed the following question:


What is something you absolutely hate or love or just don’t get, or maybe it’s something you have never even seen or read. What is your deepest, darkest geek

NEWS: Skyfall Poster

Daniel Craig's Bond is so tough he doesn't just shoot you down the barrel of the rifle. No, he actually walks down it to you and then kicks your throat off, as you can see in the newly-released poster for the upcoming Skyfall.

NEWS: Warlords and Warriors - Dron

Earlier this week we brought you our first look at the upcoming Warlords and Warriors indie retro line. Now here's barbarian hero Dron, as seen at the Warlords and Warriors Facebook Page in yet another awesome nostalgic toy catalog-style scene that wouldn't look out of place in a Plaid Stallions feature.



See more at the Warlords and Warriors Facebook Page.

Thanks to Nerd City for the spot.

NEWS: Marvel MMO's Ms Marvel Revealed

Marvel has revealed the latest character render from the upcoming Marvel Heroes MMO game - Ms Marvel..



The Marvel blog reveals an interesting detail about the game when it states she'll be a ''playable'' character: presumably then - unlike Sony's rather good DC Universe Online - players can't create their own characters and instead take-on the mantles of various pre-existing figures from

VIDEO VIEW: Beauty & The Beast Remake (CW)

Here's our first look at The CW's update of the 80s drama, Beauty & The Beast. The modern show features a new back story for Catherine in the form of the murder of her mother by unknown assailants and her subsequent quest to solve it will no doubt be a prime motivator for the character and an ongoing story arc (so expect lots of betrayals, cover-ups, conspiracies, shocking revelations

NEWS: Hot Toys Loki Revealled

After teasing his release earlier this month, Hot Toys has finally revealed their upcoming Marvel's The Avengers Loki premium format figure. Hit the jump to see more of this amazing-looking figure.
















No word yet on a release date or price-point for this incredible figure but you can see more at the Hot Toys Facebook Page.

VIDEO VIEW: First Look at CW's Arrow

Sadly the sequence appears to just fall short of showing us Arrow in costume but you get the idea...



Thanks to SFX for the original spot.

NEWS: Kotobukiya Return of the Jedi Boba Fett ARTFX+ Statue

Check out these new images of the upcoming Return of the Jedi Boba Fett ARTFX+ Statue.



Standing at 7'' tall, Kotobukiya's take on the galaxy's most feared bounty hunter features interchangeable parts and weapons and will be available from November of 2012. No word on pricing yet but we'll bring you more when we have it. Until then though, here's some cool images of the snap-together

VIDEO VIEW: Prometheus Viral ''Quiet Eye''

NEWS: GI Joe: Retaliation Russian Poster

Courtesy of The HISS Tank comes our first look at the Russian poster for the upcoming GI Joe: Retaliation, which appears to star Bruce Willis, Dwayne ''The Rock'' Johnson and a Photoshopped 12-year old girl.



GI Joe: Retaliation is set for a US release next month.

VIDEO VIEW: Elementary Preview

I'm a big fan of Sherlock Holmes and I dig what the BBC has done with Sherlock. So I have to admit I was very, very skeptical when CBS announced it was to produce a modern update to the adventures of Holmes and Watson, especially when it came to light that the US network had previously spoken with Hartsfield Productions, the company behind the BBC's Cumberbatch-fest. And yet, having watched

PODCAST: AFB Podcast Episode 14

It's time for another edition of the AFB Podcast, where all things action figurey (and blue) are discussed. This week highlights include action figure photography and some rapid fire TV toy reviews.



And if you haven't already, head over to the AFB Facebook Page and give them a Like, as they're just 30 or so Likes away from hitting 2000. But for those who don't have an OCD-like compulsion

VIDEO VIEW: Atomic Martians Toy Reviews Episode 65

NEWS: NBC's Crossbones

Those people who do the Ren Fest wrong by turning up dressed in buccaneer's attire will be pleased to learn NBC is developing a new pirate-themed TV show, Crossbones.


The ten-part drama is based upon 2007's Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Man who Brought them Down, penned by Colin Woodward. With Luther creator Neil Cross at the helm and the Dreamworks

NEWS: HitFix Reviews Battleship

I doubt anybody was expecting high art from this year's aliens Vs military shooty pew-pew blockbuster Battleship but by the sound of Drew McWeeny's review of the movie at HitFix even those checking their brains at the door may still be in for a shock. And worst of all, nobody even utters that line.



Here's hoping Hasbro's other toy-themed movie release, GI Joe: Retaliation, fares a little

PODCAST: General Geekery Episode 21

Episode 21 of the General Geekery Cast has just landed and this time around it's all about customs, something guest caster P_luv of Joecustoms.com knows all about. 



General Geekery Cast - Episode 21

NEWS: Warlords and Warriors

If you're a fan of retro action figures or a child of the 80s then you need to check out this rather awesome line of 5 3/4'' figures, Warlords and Warriors.





Taking a visual cue from 80s toy lines such as The Masters of the Universe, Visionaries and other such classic ranges, the Warlords and Warriors line features retro-styled barbarian hero and demonic villain figures with 5-points of

NEWS: Ask Matty May 15th

It's been a whole two weeks since our last round-up, so here's the latest Ask Matty questions - and answers - from around the web.





Action Figure Blues kick us off this week with a session including questions about the SDCC-exclusive Death, Club Lion's future and the Tiny Titans. Check it out for yourself.



Over at The ToyArk the talk is about MattyCollector.com's failings (and the

VIDEO VIEW: GI Joe: Retaliation Wave 1 Zartan Review

With the figures showing up at Target stores, what better time to check-out Pixel Dan's video review of the GI Joe: Retaliation Wave 1 Zartan?



I have to admit that although Wave 1's line-up isn't that stellar, Zartan has always been a favorite of mine (the Pursuit of Cobra version was the first Joe I ever bought) and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this version.



Thanks to

NEWS: It's All True Reviews GI Joe ''Basic'' Line

The Internet continues to taunt me with figures I can't find in It's All True's compendium of reviews covering the new Dollar General-exclusive (at least, so far) ''Basic'' GI Joe figures.



Check it out for yourself while I go off and grumble to myself about my stupid local Dollar General stores and their useless stock and NO! Don't want them anyway...

NEWS: Matty Collector May Sale Today!

Just a reminder that today sees Matty Collector's May sale, featuring such new releases as the Masters of the Universe Classics Slush Head (pictured above), Stinkor and The Mighty Spector, along with a few classics such as He-Man and Skeletor, plus for DC Universe fans it's your chance to get your hands on the Golden Age Flash (a figure whose costume always confused me: why didn't his

PODCAST: WOJM Special Edition #12: 2012 JoeCon Brochure Read-Along

Here's a special edition of the excellent GI Joe-themed podcast, What's On Joe Mind? featuring a ''read-along'' of the 2012 JoeCon Brochure and breaking-down all the info you need to know. Because knowing is... well, you know.



WOJM Special Edition #12: 2012 JoeCon Brochure Read-Along.

NEWS: LoEB Assignment ''Geek Confessions'' is Now Up!

Calling all Melvin Spunkmeyers and Eugene Poindexters!



Brian has just posted the latest League of Extraordinary Bloggers assignment at Cool and Collected and this week, it's all about geek confessions.


What is something you absolutely hate or love or just don’t get, or maybe it’s something you have never even seen or read. What is your deepest, darkest geek confession?



As ever if

NEWS: The Expendables Minimates

Forget Pog form - The Expendables are back as Minimates!



The sequel to 2010's 80s action homage The Expendables 2 reunites the returning super-cast for a second adventure. Now you can relive all your favorite hypermacho moments from the original - or even speculate as to who is going to shoot who in the coolest way possible in the sequel - thanks to Diamond Select Toys' The Expendables

VIDEO VIEW: The Amazing Spider-Man Trailer

Marvel at the Nick Hammond-style ill-fitting costume! Gape in awe at the shoehorned 3D effects and things flying at you! Wonder why they even bothered!



I hate to be negative without seeing the full movie - and maybe it's just a really bad trailer - but consider my interest in The Amazing Spider-Man gone... Anyway, give it a watch for yourself and make-up your own mind.

VIDEO VIEW: Tron Uprising Episode One

Animated se/pre-quel Tron Uprising won't be hitting our screens until June 7th but ahead of that, Disney has released this special preview of the show with Episode One: Beck's Beginning. 

NEWS: Awake and The River Cancelled

SFX reports that genre shows Awake and The River have both been cancelled.



Whilst it comes as no surprise to learn of The River's cancellation - given its horribly intrusive ''found footage'' format, poorly-rounded characters and unsatisfying mumbo-jumbo vagary plots - I am personally quite disappointed to see Awake go, as it was a show not only with a great concept but also a lot of heart

VIDEO VIEW: Toy Guru Previews MOTUC Spikor & Ghostbusters Dana

NEWS: Arrow, Beauty & The Beast Given Green Light

US TV network The CW has announced both Arrow and Beauty & The Beast have been given the green light.



Arrow is the channel's adaptation of the popular superhero strip, Green Arrow. Presumably they dropped the color-themed prefix to avoid confusion with Green Lantern and The Green Hornet. What is it with superheroes and green?



Anyway, here's the official synopsis:



After a violent

NEWS: Paper Avengers Toys

Marvel's The Avengers has grossed over one BILLION Dollars at the box office. In just two weeks. 



But if - unlike Marvel and Paramount - you're not minted yet you don't want to miss out on all the fun then you'll be pleased to see these rather awesome Paper Avengers toys from My Paper Heroes, where you'll find a host of PDFs of Earth's Mightiest Heroes just waiting for you to print-out.

VIDEO VIEW: Toy Talk Friday Episode 8

NEWS: 481 Universe Glow Anomalies Drop Tomorrow!

Fans of the 481 Universe Anomalies line will be pleased to see these latest images of tomorrow's Glow Anomaly drop. No word on when, exactly, the drop will land or what Ni has in store for us but be sure to check-in at the 481 Universe website for more info.

NEWS: Sideshow Unveils ''Bad Blood'' Predator

Be sure to check-in at Sideshow Collectibles' website on May 15th (that's next Tuesday) for the full reveal but until then you'll just have to make-do with the above teaser.



Sideshow Collectibles ''Bad Blood'' Predator Statue

NEWS: Tandy Cobra Super Copter at RftCA

If our earlier feature on the Blip Classic Commercial got you pining for the pioneer days of handheld gaming then you won't want to miss Jboypacman at Revenge from the Cosmic Ark's very cool feature on his Tandy Cobra Super Copter game.

VIDEO VIEW: GI Joe: Retaliation ''Rock Exclusive'' Trailer

It seems suspiciously similar to the trailers we've seen before but apparently this ''Rock Exclusive'' GI Joe: Retaliation trailer features new footage.



Read the full story at The HISS Tank

NEWS: NBC Renews Community and 30 Rock

NBC has renewed comedies 30 Rock and Community for a seventh and fourth Season respectively.



As reported at HitFix, a run of 13 new Community episodes has been ordered by NBC, a move that would bring the show's tally close to the magical number of 88 episodes, the minimal amount usually favored for a show to go into syndication. It's also worth noting that this is only an initial 13

NEWS: ''Basic'' GI Joe Figures Hit US Retail

The new GI Joe ''Basic'' figures have landed at retail in the US.



The first reported sightings began to trickle in late yesterday afternoon, with posters on a number of collector forums stating that they'd spotted the figures at Dollar General stores across the country. 



The line-up features six of GI Joe's most iconic characters, many of which are depicted in uniforms designed in 

FEATURE: LoEB Assignment 13: The Ultimate Crossover Event!

Let's jump straight into this week's League of Extraordinary Bloggers assignment. Brian at Cool and Collected asked us:


What pop culture heroes or stories would make for the ultimate crossover–think along the lines of Han Solo meeting up with Firefly’s Mal on a smuggling run.




To paraphrase The Princess Bride, when I was a kid blockbuster superhero movies were called comics. And for

NEWS: Mexican GI Joe: Retaliation Poster

Here's the Mexican GI Joe: Retaliation poster, brought to us by The HISS Tank (and originally spotted by Imp Awards.)



Note the hilarious disproportionate scaling of Adrianne Palicki, used so they can include her boobs in the shot.



GI Joe: Retaliation opens in the US next month.

PODCAST: AFB Podcast Episode 13

Has it already been a week since we brought you the previous edition of the Action Figure Blues Podcast? Actually, it was only yesterday and that was due to us being somewhat tardy bringing it to you. Anyway, here's this week's Avengers-themed cast for your enjoyment.



The AFB Podcast Episode 13: Avengers Movie Review/Avengers Toys Rapid Fire Reviews

NEWS: New GI Joe: Retaliation Movie Poster

Here's the finalized US poster for the upcoming GI Joe: Retaliation, as seen at Comingsoon.net (via The HISS Tank.) I have to admit though I'm a little disappointed the US market isn't going to be treated to theis superior Rise of Cobra-inspired Brazilian poster.







GI Joe: Retaliation opens in the US next month.

PODCAST: The AFB Podcast Episode 12

Fans of listening to things will be in hog heaven as we showcase our third podcast of the day in the form of the AFB Podcast, which this week focuses on all things movie tie-in, including their Toy of the Week, Enterbay's Leon (The Professional) 12'' figure.



AFB Podcast Episode 12

NEWS: Hot Toys Tease Loki Figure

We don't have a release date or a price-point yet but here's the latest teaser from Hot Toys, featuring the first shot of their upcoming Marvel's The Avengers Loki 12'' premium format action figure. Expect to see more very soon.



Hot Toys on Facebook.

NEWS: Kick-Ass 2

The not-so-super superhero Kick-Ass is set to get a second big-screen outing.


As reported at Deadline, production on a sequel to 2010's real-life superhero flick could go into production as early as August of this year - if Universal can agree on terms with the returning cast members Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Red Mist) and Chloe Grace Moretz (Hit Girl.)


Sadly

PODCAST: The Cold Slither Podcast Episode 30

If you've been Jonesing for your weekly fix of Cold Slither Podcast then the wait is over. And if the intro there didn't clue you in, this edition is all about childhood addictions, with everything from breakfast cereals and candy to videogames all getting the retro-themed discussion treatment.



Cold Slither Podcast Episode 30: Addictions

VIDEO VIEW: Atomic Martians Toy Reviews Episode 64

PODCAST: UnderScoopFire! #35 - Star Wars: Attack of the Hashtag

The UnderScoopFire! Podcast Episode 35: Attack of the Hashtag.

NEWS: BASTARDS Series 2 Test Pull

Mega-BASTARD PeeNut gets cut down to size (2'' for those not paying attention) and is joined by new character - and presumably nemesis - PeeNut Hunter for Series 2 of the upcoming BASTARDS minifigures line from UK-based Triclops Studios - who've just welcomed new boy Stu Witter to their fold in what's possibly the longest sentence I've ever written at That Figures.



Blog Clops - First Pull!

NEWS: Blanx Customizable Action Figures

As cool as the Dunnys and Munnys and Colorblanks are, there's always been one major flaw for me: their articulation. Or rather, lack thereof. So you can imagine how excited I was when I spotted this new line of customizable action figures, Blanx.





Standing at 3.75'' tall the Blanx figures feature an articulation set-up comparable to that used by Hasbro on their Marvel Universe line-up (

CLASSIC COMMERCIALS: Blip (1977)

This post over at Battlegrip got me to thinking about other early handheld electronic games - and there are few earlier than Tomy's Blip.



Like most pre-Space Invaders arcade cabinets, Blip was in fact a mechanical game. That ''timer'' you wound-up to play? It's actually a clockwork mechanism that powers the movement of the game's ''ball'' - an LED mounted on a moving pivot that would

NEWS: New LoEB Assignment!

Brian at Cool and Collected has just posted this week's League of Extraordinary Bloggers assignment:



What pop culture heroes or stories would make for the ultimate crossover - think along the lines of Han Solo meeting up with Firefly's Mal on a smuggling run.



If you fancy joining in then simply post a response on your blog and then share the link over at Cool and Collected. Just

PODCAST: General Geekery Episode 19

Here's the latest edition of the General Geekery Podcast, featuring a number of Marvel's The Avengers spoilers, plus chat with special guests Dave and Devall to discuss all manner of toys, collectibles and - as the name suggest - general geekery.



General Geekery Episode 19

REVIEW: Marvel's The Avengers Chibis

Produced by Bulls I Toy | Released April 2012


With Marvel's The Avengers doing big numbers at the box office (at last count the movie had grossed over $600 million world-wide) it comes as no surprise to see an assortment of tie-in action figures, collectibles, mugs, toothbrushes, underwear, Lego kits, role-play toys, drinks and colonic cleansing kits hitting the shelves. And now there's

NEWS: Join the Cold Slither Podcast Avengers Initiative!

This weekend saw Marvel's The Avengers land in US theaters, setting a new opening weekend record and  grossing in excess of $200 million. Which probably just about covers the movie's spandex budget.



If you were one of the millions who laid-down their cash to watch Marvel's super-team in action and you want to let people know just how awesome/terrible the movie was then you're in luck, as

VIDEO VIEW: GI Joe: Retaliation Japanese Trailer

Here's the trailer for GI Joe: Back 2 Revenge (as it's known in Japan), featuring an intro by Storm Shadow himself  Lee Byung-Hun and an outro what appears to be a very tired Bruce Willis.



Thanks to The HISS Tank for the original spot.

VIDEO VIEW: Skyfall Videoblog: Production Design

In a videoblog as sleek and minimalist as its subject, here's a behind-the-scenes look at Production Designer Dennis Gassner's work on the upcoming James Bond movie, Skyfall.



Skyfall is set for an October 2012 release.

NEWS: Kotobukiya Marvel Comics Hawkeye Classic Avengers Fine Art Statue

Proving there's more to them than just sexy Anime girls, Kotobukiya has just released a gallery of images showcasing their latest Marvel Fine Art Statue, the Silver Age Hawkeye.





Coming in November of this year (that's 2012 for any adrift time travelers reading this), the Hawkeye statue was sculpted by Erick Sosa and stands at 13'' tall. No word on pricing or numbers yet but until we have

PODCAST: What's on Joe Mind? Episode 53

Here's this week's episode of What's on Joe Mind? (That's #53 for those who've lost count or didn't read the post title.)



Topics covered this week include the 12" Man of Evil figure, a Joelanta 2012 catch-up, the movie line of 3 3/4'' figures, upcoming IDW GI Joe comic plots and more!



What's on Joe Mind? Episode 53

NEWS: The Elder Scrolls Online Announced

If the thought of making ''arrow in the knee'' gags to thousands of other players appeals to you, then you'll be pleased to hear that an Elder Scrolls Massive Multiplayer Online game is in the works.





The Elder Scrolls Online is the first game from Zenimax Online Studios, a developer set up by Bethesda's parent company to create online games. Although there's not a great deal to comment

VIDEO VIEW: Green Lantern ''Regime Change'' Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek of tomorrow's episode of Green Lantern: The Animated Series, courtesy of ComicBookResources.com - where you'll also find a couple previews of some DC Nation shorts, a second Green Lantern preview clip, plus two teasers for tomorrow's Young Justice episode.

NEWS: Ask DST #157

Yesterday we took a look at the Calico Jack's Pirate Raiders Calico Jack/Tom Brown Minimates double-pack from Diamond Select Toys/The Art Asylum. Coincidentally, this week's Ask DST  is a Minimates-themed round of questions (and answers) so if you were wondering if the Disney Store will ever carry the Marvel Minimates double-packs or what the company has planned for the upcoming Battle Beasts

NEWS: Box O Zombies Samurai Zombie Pre-Order

If you've ever dreamed of getting your hands on ten inches of undead Samurai goodness, then I'd suggest you seek help. But if you've ever wanted your very own super-scale Samurai Zombie figure then you'll be pleased to see Box O Zombies' latest release, which suits your needs perfectly. 



Limited to just one hundred pieces and priced at $149.95, the (un)life-like sculpt features an

NEWS: Hot Toys' The Avengers Thor

Check out these amazing shots of the upcoming Marvel's The Avengers Thor 1:6 scale figure from Hot Toys.





No word yet on when we can expect to see the God of Thunder joining the rest of his Avengers team-mates but ahead of that, here's a few choice images to whet your appetite.













 See more at the Hot Toys Facebook Page.

NEWS: GI Joe: Retaliation Ghost Hawk II Review

With the news that the GI Joe: Retaliation figures have been spotted at retail and for sale online it comes as no surprise to see this review of the upcoming Ghost Hawk II at General Joes.



If you were one of those people - like me - who's on the fence about picking this one up then the generally positive comments and detailed photos included in the review could be just what you need to

REVIEW: Minimates Calico Jack's Pirate Raiders - Calico Jack and Tom Brown

Produced by Diamond Select/Art Asylum | Released 2011


Once a feared pirate, Calico Jack now fights against pirates who prey on innocent travelers. Jack must be constantly vigilant for rival Charles Vanes and other pirates. Can he defeat a man who has already returned from the dead?



Calico Jack's long time crew member and good friend Tom holds the position of weaponer in Jacks's crew but

VIDEO VIEW: Sherlock Returns to PBS This Sunday

Be sure to tune-in to PBS this Sunday, May 6th at 9PM for the opening episode of Sherlock's second season.

NEWS: Matty Collector's May Sale Inventory

Matty Collector's May 2012 sale listings are now online.


This month's sale is somewhat Masters of the Universe Classics-heavy but fans of Golden Age superheroics will be pleased to see the original Flash putting in an appearance as part of the DC Universe line-up. Anyway, here's what Mattel has in store for collectors:

DCU: Golden Age The Flash (included with DC Universe Club Infinite

CLASSIC COMMERCIALS: MASK Switchblade, Rhino & Thunderhawk

I never owned any MASK toys when I was a kid and it's been a while since we featured a Classic Commercial but last night I dreamed a previously-unknown friend of the family bequeathed me his mint collection of vehicles and figures. So who am I do deny my subconscious?

NEWS: Hot Toys' The Avengers Hulk Work In Progress Teaser

No word yet on when we can expect to see him but here's our first behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming 1:6 scale Hulk from Hot Toys, complete with team-mate Iron Man/Tony Stark, included for scale-comparison purposes.



Hot Toys' Facebook Page.

NEWS: GI Joe: Retaliation Figures Invade Online - and Retail!

GI Joe collectors have been forced to play a bit of a waiting game since the earlier announcement of the GI Joe: Retaliation movie tie-in line of toys but it looks as if that wait may finally be over, as the figures have not only made an appearance at retail in the US but are also available now to order online.





We brought you the news earlier this week of Amazon's four-figure preview

NEWS: GI Joe ''Basic'' Figure Reviews

Although there's still some speculation as to when and where - or indeed, if - we'll see the upcoming GI Joe ''Basic'' figures, that doesn't mean we should ignore them. So when a series of photo reviews appeared online featuring the first wave of figures, you know we were all over them.



HISS Tank poster - and Philippines resident - danielgogeta was kind enough to not only hunt down these

FEATURE: LoEB Assignment 13: Sweet Ride!

This week's League of Extraordinary Bloggers assignment is a gear-head special!



If you haven't been paying attention (or you're new to That Figures (or indeed, the Internet), if so, welcome) the League of Extraordinary Bloggers is a weekly feature organized by Brian at Cool and Collected, where members of the League contribute a themed feature each week, which they then share with other

PODCAST: Nerd Lunch Podcast #35

This week's Nerd Lunch Podcast title - ''When Real Life Ruins Stuff'' - pretty much explains it all. So if you can't separate an actor's insane ranting from his on-screen performances or you discover years later that your favorite movie was in fact produced as a practical joke by a director who actually hates you, personally, then this is the episode for you.



Nerd Lunch Podcast 35: When

NEWS: Ask Matty May 1st Round-Up

Here's the latest round-up of Ask Matty goodness, May 1st Edition!



First up it's over to Action Figure Blues, where the discussion seems to dwell mostly on cancelled DC figures (and for fans of Young Justice, it's bad news) although the rather awesome-looking Back to the Future hoverboard gets a mention.


Next up is Action Figure Insider's feature, where again the DC Universe line is a hot

VIDEO VIEW: Atomic Martians Toy Reviews Episode 63

PODCAST: UnderScoopFIRE! Podcast Episode 34

The UnderScoopFIRE! crew take a sideways look at life in this uproarious installment of the podcast, featuring a hilarious line-up of comedy gold!



And don't miss guest reviewer Rick Marshall's look at Marvel's The Avengers.



UnderScoopFIRE! Podcast Episode 34 - Stand Up Comedians Roundtable.

NEWS: Roobarb and Custard Plush Toys Announced

Brits of a certain age will be pleased to hear that cult classic animation Roobarb is to get its own line of plush toys.


As reported at Licensing.biz



Bulldog Licensing signs a deal to take the animated cat and dog into the world of soft toys.



Bulldog Licensing has announced details of a plush licensing agreement with Brazier & Co, which will see Roobarb and Custard made into a series

NEWS: The League of Extraordinary Bloggers Update

Sadly we weren't around to take part in last week's particularly awesome assignment but we'll certainly be taking part this week, in which Cool and Collected's Brian poses this question:


Besides the Batmobile, what is the sweetest ride cruising the streets of pop culture?


And don't forget, if you'd like to take part then the set-up is pretty straightforward. Just post an update to your

VIDEO VIEW: New Tron Uprising Trailer

Thanks to this new promo - which comes to us via Bleeding Cool - we now know that Tron: Uprising will premiere on Disney's Disney DX Channel on the 18th of May.

NEWS: Amazon-Exclusive GI Joe: Renegades Pack Sells Out In a Day

We brought you the news yesterday that GI Joe collectors who'd missed-out on the excellent Renegades Storm Shadow figure would be getting a second chance to get their hands on him as part of an Amazon-exclusive four-figure pack, featuring a variant version of the elusive Cobra Ninja. And although we had a feeling this set would be popular with fans - even if this version of Storm Shadow

VIDEO VIEW: New The Dark Knight Rises Trailer

You know, I have faith in Christopher Nolan and crew that this will be great, but am I the only one who's left kind of underwhelmed by this trailer? Still, at least Bane's voice appears to have been fixed...



The Dark Knight Rises is set for a July 20th release.