A Transformer that doesn’t transform? Why in the world not?

Japanese figure company Kaiyodo recently unveiled awesome new pics of the latest addition to their Sci-Fi Revoltech line, Optimus Prime! Or at least, the movie version. Just in time for the latest Transformers movie, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, which comes out this week!

Optimus here uses Kaiyodo’s signature Revolver Joint Technology (hence, the name Revoltech) that uses uniquely designed joints to give the noble Autobot leader insane levels of articulation. Not to mention all the cool weapons he’s got. He still can’t transform though. But hey, it’s a fully-poseable and movie-accurate Optimus Prime!

He’s reportedly slated for a September 2011 release. Prepare to drool when you check out more pics at Revoltech’s online catalog (Japanese).

Woody and Buzz never looked so bad-ass!

These toys are the prototype of designer Luis Eduardo Vargas Montoya. I sure hope it gets produced. It’s one helluva collectible set! More photos after the jump…

More photos…

[ source ]

Part man. Part machine. All Figma.

Robocop, the heroic cyborg cop from the movie of the same name, is getting his very own Figma! In case you don’t know, Figma is a Japanese line of poseable figures made by Max Factory, and they usually focus on characters from Japanese anime, mainly schoolgirls. It’s only recently that they’ve branched out, even making a Michael Jackson figure. Now they’ve got a badass robot to add to their ranks!

His leg even opens up to holster his gun, just like in the movie! Beautiful.

Robocop is pegged for an August release. Find pics and more info about the Robocop Figma over at the Goodsmile Company site.

Every geek worth his salt would love to have an exact, scaled replica of Mjolnir.

Hath thou gazed upon it, mortal?

Have at thee!

Thor Mjolnir Replica Specs

• This item measures approximately 18″ long by 8″ wide and includes a museum-quality acrylic display case with name plaque.
• It features a handle wrapped in the finest glove leather and comes painted and ready for display.
• It is limited to 1,000 pieces and features a hand-numbered base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity
• The Mjolnir replica is inlaid with the phrase: “Whoever holds the hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of… Thor”
• Weighs approximately 18.55 pounds
• Costs $350 (around PHP 15,400 without shipping)

Here’s the link where we found it.

We also found another studio replica being sold anywhere from $300 to $800 HERE. This one has a base.

Don’t thou forget to share this missive!

Here’s another fine mashup of Hello Kitty. This time featuring the Watchmen; Rorschach, Dr. Manhattan, Silk Spectre, The Comedian and Night Owl by Joseph Senior

Enjoy!

Hello Watchmen

Via Geeks Are Sexy

Get a low-down of all Marvel collectibles, action figures, etc. as Marvel.com releases its new online segment, Geek-Lactus. Featured in their premiere episode are the new toys from Hasbro, Hot Toys, Kotobukiya, etc.

Geek-Lactus? Sounds like a milk-drinking intergalactic demi-god, but check out the full first episode here:

More on Marvel.com.

Dr. Manhattan (solid blue)

Image above was just a teaser shot…here’s the real shot: Dr. Manhattan in solid blue.

Rorschach

Nite Owl I

Nite Owl II

Silk Spectre I

Silk Spectre II

The Comedian

Ozymandias

These feature “multiple points of articulation” – knowing DC Direct though, these should probably have an average of about 10 POA each. Presentation bases are included, all in a 4-color window box.

They’ve also released 3 variants: A translucent but very detailed Dr. Manhattan, an unmasked Rorschach, and an unmasked Comedian.

Dr. Manhattan variant (translucent blue)

Rorschach (unmasked)

The Comedian (unmasked)

Reviews to follow so just keep watching here…

Prices vary, but you can get them online for about US$18.00 per figure, with sets of 4 (one with the original Golden Age characters, the other with the new 80′s team members) going from US$88.00 to US$150.00.

Click here to go to the Watchmen movie official site.

The DC Universe Classics continue to amaze as they bring out pre-sales photos of their upcoming Wave 8 and Wave 9, with the latter having their prototypes shown in the just-concluded NYCC 2009. Wave 8 features Giganta, appropriately named such for being the Collect and Connect figure. Wave 9 features Chemo, sporting a unique sculpt as their unique big green.

Here are pics from DCUC.info…

DCUC Wave 8 – Giganta C n’ C

Hawkgirl

Parademon (red)

Parademon (yellow)

Dr. Fate (Classic version)

Dr. Fate (Modern version) – chase figure

Gentleman Ghost

Mr. Terrific

Commander Steel

Vigilante

Giganta

Click here to view Wave 8 at DCUC.info.

DCUC Wave 9 – Chemo C n’ C

Black Canary

Green Arrow

Black Adam

Wildcat

Mantis (comic book version)

Mantis (DC Super Powers version)

The Guardian

Deadshot

Chemo

Click here for the Wave 9 preview at the NYCC (courtesy of DCUC.info).

Toy trains Star Wars fans to “use the Force”.

Star Wars Fans rejoice! This is what you’ve been waiting for! The Force Trainer, produced by Uncle Milton Industries, was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The Force Trainer comes with a headset that uses brain waves to allow players to manipulate a sphere within a clear 10-inch-tall training tower, analogous to Yoda and Luke Skywalker’s abilities in the Star Wars films. Jedi wannabes are expected to shell out $90 to $100 to get one.

Click here for the full article with more details!

Use the Force wisely!

Hasbro announced that they’re extending Merchandising Strategic Licensing Agreements up to the year 2017. This includes global rights (except Japan) to make toys and games based on Marvel properties. This will include the 6-inch Marvel Legends line, Marvel and Columbia Pictures theatrical releases, all Marvel Super Hero brands including SpiderMan, Iron Man, the Avengers, X-Men, Thor, and Captain America.

Is this good news or bad news? For me, it’s bad news. Ever since Hasbro took hold of the Marvel Legends line – the quality of the entire line suffered. From the choice of the line-up, to paint, articulation, extras included with each figure, etc. Now for those of you who think otherwise, fine…sound-off. But remember, Hasbro’s also concentrating on their new Marvel Universe toyline, which consists of 3.75 inch action figures – delaying the next series of Marvel Legends. This adds a long line in-between series of Marvel Legends. And they’ll be pushing these amid the delay, counting on the fact that collectors will surely jump-in on the new 3.75 scale. Start collecting on another line, that’s what they intend to do.

More from Hasbro’s Corporate news from their site:

The license extension guarantees $100 million in royalties with the potential to earn up to an additional $140 million in royalty guarantees, contingent upon the release during the extension period of Marvel character based films that satisfy certain criteria.

In 2009, Hasbro is bringing to market a line of products based on the upcoming May 1 release of the movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine, as well as great classic lines behind Spider-Man, Iron Man, Super Hero Squad & the Marvel Universe. Hasbro is also planning product and marketing programs based on several upcoming releases like Iron Man 2, Thor, The First Avenger: Captain America, and The Avengers.

“Hasbro is thrilled to extend our relationship with Marvel and Spider-Man Merchandising through 2017,” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s President and CEO. “Through the years, Hasbro has consistently stayed on strategy as a brand driven company focused on our Hasbro brands, while selectively aligning ourselves with the best possible global licenses. As we’ve seen over the past several years, our licensing arrangement with Marvel and Spider-Man Merchandising gives Hasbro an even greater opportunity to expand our leadership position in the boys category.”

“Hasbro’s ability to secure this license through 2017 speaks to our execution as brand stewards and our ability to translate Marvel and Spider-Man Merchandising’s amazing intellectual properties into great toys and games,” said John Frascotti, Hasbro’s Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Based on our successful relationship to date, and in looking at the scheduled slate of theatrical releases in the years ahead, we feel very fortunate to have access to these great brands for such a length of time.”

*sigh* Well, I wished that the rumours were true that Hasbro was letting go of the line. It’s like Dark Reign… on plastic. :p

Well I don’t want to be entirely pessimistic so here’s hoping that they improve anyway, en route to 2017…