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“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” Re-releases of older figures within the Star Wars Black Series has been dealt with either via the Archive line or the Anniversary line, putting the re-packed figures onto card backs and selling them outside of the mainline releases. That principle changed in 2024 with Hasbro announcing a principle of ensuring key figures from the saga always have on-shelf availability and the first releases of these 'Best Of' figures were confirmed as A New Hope Darth Vader, and the brand new Mandalorian (as seen in the Glavis Ringworld release). These figures would be released as part of the mainline figures in the Galaxy Collection boxes and with sequential numbering that works with the figures around them. The Darth Vader figure was therefore placed into the collection for A New Hope with the orange artwork and text and the number 06 placing Vader into the side montage between Nalan Cheel and the upcoming Momaw Nadon 'Hammerhead' release. The Vader (and the Mando) release were not originally planned to be released outside of the US and an Archive wave Vader was scheduled for an early 2024 release in the UK and other territories. That reasoning was soon reversed with Vader listed for pre-order in March with a late 2024 release - only for that release date to be sped up considerably and the figure arrived in early May. Out of the box this 'Best of Vader' is pretty much identical to the 2017 release from A New Hope, and therefore is also the same as the Obi-Wan Kenobi release from 2022 and the 2024 Archive release. This means no improvements have been made, although the look of this ANH Vader is already pretty impressive with a black body, and gloss black armour. Paint apps are included on the chest box and belt with green, red and silver components, and on the chest armour with silver panels breaking up the gloss black. The helmet is well-proportioned - but not removable as that feature remains exclusive to the Return of the Jedi version. The helmet is the same gloss black as the other armoured panels with use of silver highlights on the neck and 'cheeks' and a red tinge to the visor. Vader is then finished off with soft goods and plenty of them with plenty of soft fabric making up the cape and a second piece running over the chest armour, down through the belt and out into an inner skirt piece. The fabric remains the same as the other Vader releases and it flows and sits naturally around the figure. Vader comes with his lightsaber as the sole accessory, again a repack from the previous releases and cast in black with silver highlights. The red translucent blade is quite dull but is robust in its connection to the hilt. The hilt also incorporates a loop that can slip onto a hook on Vader's belt to allow it to be hung when not in use. The belt hook is very soft and the fit is not very secure. The saber can then be handheld in either hand and with articulation also allowing a dual-hand grip. The articulation features 16 points in total and an older format that uses pinned, but double-jointed knees allowing Vader the ability to kneel if the Emperor is around. The figure still has weak hips, an issue that has plagued this Vader body since its inception, and while he can be stood and posed the hips do have a tendency to slide outward. There are no restrictions with the arm movements and the shoulder armour retracts out of the way as the arms are raised. For those that already own the ANH Vader, this figure only offers minor factory paint differences with a marginally glossier black on the version we are reviewing vs the 2017 release - although that may also include some wear and fading over the years. 2024 release on the left, 2017 release on the right All in all this 2024 'Best Of' release does what it intended and brings the classic A New Hope Darth Vader onto store shelves for any new collectors. The issue initially will be one of over-saturation with the UK in particular also sitting on an Archive release that is exactly the same, and having also recently had a couple of Obi-Wan Kenobi releases. The choice of incorporating these into the mainline may also frustrate packaging collectors who may have to double-dip to avoid gaps in the numbering or connective artwork montage. Keep Track of all the Star Wars Black Series figures from Hasbro at our comprehensive Star Wars Black Series Collectors Database & Checklist If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

NECA have announced their Friday the 13th Camp Crystal Lake accessory set is to be re-issued this year through the NECA Store and with an October 2024 release date, just in time for Halloween. You asked, we listened.  Friday the 13th Camp Crystal Lake Accessory Set has RESURRECTED for a LIMITED TIME ONLY, on the NECA Store. Open Pre-Orders close May 27th at 11:59pm ET. https://store.necaonline.com/.../friday-the-13th-camp... Add to your Friday the 13th collection or build amazing dioramas with this deluxe accessory set! These incredible pieces are perfectly in scale with NECA’s line of 7" figures and are great for building scenes from the cult classic horror movies. The set comes in closed box packaging and includes: Camp Crystal Lake Sign Dock Base Rock and Sign Base with Chain. Attach a figure (sold separately) to re-create Jason “floating” at the bottom of the lake! *FIGURE SOLD SEPARATELY To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

Hasbro's Star Wars team held their Star Wars Day Fan Stream on the 3rd of May, revealing new products from the Star Wars Universe. The stream was also meant to see the reveal of the next HasLab project, a new release for the Vintage Collection - but this announcement has been pushed back as Hasbro continues to work on the project. The Star Wars Black Series reveals kicked off with a Prequel focus and started with a new exclusive from The Phantom Menace with 'Duel of the Fates' three-pack featuring Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul. All three figures are updated from their original releases with soft goods robes for Qui-Gon and Kenobi and updated soft goods. This set is a Gamestop US release in the Autumn - and should be a Fan Channel release elsewhere. It comes in the new packaging., We also got the full reveal of four sets previously announced via the pipeline process. The first is the single release of the B2 Super Battle Droid. This is an Attack of the Clones release and features a variant clean paint job vs the recent 2-pack release with C-3PO on the Battle Droid body. This version also comes with a firing effect piece. We then get the first release for Revenge of the Sith in the Galaxy Collection with Darth Sidious in his red robes complete with lightsaber and force lightning effects. The figure is a mix of soft-goods robes but with a sculpted hood. Both Sidious and the Super Battle Droid are Fan Channel releases in the Autumn. Both of these new figures will come in the slanted side Phase 4 packaging and not the new squared-off box that Hasbro is moving to later in 2024. The Clones of the Republic Set 2 will be the Yoda and Commander Gree set and comes with a Prequel era Yoda with two head options, a lightsaber, and his council chair. Gree is based on his comic-book look. This set is a Hasbro Pulse exclusive to start with and will also feature at Shop Disney and Disney Parks in the future. The final set is the Exclusive two-pack of Captain Enoch and a Night Trooper from Ahsoka,. This one is a Walmart US exclusive and through the Fan Channel everywhere else. This is also an Autumn 2023 release. Both of these final two packs are in the new packaging. The Black Series pipeline reveals included both Luke and Leia from A New Hope, an army-building 2-pack from A New Hope with a Stormtrooper and Rebel Fleet Trooper, and Dagan from the Jedi: Survivor videogame. With no HasLab reveal, the Vintage Collection news was limited to the unveiling of the Rebel Pilot 4-Pack with pilots as seen in the Ahsoka series including two human pilots, a Mirialan, and a Duros. The pilots also come with their helmets and blasters. The Army Builder set is a Fan Channel release in the Autumn. And in the Retro Collection, we have another box set of Prequel figures including Attack of the Clones figures of Padme Amidala, Jango Fett, and MAace WIndu. Along with Revenge of the Sith releases of Anaking Skywalker, Clone Trooper, and General Grievous. This is an Autumn release exclusive to Hasbro Pulse and then Shop Disney and Disney Parks. Vintage collectors do have some pipeline reveals to look forward to with a new Anakin Skywalker from the Ahsoka flashback scenes, an army-building 4-Pack of Shriek Hawk Mandalorians and an Armorer Forge Playset. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES DARTH SIDIOUS (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Fall 2024) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES DARTH SIDIOUS figure, inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH. The scheming Darth Sidious lived a double life as Palpatine, a Naboo Senator and phantom menace who manipulated the Galactic Republic’s political system until he was named Supreme Chancellor. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and 3 entertainment-inspired accessories including Darth Sidious’ signature red-bladed Lightsaber and two alternate lightning FX hands. Available for pre-order 5/4 at 1pm ET at Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, BigBadToyStore and other fan channel retailers. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES SUPER BATTLE DROID (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Fall 2024) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES SUPER BATTLE DROID figure, inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: ATTACK OF THE CLONES. Stronger and more advanced than the standard mechanical soldier, super battle droids run tirelessly and fearlessly into battle, reducing their targets to smoldering ruins with their cannon fire. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and blast FX accessory. Available for pre-order 5/4 at 1pm ET at Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, BigBadToyStore and other fan channel retailers. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES CAPTAIN ENOCH & NIGHT TROOPER (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99 / Available: Fall 2024) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES CAPTAIN ENOCH & NIGHT TROOPER 2-pack, inspired by the characters’ appearances in STAR WARS: AHSOKA. Captain Enoch, Grand Admiral Thrawn’s captain of the guard, is an ominous sentinel who wears a modified helmet with a golden face hammered into its mask. Brought to life by the sinister majik of the Great Mothers, Night Troopers are a macabre fighting force. Fans and collectors can display these fully articulated figures featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes 2 figures and 2 blaster accessories. Available for pre-order 5/4 at 1pm ET exclusively at Walmart. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES YODA & CLONE COMMANDER GREE (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99 / Available: Fall 2024) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES YODA & CLONE COMMANDER GREE 2-pack, inspired by the characters’ appearances in STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. Small in size but wise and powerful, Jedi Master Yoda played an integral role in the Clone Wars – including briefly commanding a sub-unit of the 41st Elite Corps on Kashyyyk. Clone Commander Gree, designation 1004, assisted Yoda as second in command until Order 66 was enacted. Fans and collectors can display these fully articulated figures featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes 2 figures and 7 entertainment-inspired accessories including for Yoda an alternate head, his signature green Lightsaber and unlit hilt, plus his council chair and walking stick. Clone Commander Gree includes 2 blaster accessories. Available for pre-order 5/4 at 1pm ET exclusively at Hasbro Pulse and available at DisneyStore.com and Disney Parks later this year as part of the Clones of the Republic program. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE 3-PACK (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $74.99 / Available: Fall 2024) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE 3-pack, featuring Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Maul and Obi-Wan Kenobi, inspired by the characters’ appearances during the “Duel of Fates” scene in STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE. Darth Maul came to Naboo with a mission to destroy Queen Amidala. Instead, he was met with the formidable Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi – and a fateful battle began. Fans and collectors can display these fully articulated figures featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes 3 figures and 3 entertainment-inspired accessories including each character’s signature Lightsabers. Available for pre-order 5/4 at 1pm ET exclusively at GameStop. STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION X-WING PILOT 4-PACK (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $54.99 / Available: Fall 2024) A new generation of talented X-wing pilots proudly serve the New Republic, flying the venerable T-65 starfighters on both security patrols and critical missions. Fans can celebrate the legacy of STAR WARS, the action-and-adventure-packed space saga from a galaxy far, far away, with this premium 3.75-inch scale STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION X-WING PILOT 4-pack inspired by the characters’ appearances in STAR WARS: AHSOKA. These figures feature premium detail and design across product and packaging inspired by the original Kenner line, as well as the entertainment-inspired collector grade deco. Includes 4 figures and 10 entertainment-inspired accessories including removable helmets, plus 3 sets of small and medium-size blasters. Available for pre-order 5/4 at 1pm ET at Hasbro Pulse and at 7pm ET at Amazon, BigBadToyStore and additional fan channel retailers. This set will also be available later this year at DisneyStore.com STAR WARS: RETRO COLLECTION EPISODE II & EPISODE III MULTIPACK (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99/Available: Fall 2024) After the onset of the Clone Wars, the Jedi bring together a massive clone army to fight the Separatists in a battle that will alter the course of history for the noble Jedi Order. Inspired by the original 1970s Kenner STAR WARS action figures, this STAR WARS: RETRO COLLECTION EPISODE II & EPISODE III MULTIPACK features premium design and five points of articulation across all figures. These 3.75-inch-scale figures are detailed to look like the Padmé Amidala, Jango Fett, Mace Windu as they appeared in STAR WARS: ATTACK OF THE CLONES, and Anakin Skywalker, a clone trooper, and General Grievous as they appeared in STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH. These figures feature classic Kenner branding, as well as packaging treated with a weathered look. Imagine the excitement of the ‘70s when the STAR WARS original trilogy had just begun. Includes 6 figures and 10 accessories. Available for pre-order 5/4 at 1pm ET exclusively at Hasbro Pulse and available at DisneyStore.com and Disney Parks later this year. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

Another of the McFarlane DC Multiverse reveals from WonderCon has been previewed on the McFarlane social channels ahead of an imminent pre-order. The Tim Drake Robin figure will open for pre-orders on the 10th of May 2024. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

Amazon has revealed in full their new Star Wars Black Series Exclusive 3-Pack from Jedi: Survivor. The Gaming Greats Exclusive comes with repainted Droids as seen in the game deployed by the Bedlam Raiders. These include the B1 Battle Droid, B2 Super Battle Droid, and the Magna Guard, The B1 Droid features a new melee weapon, while the Magna Guard includes new soft goods. There is also an update to the Super Battle Droid's left arm. The box does state Jedi: Fallen Order as the source material which is incorrect. The pack is a Gaming Greats release and uses the new packaging format, but does not appear to be numbered. The set is an early November 2024 release and is currently listed on Amazon US at $69.99 that includes international shipping with the UK price coming in at around £76 with shipping and import costs. You can keep track of this new release, and all the other Star Wars Black Series figures at our comprehensive Collectors Database. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR 3-PACK (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $69.99 / Available: Fall 2024) STAR WARS  fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR 3-pack, inspired by the appearances of the MagnaGuard, Super Battle Droid and Battle Droid characters in the iconic STAR WARS video game. In his fight to protect the galaxy, Cal Kestis must face a number of enemies – including reprogrammed MagnaGuards, advanced Super Battle Droids, and variant B1 Droids. Fans and collectors can display these fully articulated figures featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes 3 figures and 3 entertainment-inspired accessories including a spear with lightning FX for the MagnaGuard, blast FX for the Super Battle Droid, and an axe accessory for the Battle Droid. STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR 3-PACK: This Gaming Greats action figure set is inspired by the iconic Star Wars video game franchise -- a great gift for collectors and fans ages 4 and up PREMIUM DESIGN AND ARTICULATION: Star Wars fans and collectors can display these 6 inch action figures (15 cm) -- featuring premium deco and design, as well as multiple articulation points -- in their collections GAMING-INSPIRED ACCESSORIES: Each droid in this 3-pack comes with an accessory inspired by entertainment WINDOW BOX PACKAGING: Display Star Wars fandom on your shelf with window box packaging featuring sleek character art FORMIDABLE FOES: In his fight to protect the galaxy, Cal Kestis must face a number of enemies – including reprogrammed MagnaGuards, advanced Super Battle Droids, and variant B1 Droids A GALAXY OF COLLECTIBLES: Look for more Star Wars Black Series action figures to build out your favorite scenes from the Star Wars franchise on your shelf (Each sold separately. Subject to availability) To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

Announced over the Star Wars Day weekend is this new Shop Disney Exclusive set from Jazwares and their Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron Series. This Battle Droid Battle Pack is based on the Battle of Naboo and features an AAT, two Vulture Droids, 3 STAP speeders, and a squad of 7 Battle Droids. The set is an August 2024 release and is listed on Shop Disney in the US. There is currently no UK listing. Recreate the Battle of Naboo or create your own galactic missions with this Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron Battle Droid Pack. Inspired by The Phantom Menace, the set includes 7 droids, 2 AAT battle tanks, 3 STAP vehicles and more. Authentic details include rotating turrets, side cannons and laser cannons that fuel imaginations to bring epic adventures to life. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

NECA have revealed another Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cartoon Series release of Super Bebop and Mighty Rocksteady. This is a re-pack of the 2022 set and will continue as a Target Exclusive. Based on the classic 1980s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon series! Super Bebop and Mighty Rocksteady are the new evil upgrade Krang and Shredder have been hoping for. These robotic replicas are stronger and smarter than their half-witted counterparts… can the Turtles prevail before Shredder manages to mind-control the entire city with his Mesmerizer? This set includes two 7" scale action figures and accessories. Comes in the classic cartoon 2-pack style packaging you all know and love. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

“Go…Go… Get to the ship!” The Mandalorian ushered in a new era for Star Wars when it arrived on Disney+ and the popularity of the new title character and his companion would have a significant knock-on to the Hasbro Star Wars lines, with the Black Series in particular seeing a more defined focus on this new era of Star Wars than the films. The Mandalorian himself has had numerous releases since 2020 initially focused on the variation of his armour across Season 1 as his look was established. Come Season 2 and with no other visual changes, the Black Series releases switched more to situational releases themed around a particular storyline and that led to the 2022 Deluxe Release of The Mandalorian and Grogu as seen in their adventure on Maldo Kreis. The set was Deluxe and a ‘build-up’ pack which is a standard figure enhanced with additional accessories or component parts. It was an exclusive release, sold via Target in the US and the Fan Channel in the UK and other territories. The set is part of the wider Galaxy Collection for The Mandalorian with the wider box still featuring the slanted side and artwork. Maldo Kreis Mando is number 17 in the series and slots in between two other Deluxe releases from the same year - Boba Fett from Tython and Cobb Vanth. The Mando figure uses the same base as all the prior figures with a base brown undersuit over which the Beskar armour is added, nearly all as individual cast silver pieces which reduces the paintwork requirement and provides crisp and defined edges. This is Mando following the provision of his sigil, so the Mudhorn symbol is present on the right pauldron. Further paint is used to add touches of colour such as blue and burgundy at the knees and some yellow and beige elements on Mando’s gloves. The chest is crossed with a softer rubber bandoleer that connects into a belt with a holster - and this carries silver painted detail on the components, buckles and ammo. Mando comes with his cape, a sculpted plastic piece that sits under the helmet and trails over his right shoulder. This cape can be removed by popping off the head. The head itself is a fixed helmet and while we know there is an unpainted head underneath it is glued into place. The Maldo Kreis element of the figure is the final decor application with white paint used to try and recreate a snowy and icy look to the figure. In places this works well, across the boots for example and the rear hem of the cloak. In other areas, it does stray more into blotching of white paint than settled snow or forming ice. Mando comes with the same weaponry as the previous releases - his Blaster and Amban Phase-Pulse Rifle. The blaster is right-hand gripped and features a silver finish with quite a bit of sculpted detail and a painted brown grip. When not in use it can be holstered. The Phase-Pulse Rifle is a long and appropriately scaled piece with brown stock and silver body and barrel - the middle section is then coloured in grey as are the sites. This is also right hand gripped with the left hand used for support. When not in use there is the ability to have it shoulder slung with a peg on the rifle connecting to a socket on Mando’s back. Like all the variants of this that have gone before, the fit on this is poor with the rifle socket bigger than the hole and the hole not quite lining up in relation to the strap and the cloak. While the weapon can be engaged just about, it doesn't hold particularly well. Mando features 19 points of articulation with double-jointed pinned knees a carryover from the original release. This makes him very mobile in posing with his weaponry or with Grogu, although the cloak does limit some of the movement with the legs not able to fully kneel with the cloak in place and the right arm limited in upward movement without shifting the cloak to a less natural position. Grogu in the Maldo Kreis set was the third release of the character at the time, and it used the static body seen in the 2020 Deluxe set featuring Mando with a removable helmet from Season 1. This means that Grogu lacks any body articulation with the arms in a fixed position rather than being ball-jointed like the other version in circulation. The robes are cast in brown with the hands in green and plugged into the arms and the head is executed in the same way but with a bit more paintwork for the black eyes and with a pinkish tone over the cheeks and the inner ears. Like Mando, Grogu also has a snowy paint job which is just about visible on the bottom of his robes but lacks some of the subtle dusting we see on Mando’s boots. Grogu features just three points of articulation thanks to the fixed arm positions and you can either rotate his head or rotate his hands. He comes with a diorama base on which to stand that features a snowy area and an open Knobby Ice Spider Egg as per the scene in the show where Grogu disturbs the Spider’s nest. The base of this piece features a flattened area to sit Grogu and have him reaching up for the egg which is painted in a darker grey finish with the open flaps and interior in green. The set is completed by the inclusion of a Knobby White Ice Spider, a medium-sized piece that is cast in white plastic and reaches up to Mando’s hips when standing on all eight legs. Each leg is a ball joint connection to the main body providing eight points of articulation, but limited variation in how the Spider can be stood. The sculpt is accurate to the creatures on screen including the lower mouthpiece and jaws - but it lacks any substantial paintwork to really enhance the look. Interestingly a similar set was released in the smaller Vintage Collection, and that Spider features a much better paint job with a darker mottled finish and definition to the mouth. If you want to expand your Spider swarm to battle Mando then this set provides a smaller version and two tiny versions to display as well as another smaller egg. Assembled together the diorama value of the set is obvious pitting the snow-covered Mando against the mid-sized Ice Spider while Grogu reaches for another egg. The set also ticks the criteria for a Deluxe set with the additional value in the extra creature, although the Ice Spider itself is the weakest part of the set lacking both size so as to pose a threat to Mando as well as a decent paint job, especially when compared to the more visually impressive Vintage Collection version. Perhaps the release needed to go beyond the Deluxe format to a 2-pack or Creature Set with a larger Spider. Overall the set is good, without being exceptional. It is a good example of situational releasing and world-building dioramas and is probably a few paint improvements away from being something much more impressive. Keep Track of all the Star Wars Black Series figures from Hasbro at our comprehensive Star Wars Black Series Collectors Database & Checklist If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

"We got a breach! They're coming in the airlock!" In 2021 Disney Parks and Shop Disney launched a range of Star Wars Creatures as part of the Galaxy's Edge merchandise line. The range included plush releases of creatures like the Wampa, Loth Cat, and Kowakian Monkey Lizard - but also more sculpted 'action figure' creatures with a Mynock, Dewback and the figure we are looking at here, the Krykna Spider. The Creatures from Galaxy's Edge releases were not scaled at any particular size with the Krykna one of the smallest of the releases and therefore a fit with both the Star Wars Black Series and Vintage Collection for those who wanted to expand their collection. The Creatures are sold with an outer 'crate' carry case and the items themselves simply feature a tag onto which is their details including homeworld - Attolon in the case of the Krykna. This release also comes with sound and movement and the tag also carries details of accessing the two AA batteries by sliding off the large upper dome section. The Krykna is a hard plastic cast piece with eight legs connected into the main body. The piece is a decent likeness to the spider we see in Rebels and with a look that fits with both animated and liveaction collections. Paint work is basic but does enough to replicate the mottled white finish of the Krykna with painted black eyes sitting under the bulk of the main body. There are a few visual issues with the plastic seams visible where parts connect or where they've been cast. You can also see the speaker holes round the back for the sound effects and there is also copywrite embossed text on the legs and a very intrusive numbered code printed on one of the rear legs in dark grey. The legs are not jointed ias such n terms of articulation, so the figure has no direct posing options. In stead the Krykna is meant to have a walking action which is activated by a button on the reverse of the figure. The 'walking action' is more of a vibrating action with each leg vibrating in its socket. That means there is no directional walking movement and just a wobble on the spot. The sound effects that come with it is also disappointing and lacks volume despite how large the speaker box appears to be. Scale wise the Krykna only reaches the shoulder of a standard Black Series release. The Krykna spiders on Attolon wre larger than the Rebels crew, so the Disney Parks Krykna is suited more to 3.75 inch collections. Of course the Krykna are not the same Spiders as faced by Mando and Grogo on Maldo Kreis, but there are similarities and it is not significantly out of place to pose your Krykna with the Knobby White Ice Spiders from either the Black Series or VIntage Collection. The Krykna originally retailed at £19.99 and it is now being discountined and sold through Disney Outlet at half that price. While the other plush releases offer something different for fans young and old, there is an opportunity missed for the likes of the Krykna and the Dewback with a definite gap in the market for lower price point but larger creatures to fit with Black Series collections. Keep Track of all the Star Wars Black Series figures from Hasbro at our comprehensive Star Wars Black Series Collectors Database & Checklist If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

Tamashii Nations have made a May the 4th announcement that they will be re-releasing four of their S.H. Figuarts Star Wars figures from the Original Trilogy. The figures will be Darth Vader, C-3PO, R2-D2 and a Stormtrooper and each will be tweaked and improved vs the original version - although there is no clarity on what improvements we may see. Furthjer details and availability will be confirmed at a later date. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

The first full reveal of NECA's Monster MAYhem program was this new Ultimate Chucky release from the Chucky TV series. This Christmas version of Chucky features a bloodied Chucky complete with three head options, soft goods 'Ho Ho Horror' sweater, Santa Hat, alternative hands, removable safety goggles, chainsaw, and knife. He also comes with a list for Santa complete with Milk, Cookies, and a Chucky Mug, The new Ultimate Christmas Chucky figure is a September 2024 release. Add some ho-ho-horror to your collection with NECA! This Ultimate Chucky action figure features everyone’s favorite murderous doll decked out for the holidays, as seen on the hit “coming of rage” TV series, Chucky! When a vintage Chucky doll turns up at a suburban yard sale, an idyllic American town is thrown into chaos as a series of horrifying murders begins to expose the town's hypocrisies and secrets. Dressed in a soft goods “Ho-Ho-Horror" sweater, this festive figure comes with a killer lineup of accessories: interchangeable heads and hands, bloody and clean Santa hats, bloody and clean safety goggles, Santa’s list, milk and cookies, Chucky mug, chainsaw, and kitchen knife. This figure stands 4 inches tall with over 15 points of articulation. Comes in collector-friendly deluxe window box packaging with opening flap. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

We have another Usagi Yojimbo figure joining the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cartoon Series with the newly announced Ultimate Samurai Adventure Usagi Yojimbo. Usagi features two heads, alternative ears and hands and a selection of weapons and a flag. He even features a figure of a Tokage. It comes in a VHS inspired Ultimate box with opening front cover and is a Target US exclusive. Based on the classic 1980s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon series, it’s Stan Sakai’s award-winning rabbit ronin, Usagi Yojimbo! Developed in collaboration with Sakai, this 7-inch scale action figure of Usagi features an all-new design and comes with all-new samurai weapons and sashimono! Packaged in Ultimate five-panel window box resembling the iconic VHS tapes. To manage our storage costs, news article images are archived after 12-months. Accept our apologies if you have reached this news article, and the images are no longer available If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...