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"You will never convince me to betray my Master!" Hasbro has been drip-feeding us with Star Wars Black Series releases from the iconic Force Unleashed video game since 2020 with what has up to now been variants of existing figures released under the Gaming Greats banner including Stormtroopers and a Senate Guard. As of September 2023, we can now add Starkiller, Galen Marek, to that collection with a very special Hasbro Pulse Con exclusive box set. The set is a Hasbro Pulse Con Exclusive, opening for immediate delivery of orders at the end of Hasbro Pulse Con 2023. The packaging is closest in principle to the 2020 Endor exclusive with an outer cardboard sleeve depicting the cover of the original Force Unleashed videogame from 2008, using the same image on both front and back (if you can define them that way) with one side showing the Warning labels and Hasbro logo and one side without. The sleeve is not taped in place so can be removed and replaced as needed. The two side spines of the box show off the contents at one side, lining up Starkiller and all his included accessories and parts - 14 in total - and the Imperial Stormtroopers with their blasters. The opposite spine carries the Black Series logo, The Force Unleashed logo, and between them a short overview of Starkiller and a vague premise of the game without spoiling anything dramatic for anyone inspired to seek out the game on the back of the figure release. Inside the sleeve, we have an inner black box that has a cut-out at the front displaying the new Starkiller figure alongside several of the pack's key accessories against the same Force Lightning blue background as the front cover. And that cover image is reused again on the rear of this inner box. There are then two side compartments which are hinged to the main section of the box and taped in place. This tape is not easy to remove and begins to tear the black packaging when removed. Once freed, these two side sections hinge open each revealing an Imperial Stormtrooper attached to the same Force Lightning backdrop. Once these segments are free, the display principle of the set in the packaging is complete, but it will require quite a bit of shelf real estate. It is a shame that on the hinge elements of each of the Stormtrooper compartments, there is a very visible brown line from the inner cardboard used to join the sets together, especially considering the exclusive nature of the set. For those heretics like myself who want to open the set, this is done via side flaps on each of the three compartments. The figures are tied in with clear elastic ties, and behind the main Starkiller compartment is a further inner brown box containing the last of the accessories - notably the large Force effect base, and the guns for the Stormtroopers. Starkiller is of course a brand new figure, with this set replicating the simple Training Gear presented by Darth Vader towards the start of the game. This is cast in darker brown tones with green accent colours applied around the chest, arms, and skirt to add variation and tone to the overall look. The costume features plenty of intricate details including the multi-strapped belt, the strapping on the right wrist around the bracer, and the tourniquet around the left bicep. Over the chest piece is a single individually cast piece of shoulder armour in a deep gunmetal colour. The lower left arm is left in a skin tone, with a painted wound bleeding from the wrist. There are three head sculpts included, all modelled on Sam Witwer who played Starkiller in the game. The one packed fitted onto the figure is a neutral look with short shaved hair, deep sunken reddened eyes, and some shading around the angular features all executed using Photo-Real decor. We then get what I can best describe as a maniacal smiling variant, and an all-out angry variant with mouth open in a scream or a roar. Both variants use the same photo-print design but also lose much of the likeness to Witwer in their set expressions leaving me preferring the standard head out of the three choices available. Articulation is entirely pinless and has 17 points in total worked into and around the costume where possible. The Black Series is phasing out the thigh swivel which has resulted in the loss of 2 points, but with a rotating knee and a bit more range through the hip, this is not a miss. The arms are sufficiently jointed to use all of the accessories, while the dual neck allows some more subtle head positions and gestures than the older traditional ball joint. This Starkiller figure is themed almost exclusively around his force powers, but he does get one lightsaber hilt and a selection of four blade options to fit into it. The hilt appears to be his original saber from the game and similar in design to that of Darth Vader’s. It is thinner and a bit more delicate than other sabers in the line. The blades too are a bit slimmer where they plug into the hilt. The blades are shaped to fit a certain way, but even when lined up they are prone to bending so handle with care. You are provided with both red and blue blade options, the red being the most accurate version for the hilt provided. They come as a standard translucent blade, and the set resurrects the ‘in motion’ lightsaber effect blade only seen previously with Count Dooku back in 2020. Personal choice will dictate what colour and options to use, and it is good to have plenty of choices. Hands are provided to hold the sabers, although the grip on each is quite soft, and prefers the more traditional forward grip, than the reverse grip favoured by Starkiller. If we are to get future Galen Marek figures the hand options need to improve. The figure is designed with multiple options to stow the lightsaber hilt which features a small plug on one side. This can slot into the right side front of Starkiller’s belt, or in one of four other sockets on the reverse - I wonder if these have any bearing for future figures and possible additional sabers? The rest of the accessories are themed around the game’s Force Powers including the other two pair of hand options which are posed in force gestures - a set that resembles Force Choke and a second open spread pair for Force Push and other ranged powers. A final set of hands is included to directly replicate the game box art (as is the purpose of the set) with Force Lightning sculpted onto the hand and cast in translucent blue plastic. These work really well, and the figure does have sufficient stability to hold up when they are fitted, although on display angling them to reach the ground or another object will ensure stability. The Starkiller part of the set is finished off with an individual left hand with a sculpted Force Push effect attached to the hand in a translucent light blue plastic. This again fits well enough onto the figure but is heavier than the Force Lightning so has to be posed with care, and most likely down and touching the ground. We then have a large Force Explosion base as the final element to recreate Starkiller on the cover artwork. This comes in four pieces with a central circular translucent blue piece and three blast pieces that have to be slotted into place. The base has three peg holes within the inner segment allowing Starkiller to be further supported when posed. Once you have Starkiller posed with his lightning hands and standing in his Force Power base, you do need a couple of Imperial Stormtroopers to act as fodder and Hasbro has included these as part of the set - a decision that has inflated the price and been questioned in some quarters considering the availability of the Stormtrooper figure. The two Stormtroopers are identical to each other and use the new body with individual cast pieces of white armour and black body-suited parts that removes the need for very much paint work and improves the crispness of the transition from armour to bodysuit and back. The minimal paintwork is applied neatly with black segments on the stomach plates, the black sections of the helmet, silver around the front breathing apparatus, and blue to the sides of the helmet's cheeks. The Stormtroopers have the original 19 points of articulation, again all pinless, retaining the thigh swivel beneath the shape of the thigh armour. Further movement is granted at the shoulder pauldron which is hinged to move with the arm - although the way these had been packed on my figure had both right Pauldron’s sticking up and out too much on arrival - easily fixed with some hot water. The Stormtroopers have a wide range of posing options including having the ability to kneel and crouch and plenty of firing poses with their included weaponry. That weaponry is the standard E-11 blaster cast in black plastic with no further paint detail. It fits into the right hand of each trooper where a flexible trigger finger slots into place on the blaster. The left hand is shaped to cup the barrel if two-handed poses are preferred. There is however no holster option, something that is shown on the two Stormtroopers on the box art - a minor point only. With all the parts at your disposal, you can now complete the diorama that the set is designed to replicate adding two flailing Stormtroopers to your Starkiller, wrapping the partly flexible Force Lighting around their bodies. The Stormtrooper articulation will allow them to support themselves in certain positions and the Force Lighting helps support stability, but you may end up wanting to add some after-market stands for display longevity. The whole piece takes up arguably more shelf space than the box footprint, but the overall look is impressive! This will almost certainly not be Starkiller’s sole appearance in The Black Series with a single release almost a given in the coming months. That said, any single release will likely include fewer accessories - probably just some lightsabers - making the various Force effects and possibly the alternative heads the key value of this exclusive release. With a base figure and head sculpt for Starkiller now in the arsenal, this release also opens up the options for future variations with both Light and Heavy Training gear a relatively simple tweak, and even things like the Bounty Hunter disguise, Jedi Robes, and Industrial Explorer supported by parts from other existing figures. There is no question over the quality of this set, but more so the price tag. For three figures and counting Starkiller as close to a Deluxe, then we should be talking no more than £90 for the set - but the packaging and limited exclusivity of the set has added another £19 on top here in the UK. At the time of review, the set remains in stock (x1 week post Hasbro Pulse Con) and many fans are perhaps playing the waiting game having seen other exclusives like the Cantina Showdown and the Andor with B2-EMO plummet in price. Starkiller is of course perhaps a more desirable character for collectors, and on the flip side, this set may emulate sets like the SDCC 2017 Grand Admiral Thrawn set and become highly sought after in the coming years. 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...

The New York Toy Fair, hosted by the Toy Association, has traditionally been a February event - but in 2023 it is moving to a new date in September/October with this year's event kicking off on the 30th of September at 9am (which will be approximately 2pm UK time). There may even be some early coverage with a handful of preview events taking place on the 29th of September. The event is aimed more at companies showcasing their upcoming product lines to retailers and stockists but should see a degree of new action figure reveals from the key players. We know that attending the event with a booth are Diamond Select Toys, McFarlane Toys, Jazwares, and NECA. Hasbro and Playmates will also be attending, but without a booth presence and are likely showcasing products via hosted events, these may be restricted and with news not readily available. Mattel has chosen to not attend this year's event. We are covering the event virtually and will collate and present the key news from the key action figure collector lines on our dedicated Convention News Page as well as across our usual social media presence. Diamond Select Toys Booth #5335 www.diamondselecttoys.com Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles, LLC, was founded in 1999 to create unique and exciting collectibles for children and adults alike, and with the acquisition of Art Asylum in 2007 and Gentle Giant Ltd. in 2019, they have become the premier source for pop-culture products. “DST” licenses a variety of entertainment properties from partners Netflix, Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Hasbro, Nickelodeon, Sega, Universal, Skybound and Sony Pictures. Products include action figures, Gallery Dioramas, Vinimates vinyl figures, Minimates figures, statues, busts and more. They are headquartered in Hunt Valley, MD. For more information, visit diamondselecttoys.com and gentlegiantltd.com. Jazwares Booth #2203 & 2403 www.jazwares.com Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with an award-winning, robust portfolio of wholly owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows, Pokémon, Star Wars, CoComelon, Fortnite, AEW, Adopt Me!, Hello Kitty, and many more. In addition to toys, offerings also include Metaverse gaming, costumes, and products for pets. McFarlane Toys Booth #1049 www.McFarlane.com Founded over 25 years ago by Todd McFarlane, the Grammy-and Emmy-winning producer/director and the creator of Spawn, McFarlane Toys is a global toy company and an industry leader and innovator. As a design driven company known for unparalleled attention to detail, McFarlane has set the bar in the action figure category. Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona McFarlane has offices in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Montreal. NECA Booth #5302 www.necaonline.com EPIC ACTION FIGURES & COLLECTIBLES FROM THE BEST BRANDS IN POP CULTURE! NECA is a leading creator, marketer, and global distributor of licensed consumer products based on some of the world’s most recognizable movies, video games, comic books, and pop culture. The NECA group of companies includes game developer and publisher WizKids, urban vinyl icon Kidrobot, and Joseph Enterprises, Inc., the creator of Chia Pet, The Clapper and other iconic American products. Playmates Toys Press Kit: toyfair.vporoom.com/PlaymatesToys With a history of more than 50 years, Playmates Toys is among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry, with a proven record of creating imaginative products and developing and managing profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key brands include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Miraculous Ladybug, Star Trek, MonsterVerse and more. From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 80 countries worldwide. For more information, visit playmatestoys.com. 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...

Hiya Toys have released the details for their next Exquisite Basic Godzilla figure, the Heat Ray Godzilla (Translucent Version) as seen in Godzilla vs. Kong. This new 7-inch Hiya Godzilla release will arrive in the first quarter of 2024. Heat Ray Godzilla Translucent Ver. from 【Godzilla vs. Kong】 (2021) , now joining HiyaToys EXQUISITE BASIC! Legends collide as Godzilla and Kong, the two most powerful forces of nature, clash on the big screen in a spectacular battle for the ages. As Monarch embarks on a perilous mission into fantastic uncharted terrain... unearthing clues to the Titans' very origins and mankind's survival, a conspiracy threatens to wipe the creatures, both good and bad, from the face of the earth forever. Stands 7 inches tall, based on the iconic based on【Godzilla vs. Kong】 (2021) film, Heat Ray Godzilla Translucent Ver. demands attention with its powerful pose and intricate details. With special blue paint on the clear body, accurately replicates the on-screen appearance of the legendary monster. Features multiple layers of paint applied on the clear body to faithfully recreate the effect of energy gathering in Godzilla's dorsal fins when illuminated from behind, enhances the visual appeal, making it even more captivating. Articulated tail allows for various posing options, enabling you to recreate thrilling scenes from the movie or create your own epic battles.By replacing the neck and head parts, you can perfectly recreate the heart-pounding moment when Godzilla unleashes its devastating heat ray attack. Price: 51.00 USD Release time: 2024Q1 *The Godzilla Figure is open for orders in global regions (excluding Japan). 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...

"What if he has something to say?" Loader Droid NED-B from the Obi-Wan Kenobi series was released as a Deluxe Star Wars Black Series figure in 2022, part of the wider Galaxy Collection and number 10 in the Kenobi Series. NED-B was packed in plastic-free packaging with no window to view the figure and the use of images of the figure on the front and side of the box to confirm the contents. The packaging used the blue accent colour assigned to the Kenobi series across the box label and the side art that connects to the figures on either side for a wider montage. NED-B is a full new figure, with his deluxe status confirmed in his stature, and his height which is a head higher than a standard Black Series figure. NED-B is another droid in the Black Series line and the design principles seen on previous Droid figures like IG-88, the Battle Droids and most recently the Republic Security Droid, are carried forward here with a mechanical base to the sculpt including the joints. All of these internal components are cast in dark grey with limited paint apps but plenty of crisp detail including control sections, hydraulics and joints visible. NED-B’s design also calls for an external set of panels which are cast in yellow and applied over the chest, legs, and arms with a construction feel to them and weathered using splashes of grey ‘mud’ paint. The unique head features the same yellow design with a face plate complete with yellow eyes and a grey mouthpiece that works down into a corrugated neck in the internal grey. Decor is finished with some blue colouring around the collar of the figure and down the left arm. The droid also has a removable backpack - also cast in yellow with blue and grey detailing - that attaches via a socket on the rear of the droid with two wired/pipe pieces lining up with connections on the backpack once it's attached. NED-B has 17 points of articulation, with the usual bicep swivel removed and a rotation added within the elbow joint to help arm motion. The head, on its twin-jointed neck, is quite expressive for a Droid that does not speak. The legs support the figure and some general upright stances, but feel loose at the ankle rocker which is a worry for such a bulky figure. The arms are a little more restricted and would have benefited from butterfly shoulder joints to allow the arms to be brought into the body to work with the included accessories. These accessories include NED-B’s hammer which comes cast in the same grey plastic as his body, but with painted brown details on the shaft. It slots into either of the Droid’s hands and can just about be held in both hands albeit in a restricted position. We also get an E-5 Blaster, taken from the B1 Battle Droid releases, and cast in darker grey plastic but without any further decor. The blaster is obviously not designed for NED-B to hold - either in the setting of the show or in the case of the figure - but Hasbro has made it work by the positioning of the Droid’s three main fingers which are spaced to allow the top one to slot into the blasters trigger and hold it in place. In the context of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, NED-B is a neat background character whose yellow decor is a welcome change to the drab browns and blacks of many of the other Kenobi figures to date. Hasbro is very good at designing and executing Droid characters into figure form including the Droid’s own design into the articulation and NED-B is another example of that. He is perhaps let down slightly by the flat yellow colouring and basic weathering techniques and collectors on the fence may want to look forward to the late 2023 release of a Carbonized NED-B in a two-pack with a Phase II Purge Trooper as a more accurate representation for their collection? 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...

Revealed last week at Hasbro Pulse Con 2023, the Marvel Legends Spider-Man deluxe figures of Green Goblin from No Way Home, and Doc Ock from Spider-Man 2 have opened for pre-order at Legends stockists for a November release for Goblin, with Doc Ock following in December. The pre-orders have given us the first full set of promo images for Doc Ock as well as the promo blurb. Brilliant scientist and perennial foe of Spider-Man, Dr. Otto Octavius must learn to free his mind from his tentacles in order to regain control. Bring the excitement and wonder of the Marvel Universe to your collection with action figures from the Hasbro Marvel Legends Series! This collectible 6-inch-scale Marvel Legends action figure is detailed to look like the Doc Ock character from Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: No Way Home, featuring deluxe detail and multiple points of articulation. (Additional products each sold separately. Subject to availability.) Brilliant scientist and perennial foe of Spider-Man, Dr. Otto Octavius must learn to free his mind from his tentacles in order to regain control This Doc Ock action figure is inspired by the character’s appearance in Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: No Way Home and makes a great addition to any action figure collection This collectible Hasbro Marvel Legends action figure comes with 4 accessories, including alternate hands Marvel fans and collectors can display this fully articulated 6-inch scale action figure featuring poseable head, arms, and legs, as well as premium deco, in their collections Look for more entertainment-inspired Marvel Legends Series action figures to build your own Marvel Multiverse of 6 inch action figures (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...

"Never seen a trooper like that before." Imperial Purge Troopers are a relatively new addition to Star Wars lore having made their debut in the Darth Vader comic series in 2018, and then appearing in the Jedi: Fallen Order video game of 2019. Their live-action debut came in the Summer of 2022 during the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series. It is from the Kenobi series that this latest Purge Trooper Black Series figure is taken, becoming the third Purge Trooper release in the line - the first two based on the Fallen Order video game. This is a Phase II Purge Trooper, reflecting the change of the Trooper’s armour and equipment in the 5 years between Fallen Order (14 years BBY) and Kenobi (9 years BBY). The Trooper arrives in window packaging and uses the blue accented of the Kenobi series within the Galaxy Collection for the artwork and labelling. The Phase II Trooper is number #07 in that collection and was released initially as a Walmart (US) and Smyths Toys (UK) exclusive - although has gone on to get a wider discounted release at Game and other retailers in early 2023. The Phaser II Purge Trooper utilises the newer Clone Trooper body but with specific updates to match the look of these Inquisitorius Troopers. The significant difference in the body is the use of a new Torso armour with a control panel of sorts on the front and a small backpack on the reverse. There are also aesthetic updates to the shoulder armour. A soft good kama shirt is included in black cloth with an applied red trim. It is similar in design to that of the original Captain Rex figure. We also get a right-sided pauldron. The helmet is also brand new and updated to look like the onscreen transition helmet which is part way between Clone Trooper and Stormtrooper. All the key body parts are cast in black - gloss for the armour, and a duller finish for the undersuit, Paint application is limited with red applied to the left arm, and some details on the belt and Pauldron. The helmet eyes are given a glossier reflective red finish with silver and red details around the various vents and breathing components of the helmet. Our Purge Trooper is armed with an E-11D Blaster Carbine, taken directly from that used and packed with the Rogue One Death Troopers. This is cast in a single colour grey plastic and while it has plenty of sculpted detail, no further paint apps are applied. The gun will fit into the right-hand trigger grip with the left hand shaped to grip the barrel as required for two-handed posing, including firing options. Articulation is pinless throughout and there are 21 points of articulation in total including some butterfly joints behind the armour to aid arm movement. The soft goods skirt allows the legs free movement including the ability to kneel or crouch. Every joint is tight and secure and the Trooper is stable enough when posed. The Phase II Purge Trooper is a definite improvement upon the original design and the figures that reflected those earlier appearances from Fallen Order. The new figure has a cleaner look, is slightly better proportioned overall and comes with an improved set of articulation. It also looks and feels mean and imposing and a squad of them are certainly a must for those fans of the Inquisitorius and to back up the various Inquisitor figures released to date. While the figure is meant to be exclusive, supplies of him have been plentiful here in the UK and army-building options have been less cost-restrictive than they might have been. 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...

From Batman: The White Knight comes this new DC Multiverse Gold Label Exclusive from McFarlane. The Gold Laber 'Jokerized' Batman features a repaint of the original figure and 'Jokerized' accessories including a Grapnel Launcher, and two Batarang pieces. The set will also feature the display base, playing cards, collectors card holder & base. The figure is a Target US exclusive with a November 15th 2023 release date. After years of epic battles between the Dark Knight™️ and his twisted archenemy, Batman faces his greatest challenge yet: The Joker™️ has been cured of his madness and is now sane. The Clown Prince of Crime has changed his ways, fighting for good in Gotham City™️, and it may just cause Batman to go over the edge of his own sanity. Incredibly detailed 7” scale figure based off the DC Multiverse Designed with Ultra Articulation with up to 22 moving parts for full range of posing and play The Joker has taken over and made some enhancements to Batman Includes Jokerized accessories: 4 playing cards, collector card holder and base. Plus Grapnel Launcher, Batarang with line, wrapped Batarang with line Included collectible art card with character art on the front, and character biography on the back Collect all McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Figures 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...

“I’m a simple man, making his way through the galaxy. Like my father before me.” Star Wars figure collections through the years have always had variants and special editions and the Star Wars Black Series Credit Collection continues that ethos with variant releases of figures from The Mandalorian Disney+ Series, all realised in a decor aligned to the wonderful artwork seen in the credits for each episode. Each figure is released on a blister card back aligned to the original Kenner figures while also utilising the same artwork and design colours as the show with a credit chip also included for collectors to display on their own, or with the figures. The Boba Fett (Tattooine) Credit Collection figure was part of 2022 releases and was based on the robes worn during his time on Tattooine. The figure uses the mainline release in its entirety but the base figure includes a burgundy hue, on top of which are the painted details of the ammo belt, boots, and gloves in a deeper brown finish. Weathering is applied with a darker wash on the trousers, while a sand-blown lighter application is used on the upper chest. The soft goods robes are identically tailored to the original, but now in the same burgundy material. The head sculpt is arguably a better likeness overall to the main line release for Fett as it does away with that poorly painted white scarring and just gives us a really strong Temura Morrison likeness with applied photo-real printing to exchange details like the eyes, mouth and shading around the face. Many collectors may be tempted to swap this Credit Collection likeness with the mainline Boba Fett figures. The Credit Collection Boba Fett comes with the same suite of accessories as the original release with the blaster pistol that slots into a holster under the robes, a Gaffi Stick and a Cycler Rifle. The blaster is cast in red plastic and is very basic in design. The Gaffi Stick and Rifle are a brown colour base with some silver segments painted on the central shaft of the rifle. Both include a strap for having them slung. The rifle strap is brown and uses a soft plastic, while the Gaffi stick has a black elasticated piece. Both are adjustable up or down the length of the weapon to help them hang naturally over Boba’s shoulder, while not interfering or looking overly out of place if the weapon is being used. Fett includes 21 points of articulation across a pinless body. Both elbows and knees are single joints with a rotation and are engineered to look like part of the sculpted robes. Boba includes the butterfly shoulders which don't move extensively but do help with the Gaffi stick and Cycler rifle poses. He also includes the two-part neck which gives more expressive head movements and removes the need for the visible joint in the neck itself. Like the Carbonized Series, the Credit Collection is a very specific and stylised look and therefore doesn’t appeal to all competitors. The aesthetics are however impressive, as is the card back, while also outdoing the main line release in certain areas such as the head likeness and finish. 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're privateers. Individuals for hire. The price is high but we are very good at what we do.” The Mandalorian on Disney+ has provided us with lots of new content surrounding the Mandalorians and their armour beyond that established by Boba Fett and lately Jango Fett in the prequels. Within the Star Wars Black Series, this expansion of the Mandalorian context has seen us move from the basic figure configuration of Boba & Jango to a myriad of Mandalorian armour options and characters - one of the latest of which is Axe Woves as seen in Season 2 and Season 3 of The Mandalorian. Axe was released in 2022 as part of Wave 9 of the Star Wars Black Series Galaxy Collection. He comes in a window box with the slanted side artwork that is specific to the Galaxy Collection releases, using the deep orange accent colour for The Mandalorian. Axe is number #25 in the collection, following on from Greef Karga and preceding Grogu in the connected montage created by the side illustrations. Axe utilises the many Mandalorian parts that now exist in the series, borrowing heavily from the Death Watch figure released a couple of waves earlier in 2022. The figure is made up of brown cast parts for the character's undersuit, over which is applied a mixture of grey and blue armoured panels most cast in their base colour with the chest armour the only key piece that is painted in full. The colour transitions are therefore neat and tidy with no paint overspill. There is no weathering as such, but battle damage is added with silver scratches on some of the armour edges and across the face of the chest section. Axe comes with a fairly standard Mandalorian helmet that is cast in blue and with grey added in two tones to the face plate and top trim. The visor is coloured a gloss black and the same scratched silver damage is added around the visor. An articulated range finder sits to the right-hand side and articulates down over one side of the visor. Beneath the helmet, the Axe Woves head is a brand new sculpt with an adequate likeness to actor Simon Kassianides. The face print tech is not as beneficial as is usually the case with good detail around the eyes, but a messy application of the facial hair. Like many head sculpts currently, the finish is also overly glossy. The blue JT-12 jet pack is a removable piece cast in blue plastic with silver trim and articulated thrusters that have limited movement to rotate within the confines of the main jet pack. The pack connects to the body by three connecting sockets and like most proceeding Mando figures, the fit is poor and the pack is prone to dropping off unless secured by some kind of tack - or glued in place if you want to have a more radical fix. Axe features a single blaster, a WESTAR-35, cast in black with silver trim to the main grip. It lacks detail as is the design of the Mando WESTAR blasters, fitting into the right hand of Axe neatly when being wielded. It can also be secured away in a useable holster on the right hip where a flexible rubbery strap comes down over the top to secure it in place. Unlike a lot of other straps of this nature, the one on Axe is more robust and the fit of the plug into the holster to hold the strap closed is quite snug and secure. Articulation is 19 points in total, and all pinless with joints worked into the design of the clothing and armour where possible which does give the figure a cleaner look. Axe has no particular restrictions with his movement with the shoulder pauldrons moving with the arm as needed and the legs moving freely. All the joints are tight and secure with the satisfaction of ratchets at key locations to keep the joints in one place once posed. Axe Woves completes the trio of Mandalorians we first met in Season 2 and looks brilliant alongside Bo-Katan Kryze and Koska Reeves on display. With Season 3, Axe also becomes part of a larger Mandalorian tribe which can be expanded with the likes of The Armourer, Paz Vizsla, and the Death Watch Trooper if needed and the incoming Mandalorian Fleet Commander figure - and these are unlikely to be the end of it as the Black Series continues to grow with a specific focus on the Disney+ content. A recommended purchase with great execution and those minimal flaws centered around the face decor are easily hidden by the Mandalorian helmet. 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...

"Anakin is gone. I am what remains." With the return of Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader for the 2022 Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ Series it was almost inevitable that a new Darth Vader Black Series figure would follow as part of the launch wave. Move on a year and Hasbro has now decided to bring us a second variant of the Dark Lord of the Sith, specific to that climatic Duel at the end of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. Darth Vader ‘Duel’s End’ is an exclusive release for the Black Series, sold via Target in the US and the Fan Channel & Hasbro Pulse here in the UK. Duel’s End Vader is number 15 in the Obi-Wan Collection following on directly from the recently released Commander Appo, and preceding the upcoming releases of Force Spirit Qui-Gonn and Jedi Legend Obi-Wan. Vader finds himself back in the window box packaging as Hasbro reverse their windowless decision from earlier this year, and utilises the blue accent colour assigned to Obi-Wan Kenobi collection figures. Out of the box and the figure is essentially built upon the long-running Darth Vader body, almost identical to the original Kenobi release but with an updated shoulder armour that does not sit as low on the chest. The figure is cast exclusively in black plastic with high gloss utilised on armoured sections and a more subdued finish on the sculpted ribbing of the suit. The limited paint decor on the body is found on various control boxes around the belt and chest, with the chest box in particular tweaked this time round to include damage from a slashing lightsaber right down the centre. Vader is enclosed in soft goods with the inner robes secured by the shoulder armour and belt and the outer cloak by the head. The cloak also features battle damage, with a single simulated rip on the rear of the figure, and a tattered edge to the cape - something that may cause issues down the line with fraying. The whole selling point of this new Duel’s End figure is the head sculpt, a full new piece that depicts the smashed mask of Vader from the fight with Obi-Wan and beneath this the scarred face of Anakin Skywalker. The execution is amazing, one of the best finishes to date on a Black Series release. The sculpt and paint work on the Anakin head is spectacular with obvious scarring and aging around the eyes and head. Facial print tech has been utilised for the Sith eyes and the shading of this scared face, with the damaged helmet then applied around this head sculpt and lining up perfectly with the eye visors of the right-hand side of the face. Vader features his lightsaber, another direct carryover from prior releases with a black cast hilt with silver details. The hilt fits in either hand and can be hung on a discreet hook on Vader’s belt when not in use. Into this inserts a translucent red light saber blade to complete the look - the blade arriving straight and true out of the box rather than the warped accessories we were receiving via the inner cardboard trays and baggies. Articulation is an older format due to the age of the base figure, but that does mean that the knees are double-jointed allowing for kneeling poses. There are 16 joints in total, sufficient for nearly all your Vader-inspired poses - although a spare Force Choke hand is still not included after all this time. The Duel’s End figure does unfortunately suffer from the slightly loose hips of all its predecessors, it doesn't overly impact posing but Vader’s legs are prone to sliding outward into wider stances. Duel’s End Darth Vader is the 13th articulated Vader release in the Black Series to date and is arguably the best. Hasbro has taken what was an impressive figure to begin with and enhanced the look tenfold with the addition of that damaged helmet and the revealed face underneath - allowing fans to recreate the final duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi - or to simply have a battle-damaged Vader on display. The exclusivity of the item remains its key issue, thankfully UK availability has been reasonably good albeit with the increased RRP that these retailer exclusives are now priced at. But for that money, you will find very little to fault with the figure and he is a very welcome addition to the Black Series line. 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...

Another McFarlane Amazon 'Glow in the Dark' Exclusive has been unveiled, this time a MegaFig with a variant release of the DC Multiverse Titan Joker complete with Glow-in-the-Dark paint decor. The figure will be packed in the now-established closed designer box and will feature a display stand, art card and stand for the card. The set is limited to 3000 pieces and will released in mid-October 2023, with pre-orders available now via Amazon US. McFarlane Gold Label Amazon Exclusive Megafigs are large figures to match their 7” scale figure counterparts based off the DC Multiverse Designed with Ultra Articulation with up to 22 moving parts for full range of posing and play The Joker Titan is featured in Glow in the dark paint Includes logo card stand and base. Featured in an exclusive designer box Included collectible art card with character art on the front and certificate of authenticity on the back Collect all McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Figures 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...

McFarlane has released details of two new Spawn-themed Page Puncher 3-inch two-packs. Both sets are based around The Scorched with the first duo featuring She-Spawn and Curse. The second will include Mandarin Spawn and Freak. As is the key principle of Page Punchers, each set will also come with the relevant comic book. Both sets are planned as an October 2023 release. Jessica Priest was an Elite Operative in the employ of Jason Wynn at the same time as Al Simmons. When Jessica discovered the murdered body of her friend Nyx, a mystical backup plan was set in motion that transformed Jessica into She-Spawn. Born Philip Krahn, Curse believed that he was destined to lead the armies of Heaven against the forces of darkness. Curse would combine technology and demonic energy to enhance himself and increase his powers. Eventually, creating the Sin Devourers. The ultimate hunters. Able to analyze and destroy any non-human threats. Freak was sent to Hell by Spawn, where he wandered the wastelands. Recently resurrected, his talents have been utilized by Spawn and the Scorched, using him as a sharp tool to cut out problems that require a certain level of violence and precision. Chenglei was a grotesque child, born with large growths upon his body. His inability to feel any pain provided amusement for his captors, who tortured him endlessly. After an arrow struck above his heart, he died and returned as the vengeful Mandarin Spawn. Slaughtering the Court and the kingdom's greatest warriors, he now seeks to build his own empire. 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...