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Rene Belloq in the Ark Ceremony outfit was released as part of the launch wave of Hasbro’s Indiana Jones Adventure Series in Spring 2023. This first wave was dedicated to the Raiders of the Lost Ark movie and also included a ‘Build-an-Artifact’ feature with parts of the Lost Ark spread across the five releases. The wave uses Hasbro’s new plastic-free packaging with an illustration of the figure on the box front and around the side and reverse, detailing the contents and how the Ark is spread around the other figures in the wave. Inside the figure and accessories are wrapped in a printed waxy paper bag and then secured in a cardboard tray that also contains assembly instructions for the Ark. Belloq is perhaps the most intricate figure of Wave 1 by the nature of the robes he wears for the opening ceremony for the Ark of the Covenant and these include multiple layers of robes & clothing over a beige suit. The chest piece is sculpted, while the legs are a generic beige pair of suit trousers and over this, we have a two-piece plastic shirt as well as a sash belt. These robes are textured with a red and white check design and sculpted fleur de lys emblems. Under these extravagant outer robes are two further layers of beige and brown, both cast in the base colour with no other decor. A three-tone striped sash acts as a belt and there is a golden tablet with inset coloured jewels around Belloq’s neck. While this looks like it could be removable, it is in fact attached at the shoulders. The head sculpt is once again a good likeness to actor Paul Freeman without being spectacular. The face print technology does a good job enhancing the base sculpt and Belloq’s piercing blue eyes stand out in particular. The top of the head is wrapped in ornate headgear complete with painted brown straps and a gold rim. The figure's sole accessory is the Ram’s head staff used by Belloq in the ceremony as they opened the Ark of the Covenant. This is quite intricate in its casting with a ridged handle, gold trimmed base, and large ornate headpiece with four Ram’s heads around the top. It is painted, but the decor does flatten the detail with a very bright gold that is begging for a wash or some contrast to bring out the detail of the sculpt. Articulation is 17 points in total with basic single joints through, but on a fully pinless body with some consideration given to the look of the joints in line with the figure. Thanks to Belloq’s robes, much of the lower articulation is moot but the arms are very expressive and can be posed with or without the staff. The left hand arrives in an open palm, fingers outstretched position to recreate some of the gestures from the movie, and while I respect this decision without an alternative hand to swap in, it does perhaps restrict other options. Belloq represents the most complex figure so far in the Adventure Series considering the layers of robes and the patterning of the clothing, headgear, and the included staff. It is all executed soundly enough, but like a few of the wave 1 figures it still feels like it is missing some character and top-level execution that we know Hasbro can deliver. Belloq is a key figure if you want to recreate the Ark scene from the movie’s finale and I do look forward to having that small diorama on display once I have built my Ark and Toht has also arrived. For more News, Reviews and a Checklist of Releases - visit our Hasbro Database 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 next Marvel Legends Avengers 60th Anniversary release has been listed for pre-orders. The two pack of the Skrull Queen Veranke and Super Skrull will feature both Skrull and Spider-Woman impersonation heads, a pair of web wings and a pair of energy effect hand for the Skrull Queen, and a pair of alternative arms for the Super Skrull. The set is packed in the white boxed packaging as per the rest of this year's Avengers 60th Anniversary. It is a general release at all Hasbro Marvel Legends stockists - including Hasbro Pulse - and has a July 2023 release date. Bring the excitement and wonder of the Marvel Universe to your collection with Skrull Queen, Super-Skrull, and other action figures from the Hasbro Marvel Legends Series! (Additional products each sold separately. Subject to availability.) Using her shape-shifting powers to impersonate Spider-Woman, Skrull Queen Veranke infiltrates the Avengers and launches a secret invasion of Earth wreaking havoc with her Super-Skrull infiltrators. This collectible 6-inch -scale Marvel Legends Avengers 60th Anniversary action figure set is detailed to look like Skrull Queen and Super-Skrull characters from Marvel Secret Invasion comics, featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation. Figures come with 9 accessories, including alternate hands for each figure, alternate Spider-Woman -impersonation head for Skull Queen, and alternate wings. Using her shape-shifting powers to impersonate Spider-Woman, Skrull Queen Veranke infiltrates the Avengers and launches a secret invasion of Earth wreaking havoc with her Super-Skrull infiltrators These Skrull Queen and Super-Skrull action figures are inspired by the characters' appearance in Marvel Secret Invasion comics and make a great addition to any collection of Marvel Legends action figures This collectible Hasbro Marvel Legends action figure set comes with 9 accessories, including Spider-Woman- impersonation alternate head Marvel fans and collectors can display these fully articulated 6-inch scale action figures, each featuring poseable head, arms, and legs, as well as premium deco, in their collection Look for more entertainment-inspired Marvel Legends action figures to build your own Marvel Multiverse of 6 inch action figures (Each sold separately. Subject to availability) 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 have shared the details for a new Big Bad Toy Store Gold Label Exclusive figure of The Flash. This DC Multiverse 7-inch scale release will feature Flash from Rebirth with black & white accent colours. The figure also features six speed force accessory pieces and a special display stand. It also comes in a closed box with the figure laid out in a black inner tray. The Flash exclusive is limited to 3000 pieces and releases in July 2023. In a freak lab accident, forensic scientist Barry Allen was struck by lightning and doused with chemicals, which gave him the superpowers of the Speed Force. Now he uses these powers to defend his hometown of Central City—and the rest of the world—from the forces of evil as The Flash! The Fastest Man Alive can run up the sides of buildings, across oceans, and around the world at light speed. He can also vibrate his molecules to phase through solid objects! 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...

Marion Ravenwood is part of the launch wave of Hasbro’s new Indiana Jones Adventure Series, a set of 5 figures all taken from Indy’s debut movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. This new Adventure Series arrives in Hasbro’s new plastic-free packaging with artwork of the figure on the box front and again on the reverse. The right side panel contains the checklist for the included ‘Build-an-Artifact’ part with the wave 1 figures each containing a piece to assemble the Ark of the Covenant. Inside the figures and parts are wrapped in printed wax paper and then secured in a brown cardboard inner tray that also contains the assembly instructions for the Ark. Marion is wearing the red and white outfit from the scenes in the Cario Market with a head sculpt and photo-real print execution that creates a decent enough likeness to Karen Allen while not quite reaching a level we have seen on other Hasbro lines. The red detail on the blouse is crisp and most likely printed with the rest of the outfit cast in its base colour with just a touch more paint to detail Marion’s belt and wedged-heeled shoes. Articulation comes in with 17 points of articulation, all of it pinless. The joints are reasonably well disguised as part of the sculpt and they are all tight to the point where the ratchet knee joints are very tough to move. Marion stands perfectly fine despite the heeled shoes, and she can achieve a good number of poses, particularly with the included accessories. Those accessories include the pan she uses to fight off her assailants. It uses a grey silver plastic with no other paint decor, it is basic in its design and perhaps a touch too big. It fits into Marion’s hands reasonably well but the shape of the handle and the shape of the hand grip are not a perfect match. The second accessory is the monkey who they meet in the market. Considering the size, the sculpt and paint app are good and includes face detail, variations in the fur, and the red with gold trim waistcoat. This is actually an articulated piece with a joint at the head, arms, and tail. These joints allow you to line up the Monkey with Marion’s arm and while there is no plug or clip to hold him in place, he does sit on the arm fairly securely. In a line that will undoubtedly be dominated by Indy variants, these other characters are just as crucial to the success of the line, and to deliver the 'world-building' that many collectors desire. Marion is well executed, without being spectacular, and comes with the articulation and props we would need to recreate the scenes in Cairo Market as the line grows. For more News, Reviews and a Checklist of Releases - visit our Hasbro Database 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...

After all of The Star Wars Celebration News, there was still new products for this week's Mando Mania including three new Hasbro releases. While the Book of Boba Fett Cad Bane was announced singularly at Celebration, we now have a 2nd variant incoming using an updated grimacing head. It will be packed in a 2-pack with a Cobb Vanth variant without the armour and as seen in he showdown between Bane & Cobb in The Book of Boba Fett. The Deluxe 2-Pack is a Target US exclusive due Summer 2023 and is live for pre-order as of the 12th of April 2023. It should be available via Hasbro Pulse and the Fan Channel here in the UK. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES COBB VANTH & CAD BANE (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $55.99 / Available: Summer 2023) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES COBB VANTH & CAD BANE 2-pack, inspired by the characters’ appearances in the STAR WARS: THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT. Fans and collectors can display these fully articulated figures featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes 2 figures and 6 entertainment-inspired accessories. Available for pre-order 4/12 at 1pm ET exclusively Target. This week's Vintage release is also from The Book of Boba Fett and features another Tusken Raider figure for your tribe, complete with Massiff. The set is packed in a closed Kenner-inspired box and is also a Target US exclusive, due for release in Summer 2023, and live for pre-order as of the 12th of April. Again, this should be a general Hasbro Pulse / Fa Channel release in the UK. STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION TUSKEN & MASSIFF (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $27.99/Available: Summer 2023) 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 TUSKEN 7 MASIFF figure 2-pack. These Tusken & Massiff action figures are inspired by the characters and creatures in Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett live-action series on Disney+. Each member of a Tusken clan must learn to be useful. Some become guards – aided by attentive reptilian creatures, Massiffs – to watch over prisoners of the tribe. 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 2 figures and 1 entertainment-inspired staff accessory. Available for pre-order 4/12 at 1pm ET exclusively Target. Visit starwars.com for more Mando Mania product reveals! The final Hasbro Product for Mando Mania this week was a Retro Collection Luke Skywalker Jedi Academy figure, again inspired by The Book of Boba Fett. This Kenner-inspired figure will come on Retro cardback and features Luke's lightsaber and a soft goods robe. It is a general release due in the Autumn of 2023. STAR WARS RETRO COLLECTION LUKE SKYWALKER (JEDI ACADEMY) (HASBRO/Age 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $11.99/Available: Fall 2023) Jedi Master Luke Skywalker helps Grogu hone his new skills and understand the ways of the Force. Inspired by the original 1970s Kenner STAR WARS action figures, this STAR WARS: RETRO COLLECTION 3.75-INCH LUKE SKYWALKER (JEDI ACADEMY) is inspired by the characters’ appearance in STAR WARS: THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT live-action series on Disney+. Fans and collectors can display this figure, with multiple points of articulation and Kenner-inspired packaging, in their action figure and vehicle collection. Includes figure and Lightsaber accessory. Available to purchase Fall 2023 at most major retailers. Visit starwars.com for more Mando Mania product reveals! The other Mando Mania reveals this week listed via Starwars.com included a further action figure courtesy of Bandai Spirits. The Ashigaru Remnant Stormtrooper utilises the existing Movie Realization figure but tweaks it as inspired by the Remnant Imperials seen in The Mandalorian. It will come with a Feudal Japan inspired blaster as well as a camtono full of beskar ingots. The rest of the week's reveals included Grogu shoes, a Grogu plush by Mattel, and a trio of Mandalorian-inspired Pinball machines from Stern Pinball. 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 10th Wave of Super7's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was initially unveiled in mid-March and originally contained four figures - Classic Rocker Leonardo, Ninja April O'Neil, Casey Jones, and the Rat King. Following a lot of relatively negative feedback over the Rat King's appearance, Super7 have just put out the following statement confirming the Ratking will be pushed back to Wave 11 and will undergo some additional work. Karai, Shredder's 2nd in Command and Leader of the Foot Clan in Japan will take the 4th slot. Turtles fans, we heard your feedback about TMNT ULTIMATES! Wave 10 and we agree! Karai has arrived and chased Rat King away, but have no fear, the rodent rascal will be back in TMNT ULTIMATES! Wave 11 with a new and improved look. Karai is the leader of the Foot Clan in Japan and Shredder’s second-in-command, but is she friend or foe? Only you will know when you add Karai to your TMNT ULTIMATES! collection! As a made-to-order release, the pre-order window for TMNT ULTIMATES! Wave 10 will remain open until Friday, April 28th. All U.S. domestic pre-orders receive free shipping. Classic Rocker Leonardo who will come with two heads, alternative hands, a slice of pizza, sunglasses, a microphone and stand, and a twin-neck guitar with a strap. While April O'Neil comes in her Ninja gear. She will include three head options, hands, a video camera, and a raft of Ninja weapons including a news microphone nun-chucks. Casey Jones is the 3rd release of Wave 10 and he also comes with two head options and a selection of hands. He has his golf bag backpack, a golf club, baseball bats, and his hockey stick. The new Karai figure will be packed with three head options, alternative hands, and a wide selection of Ninja weaponry. Wave 10 will now remain open for pre-order until the 28th of April 2023. The wave is still planned to ship in the Winter of 2023. Classic Rocker Leo is here to help you rock some righteous tunes AND any bad guys that get in the way! This 7” scale Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ULTIMATES! Classic Rocker Leo features multiple interchangeable heads, hands, and accessories, including a guitar with removable necks that double as swords. Rockin’ the made-to-order ULTIMATES! Classic Rocker Leo figure is a sure-fire way to take your collection to the top of the charts! She may be a TV reporter, but April O’Neil has learned a thing or two from the Ninja Turtles and isn’t going to be sidelined! This 7” scale Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ULTIMATES! of Ninja April features multiple interchangeable heads & hands as well as an assortment of hand-held weapons, throwing stars, and a video camera. The made-to-order ULTIMATES! Ninja April is ready to join both the fight AND your collection! Casey Jones loves to fight evil, but this intense sense of vigilante justice often goes too far, which can put him at odds with the Ninja Turtles! This 7” scale Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ULTIMATES! Casey Jones is inspired by his appearance in the Mirage comic series, and features interchangeable hands & heads (including a new battle-damaged head) as well as an assortment of weapons. Add the made-to-order Mirage-inspired ULTIMATES! Casey Jones to your roster of crime-fighters! Leader of the foot clan in Japan and Shredder's second-in-command, Karai is no one you want to mess with! This 7” scale Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ULTIMATES! Karai features multiple interchangeable heads and hands as well as an assortment of bladed weapons, compound bow and arrows, and throwing-stars. She can be a dangerous foe or a powerful ally, but the only way to know which is to add the made-to-order ULTIMATES! Karai to your collection and find out first-hand! The following images and description were for the Wave 10 Ratking figure that has now been pushed back for updating ahead of a Wave 11 release. Long live the king- it’s the #1 most fan-requested character to join the ULTIMATES! lineup! This 7” scale Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ULTIMATES! Rat King features interchangeable heads & hands as well as an assortment of rats and a flute to summon them. Most people might shy away from introducing a rodent into their home, but if you’re a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan, the made-to-order ULTIMATES! Rat King will be a welcome addition! 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 final day of Star Wars Celebration London 2023 hosted a panel for the Jazwares Star Wars team and saw the full slate of their Micro Galaxy Squadron Series 5 releases unveiled. There will be three new battle packs to look forward to. The first uses the Series 4 AT-AT but redecorated as the Endor version from Retun of the Jedi complete with figures of Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, AT-AT Driver, Scout Trooper & Speederbike, and four Imperial Stormtroopers. This set is an Amazon exclusive. Continuing the Return of the Jedi Theme, the Battle of Endor pack will feature the Millennium Falcon and two of the newly announced Tie Interceptors. Mini-figures include Lando Calrissian, Nien Nunb, two Rebel Troopers, and 2 Imperial Tie Fighter Pilots. The third Battle Pack takes us to Revenge of the Sith and the Battle of Coruscant. Here we get both Anakin and Obi-Wan's Jedi Interceptors as well as two Separatist Vulture Droids. Figures will include Anakin & R2-D2, Obi-Wan and R4-P17, and two Battle Droids. The Series 5 Starship is the U-Wing from Rogue Squadron. It will feature folding wings, an opening cockpit, and crew quarters and will feature figures of Cassian Andor, K2S0 and Jyn Erso. Moving on to the Starfighter Class and Series 5 lineup includes the debut of the B-Wing with Rebel Pilot, the Tie Silencer with Kylo Ren from The Rise of Skywalker, a Clone Wars V-19 Torrent Fighter, and a First Order Tie Fighter. The First Order Tie Fighter will also feature as the rare for the Series with a battle-damaged version featuring Poe Dameron and Finn in Stormtrooper gear. The chase for the Starfighter Series 5 releases is not fully revealed but appears to be a V-Wing fighter as seen most recently in Bad Batch. Also blacked out on the checklist is also a general release of what looks like an AT-DP Walker from Rebels. The Light Armour class has Cloud Car from The Empire Strikes Back with a Pilot. A Geonsian Starfighter and Pilot from Attack of the Clones. The desert Skiff with Han & Skiff Guard from Return of the Jedi. And another A-WIng, this time the Resistance A-Wing and pilot seen in Rise of Skywalker. The Chase figure will be Kit Fisto's Jedi Starfighter with figures of Kit and his Astromech. There are two blanked-out Jedi Interceptors within the Series - one a general release and one rare. The silhouettes give no real clue as to who these will be at this stage. The Blind Box Scout Class releases for Series 5 will include an Imperial Trooper and Speederbike from Rebels. A Geonsian with Speederbike. A Mandalorian with Speederbike. Rey with her Speeder from The Force Awakens. And Anakin and the Swoopbike from Attack of the Clones. The Chase figure is the 'Like a Bantha' Boba Fett and Speederbike from the Book of Boba Fett. The two Rare figures are both from Clone Wars and feature Durge and Aurra Sing with Speederbikes. Keep track of all the Jazwares Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron Releases at our Jazwares database. 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...

Dan Yun from Hasbro's Marvel Legends team has given us a couple of new promo images for another of their Avengers 60th Anniversary series of figures - the Spider-Woman & Super Skrull 2-pack, inspired by the Secret Invasion comic series. The duo will open for pre-order later this week 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...

Like many Star Wars Action Figure Collectors, I was born in the 1970's and had just turned 1 when A New Hope reached the UK. And yet like many kids of my era I never actually saw the movies in any of their original cinema runs - and instead, it was the toys and the novels and annuals that brought me into the Star Wars Galaxy and from where I learned all about the story of all three films. It was in fact rare TV screenings where I first saw the original films, having seen Empire and Jedi numerous times before I caught a showing of A New Hope. My first Star Wars collection stems from this era as I hoovered up the Kenner figures released by Palitoy in the UK. My parents were not well off by any stretch, but there was always a few pence pocket money to save up and the Kenner figures were so cheap and widespread I managed to build up a fairly full collection over the early 80s. And then I did what many in my position did, I sold it all to earn some cash for the next 'big thing' to hit UK toy stores - in my case I was seduced over to Action Force (G.I. Joe) for some time - sacrificing Star Wars to do so. I soon regretted that decision and sold a lot of G.I. Joe to go back and fill up my Star Wars collection for a 2nd time, this time picking up every figure apart from - for some reason - Hammerhead. The General Madine and Wicket figures pictured here are part of my modest Vintage Collection and are the only two figures I have left from my childhood. While Wicket is a bit worn and missing his hood, and while Madine is very badly worn and has been repainted on the arms at some point, I do connect with these two figures the most. Both in terms of a joy in terms of the memories they return, but also tinged with sadness at all the other figures I did let go for a second time when video games hit the UK in a big way and Star Wars was sacrificed for a second time to raise funds. As I headed into adulthood and had some disposable income I did begin a quest to repurchase a full set of original Vintage figures. That quest did not go too far as I was rather naive in terms of how costly certain Vintage figures were and the complexity around the various global manufacturers, variants, and weapons. Of the Vintage figures I do own, I do have a focus on those seen in Return of the Jedi and Jabba's Palace with the likes of Bib Fortuna and Squidhead (Tessek) who were favourite characters growing up and who went on plenty of expanded universe adventures. I do remember Squidhead coming to school on many occasions and sitting in my desk - and I hope that like Bib he gets a Black Series release in due course. Another favourite character was Chewbacca who is perhaps one of the nicest examples in my Vintage series with a cleanish paint job and weapon. Both Nien Nunb and Admiral Ackbar are figures I remember saving for and sending off as mail-away offerings in the UK and I have both of these in the modest Vintage setup although Nien is pretty beat-up. He is another character who had plenty of fan-fiction adventures when I was a child, often taking the Falcon himself to do work for Jabba or even go Bounty Hunting with Boba Fett. While Ackbar has got a Black Series figure already, Nien Nunb is another one who sits on my wanted list for the six-inch format. Droids were also a big feature of the original Kenner run and while IG-88 was the cool bounty hunter dropid perhaps my favourites, until I understood their role anyway, were 2-1B and FX-7. They both look so cool with FX-7' multiple arms - all of which were weapons when I was 10 - and 2-1B's skull-like mask and clear chest section. This pairing are also figures that would work so well in the Black Series, although I think that opportunity may have been lost now the Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary has passed. I can now sit here in my 40;s knowing I collected the Vintage figures twice in full when I was a kid, and let both of them go without any knowledge of what would happen in the future. And while it is sad, I don't regret it as such as the other toys and video games bought in their place are also a huge part of my childhood. While my 3rd attempt at a Vintage Collection run has stalled permanently I do look back with fondness often at the figures I have collected and as per the suggestions I have made during this article - I hope that Hasbro will eventually give us a version of every Kenner figure in their 6-inch format, the same commitment they have made to the 3.75-inch Vintage Collection fans. Join us for Part 2 when I take you through the 2nd coming of my Star Wars Collecting and how that brought me to where I am now. 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 Star Wars Hasbro panel at Star Wars Celebration saw the Hasbro team reveal a number of new products with a focus on the Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary. Coming in the Autumn of 2023 will be a 3rd wave of Return of the Jedi Vintage Carded figures including R2-D2, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Emperors Royal Guard. These had all been previously announced as in development (pipeline) but at SWCE we got to see them in all their glory. R2-D2 is a new better scaled Astromech sculpt and includes his various attachments and a new feature allowing the dome to be raised up as seen in an exploded view of R2 in one of the coffee table art books for Star Wars. This internal section can also be used to store the accessories. Darth Vader and Luke are retooled vs the original figures with Vadar coming with a removable two-piece helmet while Luke has a swappable chest section like the original. The Royal Guard is also tweaked and the soft goods robe can now be removed. There will also be two Deluxe releases for the 40th Anniversary of Return of the Jedi. The first is a repack of the Jabba the Hutt 2014 SDCC exclusive. This features Jabba, Salacious Crumb, and the Hookah and rail - but sadly not the Throne itself. It comes in a Vintage Kenner-inspired box. Also arriving in a Kenner 3-pack-inspired box is a Force Ghosts set featuring Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Hayden Christenson's Anakin Skywalker. Obi-Wan is a re-release but comes with photo-real updates. Yoda is now true to scale so it uses the newer smaller sculpt. Anakin is a brand-new figure. Sadly, the pack will NOT include the Ewok village walkway bridge piece used in the promo images. Each figure is individually carded but then packed into the Multi-pack box. Jabba is an Aitumn 2023 release, while the Force Ghosts are arriving a little earlier in the Summer. Both of these are exclusive to Hasbro Pulse and Shop Disney. The other Black Series reveal was another previously confirmed pipeline figure, Cad Bane, as seen in The Book of Boba Fett. He will be another Spring 2024 release alongside the other recently announced BOBF figures like the Pyke Soldier & Tusken Chieftain. There was also a roleplay helmet reveal of the Ahsoka 332nd Clone Trooper helmet which arrives in the Autumn. These new releases are live for pre-order as of the 11th of April 2023. Hasbro did provide some future information with their usual pipeline reveals. Joining Gaming Greats, and exclusive to Gamestop in the US, is a Battlefront 2 'Battle Damaged'General Grievous. We have two Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ Series figures heading to Walmart with Obi-Wan himself and a Qui-Gon Jinn Force Ghost. Also from Kenobi, but exclusive to Target, is a 'Final Battle' Darth Vader and a Commander Appo. The only general release is a Clone Wars Pre Vizsla. It also looks like a 3rd wave of Holiday Special figures are incoming. Based on the artwork used to tease these we can look forward to a Mandalorian, Jawa, Ewok, Imperial K2 Droid, Purge Trooper, and a Snowtrooper STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES CAD BANE (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Spring 2024) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES CAD BANE figure, inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT live-action series. Renowned bounty hunter Cad Bane was known for his impressive arsenal of weapons and allies. His work with the Pyke Syndicate on Tatooine led him face-to-face with Boba Fett. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and 2 series-inspired accessories. Available for pre-order 4/11 at 1 pm ET at Hasbro Pulse and most major retailers. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES JABBA THE HUTT & SALACIOUS B. CRUMB (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $89.99 / Available: Fall 2023) Jabba the Hutt was one of the galaxy’s most powerful gangsters, with far-reaching influence in both politics and the criminal underworld. Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI with this STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES JABBA THE HUTT & SALACIOUS B. two-pack, featuring classic design and packaging! These premium 6-inch-scale figures are inspired by the characters’ appearances in Jabba the Hutt’s throne room in STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Fans can display this figure which features premium detail, multiple points of articulation in their collections. Includes 2 figures, railing and pipe entertainment-inspired accessories. Available for pre-order 4/11 at 1 pm ET exclusively at Hasbro Pulse and Shop Disney. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES FORCE SPIRITS (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $77.99 / Available: Summer 2023) Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI with this STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES FORCE SPIRITS three-pack, featuring classic design and packaging! These premium 6-inch-scale figures are inspired by the iconic moment in STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI, when Luke Skywalker witnesses the Force Spirits of the people who shaped him: Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Yoda. Fans can display this figure which features premium detail, multiple points of articulation in their collections. Includes 3 figures. Available for pre-order 4/11 at 1 pm ET exclusively at Hasbro Pulse and Shop Disney. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES ARTOO-DETOO (R2D2) (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Fall 2023) Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI with this STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES ARTOO-DETOO (R2D2) figure, featuring classic design and packaging! This premium 6-inch Artoo-Detoo (R2D2) figure is inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Fans can display this figure which features premium detail, multiple points of articulation and periscope, antenna and arm accessories, in their collections. Includes figure and 6 entertainment-inspired accessories. Available for pre-order 4/11 at 1 pm ET at Hasbro Pulse and most major retailers. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES LUKE SKYWALKER (JEDI KNIGHT) (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Fall 2023) Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI with this STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES LUKE SKYWALKER (JEDI KNIGHT) figure, featuring classic design and packaging! This premium 6-inch Luke Skywalker figure is inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Fans can display this figure which features premium detail, multiple points of articulation and Lightsaber accessory, in their collections. Includes figure and 2 entertainment-inspired accessories. Available for pre-order 4/11 at 1 pm ET at Hasbro Pulse and most major retailers. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES DARTH VADER (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Fall 2023) Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI with this STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES DARTH VADER figure, featuring classic design and packaging! This premium 6-inch Darth Vader figure is inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Fans can display this figure which features premium detail, multiple points of articulation and Lightsaber accessory, in their collections. Includes figure and 4 entertainment-inspired accessories. Available for pre-order 4/11 at 1 pm ET at Hasbro Pulse and most major retailers. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES EMPEROR’S ROYAL GUARD (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Fall 2023) Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI with this STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES EMPEROR’S ROYAL GUARD figure, featuring classic design and packaging! This premium 6-inch Emperor’s Royal Guard figure is inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Fans can display this figure which features premium detail, multiple points of articulation and staff accessory, in their collections. Includes figure and 2 entertainment-inspired accessories. Available for pre-order 4/11 at 1 pm ET at Hasbro Pulse and most major retailers. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES AHSOKA’S CLONE TROOPER PREMIUM ELECTRONIC HELMET (HASBRO/Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $131.99/Available: Fall 2023) During the Clone Wars, Ahsoka Tano asked the Jedi to help a besieged Mandalore. Though little Republic support could be spared, a 501st Clone Trooper division pledged their loyalty to Ahsoka, demonstrated by their repainted helmets. STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the biggest battles and missions in the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium roleplay, AHSOKA’S CLONE TROOPER PREMIUM ELECTRONIC HELMET, inspired by STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. Features premium deco, realistic detail, series-inspired design and electronic voice distortion so fans and collectors can have their voice to sound just like a Clone Trooper.Available for pre-order 4/11 at 1pm ET at Amazon and additional fan channel retailers. [Requires 3x AAA batteries – not included] 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 final day of Star Wars Celebration London 2023 saw Jazwares reveal their Series 4 lineup for the blind-boxed Scout Class releases for the Micro Galaxy Squadron line. Series 4 will include Echo (Bad Batch) on a Speeder. From Return of the Jedi we get both a Rebel Soldier and Scout Trooper on Speederbikes as well as an Ewok Glider. Their final common release will be C-3PO in the Escape Pod. The rares in the set are General Grievous and his Wheelbike and Captain Rex on Speederbike. The chase release is Paploo on the Speederbike from ROTJ. Keep track of all the Jazwares Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron Releases at our Jazwares database. 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...

Revealed after the Star Wars Celebration Europe Hasbro Panel, and via Starwars.com are two further new Black Series figures. Dok-Ondar from Star Wars Galaxy's Edge is the first Ithorian in the 6-inch series and will be released in soft goods robes complete with Jedi & Sith Holocron accessories, Clone Trooper helmet, and the sword of Khashyun. He is a Shop Disney Exclusive, and rather than using the Galaxy Series packaging Dok-Ondar will use the established Galaxy's Edge packaging seen on he previous Disney Parks multi-packs. Dok-Ondar will open for pre-order on Star Wars Day 2023 (May the 4th) and he is listed an Autumn 2023 release. There will also be a new Darth Maul 'Old Master' figure. He is sporting the look he wore in Rebels, but the release is badged as Gaming Greats and is tied to the skin used within the Battlefront 2 video game Like all Gaming Greats, the figure is exclusive to Gamestop in the US and most likely sold via Hasbro Pulse and Fan Channel stores in the UK. Old Master Maul is also an Autumn 2023 release. Maul will open for pre-order on the 11th of April 2023 alongside most of the other Star Wars Celebration reveals from Hasbro. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES DOK-ONDAR (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Fall 2023) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES DOK-ONDAR figure, inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS entertainment. Known as the gatekeeper of the black market, mysterious Ithorian Dok-Ondar is an infamous collector who buys, sells, and trades rare and valuable relics in his Den of Antiquities in Black Spire Outpost. He has amassed an impressive collection of unique artifacts that is unrivaled in the galaxy and is sought after for his knowledge and connections. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and 4 accessories, including a sword of Khashyun accessory. Available for pre-order 5/4 at 1 pm ET exclusively at Shop Disney. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES GAMING GREATS DARTH MAUL (OLD MASTER) (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Fall 2023) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES GAMING GREATS DARTH MAUL (OLD MASTER) figure, inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: BATTLEFRONT II video game. A deadly, agile Sith Lord, sinister Darth Maul was a formidable warrior and scheming mastermind. He wielded an intimidating double-bladed Lightsaber and the power of the dark side. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and Lightsaber accessory. Available for pre-order 4/11 at 1 pm ET at GameStop. 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...