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I have gone slightly out of line with my Diamond Select Lord of the Rings reviews as Aragorn is part of Series 3 alongside the Moria Orc in late 2021. Like the preceding two waves, Aragorn and the Moria Orc both carry parts of the Sauron BAF and you will require all 9 figures from the first three waves to complete your Dark Lord Sauron. The packaging for Series 3 remains unchanged with Diamond now favouring window boxes over the larger blister cards used for many years. The LOTR box uses a deep blue hue that carries a faint map of Middle Earth in the backdrop. Over this the Lord of the Rings golden logo is quite stark as is the character art that features Gandalf - this is the same on all the sets, there is no character-specific boxes other than the name that sits to the bottom right of the box as you look at it. The rear of the box has the symbol of the ring in gold with the two Series 3 figures illustrated within. Beneath these are smaller images firstly of the Sauron BAF and secondly of the other figures released to date. In the middle of these is some text which I hoped might have been some context or character information for Aragorn - instead, it is promoting the features of the figure. "This deluxe action figure of Aragorn is based on his appearance in Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It features approximately 16 points of articulation and character-specific accessories. It also includes a part to build Sauron - collect the first six figures to assemble the 13-inch figure" The accuracy of this text is called into question when they can only approximate points of articulation (its 18 points on Aragorn) and they indicate via the final line that you need Aragorn and four other figures to complete Sauron, when it would be a further 5 figures. Once opened the figure is found sandwiched between not one but two inner trays - this is why the boxed figure is so difficult to see. The trays are sat in a cardboard insert that includes the same design as the box with the map of Middle Earth now highlighted in a lighter blue. The box talks about this Aragorn being based on his appearance in The Fellowship of the Ring, and that is true in so much it is the clothes we find him in at the end of the movie as they set off after Merry & Pippin and therefore the outfit he wears predominantly in The Two Towers. The original figure concepts had the Fellowship figures with their Elven Cloaks from The Fellowship but these have since been dropped in development. Diamond are not yet in the world of photo-real deco, so while the generic head sculpt looks to be a fair likeness to Viggo Mortensen, the paintwork over the top lessens the effect. The eyes are very old school in terms of white with a black dot and are spaced a bit too far apart. The facial hair is pretty good, considering an application by hand, as is the bedraggled hairpiece in matt black plastic. But overall, Aragorn is missing the shading and weathering on his weather-beaten face. While the head isn't ideal, the body and costume details are stunning! Aragorn's various outfit components are well recreated in plastic. The basic brown and grey tunic and trousers are enhanced by way of a tied belt holding his knife and sword scabbard. There are his leather bracers with their silver buckles and Tree of Gondor symbol on either forearm. And round his neck is the Evenstar pendant. Paintwork across the figure is gritty and real with a worn look to all of Aragorn's costume including muddied weathering on his coattails and boots, to the worn patches on his tunic. Even his hands are painted to be muddied and weathered. My only paintwork issue is something that has been an issue with Diamond for some time in that the paint is less resilient than other brands and can flake at the joints or on flexible areas like the hands. Within one movement to put an accessory in Aragorn's hands I lost a large flake of skin-toned paint off the right hand. While Diamond initially looked to have skimped on accessories for the LOTR figures - Legolas being a case in point with his sword sheaths but no swords - Aragorn has faired pretty well. It starts with the curved blade tucked in the belt sheath which withdraws and fits into the right hand. It is painted well with a wooden handle, bronze pommel, and silver blade - complete with sculpted Elven script. The larger sheath on his belt carries the Sword he uses through the first two movies - a simple design with a silver and black handle and a plain silver blade. This again fits into the right hand and slips in and out of the scabbard neatly without any risk of paint rub. Diamond could have stopped there, but they have also given us a flaming torch - as used in the mines of Moria. This is one of the better flame effects I have seen at this scale with a translucent orange flaming section sitting on top of a wooden shaft that includes the sculpted grain of the wood. The final accessory is a nod to the Return of the King with a full sheathed version of Andúril, the Flame of the West. This is more intricate than Aragorn's original sword and features a silver-shaped hilt with a golden inset on the pommel. The blade contains the same Elven script as the dagger. It also fits into the right hand - but is trickier to engage due to the larger pommel. The additional sheath is similarly executed with a black main body. The point end is wrapped in silver with gold trim, and the same principles are used at the hilt end. Down the centre of the sheath is a silver central panel - also inscribed with Elvish. The only pity is that this scabbard cannot be interchanged with the standard one. There should really be a plug and socket design to allow them to swap - but in actual fact, Diamond have glued the original in two places. The good-ish news is that the two swords are interchangeable in the sheath - so while Aragorn can't use the Andúril sheath, he can sheath the blade in his existing scabbard. Aragorn, as mentioned earlier, has 18-points of articulation and while these remain engineered with visible pins it is good to see both double joint knees and elbows added to the figure to widen the range of movement in both arms & legs. The lower articulation is held in check by the coat tails, so while the joints have the ability to do more you will be left with wider or partially crouched stances from the legs. There is also the usual Diamond issue of floppy ankles at play - an issue that has plagued them for many years. While there are now ratchets in the ankles, they are too far apart and the space in the middle is where the looseness kicks in and where the figure finds itself toppling forward or backward. The arm joints will work for many sword or dagger poses except a two-handed grip which would require a lot more movement in the shoulder and the addition of butterfly joints as a minimum. I do like the way he can be posed drawing his sword - or with his left hand on the sword hilt while he holds the torch aloft. The upper joint issues are minimal other than the bicep which is a simple cut across the sculpt and then falls out of line when the joint is turned. The Diamond Lord of the Rings figures are certainly filling in a gap in the market and seem to be selling well. They are brilliant in terms of sculptural costume detail but are mixed with the head sculpts - Aragorn being a kind of half and half that is only really an issue close up. They do seem to be improving on the accessory front and while I am pleased that Diamond included Anduril and Sheath - I would have liked a way for Aragorn to wear them. With the release of the Series 3 Aragorn and the upcoming Series 4 Gandalf, we are now 5 figures in to the original Fellowship and I do hope that Diamond doesn't abandon the line until we can at least add Boromir, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. For more News, Reviews and a Checklist of Releases - visit our Diamond Select 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...

Mezco Toys have shared the full details of their 5 Points release of The Crow. The 3.75 inch scale set will feature two Crow figures - the first in his long coat and with interchangeable arms to display him pointing, or with his arms outstretched as seen in one of the iconic images from the 1994 Brandon Lee movie. The second figure sees The Crow without his coat, and here you can exchange the legs for a set posed as though walking - another iconic scene recreated. The head sculpts are interchangeable so you can swap these across the figures as you see fit. At $36, the set is certainly affordable although the price for two 3.75 inch figures with basic articulation may come into question. The set is aimed squarely at collectors and will feature collector-friendly packaging. It is due for release at some stage between December 2022 and February 2023. You can order now direct with Mezco Toys including options for International Shipping. The set is not listed as exclusive so will also be popping up soon at Mezco stockists. "Believe In Angels" A year after he and his fiancée are murdered, Eric Draven sets out to wreak revenge upon his killers after being brought back to life by a crow. THIS DELUXE SET CONTAINS TWO DIFFERENT VARIATIONS OF THE CROW: Version 1 – The Crow wears his signature overcoat and comes with a set of interchangeable arms allowing him to recreate his iconic pose from the film, as well as an additional right pointing arm. An interchangeable smirking head portrait is included and fits on both versions of The Crow Version 2 – The Crow wears a distressed black shirt and comes with a set of interchangeable legs, allowing him to recreate the walking pose as seen on the film’s poster. An interchangeable vengeful stare head portrait is included and fits on both versions of The Crow. 5 Points The Crow Deluxe Set is packaged collector-friendly and designed with collectors in mind. 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...

This figure was kindly sent over to us to review courtesy of Hasbro UK Joining the Hasbro Transformers Studio Series in early 2022 is Wheeljack, as seen in Transformers: Bumblebee. He is number 81 in the line and is the smaller Deluxe class retailing around the £22 mark. Like all Studio Series releases he comes in the black box with red trim and Transformers logo, and sky blue contrast colour identifying it as a Studio Series release and as also used on the numbering for the set. The rear of the box shows the two modes for Wheeljack and confirms 31 steps to convert him from Robot to Car mode. Within the box are two cardboard inserts. The first, containing the figure sees Wheeljack in Robot mode tied into the backing card with elasticated clear ties - this removes the need for any plastic insert. To the bottom of this section is his weapon. A second cardboard 'stage' is then wrapped around the insert - using the same backdrop but now without any punched holes. To either side is a red border and a red stage piece with the Bumblebee logo is utilised for display purposes. Wheeljack arrives in Robot mode, standing at around 4.5 inches in height. He is cast in hard plastic with the base colour of the plastic set depending on its role - with a white used on chest, shoulders and lower legs - and gunmetal used on the head, upper legs, and arms. The applied decor is limited, but there are green trimmed sections and an Autobot logo front and centre on the chest applied as a decal. The head also includes a touch of additional colour with blue used on the eyes and the panels on either side of the head. Wheeljack is armed with a blaster that sits in a socket on either hand, or it can be rear-mounted by way of a further circular socket on the back of the figure. The gun itself is cast in the same gunmetal plastic as parts of Wheeljack himself, and it has no added paint apps. The figure articulation is partially linked to the Transforming engineering and you will find a full range of motion in the arms, a rotating head, and a fairly decent set of leg joints both at the hips and knees with the feet jointed sufficiently to plant flat on a surface and hold Wheeljack in a set pose. Like a lot of the modern Transformers, and in particular the Studio Series, the joints are looser than you would expect on a standard figure - mainly to facilitate the Transforming movement - and this does lead to some level of instability in the hips which can slide apart and int he arms which don't always hold there own weight upright. Wheeljack Transforms into car mode in 37 steps, all detailed (sort of) in the included step-by-step instruction book. Despite having Transformers as a kid and memorising the process on many of the 80's sets - I do find the new Studio Series Transformers hard to work with and the instructions quite hard to follow - especially when the diagrams are not coloured but in a red or grey tone. Thankfully there are plenty of sites and YouTube videos to help. It took me a few minutes and the usual odd swear word, but I Transformed Wheeljack into car mode as you can see below. The car mode itself is the futuristic design we see on Cybertron in the Bumblebee movie with a squat rounded front look, smaller wheels and a socket on the top section into which the same blaster as held by Robot-mode fits as a cannon. As you'd expect, the car mode is limited in articulation and the only movement is in the wheels and the rotation of the cannon. I found the reverse Transformation from car to robot much easier, and I do still marvel at how much design and innovation goes into these Transformers - particularly the Studio Series that has to satisfy both a Transformation process and two distinct looks that remain faithful to what is on screen. The final element of the pack to consider is the stage which is big enough to support both the Robot and Car modes. These, I would imagine, make a pretty striking display when lined up although they do require a lot of shelf real-estate. For Transformers movie fans, the Studio Series has gone deep over the years and is now exploring avenues such as the Cybertron scenes in Bumblebee as well as the 1986 Transformers movie. While the releases are not as regular as they were when the line launched, Hasbro are continuing to put out quality product like this that transitions the line well between looks and display and the Transforming function that the line is all about. 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...

This figure set was kindly sent over to us to review courtesy of Hasbro UK The Hasbro Power Rangers Lightning Collection saw a cross-over series of figures from the 2019 Boom! Comics Series as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were morphed with the Power Rangers. Presented as a two-pack, Leonardo was morphed into the Blue Ranger while Donatello the Black Ranger. The box design mirrors that of the Lightning Collection with bold artwork on the sides representing each character and a black and white bar running under the window carrying both the Power Rangers and TMNT logos. The rear of the box is turned over to an image of the two figures. Each figure uses the same base morphed Turtle body with an enlarged torso with front armour and a rear shell piece in gold. Donatello has the majority of this body cast in gloss black while the legs and feet are cast in white. The forearms and shins have white painted over the base black and this looks duller than the corresponding hands & feet. The heads are unique for each Turtle and for Donatello, this is a black helmet with a silver moth piece and silver horns down either side. The eyes are painted a gloss red and there are some additional yellow markings further up. The set also includes an unmasked Turtle head and these swaps out easily enough with the helmet piece. Donatellos is presented in his purple mask and with a pair of goggles sculpted onto his forehead. The proportions work well and the unmasked head looks just as at home on the Power Ranger Turtle morphed body as the helmet - although the purple is slightly add odds with the black of the armour, but it is of course comic accurate. You also get alternative hands for Donatello with a pair of clenched fists and a pair of three-fingered extended hands in a martial arts pose. Over the shell is a strap and belt combination that carries the holster for the included weaponry. Donatello has a larger staff come axe with a black and gold axe head and silver strap. It fits into the gripping hands fitted on the figure - sitting comfortably in either right or left or with a two-handed pose. A green translucent FX piece is included that clips over the axe head by way of a shaped socket. You also get a Power Rangers Axe Blaster which uses the same colour pallet as the larger weapon. It is trickier to get into the hands as the Axe head is the handle with a trigger. There is no holster option for this weapon when not in use. Leonardo uses the same base body as Donatello, now cast in blue which looks crisp and bright - although the white painted over the blue at the forearms and shins still looks a duller colour than the hands & feet. Leonardo's helmet is more traditional in style to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers but widened and with adjusted proportions to reflect it is sitting over a Mutant Turtle head. It is cast in gloss blue like the body with silver moth and silver panels on the forehead and either side of the head above the gloss black visor. Leo also has an unmasked head featuring his blue bandana. Again, this is well proportioned to the body and is probably my preferred look for Leo with the bandana colour and armour matching. Leo gets the same spare hands with the clenched fists and open-palmed fighting hands. These are identical across both figures and can be swapped about at will - we should probably be pleased that Hasbro included two full sets rather than requiring them to share. Leonardo's weapons are a closer match to his standard pair of katanas, with dual blades in the Power Rangers angular style. They feature blue grips with silver and gold detailing and a dull metal blade. They fit into the sheaths on Leonardo's shell and enhance the look whether they are being wielded or sheathed. The effects piece for Leo is a lighting effect that fits either blade - I am not sure why we didn't get two? This is a softer translucent blue plastic and shaped to go over the blade and hold in place - something I wish Hasbro would translate to the Marvel Legends and Star Wars lines for their effects which are often difficult to connect to the figure and weapons. Articulation on both figures is identical as you'd expect with 22 points of articulation across a fully pinless body. The knees and arms remain double-jointed for full movement and are supported at the arms with a bicep swivel, and at the legs with both a thigh and bootcut swivel. The arms are further enhanced with a butterfly joint and ball joint at the shoulders with a pivot in the wrist, although this latter joint has little movement options. The same goes for the chest joint which has to sit behind the two halves of the shell and offers little other than some basic rotation. All of the Morphed Turtle joints are secure, they move well, but without being loose or lacking the ability to hold a pose. The ankles are a key joint considering the bulk and proportions of the turtle with a lot of mass in the upper body - these are really nice and secure with a satisfying ratchet. I must admit I am a casual fan of both Turtles and Power Rangers, but I am a huge action figure nerd and I can appreciate the design and work that has gone into these figures. Often a crossover is a simple repaint or head swap, while these have been designed as a true crossover with Power Rangers styling over Turtle body proportions. They have a good level of spares and accessories with alternative heads and hands as well as pretty neat weapons with a good level of paint apps compared to other lines which are often left as a drab grey or black. Other lines could also take a leaf out of the Power Rangers execution and engineering of FX pieces as both are perfectly shaped to sit and hold in place on the weapon - my only niggle being that Leonardo should have possibly had two of the lightning pieces. Thanks to Hasbro UK for sharing this with us, they really are a fun release for any fans of either franchise and lined up with the other figures of Raphael, Michelangelo, April, Tommy and Shredder they will make a brilliant display. 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...

Power Rangers were well represented at Walmart's Collector Con with a box set of Lightning Collection figures as well as a 2nd wave of the 7-inch Zord figures. The Lightning Collection set features previously released figures of Dino Fury Red Ranger, Dino Charge Pink Ranger, Wild Force Lunar Wolf Ranger, and the Zeo Cog. They all come with the same alternative heads and accessories but are now packed in 'Power Pop' art style variant packaging across the figures themselves and then the outer box. These are listed for delivery in May 2022. The Zord wave includes lower articulation 7-inch figures of the Black & Gold Dino Megazord, White Tigerzord, Dragonzord Battle, and Mega Tigerzord. These will arrive in closed box packaging that pays homage to the original Power Ranger VHS tapes. They have a July 2022 release date. All of these Power Rangers releases are Walmart US exclusives and are yet to show up at any UK retailer. IT’S MORPHIN TIME! From Dino Fury back to the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the Power Rangers have brought teamwork, action, and adventure to generations of fans. The legacy continues with figures, vehicles, collectibles, and roleplay toys from Hasbro, celebrating ranger teams from Mighty Morphin to Dino Fury. Imagine all the action of Power Rangers with toys from Hasbro! (Power Rangers toys each sold separately. Subject to availability.) Includes: 4 figures, 12 accessories, 4 alternate heads, and 4 sets of extra hands 4-PACK OF 6-INCH SCALE POWER RANGERS ACTION FIGURES: Includes Dino Fury Red Ranger, Dino Charge Pink Ranger, Wild Force Lunar Wolf Ranger, and Zeo Cog figures COLLECTIBLE ACTION FIGURE PACK: These Power Rangers Lightning Collection action figures have premium painted details and design inspired by the Power Rangers TV series POWER POP ART VARIANT PACKAGING: Featuring a special “Power Pop” art style treatment INCLUDES CHARACTER-INSPIRED ACCESSORIES: Each figure comes with multiple character-inspired accessories and swappable heads and hands for more ways to play or display INSPIRED BY THE TV SHOW POWER RANGERS: For nearly 30 years, Power Rangers has been showing what the power of teamwork can do, as a group of superpowered teen heroes protect their homes from evil PART OF THE POWER RANGERS LIGHTNING COLLECTION: Look for more collectible figures in the Lightning Collection. Each sold separately. Subject to availability. IT’S MORPHIN TIME! From Dino Fury back to the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the Power Rangers have brought teamwork, action, and adventure to generations of fans. The legacy continues with figures, vehicles, collectibles, and roleplay toys from Hasbro, celebrating Ranger teams from over 25 years. Imagine all the action of Power Rangers with toys from Hasbro! Available for pre-order from Hasbro Pulse UK. Characters available for pre-order include: Power Rangers Mighty Morphin Black & Gold Dino Megazord 7-Inch Figure (F5057) Power Rangers Mighty Morphin White Tigerzord (F5058) Power Rangers Mighty Morphin Dragonzord Battle (F5059) Power Rangers Mighty Morphin Mega Tigerzord (F5060) 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 Marvel Legends wave for the 2022 MCU movie Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hit stores in early Spring 2022 and included four figures from the new movie, two comic book characters, and this figure from the original 2016 movie - Astral Doctor Strange. The decision to return to the original Doctor Strange movie, which fell in a relatively early stage for MCU Marvel Legends, was an interesting one especially as this figure could be viewed as taking up a slot of another character from The Multiverse of Madness. The choice to revisit Astral Strange is also interesting considering key characters like The Ancient One and Kaecillius have never been released. The decision may have been driven by the need for a re-use sculpt in the wave - which this is - and therefore with so many similar Doctor Strange figures to date, the Astral version was a possible point of difference. Within the wave, the Astral Strange sits on its own in terms of packaging design. The side art is a blue-hued image of Doctor Strange while the front logo is that of the original 2016 film. Round the back, the blue hue theme continues with a short piece of text that reads "Seeking mastery of the mystic arts, Stephen Strange soon learns to project his astral form into the physical world." The inside insert for Astral Strange continues the blue theme and is inset with the Sanctum Santorum window design. The figure of Astral Strange is not the same one used back in 2016, instead, the team has used the more recent No Way Home Stephen Strange and have removed the cape. This 2021 Doctor Strange is very well sculpted with plenty of details in the costume including the multilayered belt that also includes a tucked away sling-ring. The body is cast in a blue translucent plastic to recreate the effect of Astral projection - this is darker on the body and lighter in the arms and legs and with a white translucent plastic used for hands and head. As this is the 2021 No Way Home Doctor Strange you will find an open socket in the figures back where the cape would have sat. Ideally, I would have liked this filled, but it doesn't really present an issue for display and there is the option (if you wish) to have Astral Strange wearing the red cape. The head sculpt, as we know from the fully painted 2021 Strange, is a very good likeness to Benedict Cumberbatch. While the original Astral figure went for an unpainted look over the translucent base - this new version does apply paint to define the lips and the eyes. There is also colour added on the beard and on the hair with the side sections faded back away to the translucent base to represent where the white strands of hair would normally sit. The figure of Astral Strange includes an alternative pair of hands allowing you to swap between gripping hands and a pair of extended spell-casting hands. You also get the Eye of Agamotto as an individual piece - also taken from the 2021 No Way Home version. This is also cast translucent but with fairly heavy-handed gold added to the pendant itself. Because this is designed to sit under the cloak of Doctor Strange, the loop of the piece sits far too high when worn and looks off. For those that are wondering, the translucent gold lamp included in the set does not appear to be intended for Strange but instead - if a recent Funko Pop! release is accurate - is for Rintrah the BAF. If this is the case then really the lamp should be shown on the BAF breakdown and in promo shots. If it is intended for Strange then I can confirm the gripping hands will hold it, although it has no context in terms of the original movie? Articulation on Astral Doctor Strange is completely pinless, although the inner workings of the joints can be seen due to the translucency of the body. There are 20 points of articulation in total gaining an additional two joints through a boot cut swivel. While there is no cloak with this version, the lower skirt does restrict much of the leg motion as it extends down to the aforementioned boot-cut. The arms are more wide-ranging, and this time don't have the cloak to impede them. With double joints in the elbows, they can do a variety of poses either for gesturing or spell casting. The new 2022 Astral Doctor Strange is an interesting piece in that he fills a slot for a new movie, but is taken from the previous film in the series. While he is a big upgrade on the original 2016 figure, the Astral Form itself was never well-loved in figure form - like Force Ghosts in Star Wars - the effect doesn't quite translate. The added hands are a bonus over the previous release, but the Eye of Agamotto accessory doesn't sit well on the figure. There is not a great deal more you can do with Strange in this form as there are no magic effects, and he doesn't wear his cape - even the include accessory the lamp is not his. If you want Rintrah then the figure has to be purchased in order for you to pick up Rintrah's head and that lamp, and for that reason, he will possibly sell as well as any of the other characters although I would then expect a slew of Astral Strange's to hit eBay and the Secondary Market. Like the original release, this feels like a figure for a box-set or an exclusive release and not perhaps a slot in a full build-a-figure wave. If you do want an Astral Doctor Strange in your collection or want to update the original then I can confirm that the figure delivers in terms of looks and sculpt. Articulation is also good, within the confines of the outfit, and the visuals are as good as you probably going to get for this sort of Astral / Holographic / Force Ghost type of figure. For more News, Reviews and a Checklist of Releases - visit our Marvel Legends 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...

We have seen a raft of new Hasbro Fornite Victory Royale Series figures today, starting at the Walmart Collector Con and the Exclusive Meowscles 'Ghost' figure - a repaint of the 'Shadow' Meowscles. He will feature his Feline Fun back bling, a mini Hula Meowscles figurine, and his two Hop Rock Dualies pistols. Walmart are listing this one as a September 2022 release. We also got a sneak peak at the next wave of Fortnite Victory Royale Series via some premature listings at both Amazon and Walmart. As the images have since been withdrawn we are left only with the Walmart listings that confirm the 3rd wave to include Kluck, Condor, Red Lynx, and Llambro. There are then some other Walmart listings for Lexa, Aerial Ace Trooper, and Gladiator Peely which may well be the accompanying deluxe figures. Ready up! The Victory Royale Series takes Fortnite figures to the next level with highly poseable and detailed designs based on fan-favorite character outfits from the Fortnite video game. You never know who is gonna drop into your collection next, but always remember to thank your bus driver. Meowscles drops off the Battle Bus and glides into the Victory Royale Series! This 6-inch action figure shows the popular character outfit in his Ghost style with game-level deco and details. Comes with Feline Fun Back Bling, Hula Meowscles figurine, and 2 Hop Rock Dualies weapon accessories. Pose out the Meowscles (Ghost) figure in an epic battle stance or bust a move in a dance Emote with more than 20 points of articulation! Look for other Fortnite Victory Royale Series figures to level up your collection! (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.) Warning: Choking Hazard - Small parts. Not for children under UNLOCK VICTORY ROYALE SERIES: Upgrade your Fortnite toy collection with premium Victory Royale Series action figures based on the Fortnite video game. You never know who’s dropping next, so ready up! SHOW YOUR STYLE: He’s one swole cat. This 6-inch Meowscles (Ghost) action figure shows the fan-favorite character outfit in his Ghost style with game-level detail, taking the on-shelf Battle Royale to the next level! EXPAND YOUR LOCKER: Comes with Feline Fun Back Bling, Hula Meowscles figurine, and 2 Hop Rock Dualies weapon accessories. Mix and match accessories between figures (Each sold separately. Subject to availability) POSE WITH PERSONALITY: Pose out the Meowscles (Ghost) figure in an epic battle stance or bust a move in a dance Emote with more than 20 points of articulation! UPGRADE YOUR COLLECTION: Look for other Fortnite Victory Royale Series figures to level up your collection! (Each sold separately. Subject to availability) We aim to show you accurate product information. Manufacturers, suppliers and others provide what you see here, and we have not verified it. See our disclaimer 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 Marvel Legends Ulik was originally revealed in December 2021, and has now been confirmed as a Walmart US online-only exclusive via Walmart's own Collector Con event. In the UK he will be sold via Fan Channel retailers and pre-orders are already open with a May 2022 release date. Ulik, the Troll King, will come with two head sculpts, a second pair of hands also sculpted with his 'Pounders', and his codgel weapon. The figure is based on the 2017 SDCC release of Ulik but with new head sculpts, hands and paint applications. The strongest and fiercest of all Trolls, Ulik the Troll King is strong and stubborn as the stone of Asgard! With over 80 years of entertainment history, Marvel has become a cornerstone of fan collections around the world. With the Marvel Legends Series, fan favorite Marvel Comic Universe and Marvel Cinematic Universe characters are designed with premium detail and articulation for posing and display in collections. From figures to vehicles to premium roleplay items, the Marvel Legends Series offers elite character-inspired product for Marvel fans and collectors. Additional 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...

At 7am PST - that's 2pm UK time - on the 24th of March Walmart in the US will open up this year's Collector Con. The online event will feature a number of Walmart US exclusives, and these include the first four G.I. Joe Classified Series 6-inch figures on the classic card-back. The Retro Carded line for G.I. Joe kicks off with figures of The Baroness, Lady Jaye, Destro, and Gung-Ho. Each of these are based on their mainline release with adjusted paint decor and more retro-inspired accessories. They are presented on retro 1980's inspired blister cards including those character cards we all used to cut out and keep. For some reason, only Baroness and Lady Jaye have a full set of images at this stage. For UK collectors these are also live via the Fan Channel route and at all G.I. Joe Classified stockists. The UK retailers are quoting a September 2022 release date. G.I. Joe is a highly skilled, on-demand, special operations force of men and women from around the globe. With unwavering courage and steely determination, the brave members of G.I. Joe are prepared to seek out Cobra in any environment on the planet. From hostile jungles to ice-clad arctic peaks…wherever there’s trouble, G.I. Joe is there. This Baroness figure comes ready for action, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability and 6 character-inspired accessories. And with classic package art, the G.I. Joe Classified Series Baroness package will make a mark on shelves. This Lady Jaye figure comes ready for action, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability and 8 character-inspired accessories. And with classic package art, the G.I. Joe Classified Series Lady Jaye package will make a mark on shelves. This Destro figure comes ready for action, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability and 5 character-inspired accessories. And with classic package art, the G.I. Joe Classified Series Destro package will make a mark on shelves. Destro is the faceless power behind M.A.R.S., the largest manufacturer of state-of-the-art weaponry. This Gung-Ho figure comes ready for action, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability and 6 character-inspired accessories. And with classic package art, the G.I. Joe Classified Series Gung-Ho package will make a mark on shelves. Born into a large back-swamp Cajun clan, Gung-Ho won a reputation as a bare-knuckle brawler, joined the Marines at 18, and graduated top of his class from boot camp 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...

Beyond Peter Parker, MJ, and Ned, Doctor Strange is the next biggest player in Spider-Man: No Way Home and was therefore chosen for release in the Marvel Legends No Way Home wave ahead of the release of the movie. He sits alongside two Spider-Man suits from the movie, and J. Jonah Jameson in the wave - which is then rounded out by comic & Gamerverse characters and the comic-book Armadillo build-a-figure. This review will include spoilers if you have not yet seen the movie. Like the two Spider-Man MCU figures in the wave, Strange's box includes a golden card back and trim around the two illustrated side panels. The rear of the box is entirely golden yellow with another image of Strange sitting above the checklist for the Armadillo BAF. There is a short piece of background text to the side of this art - and it makes very little sense in terms of No Way Home, fitting more comfortably with Avengers: Endgame or Infinity War. Still there are no spoilers within the wording! "Possessing vast magical knowledge and skills to call upon. Earth's Master of the Mystic Arts steps onto the battlefield " Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange has had three figures to date in the Marvel Legends line. The first pre-dated the photo-real deco and one of these was the white Astral Projection version. Come Infinity War, this figure was tweaked and updated and packed into one of the First Ten Years sets alongside Iron-Man and Thanos. That figure was much improved but had an odd slightly 'squashed' head sculpt. This 2021 version is now the definitive Doctor Strange - pending the figure from the upcoming 2022 movie - and while it is designed around Strange's No Way Home look it will fit in perfectly with any of the other movies in which the Doctor has appeared in the MCU. The costume, while similar to both previous releases, is pretty much new throughout. Only the legs appear to have carried over from the earlier figure. The detailing on the robes and belt is impressive and the colours - while cast in their base plastic - are bright and clear. The cape, also a carry-over from the 2018 release, is cast in a much brighter plastic this time around and connects via a socket in Doctor Strange's back. The fit and security of the cape is good, but of course the peg will stop you having Peter Parker suspended with the cape or even Ned if he ever makes it to figure form. The likeness to Cumberbatch on the head is the best so far and I would not be upset if this head and face-print deco is carried straight into the Multiverse of Madness figure. The greying at each side of the temple on the hair is subtle but visible and the beard is well executed. The eye of Agamotto pendant, albeit missing the Infinity Stone now, is an individual piece and is also carried forward from the earlier figures. I don't know if it has been tweaked, but it sits more naturally on Strange's chest now. Hasbro have also not used any green to show the Stone is no longer present, and there are some colour variations on the string too. While the Spider-Man figures in this wave have been a little lacking in accessories, Strange gets a decent amount to vary his look including the removable eye pendant I've just mentioned. We have two standard pairs of hands each giving a varying option for posing and particularly spell casting. While not obvious in our images, the hands even carry the very slight scars from Stephen's surgery from the first movie. We then have a pair of magical shield effects. Rather than try and design something to go onto one of the hands, these are presented with a hand actually attached so it swaps out at the wrist like the two standard pairs. The magical effect is cast in translucent orange with the right-handed one larger than the one on the left. Doctor Strange, with his robes and cloak, is not as articulate as some figures but does still feature 20 points of articulation, all across a pinless body. The legs are restrained somewhat behind the robes but are secure for standing poses with a robust set of ankle rockers with an internal ratchet and added boot cut swivel over and above the usual configuration. The arms are more expansive in their movement, although the left is held back at the shoulder when the cloak is being worn. 2022 looks to be a very good year for Doctor Strange, and Hasbro has kicked things off with a very good Marvel Legends version of the character that fits in with his No Way Home appearance, but also works for Infinity War and Endgame if you can overlook minor costume variances. The figure boasts updated robes, brighter and clearer colours on the costume and robes, a fantastic head sculpt with face-print tech, a decent level of accessories, and good articulation. It is difficult to see how the figure could have been executed any better save including the spell cube from No Way Home. For more News, Reviews and a Checklist of Releases - visit our Marvel Legends 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...

Medicom are releasing a classic comic book Magento later this year in the MAFEX line. The figure will use the 2020 Age of Apocalypse Magneto as a base and features a soft goods purple cloak and three head options - one without his helmet, one with, and a third with the jet black face and glowing white eyes. Magneto will also feature a number of magnetic effect pieces that attach to the hands. Magneto is scheduled as a December 2022 release. 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...

Taken from Zack Snyder's Justice League, the next Medicom MAFEX DC release will be Cyborg, numbered #180 in the MAFEX series of 6-inch scale figures. Cyborg will include three head portraits, an additional pair of arms, and three weapon sections. He is scheduled for release in December 2022. 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...