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- NECA Ultimate King Kong with Pteranodon and Pit Monster
A number of new NECA images have been shared this evening for their Father's Day promo in the US (June 20th) with Walmart & Target. The details released for the event have provided us with new images for their new King Kong, as recently exclusively reviewed by The Toy Ark. This new King Kong is based on the 1933 movie and features both the Pteranodon and the two-legged lizard, the Pit Monster, who would inspire the Skull Crawlers in the more recent adaptation of Kong (Skull Island) As well as the two monsters, the set also features an alternative Kong head option, two additional sets of hands, and a tree-trunk club. The set will be released first at Target stores as a 'first to market' exclusive. It will then move to a general release at all other stockists. 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. Checkout 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... action figure, news, toys, reviews, action, figure, blog, checklist, collectors,
- NECA Ultimate Frankenstein's Monster (colour), Universal Monsters
NECA are gearing up for a number of new action figures to release Father's Day 2021 in the US. This includes the previously announced colour version of their Universal Monsters 1931 Frankenstein's Monster. The colour release of Frankenstein's Monster will have the same contents as the black & white release, with three heads, three pairs of hands, a pair of shackles and some flowers. The new NECA images do give us a look at the design principles for the Universal Monsters packaging, which utilises the original movie posters from the 1930s. Frankenstein's Monster will be on sale as of the 20th of June, exclusive in the first few weeks to Walmart stores in the US before moving to a general release with other retailers. 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. Checkout 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... action figure, news, toys, reviews, action, figure, blog, checklist, collectors,
- NECA Ultimate Homelander and Starlight, The Boys
NECA are gearing up for a number of new action figures to release Father's Day 2021 in the US. This includes the launch of their new 7-inch Ultimate figures from the Amazon hit show, The Boys. Both Homelander and Starlight are revealed in the new promotional photos released by NECA announcing the Fathers Day 2021 launch. Homelander will feature three head options, including one with his laser eyes. There will also be an alternative set of hands and what looks to be a soft goods cape. He will feature a box design based on his costume and with a central gold Homeander symbol. Starlight will have two head options as well as a pair of swap-out hands. She will also feature alternative forearm bracers and also has a soft goods cape. Like Homelander, the box design for Starlight is inspired by her costume and logo. The Boys figures will be released on the 20th June 2021 (Fathers Day) and will be a 'first to market' exclusively at Walmart stores in the US. There will then be a general release to all other NECA stockists later in 2021. 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. Checkout 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... action figure, news, toys, reviews, action, figure, blog, checklist, collectors,
- Review : Marvel Legends Deadpool, Amazon Exclusive
Ryan Reynold's Deadpool made his Marvel Legends debut in 2020 as part of that year's batch of Fox X-Men movie figures, packed with Negasonic Teenage Warhead in a 2-pack. As we headed into 2021, it was announced that a stand-alone version of the Deadpool Legends figure was to be released as an Amazon exclusive. The figure began shipping, sporadically, between March and May 2021 around the globe. The packaging uses the same format as the 2020 releases, with a square box rather than the usual scooped-sided Legends packaging. The Legends logo sits top left, with the character name and Deadpool logo on the bottom rail of the box-front. The box is designed to look like it has been defaced by Deadpool himself with stickers and scribbles, including crossing out 'Wade Wilson' and writing Deadpool instead. The side artwork is a silhouette image of Deadpool with the eyes and one of his Katanas picked out in white. the same image is repeated on the back of the box - and unlike other Legends, there is no background information or text. The figure is presented against a burning flame and ember card-back. While the figure is not specifically listed as a Deadpool 2 figure, the grey "dusty" costume is certainly based on the final act of Deadpool 2 when Deadpool and his X-Force are facing off against Juggernaut and Julian Dennison's Firefist. The darker red is more a result of burns from Firefist. Other than the decor, the figure is identical to the first release, and that means some details we might expect like the duct-taped injuries are missing. The proportions and sculpt of the mask, body, and the various belts and straps are excellent and a very good recreation of the on-screen Merc with the Mouth. Like the 2-pack, the Exclusive is packed with accessories, and the same accessories to boot although the Unicorn has been dropped. We start with the bladed weapons, and these include a knife with a black handle and a silver blade that slots into either hand or a holster on Deadpool's left leg. The swords are executed in a similar way and are a good shape and length with a silver blade and black grip handle. Again the gripping hands hold them well and when not in use they slot into the crossed sheaths on Deadpool's back. The guns were one of the few frustrations with the original figure, and nothing has changed with this new version. Essentially Deadpool comes with a pair of sculpted pistols in the holsters on his waist. These are individual pieces, and not part of the sculpt, yet are fixed in place. You then get a second pair of guns with an odd extra piece to the barrel that Deadpool then uses. This of course looks particularly odd when Deadpool is wielding his handguns while they also sit in the holsters on his belt? While I am not brave enough to tackle this myself, I believe with a bit of work the holstered guns can be removed and the whole kit converted to a working set of holsters - this is how it should have been to start with. To support the weapons, Deadpool comes with two pairs of gripping hands. One set is shaped for the knife and swords, while the second pair includes a wider grip and trigger finger for the guns. You also get two other pairs of hands in the set. An open pair that are brilliantly expressive when held up to the mouth for example. You also get a pair of clenched fists for hand-to-hand combat poses. Deadpool is uber-articulated with 22 points of articulation in total. The legs include double jointed knees and this allows Deadpool to kneel, sit or take up more dynamic martial arts posing or leaping / jumping poses with a suitable after-market stand. The arms also feature double joints at the elbows and we also get a pair of shoulder butterfly joints which allows the arms to be brought in further to the body. The main trunk of the body includes a rotating waist, T-Joint torso, and a neck that is jointed at the base and where it meets the head. Like the original figure, all of the joints come together for some very iconic Deadpool poses such as drawing his sword, firing his guns straight out in front of him, or even sniffing the gun smoke from the two barrels. Every joint is secure and tight and Deadpool holds poses very well. I suspect many fans would have been happier if the original Deadpool in the standard red had been repacked into this Amazon Exclusive. The decision to make the X-Force / Deadpool 2 / Dusty / Burned Deadpool was a good one but it did need some adjustments really and the addition of those duct-taped injuries - which would have looked pretty cool. The other issue is the guns and I still can't fathom why a working holster was sculpted, handguns were sculpted, and then the handguns glued into the holsters while a 2nd pair of ugly handguns are then included in the set? This aside, Deadpool remains a very good looking and extremely well-executed figure in the Marvel Legends line and now he is here he poses really well in a standalone display, with the other X-Men figures or indeed with the rest of the MCU - which is where we want to see him in the long run. Deadpool is still available at Amazon if you want to add this to your collection (affiliate link) 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. Checkout 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... action figures, reviews, review, articulation, marvel, legends, hasbro, deadpool. wade wilson, deadpool 2, cable, amazon, exclusive
- S.H. MonsterArts Mechagodzilla, Godzilla vs Kong
Tamashii Nations have released details of their Monsterarts Mechagodzilla from the 2021 Godzilla vs Kong movie. Mechagodzilla will feature diecast joints to add realism and weight to his movement as well as articulated cannons on his shoulder and chest. He stands 190mm (7.5-inches) tall, and as seen in the movie will tower over the equivalent figures of Godzilla and Kong. Expect Mechagodzilla to land in December 2021 with pre-orders up now at specialist stockists. 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. Checkout 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... action figure, news, toys, reviews, action, figure, blog, checklist, collectors,
- Loyal Subjects BST:AXN Ozzy Osbourne
The Loyal Subjects have released images of another 5-inch scale, music-based BST:AXN action figure in the shape of The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy is featured in his iconic black outfit with a long black coat and a silver crucifix. He is packed with a 2nd crucifix, removable glasses, microphone and stand, and an alternative set of hands. There is no release date specified as yet for Ozzy, but The Loyal Subjects have said it will be soon. Like all of the BST:AXN figures, the figure is a Walmart exclusive in the US. Here in the UK you will need to speak to your local stockist as these don't seem to have done too well at B&M Stores and are now being cleared out. 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. Checkout 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... action figure, news, toys, reviews, action, figure, blog, checklist, collectors,
- Super7 Yasuke 6-inch SuperVinyl figures
A new Netflix anime show, Yasuke, has been picked up by Super7 and we have new 6-inch figures incoming from the show. Yasuke features an alternative version of feudal Japan and follows Yasuke, a Samurai Warrior, and he will be one of the launch figures. He will be joined by figures of Natsumaru and Achojah. These are not Re:Action figures, and they are also not part of the Super7 Ultimates line. They are actually designed around and to imitate the Vinyl collectors figure associated with the Far East Collectors market. This new SuperVinyl range will feature just 3 points of articulation but will carry - as you can see from the images - a good level of sculpt and paint detail. There will also be a smaller 3-inch line which is a more stylised / deformed style. The figures are Target (US) exclusives and are now up for pre-order via the Target website for US collectors. The figures will be released in October 2021. Yasuke is the protagonist of Netflix’s Yasuke, the story of a Black samurai warrior in an alternate version of feudal Japan. Made in the “hang-tag” style of soft vinyl figures traditionally found in Japan, this figure stands 6" tall with three points of articulation, featuring a detailed sculpt that captures the style and attitude of the character. Collect all three figures in Super7’s first wave of Yasuke 6” vinyl figures! Natsumaru is a brilliant Onna-bugeisha, a warrior woman, who is one of Yasuke’s closest allies. Made in the “hang-tag” style of soft vinyl figures traditionally found in Japan, this figure stands 6" tall with three points of articulation, featuring a detailed sculpt that captures the style and attitude of the character. Collect all three figures in Super7’s first wave of Yasuke 6” vinyl figures! Achojah is a Nigerian shaman and mercenary known for using his powers to confuse his opponents during battle. Made in the “hang-tag” style of soft vinyl figures traditionally found in Japan, this figure stands 6" tall with three points of articulation, featuring a detailed sculpt that captures the style and attitude of the character. Collect all three figures in Super7’s first wave of Yasuke 6” vinyl figures! 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. Checkout 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... action figure, news, toys, reviews, action, figure, blog, checklist, collectors,
- Marvel Legends Infinity Saga Iron-Man Mk3, Iron-Man (2008)
Three more Marvel Legends Infinity Saga packs have been confirmed by Hasbro. We have another Avengers Endgame set and two more Iron-Man based releases. As speculated, there is a single release of Iron-Man Mk3 from the first Iron-Man movie. he will come with two heads, one with the faceplate open to reveal Tony Stark underneath. The set also features a number of swap-out pieces for the wrist weaponry, and alternative hands in a repulsor firing position. The set is a general release, including at our affiliate Amazon, pre-orders are open for the release at the start of September 2021. MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES 6-INCH INFINITY SAGA IRON MAN MARK 3 Figure (HASBRO/Age 4 years & up/Available: Fall 2021) Fans, collectors, and kids alike can enjoy this MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES 6-INCH INFINITY SAGA IRON MAN MARK 3 Figure, inspired by the character from MARVEL entertainment. This quality 6-inch-scale figure features premium design, detail, and multiple points of articulation for posing and display in a MARVEL collection. Includes figure and 5 accessories. Available for pre-order at Hasbro Pulse and Amazon. 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. Checkout 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... action figure, news, toys, reviews, action, figure, blog, checklist, collectors,
- NECA An American Werewolf in London David Kessler Werewolf
NECA have shared some new images for their An American Werewolf in London David Kessler Werewolf. The base image confirms that the set will include two head options for the Werewolf, one sculpted with a closed mouth and the other wide open. The figure should be up for pre-order globally very soon at all NECA stockists and is a scheduled November 2021 release. While there are no packaging images as yet, the blurb indicates this will be packed as with the Ultimate figures with an opening front flap to reveal the window and figure within - however, it is not listed as an Ultimate release. NECA's newest figure from An American Werewolf in London is an action figure first! The classic 1981 movie is the perfect blend of comedy and true horror, and follows two American backpackers and their increasingly terrifying trip across England. Only David Kessler survives the bizarre wolf attack that kills his friend Jack... but then an undead Jack returns to warn David that he will soon transform into a murderous beast. Never before made as an action figure, Kessler's wolf form is more than 11 inches at its full length and has over 30 points of articulation. Includes interchangeable heads and comes in a collector-friendly window box with opening flap that's great for display. 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. Checkout 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... action figure, news, toys, reviews, action, figure, blog, checklist, collectors,
- Marvel Legends Infinity Saga Captain Marvel and Pepper Potts Rescue, Avengers Endgame (2019)
Three more Marvel Legends Infinity Saga packs have been confirmed by Hasbro. We have another Avengers Endgame set and two more Iron-Man based releases. The Endgame 2-pack features an updated Captain Marvel from the Endgame final battle, complete with shorter hair and her updated suit. Carol comes with the Nano Gauntlet to protect and keep away from Thanos. She is joined by Rescue, a re-release of the original 2019 figure, but now with a number of upgrades including new backpack pieces, repulsor effects, alternative hands, and three head options. The heads include the helmet head, helmet with faceplate open, and an unmasked Pepper Potts. This Infinity Saga set is a global Amazon exclusive. It is up on the United Kingdom and United States sites now for pre-order (affiliate links). The set will be released in early September 2021. MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES 6-INCH INFINITY SAGA CAPTAIN MARVEL AND RESCUE ARMOR Figure 2-Pack (HASBRO/Age 4 years & up/Available: Fall 2021) Fans, collectors, and kids alike can enjoy this MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES 6-INCH INFINITY SAGA CAPTAIN MARVEL AND RESCUE ARMOR Figure 2-Pack, inspired by the characters from MARVEL entertainment. These quality 6-inch-scale figures feature premium design, detail, and multiple points of articulation for posing and display in a MARVEL collection. Includes 2 figures and 9 accessories. Available for pre-order exclusively at Amazon. 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. Checkout 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... action figure, news, toys, reviews, action, figure, blog, checklist, collectors,
- Marvel Legends Infinity Saga Happy Hogan and Iron-Man MkXXI 'Midas', Iron-Man 3 (2013)
Three more Marvel Legends Infinity Saga packs have been confirmed by Hasbro. We have another Avengers Endgame set and two more Iron-Man based releases. We knew a new Iron-Man 3 set was coming thanks to a handful of leaked text listings. The set is now confirmed and includes the gold 'Midas' MkXXI Iron-Man suit. The surprise inclusion is the 1st appearance of Happy Hogan who is a brand new suited body sculpt with an excellent likeness to John Favreau. As with all the Infinity Saga sets, the Iron-Man 3 pack will be an early September 2021 release. In the US it is a Target exclusive, but will be available via the Fan Channel - and we assume Hasbro Pulse - here in the UK. MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES 6-INCH INFINITY SAGA HAPPY HOGAN AND IRON MAN MARK 21 Figure 2-Pack (HASBRO/Age 4 years & up/Available: Fall 2021) Fans, collectors, and kids alike can enjoy this MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES 6-INCH INFINITY SAGA HAPPY HOGAN AND IRON MAN MARK 21 Figure 2-Pack, inspired by the characters from MARVEL entertainment. These quality 6-inch-scale figures feature premium design, detail, and multiple points of articulation for posing and display in a MARVEL collection. Includes 2 figures and 5 accessories. Available for pre-order exclusively at Target. 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. Checkout 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... action figure, news, toys, reviews, action, figure, blog, checklist, collectors,
- Review : Star Wars Black Series Asajj Ventress, The Clone Wars
The Clone Wars is getting a lot of focus in the Star Wars Galaxy Collection, and with the April 2021 release of Asajj Ventress, the Clone Wars is now second in volume in the new packaging with 8 figures in total, 2nd only to The Mandalorian which has 12. Asajj is part of Wave 4 and sits in a wave-dominated by Star Wars TV series characters including the live-action Bo Katan and three figures from The Bad Batch. Ventress is number #7 in the Clone Wars collection, following on in the side artwork montage from the general release of Cad Bane. The gold-accented image of Ventress with lightsabers lit against a grey backdrop of circular buildings gives no clues as to who will go next in the sequence but it is likely to be the Wave 5 Aurra Sing who is a Clone Wars release as opposed to being part of The Phantom Menace series. The back of the box has the usual short and succinct background text that confirms Ventresses; role as Count Dooku's apprentice but doesn't cover her species or any background of her other associations with the Night Sisters for example. "An assassin trained in the ways of the dark side by Count Dooku, Asajj Ventress yearned to be considered a true Sith, but such status wasn't allowed under the Sith's Rule of Two." Like all animated characters, Asajj has been converted to a real-world version by the Black Series team and while the head sculpt does not have an actor or real-life equivalent to base itself on, the look is very impressive considering how Asajj would likely look if she ever converted to a live-action show. The head is painted with a very pale skin tone with applied face print to create the realism in the eyes, which are then ringed in black to give them a deep-set and menacing look. The lips are a deep red and the facial markings from the lips and then around the head are laid on in thin blue, with a lot of detail on the back of her head compared to the front. The costume is based on the earlier seasons of The Clone Wars with a blue theme starting with the dark blue vest section. This then moves down to a lighter blue waist piece which is sculpted to look like wrapped material. The same type of wrappings are used on the lower arms, and here the blue is striped with a darker tone alternating against the light. There are reported variants of this colouring. The skirt is a soft goods piece in a blue/purple velvet finish. It is held in place with a light pink-hued belt that then connects to the front sash. This sash is painted in purple with gold on the embossed design that runs the full length of the sash. Like a lot of soft goods at this scale, the skirt does hang a little straight, but is soft and pliable and is easy to pose with Asajj, In fact, the bigger issue to posing is the sash considering it runs the full length of the skirt. Under the skirt are fully sculpted legs with the same wrapped material design. They are cast in blue plastic and not painted. While it would have been nice to have had the skirt removable for a different look to Asajj, I assume we will see this figure again as a variant without the skirt or with a varying colour scheme to perhaps the grey or even the red from the Tartakovsky series. Asajj is armed with her twin lightsabers, as presented to her by Dooku. These are a curved hilt, cast in grey with black striped detail down the hilt. Each saber hilt has a plug halfway down the hilt which allows you to plug them into the holes at the top of the sash, holstering them as seen on the show. The only issue with this is that the plugs do interfere with the grip on the hands, and you need to orientate the hilts in the hands so the plug is placed outward through the gap in the fingers/thumb. The two red translucent blades come in a thicker plastic than some of the other sabers in the Black Series which means they arrive straight and they also have a more robust plug that slots into the socket at the top of the saber hilt. The two hilts are also designed with a plug and socket to allow them to connect into a twin-bladed lightsaber like the one used by Darth Maul. This is not well executed considering the curve of the hilts makes it difficult to line up so the blades are horizontal, and even then the plugs don't hold too securely. Asaaj is extremely well articulated with 19 points of articulation. She has the dual articulated neck which moves at both the base and where it meets the head. And she also has the butterfly shoulders which help with her saber-wielding poses alongside the single joint rotating elbows and wrist pivot. The legs articulate fine under the skirt, and as mentioned above the bigger issue with standing Asajj in various stances is the harder plastic sash. Asajj stands perfectly well on her own, and adding a suitable footpeg stand opens her up to more poses such as a one-legged strike as seen in our images. Asajj is a wonderful addition to the Black Series. She translates really well from the stylised animation of the Clone Wars to a realistic setting, even without an actor to base her head sculpt upon. The costume is done well, as is the skirt and sash - with the body open to future variations if that is something Hasbro wants to explore. Articulation is great, and the two sabers are very good apart from the way they are meant to connect for the dual saber option. For more News, Reviews and a Checklist of Releases - visit our Star Wars Black Series 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. Checkout 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... action figures, reviews, review, articulation, hasbro, star wars, black series, galaxy collection, the clone wars, asajj ventress












