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  • Super7 Thundercats Ultimates 7 inch scale Thundertank

    Super7 are bringing a 7 inch Ultimates scale Thundertank to market to complement their existing Thundercats Ultimates figures. The Thundertank will be 27 inches long and 17 inches wide, and will be able to carry up to six of Super7's Thundercats figures. The price is $450 with shipping on top. More details on the pre-order will open on the 2nd of February 2021 and run until the 2nd of April 2021 with a payment plan available. The Thundertank will ship in the first quarter of 2022.

  • Jazwares Fortnite Legendary Series Oversize Kit action figure

    A new listing on Amazon US has revealed a third figure in the new Oversize category of Jazwares 6 inch Legendary Series Fortnite figures. The set will feature the large robotic body got Kit, and an appropriately sized Kit to sit in the rider position. The body also breaks "transforms" to allow the motorcycle mode to be engaged. Weaponry includes what looks like a double barrelled shotgun and grappler gun. There are also two harvesting tools. The Amazon listing has no other details at this stage, or a release date. But if we follow usual timescales then the figure should start to ship and arrive in stores in the next 4-weeks or so. Checkout our blog page 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,

  • Mezco One:12 Collective Deluxe John Constantine

    Mezco have announced that John Constantine is joining the One:12 Collective of 6 inch highly articulated action figures with a shipping date estimated between August and October 2021. The John Constantine, Deluxe Edition, will retail at $100 and features four head sculpts - two standard with varying expressions and two "beat up" profiles. The soft goods tailored clothing includes his trademark red tie and long tan coat which are both removable. Accessories include two lighters - one lit with flame FX - a cross relic and a chainsaw. And John is also armed with the Twin Blade and Moonblade. A selection of magic FX pieces are also included - with spell elements that connect on the arms, and flames that sit in the hands. There are fifteen different hands included in the set, and these feature hands with Tarot cards. The usual display stand is also included. John Constantine is up for pre-order now directly from Mezco including international shipping and tax options. Other Independent Stockists should also be opening up pre-orders in the days to come. Cynic, con man, and sorcerer, John Constantine joins the One:12 Collective! The One:12 Collective Constantine is dressed in his signature untidy button-down work shirt with a loosened necktie, slacks, Chelsea boots, and a removable overcoat. The streetwise Hellblazer features four head portraits that perfectly capture his cynical personality. Constantine is well-equipped to handle the supernatural, complete with the Moonblade, Twin Blade, cross relic, lighter with and without flame FX, mystical spell FX, tarot cards, multiple interchangeable hands, and much more. An infamous con artist, grifter, and thief, Constantine's moral compass is as gray as the London skies. His powers allow him to not only cheat death, but to trick the forces that govern Heaven and Hell. Constantine wields the dark arts to save his soul as well as the earth itself. Checkout our blog page 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 Assassin Predator

    As shown off at Toy Fair 2020, NECA will be re-releasing their large 11 inch Assassin Predator from The Predator (2018) movie in an updated paint décor in 2021. The figure is identical to the original release, and features the same two head options as well as alternative hands, wrist blade and wrist cannon. The following promotional images have now been released for the product, which will go into Walmart stores in the US first as a exclusive for a set amount of time before it is offered to other retailers. Checkout our blog page 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,

  • Diamond Select Nightmare Before Christmas Series 10 and Exclusive Creature & Cyclops Set

    The Diamond Select Nightmare Before Christmas action figure line will move to Series 10 this year with new figures joining the line. Mr Hyde will come with Corpse Dad, Corpse Mum will be packed with the Duck Gift and Mrs Claus will come with the Choir Elf. The figures will be packed in Diamond's Select action figure packaging and they are scheduled for a June 30th 2021 release date Also joining the line is a Previews Exclusive set of The Creature and Cyclops. The set will also be a Summer 2021 release and you can order this through any independent store or stockist that sources product via Previews. Nightmare Before Christmas Select Series 10 Action Figure Asst. A Diamond Select Toys release! This is Halloween! Some of Halloween Town’s creepiest citizens come out of the woodwork for this series of Nightmare Before Christmas Select action figures! Mr. Hyde with Corpse Dad, Corpse Mom with Duck Gift, and Mrs. Claus with Choir Elf each feature multiple points of articulation and include various scary and/or festive accessories. They each come packaged in Select action figure packaging, with side panel artwork for shelf reference. Designed by Eamon O’Donoghue, sculpted by Cortes Studios. (Assortment, Item #FEB211929, SRP: $29.99/ea.) Nightmare Before Christmas Select PX Creature and Cyclops Action Figures A Diamond Select Toys release! The Creature is unleashed! The long-awaited Creature Under the Stairs from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is finally here, as a special Previews-exclusive Select action figure! Plus, the Creature comes with his fellow Halloween Town resident, the Cyclops! Each figure features detailed sculpting and paint applications, as well as multiple points of articulation and both come packaged in Select packaging. Designed by Eamon O’Donoghue, sculpted by Cortes Studios. (Item #FEB211930, SRP: $29.99) Checkout our blog page 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 and Toho International announce new Godzilla Re:Action and Ultimates figures

    Super7 and Toho International have just announced a new licencing agreement that will bring us Re:Action 3.75 inch Godzilla figures from Super7 this year, with 7 inch Ultimates figures being developed for a release in 2022. Read the Full Press Release Below San Francisco, California – January 27, 2021 – Super7 is excited to collaborate with Toho International, Inc. to bring the King of the Monsters into its world of ReAction figures and more. The debut 3.75" articulated Godzilla ReAction figure is scheduled to arrive this summer, along with a capsule collection, offering various products, including apparel and accessories. More Godzilla product will follow later in the year, escalating in 2022 with ULTIMATES! figures. “It is not a stretch to say that Godzilla may be the most important license to Super7’s history, and one we hold with possibly too much reverence,” said Super7 Founder & Owner, Brian Flynn. “The genesis of Super7 started with Godzilla, and we can’t wait to add that same Super7 love and affection to Godzilla’s future.” Super7 launched in 2001 as a magazine filled with content about collecting vintage Godzilla toys; from Marusan and Bullmark vinyl figures, die-casts and tin toys, to Shogun Warriors, featuring characters from Hedorah and Kamikaras to Rodan and Mothra. The first toy Super7 produced was a grey color variant of the Baremodel 1954 Godzilla, sold through a coupon available only in the first issue of the Super7 magazine in 2001. “It was here that we started with our love for a giant rubber suited reptilian phenomenon,” added Flynn. “Super7 oozes that cool factor in all its products, so we’re thrilled to bring Godzilla into their portfolio of premium products, including the popular ReAction Figures, ULTIMATES! line and more,” said Lora Cohn, Managing Director, Toho International, Inc. “Beyond quality products, Super7 brings so much meaning to Godzilla, with a team deeply passionate about the brand. We’re excited to offer this all-new line of products based on the King of the Monsters, and we think fans can truly feel the passion and love put into them.” ReAction Figures celebrate the iconic action figure of our childhood. The unique size and sculpting style is simple while allowing the imagination to go all in on daily adventures. With ReAction Figures, Super7 continues the classic action figure style while making the figures we wished we had while growing up. Super7’s super articulated ULTIMATES! 7” figures are the premiere fan product. They are made-toorder figures that come with a huge assortment of extra features, making them the most exceptionally intricate expressions of the character that can possibly be made. To stay up-to-date on Super7, visit Super7.com or @Super7 on Instagram. Checkout our blog page 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,

  • Hasbro GI Joe Classified Series Wave 1 "redeco" to include Duke, Scarlett and Roadblock

    We shared details at the end of last year that GI Joe Classified 6 inch figures of Roadblock and Scarlet were being re-released with adjusted paint apps. Scarlett has the biggest update with a change to her base uniform from blue/grey to beige and the removal of the bright gold paint on the armour. Roadblock also has the gold colour of the armour stripped back, changes to the gloves and a darker finish to his weapon The image below shows the new figure on the left with the original version shown on the right It has now been confirmed that they will sit as part of a re-issue of Wave 1 which also includes paint updates to Duke. The main changes to Duke are in the leg armour pieces as well as some changes to his gloves. Again, the image below shows the Redeco figure on the left, with the original figure to the right. Snake Eyes and Destro will still be packed in the case, but there are no significant changes to either of these figures. This new assortment is being distributed now, and under the same codes and description as the original wave 1. While some companies like Big Bad Toy Store have recognised the change, others will see a mix of both versions being shipped out. Checkout our blog page 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 Ultimates 7 inch Papa Emeritus action figure

    Super7 have released the full details for their 7 inch scale Ultimates action figure of Papa Emeritus I from Swedish Rock band, Ghost. The figure celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Ghost and features the first incarnate of the band's frontman, Papa Emeritus. The figure will feature two head options and two soft goods Vestments - one red/black and one white/gold. Alternative hands are also included, as are two Thuribles (incense burner) as well as a microphone and stand. Pre order window for Papa Emeritus runs from 26th January to 26th February. Item will then be made to pre order volumes, and will ship in Winter 2021. “Tonight we’re summoned for a divine cause…” To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the debut album of rock’s most mysterious band Ghost, Super7 is honored to welcome Papa Emeritus I to our ULTIMATES! Figures Collection. Papa Emeritus I was the progenitor of the heavy rock phenomenon, Ghost. From the shadows , he and his nameless ghouls filled the airwaves with sounds of dark rituals, human sacrifices, and satanic hymns. Known for his mysterious nature and aggressive stage presence, Papa Emeritus I elevated Ghost to heights few in the Clergy ever come to achieve. During his tenure as Papa, he toured the U.S. and Europe several times, all while staying true to the message of the Dark Ministry. While Papa Emeritus I’s achievements in the name of Satan were numerous, the Clergy had even greater plans of world domination... This made-to-order deluxe 7" highly articulated figure features Papa Emeritus I from the Opus Eponymous album era. The figure is lavishly detailed and painted and features an epic assortment of interchangeable accessories: 2 heads (Papa I with Original Mitre and Papa I with Golden Mitre) 1 pair of black gloved fists 1 pair of black gloved gripping hands 1 pair of black gloved expressive hands 2 soft goods vestments (Original Red / Black and White / Gold) 2 Thuribles with real chains (silver and gold) Microphone with stand Microphone and mic stand Papa Emeritus I will also come packaged in a deluxe slip case-style box. Available for a limited time, this is a must-have for all members of The Clergy! The Ghost ULTIMATES! Figure - Papa Emeritus I is a made-to-order release and we expect to ship this figure in Winter 2021.

  • SH Monsterarts Godzilla vs Kong

    Following the release of the trailer for Godzilla vs Kong on Sunday, we now have details of two SH Monsterarts releases from Bandai from the movie. Kong stands at 5.7 inches tall and will feature the axe weapon seen in the trailer. The images show two different head sculpts and a number of hand options including fists, open palm and gripping hands for the axe. Godzilla stands a little taller at 6.3 inches tall and does not appear to come with any alternative parts, nor any atomic roar FX pieces as have been common on other lines. Both figures have a May release date in Japan, and will be distributed by Bluefin in the US with a June 2021 release data quoted. Checkout our blog page 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 tease new Thundertank from Thundercats

    Super7 have started their 7 days of reveals and teases today and the first images is a doozy as it looks to confirm the Thundercats Thundertank in what we think is the 7 inch Ultimates scale.

  • Review : Doctor Who Companions of the 3rd & 4th Doctor Exclusive Set

    The B&M Exclusive Doctor Who 3-packs were established in late 2015 and have been released annually every since. These were predominantly repaints or tweaks at first, but in 2019 we saw Character bring us a brand new head sculpt for Harry Sullivan, and in 2020 this principle was used for new figures of Sarah Jane Smith, Romana I and Romana II. With new head sculpts in place for these three classic female companions, a second batch of sets were released in Winter 2020 re-using the head sculpts to bring us the companions in adjusted outfits. The three figure set packaging remains consistent with the silver and blue base colours and the TARDIS illustrations. The front of the box sees the three figures displayed in a window. With three figures of a smaller stature, the issue around the right hand panel obscuring the end figure does not present itself within this set. Under the window is a blue bar confirming the name of the set, and above this in a red segment is confirmation the set is in the 5.5 inch collectors scale. There are no character names included on the box front. The left side panel uses the TARDIS artwork while the right sees the wrap round of the window against a plain blue rail topped with a circular panel that now confirms the set contents with the wording "INCLUDES SARAH JANE SMITH, ROMANA I & ROMANA II". On the back of the box we have a repeat of the TARDIS illustration, the Doctor Who logo and another confirmation of the set name. Under this are images of each figure and a name plate for each character - but no confirmation of the classic story on which the character is based, this is confirmed solely in the original press release text. The roundel from the side is also reprinted on the back containing the same "INCLUDES..." information, which seems odd and repetitive considering the named images on the rear of the box? Unlike the Dalek or TARDIS sets, there is no background text on the back of the 3-packs - going from feast on the aforementioned sets to famine. And its a shame that with all the space available on the box reverse a story or character synopsis couldn't be written and included. The set is accessed via the top flap. All three figures are sat in a plastic tray, and the tray in a cardboard backing tray that carries a grey parallel line design. Each figure is strapped into the tray by means of plastic ties around the waist, arms and legs. These can rub paint if you do try and ease the figures out - so best to cut these first from behind. We start with Sarah Jane who is based on her appearance in The Monster of Peladon from 1974. The head sculpt is recognisable as Elizabeth Sladen, with neatly painted eyes, eye brows and lips. The hair is well shaped, but is a touch too long and the wrong style for the Peladon story. The costume starts with a brown jacket that is fastened. In the episode this is a short cut jacket that she wears open with a sweater underneath - so it is not 100% accurate. The trousers are plain brown and tucked into a pair of knee high boots. Again, the cut of the clothing is not a dead on match. While Sarah wore knee high boots in the story, the trousers were baggier. The outfit is cast in base colour with some paint apps on the jacket to give it a worn leather look around the edges. The inaccuracies of the outfit are down to the re-use of an existing figure to create the body - or rather the use of two existing figures. The top section and arms are from the Martha Jones combat fatigues outfit, while the legs are from the Sarah Jane Adventures line. Legs aside, this is the same as the August 2020 Sarah Jane from Revenge of the Cyberman, including the head and hair. The skin tone painting on this one is a little paler, and the lips a darker shade. 4.0 Romana I is based on the Power of Kroll story from The Key to Time Season. This features a red tunic with black belt, a plain black shirt underneath and black trousers with knee high boots. The costume is very accurate to the episode. The head-sculpt is another base likeness to Mary Tamm with painted eyes, eyebrows and lips. This new version of Romana I uses the same head-sculpt as the Summer 2020 version. The hair piece is similar, but not identical and looks to have been tweaked around the top parting and it no longer sits so high on the forehead. The new version is a more natural skin tone and with a red lipstick shade applied to the lips. Aside from the head, the new Romana shares no parts with its earlier counterpart. This Romana figure uses the torso and booted legs from a Sarah Jane Adventures figure - the one without the jackets that came with the child Slitheen. It seems Character have sculpted a new "overcoat" to create the new tunic which is new to the line. 4.5 The final figure is Romana II from The Horns of Nimon. Like the previous two figures, the likeness to Lalla Ward is basic but recognisable, with painted eyes and eyebrows and red lipstick. She is wearing a red jacket, as seen in the episode, although the cut of the coat is not quite long enough and is flared out at the bottom while the one in the episode hangs much flatter to the body. The shirt under the coat is coloured in a very soft pink, with a painted design to try and replicate the shirt Romana is wearing - it doesn't quite pull it off but is a nicer finish than leaving it plain although its a shame the rounded cut of the original torso shirt is still visible. Romana's waistcoat is also in place and painted and yet is not visible due to the coat design. I was impressed that the hands were painted in red to replicate the gloves Romana wears through the story. The trousers are beige, very much in keeping with the riding trousers she is wearing in the Horns of Nimon, and with knee high brown boots. The entire figure is re-used from the Summer 2020 Romana II release, having just been repainted for the Horns of Nimon outfit. The only absence is the scarf which was part of the Destiny of the Daleks costume, but not worn in The Horns of Nimon. The only issue with this is that the original figure had a gap left where the hair met the shoulders to seat the scarf underneath. Without the scarf the hair does present a gap all the way round. 3.0 There are zero accessories including in the set. This is in line with most B&M sets. N/A All three Companions have the same articulation, 14 points in total. This is of course consistent with the line as a whole and fully as expected considering all three figures use bodies previously used in this or similar lines. Head : rotating neck plug Body : rotating waist Arms : rotating shoulder joint, bicep swivel, single pin elbow, rotating wrist Legs : T-Joint hip, thigh swivel, single pin knee None of the figure are overly expressive. The arms are quite mobile, but engaging the bicep swivel will throw the look of the arm and the bicep joint does have a tendency to begin to pop out of the upper arm joint when rotated on all three figures. With no ability to extend the shoulder away from the body, only rotating round, simple gestures are probably the order of the day. The legs have more scope thanks to the T-Joint hip which can swing the leg out in front or to the side. This allows for wider stance posing, or some level of bend in the knees. There is a drawback though with the feet as there is no ankle joint to keep the feet flat to the floor as the other leg joints are moved. That leaves all leg posing in the hands of the figure to balance on the turned foot. 3.0 This new set probably came far too soon after the original set and while the first set was well received, this do-over could probably have done with waiting until 2021 for release - although I appreciate there would have been factory synergy costs with the figure moulds already in place for the figure parts. While Romana I was the weakest figure in the first set, she is the star of this release and demonstrates that Character will develop new parts if required to complete a look if suitable parts are not in the range already. Sarah Jane provides a fantastic addition to sit with the 3rd Doctor who has been restricted to Jo Grant as his sole companion released to date. Romana II provides another option for display with the multiple Tom Baker 4th Doctors. Articulation is standard and the figures are sensitive to the wider line as a whole and look no different to figures released at the start of the line. I would like to see the packaging get some builds - particularly giving us some concept of story and year each character is based on and some brief background text. I score the Winter 2020 B&M Exclusive Set - Companions of the Third & Fourth Doctor - a total score of 3.5 For more News, Reviews and a Checklist of Releases - visit our Doctor Who Database 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, doctor who, dr who, companions, sarah jane, romana, fourth doctor, third doctor, B&M, exclusive

  • Review : Doctor Who, UNIT 1975 - Terror of the Zygons Set (B&M Exclusive)

    The first batch of Doctor Who Exclusives at B&M stores arrived in Summer 2020, and soon after it was confirmed a 2nd batch were planned for an Autumn 2020 release. The UNIT troops, originally seen in the Summer 2020 set from the Claws of Axos, were revisited in this Autumn wave and the set also finally brought us the 4th Doctor in Tam O'Shanter (oft seen as a prototype leaked image) and combined them all into a UNIT 1975 Terror of the Zygons 3-pack. Packaging 3.0 The three figure set packaging remains consistent with the silver and blue base colours and the TARDIS illustrations. The front of the box sees the three figures displayed in a window, although the left hand panel carrying the Doctor Who logo does cut a little bit into the UNIT solider and obscured him a little. Under the window is a blue bar confirming the name of the set as that of U.N.I.T. 1975 and the story, Terror of the Zygons. Above this in a red segment is confirmation of set scale as the 5.5 inch collectors scale. A gold foil limited edition sticker sits on the window itself. There are no character names included on the box front. The left side panel uses the TARDIS artwork while the right sees the wrap round of the window against a plain blue rail topped with a circular panel that now confirms the set contents with the wording "INCLUDES THE FOURTH DOCTOR, SERGEANT JOHN BENTON & U.N.I.T. SOLDIER". If you are splitting heirs then it is worth noting Benton was a a Sergeant Major for Terror of the Zygons but I get he will always be referred to as Sergeant Benton. On the back of the box we have a repeat of the TARDIS illustration, the Doctor Who logo and a confirmation of the set name. Under this are images of each figure and a name plate under each. The roundel from the side is also reprinted on the back containing the same information? Unlike the Dalek or TARDIS sets, there is no background text on the back of the 3-packs - going from feast on the aforementioned sets to famine. And its a shame that with all the space available on the box reverse a story or character synopsis couldn't be written and included. The set is accessed via the top flap. All three figures are sat in a plastic tray, and the tray in a cardboard backing tray that carries a grey parallel line design. Each figure is strapped into the tray by means of plastic ties around the waist, arms and legs. These can rub paint if you do try and ease the figures out - so best to cut these first from behind. Paint & Sculpt 3.5 Figure one is listed as a generic UNIT soldier on the packaging. It is actually the Captain Yates figure from the Claws of Axos set, now painted with a very large moustache to hide his identity. While there was a moustached soldier in Terror of the Zygons, he did not look anything like Mike Yates. Character really needed to go with an alternative head in this case. Once you look passed the use of Yates, the figure is well painted an the face features very neatly applied. The beret carries a UNIT logo on the circular front emblem and the uniform features a varied camouflage design as well as painted detail on the clasp of the belt. The soldiers left shoulder carries an applied decal that reads UNIT. The whole uniform is not 100% accurate, but is close enough in design and décor to the 1975 Terror of the Zygons uniform. If you compare the 1975 UNIT Soldier with the 1971 Yates figure from Axos, you can see the paint job is quite different and the camouflage pattern is consistent with the fatigues worn by UNIT in the story. The added camo paint has led to some cut backs elsewhere and detail on the rear straps have been lost, leaving them a plain green rather than having painted silver fastenings. The Benton figure is a good likeness to actor John Levine and is well painted, while remaining in keeping with the basic features of the Who range - any change now would look odd. Like the UNIT soldier detailing includes the logo on the beret and the UNIT badge on the left arm. For Benton, there is also the sergeant stripe decal applied to both arms. If you watch the episode, Benton did not have this rank detail on his uniform. Again, on the side by side comparison with the previous released Benton you can see the change in décor to the camouflage design. The figure still carries the exact same rank insignia on both arms - something that could have been left off to make the figure more screen accurate to the 1975 story. The Terror of the Zygons Fourth Doctor figure has long been shown as a blurry leaked image in collecting circles, and this 2020 B&M set finally brings the figure to a release. It uses the existing Fourth Doctor body with long coat and waistcoat and loosely tied tie underneath. The head is brand new and features a Tam O'Shanter hat on the Tom Baker head sculpt. The hat is well executed with a blue base colour, bobble on top and front red & white patterning as well as the red feather. The head is not a terrible Tom Baker likeness, but is certainly not as strong as those that have come before. Viewed from the side it is pretty impressive, but face on less impressive. The chin seems to be too slim and the nose too big and the expression is very dull and does not carry any of Tom's usual sparkle. Everything on the face is painted well and the hair sculpt is pretty good as it struggles to escape the hat. Tom is wearing a Tartan Scarf, a new piece by the looks of it. It is cast to wrap the figures neck with one length down the front to the left and a shorter length to the back. The base colour is a deep red with applied Tartan pattern using white, orange and blue. This is very neat and well applied on the hanging length, but loses detail around the neck. Accessories 4.5 The set is quite unusual as a B&M exclusive, as it contains accessories. The first UNIT set was criticised for using modern assault weapons taken from the Primeval line and it is therefore brilliant to see this new set including some 1970's era Browning Rifles for use by Benton and our UNIT soldier. These are a brand new cast piece and they are done so in black plastic. The shape and details on the weapons are good with the holes down the barrel and the ridges on the ammo clip. They are designed to fit into the figures right hand, with the left hand able to swing round and grab the clip for a two handed pose. I am very impressed Character have been able to update the weapons with a brand new accessory and can't fault what they have done. The only build would have been the addition of some dry brush gunmetal on the barrel to bring out more of the detailing they've included. Articulation 4.0 All figures in the set include a total of 16 points of articulation. With the two UNIT figures obviously sharing the same body and articulation design. Head : rotating neck plug Body : rotating waist Arms : rotating and pivoting shoulder joint, bicep swivel, single pin elbow, rotating wrist Legs : T-Joint hip, thigh swivel, single pin knee The UNIT figures do benefit from a more extensive shoulder joint allowing the arm to be raised away from the body rather than just rotating on one axis. The joints on the UNIT Troopers do what you'd expect, but they are rudimentary in their pin hinge design vs more modern figures. The arms on the figures are pretty wide ranging in their movement and they can achieve two handed weapon poses as we've seen, as well as some gesturing options. Due to the shape of the arm, the bicep swivel can look odd when deployed as it throws the arm shape - it also has a tendency to pop out or leave a very visible gap. Both Benton and the UNIT soldier stand and pose pretty well in most neutral stances. With no ankle rockers you do have to be mindful of planting the feet when posing and the wider the stance the more odd the feet look being at an angle to the floor. The Doctor features the same articulation apart from the shoulders which remain a single rotating joint on one axis. The Doctor is less expressive in his posing thanks to this and the fact the legs are restricted a little behind the long coat. The right hand is cast to hold a sonic screwdriver, which is not included and this also can look odd. All three figures are consistent with the rest of the Who line that now spans some 15 years of releases. I am quite happy with that, with so many figures now in circulation (and in my collection) I do not want to see a change in either paint techniques or articulation that will create a noticeable difference between older and newer releases. Summary The UNIT 1975 Terror of the Zygons sets is another clever release by Character. It uses the UNIT figures developed for the previous round of releases, gives them a new décor and weapon and then packs in the long awaited Zygons 4th Doctor. The execution of the generic soldier is not great, and it looks a bit comical - and ideally a new head would have looked much better. But putting this aside, the rest of the set is solid in the design and the production with neat paint apps and sufficient likenesses for both named characters, albeit that the Doctor looks best from side profiles. The box still doesn't do it fully for me. The window should show off the contents, not obscure some of them and I do not get the lack of any background text on this format of sets when it is used (over-used in some cases) extensively on the Dalek and TARDIS releases. If you are only after one set of UNIT troops for your display, then the Summer 2020 set from The Claws of Axos is arguably the slightly better release. If you missed that one or are a completist, then this wont be a disappointment - particularly at the £20 price point. I score the UNIT 1975 Terror of the Zygons set a total of 3.5 For more news, reviews and a checklist of releases then visit our Doctor Who Database 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, character options, character toys, B&M stores, unit, U.N.I.T. Terror of the Zygons

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