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NECA have shared some early stage image of their Kenner Inspired Rhino Alien in packaging. While there is no artwork on the packaging, the image shows that the figure will not be in the traditional blister packs and will instead be window-boxed due to its size. They did the same of course with the Newborn Alien in the previous wave. The Rhino Alien will be released in 2020, and looks to be more of a standalone release than a traditional 3-figure wave - something NECA have been moving away from in recent months.

NECA shared a handful of teases and sneak peaks over the Xmas period, including two for fans of Alien and Predator. For Alien fans, we have a look at the long talked about Ultimate Ripley from the original 1979 Alien movie to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The figure is a re-use of the original Ellen Ripley in jumpsuit with the same articulation, but it will feature a new head sculpt and face print technology. The set looks to include a new Motion Tracker, a new version of Jones the cat and his cat carrier. The flamethrower looks to be a repack. The figure will be packed in a Kenner inspired Ultimate window box with opening flap. Predator fans were teased with this image, showing a new Predator with light up eyes feature. This seems to be a recreation of the poster version of the Fugitive Predator from the 2018 movie. New packaging was teased for this on the NECA Christmas download of the Predator line checklist.

McFarlane and CD Projekt Red have released the full details of their new agreement for McFarlane to produce Cyberpunk 2077 figures in 2020. The first wave will be made up of two 7-inch figures. The first is Johnny Silverhand as modelled on Keanu Reeves for the game. The second is a male "V" the main playable character. Both versions will use the "Fortnite" articulation setup with 22 points of articulation. Johnny will included his guitar and a strap as well as a bottle of liquor. V comes with two guns and a sword. Both figures will include the circular McFarlane stands complete with Cyberpunk 2077 logo. The 7-inch figures have a US RRP of $24.99. There will also be a 12-inch Johnny Silverhand released at the same time with a US RRP of $39.99. All the figures are touted for a Spring 2020 launch - timed as near as possible we would assume to the games launch on April 16th 2020. Entering into the new year, McFarlane Toys announced today that it has begun a licensing agreement with CD PROJEKT RED to create action figures for Cyberpunk 2077! For the next 3 years, McFarlane Toys will be bringing fans the newest figures from the role-playing video game Cyberpunk 2077. Today, you can pre-order the latest figures online at GameStop. The first wave of the McFarlane Toys Cyberpunk 2077 range will feature two sizes of the Johnny Silverhand action figure, including a 7-inch and 12-inch version. It will also include a 7-inch (Male) V figure as well. The 7-inch figures will have 22 points of articulation and replicate the likeness of the character, for the price of $24.99. The 12-inch Johnny Silverhand has an MSRP of $39.99. All figures will be available to purchase at major retailers in Spring 2020! Cyberpunk 2077 will be released April 16, 2020 for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, with the version for Google Stadia set to launch the same year. The game has won more than 200 awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Most Anticipated Game. Recently, Cyberpunk 2077 has also received media and fan attention for its star-studded soundtrack. Fans of both McFarlane Toys and Cyberpunk 2077 can check www.mcfarlane.com and the McFarlane Toys social media channels for updates and news, www.mcfarlane.com; www.instagram.com/mcfarlane_toys_official; and www.facebook.com/mcfarlanetoys;

Can I take this opportunity to wish everyone who visits the site a Very Merry Christmas. As always, I hope Father Christmas brings you plenty of action figure goodies, and that you have a wonderful time with friends and family.

In 2017, as part of the 40th Anniversary celebrations, Hasbro built an enormous diorama for their Black Series figures that was first displayed at San Diego comic con. The set featured released figures and parts - but a couple of bits were mocked up for the display, most notably a new slicked back hair head for Luke Skywalker in his stormtrooper armour. Roll forward to 2019 and the new head was released on the original Luke Stormtrooper body as an exclusive. The release was exclusive to Target in the US, and was supplied via the Fan Channel elsewhere. Packaging 4/5 The original Stormtrooper disguise Luke was a phase 2 blue line release, while this new version is updated to the phase 3 red packaging with red figure backing colour and side spine. As an exclusive there is no numbering, and the figure is titled "Luke Skywalker" with a bracketed subtitle as "Death Star Escape". The artwork is all new and features a Luke with slicked back hair - which is the main update on this figure vs the original release. The artwork is repeated on the back of the box along with some specific text around Luke and his role in the Death Star Escape. "In a brave attempt to rescue Princess Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker disguises himself as an Imperial Stormtrooper and infiltrates the detention centre of the Death Star." Paint & Sculpt 4/5 The new head sculpt is a much improved - albeit not perfect - likeness to Mark Hamill and utilises the face print technology which really brings a realism to the eyes and facial shading in particular. The slicked back hair is well done and well painted with some washing of darker brown through the sand colour. After the head, the figure uses the same Luke Stormtrooper release as the 2015 release. This body is itself an adjusted version of the Black Series Stormtrooper body. Hasbro have reduced the midsection and taken a bit from the top of the legs so Luke is "a little short for a Stormtrooper". This adjustment does pose some issues. The first is Luke's arms - which have not been shortened - look too long if posed straight. The other is some further restriction in articulation, which I will look at shortly. The Stormtrooper armour is cast in white or black plastic depending on the part. This means the armour in the main is very glossy and a good match for what we see on screen. The neck is cast in black with Luke's skin tone painted poorly on top. Similarly, the hands are cast in black with the white pane painted on top - this isn't finished too well with the white not covering all it should. It is also much duller than the rest of the armour. To represent Luke landing in the Trash Compactor, this time round the armour is dirtied with splashes of brown mud. This is well executed and gives the figure another point of difference to the original. Accessories 4/5 As this is Luke in the Stormtrooper disguise he does come with a helmet - even if he had ditched it by the point he hits the Trash Compactor. The helmet looks to be a new / updated version of the original 2015 helmet with a better shape and glossier finish. It is well painted and is also weathered. The fit over Luke's head is tight but it sits well on the head. With the inclusion of the helmet and the weathering this is perhaps a cheap way of getting some "Remnant" Stormtroopers for your Mandalorian display? Accessory two is very difficult to photograph due to the size and is the communicator that came with the original set. There is no change from the original. It is a simple cast piece with the two ends painted white and not alot of real detail. It fits in either hand, but fits best in the left hand. Luke is armed with the E-11 blaster, another carry over from the 2015 release (and all other Stormtrooper releases). The version does get a slight update with a silver panel painted just below the sight area. This sits into Luke's right hand, where a flexible trigger finger will slot in place to hold it. The gun can also be holstered in the working holster on the left side rear of Luke's belt. And finally as this is an Exclusive 2019 figure, Luke has one of the new triangular stands that we've seen on other exclusives of 2019 like the Imperial Rocket Trooper and Clone Commander Obi-Wan. The stand is a clear plastic triangular piece with the Star Wars Black Series logo printed into the plastic. Rather than a foot peg, it uses a shaped piece at one point of the triangle into which the figures foot slips. The fitting is not perfect, as feet do vary on different figures. It will hold the figure, and can help support some action poses such as running - but quite often it will overbalance with the weight all being supported on one of the extremities and not the centre of the stand. Luke stands perfectly well without the stand and I have discarded the stand totally. Articulation 3/5 As Luke uses the older 2014 Stormtrooper body, he does arrive with a total of 18 points of articulation. This is two more than normal thanks to double jointed elbows and the supporting bicep swivel above them. Head : neck ball joint & pivot Body : midriff ball joint Arms : ball joint shoulder, bicep swivel, double joint elbows, wrist pivot Legs : ball joint hips, thigh swivel, double joint knees, ankle rockers The arm articulation is excellent with plenty of scope in the arms to wield the blaster and to call C-3PO using the communicator. The legs are a different matter. As I mentioned earlier I think some height was removed by trimming the top of the hips - this brings the armour of the thigh even closer to that on the groin and this holds most leg movement in check. Luke won't sit or kneel and that really wastes the knee articulation. The ankle rockers are tight and support Luke standing perfectly well without the stand. Summary This is a nice upgrade to the original Luke Stormtrooper figure, and might have sat neatly in the Archive releases as much as it does as an Exclusive. The new head is good, particularly when lit as you can see in our images below. You also can't fault the volume of accessories, including a Stormtrooper helmet that works well over the new head and doesn't look oversized or misshapen. The armour, being adjusted from the original Stormtrooper to make this figure short enough, has a couple of issues. The arms are too long, but this can be overcome with posing. The articulation in the legs is also restricted. I am really pleased with the Luke Skywalker (Death Star Escape) and score him a 4 out of 5. See More Star Wars Black Series Figures

We caught a first look at the Storm Collectible Raiden 1/12 action figure at New York Toy Fair. Now it seems we may be close to a full announcement and gallery as Storm have teased this image of the Raiden figure performing his finishing move.

NECA have released packaged images of their 8-inch Pennywise action figure from the 1990 mini-series. The figure - with sculpted head, articulated body and soft goods tailored clothes - will include two head options, a pair of monster hands and the iconic red balloon. It will start shipping from 15th January 2020.

Diamond Select Toys have shared images of their new Avatar : The Last Airbender Select figures in packaging ready for their release in January 2020. The three figure assortment, taken from the animated series, includes Aang, Katara and Zuko. "This assortment of 7-inch scale action figures shines a spotlight on the hit animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Aang, Katara and Zuko each come with accessories and interchangeable parts, and each comes packaged on a blister card. Designed by Eamon O’Donoghue, sculpted by Richard Force. "

Medicom have added the listing and promotional images for their 1/12 MAFEX Batman from Batman The Dark Knight. The release includes two head options and a mask part that can be hooked over the head to look like it has been peeled back to unmask Bruce Wayne. The cloak is soft goods and has a built in wire armature for dramatic posing. Batman, as always, will be armed with a set of batarangs. The figure is down as a September 2020 release.

Like the previous waves, the 4th wave of Stranger Things 7-inch action figures from McFarlane was just two figures. After basing the first three waves on Season 1 and having done a box set for Season 2, this fourth wave moved us on to Season 3 with new figures of Eleven and Chief Hopper. Packaging 3/5 The Season 3 Wave 4 packaging uses the same retro blister card packaging as previous single releases, but with a significant change in colouring from black to white. There is also a layout change with the figure blister moving from left to right. This change will likely frustrate carded collectors, but the changes do feel reflective of the period of the 80's that Season 3 covers. Like the previous carded releases, the card is designed to look worn and damaged which further adds to the retro feel. You can't open the figure without damaging the card or blister in someway. Once opened the figure is strapped into a small inner tray with tape across the accessories and stand with the figure held in with two elasticated ties. The rear of the card is generic for both Hopper and Eleven. It shows both figures and their included accessories with no other details or text around the show or characters. The oversticker you can see is from a UK distributor who appears to be the one shipping these to a number of the discount stores. Paint & Sculpt 3/5 This is the third figure of Eleven that McFarlane have released, an is probably the worst likeness to date. The face is quite flat with not a lot of detail and no face print technology. While some blusher has been added to the cheeks it needs more shading around the eyes and nose to bring out the likeness. I think there is a good Millie Bobby Brown sculpt in there, it just needs releasing. If you compare this to the original Eleven from 2017, that figure is streets ahead in terms of the eye work and shading of the skin - this release is a backward step. The outfit is the brightly coloured dress from Season 3 with an eye watering amount of patterns and colours. Mostly this is well done, but there is some significant paint rub on my figure round the back. The flesh areas are painted and like others in the line, they are quite chalky and prone to scratching. The socks are well done and look knitted with shades of grey within them. But the trainers underneath are left plain white when there is loads of sculpted detail like laces and straps to enhance with further paint apps. The hands included with the figure are about the strangest I have seen on a figure. I get this is something to do with her telekinetic powers, but the hands are deformed and the fingers look broken when you consider the way they are bent. Very poor. Accessories 3/5 The first of Eleven's accessories is meant to be a Starcourt Mall shopping bag. It is cast in white plastic with the logo's added front and back with a decal of sorts. The bag is far too flat and looks more like a clipboard than a bag - it needs more volume as though it is carrying something. The bag gets its own carrying hand which is a swap out to the left hand on the figure. The operation to change hands is delicate as McFarlane use such tiny and fragile joints. The fit is not great and if you don't get the balance of pressure to clip it in position (without breaking the joint) then hand will drop off. Eleven is also packed with the Walkie Talkie, something included with most Stranger Things figures (I have loads now). This is cast in black with red & silver paint apps. To hold it in place there is a socket on the back that corresponds to a specially designed right hand with a plug in the palm. The hand plugs into the Walkie Talkie and is then swapped with the right hand of the figure. I am certain this is the same hand as has been included with the original Eleven and the figures of the other teenage characters. As with all the figures to date, Eleven has a circular clear stand. The stand seems to have lost the yellow tinge previous ones suffered with. There is one peg on the stand that corresponds solely to a hole in Eleven's right foot. The fit is tight and the stand does help support the figure. But as we will see in a short while the ankle issue still perseveres and impacts overall stability. Articulation 2/5 Eleven has a total of 14 points of articulation. A lot of these are very exposed having fallen on the skin areas. The elbows and knees are quite unsightly. Head : ball joint Body : waist pivot ball joint Arms : ball joint shoulder, single rotating elbow, wrist peg Legs : ball joint hips, single rotating knee, ankle rocker The arms are pretty maneuverable and represent the most options for posing. THe legs are trapped behind the skirt and are not really available to do anything other than a neutral stance. The ankle rockers, as has been an issue on other figures, are very loose and the figure has a habit of toppling forward even when on the stand. Summary While this is the third and latest figure of Eleven, it is not the best the range has to offer and while the outfit is well executed the face is a step backward. Articulation remains restricted and the accessories are a re-use and a very flat carrier bag that looks really odd when posed. At a £20 RRP this figure would disappoint. It has more recently been heavily discounted - down to £10 at some retailers and at that price this is a recommended purchase. I score the Season 3 Eleven figure a 3 out of 5. See More Stranger Things Figures

Like the previous waves, the 4th wave of Stranger Things 7-inch action figures from McFarlane was just two figures. After basing the first three waves on Season 1 and having done a box set for Season 2, this fourth wave moved us on to Season 3 with new figures of Eleven and Chief Hopper. Packaging 3/5 The Season 3 Wave 4 packaging uses the same retro blister card packaging as previous single releases, but with a significant change in colouring from black to white. There is also a layout change with the figure blister moving from left to right. This change will likely frustrate carded collectors, but the changes do feel reflective of the period of the 80's that Season 3 covers. Like the previous carded releases, the card is designed to look worn and damaged which further adds to the retro feel. You can't open the figure without damaging the card or blister in someway. Once opened the figure is strapped into a small inner tray with tape across the accessories and stand with the figure held in with two elasticated ties. The rear of the card is generic for both Hopper and Eleven. It shows both figures and their included accessories with no other details or text around the show or characters. The oversticker you can see is from a UK distributor who appears to be the one shipping these to a number of the discount stores. Paint & Sculpt 3/5 The figure is a brand new sculpt of Hopper / David Harbour and features a more prominent moustache from the original figure. The sculpt is OK and is painted well enough, including some stubble and the injury over his left eye. While the facial decor is better than most at this scale, it is not face print technology so still looks a little basic compared to what Hasbro are doing. The shirt is the star of the show in terms of decoration with its extravagant 80's pattern, inspired by Miami Vice and other such shows. The jeans are plain in comparison but have a denim texture. They are missing a wash to bring out the detail and give them a more stonewashed effect. The skin tone is quite chalky and the paint job overall is quite easy to scrape or scuff. There are a couple of paint bleeds - particularly at the shirt sleeves where the white of the shirt bleeds on to the skin tone. Accessories 2/5 Hopper comes with a number of accessories, starting with a bottle of wine in a black plastic with green label and printed text on said label. This fits into the right hand of Hopper and the articulation can raise it to toast, but not quite get it into his mouth to drink. Accessory two is his revolver, a carry over from the original Hopper figure. For the scale this carries a lot of detail and is quite well decorated with a silver body and black grip. It is designed to fit in the right hand where there is a flexible trigger finger to slot into place. Then it all goes a bit strange! Hopper comes with a Walkie-Talkie, the same one as has been packed with any of the kids to date. It cast in black plastic with some silver and red details on the aerial and control buttons. To get the figures to hold this it has a socket on the back which lines up to a special hand that includes a corresponding peg. Being an adult, Hopper has his own cast hand which is bigger and is a left hand when the usual ones are right. It has a very odd looking fin on the side of the hand which I assume is an error from the factory. So off you go and pop off the left hand.... and they are two different fittings. The hands on Hopper use a very odd twin clip that the hand sits into and rotates - not a more traditional peg. But the spare hand for the walkie talkie is designed for a peg. The upshot is the hand and Walkie Talkie are therefore useless. If you are lucky the original hand will go back on - if you are unlucky the joint will disintegrate. For a company like McFarlane to make such an error is a big one? My only thought is that this is packed for use on Season 1 Hopper as a bonus piece. Hopper does come with the clear Stranger Things stand. This seems to have lost the yellow hue and is a nice clear plastic with bold red printed logo. Hopper has only one socket on his right foot to line up with the stand peg. Articulation 3/5 Chief Hopper has a total of 14 points of articulation, which does make him quite difficult to pose outside of a few arm movements. Head : ball joint neck Body : waist swivel Arms : ball joint shoulder, single rotating elbow, wrist joint Legs : ball joint hips, single rotating knee, ankle rotation The arms bend enough to give some posing options with the gun and the wine bottle, but would need to have double jointed elbows for full motion. Neck and waist movement is minimal and very stiff. The legs cant move much at the hips due to the overhang of the groin area. The knees dont move and the ankles cant so much be called rockers, and rather just rotate. This does mean Hopper stands fine without the stand. A lot of the joints are quite ugly looking, particularly the elbows with the exposed ratcheting and the wrists which have a notable gap. Summary I admit to only buying this figure when it went on clearance at £10, having been disappointed with the other McFarlane Stranger Things figures at their £20 RRP, this one has the same issues but is more palatable at a lower price. The figure, like all of the Stranger Things figures, focuses on looks and not the practicalities of articulation or posing. The paint work is good - particularly the shirt pattern - but there are issues like the paint bleed around the sleeves. Packing it with an unusable spare hand and accessory is a bizarre choice and I can see a lot of broken Hopper's as people pop off those hands ot use the Walkie Talkie and break the mechanism beneath. I score Hopper a just above average 3 out of 5. See More Stranger Things Figures

Medicom have released some new promotional images for their MAFEX Iron-Spider as seen in Avengers Endgame. The figure will be packed with Power Gauntlet as well as the usual alternative hands and webbing. The rear mechanical arms are removable and poseable. You can also swap the face piece out with three options available including the red eyes "instant kill mode". The figure is due for a September 2020 release.