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The McFarlane team took to the stage at the Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas to talk to fans about their 2018 Star Trek range of figures. We already knew that the first two 7" figures would be the iconic Captains - Kirk and Picard and these figures will arrive in the Spring of 2018. These lovely info-graphics confirm some more details of the figure, and we can see Kirk will come with both a Type 2 Phaser and a Phaser Rifle He will also get the classic Communicator. The sculpts on these figures are being done digitally and as well as the pack contents McFarlane have shared some sculpting details in the second info-graphic. Jean Luc Picard is less heavily armed, with just a Next Generation Type 2 Phaser. Picard then gets his Ressikan Flute and its carved box - as seen in the episode The Inner Light - and then with repeating appearances through the Next Generation series and into the movies. Again, McFarlane have also included the digital sculpt detail for Picard. I personally would hope the simple but "Trekkie" graphics and the bio card will make their way onto the packaging. Articulation on the McFarlane 7" figures has been criticised with early "Color Top" releases. The Star Trek figures will boast 16 points of articulation - which would put them on par with Diamond Select figures, which makes sense as the prices of the McFarlane & Diamond figures are comparable. The figure is quoted as being able to "sit, stand, kneel" and if McFarlane grow this range to perhaps diorama pieces (dare we say bridge chairs) then the sitting would be a very useful articulation. We also knew that this licence for Star Trek was also to include the upcoming Netflix show Star Trek : Discovery. McFarlane have confirmed the first two 7" figures from this show will be Michael Burnham, the USS Shenzhou's apparently human First Officer,, played by Sonequa Martin-Green. And T'Kuvma, a Klingon leader played by Chris Obi. We won't see the Discovery 7" figures in stores until Autumn 2018 (a whole year away), expect to see first prototypes around Toy Fair (February 2018). They are also intending to release a larger 10" Deluxe Kirk in his green command uniform. This figure is quoted as being "iconically posed" and "buried in Tribbles". McFarlane will also move into 1:1 role playing items with a Phaser from the new Discovery show due at the end of 2018. As a long serving Trekkie, the Mephitsu Archives look forward to opening their Star Trek Archive in 2018 for these new offerings.

NECA confirm the packaging design for their 30th Anniversary 1/4 scale "Jungle Demon" Predator. It will use same theme as applied on the 7" range of 30th Anniversary figures. The figure, as announced here, is due in stores in September. Pre-orders are up at our site partners Kapow Toys and Toys In The Attic For the movie's 30th anniversary, NECA is releasing a limited edition Predator 1/4 scale action figure! The stealthy Jungle Demon is cast in clear plastic with camouflage accents to capture his cloaked appearance in the jungle. We've even equipped him with LED effects to simulate the yellow glowing eyes and phasing effect seen on screen - just check out the video! There are also red LED lights in the mask's targeting system and in the wrist computer, which flips open. Stands 20" tall. Retractable wrist blades, articulated shoulder cannon, removable backpack. Shipping in September 2017!

Hasbro, via their Hasbro Pulse Instagram Account, have unveiled these new images of their Hascon Exclusive X-Force Deadpool Marvel Legends figure. The first image is the packaged figure, which for me is one of the most striking Marvel Legends boxes for a while, with the deep red backdrop and the grey/red X-Force logo. There does not appear to be any exclusive sticker or details on the box front at least. Deadpool is a repaint of the recent red/black Marvel Legend release and comes with the same accessories, although some are repainted - namely Katana's, Rocket Launcher, Rifle, Knife and all important Taco. The hand guns appear to have changed from the Desert Eagle type in the standard release to these versions which have more of a sci-fi vibe. There is also an unmasked Wade Wilson head. Hascon takes place from 8th to 10th of September in Providence, Rhode Island (US). The X-Force Deadpool is exclusive to the Hascon event and will cost $19.99

Mezco have opened pre-orders for their One:12 Collective 6" Ascending Batman figure. This new version of the Dark Knight is released in the first quarter of 2018. He will come with the usual soft goods tailored clothing and a wealth of interchangeable parts and accessories. These include the Grappling Gun and various hooks, Batarangs, Wrist Crossbow and a Bat-Brick (heavy duty Batarang). Bat's will also get the usual high quality display base and as part of this comes an adjustable post for standing or "landing" poses. The figure itself will have a Batman head and an unmasked Bruce Wayne Version. There are then 7 hand options to swap in and out to deal with the various accessories and the poses you may want to put Batman into. He will command the usual $80 price tag (US) and once UK orders go up, expect to be paying between £70 and £80 Mezco describe this figure as part of a trilogy, detailing Batman on a journey - the Ascending Batman is the beginning with a first appearance feel. We look forward to seeing the Middle and the End. Every Knight has a beginning and the One:12 Collective’s Batman starts here. Batman—Ascending Knight is part of a trilogy: A beginning, a middle and an end. The Ascending Knight is Batman in his first year; designed to be contemporary but still have a first appearance feel. This is the Batman of 10 years ago, as he just began his war on crime. At the start of his crime-fighting career Bruce Wayne is still working things out, finding what works and what doesn't. Some of his tech and gear is still a bit unfinished and raw. His Bat Suit is bulky, showing that he has not yet fine-tuned it. Of course the design pays homage to Batman as he first appeared in Detective Comics. The shape of his cowl, the shorter gloves and the smaller symbol on his chest are all inspired by his original debut in the comics. THE ONE:12 COLLECTIVE BATMAN—ASCENDING KNIGHT FEATURES: One (1) detailed Batman head portrait One (1) detailed Bruce Wayne head portrait A One:12 Collective body with over 30 points of articulation Hand-painted, authentic detailing Over 16cm tall Seven (7) interchangeable hands including: One (1) pair of fists (L & R) One (1) pair of Batarang holding hands (L & R) One (1) pair of posing hands (L & R) One (1) grappling-hook holding hand (R) COSTUME: Cowled Head Spandex outfit with body armor detail Leather-like cape 3D chest insignia Spiked wrist cuffs and SAP gloves Utility belt with grapple gun holster Highly detailed tactical boots ACCESSORIES: One (1) grappling gun One (1) closed grappling hook for grappling gun One (1) open grappling hook for grappling gun One (1) open grappling hook with attached rope Six (6) Batarangs One (1) heavy assault Batarang (Bat-brick) One (1) tranq-dart wrist crossbow One (1) One:12 Collective display base with logo One (1) One:12 Collective adjustable display post Each One:12 Collective Batman—Ascending Knight figure is packaged in a deluxe, collector friendly box, designed with collectors in mind, there are no twist ties for easy in and out of package display.

SH Figuarts have revealed a bunch of promotional images for their 1/12 scale Batpod - as seen in The Dark Knight. The standalone vehicle release will hit stores around March 2018, and the existing Dark Knight Batman will be able to ride the Batpod. Some additional hands will be included in the pack to aid a riding pose. To further help Batman it seems an EMP blaster will be packed in with the Batpod to further The Dark Knight's armoury. The Batpod is priced at 11,880 yen in Japan. That converts to £84 or $108. Thanks to the import arrangements with Bluefin, they have confirmed a US release for Jan/Feb 2018 with an $110 price tag. The Bat-Pod joins S.H.Figuarts! Can be ridden by the S.H.Figuarts Batman: The Dark Knight figure (sold separately). The tires roll, and the Bat-Pod is packed with detail; the chassis even expands in length. This is the definitive portrayal of the iconic machine! Includes 3 pairs of optional hands, EMP blaster, and stand.

Jedi Temple Archives have revealed some blurry images of some new Star Wars product due into Target (US) stores for Force Friday. There are new additions to the 3.75" Diecast collectors range, see the JTA thread But of interest to 6" Black Series collectors are the new First Order Storm Trooper complete with some kind of whip device. The Trooper is priced at $19.99 And this Luke Skywaker figure, which looks to come with a diorama base of some kind. Luke and the base will be $29.99. Neither figure are definitely exclusive to Target, but if they are that will make a Worldwide release unlikely as previous Target exclusives have been kept quite tight - probably because Target are trying to expand international shipping and the will ship to UK, but at a price - one figure will be £22 shipped to UK and this is because it falls under the import tax threshold. Go over £15 and you will be paying that on top. edit 9th August 3pm Is this the new Episode 7 Kylo Ren? These images, including a comparison with the already released Force Awakens version, have been circulating online. The source of the images appears to be Kevin from one of the 6" Black Series Groups on Facebook

We'd seen a few snippets of the Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts Homemade Suit Spider-Man, but we now have a full set of promotional images. The figure, in the usual 6" scale, will be released in December 2017. He will come with the usual range of alternative hand options and some web firing effects. Also included are the hood options, allowing Spidey to be psoed with hood up or down. From the images we assume this a clip over piece in the same way Hasbro did their version. Spidey also gets his mobile so he can keep Happy updated on his crime fighting antics. The figure is priced at 6480 Yen in Japan (that's about £44). For US customers he will be imported and sold by Bluefin. They have confirmed that Spidey will be packed with their wall display environment, as used on the standard suit release from Homecoming. Bluefin will be releasing this set in the US in December 2017 with a $95 price tag.

We caught a glimpse of Mera from the Mattel Multiverse 6" DC series at SDCC 2017. We've now got the promotional images. Mera is of course the better half of Aquaman. She will play a part in Justice League (November) and will then return in the 2018 Aquaman movie. She is played by Amber Heard. The Mera 6" figure will be released in November. She is supplied with an alternative pair of hands, with the second pair complete with water fx. Amazon (US) are already taking pre-orders on the figure for $19.99. You can order to UK at a total cost of $30.97 inc import fees and delivery, that will mean UK customers are paying about £23.90

Disney Stores have some new Elite figures lined up for the release of The Last Jedi, and a couple of these have now leaked online ahead of the general street date of Force Friday 2017 (1st September) The two new figures retain the same overall box design, with some colour changes to the backdrop for the 2017 movie. The first figure is the very visually stunning red Elite Praetorian Guard. The other is the First Order Judicial Trooper, a take on the standard First Order Stormtrooper with some black detailing on the armour and what looks like a melee weapon. We would expect these to be in stores come Force Friday and be joined by others from the range - most likely with new releases of Rey, Finn, Poe and Kylo Ren. The price should be around the £20 mark.

For anyone who didn't join NECA's Alien X club in April, they've listed this "job lot" for pre-order which buys you into the club and qualifies for the end of year bonus. With it shipping all together is also saves about $30 (£20) on shipping costs, you will have to wait until Series 12 is available for the full bundle to ship. For US customers Series 12 should be out by September. Conversely, we know UK customers are still waiting on any dispatches from the Alien X club. We've reached out to NECA for an update - particularly on our Series 11, Alien Day and Covenant figures. And will certainly now be asking why we had to sign up in April for membership which we were told was closing. And why we had to shell out $270 ($300 if you bought SDCC Pizza Monster) and pay the lot up front when we could have waited until August and ordered the lot for a $30 saving. We will keep you posted in this thread....

Review : Gozer Ghostbusters Select (Diamond Select) Wave/Series : Series 4 Released : April 2017 Price : £22.99 - £24.99 We have reached the 4th series of Ghostbusters from Diamond without realising it, and our rooftop diorama is getting closer to completion. The 4th Series see's us get another version of Peter Venkman, this time slimed. We will also get Walter Peck, ready to menace our team with legal notifications and the threat of the courts. It is therefore no surprise that Gozer (Gozer the Gozerian, Gozer the Destructor, Gozer the Traveler, Volguus Zildrohar and Lord of the Sebouillia) is the star of this three figure wave. Diamond have kept the Ghostbuster packaging regimented throughout the four series to date. With a green theme across the front of the oversized card and blister. The left hand panel which holds the blister in place is emblazoned with the Ghostbusters text logo, complete with the "No Ghost" symbol replacing the O. Under this sits the Diamond Select Logo. To the side of this is the triangular character panel, here the backdrop is more of an ice blue and uses a still from the movie of Gozer''s head. Despite all the names to choose from, the Diamond team have gone with Gozer the Destructor. This character name is underscored by the subtitle "Deluxe Action Figure with Accessories and Diorama Pieces" The blister itself allows the figure to be displayed in full against that green card back. You can view the figure from three sides as well as the diorama piece that is tucked in behind her. The left spine artwork is synonymous with Diamond's Select releases. The whole spine is taken up with a chilling head & torso image of Gozer from the 1984 movie. Her torso is faded out to black towards the bottom of the spine, with the Ghostbusters logo printed over the top. Round the back and we start to get a better look at how this green design is made up for the card art. The whole rear of the card starts at the bottom in black with silhouettes of our four Ghostbusters discharging their proton beams. Above this is a silhouette city-scape and this fades up to green and finally at the top the proton beams burst into an electric blue cacophony of blasts and beams, The text logo is back now to head the whole of the top part of the card, with the diamond "Select" logo under this to the far right. An image of the full figure takes up most of the right hand side of the card back while the left is made up of a short bio about Gozer which digs very deep into the history of Gozer well outside the role she has in the movie and consistent with the history that the Ghostbusters uncovered as they headed towards the climax of the movie. The bio moves into the figure itself with some text around "multiple points of articulation" and crediting the sculptors as Gentle Giant. Under the bio is a box that shows the other two figures available in Series 4, the aforementioned Walter Peck and "Slimed" Peter Venkman. To the right of this, overlaid on the figure image feet, is a picture of the finished Rooftop scene which we are building piece by piece through the first five waves of this Ghostbusters Series. The card has been updated to now quote collect all 15 figures to complete the scene, earlier waves quoted "Collect all 12..." which was the initial plan but was soon amended. Out of the box and there is no argument that Gozer is an impressively sculpted figure. Starting with the head and the likeness to Slavitza Jovan is pretty good and this sculpt is enhanced with some good paint applications including shading on the cheeks and around the eyes. The lips are a deep red and the eyes ringed in black with sinister red pupils. The hair is high and angular, but is just a plain brown with no obvious shading, washing or drybrushing. The body is very intricate with a web of veins and scales interspersed with what look to be larger boils or bubbles. With the figure in hand and inspecting these parts you realise how horrific the team working on GB wanted Gozer to be. The body is painted in a very subtle pale pink and then with darker patches blended in. The pustules and boils are a shade of white allowing them to stand out against the pink background colouring. Gozer comes with a couple of swap out parts. The first of these is an alternative head. This snaps in and out on the neck ball joint and isn't overly stiff or indeed overly loose. The alternative head is not wildly different from the one that comes fitted to the body. The mouth is down-turned slightly now and the teeth partially visible. The paint quality matches the main head with good shading, although the eye lining is perhaps a little overhanded, For me the head options are a problem. Like the previous wave's Slimer, the expression on the alternative is not different enough so much as you actually struggle to tell them apart. If you are going to do a variant head, then make it wildly different - for example I would have much rather seen the mouth open screaming Gozer head - the expression she has while firing electricity at the Ghostbusters team. As well as an alternative head, Gozer comes with alternative set of hands. These are a little trickier to swap - mostly because they are more fragile in terms of the width of the pegs to slot them into the forearms. Like the head the hands do not seem hugely different from the first set. The fingers may be a little straighter but apart from this - meh! It is not as though Gozer can be posed either open palmed or firing a weapon, the usual reason for hand options. Again (and this is easy to say from the comfort of my desk) I would have much preferred to see one set of hands and then perhaps some kind of lighting effect. Gozer carries the usual 16 points of articulation that Diamond are putting on most of their Select 7" figures. The head, as we saw, is ball jointed and can rotate fully and look up and down. The shoulders are ball jointed and she can therefore get her arms out to the side by almost a full 90 degrees. She will struggle to rotate her arms above her shoulder due ot the design of the costume which proves to be a block to getting the arms above her head. The elbows are single joint which allows the arm to bend to 90 degrees, this joint also rotates to allow the forearm to spin. The hands are a peg, but are also hinged, this means they can rotate fully but also bend up or down. The torso carries a neatly hidden torso joint. This allows the top torso to rotate and lean back and forth. Unfortunately the paint isn't carried on far enough into the joint, so if you lean Gozer backwards it does expose some ugly plain white plastic. The legs are T-jointed at the hip, a joint used in most Select figures and it is not always the best looking. The legs will swing out to a sitting position and out to then out to the side in the start of a splits. This hip joint is fiercely stiff and almost creaks as you move it. You wont therefore suffer with loose legs on Gozer, but it means movement is quite tight and there won't be much past a neutral stance to be had on your display. The rest of the leg movement is made up of a double jointed knee and finally an ankle rocker. As you will see from all our images, Gozer has been photographed sat on a stand. This is down to her inability to stand on her own for long periods of time. While the joints are tight, the feet are essentially high heels with only a very small surface to balance the figure on. While you can get Gozer standing on her own on a flat solid surface, it probably won't last too long and Gozer is susceptible to shelf diving. (we used a Protech stand for Gozer but a NECA stand would work too, as will the upcoming Diamond Select Stands - checkout our Stand section) Like all of the Ghostbuster figures to date, Gozer comes packed with one of the 15 pieces you will need to build the Ghostbusters rooftop diorama.. This piece is one of the lower sections of the rear arch, and is one of the most detailed I have seen so far in the series. There is some really nice imprinted brickwork and some scalloped architecture and even some circular design moldings. It is cast in grey plastic and washed to dirty it up. At this stage we have not compared it to any of the other diorama pieces as we will revisit the whole structure once complete. Gozer is one of those figures that looks brilliant, but frustrates the hell out of you because of the way it is engineered. For me the alternative head and hands are not different enough, and I kind of lament what they could have been and the difference that would have made. Her ability to stand on her own is a constant failing with female figures in this range, the same is true of Dana and Janine. And the joints have swung the other way being very stiff and creaky. I am going to score Gozer just over halfway on our scale with a solid 3 out of 5 and the comment "could have been better"

Called into my local Toys R Us today (Preston, Lancashire) for a mooch and to see what is new. There had been quite a big move around concerning the Action Figures, although Power Rangers and Cars were still holding the main entrance display. The Marvel stuff seemed to have been relaid with more pegs turned over to 6" Marvel Legends, although the latest were still only Absorbing Man wave. The last of the Ultron BAF wave was reduced to under a £5, but Preston only had Wasp left. Ragnarok stuff is now coming through and I found the new 12" interactive Thor, and the larger Hulk, both on sale - although wierdly not next to each other on the shelf despite the fact they complement each other and have interactive features. Thor was stacked up with the other 12" figures from Civil War and is priced at £26.99 Hulk, being bigger, commands a heftier price tag of £46.99. He was sat next to the Hulkbuster Interactive figure which is still hanging around from Age of Ultron. Other Ragnarok items included a role play Mjolnir and Hulk Hands & a Mask. Star Wars had been spread out much more than recently - perhaps getting the space ready for Last Jedi releases on 1st September. I did find the new 12" Forces of Destiny Rey at the smaller entrance section for Star Wars. They had her priced at £19.99 and she seemed to be alone in terms of any other Forces of Destiny figures?