Pittsburgh, PA News and reviews on Toys and Collectibles!

Rebelscum.com posted this tidbit:

In a recent e-mailout by a European specialist toy distributor it was revealedthat LEGO was relaunching Writing System and keychains with eight new additions that should be available at retail and won't be LEGO exclusives. While, at the moment, they are only being offered by European distributors it would be fair to assume that these items will be available throughout the rest of the world. The official shelf date for these items is April 2nd, 2005.

Here's the link where you can see pics of them:
http://www.rebelscum.com/article.asp?i=88718

 

Click here to see a bigger pic:

[image=http://www.galactichunter.com/absolutenm/articlefiles/3821-bogar.jpg]
http://www.galactichunter.com/photo.asp?image=absolutenm/articlefiles/3821-bogar.jpg


Goofy looking creature, if you ask me. It's a feather, beak, lizard. Odd choice, but I guess we will haev to see how it's utilized.

-Sal

 

Star Wars comes to Burger King

Burger King will be getting toy tie-ins to Star Wars Episode III:Revenge of the Sith.
The toys will be available starting May 16th, two days before the release of the film.  They will feature characters from all 6 Star Wars movies.

There will be 30 collectible toys with different action features.  There will also be 1 chase figure.
Pull-Back Toys:
TIE Fighter, Millenium Falcon, Pod Racer, X-Wing Fighter, Landspeeder, Jedi Starfighter
Wind-Up Toys:
Han Solo, Clone Trooper, Watto, Yoda, Padme Amidala, General Grievous
Water Squirters
R2-D2, Jar Jar Binks, Jabba the Hutt, Super Battle Droid, Boba Fett, Emperor Palpatine
Plush
Jawa, Wicket, Chewbacca, Wampa, Tarfful, Boga
Image Viewers
C-3PO, Darth Maul, Luke Skywalker, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia
Chase Figure (5) in each case of toys ordered:  Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker


Looks like I'll be eating alot of Burger King come May...

I have a pic of the poster with all of them on it somewhere, just can't locate it at the moment. I'll post it when I do find it, or the link to it on the net.

-Sal

 

I don't really care one way or the other about BK i'll buy the stuff tho!

 

Yeah that's me too. Actually, I'm trying to eat right, so this will be contradictory to what I'm diong about my health. Hmm, I wonder if they will sell these by themselves. If so, I'm going to do that. It may cost a little extra for the toys, but I'm willing to do that rather instead of putting my health at risk.

-Sal

 

Head on over to rebelscum.com at the link provided to get a look at the models:

http://www.rebelscum.com/article.asp?i=88828

Here's the TEXT excerpt:


Classic Trilogy AMT/ERTL Model Kits

Here are some details and boxed images of the upcoming Star Wars model kits coming out later this year. The kits will be the same as previous released versions, but with all-new packaging.

----- (Series 1 (Due January 2005) -----

X-Wing (small scale)
Made for beginners, this kit will include 36 parts that snap together. Model size is about 20cm.


Darth Vader's TIE-Fighter
This kit will include 55 parts. Model size is about 18cm.

Snowspeeder
This kit will include 66 parts. Model size is about 20cm.

AT-AT Walker
This kit will include 79 parts. Model size is about 20cm.

Millennium Falcon
Model size is about 47cm.

Star Destroyer
This kit will include 58 parts. Model size is about 38cm.

----- Series 2 (Due February 2005) -----

X-Wing (large scale)
For more experienced builders, this kit will include 83 parts. Model size is about 30cm.

AT-ST Walker
This kit will include 22 parts. Model size is about 16cm.

Death Star
This kit will include 11 parts. Model size is about 23cm.

Future kits include TIE Interceptor, Slave I, Speeder Bike, Naboo Starfighter, B-Wing Fighter, and another Millennium Falcon. Plus several kits from Episode III!

[End copy/paste]
Awesome!

They are somewhat small though ranging anywhere from 16cm to 47 cm (6.2992 inches-18.5039 inches)

The Falcon is the biggest at 18.5 inches with the smallest being the AT-STat only 6.25 inches though that may be wide and not tall.

Still they look like great sets and I know I'll be buying at least one of each and extras of the AT-ATs and Star Destroyers.

-Sal

 

Greetings, blokes.

Is it me, or is this thing really creepy?

[image=http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050114/capt.nyr11501142107.hasbro_darth_tater_nyr115.jpg]

Creeped out,
Yours Truly

 

Heh heh, it is creepy, but I know I'll be buying it.

Very oddball kind of toy/collectible, if you ask me.

 

I found it rather amusing myself.

 

Repost from specific thread. (Just to keep consistency within this one.)

First click the link to see the list:

http://www.galactichunter.com/photo.asp?image=absolutenm/articlefiles/3854-ep3checklist.jpg

Okay, now that you've done that, what do you think?

Wow, all I have to say is my wallet will be empty of fundage for awhile...

Tarkin!!!
AT-TE gunner!
Turbo Tank Driver!
Losts of Jedi and warrior of different races.
Clones of varying type...

I'm about to faint....... ... .. .


Oh where was I? Oh yes,

YES!

April can't get here fast enough for me!
-Sal

 

I'm alittle intrigued by: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Red Leader Pilot)

 

To clarify that Dex, he has a new Jedi Starfighter. Almost the exact same as Anakin's, but more the standard new Jedi starfighter model. He's a General already by the time of the Clone Wars, so it stands to reason that he has a flight squadron within his command. The Red portion seems to most clearly point to the fact that his fighter color has red markings.

 

Click through to see some of the EPIII exclusives offered through shopstarwars.com:

http://www.starwars.com/collecting/shop/shopnews/news20050120.html

Cool looking stuff!

 

I got all that, Sal
More to the point, I was intrigued by the linkage from PT to OT with the whole Red Squadron thing.

 

Pickied up Aayla unleashed today at WalMart. I was suprised to see her there. She wasn't alone though. There were three Tusken raiders and three Bossk's there. I feel bad though. A week or so ago I had the chance to get Vader and Mace and neither were there. Until then, Aayla stands alone next to my tv.

 

Well, they've said Wal-Mart started shelving the Ep3 preview figs early so I went and looked. Sure enough, there they were. So if they've done it in my backwater Wal-Mart, it should be almost everywhere else
Saw the Playskool X-wing too which is very cool!
And the new Clone Wars figs.

 

NEW Star Wars Micro Vehicles ? Exclusively at Target this spring!
Click the link to view them

http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.news/id.1132/dn/default.cfm

Okay so we do get some that have been previously done, but I'm still looking forward to this line. I've always ben a fan of the ships and especially look forward to the A-wing/TIE pack. That's a good Fleet bulding set. I'll definitely get at least two of the B-wing/Falcon sets. I want a B-wing to open up and display. The Sandcrawler/Luke's Landspeeder set is not inspiring, but I'll still get one to have carded for display.

I LOVE the packaging! Vader's outstretched arm coming towards you, clutching the toys! How very cool!

ADDENDUM:
ROTS PEZ dispensers-click the link to find about about the limited run Emperor PEZ:
http://starwars.com/collecting/news/misc/news20050127.html

2nd ADDENDUM:
Click here for info and pics on ROTS Gumball Machines, Bobble Heads, Bobble Pens and Ceramic Banks.
Visit the official site here for more info and pics:
http://www.starwars.com/collecting/news/misc/news20050125.html

-Sal

 

This is a repost of the individual thread dedicated to the ROTS display pics:


Go here to see the HUGE amount of stuff

http://www.rebelscum.com/article.asp?i=89140


YESSSS!!!!!!

WOW that's alot of stuff!

I already knew all this stuff was coming out (with exception to the 12in clone, but to see this in picture laid out as it may look like in stores, WOW!

I was so excited, I almost let out a yelp at work. Had to wipe my forehead from the excited sweat and could have used a cigarette...and I don't even smoke, that's how awesome this is to me.

Too much stuff to individually list at the moment, though I suspect that with the release of these pics, someone will compile a list. When that happens, look for it to appear in the Toys/Collectibles thread for reference.

WOW!!!!!

(Now if I can just try to calm down and stay with my plan of only getting what I absolutely desire right then and wait for the other stuff to clearance, I'll save a TON of cash and still ahve all those toys eventually--don't know if I can do it. It's going to be a great test of my will-power not to go out and buy all I see on that first night of toy release.)

-Sal


(So, Josh, what do you think? I'm almost glad I'll be relatively broke having to save for C3, otherwise, I'd have blown it all on the toy release.)

 

Well I was able to find 2 of the 4 Preview figures on a toy hunt on Friday. I found Grievous and the Wookiee Warrior.

Since it's been awhile since I've given a review of a particular figure, this is as good a time as any to start back up, especially considering these are the first new figs from Revenge of the Sith.

First let me comment on the cards that they come on. WOW!
I love this design. I know many a collector were sketchy towards the design, but seeing it in person really can make a believer out of you...
It's very colorful, though a bit smaller than I thought it would be. The "bubble" is an odd half pointed egg shape. Since I open nearly all of my figs, I just had to do so with these as well. For those who like to open figs but also want a nice clean card to display, I reccommend cutting the tape from the back flaps of the bubble. (They wrap around the card.) Then carefuly edge a pair of scissors between the bottom plastic. It folds in on itself, attaching to the bottom of the card. There is enough of a gap to do this is you don't cut the sides first, but to make it easier you should cut the sides first. Okay so now you've got the sides and bottom cut away. Next, carefully cut around the curved shape near the top. (Only about half way up though, then switch to the other side and cut to the top, go back to the other side and finish cutting til you meet the cut at the top and voila, you have a nice clean cardback to display or store. On to the figures:

General Grievous: Highly anticipated, this figure does well for a preview figure. It's not overly articulated, but being a preview that's understandable. We will be getting another GG (General Grievous) in a few months anyway. With that said, depending on your way of collecting you could pass this figure. But just for the fact that this is the first figure in a wave of figures to come out this year, I'd recommend getting it. He does look very menacing standing there with a lightsaber in one hand and a blaster in the other. He is a bit hard to stand without the cape. At least he is for me. Could just be the way mine was molded. No matter, the cape adds to the character. The paint applications to the figure are on par with what we've seen from Hasbro. Until the movie comes out, I can't really say if they were 100% accurate, but for a preview he looks great. Overall I'd say this was a great choice for one of the four preview figures to be released. Rating 4.5 holocrons out of 5

Wookiee Warrior: HUGE! Is the first word that comes to mind. This Wookiee is massive. Head stands a full head taller than most of the Chewies out there and is much bulkier. I wouldn't want to have to face him in a dark alley... Seriously though, this is a great figure. Articulation is pretty decent. All of the different POA (Points of Articulation) in the arm allow you to pose him with his weapon being held in one hand, draped against his chest and being supported with the other hand. That's some fine articulation. Some of the accessories are a bit odd. He comes with a helmet that upon first impression doesn't seem to fit right in the Wookiee culture, but upon veiwing the movie could make full sense. Besides the Helmet, he comse with two shin guards and a rope tied cod piece. Funny, Hasbro wanted to cover up the Wookiees private parts (even though they are covered with fur), so since Wookiee don't wear pants, they draped a cod piece over his "area" held in place by twine. Odd though it may seem at first, when you put on all of the accessories, he really comes to life, in a manner of speaking. My biggest complaint with this figure is the paint job. His arms are segmented for articulation in 3 parts. Each on generally has a different fur color, so he looks a bit hodge-podged together. Lucky for me I found an extra and repainted him to look like the picture that is on the card. So now I'm a bit more saitsfied with him. Still, overall this is another great choice for a preview fig and you'll be so impressed by his size that you may be willing to overlook the paint applicat

 

Yet MORE ROTS toys and collectibles!

Click on through!

http://www.rebelscum.com/euroscum/uktoyfair2005.asp


Wow, is my wallet going to be barren this year...

-Sal

 

I found all three of these last night here in Pittsburgh at Target. Same $14.99 price.

I took pictures of them (with the receipt). I'll have a link for those shortly.

I must have got there just after they cracked open a box because I got 2 sets of each! I already opened a set.

Here is a quick review of them:

IG-88: Decent pose. The legs and arms seem a little rubbery. Not as rigid as you might expect. The base is comprised of the main part of the base and two sets of flames. Each flame section attaches similar to how a LEGO piece would. The area on the flame that attaches for some reason is painted white inside of the flame. Odd, but maybe they didn't want the gray steel color coming through. Anyway, the figure itself is cool, with the arms articulated as well as the Head! The paint application is pretty decent. All in all I'd say this is a good piece to add to your Unleashed collection. For a quick rating I'd give it 4 out of 5 Holocrons.

Stormtrooper: This is my least favorite of this wave. There is something about the helmet that just doesn't seem to be in scale. The botom front part seems like it's protruding out to far. Could be me though. The base is kind of bland and unappealing. It comes with blaster bolts that you attach on in three places, though good luck trying to get the middle height one on with the trooper in place. It just doesn't fit. Maybe if I rotated the Trooper on the base a little it might, but his foot peg holds him in place in such a way that it doesn't seem possible. There is also a blaster bolt that you attach to the blaster itself. Looks kinda hokey. One of the redeeming things about the piece is the trooper itself. Though I mentioned the helmet thing, the rest of the trooper is pretty decent. As an added bonus the blaster actually is independent of the figure, meaning you can take it out of his hands. Though the plastic it's made from is a bit flimsy. Not much in the way of paint apps. Overall its an okay figure. Certainly if you like Imperials you should get him, and at this point if you are a completist for Unleashed this is not one to pass up, but if you only casually purchase these, then I'd say pass on him. Quick rating 2.5 out of 5 holocrons.

Aurra Sing: By far my favorite of the wave. Great paint apps, great pose, removable rifle all make this the one to own in this wave. The base is a strange conglomeration of metal parts/junk, but makes for a cool base once assembled. The base comes in three parts that kinda if criss-cross over each other forming a strange triad of parts that she rests upon. One other cool thing to note is that because of the way she was posed, she can "stand" apart from the base. Although and ever so minor character, this Aurra Sing figure commands you to purchase her. A must have for Unleashed enthusiasts and Aurra Sing fans. Quick Rating 5 out of 5.

-Sal

 

As promised, here is the pic of the new Unleashed and I've also included pics of the custom painted Wookie Warrior.

The first Wookie Warrior is an untouched original, the second I tried to come close to how the actual picture is of the Wook on the card and the third I cut off the braids and gave it a wash of Walnut brown. makes him look somewhat like Chewie, though that wasn't neccessarily what I was going for. Just wanted a nice brown HUGE Wookie.

(These are large file to download)

[image=http://www.geocities.com/swsalerno/Unleashed_IG_Aurra_Stormie.gif]
http://www.geocities.com/swsalerno/Unleashed_IG_Aurra_Stormie.gif

[image=http://www.geocities.com/swsalerno/WW_and_2_custom_repaints_SM2.gif]
http://www.geocities.com/swsalerno/WW_and_2_custom_repaints_SM2.gif


[image=http://www.geocities.com/swsalerno/WW_repaints_clear.gif]
http://www.geocities.com/swsalerno/WW_repaints_clear.gif

So what do yinz think of the paint job? What I was going for with the middle one was the effect of blending the joints so they are not as recognizable as the original. In other words, if you see the original, the paint job is so bad that the hand to the arm to the shoulder never match up with regards to color of fur. I've fixed that with the repaint.
-Sal

 

Unadorned, that Wook looks like he needs to lose a few pounds lol.The paint work is great though
What's the BONUS stuff on the Unleashed packages?

 

It's the Twi' Lek Bodyguard from the Clone Strike Mini set. It's the exact sme mini and stat card with one exception, the base of the mini says "Unleashed" on it. So it's kind of an exclusive in that right.

Thanks about the paint job. I hink I'm going to add accessories to the plain brown one, just not the ones that normally come with it. I might trade those up with Yarua's satchel and give the Warrior accessories to one of my repainted Yaruas. It's just enough to make them all look different.

 

Click on through to the main site to see new pics of these:

http://www.starwars.com/collecting/news/hasbro/news20050202.html


Here's the text from the article:

One of the most innovative additions from Hasbro this year will be the debut of a new brand called Attacktix. Launching with Star Wars: Episode III toys, Attacktix is a battle figure game that combines great action figures with kinetic battling features. Each figure comes on a base that contains all of the information that a trading card might include, such as speed, defense, point value and special powers unique to that character.

The goal of the game is simple: be the last one standing; but beyond that there are nearly unlimited strategies. To begin, kids select how many points each squad should start out with, pick their squads and put them into formation. On each turn, kids will move their figures across the table (counting distance using a patented clicking wheel in the base), and then attack with features like slashing lightsabers, firing projectiles and others. When the figures are knocked over, their special powers come into play and influence the game. For example, granting another one of your figures an attack or bringing back a figure who may have been previously defeated.

The game is easy to play, but difficult to master. Attacktix is being launched with the release of Star Wars and Revenge of the Sith with characters from the other movies expected in the future.


[End Copy/Paste]

I'm not into these at all. I'll still probably end up collecting them when I need my "SW fix" and can't find anything else new. We'll see...

-Sal