The Mechtorians

May 15, 2009 | Poe

Mechtorians

For the first time I can remember, an online Internet ad actually drew my attention. As one would expect, it was the product more than anything about the design of the ad that did it (which is basically all an ad really should do, if you ask me–something that makes the potential consumer aware of the product’s existence, not as a method of coercing said consumer into buying it).

Anyway, the product is the Mechtorians–little steampunk robots created by artist Doktor A. While there are the usual high-end vinyl versions available, what interested me were the 3″ miniature versions, which are a lot cheaper.

I love the steampunk style, and there’s been a dearth of cool steampunk toys (why we haven’t had a high-quality steampunk blockbuster is beyond me–and I don’t count Wild Wild West). These aren’t action figures so much as collectibles, but they’d make for some great display pieces.

You can get your own Mechtorians at Vinyl Fallout or your local “counter-culture store” (whatever that means).

Happy Zodac Day!

May 15, 2009 | Poe

Zodac goes on sale today at 12pm EDT. I think we’ll all be interested to see just how quickly he sells out.

Good luck to all those ordering!

Pic of the Day

May 14, 2009 | Poe

Autobot X (7) by frenzy_rumble

“Autobot X” (or Autobot Spike) was custom built with the parts of about 100 “junker” transformers and other robotic toys. He has over 50 points of articulation/moving parts.

Some cool features
– Eyes light up
– Left Forearm opens for gun attachment
– Left upper arm opens to reveal gears
– Right arm has laser light built in
– Small button on back triggers “Transforming noise”
– 2nd small button on back triggers other sound effects
– Batteries are all easily replaceable
– Head was scratch built (using a Sigma 6 GI Joe for the face)
– Hydraulic on back of right leg really works
– Several parts are die cast and were cut to size and shape
– Over 11″ tall

He’s back! Terminator 2 by NECA

May 13, 2009 | Poe

NECA has posted packaged shots of their upcoming, fully-Arnold-likeness-ized Terminator 2: Judgment Day figures. It pains me that NECA has, as with their Conan the Barbarian figures, eschewed the level of articulation they’ve bestowed upon the likes of Bionic Commando and Resident Evil recently, as that would make these a must-buy for me, instead of just a “I’ll probably get the Pescadero Escape one.” (more…)

ToyFare #143

May 13, 2009 | Poe

tf143megatron

If you happen to pick up a copy of ToyFare #143, in comic shops today, you shall find therein an article written by yours truly. It’s an interview with the Hasbro Transformers design team, including Aaron Archer, about the new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toys. (more…)

MOTUC Webstor coming in September

May 13, 2009 | Poe

According to ToyFare #143, available in comic shops today, the September Masters of the Universe Classics figure will be Webstor. (That’s the original 1980s version above–thanks to TCM Hitchhiker for the pic.)

I’m going to forego the almost-mandatory Emmanuel Lewis joke and just say that I’ve seen the ToyFare photos and he looks good. He has the backpack, complete with the grappling hook and line (and it looks like the action feature might even function). More importantly, he also has four spider-like legs that attached to the backpack a la the staction version. They appear to be ball jointed at the point where they join the backpack, but that’s all. There’s no word yet on whether they’re removable, but they’re evident in only one of the three ToyFare photos, so I’m guessing they are removable.

I’ll post photos once I receive them from Mattel’s PR department or they’re posted on Facebook or Mattycollector. Until then, ToyFare has the exclusive rights, so if you want to see ol’ Webby, nab a copy of ToyFare #143–particularly since there’s an article by yours truly in there!