Sponsor News > Transformers, Bandai, NECA, Diamond, Revoltech & More at BBTS

October 28, 2011 | Poe

Here is a quick update from http://www.bigbadtoystore.com about a variety of new arrivals and more cool new preorders!

ATTENTION RETAILERS:   BigBadToyStore Distribution is now open and accepting applications from retailers around the world!  If you have a government issued business license and would like to buy from us at wholesale pricing – please see this link and fill out an application: http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/content.aspx?content=3

————- NEW PREORDERS ————-

PREDATORS SERIES 04 – CASE, SET, SINGLES

The newest assortment of NECA’s Predators figures includes the Boar Predator, the City Hunter Predator and the Predator Shaman.  We have them listed as a set of 3 for $47.99 ($9 off the MSRP) and as a case of 14 (4 Boar, 5 Shaman, 5 City Hunter) for $199.99, saving you $66 off the MSRP. In addition, we have singles listed of the City Hunter and Shaman figures, priced at $16.99 each. http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=Predators+Series+04

DARK OF THE MOON BUSTER PRIME & JETFIRE BOX SET

Takara is reissuing the Buster Prime and Jetfire box set in new Dark of the Moon packaging.  For anyone who missed out on this great box set, now is your chance to grab one – we have this import-exclusive item listed at $249.99. http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11366&mode=retail

PIXAR REVOLTECH – WALL-E, NEMO

Kaiyodo is branching out into a new Pixar Revoltech line that expands on the previous Woody & Buzz releases.  First up is WALL-E, who comes with a fire extinguisher, garbage cube and plant in a shoe; he is followed by Nemo who comes with Dory and a special plant and coral articulated base that allows for a variety of poses.  Each figure is listed at $39.99. http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=pixar+revoltech

ROCKY 7″ FIGURE SERIES 01 – SET, SINGLES

NECA has also announced the first assortment in a new 7″ line of Rocky figures.  Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa from “Rocky” are up for pre-order, priced at $17.99 apiece or $33.99 for the set of 2. http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=Rocky+Series+01+NECA

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MOTUC Bio Discussion #44 > Catra

October 28, 2011 | Poe

Inspired by He-Man.org’s Roast Gooble Dinner podcast, welcome to PGPoA’s latest MOTUC Bio Discussion!

Catra

Real Name: C’yra of D’riluth III

A disputed monarch from the Tri Solar System, C’yra joined the Horde Empire and was given a magical mask which granted her secret powers such as the ability to transform into a panther. She traveled with Horde Commander Kur to Eternia on his mission to ensure He-Ro was destroyed. There, along with the rest of the Horde army, she was caught up in the Great Wars and eventually banished to Despondos by King Grayskull. She remained with her leader throughout their banishment and was eventually promoted to Force Captain after Hordak’s step-daughter betrayed the Horde to the Etherian Rebellion. Catra’s jealousy of She-Ra has become her greatest weakness.

Portrait art source: Original toy packaging

I’m the first to admit I’m very unfamiliar with most of the Princess of Power characters. Even when I became obsessed with MOTU during the 200X era, I never dug too deep into the POP fiction. So I actually had to visit Catra’s Wiki Grayskull page to find out what in this bio has any relation to her cartoon depiction.

Turns out it’s pretty close. In fact, her bio arguably fits with both her Filmation portrayal and the 200X depiction of the Horde (i.e., getting sucked into Despondos), which is a nice touch.

There’s nothing new here and not much to comment on, except the usual bizarre real name. This one reads like it’s from a 1930s Buck Rogers story, with apostrophes to make it exotic.

Toy Aisle Trolls > Stung Justice

October 28, 2011 | Poe

Toy Aisle Trolls is a feature highlighting acts of vandalism to in-store toy items. If you find a ruined package, a stolen figure, a swapped-out figure, or any other such acts, take a photo (cell phone photos are fine if they’re not blurry) and email them to poe AT poeghostal.com.

Submitted by: 3B

The Problem: The figure’s missing

What It’s Supposed to Look Like: This

3B writes: “Photo taken at my local Toys R Us here in Miami. At least they left the ponytail behind…”

Review > Icarius (Masters of the Universe Classics, Mattel)

October 25, 2011 | Poe

I can’t recall ever seeing a single episode of The New Adventures of He-Man. I’m sure, as an adolescent, I caught one randomly somewhere and though, “That’s not He-Man! Lame” (along with “”Man, am I way too old for He-Man”–it would be another ten years before I was again the right age for He-Man). As I’ve mentioned before, I did own the Optikk toy, because it was a scifi alien dude with an eyeball for a head. But the rest of the NA universe didn’t exist for me.

I certainly never owned Flipshot, known as Icarius overseas.* If I’d seen him at a store as a kid, I probably would have dismissed him as a generic-looking science fiction soldier guy with a jetpack who looked an awful lot like other toys, especially Ace McCloud from the Centurions.

And on the surface, that’s what his Masters of the Universe Classics figure is, too. However, Icarius has been lovingly crafted by the Four Horsemen into an amazing action figure–possibly the best since Trap Jaw. (more…)

Toy Aisle Trolls > Helldorado

October 25, 2011 | Poe

Toy Aisle Trolls is a feature highlighting acts of vandalism to in-store toy items. If you find a ruined package, a stolen figure, a swapped-out figure, or any other such acts, take a photo (cell phone photos are fine if they’re not blurry) and email them to poe AT poeghostal.com.

Power Pal Joe Amaro sends in this TAT from his new home in Texas:

I found this DCU switcharo at a local Wal-Mart.

Here’s what it’s supposed to look like.

Who the hell is that in there? And what is he wearing??

Any questions for Mattel?

October 25, 2011 | Poe

I missed the November 1 round due to NYCC and forgetfulness. These will be for November 15.