Never wanting to let you down, we’re back with an all-new Toy News Tuesday! We’re the one weekly column right here on ScienceFiction.com where we seek out all of the awesome news you need to know about any announcements and cool happenings in the toy industry and put them all in one easy to find place for you! The holidays are quickly approaching! We’re less than a week out from the infamous ‘Black Friday’! The single biggest shopping day of the year here in the U.S., it’s also a day where a number of retailers have been literally stockpiling new merchandise for! There’s plenty of deals to be found but also lots of new stuff to see just in time for the holidays that you can add to your collection (or gift to someone else’s collection, if you’re so inclined). In the meantime, we have plenty of awesome new goodies to check out in the toy news for the week of November 21st, 2017!

Mattel Stands Alone

Last week we reported that the Hasbro, one of the largest toy manufacturers in the world, was supposedly in talks to buy Mattel, their biggest competitor on the market! It turns out that the rumors were true, although according to Reuters, the deal has since fallen through. They’re reporting that Hasbro’s offer is apparently considerably less than what Mattel values itself at, according to sources close to the dealings.

“Mattel has informed Hasbro its proposal undervalues the company and does not take sufficiently into account the potential for regulators to reject the deal based on antitrust concerns, the sources said.

The terms Hasbro has proposed could not be learned, and it is not clear whether negotiations between the two companies will continue. The companies have engaged in multiple rounds of deal talks over the last two decades.”

While it isn’t entirely impossible Mattel and Hasbro will ever reach an agreement and merge, things seem to be quieting down for the time being. Who knows what the future may hold for these two titans of the toy industry?

 

No Joking Matter

UPDATE:  We are sad to say that we have spoken to a DC Collectibles representative and confirmed that the DC Collectibles ‘Batman The Animated Series’ Jokermobile Vehicle is officially cancelled.

This one is a rumor, so take it with a grain of salt for now, but according to the folks over at TNI we may be looking at yet another cancellation of an upcoming DC Collectibles product. This one’s going to hit you where it hurts too, because it’s the 6″ scale Jokermobile vehicle from DC Collectibles ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ line that was first previewed earlier this year at San Diego Comic Con! While we are currently unable to confirm it’s cancellation, it’s listed as ‘Cancelled’ on Diamond Distributors’ website, so things aren’t looking good. If true, this is just another in a long line of recent cancellations from DC Collectibles mere months after a new product was announced.  We have reached out to DC Collectibles for comment regarding this so we can get the butt of this joke once and for all.

On The Bright Side…

While it kind of sucks that The Jokermobile is probably cancelled, the team at DC Collectibles at least has a few new awesome product reveals this week to make up for the loss! We’ve got our first real look at the new live action version of Black Lightning from his upcoming television series of the same name! Plus a 1:1 scale Two-Face Coin prop replica, new DC Essentials figures, and more! Check out the full release from DC Collectibles below!

DC Collectibles’ electrifying July 2018 lineup will include a stunning DCTV 12-inch statue starring Jefferson Pearce as Black Lighting. The statue is based on the character appearance in the highly anticipated CW show and showcases actor Cress Williams’ likeness. Black Lightning is the latest character to join DC Collectibles bestselling DCTV statue line which already includes figures from hit DC shows The Flash, Arrow, Supergirl and Gotham.

DC Collectibles will also debut a Two-Face Coin prop replica as part of its DC Gallery line of collectibles. The new line brings to life the most iconic prop and accessories sported by DC’s most popular characters in three-dimensional form. The new Two-Face coin will follow the recently announced Joker Cane replica that hits stores in June 2018 and the already released Wonder Woman Bracelet With Lasso and Tiara set and Bat-signal.

DCTV: BLACK LIGHTNING STATUE

Sculpted by Alterton / Size: 12.42’’ tall / MSRP: $130.00

DC GALLERY: TWO-FACE COIN PROP

Sculpted by Steve Kiwus / Size: 1.8’’ wide / MSRP: $30.00

DC ESSENTIALS: BATMAN, DEATHSTROKE, THE FLASH AND REVERSE-FLASH ACTION FIGURES

Size: 1:11 scale/ Average height 6.75” / MSRP: $26.00

DC BOMBSHELLS: WONDER WOMAN DELUXE STATUE

Designed by Ant Lucia / Sculpted by Chris Dahlberg / Size: 17.58’’ tall / MSRP: $200.00

GOTHAM CITY GARAGE: SUPERGIRL STATUE

Tattoo designed by Katherine Brannock / Sculpted by James Marsano / Size: 13.9’’ tall / MSRP $125.00

BATMAN BLACK & WHITE BATMAN BY BECKY CLOONAN

Designed by Becky Cloonan / Sculpted by Irene Matar / Size: 9.38’’ tall / MSRP: $80.00

 

Hot Toys Keep The ‘Star Wars’ Coming

With a new ‘Star Wars’ movie just a few weeks away from release, it should come as no big surprise to anyone that Hot Toys has even more new toys based on the film coming our way! ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ hits theaters in less than a month, but in the meantime, you’ll now be able to preorder your very of set of 1:6th scale Praetorian Guards! And when we say set, we mean you’ll probably want at least two of them for your display, which works out kind of perfectly because Hot Toys is releasing two versions of the figure! Hot Toys is planning both a ‘Heavy Blade’ and a ‘Double Blade’ version of the Praetorian Guard. While both are mostly the same figure, they include alternative weapons, helmets, and accessories from one another, so it’s kind of worth the double dip. Check out the full details for both below!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – 1/6th Praetorian Guard (With Double Blade)

Star Wars fans around the world are eagerly waiting for December to come soon as Star Wars: The Last Jedi will finally hit the theaters! In this latest installment of the Star Wars saga, fans will get a closer look at the First Order’s Supreme Leader Snoke who will be flanked by loyal protectors clad in crimson colored ornate armor to defend the sinister leader from any danger.

In anticipation to this upcoming epic blockbuster, Hot Toys is excited to introduce the 1/6th scale collectible of the Praetorian Guard in Star Wars: The Last Jedi! The highly accurate collectible figure features a skillfully crafted helmet, body armor, and outfit, specially applied glossy red colored painting on armor, the guard’s unique single blade, double blade weapon, and a character themed figure base! Let your Star Wars collection grow today by adding the new Praetorian Guard (With Double Blade) 1/6th scale collectible figure!

 

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – 1/6th Praetorian Guard (With Heavy Blade)

Star Wars fans around the world are eagerly waiting for December to come soon as Star Wars: The Last Jedi will finally hit the theaters! In this latest installment of the Star Wars saga, fans will get a closer look at the First Order’s Supreme Leader Snoke who will be flanked by loyal protectors clad in crimson colored ornate armor to defend the sinister leader from any danger.

In anticipation of this upcoming epic blockbuster, Hot Toys is excited to introduce the 1/6th scale collectible of the Praetorian Guard in Star Wars: The Last Jedi! The highly accurate collectible figure features a skillfully crafted helmet, body armor, and outfit, specially applied glossy red colored painting on armor, the guard’s unique whip staffs and heavy blade weapon, and a character themed figure base! Let your Star Wars collection grow today by adding the new Praetorian Guard (With Heavy Blade) 1/6th scale collectible figure!

 

Diamond Select Toys Reveals new ThinkGeek Exclusives

Just in time for the holiday season, the team at Diamond Select Toys is teaming up with Gamestop/ThinkGeek to bring some fantastic new retailer exclusives our way! The two latest exclusive pieces are a new Red Hulk PVC Figure and Unmasked Gwenpool PVC Figure from the Marvel Gallery line and are available now on ThinkGeek now! Check out the full preorder info below!

Marvel Gallery Red Hulk Figure

We’ve spent years feeling sorry for poor Bruce Banner and his smashing alter ego, but is it possible that Red Hulk actually had it worse? Thunderbolt Ross spent years obsessed with hunting the incredible green menace, ruining his relationship with his daughter, only to eventually become an irradiated Hulk himself. Then again, so did his daughter! Ain’t family grand?

This ThinkGeek/GameStop exclusive Red Hulk diorama statue is a variant of the green Marvel Gallery PVC Hulk figure from Diamond Select Toys. It towers over the rest of the Gallery line, standing approximately 11″ tall. He’s standing in ripped pants (naturally) on a rocky pile of rubble, flexing his muscles. The detailed Sam Greenwell sculpt is sure to make an exciting addition to your collection. Though maybe you should still keep him away from Banner…

Product Specifications 

  • Marvel Gallery Red Hulk Figure
  • Officially-licensed Marvel merchandise
  • A ThinkGeek/GameStop exclusive
  • From Diamond Select Toys
  • An exclusive Red Hulk variant of the standard Marvel Gallery PVC Hulk figure
  • Sculpted by Sam Greenwell
  • Detailed paintwork makes the muscles and the rubble pop!
  • Materials: PVC
  • Dimensions: 11″ tall
  • In scale with all other Gallery and Femme Fatales PVC figures
  • Ages 15+

Marvel Gallery Unmasked Gwenpool

She looks like Gwen Stacy. She thinks like Deadpool. She is… Gwenpool! And no, she’s not an alternate reality version of either of them. She’s just Gwen Poole, a girl from the real world who wound up in the fictional Marvel universe, realizes she’s inside a comic book, and has decided to become a costumed mercenary for kicks. Admit it – if you found yourself in Earth-616, the first thing you’d do is go get yourself a superhero costume, too! Or maybe you’d get Spider-man’s autograph. But then: spandex!

This ThinkGeek/GameStop exclusive statue is an unmasked variant of the first Gwenpool sculpture ever produced. And without the mask, you can see Gwen’s pretty pink-tinted hair! Sword in one hand, phone in the other – Gwen’s pausing to take a selfie while standing on her diorama logo base, because why not? None of this really matters anyway. There are no consequences. She’s just a statue of a fictional character that’s a (particularly charming) knock-off of two other fictional characters. In fact, maybe we’re all just characters in a comic book…

Product Specifications 

  • Marvel Gallery Unmasked Gwenpool Figure – Exclusive
  • Officially-licensed Marvel merchandise
  • A ThinkGeek/GameStop exclusive
  • Sculpted by Alejandro Pereira
  • Gwenpool is not Gwen Stacy. Or Deadpool. Just to be clear.
  • She’s aware she’s in a comic book… but is she aware that she’s a statue?
  • Detailed sculpting and paintwork, right down to the pink tips of her hair
  • Comes on a diorama logo base
  • Materials: PVC plastic
  • Dimensions: 9″ tall
  • Comes in a full-color window box
  • Ages 14+

In Stores Now From DST

As if those awesome new exclusives weren’t enough, our good friends at Diamond Select Toys also have a number of other new pieces hitting the market right now that you’re not going to want to miss! We’ve talked about all of these at least once or twice, but we’re happy to tell you that you can add all of the new collectibles seen below from Diamond Select Toys to your collections starting this week!

DC Gallery Batman New Adventures Nightwing PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! Robin sets off on a new adventure! As seen in the follow-up to Batman: The Animated Series, titled The New Batman Adventures, Dick Grayson has grown up and changed his look, becoming Nightwing! This PVC Diorama depicts Nightwing crouched atop a pillar, preparing to pounce on an unsuspecting thug. This approximately 12-inch PVC diorama features detailed sculpting and exacting paint applications, and comes packaged in a full-color window box. In scale to all Gallery and Femme Fatales PVC figures. Sculpted by Varner Studios! (Item #MAY172499, SRP: $45.00)

Marvel Gallery Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Movie Star-Lord PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Marvel Gallery line is blasting off into outer space! This new PVC dioramas captures the space-faring leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy as he appears in Vol. 2, one of the latest blockbuster entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With his jet-pack, Star-Lord measures approximately 11 inches tall, with highly detailed sculpting and paint applications. He comes packaged in a full-color window box. Gamora with Rocket available now. Drax with Groot coming soon! Sculpted by Rocco Tartamella! (Item #MAY172526, SRP: $45.00)

Marvel Premier Collection Classic Iron Man Resin Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! We are go for launch! The Marvel Premier Collection line of statues continues with the armored Avenger, Iron Man! Wearing his classic suit of red-and-gold armor, this resin statue shows Iron Man posed atop a pile of crumbling debris, facing down an unseen foe or foes with repulsors at the ready. Figure stands approximately 13.75” tall including his base and features detailed sculpting and paintwork. Limited to only 3,000 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by Clayburn Moore! (Item #FEB172611, SRP: $150.00)

Nightmare Before Christmas Deluxe Collection Zero Figure

A Diamond Select Toys Release! The deluxe Nightmare Before Christmas doll line continues with a new accessory character! This PVC figure of Zero the Ghost Dog is in scale to the previously released Jack, Sally, Finkelstein, the Mayor and Santa Claus, and look like they came straight from the movie! Based on classic Japanese imports, Zero floats approximately 10 inches high, above a doghouse diorama atop a clear support stand. He comes packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #APR172632, SRP: $49.99)

 

The Funko Forecast

Get ready for the Funko Forecast! This is where we’re going to be showcasing all of the cool new announcements and reveals from Funko! With all of the awesome that consistently seems to be flowing out of those guys, it shouldn’t be hard to keep this section alive each and every week!

“Bitchin”

Ask and you shall receive! Funko has heard your demands loud and clear, and more awesome ‘Stranger Things’ merchandise is on the way! This week they’ve announced a few new POP! Vinyls like ‘Bitchin’ Eleven (Box Lunch Exclusive), Dustin with Dart (Hot Topic Exclusive), Dart (plus a chase variant of Dart with a closed mouth) and even a 6″ Super Sized POP! of The Demogorgon!

To top it off, we’re also getting a plush ‘Nesting Doll’ set of Dart in his various stages of evolution! These are all set to hit stores this Winter!

Teen Titans Rock On!

Earlier this season we were given a very special miniseries event on ‘Teen Titans GO!’ with ‘The Night Begins To Shine’! Now Funko is bringing all of the action home to your POP! Vinyl collection with a whole wave of Teen Titans GO! Pop! Vinyls based on the episode! You can look forward to new versions of Robin, Starfire, Raven, Beastboy and Cyborg, plus our first POP! of Bear! There will also be ToysRUs exclusive versions of Cyborg (with Battle Axe) and Bear (Flocked) when these hit stores early next year!

And with that, we bring this week’s Toy News Tuesday to a close! What do you think about the new items announced this week? Do you plan on picking up anything we mentioned in this week’s column? Are there any lines or brands you’d like to see more coverage of? Let us know in the comments section below!