Toy Spotlight - Toy Fair 2013

So as most toy collectors know Toy Fair 2013 is currently underway. There has been some pretty interesting news coming out so far including previews of upcoming LEGO sets, Masters Classics figures as well as the highly anticipated Castle Greyskull, Star Wars Black Series, and news about Neca's 1/4 scale figures to be released.

Here's what I'm most excited for....

Star Wars Black Series (will be released in 6 inch and 3 3/4 inch)

Darth Maul's Head is removable, giving you the ability to display him in his Sith cloak.

Neca's 1/4 scale 1989 Batman figure

This figure will be a whopping 18inches tall and, in my opinion, easily gives Hot Toys a run for their money. And at only 84 bucks, it is way more affordable. Mine is already preordered!

 Neca 1/4 scale Adam West Batman
I am tempted to add this to the preorders. Super Unique and awesome!

So needless to say there are some sweet new toys coming out this year! I'm really excited about the Black Series. It's been years since I collected Star Wars figures. They have just gotten too carried away with their action figures. Too many lines, too many characters....just too much. I'm hoping with the Black series they will stream line their collectibles a bit. As for that Batman, I was always tempted to get the Hot Toys version but with this who needs it!?

Iconic Picture Spotlight - Brave Little Toaster

Totally loved this movie as a kid. Wish I could be a 8 again on this rainy Monday laying on the living room carpet watching this!

For the Lolz....

Toy Spotlight - Alf

Here's a quick spotlight for you guys of one of the lolziest characters to come out of the 80s.....Alf. Now as for this toy, a friend of mine had it since his childhood and gave it to me knowing how much I loved pop culture stuff....especially from the 80s. It fits right in with the rest of the decor in the Nerd Nook.

I was hoping some of my fellow Leaguers could help me identify the type of toy this is. I remember these being available in various characters back in the day, I just can't put my figure on what they were called. Any help would be awesome!

Happy Birthday - John Williams

As far as birthdays go this would be one of epic proportions. John Williams set the mood in many of my favorite movies of all time!

Including the drama filled ending of "Empire Strikes Back"' , the Jones's, Marcus, and Salah riding off into the sunset in the final scene of "Last Crusade"! For providing the feeling of magic and wonder as the bmx bikes take flight to the bewilderment of the adults who see! John Willaims has done it all!

With a few simple sounds he struck terror in the hearts of movie goers and swimmers alike, defined an Empire with an epic and commanding sound. Captured the sheer size and importance of all that was Jurassic Park! And less we forget encompassed all that was "Superman" with a theme that conveyed sheer greatness!

Yes John Willaims is a living legend. His contributions to entertainment and pop culture are surpassed by none!

Happy 81st Mr. Williams! I hope you have 81 more.....the world, more importantly, the entertainmentbusiness as a whole would not be complete without you!

Iconic Picture Spotlight

With it being February and with President's Day approaching, I thought it would be neat to do some spotlights that involve iconic movie presidents. For my first go I chose this scene.....

"We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day! "

Toy Spotlight - Play Arts Kai

Today a friend and I hit up the local collectible shop. I really like this particular shop because it specializes in toys. Now I focus 95% of my collecting energy....and money, toward vintage items. I do, however, like to check out what he has and occasionally score a vintage item when they pop up. He has some really awesome stuff, but I have convinced myself to keep my focus and steer clear of impulsive buys.....so far so good....

....but like I said I do score the occasional vintage toy at his shop....

Picked this guy up a few months back at that store for what I would consider a steal! He rarely has vintage stuff and just seems to want to get rid of it. I am happy to help  =)

Anyway back to the purpose for this blog. So my friend and I were browsing and we spotted some cool figures. This friend is a huge Arkham City/Asylum fan and he worked out a sweet deal for these guys....

Play Arts Kai Joker and Armored Batman

Not knowing much about this line, I am going to do my best to describe them. They are imported from Japan, and highly pose-able/articulated (box claims 46 points of articulation for Bats!)

Nice looking packaging for collectors who stay MIB...

 Looks like you can do some really cool poses with the Joker!

Great sculpted detail....

Definitely digging the Batman head sculpt!

I gotta say I really do like these figures. If I wasn't restricting myself to vintage items I'd more then likely have these guys in my very own man cave (Nerd Nook!).

It really is tough to resist all these awesome figures. But luckily with the Star Wars Black Series announced I can keep telling myself I'll need the room (and the money) if I decide to pick some of those up (which I most likely will!)......

"I'll never let you win......never" - Batman (Arkham Asylum)