Sideshow Collectibles is applying their scary approach to details to one of the scariest dudes in comics — Batman’s perennial arch-nemesis, the Joker. It’s the first product in their DC Comics partnership, and looks to maintain the level of quality that the manufacturer has been known for — remember their Buffy the Vampire Slayer toys from a few years back, complete with an Angel toy that looked eerily like David Boreanaz? The figure also represents DC branching out beyond their in-house DC Direct line of collectibles they’ve been releasing since 1998, and their licensed figures from Mattel regularly hitting Targets and the like.

Joker here will be showcased this week at Comic-Con International: San Diego, though there’s no price or release date yet. Four pictures of the J-man are after the jump.

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Hey, Michael Bay! You know those Robots In Disguise that you’ve made three movies about, happily increasing your profile and paycheck each time? Turns out, you have Marvel Comics and former editor-in-chief Jim Shooter to thank for them:

Some months later, the Hasbro exec who was Marvel’s main contact, Bob Prupis, came to my office.  He pulled a few toy vehicles out of his bag and proceeded to open and unfold them into ROBOTS.

They were bigger and much more complex than the Mysterions.  Different Japanese technology, same general idea.

Hasbro, he said, had the rights to the technology and toys based upon it.  The problem, he said was story.  He said that the Japanese storyline associated with the toys wasn’t useful.  Japanese kids, apparently, don’t require much justification.  Cars become robots, robots become cars.  Well, of course they do.  What do you mean, “why?”

(P.S.  To this day I’ve never read or seen any of the Japanese storyline.)

American kids, he thought would like to know why.  Did I think we could develop this toy concept for comics, animation and other entertainment the way we developed G.I. JOE?

Sure.

It’s a two-part story (Part one is here, part two here) that lets Shooter offer his side of the events leading up to the creation of Optimus Prime, Megatron, et al, including which Marvel editor did such a bad job coming up with names and backstory that his work was tossed entirely, and the troubles that the properties caused between Marvel Comics and Marvel Productions, the then-existing animation side of the company. Who’d have thought that so much drama could’ve been caused by a toy line? Well, aside from Mr. Bay, of course…

Let’s just get this out of the way. I’m a Voltron girl. All the way. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers and last time I showcased some Game of Thrones items from the crafting website. Since yet another Transformers movie is being released this week I figured it was only appropriate I find some Autobot and Decepticon crafty bits.

Why not start off with the basics? This Transformer Stainless Steel Pendant is simple and classy. User Youyousupply has this for just $3, not including the chain.

I find this Transformers DIY tube top dress absolutely adorable. Created by user cupcakeninja69 out of two different shirts for $25. Do yourself a favor and take a peek at her other dresses/tops as well. If you’re looking for something more casual, try this Decepticon Halter Top from user FishnetApparel for $24.

For the Transformer pimp in you, I suggest this Transformer Gold Brass Ring (which is actually just brass). It’s a size small/medium, whatever that could mean, from user Vampclothingct for $26.

I bet you never thought you’d see a Autobot Warpath Pendant. Neither did I but here it is and I have to say, I think it’s pretty snazzy. From user hlconrad for just $5. Make sure to check out all their other Transformers necklaces in their shop, including Nightbeat and Hound.

This is kind of a throw away entry into the column because I’m pretty sure none of you could actually buy this for yourselves but how could I not include an actual Transformer? It’s a gigantic Optimus Prime statue from user Kreatworks. And it’s going for $6,990. Optimus is made out of recycled metal, auto and machine parts. Shipping isn’t listed by maybe he can just walk to your house…

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I focused on video game daydreamer Scott Pilgrim, this week it’s all about the man, the myth, the legend…Mario.

When I first saw this, I thought it was a gigantic wall hanging. Turns out, they’re much easier to display. User Aristomatic created these Super Mario Brothers Sprite Magnets out of birch wood. A steal at $45 I say, especially since you can arrange them however you see fit.

We’ve already got Mario on the brain, why not have him on our head? Check out these adorable Super Mario 3 Tanooki barrettes from pixelparty. Or if you prefer, he’s also got Froggy Mario bobbypins, both sets, $14 each.

Mario’s Overalls, your Nintendo DS is naked without them. User ellesroom created this truly original case for your DS Lite for $19. Complete with two back pockets to hold games!

I love all of Mario’s power-up outfits but by far, Kuribo’s Shoe has to be my favorite. Also known as Goomba’s Shoe and called Kuribo’s Boot by myself, the first and only appearance of this delightful ensemble was in Super Mario 3, World 5-3 and user gamerpaige liked it enough to make this nifty Kuribo’s Shoe Perler Bead Magnet. Also available, Statue, Raccoon and several other Mario outfits, all for $4 each.

For the extra fancy gamer out there, how about a Swarovski Crystal Super Mario cover for Apple iphone 4? User IcyIcyBlingCouture did this one, which can be yours for a mere $169.99.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I showcased some sweet geek hats to keep you warm this brisk winter, today I’m shifting gears to something specific – Dungeons & Dragons. I got to discussing it this past weekend with some geek gal pals and it reminded me how much I miss playing. So, without further ado, here are some nifty D&D related products I found on Etsy.

As if you didn’t have enough reason to be scared of what your d20 might do, user Geeklore created this vicious Chomp’d20. For $55 you can squeeze the back of the d20/Chain Chompie amalgamation and eat whichever player is annoying you the most. Or some potato chips.

If you live and breathe Dungeons & Dragons, I’m thinking you might need these RPG Dice Wall Decals to decorate your abode. User seanhexed created six decals, approximately eight-inches in diameter each. Yours for $29.50.

Sometimes you need a place to put…stuff. In game it’s very handy to have a bag of holding, which can hold anything from your lunch to your party’s halfling rogue. Well in real life you can have your very own Die of Holding. $120 from user SmartPencilDesigns, the die is a handcrafted leather d20 and measures a decent eight-inches. No guarantees on being able to hold anything larger than it’s size though. Shucks.

For the little gamer-to-be in your household, I highly suggest this set of My First Gaming Dice for $30. User geekyandcheeky has created fantastic soft replicas of the usual gaming dice, safer when thrown and I’d assume digestible if accidentally swallowed.

And finally, for the distinguished gaming party, how about a Gamer Ready Tea Set? User OlBlueHairsOddities includes a dice bag tray, d8 teapot and six d6 cups with the set for $60.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

Underground Toys has unleashed images from their upcoming action figure line based on the current Doctor Who series, starring Matt Smith as the manic eleventh Doctor, and Scottish beauty Karen Gillan as his headstrong companion Amy Pond.

The line of 5-inch figures will be available this summer, and will also include other characters from the first five episodes of the 2010 season. Underground Toys doesn’t have pictures of the product on their website yet, but you can find pictures where I did, at Toy News International.

I gotta give credit where it’s due, and I’m HARDLY referring to myself by taking credit for having a role is this development. Last Thanksgiving, I called into question how DC Direct had to date failed to come up with any relevant product based on the “New Krypton” storyline found in all the Superman books for over the last year.

With a little help, I broke down four well-rounded waves of characters, heroes and villains, to best represent this ongoing storyline in action figure form. Well, in February, DC Direct finally came through and solicited the first of what I hope is AT LEAST three waves of figures. I’m not going to lie to you, Superman: New Krypton Series 1 more than exceeded my expectations. There’s not a stinker in the bunch.
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I hate to be that guy–you know the one–but the cover for the new issue of Toyfare has a major mistake on it:

Here we see the B.J. Penn figure from Jakks Pacific’s UFC line choking out the Chuck Liddell figure from the same line. The problem is that Penn and Lidell fight in different weight classes–Liddell is the former UFC light heavyweight champion, while Penn is the current UFC lightweight champion (and former welterweight champion). So, while in the early days of the UFC, it was perfectly acceptable for fighters in different weight classes to fight one another (hello, Royce Gracie), these days, Penn and Liddell would never fight in a sanctioned match. You fail, Toyfare.

All kidding aside, Jakks has done an awesome job with these UFC toys, and judging by how scarcely they seem to show up in the local toy aisles, they seem to be pretty successful as well. Jakks produced toys based the WWF/WWE for thirteen years before Mattel got the rights to the wrestling juggernaut starting this year; so I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do with one of the world’s fastest growing sports.

In the spirit of a topic I brought up a few weeks ago, your friends here at Super Articulate wanted to remind the fine folks at DC Direct that there’s an A-list character they’ve lagged on for far too long. Don’t get me wrong, The Flash has gotten attention in the last year alone. But for a hero who has an array of villains surpassed in the DC Universe by Batman alone, I’m not alone in being astounded at all the missed opportunities over the years. Though DC Direct can no longer ignore the viability of the Rogues Gallery and supporting cast of the Fastest Man Alive, not when the DC editorial and creative hierarchy has placed Barry Allen at such a premium. So it is with that sentiment that we offer up a solid THREE rounds of Flash-based heroes and villains who need to find their way to our shelves faster than… well, the Flash.
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So, you may have noticed that DC’s kept Superman and his cast of heroes, villains and supporting cast pretty busy since they (re)introduced a hundred thousand Kandorians to Earth over a year ago. By all indications, DC has made hits out of the various Man of Steel books, especially since the main man has been taken out of most of the titles in favor of different characters to take the lead. And as entertaining as “New Krypton” has been, all indications point to even more activity with Superman and New Krypton in 2010.

I’ve been loving it myself, so here’s my question: Why has DC Direct not so much as sniffed at some sort of “New Krypton” action figure line? The characters are there, and then some. DC Direct has never been shy on producing Superman figures, and he’s deeply immersed in his most compelling storyline in years, produced by some of the publisher’s best creatve talent. What’s the holdup? Well, I hope DC Direct’s paying attention, because the Super Articulate team has figured out no less than FOUR 4-figure waves that strike the right balance of A-list heroes (anchors, as they like to call them), villains, and characters that DC Direct really needs to get around to making. Take a look after the jump and let us know what you think!

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Mattel have released some imagery of the latest from the GHOSTBUSTERS action figure line. After the jump is a handful of shots of some of the characters based off the original motion picture in various shapes and sizes.

By the way, did anyone here see Zombieland?
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Back in May, I brought up the story on how popular media outlets that cover the toys & collectibles trade were no longer getting advance notice from DC Direct on store releases like action figures, statues and other such items. Gone were the days for action figure fans like myself to get an appropriate heads up on product delays (still waiting for Series 1 of Blackest Night figures, by the way) and when items would possibly move up in the schedule. This has been an invaluable tool for me when keeping a monthly budget on the collectibles that are on my radar. And you know, it’s especially useful when the holidays are approaching.

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It’s ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!!!

Blast Magazine has posted an image of the next issue of Game Informer, which has a cover confirming that the post-apocalyptic and/or steampunk-flavored Disney game will in fact be a reality.

If you’re curious about looking at some concept shots of this game click here. Is it Mickey as we’ve never seen him before? if this cover and those images are any indication — heck yeah!

[via Topless Robot]

Ready for the next wave of DC Universe Classics?

Well, Mattel has graciously sent over some pictures of the latest figures, which will ship in the Spring of 2010. You can pre-order the whole set or individually at Entertainment Earth, and see more images after the cut!

Mary Marvel:

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Hasbro’s Mighty Muggs Spider-Man toy

David LaFuente’s Ultimate Spider-Man

Am I the only one who thinks they look pretty similar to each other?

Apparently so. This show has been talked about for a while now and it’s good to see some actual footage. Marvel released this little clip (more of a music video actually) of the show and I’m intrigued. Marvel really doesn’t have a show like this out now, or has EVER made a show like this.

I’m a big fan of the SHS toys, I have several that surround my kitchen and my office. I’ll give this show a try especially after hearing some of the voice actors involved: Mark Hamill as Red Skull, James Marsters as Mr. Fantastic and George Takei as Galactus. In addition to the show, coming out this fall, a variety of Super Hero Squad merchandise spin-offs are planned, including a video game from THQ (also coming out this fall), expansion of the Hasbro toy line, and a major fastfood partnership.

So, what do you readers think of the clip? Do you think it’s something you and your child would watch, or is just too kiddie?

Forget repulsor beams, flamethrowers, and sci-fi cluster bombs — the strongest weapon in Iron Man’s arsenal right now is Matt Fraction. And Marvel has just announced that Sega will be unleashing the Eisner-nominated comics writer on the upcoming Iron Man 2 video game.

“‘Iron Man 2′ presented me with the opportunity to work with both SEGA and Marvel on creating something wholly unique—a story that exists at the crossroads of the comics I write, the film universe I was lucky enough to be asked to contribute to, and a wholly immersive interactive experience like this game,” Fraction said in an interview at Marvel.com. “Writing a game presents an entirely new challenge, where the player engages with the world, with the big and small aspects of the place and characters. They’re a coconspirator in the narrative. I hope it’s as exciting and challenging to play as it was to write.”

Currently, in the comics storyline, Fraction has led Tony Stark down a desperate path as he becomes the “World’s Most Wanted,” as he escapes the clutches of Norman Osborn and the international military group known as H.A.M.M.E.R. With a list of all the world’s known superhero identites in his brain, Tony has been steadily erasing his mind, knowing full well the price he’ll pay: not just his unmatched genius, not just memories of his best friends, but even basic motor skills.

According to the Marvel interview, Sega apparently took fan comments on the first Iron Man game — a game which Metacritic gave an unfavorable 45 review — to heart, focusing more on hand-to-hand combat with a redesigned control scheme. “Iron Man has an undeniably huge fan base, and we really wanted to give them the game they have been waiting for,” said SEGA of America’s vice president of marketing, Sean Ratcliffe.

The game is due out in the spring of 2010 for the XBox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, PSP, and Nintendo DS.

Looking for a collectible that’s leagues away from everything else? Look no further!

eFX has announced that it will preview a 4-foot collectible of the Nautilus, Captain Nemo’s underwater vessel from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, at the San Diego Comic Con!

“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is truly one of the all-time classic adventure movies, and was a milestone for the Disney creative team,” said Bryan Ono, president of eFX Inc, in a written statement. “The Nautilus is a Disney icon, and our artisans and engineers have been working overtime to develop this extraordinary re-creation.”

While there is currently no word on release dates for this behemoth, eFX says there will be more information at SDCC, as well as the D23 Expo in September.

Hey MOTU Fans!

Oh man, this is BIG… the design team at Mattel just announced the first book in their “Designed @ Mattel” series and it’s a MOTU art book!

The book shows off the fantastic art of the MOTU brand from 1981 through current day. It’s packed with never-before-seen Mattel concept art, behind-the-scenes notes, posters, oil paintings, and a whole lot more from across the brand. All that MOTU art from over the years is mighty sweet, but the book also premiers concept art from new projects, like a proposed live action film!

It’s a soft-cover edition, limited to only 1,000 numbered copies. Each one comes with a numbered cover ribbon and an embossed seal. The first place they’ll be available is San Diego Comic-Con. Purchases will be limited to two per guest, per wait in line. And get this… you can even have your copy signed by the Mattel artists at the show!

If any units remain after the show they may be sold on Mattycollector.com, but honestly, we expect to sell out at SDCC. Be sure to come by the MattyCollector.com booth early for your chance to own a piece of MOTU history!

—Matty