The Return of Battle Beasts****Update*****

   Ok, so here's an update.  Evidently these Battle Beasts have nothing to do with the Battle Beasts of yore.  They just happen to be animals that fight each other and have a collectible figure line with the same name.  So there is no return, these are new.  

 I loooooooooooooooooved Battle Beasts when I was a kid.  What could be better than a bunch of heavily armed, anthropomorphic creatures that wanted to whoop each others behinds?  Then you add in their holograms that had a rock-paper-scissor effect on the outcome of their fights and it was everything a kid could ask for.  And a nightmare for parents because there were tons of these things and you had to get them all or you were a loser.  Thank God someone finally wised up and is resurrecting this toy line. The folks at Diamond Select Toys are making some pretty killer updates to this classic franchise.  The toys are now much more articulate, as they are built as Minimates, and they look a lot tougher. There's even going to be a comic book from IDW to go along with these new figures.

 They gave away this awesome clear red ram dude at C2E2 this past weekend and I'm sure he's going to be heavily sought after.  Actually, I know this for a fact because people are already trying to get $100 for one on eBay.  There was also a solid grey version as well that is commanding some big bucks.  

DC Direct Announcements at C2E2

    The C2E2 convention was held in Chicago this past weekend, and while I didn't personally attend, I have found out some fun things through the magic of the internet.  I showed you these figures from The New 52 line of comics already, but DC has announced that you can purchase them all at one in a special 7 pack and part of the proceeds will go to We Can Be Heroes, which has been established to help fight hunger in the Horn of Africa.  Oh, and if that isn't enough to get you to buy them you also get the Superman figure before he's released anywhere else.  See, everyone wins.  

    They also showed everyone this Dr. Manhattan statue that will be part of their Before Watchmen collectibles line.  Most people have already deemed this prequel to the legendary Watchmen as an act of heresy, but we have to look past that and be appreciative that they were nice enough to cover his ding-a-ling on this toy.  The movie was amazing but all anyone could talk about was his Smurf all out and about.  Penises are distracting and nothing can be taken seriously once one has been spotted.  Not that his Speedo is a vast improvement, but at least I feel like I can have a conversation while this thing is in the room and not feel the need to point. 

Custom Toy Event of the Week: My Little Pony Project

   
    If my wife was in charge of putting together a toy show, this is the one she would have dreamed about. The My Little Pony Project opens May 5th at Toy Art Gallery in Los Angeles and features some pretty amazing artists putting their spin on this classic toy.  64 Colors, Julie West, Sket One, and Touma are some of the artists I'm most excited to see, as I think their style will translate well onto this platform.  The last time they did a My Little Pony custom show, Hasbro actually produced Junko Mizuno's design so hopefully one or more of the customs will actually be released on a mass scale.  

Lovebirds from Kronk x Kidrobot

    Check these little guys out.  Kronk and Kidrobot are proud to present their newest collaboration, Love Birds.  Each bird is sold individually and has little heart shaped feet that are ready to connect to those of the one it loves.  Kronk continues to amaze me with just how unpredictable his designs are.  The last toy I got from him was a mutant flying dog with some serious fire power strapped to his back.  This is definitely not where I expected him to go next, but that is not a bad thing at all; it keeps things interesting.  You can pick up your Love Birds on April 26th for $19.95 each.  

Jason Limon x Kidrobot 8 Inch Dunny

    Ok, let me calm my nerves for just a second, cause this might be one of the most amazing Dunny figures I've ever seen.  This beautiful piece of plastic is the work of artist Jason Limon.  I'd like to think I'd have something clever to say about this, but I think the pictures speak for themselves.  This will be available for $70 on April 26th from the folks at Kidrobot.  Only 1000 were made and I can guarantee you they won't last through the day.  

Huck Gee x The Beast Brothers Skullendario Royal Guard

    You know what time it is? It's time to spend all that tax money you just got back from the government. Forget buying your kids a new bike, or fixing that leaking roof. Those things are for suckers, and you my friend, are no sucker. Instead, buy this beautiful work of art from Huck Gee and The Beast Brothers. This Royal Guard figure is the second in their Skullendario collaborative series, which blends the best of their talents into a disturbing typhoon of awesome. This swanky toy is hand made, detailed with real Swarovski crystals, and comes packaged in a laser engraved wooden box. Just like last time, this guy will go one sale for a 24 hour period for $475 and they will only make the amount that is ordered. If you want to get one your window opens April 20th at 1pm. Don't be a wussy, just get one and apologize to your landlord later for that lack of rent payment. He'll understand.

Harley Quinn Kotobukiya Figure Update

    I showed you the drawing that was the inspiration for this toy and now you can see what these wizards of plastic have crafted from that very picture. Kotobukiya have added Harley Quinn to their amazing lineup of Boshoujo statues. Ms. Quinn stands 10 inches tall and will be available in September. Just in time for Christmas. For me.