Darth Plagueis is one of the few remaining dark lords in the Star Wars mythos, and he had an action figure release in the 1/18 scale segment of the Star Wars Black Series.![]()
Darth Plagueis
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2015 NYCC: Play-Arts Kai Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Figures
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More Photos from the Kingdom Doll and MetroDolls Events
I finally moved most of my new goodies into my studio in order to take better photographs.
Here are Liberty in her gorgeous Dior inspired suit and Chaucer in the optional purchase pink version of the suit along with close-ups of the jackets.
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Here are some photos of the amazing Bashettte bed that I won in the auction.
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The Marley doll was included along with her original outfit and box with shipper.
The bed is metal. The mattress, two pillows, sheet and top sheet are pink and white criss-crossed striped. The first coverlet is white with lace and embroidered and gathered inserts. Matching pillow covers on two more pillows. The quilt is a true miniature quilt with embroidered details that include tiny buttons. Two pillows use one of the quilt fabrics and another pillow is has a quilted face. As if that weren't enough there is also a crocheted throw. This is really a work of art that I just love owning.
The night gown on Marley is another handmade item along with her headband of flowers.
Since Marley is 12" tall, this bed is the correct scale for my Fashion Royalty dolls although the pink metal frame might be on the girly side for these sophisticated ladies. If I wanted to, I could always change the color of the frame.
This Marley is originally Ocean Mist Basic.
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I've had a few of the original Marley dolls but not for years. The line ended before the body was updated to bending wrists so she's a pretty stiff one. I think Tonner's Patience and the younger Sister Agnes use the same body with full articulation. I wonder if the vinyl is the same tone.
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Here are Liberty in her gorgeous Dior inspired suit and Chaucer in the optional purchase pink version of the suit along with close-ups of the jackets.
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Here are some photos of the amazing Bashettte bed that I won in the auction.
The Marley doll was included along with her original outfit and box with shipper.
The bed is metal. The mattress, two pillows, sheet and top sheet are pink and white criss-crossed striped. The first coverlet is white with lace and embroidered and gathered inserts. Matching pillow covers on two more pillows. The quilt is a true miniature quilt with embroidered details that include tiny buttons. Two pillows use one of the quilt fabrics and another pillow is has a quilted face. As if that weren't enough there is also a crocheted throw. This is really a work of art that I just love owning.
The night gown on Marley is another handmade item along with her headband of flowers.
Since Marley is 12" tall, this bed is the correct scale for my Fashion Royalty dolls although the pink metal frame might be on the girly side for these sophisticated ladies. If I wanted to, I could always change the color of the frame.
This Marley is originally Ocean Mist Basic.
I've had a few of the original Marley dolls but not for years. The line ended before the body was updated to bending wrists so she's a pretty stiff one. I think Tonner's Patience and the younger Sister Agnes use the same body with full articulation. I wonder if the vinyl is the same tone.
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Introducing the Third 2015 W Club Exclusive: "Never Ordinary"
On Friday, the members of the W Club were introduced to the third 2015 club exclusive. It is a 2 doll set of the Nu.Face twins, Lilith and Eden. The 'special' W Club 10th Anniversary price is $199.
Deposits of $25. are due immediately but we won't see the dolls for at least 5-8 months!
I don't like being locked in for such a long time for a doll I don't even collect whose hair is just about the strangest style I've ever seen on a doll.
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These two do not appeal to me. Prior releases of these characters have been much more interesting and prettier.
But they are nice dolls and I think people will order them just to have a set of twins as they are hard to get. The edition size will be based upon how many in the club order so it could go over 1000 and most likely will. Not quite exclusive anymore.
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Deposits of $25. are due immediately but we won't see the dolls for at least 5-8 months!
I don't like being locked in for such a long time for a doll I don't even collect whose hair is just about the strangest style I've ever seen on a doll.
These two do not appeal to me. Prior releases of these characters have been much more interesting and prettier.
But they are nice dolls and I think people will order them just to have a set of twins as they are hard to get. The edition size will be based upon how many in the club order so it could go over 1000 and most likely will. Not quite exclusive anymore.
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Never Ordinary Eden and Lilith - the third official W Club exclusive!
This year the W Club offerings are a bit later than usual - it seems most of the dolls will be arriving before or after the year's end holidays. The third club offering is a collector's favourite and a chance for all members to get the infamous twins: Eden and Lilith. Not seeing them on the long-awaited Nu Face line up this year made everyone anxious - no more!
Item # 82060
Never Ordinary
Lilith and Eden™ Dressed Duo-Doll Gift Set
The Nu.Face™ Collection
2015 W Club Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Q1/Early Q2, 2016
Regular W Club Price: $225.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.
Special W Club 10th Anniversary Price: $199.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.
*Deposit of $25.00 due immediately at pre-order, balance of $174.00 + shipping and handling (and tax for Maryland residents) due approximately late Q1/early Q2, 2016.
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Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpts: Lilith and Eden
Body Type: Nu. Face 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Colors: Pale Blond with Platinum Streak (Eden) and Raven with Brunette Streak (Lilith)
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
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The W club member can pre-order the doll by placing a deposit until the 19th of October, one set per membership. I bet this will be a very popular set - and why not? The price is good, the dolls look great and the sculpt is one of the most popular.
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I like the dolls and outfits and love the accessories. I am a bit sceptical about the hairstyle - it looks modern this season but will date a lot in six months time.
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Here are the accessories - best part of the set:
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The W Club sleuths dug up in no time the inspiration behind the set. The outfits are from Balmain Resort 2016:
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The hand bag is Stella McCartney's Falabella:
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And the hairstyle is apparently this one:
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Item # 82060
Never Ordinary
Lilith and Eden™ Dressed Duo-Doll Gift Set
The Nu.Face™ Collection
2015 W Club Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Q1/Early Q2, 2016
Regular W Club Price: $225.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.
Special W Club 10th Anniversary Price: $199.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.
*Deposit of $25.00 due immediately at pre-order, balance of $174.00 + shipping and handling (and tax for Maryland residents) due approximately late Q1/early Q2, 2016.
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpts: Lilith and Eden
Body Type: Nu. Face 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Colors: Pale Blond with Platinum Streak (Eden) and Raven with Brunette Streak (Lilith)
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Lilith and Eden are 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion dolls with new, duo-toned fully rooted hairstyles. Lilith comes dressed in sleek form fitted matte jersey pants and a purple satin top with black lace overlay, covered by an intricately constructed faux-leather jacket with corset seaming. She completes her look with a faux suede tote, faux leather high-heeled sandals and the introduction of a brand new set of jewellery debuting here in this set for the first time. Eden wears a pink organza cocktail dress with a contrasting black lace overlay and piping detail under a boiled wool look blazer. She comes complete with accessories that she can share with her sister: a panelled clutch, ankle booties with chain detail and a gold collar necklace with contrasting black epoxy inset detailing. Each doll comes with her own Nu.Face branded doll stand. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.
As with every doll that has an intricate hairstyle, there is of course the obligatory notice from Integrity about tampering with it:
Please note that while the ponytails may be taken down, the swirl updo has been styled to look exactly the way it does by our hairstylists and we cannot guarantee that this portion of the hairstyle will look good if taken down. Please be aware that taking this new hairstyle apart (should you decide to do so) will be done at your own risk and will void the warranty on the doll's head.
The W club member can pre-order the doll by placing a deposit until the 19th of October, one set per membership. I bet this will be a very popular set - and why not? The price is good, the dolls look great and the sculpt is one of the most popular.
I like the dolls and outfits and love the accessories. I am a bit sceptical about the hairstyle - it looks modern this season but will date a lot in six months time.
Here are the accessories - best part of the set:
The W Club sleuths dug up in no time the inspiration behind the set. The outfits are from Balmain Resort 2016:
The hand bag is Stella McCartney's Falabella:
And the hairstyle is apparently this one:
Pictures of prototype dolls are shown; final production colours and textures may vary slightly.All photos of dolls and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.
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Rejection Introduction – Backhand Rejection
Learn the basics of Yoyo Rejections, including detailed instructions on the Basic Backhand Rejection.
The post Rejection Introduction – Backhand Rejection appeared first on YoYoTricks.com.
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Behind the scenes: what is it really like to work at a toy company?
The makers of RingStix talk about what it's like to work at a toy company: What's the office environment like? Is it like the movie Big? Serious when dealing with manufacturing, sales and big retail companies. Playful with marketing and at tradeshows. I guess it's pretty accurate! Have you always loved toys? What are your favorites? Not really, but now I wouldn't do anything else because I get to travel a lot and play with toys all day. I love: WordAround by ThinkFun Balderdash Living![]()
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My Latest Cross-Stitch Project - Joy Of Christmas Cross-Stitch Picture - Mill Hill Buttons & Beads Cross-Stitch Kit - MH14-5301
I love creating Christmas crafts with the word "Joy" in them because my Mother's name was "Joy" and every time I look at them I smile knowing she's looking down on me. The Christmas Collage - Cross Stitch Kit
I completed recently and which I posted about here also had the word "Joy" in it.The Joy of Christmas Beaded Counted Cross Stitch Kit Mill Hill Buttons & Beads 2015 Winter Series MH145301
pattern uses full counted cross-stitch and straight stitch highlighting as well as beads of various sizes for emphasis and depth. The pattern also calls for certain areas of the perforated paper to be left untouched as the background. In this case they were leaving sections of the green perforated paper background untouched.I decided to frame my finished cross-stitch picture in the Mill Hill Wooden Frame, 6 by 6-Inch, Holiday Red
, which is shown in the picture above. It's a 6" x 6" handpainted red wooden frame without glass. Unlike the shadowbox frames I had been using more of the perforated paper would be seen surrounding the cross-stitch picture.The pattern called for a red frame and certain areas of the perforated paper to be left untouched as the background like the picture shown below:
However, I don't like seeing the different perforated sections in the background and since a lot more of it would be exposed with this frame I opted instead to finish all of the background with a light green DMC embroidery floss color sewn as a half cross-stitch using two strands of the floss.
I had decided to square the edges of my picture and also decided to add as many rows of the green floss around all the edges to make sure the perforated paper would not be visible once my cross stitch picture was inserted into the wooden frame.
I also decided to once again utilize the rectangular wood frame jig that my darling husband built for me that I could tape the edges of my perforated paper to. The wood frame jig is a rectangular embroidery hoop of sorts, but without bending the perforated paper. He had made it out of 1/2" x 1" pine wood strips with an adjustable center strip that I used for this 5 x 5 square design.
I had learned from previous mistakes that I needed to draw diagonal lines to locate the exact center of the perforated paper and also drew diagonal lines across each corner of the pattern to get the center point as well.
While the end results of this design were wonderful some things in the kit and in the instructions could be improved upon so I'd like to offer the following constructive suggestions:
The cross-stitch chart was in black and white as was the floss color code and symbol key. Both were easy to read and very clear. While I had no problem with the chart and keys I did have a problem with the way the DMC floss was presented. All of the floss was tied together in one big knot so you had to separate the floss pieces yourself, sort them, and try to interpret which color belonged to which floss # and symbol key on the color chart. If you only have a few colors to deal with this isn't a problem. However, if you have several different colors to choose from that are close in color then interpreting the chart can be tricky. You may assign the wrong color to the wrong symbol if the colors are too closely aligned.
As I have done with other cross-stitch kits I've completed I had to design my own thread color sorter and symbol key. I took a piece of thin cardboard and cut a 1" x 9" long rectangular piece out to use as a thread sorter. I then punched 12 holes in my cardboard strip in which to tie each of the different colors. Just above the hole I wrote the DMC floss # and just below the hole I added the respective cross-stitch symbol. I then inserted the floss threads that went with that # and symbol through the hole and tied them in a loose knot. This kit could be much improved if a thread sorter with respective #'s and symbols was provided.
The beads were contained within three small ziploc bags which was fine. However, when several different beads of similar color or size are included within the bags it can be very difficult to distinguish between the colors or between the petite and regular size beads. The chart had symbols and footnotes to try to help distinquish which beads were within which bag. However, labeling the ziploc bags as to which bead number they contained would have made this a lot simpler and would enhance this kit and allow you to easily tie the bead # to the symbol number on the charts.
The kit included a present button that was to be sewn next to the red cross-stitch present. The button wasa okay except it was glued to a small piece of cardboard which did not easily come off and the glue used had hardened and extended over the sides of the button. It was very difficult to cut with scissors it was so hard. I managed to make it presentable enough to use in my picture. I have found over time that the buttons used in the Mill Hill cross-stitch kits are usually of poor quality and the worst parts of the kits. Sometimes I use them sometimes I don't.
The wooden frame came with a 6" x 6" cardboard mounting board for the picture but had no back so I I decided to cut a 6" x 6" white foam board as filler for the back. I also cut a piece of heavy decorative paper and taped it to the back of the picture with double sided tape to finish the back of the frame. The frame could be hung as a picture or stand with an enclosed dowel peg used as an easel and I opted for the latter.
My results with the totally finished background, square edges, and red frame is shown below:
Despite the relatively small issues I had encountered with the kit I was happy with the way my Christmas Collage turned out.
It took me 37 hours to complete this picture including the framing. As always, my comments are meant to be constructive to enable future purchasers to benefit from my experience and to enhance their ability to create a wonderful little cross-stitch design.
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The AFB Podcast Episode 189: Marvel Legends Hulkbuster Wave / Action Figure Home Improvements
Episode 189 of the AFB Podcast is live at iTunes and is now available for direct download! Download and subscribe to the podcast at iTunes now!
This week, join Scott, Ben and Eddie for a great new show with all of the latest news and reviews and some vintage goodies with great stories!
This week we check out the Marvel Legends Hulkbuster Wave and then go back to our childhood play to discuss Action Figure Home Improvements.
If you don't use iTunes, you can download Episode 189 here now! Click on the link to listen, or right click to save the file! The podcast will always be available from the “Podcast” tab here - but if you can subscribe and give us positive ratings at iTunes, that will help us greatly!
This week we check out the Marvel Legends Hulkbuster Wave and then go back to our childhood play to discuss Action Figure Home Improvements.
If you don't use iTunes, you can download Episode 189 here now! Click on the link to listen, or right click to save the file! The podcast will always be available from the “Podcast” tab here - but if you can subscribe and give us positive ratings at iTunes, that will help us greatly!
Have a listen, and please give us some feedback at podcast@actionfigureblues.com - we might even read out your feedback on the next show!
Happy listening!
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News Covered in this Episode
News Covered in this Episode
- October Toys Skeleton Warriors Grimskull Kickstarter not funded, will go again
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Toy News Roundup: ‘NYCC Reveals’, ‘Horror’ and Import TMNT… Finally
Today is Sunday and it’s time for the 109th edition of the Toy News Roundup. Here we round-up all of the most important toy news of the week from our site, and also link you to any toy news that we...
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]![]()
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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Toy News Roundup: ‘NYCC Reveals’, ‘Horror’ and Import TMNT… Finally
Today is Sunday and it’s time for the 109th edition of the Toy News Roundup. Here we round-up all of the most important toy news of the week from our site, and also link you to any toy news that we didn’t cover. So let’s see what the big toy news was this week, shall we? […]
Toy News Roundup: ‘NYCC Reveals’, ‘Horror’ and Import TMNT… Finally">Read More...
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An Exclusive Look At A Rare And Charming Steiff Cocker Spaniel
Pull up a chair and check out this really sweet sitting little dog! She's based on a standard line Steiff dog from the 1960's and 1970's... but with a little "exclusive" twist. Do you recognize her?
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It's probably no surprise that this black and white sitting Cocker Spaniel is named Cockie. She is 12 cm tall and head jointed. Her body is white mohair that has been hand airbrushed with black spots and highlights. Her ears are made from solid black mohair. Her face comes to life with black and white plastic "google" style eyes, a black hand embroidered nose, and an expressive muzzle area. She wears her original red collar and has all of her Steiff IDs, including her "raised script" style button, named "bear faced" chest tag, and yellow ear tag. Her unusual accessory is a metal leash, which is original to her.
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This sitting sweetie was produced from 1962 through 1966 only, and exclusively for the upscale toy retailer F.A.O. Schwarz. She came as part of a doghouse set. This consisted of a dollhouse style kennel, a red plastic food bowl, the metal dog lead, and a bone. The kennel had a pull cord on the top, and when you pulled it, it made a barking/growing noise. This set was most likely "assembled" at F.A.O. Schwarz. You can see this doghouse set here on the left, the photo is from Gunther Pfeiffer's 1947-2003 Steiff Sortiment Book.
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This F.A.O. Schwarz Cockie design is based on Steiff's standard line black and white standing Steiff Cocker Spaniel which appeared in the Steiff line from 1960-1976 in 12, 19, and 29 cm overall. But, like many Steiff F.A.O. Schwarz dog items, this exclusive pattern was slightly different than the standard line version, so it was very desirable for collectors. Other such F.A.O. Schwarz examples included standing Dally Dalmatians (produced in 11, 22, and 28 cm from 1953 through 1955; the standard line versions were sitting) and a 15 cm standing open mouthed beagle, produced from 1965 through 1966 only; the standard line standing beagle was closed-mouthed. An example of Steiff's standard line standing black and white Cockie is pictured here on the left.
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Tongues are awag over Cockie's really cool ear tag. It is pictured here on the left. The numbers on it are quite descriptive indeed, and are 3312,96. In Steiff code, that translates to: 3=sitting; 3=mohair; 12=12 cm; 9=display animal or special edition; and 6=black. Unfortunately, it has been years since Steiff has used such a numbering/identification system for their items, the digits on today's tags are purely for transactional and tracking purposes.
Steiffgal hopes this discussion on this adorable and sitting F.A.O. Schwarz Cocker Spaniel has been an exclusive experience for you!
Have a question about one of your Steiff treasures? Let's talk! Click here to learn more.
This F.A.O. Schwarz Cockie design is based on Steiff's standard line black and white standing Steiff Cocker Spaniel which appeared in the Steiff line from 1960-1976 in 12, 19, and 29 cm overall. But, like many Steiff F.A.O. Schwarz dog items, this exclusive pattern was slightly different than the standard line version, so it was very desirable for collectors. Other such F.A.O. Schwarz examples included standing Dally Dalmatians (produced in 11, 22, and 28 cm from 1953 through 1955; the standard line versions were sitting) and a 15 cm standing open mouthed beagle, produced from 1965 through 1966 only; the standard line standing beagle was closed-mouthed. An example of Steiff's standard line standing black and white Cockie is pictured here on the left. 
Steiffgal hopes this discussion on this adorable and sitting F.A.O. Schwarz Cocker Spaniel has been an exclusive experience for you!
Have a question about one of your Steiff treasures? Let's talk! Click here to learn more.
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Playtime Afternoons
I took the girls out for a little fun, and honestly, I’m still not over all the magic my Disney re-ments bring. :) “Danboard? Danboard, have you seen Sebastian anywhere?” Check out these cupcakes trying to escape. :) Care … Continue reading →![]()
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set database: LEGO 75110 luke skywalker
set database: LEGO 75110 luke skywalker
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set number: 75110
set name: luke skywalker
theme: starwars, buildable figure
year: 2015
pieces: 83
price: us$20
minifig: none
come with a luke skywalker ultrabuild figure.
image courtesy of brickmerge
image courtesy of george
image courtesy of empik
image courtesy of amazon
set name: luke skywalker
theme: starwars, buildable figure
year: 2015
pieces: 83
price: us$20
minifig: none
the figure has fully posable limbs, buildable green lightsaber and blaster pistol, handcuffs and a holster with extra lightsaber handle.
great playability.
overall design is good.
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Wasp (Marvel Universe Infinite Series)
I am not exactly sure how much is coincidence and how much is actual planning when I see Hasbro producing figures for second-tier characters way in advance of they becoming relevant due to a mention or an appearance in any of the Marvel movies.![]()
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it’s a smallful celebration!
This week is Smallful’s one year anniversary! These Haunted Houses, Magical Masks, and Willow Paper Doll with Costumes were the beginning of it all. To celebrate, we’ll be having flash sales all week long (a new sale each day til midnight!) and there may or may not be a celebratory free printable coming to all […]
The post it’s a smallful celebration! appeared first on Small for Big.
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set database: LEGO 75111 darth vader
set database: LEGO 75111 darth vader
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set number: 75111
set name: darth vader
theme: starwars, buildable figure
year: 2015
pieces: 160
price: us$30
minifig: none
come with a darth vader ultrabuild figure.
image courtesy of brickmerge
image courtesy of hamleys
image courtesy of ox
image courtesy of empik
image courtesy of amazon
set name: darth vader
theme: starwars, buildable figure
year: 2015
pieces: 160
price: us$30
minifig: none
the figure has fully posable limbs, black armoured suit, fabric cape and a buildable red lightsaber.
great playability.
overall design is good.
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Deth P. Sun Vinyl Figure Preorder
Deth P. Sun’s heroic cat of mysterious adventures steps out from 2D to 3D for the first time. Here’s your first look at the resin prototypes. Produced by FOE Gallery, Cat with Dagger is now available for preorder through October 19. Cat with Dagger classic edition figure is grey vinyl with white, black, and silver […]![]()
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MOTUC Perfuma Video Review & Images
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Mario has his hands full with new S.H. Figuarts Bowser and troops
Bandai, what are you doing to us? You put Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi up at standard retail, but we have to go to Premium Bandai for Bowser and a troop set? Hopefully Blue Fin can help us out. But that's not even the most annoying thing about these.
Bowser looks good, but that's about all he has going for him. His articulation is very limited with no knee or elbow joints. He comes with a couple replaceable jaws which are nice, but his hand options are only slightly different from each other. I really wish they would have included fists instead. He does come with a gray stand which is a nice change, but is it asking to much to have it painted with a rope bridge pattern since the gray is pointless to use with any of the troops? But the biggest problem comes when you stand Bowser next to Mario; he's so small! He's only a little bit taller than Mario which makes the price of ¥6,480 (US$54) really hard to swallow. On top of that you can't buy him directly outside of Japan so unless we get a domestic release we'll be paying out the nose for him.
As for the troop set it also has some major faults. First off how often do we see just a single lone Hammber Bro? Well that's all we get in this set, just one single unarticulated Hammer Bro. And while it's nice that they put a hole in the hammer so it can be stuck to a stand to make it look like it's being thrown, you only get one hammer in the box! Come on, Bandai, how much can those hammers cost? I think people would be happy to buy a box that was nothing but two Hammer Bros, some bricks to stand on, and a half dozen hammers. He's packed with Lakitu and a Spiny, which are both very nice, but if you want a second Hammer Bro you're going to have to buy a second Lakitu and leave him in the box. If only the set came with a second Hammer Bro, then I think people would be more than willing to pay a little more than the ¥4,320 (US$36) asking price. Like Bowser this set will also be out in April.
I've heard a lot of people say they'll probably track down a World of Nintendo Bowser and that certainly seems like a good option.
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More Pages to Explore .....
