TOY NEWS FOR 5/31/2013 - SDCC 2013 - NECA - EXCLUSIVE - KICK-ASS 2 FIGURE SET

Do you like words like "ass" and "motherfucker" on your action figure packaging? If so, then this is going to be you're only way to get it!

Yes, it was obvious that NECA could not put the name of Kick-Ass' nemisis, "The Motherfucker" (formally "Red Mist" from the first film) on the packaging if it was going to be in stores like Toys R Us and FYE, but it looks like even the name "Kick-Ass" will be censored, too.

But if you're headed to this years' San Diego Comic-Con, then NECA is going to give you the chance to own these figures in the uncensored packaging they are meant to be in.

The set will cost you $75 at the show. More than I'd like to pay for some cuss words on the packaging-- especially considering the fact the that figures will the exact same ones that will arrive at retail-- but if you want to keep thes carded, or just want to get them a little early, then this might very will be worth the extra coin.

TOY NEWS FOR 5/31/2013 - BANDAI - S.H. FIGUARTS - KAMEN RIDER RYUKI - KAMEN RIDER ABYSS

Coming from the world of Kamen Rider Ryuki, he never actually appeared in the Ryuki series. He was an original Rider that appeared in Episode 6 of Kamen Rider Decade.

If you don't know about Kamen Rider Decade, well, it's a bit convoluted to explain. But in simple terms, Decade is a Rider who travels to all the other Riders' universes (call AR World). Because of this, the series feature many (most) of the other Riders that came before him.

Kamen Rider Abyss also appeared (briefly) in the "Let's Go Kamen Riders" film.

This is a strange and interesting choice for Bandai and Figuarts, but it's proof to their commitment to create figures from every Rider in the show's nearly 50 year history.

He's set for a September release. The price is still TBA.

TOY NEWS FOR 5/31/2013 - SQUARE ENIX - PLAY ARTS KAI - FINAL FANTASY VII - VINCENT VALLENTINE

It's amazing to me that this game, released back in 1997, was so influential and ahead of its time that is still resonates with collectors and gamers 16 years later.

I remember loving it myself, even though I could never defeat that damned final boss. I even had the entire collection of Bandai figures.

Ahhh... how things can change in 16 years. Play Arts' version of Vincent Valentine is a thousand times better than the one made all those years ago. I love progress, especially when it's related to toys and action figures.

This figure will be released in Sept for about $80.00

(KINDA) TOY NEWS FOR 5/31/2013 - NECA - ROBOCOP TO ED-209 SIZE COMPARISON

Like many of you, I've been wondering about the actual size of NECA's forthcoming ED-209 figure in comparison to the already released Robocop figure(s). Thanks to this pic that NECA Tweeted out today, we finally have our answer!

TOY NEWS FOR 5/31/2013 - NECA - PACIFIC RIM - 18" GYPSY DANGER

Here is the official information on NECA's insanely awesome looking 18" Gypsy Danger figure. (You can find the original prototype picture here.) It's like I'm living in the days of the Shogun Warriors all over again!!

This is at the top of my most anticipated figures of 2013. The NECA 18" figures are simply a sight to behold in person. No photos on the internet will ever do them justice, trust me. They have a certain presence in person that just can't be captured in a picture. (Those of you who have NECA 1/4 scale figures know what I'm talking about.)

This awesome beast should be ready to ship in August for 99.99

TOY NEWS FOR 5/31/2013 - NECA - ALIENS SERIES 1 - DIORAMA PHOTOSHOOT

Just in case you weren't excited enough to finally get your hands on NECA's upcoming Aliens Series 1 figures (due to start hit stores in a few weeks), they posted up these amazing photos on their Facebook page today.

Using the display diorama from Toy Fair, they created this moody and dramatic looking photo shoot featuring the Warrior Alien, Hudson and Hicks.

So much NECA goodness coming out in the next few months. This is going to a fantastic summer full of great toys from them!

TOY NEWS FOR 5/25/2013 - NECA - PACIFIC RIM - PACKAGED FIGURE PICS

UPDATE 5/30/2013 - UPDATED WITH NEW PICS!!

I don't know what I'm more anxious for, the film or the figures!

I only pray to god that this isn't another Sucker Punch (literally and figuratively), where I loved the trailers and looked forward to the move more than anything else, and it turned out to be a complete flaming turd of a film.

I had a lot of faith in Zach Snyder, having loved both 300 and his interpretation of the Watchmen graphic novel (which is no small feat for any filmmaker!). But, in the end, left to his own devices and given complete creative freedom, all his weakness as a filmmaker became glaringly obvious. The action and designs still stand as some of the best I've seen, though. The geek in me will always love those aspects.

As for Pacific Rim, it is another film that embodies all the things that truly make me geek out. I do have a lot of faith in Guillermo Del Toro as well, but that last Hellboy film was seriously painful to watch. With the creative reigns off, I hope Del Toro soars where as Snyder fell. (Still can't wait to his Man of Steel film, though!)

Just released in Hong Kong is the first wave of Pacific Rim figures! They should be hitting here stateside in a little under a month.

Love the figures (what I can see of them) and the packaging. And look at the size of the Knifehead Kaiju! Just awesome!

Click the pics to enlarge

TOY NEWS FOR 5/30/2013 - HOT TOYS - ROBOCOP - ROBOCOP WITH MECHANICAL CHAIR & ED-209

Many months ago, Hot Toys showed a work-in-progress prototype for their new Robocop figure (the produced two version previously-- as well as an ED-209-- about 8 years ago), and now, here it is in all its diecast(!) glory!

That's right, the Robocop figure will have diecast parts! But that's not the only thing that makes this an interesting release. In a Hot Toys first, Robocop, as well as the ED-209, will both be talking figures!

That's right, they will have sound chips that can be activated with a remote control(!) (something Bandai has already done with their diecast Chogokin line.) I've always wished that Hot Toys would use a remote system for the lights on their Iron Man figures, so perhaps this is a first step in that direction.

So, aside from the awesomeness of both "Officer Murphy" (Robocop) and his (somewhat) rival, ED-209, this can only make me wonder if/when we'll see other "talking" figures from Hot Toys.

Alright, I quit talking and get to the pics. I mean, that's why you're really here anyway, right? :-P

Click on the photos to enlarge.

ED-209 will be out in Q1 2014 at a price of 409.99

Robocop will be released in Q2 2014 for 299.99. The "Mechanical Chair" version (which includes the same figure are the single Robocop release) will sell for 424.99, also to be released in Q2 2014

So, you've got almost a full year before these are released. Plenty of time to start saving those pennies! I know I will be!