Resident Evil S.T.A.R.S Replica Badge

Hollywood Collectibles has announced, among its other San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive, their Resident Evil Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.) Replica Badge.

Based on the badge used by Chris and the other STARS members in the video games, this officially licensed, Undercover Version, solid die-cast metal replica S.T.A.R.S. badge is intricately detailed, and is complete with a genuine leather badge holder & metal neck chain The metal badge is 3¼" long and the leather holder is 4½" overall length. 34" chain.

The badge is set at $49.95 and will be limited to just 500 pieces.  While listed as a SDCC exclusive, HCG has set aside a very limited quantity of said replica badge for those unable to make it to SDCC.  So if you've got your eyes set on this awesome replica S.T.A.R.S badge, jump here to reserve yours today.

Morphing Rorschach Mask

Okay, so Rorschach is probably my favorite character in Watchmen -- let's get that out of the way.  And his mask is just bad-ass, constantly influx and morphing inkblots. Anyways, the folks at "Rorschach Masks" have created just that, a set of inkblot marks that actual move and morph.  The trick here is that these one-size fits all spandex masks use a nontoxic fabric ink that reacts to your breath.  The video below, showing all 5 versions, just says it all. Way too cool!! [Source: FashionablyGEEK]

Fifty Evangelion 3.0 Character Goods Revealed

What better way to commemorate the release of Evangelion 3.0 You Can [Not] Redo than with just about 50 awesome character goods to be sold by theaters starting this Saturday. Well, 46 awesome merchandise to be exact.  You can expect to find the usual (and beautiful) clear file folders, stickers, pens, straps, and different mobile goodies.  But within the 46 items are some special picks that have got this EVA afficianado giving her gotta-have-it face.

If I were lucky enough to make it to theaters in Japan, my shopping list would include:

• Item 17 - Who doesn't need a letter opener?  So why not make it a spear letter opener?
• Item 22 - Sure, there are plenty of keychains out there, but this one has got that special something.
• Item 25 - Why not a monolithic way to tell time with this Seele-type clock...
• Item 31 - To all the Ritsuko lovers, you gotta have an official Nerv ashtray.
• Item 35 - And you'll definitely need a pass case when you catch the train.
• Item 38 - My personal favorite is the perennial calendar that is made to last...genius-ly styled after the Nerv elevator floor number display.
• Item 43 - Because we all get hungry eventually, why not have some cookies with Kaworu's silhouette?

Check out the entire list here and full catalog photo here.  And while you're at it, be sure to drop me a line if you find it in your heart to pick up some items for me from my wishlist :) From one Eva fan to another...

Evangelion Rei Ayanami Slide

As part of the Shiohaku Expo 2012 summer amusement event, an 18.5 meter (60 foot) long figure of Rei Ayanami (Neon Genesis Evangelion) will be built outside of the NTV Tower in the Shiodome area of Tokyo.

The "Gundam-sized" figure will feature a slide that attendees can slide down during the event, which will take place from July 25th through August 26th, 10 am to 6pm daily.

And if that wasn't enough, a third branch of the beautiful wallet-breaking Evangelion store will open in the nearby NTV building and will feature limited edition merchandise.  Check out the official NTV site as more details (and hopefully pics) emerge. [Source: Evangelion via ANN]

Resident Evil Cafe and Grill S.T.A.R.S.

Back in January 2012, Capcom opened up a Capcom Bar in Shinjuki that sells drinks and food inspired by titles such as Monster Hunter, Ace Attorney and Resident Evil (braiiiins).  Well if that wasn't enough, The Resident Evil franchise will now be opening a Resident Evil Cafe and Grill S.T.A.R.S. in Shibuya.

While the restaurant's actual menu has not been released, Capcom has promised limited items and dance performances from Dance Team S.T.A.R.S. Angelique.

The Cafe and Grill will open, fittingly, on Friday the 13th next month, for just one year. [Source: Andriasang via G4TV]

Ghost in the Shell "Tachikoma" Sneakers

Shoe maker Reebox teams up with Japanese figure maker Megahouse for a super duper limited edition run of "Ghost in the Shell" sneakers.  The design for these GiTS sneakers were inspired by the cute walker bots Tachikomas.  The "Tachikoma-blue" coloring is perfect and I love the little details such as the "Section 9" logo found on the heel side.

If these "feets of fury" tickle your fancy, get your battle face ready and shopping strategy set as you attempt to get your hands on one of the 500 pairs that will be available in the world.  Yes, just 500 pairs will be made and will be available in Japan starting next month for 21,000 yen. [Source: Megahobby via Kotaku]

Shinsei Rock Musical Bleach REprise Cast

The rock musical remake of Kubo Tite's Bleach manga is returning to Tokyo this summer in Shinsei Rock Musical Bleach REprise. This is a revival of the musical that was performed in six locations nationwide last year.

The musical will run from August 30th through September 9th at the Shinagawa Stellar Ball. The cast includes several new cast members, including a new Ichigo actor from last year's Shinsei run.

• Masashi Ōyama as Kisuke Urahara
• Eisuke Tsuda as Jūshirō Ukitake
• Kōhei Norizuki as Ichigo Kurosaki
• Miki Satou as Rukia Kuchiki  
• Kōsuke Kujirai as Renji Abarai  
• Yūya Kido as Tōshirō Hitsugaya
• Motohiro Ōta as Byakuya Kuchiki
• Isamu Ishizaka as Shunsui Kyrōraku
• Kanami Ayano as Haruka (original stage play character)
• Shinya Niiro as Niiro Shinya (original stage play character)

Check out the official website here.  [Source: Natalie via ANN]

Portal 2-inspired Hoodies at J!NX

J!NX brings us two absolutely fabulous Portal 2-inspired hoodies.  They are perfect! You can choose between Turret hoodie detailed even right to the logo-etched zipper (for $69.99) or the perfectly orange Aperture Test Subject track jacket ($54.99).  Or, heck, why choose when you can get both? Now if only the weather was cooler.

Baltimore Comic-Con 2012 Registration Now Open

Attention comic lovers, one and all!  I'm happy to announce that registration is now open for this years Baltimore Comic-Con!!! So head on over to baltimorecomiccon.com to grab yours now.  The awesomest event will take place September 8-9 at the Baltimore Convention Center.  And of course Third Impact will be there to bring you all the goodies, and not to mention expand certain collections till we are counting dollars to make sure we've got enough for parking (yes, this happened to us last year).

Tickets that are now on sale include: General Admission for Saturday and Sunday, as well as Single-Day admission for both days; Stan Lee VIP Experience Tickets for Saturday only; and tickets for photo and autograph sessions with Stan Lee for Saturday only.

More exciting announcements are waiting for us in the coming weeks.  And believe me, you won't want to miss it.  Last year was massive in attendance and goodness and I can only anticipate what insanity will insue this year!  Once you've gotten your tickets, make sure your comic book databases are up to date, and hopefully before we know it, Baltimore Comic-Con will be here!

Star Trek Sulu Pour Homme Excelsior! Cologne

With Sulu Pour Homme, you'll always be ready for action!
Look good! Smell good!
Sulu for you!

Sulu Pour Homme, or Sulu for Men for those who are French-impaired, is the perfect cologne for the man who does everything, whether that be cataloguing exotic plants, collecting antique firearms, or piloting ancient helicopters and advanced starships. It's more than just choosing to live your life with style; Sulu dives straight to the soul and allows you to release your own Intergalactic Man of Mystery, that jaunty, fearless swashbuckler of a man who, whether he's wielding a rapier in a swordfight or commanding an Excelsior-class starship, is always ready for action. Oh my! 100 ml.

Need I say more? Get yours for $27.99, hot off the truck. [Source: Entertainment Earth via FashionablyGeek]

LEGO x INCEPTION

A brilliantly made video crossing the awesome world of Inception and Lego was created from an academic team project, spanning 12 weeks and representing about 1,000 hours of work.   This is too incredible for words and was absolutely time and effort well spent.  Check out the video below. You'll be sorry if you don't.  [Source: VFX via Kotaku]

LEGO 'INCEPTION' from VFX on Vimeo.

Stjepan Sejic's Dream Witchblade Series

Yes, it's true.  I have an unhealthy obsession with Top Cow Productions, and that is namely due to my even crazier obsession with ALL THINGS Stjepan Sejic.  He's absolutely brilliant and if I could have a walls, ceilings, floors all dripping with Sejic's work, I would. Ahem...well now that that's out of the way...

Sejic recently posted, on his DA page, a beautiful little sketch where at first glance you can see The Darkness and The Witchblade....but in a very different and intriguing scope. He writes: 

"Sometimes you just feel like you need a change to reboot yourself... and honestly something like this is what i would love to do.

A teen Witchblade and Darkness bearer, none of them fully in control of their powers, especially the darkness bearer who is protected by the dark but since he is 17 hasn't claimed his birthright yet.. just teenage dumbasses with regular problems having the world dropped on them every now and then XD"





I for one would definitely be interested on this new take of a series that has such a great background,solid groundwork, and perfectly detailed universe.  Sejic's unique style and digital work are what drew me to him, but he proves that he's got plenty of stunning styles and ideas I am willing and ready to dive into.

GBWC 2012 U.S. Championship

It's that time again.  Time to show off your insane love for building GunPla and grab that chance represent the U.S. in the Gunpla Builders World Cup 2012.  Top modelers from all over, including Japan, China, Austrialia and the U.S. battle it out and test their skills to claim the title of Gunpla World Cup Champion!

Check out the official website for more details and entry form.  U.S. regional contests will be held at these confirmed conventions which will judge up to 3 of your models based on painting, technical, and creativity.

Sakura-Con Seattle, Washington April 6th – 8th
Website: http://www.sakuracon.org/

Anime Central, Chicago, Illinois April 27th – 29th
Website: http://www.acen.org/

A-Kon, Dallas, Texas, June 1st – 3rd
Website: http://a-kon.com/

Anime Expo, Los Angeles, California June 29th – July 2nd
Website: www.anime-expo.org

Otakon, Baltimore Maryland July 27th – 29th
Website: www.otakon.com

NYAF/NYCC, New York Oct 11th – 14th
Website: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/

So what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite kit, fresh paint and brushes, and unique creativity -- and show that Gunpla who's boss!

Game of Thrones Iron Throne Replica Statue

Prepare to call your home King's Landing this November. The moment this replica arrives on your doorstep your dolls and figures will be fighting to declare themselves King and sit upon The Iron Throne!
Dark Horse Deluxe is at it again, continuing their alliance with HBO and Gentle Giant Studios to bring the fans of the realm a 14" replica of the iconic prop. (If you haven't already seen their collaboration on the beautiful Daenerys bust, make sure you check out Third Impact's post here.

Get your pre-orders in over at BigBadToyStore.com while you can. Only 500 Iron Thrones have been forged. However, you might need to have the wallet of a Lannister to afford the $274.99 price tag.

[Editor's Note: And for those well-off Lannisters who laugh at the $275 price tag -- how about a life size replica iron throne. I say again, a LIFE SIZE replica of the Iron Throne.  The throne is constructed of hand-finished, hand-painted fiberglass and fire-proof resin.  At over 7' in height,  close to 6' in depth and 5.5' in width, this custom-made throne weighs a whopping 350 pounds with a whopping price tag to match.   The Life Size Replica Iron Throne will cost you $30,000! ]

Makise Kurisu 1/3-scale Figure

Attention Steins;Gate fans! Attention Japanese doll collectors! Attention fans of all things awesome!  Japanese doll maker Azone International has announced a new addition to its "Hybrid Active Figure" line in the form of a whopping 1/3-scale figure of Steins;Gate's very own Makise Kurisu.  The figure will stand just under 20 inches (50 centimeters tall) and will come with not only a set of her basic street clothes and boots, but also her very own lab coat.

Preorders for Makise begins today and is scheduled to be released sometime in September.  This beautiful doll/figure will set you back a hefty 52,500 yen (or $660).  If you would be so inclined, check out Azone International for more details.

UPDATE 5/30/2012: And for those outside Japan, J-LIST has got your hook-up!!  You can preorder Makise here.

Camilla d'Errico "No Ordinary Love" Bust

Just revealed is Camilla d'Errico and Dark Horse's No Ordinary Love bust, based of Camilla's own titular painting featured in the "Femina and Fauna" artbook.

The gorgeous bust stands at 8 inches tall by 5 inches wide.  She will be released in June this year, limited to just 950 pieces worldwide.  The sculptwork was done in association with Gentle Giant, and supervised along with the paintwork by Camilla.  Each bust will be packaged in a full-color collectors box, along with a certificate of authenticity.  Its public debut is set for Toy Fair 2012, taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.

“'No Ordinary Love' is a piece that is very dear to me,” Camilla d’Errico reflected, “ its the visual interpretation and expression of my feelings for my ‘one and only’, so you can imagine how exciting this is that this particular piece was chosen!"

“Translating Camilla’s work into three-dimensions was a challenge,” Dark Horse’s David Scroggy observed, “but with a lot of help from Camilla and the skilled artisans at Gentle Giant Studios, we were able to arrive at a piece that is unmistakably d’Errico, with all the subtle nuance and details of sculpture and paint application that her audience would expect.”

The details, oh the details.  The No Ordinary Love bust in absolutely true to form - in color, in shape, in feeling, in everything.  It is without a doubt one of the most stunning painting to sculpture transformations I have ever seen.  BEAUTIFUL!  This is the greatest Friday treat I could ask for and I yearn for the moment I can set my eyes on her and add her to my collection.

[Source: Tomopop]

DIR EN GREY Cancels "The Still Reckless Tour"

Earlier this week, rock band DIR EN GREY announced that they are canceling their upcoming "The Still Reckless Tour" in North Amerca.  This also includes solo shows originally scheduled March and April 2012, due to vocalist Kyo's health.

Kyo's physician recently diagnosed him with nodules in his vocal cords.  While this won't pose any major health risks, it was determined that he needs to rest his voice.  Depending on his progress and recovery, Kyo may have to undergo surgery.

Here's wishing for Kyo's good health and speedy recovery!

[Source: Natalie] 

Skyrim-Inspired ID Bracelet

After countless hours trekking the roads of Skyrim, bringing down dragons and sucking their souls dry, perfecting that armor and upgrading your choice weapons, and showing off that massive th'um of yours, it always sucks whenever you've got to shut down that PS3 and head to work.  No way of bringing Skyrim with you.

Sure my iPod is loaded with the incredible Skryim Soundtrack and short of coming into work in cosplay, there aren't too many subtle options to show off my love for Skyrim.  And if you are anything like me, you are anxious for any official Skyrim merchandise.   This led me to spend one lovely Saturday morning to create my own custom made Skyrim-inspired bracelet.  This stainless steel wide cuff black leather bracelet is adorned with my name in black characters written in, of course, the dragon language.

I had a lot of fun making this Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim-inspired "ID" bracelet and I gotta say I'm super ecstatic with the results.    Hope you like it!

Hello Kitty x Evangelion

Sanrio's easily recognizable and iconic Hello Kitty brand is no stranger to massive collaborative projects. Wrapping myself around attempting to name them all has got me dizzy.

From the makers that brought us Yoshikitty, for example, comes another collaboration that has got my full attention (and wallet). On one side you've got Hello Kitty, and on the other Evangelion.  The two join forces creating what may be the fourth impact.

Just in time to commemorate this fall's theatrical release of Evangelion: Q (Rebuild of Evangelion, You Can [Not] Redo), the collaboration will feature EVA pilots 00 Rei Ayanami and 02 Asuka Langley.

10 companies will open the flood gates in the form of stationery, general merchandise, and apparel.

[Source: Sanrio]

Happy Holidays from Third Impact (2011 Edition)

MERRI KURISUMASU!!  Hope your holiday is filled with lasting, fuzzy warm memories. Whether it's spending time with your family and friends, curling up with a good manga, catching up on some anime, snagging those video game trophies, finding that perfect spot for your newest figures/statues and posters, or reading that latest comic book issue...or hopefully a sweet combination of all of the above...we wish you the best and thank you very much for your readership!

Happy Holidays from your friends at Third Impact!