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.

Sideshow Collectible's Darth Vader Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure

"Tall and menacing, Darth Vader is the most potent icon of the Galactic Empire's might. The product of the Emperor himself, Vader answers to only the highest in the Imperial command structure and is granted great leeway in the work he conducts on his master's behalf. Once a Jedi, Vader possesses absolute command over the Force, and through him it is directed to terrible and often fatal effect. As a Lord of the Sith, the dark side flows through him, and it can be channeled to kill with a single thought or to subdue his detractors, enemies, and sometimes even subordinates. Feared by Rebels and Imperials alike, Darth Vader is a terrifying union of man and machine hidden beneath black robes and forbidding armor. Determined to hunt down and extinguish the Rebel Alliance, Vader commands the massive Imperial fleet and rules his forces through unquestionable terror. " ~Backstory provided by Sideshow Collectibles

Can't... fight... it... Dark Side... too... tempting...Who am I kidding?! Jedi mind tricks not needed. You don't have to threaten my room with Death Star destruction. I want! I have to have Sideshow Collectible's Darth Vader Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure! Pre-order is open at Sideshow Collectibles website and set to release on January 2014.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Vader stands at a glorious 14" high with fully articulated body, fabric body suit, head with helmet and cape and detailed armor and gloves. Pose him as you please with 10 interchangeable gloved hands and lightsabers (hilt only and hilt with blade). If you are one who is attracted to anything that lights up, please note the light-up belt, the light-up figure display base with Imperial symbol AND additional Helmet and Mask accessories with light-up Meditation Chamber display base! As much as I love all of this what really clinched the deal with me was the additional Anakin Skywalker Portrait. Now THAT'S detailed!



So give the wonderful artists of Nathan Eakins and Bernardo Esquivel (Paint), Tim Niver, Adrienne Smith, Andy Bergholtz, Nathan Mansfield, Pascual Wawoe, Bigshot Toyworks (Sculpt), Kevin Ellis (Costume Fabrication), Joe Allard, Pascual Wawoe, Jared Chapman (Design), Jesse Lincoln (Development) and all of The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team a hand! Vader did. Okay, that was a lousy way to work in a pun, but I sunk to that depth in order to end this post on the Sideshow Exclusive you will receive if you pre-order through their website today: Vader's Severed Gauntlet and Hand. Now isn't all of this worth $249.99 of your hard earned money to support The Empire?

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]

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Dragonborn Statues

ATTENTION FELLOW DOVAHKIIN!!! Gaming Heads announces for pre-order an awesome Dragonborn Statue inspired by official artwork, that begs to be on my shelves!

Dragonborn stands powerfully upon his rock base, surrounded by the tail of a mighty dragon. At 1/6 scale, he measures approximately 16 inches tall, including the base - creating an extremely awe-inspiring presence.  Cast in high quality poly-stone, the statue is hand-finished and hand-painted. The Dragonborn comes dressed in incredibly detailed and authentic hand-tailored fabrics for unparalleled realism.

Dragonborn comes in 2 different flavors.  The exclusive version of Dragonborn, only available at GamingHeads.com, comes with an additional alternate arm that holds a fireball spell that illuminates and pulses like real fire. The collector can exchange the fireball for the short sword depending on preference. Also included is an alternate portrait that shows the Dragonborn with his helmet removed. The exclusive version is limited to 500 pieces worldwide and will set you back $329.99.  The "basic" version comes with the long and short sword (sans fire) is limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide and sits at $299.99.  Both versions are scheduled to be released Q4 2013.

The statue, in all its amazingness includes deluxe, full-color packaging, a hand numbered base, and a certificate of authenticity.

Pre-orders are open today, so what are you waiting for?  Snag yours today and be sure to check out the tons of stunning photos here.

Junjou Romantica Suzuki-san Plushie

Readers, you know I love BL.  I love "Junjou Romantica". I love teddy bears, and the Bear of Bears for this BL lover is none other than Suzuki-san.  Imagine as I weep over having yet another JR goody dangled before me but unable to reach across the giant pond to Japan so I can grasp and hug the stuffing out of it.

Here I present to you the Suzuki-san plush, one of the many treasures to come from Shungiku Nakamura's series and its honoring at the Animate Cafe (you can read my news about the event held back in July 2012 and my hunger pains here.  Sitting at a tall 23 inches and sporting a red plaid bow to compliment his round ears, face & body, Akihiko "Usagi" Usami's best bear from England will cost you 8,500 yen from Korder.com.

He's soft. He's adorable.  He should be in my home.

Oh My Goddess Belldandy with Holly Bell PVC Figure

Long, long ago I was a lonely Otaku in high school. The year of this story isn't important but let's just say that I was only aware of 150 Pokemon, I was buying fansubs on VHS from Canada with my unused lunch money and my game console of choice was Nintendo 64. Anyway, I had a Business Communications class with an assigned seat in the back of the room next to a color laser printer. Not only was it convenient to print out all of my daily classwork, but it also allowed me to print out all those lovely Anime and Manga images from the Internet for me to cut out and tape onto my books and walls at home, swiping them from the printer tray before anyone was the wiser.

Included among those pictures were all the figures and statues I highly desired but could not have. After all, most of my money went to helping my family, and even if having a personal credit card wasn't just a dream on the horizon, access to obtaining these items was few and far between (anyone else out there remember loving Yahoo Auctions USA back in the day as much as me?!). Even if I managed to go the more affordable route and obtain the garage kits to build and color myself, I didn't have the tools or mad skillz to make them as impressive as they're displayed on the boxes. One of these long desired beauties of mine was the Belldandy with Holly Bell statue from the "Oh My Goddess!" (or if you prefer, "Ah! My Goddess") series. Several years and failed auctions later I could only settle for the 1000 Edition art print; lovely in its own right but not the same as the 360 degree view I always wanted. Well, prepare for a second chance as Max Factory, who is celebrating it's 25th anniversary, is bringing to us a re-release!

Though made of PVC instead of resin, the amazing top-to-bottom detail of our heavenly ladies stands in 1/10 scale from Holly Bell's sweeping blond hair and enveloping angel wings to Belldandy's flowing and swirling orange gown, all upon a black base of scroll work and blue stones. To ensure its collectible status each figure is stamped with a unique serial number. If you are oohing and aahing over this for the first time or exactly like me and muuuust haaaave thiiis nooow, you can pre-order from CD Japan or Hobby Search today for around $190.00, but you'll have to wait August 31, 2013 before it ships. I've waited this long. What's a few more months?

Mass Effect Mordin Solus Bust

Our favorite talks-a-mile-a-minute Salarian is coming to us in a beautifully hand-scultped polyresin bust.  Looks like Mordin may be the first of a series of Mass Effect busts...or at least this fan is hoping it is.  (I recall a prototype Garrus bust earlier).

Each piece is individually cast and handpainted and stands 8 inches tall.  Mordin comes with a detachable headset; a sculpted and embossed base with the text "Someone Else Might Have Gotten It Wrong."

Retailed at $50.00, you can preorder yours now at the BioWare store.  And if you put your order in before November 19th, you can get Mordin for a special discounted price of $40.00.  This is a spectacular piece to add to any Mass Effect fan.

Tiger & Bunny's Life-Size Wild Tiger Head

Premium Bandai, Bandai's online shopping site, will begin taking pre-orders for a 1/1-scale Wild Tiger head from Tiger & Bunny on Monday. Unlike the rubber mask that Animate offered last year, Bandai's painted, assembled display model is made of hard ABS plastic and opens in half.

If your eyes and heart have settled on owning this cool 1/1-scale Wild Tiger head, be sure your wallet is also settled, as this awesome collectible will set you back 37,380 yen (US$470). Not that this should affect you, but there is a limit of three per customer, and the head will arrive late next February. [Source: ANN]

HAL 9000 Replica by Artifactory

When it comes to murderous A.I. villains, you have to love 2001: A Space Odyssey's HAL 9000. Sure, Apeture Science's GLaDOS from the Portal games may be more witty and evil-to-the-core than this post's red camera light friend, but you can't tell me that you didn't think at some point how she shared some resemblence to HAL. And if you didn't then you must be the only sci-fi lover who has never seen the movie, read Arthur C. Clarke's books or seen an AFI Movie Best countdown on television O_O (by the way, HAL was number 13 on the 100 greatest villains list). Plus, while I admit it took me into my adult years to finally appreciate and understand what exactly was going on in Stanley Kubrick's artsy film adaptation (and the added help of the movie & novel's sequel "2010"), I liked Mr. 9000 from day one with his eerily calm voice and seemingly sinister ways, and even more that he was actually a "good" character gone bad thanks to receiving conflicting orders from his superiors.

If you would love to own Dr. Chandra's creation, Artifactory has created an 11 pound replica of the machine from the original 1967 studio blueprint to add to your collection. It has been stated that HAL 9000 will feature 15 lines of dialogue. Exactly what he'll say hasn't been released, but I would imagine it would feature such things as personal favorites "I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that." and "I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over." Maybe he'll even serenade us with his slow shutdown rendition of the tune Daisy.The cost to own your own HAL 9000? $499.99 over at Big Bad Toy Store! I'm sorry Artifactory, but I'm afraid I can't do that. Awesome as this sounds to a nerd like me, I would wish a demo and more details about the ""several user-selectable modes" before shelling out the astronomical funds to bring this into my domain. Maybe if HAL's replica was more interactive than just pushing a button to hear famous lines I could justify the price. Come on, give SIRI on my iPhone a reason to be jealous!

Image Comics Exclusives at Comic-Con International

Berkeley, CA - July 5, 2012 — In addition to a full schedule of panels, Image Comics is also celebrating creativity at Comic-Con International in San Diego with exclusive covers and editions of popular and debut titles. Creators will be signing exclusives, which are available in limited quantities, so be sure to stop by the Image Comics, Skybound and Top Cow booths to make sure you get your copies!

Comic-Con International takes place on July 12-15 in the San Diego Convention Center. The Image Comics booth (#2729) will be the destination for Skybound, Shadowline, and Image central titles, while the Top Cow booth (#2629) will have all the latest in the WITCHBLADE- and THE DARKNESS-helmed universe.

Some highlights include:

THE WALKING DEAD #100 Vannen Watch
In honor of The Walking Dead’s 100th issue, Skybound and Vannen watches bring you a limited edition timepiece. The watch features art from Charlie Adlard’s issue #100 cover.  Each watch is signed by Robert Kirkman. ($85.00; Limited to 500 units, One per person)

THE WALKING DEAD Hardcover Compendium
Limited edition, foil stamped hardcover version of THE WALKING DEAD Compendium Vol. 1.  Collects issues 1-48 of THE WALKING DEAD ($100.00; > Limited to 900 copies, One per person)

THE WALKING DEAD Michonne Bloody Poncho Variant Action Figure
Limited edition bloody Michonne action figure featuring an exclusive poncho based on her first appearance. ($25.00; Limited to 3000 units, Two per person)

Artifacts #19 Broussard Comic-Con Exclusive Variant Cover
Kicking off a brand new story in the Top Cow's ongoing REBIRTH initiative, RON MARZ and STJEPAN SEJIC introduce a brand new Artifact bearer -- Dr. Rachel Harrison, bearer of the Heartstone -- in this special three part story. Available only at Comic-Con, this exclusive cover by MICHAEL BROUSSARD features Witchblade, Angelus and Aphrodite! ($10; Limited to 500 copies)

The Darkness #105 Portacio Comic-Con Exclusive Variant Cover
Concluding DAVID HINE and JEREMY HAUN's explosive opening story arc, this issue sees Jackie Estacado, bearer of the Darkness, confronted with disintegration of his perfect world. Available only at Comic-Con, this exclusive cover by WHILCE PORTACIO features The Darkness and his Darklings! ($10; Limited to 500 copies)

Think Tank #1 Bagus Variant Cover
A Comic-Con Debut Issue! The action-packed science series from MATT HAWKINS and RAHSAN EKEDAL tells the tale of a brilliant scientist trapped in a military think tank and his attempt to escape. Available only at Comic-Con, this exclusive cover by BAGUS HUTOMO introduces the world to slacker genius scientist -- Dr. David Loren! ($10; Limited to 500 copies).

Viewfinder Ryuichi Asami Doll Photos Released

Is it possible to put a price on your love for BL? How much are you willing to pay to support your favorite character or your favorite series? Well, all of you fans of Ayano Yamane’s "Viewfinder" better sit down, balance your check books, plan a summer lemonade stand franchise and consider whether or not you really need to have two arms, because you are about to pay, and pay big.

Hop over to the b-boy website and feast your eyes on crime lord and uber gorgeous seme Ryuichi Asami in doll form. Brought to you by Aozone International, Asami stands at an amazing 25 inches and features a real fabric three-piece black suit, black overcoat, white dress shirt and burgundy tie. And to top it off he can be posed and his silky black hair can be styled.

The cost of Asami is 99,750 yen. To save you from having to pull up whatever website you use to convert your yen to dollars I’ll tell you that’s over $1,200! Don’t grab your inhaler just yet. It doesn’t seem that you’ll be to get your hands on him from any online store unless you took part in the pre-orders quite a long time ago; however, if another set for ordering is not released, surely someone on Yahoo Auctions Japan will tempt you to bust your checking account should this be a must have for your collection.

Would I be willing to spend over a $1,000 on a single BL item? Handsome as he is, I am willing to pass. Those who know me best are aware of particular items I desire, but unfortunately (or perhaps thankfully) they only exist in my mind. However, the fact that Asami is now indeed in doll form makes me wonder if my mind better start imagining a second job…

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]

Gaming Heads Portal 2 Turret Statue

Combine Valve and Gaming Heads and you get a new line of Portal 2 statues beginning with the standard model Aperture Sentry Turret.  The Turret statue stands at 16 inches tall, including the base and antenna, and is case in high quality polystone.  And it wouldn't be a "functioning" turret without a motion sensor in front.  While it won't instantly kill you, it will light up and plays in-game Turret activation, search, auto search, disabled and tipped over sound and voice samples.

Due out in the final quarter of 2012, you can expect this Turret statue to be very limited -- to 350 pieces worldwide, to be exact, and will cost you $324.99.   The site notes that their validation systems allows customers to collect the same number (low numbers given on a first come first serve basis) throughout their entire Portal 2 line. It's also important to note that as I type this, the Turret statue is not sold out and all new orders will be placed on a wait list.  

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]

Cowboy Bebop Play Arts Kai Figures

Check out these beauties!  Yes, that's right. You are looking at not one but two Cowboy Bebop Play Arts Kai from Square Enix's figure line, featuring none other than quirky Spike Spiegel and the hotness that is Vicious.

Listed at 6,800 yen each to be released this October, Spike and Vicious make a surprisingly beautiful appearance via Play Arts Kai.  Spike will come with a pair of alternate hands and his pistol, while Vicious will have his sword and that gorgeous black bird of his.

I am particularly in love with Vicious, and after seeing pics of these figures, I would LOVE to see a Vincent Volaju figure please...and throw in some butterflies while you're at it...

Check out the links above for more pics and preorder yours at Hobby Search.

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.

Linkin Park Petite Nendoroid Set

Can Linkin Park be defined as cute? They certainly can when Chester and the gang are shrunk down into Japanese Nendoroids!

Good Smile Company has immortalized the American rock band into individual 2.5 inches of PVC awesomeness, and each member is detailed down to their piercings, tattoos and hair (Brad, lovin' your fro!). Guitars, mics, drums and John's turntable are all on hand to make this one of the best Petite Nendroid sets I have ever seen.

While each figure comes with their petite stand, what makes this set extra special is the stage pedestal for display the guys as if they were performing just for you in your room. How will I ever listen to "Breaking the Habit" without these little figures in my sight?

Pre-orders are open with CD Japan and Otacute for around $50, and you'll have until Septebmer 30th to find that special spot for displaying.

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]

Play Arts Kai Solidus Snake

"Badass of kickassery" is simply not good enough to explain the awesomeness of Play Arts Kai Solidus Snake, but it's the best I can do for now.  Due out November, Solidus Snake just screams total perfection. In short, I love it!!  I don't even know where to begin....the detailing on the armor, beautiful coloring, stunning facial intricacy, and need I mention the tentacles?!?!?  When I first saw some prototype shots, I knew instantly Solidus Snake was one I had to keep my eye on, but the end result is more than I could have imagined.

Solidus Snake will come equipped with 2 swords and 2 beautiful P90s....and pure viciousness!!!  I can say with confidence that this will be a must-have for every Metal Gear Solid fan. [Source: Hideo Kojima Twitter]