The AFB Podcast Episode 44: Lego Hobbit Riddles for the Ring / Christmas Action Figures

Episode FORTY FOUR of the AFB Podcast is live at iTunes and is now available for direct download! Download and subscribe to the podcast at iTunes now! 

Join Ben, John and Scott for Episode Forty Four of the Action Figure Blues Podcast! The AFB Podcast is a weekly look at action figures, statues and other collectibles from the worlds of comic books and pop culture.

Episode Forty Four includes our Toy of the Week feature on the Lego Hobbit "Riddles for the Ring": Set and a discussion on Christmas Action Figures.

We also have the next answer and clue in the "Name That...." Audio Game run by our friend Engineernerd from TV & Film Toys!

If you can't use iTunes, you can download Episode Forty Four 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!

The AFB Podcast Episode 43: SH Figuarts Dragonball Z Piccolo / 2013 Movie Toys

Episode FORTY THREE of the AFB Podcast is live at iTunes and is now available for direct download! Download and subscribe to the podcast at iTunes now! 

Join John, Adam and Ben for Episode Forty Three of the Action Figure Blues Podcast! The AFB Podcast is a weekly look at action figures, statues and other collectibles from the worlds of comic books and pop culture.

Episode Forty Three includes our Toy of the Week feature on the S.H. Figuarts Dragonball Z Piccolo Figure and a discussion on 2013 Movie Toys.

We also have the next answer and clue in the "Name That...." Audio Game run by our friend Engineernerd from TV & Film Toys!

If you can't use iTunes, you can download Episode Forty Three 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!

Win Encore Fortress Maximus, Vintage Millenium Falcon & $750 in Prizes with ShelfLife.net’s Collector Wars (Season 2)!

Rack Up Points & Build The Future Of Collecting

ShelfLife.net, The Future of Collecting, is stoked to announce Season 2 (Dec 2012) of Collector Wars!

Collector Wars is a combination contest and rewards program designed to help our community grow. There were over 100,000 collector scoring events in Season 1 and Season 2 is set to explode.

Collector Wars leverages the recent launch of our Collector Dashboard and Collector Score. The Collector Dashboard combines collection stats, photo galleries, social tools and a personalized collection catalog all in one sweet streamlined package! You can access your new Collector Dashboard via the COLLECT button in the top left corner of the site. You can also share your Dashboard publicly to show off your Wants and Haves and connect with other collectors by using your ShelfLife profile address:

Eg) http://www.shelflifex.com/profile/Faustx

Prizes!

Here's what you can win Dec 2012:

1st Prize (choose from):
Encore Transformers Fortress Maximus

Vintage Millenium Falcon 2012
or $250 site credit

2nd Prize (choose from):
3A Supreme NOM
or FansProject Warbot Assaulter or Defender

or Infinite Crisis Omnibus
or $100 site credit

3rd to 10th Prizes:
$25 Site credit

Best New Profile Photo: MP15 Ravage & Rumble (New winners only)
Most Collectibles Sold: $50 and sell free for a year.(New winners only)
Most Collectibles Bought: $50 and Level 10 for a year.(New winners only)

Full Contest Details

Contest runs Dec 1st - Dec 31st, 2012.

Almost everything you do on ShelfLife this month racks up your Collector Score, and we’re giving away $750 worth of cash and prizes in Season 2. Points reset every month so the slate is clean for a new prize haul!

Here’s what’s new:

• Prizes for all of the top 10 scorers, top seller, top buyer and best profile pic!
• Ratings/Reviews: Earn 500 points each (limit of X/day)
• Curation: Earn up to 5000 points/product for catalogs completed within 7 days!
• Buying stuff now earns 1000 points for every $1 spent!

Participation

Just login to ShelfLife.net (accounts are free) and start using the site. Collector Points are awarded for Wants, Haves, Buying, Selling, Ratings/Reviews, Referring New Users & Curators, and for Curating Catalogs. Points accumulated during the contest will also contribute to the 90 day rolling Collector Score for each collector and will unlock further benefits, discounts and access to upcoming exclusives. Random daily prizes will also be awarded in coordination with sponsors.

Hundreds of catalogs, with a strong focus on Action Figures and Designer Toys, are already up and running on ShelfLife.net and more are being added all the time. If a catalog is missing from the system collectors can request it be added via their Collect Mode page.

Full contest details can be found at: http://www.shelflife.net/collector-wars-contest

ShelfLife.net is the ultimate collector platform, with free collection management and social tools for collectors and a next generation marketplace capable of automatically matching buyers and sellers. Volunteer curators build each catalog on ShelfLife in pursuit of completing a permanent archive of every collectible ever made.

Media, vendors and strategic partners can contact us via everyone@shelflifex.com.

Let the battles begin!

The AFB Podcast Episode 42: DC Direct Brave & The Bold #28 Statue / Nightcrawler Toy History

Episode FORTY TWO of the AFB Podcast is live at iTunes and is now available for direct download! Download and subscribe to the podcast at iTunes now! 

Join Ben, Justin and Scott for Episode Forty Two of the Action Figure Blues Podcast! The AFB Podcast is a weekly look at action figures, statues and other collectibles from the worlds of comic books and pop culture.

Episode Forty Two includes our Toy of the Week feature on the DC Direct Brave & The Bold #28 Statue and a Toy History of the X-Men's Nightcrawler!

We also have the next answer and clue in the "Name That...." Audio Game run by our friend Engineernerd from TV & Film Toys!

If you can't use iTunes, you can download Episode Forty Two 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!

DASH has gifts for you this holiday season!

DASH Has Gifts For You This Holiday Season
Every action figure collector knows what it’s like to wake up on that special day, find that giant box, and open that toy you’ve been dreaming about all year. DASH also knows how wonderful that feeling is, and that’s why we’re trying to give five lucky collectors the Christmas of their dreams and their childhood. Check out the details for our Christmas Club Contest and register on Collector-ActionFigures.com to make sure you’re entered to win one of our special Christmas gifts which will arrive wrapped and all.

Standard registered users on DASH have a pile of things under their tree, but there’s even more stuff in the stocking when you upgrade your membership. Not only do you get access to the world’s best action figure values, detailed collection reports, and full use of a great mobile app for collectors, you’re also part of a select group eligible to receive the ultimate gift in our Christmas Club Contest.

If you thought that was all our contests currently running, you must be lacking some holiday spirit. We’re adding new contests every week, and the only way to see them all is to Like DASH on Facebook. We hope you have a great holiday season, find a toy or two under your tree, and make the most of your collection with DASH.

For complete contest rules and requirements, please email corey@Collector-ActionFigures.com

ShelfLife.net announces Season 2 of Collector Wars!

ShelfLife.net, The Future of Collecting, is stoked to announce Season 2 (Dec 2012) of Collector Wars!

Collector Wars is a combination contest and rewards program designed to help our community grow. There were over 100,000 collector scoring events in Season 1 and Season 2 is set to explode.

Collector Wars leverages the recent launch of our Collector Dashboard and Collector Score. The Collector Dashboard combines collection stats, photo galleries, social tools and a personalized collection catalog all in one sweet streamlined package! You can access your new Collector Dashboard via the COLLECT button in the top left corner of the site. You can also share your Dashboard publicly to show off your Wants and Haves and connect with other collectors by using your ShelfLife profile address:

Eg) http://www.shelflifex.com/profile/Faustx

Prizes!

Here's what you can win Dec 2012:

1st Prize (choose from):
Encore Transformers Fortress Maximus
or $250 site credit

2nd Prize (choose from):
3A Supreme NOM
or FansProject Warbot Assaulter or Defender

or Infinite Crisis Omnibus
or $100 site credit

3rd to 10th Prizes:
$25 Site credit

Best New Profile Photo: MP15 Ravage & Rumble (New winners only)
Most Collectibles Sold: $50 and sell free for a year.(New winners only)
Most Collectibles Bought: $50 and Level 10 for a year.(New winners only)

Full Contest Details

Contest runs Dec 1st - Dec 31st, 2012.

Almost everything you do on ShelfLife this month racks up your Collector Score, and we’re giving away $750 worth of cash and prizes in Season 2. Points reset every month so the slate is clean for a new prize haul!

Here’s what’s new:

• Prizes for all of the top 10 scorers, top seller, top buyer and best profile pic!
• Ratings/Reviews: Earn 500 points each (limit of X/day)
• Curation: Earn up to 5000 points/product for catalogs completed within 7 days!
• Buying stuff now earns 1000 points for every $1 spent!

Participation

Just login to ShelfLife.net (accounts are free) and start using the site. Collector Points are awarded for Wants, Haves, Buying, Selling, Ratings/Reviews, Referring New Users & Curators, and for Curating Catalogs. Points accumulated during the contest will also contribute to the 90 day rolling Collector Score for each collector and will unlock further benefits, discounts and access to upcoming exclusives. Random daily prizes will also be awarded in coordination with sponsors.

Hundreds of catalogs, with a strong focus on Action Figures and Designer Toys, are already up and running on ShelfLife.net and more are being added all the time. If a catalog is missing from the system collectors can request it be added via their Collect Mode page.

Full contest details can be found at: http://www.shelflife.net/collector-wars-contest

ShelfLife.net is the ultimate collector platform, with free collection management and social tools for collectors and a next generation marketplace capable of automatically matching buyers and sellers. Volunteer curators build each catalog on ShelfLife in pursuit of completing a permanent archive of every collectible ever made.

Media, vendors and strategic partners can contact us via everyone@shelflifex.com.

Let the battles begin!

The AFB Podcast Episode 41: What's On Your Watchlist?

Episode FORTY ONE of the AFB Podcast is live at iTunes and is now available for direct download! Download and subscribe to the podcast at iTunes now! 

Join Scott, Justin Adam, and Ben from the AFB Forum for Episode Forty One of the Action Figure Blues Podcast! The AFB Podcast is a weekly look at action figures, statues and other collectibles from the worlds of comic books and pop culture.

Episode Forty One includes our fun roundtable discussion - "What's On You Watchlist?" - where we reveal those items that elude us, tempt us and confuse us on eBay! 

We also have the next answer and clue in the "Name That...." Audio Game run by our friend Engineernerd from TV & Film Toys!

If you can't use iTunes, you can download Episode Forty One 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!

The AFB Comment of the Month Contest - December 2012!

First off, congrats to Keenan Allen, who has been randomly selected as the winner of our November Comment of the Month Prize! Keenan entered the draw by sharing one of our photo albums at Facebook! Keenan - keep an eye on your Facebook messages for details on how to claim your prize!

For our December Comment of the Month Contest, our prize will stick with the DC New 52 theme and come in the form of the DC Collectibles Cyborg Action Figure - - sent to you by Mike's Comics N' Stuff!

Comments made here at the blog, at our Facebook Page, Twitter OR as podcast feedback (podcast@actionfigureblues.com) will ALL be entered into the draw for the month's comment contest prize! There are plenty of ways to win! 

A few bits and pieces:

• every genuine comment here at the blog, at Facebook or Twitter, or received as podcast feedback will be eligible to receive the prize. I’m going to stick to my own time zone and call it at 23:59:59 Australian Eastern Standard Time – best to comment often and comment early!


• if my super scientific randomizer comment selector system chooses an Anonymous comment, I’ll skip it and go again – likewise Facebook comments from members who cannot receive messages.


• figures will be in their original packaging. figures will be sent by first class mail within the US (Mike is sending them, remember) and first class international to any overseas winner. An overseas winner can elect to chip in for Priority Mail or Insurance, but otherwise we can’t take any responsibility for a parcel that doesn’t arrive – after all this is coming out of AFB’s not dreadfully deep pockets!

Once again, thanks to Mike for making this all possible for us, and here’s to another happy month of commenting! Until next time!

Show some Christmas Spirit - Support Geeks for Tots!

"Geeks For Tots" have asked us to share information about their contest which might encourage you to be generous this holiday season! Note that if you are not a US resident you will need to read the rules for equivalents to Toys for Tots in your country, or donate online at the Toys for Tots website to qualify:

Win Toys For Helping Tots with Geeks for Tots!
Geeks for Tots is back once again to promote giving this
holiday season. Geeks for Tots is a contest that encourages donations
to the Toys for Tots.

There are far too many kids that won’t get gifts this holiday season
and the Toys for Tots program is here to help. Toys for Tots takes new
toys and distributes them to kids in need. To encourage donations to
the Toys For Tots program, the Geeks For Tots contest is offering
prizes to those who send in proof of donations to Toys for Tots.

The Prizes up for grabs are:

•       Anakin Skywalker Force FX Lightsaber from Brian's Toys
•       Gift cards to Backstage Toys
•       Gift cards to Luke’s Toy Store
•       Gift cards to Luke’s Toy Store
•       Lots of figures from Fantastic Plastic Toys
•       Gift cards from 80sTees.com
•       Gift certificates from Nerd Rage Toys
•       New and vintage figures from Pixel Dan
•       30th Anniversary G.I. Joe Skytriker from Dinosaur Toy Vault
•       And more to come!

To participate in the contest, a contestant has to either send in a
picture of them donating at a Toys For Tots drop off box or by
forwarding copy of a receipt from an online cash donation to the Toys
For Tots website.

More details like where to send the photos and receipts, please visit
GeeksForTots.com (Link: http://www.geeksfortots.com). And the official
rules can be found here. (Link:
http://www.geeksfortots.com/2012/11/how-to-win-geeks-for-tots.html)

About Geeks for Tots:

Geeks for Tots is a grassroots contest started with the simple goal of
encouraging donations to Toys for Tots via a contest. This is the
fourth year of the contest. Previously it was known as “Joes for
Tots.”

http://www.geeksfortots

Media Contact:
Twitter.com/GeeksForTots
Email: GeeksForTots@gmail.com

The AFB Podcast Episode 40: Marvel Select Ultron / Broken Promises

Episode FORTY of the AFB Podcast is live at iTunes and is now available for direct download! Download and subscribe to the podcast at iTunes now! 

Join Adam, Eli and Ben from the AFB Forum for Episode Forty of the Action Figure Blues Podcast! The AFB Podcast is a weekly look at action figures, statues and other collectibles from the worlds of comic books and pop culture.

Episode Forty includes our Toy of the Week Feature on the Marvel Select Ultron Action Figure, and our discussion on "Broken Promises" - those lines or toys that just didn't live up to what they promised. 

We also have the next answer and clue in the "Name That...." Audio Game run by our friend Engineernerd from TV & Film Toys!

If you can't use iTunes, you can download Episode Forty 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!

Bowen Rogue (Art Adams) Statue Review

I have a great fondness for Art Adams’ Uncanny X-Men Cover Run - his cover to UXM #218 is one of my all time favourite comic book covers, and the unlikely lineup of Storm, Wolverine, Rogue, Dazzler, Longshot and Psylocke is a favourite X-Men era of mine. It’s not a surprise, then, that I found myself unable to pass up the Adams-styled Bowen Designs Rogue Statue, which was recently released. This statue is probably only likely to appeal to fans of that particular time in X-Men history, but as I certainly count myself amongst them I knew when I saw this previewed that I'd end up owning it. 

This statue is sculpted by Mike Cusanelli, who has become a Bowen regular of late. While he sculpts a beautiful female form, I always seem to find fault with something in the composition of his pieces, and this is no exception, but I'll get to that in a moment.

One of the big "likes" of this statue for me is the arial pose. In my ever increasing slew of Bowen statues, it's nice to have some that spice up the display by literally standing up above the crowd. The construction of this aspect of the piece is very cleverly done. The "swoosh" that elevates Rogue above her base is made of a translucent material which enhances the effect. This is a separate piece which joins with the base and the bottom of Rogue's 888888 foot, and it is quite sturdy. I am always impressed by the work that must go in to designing such pieces to ensure that they are balanced and sturdy. This piece definitely fits that bill. 

The headsculpt is a mixed bag. Cusanelli has captured the hairstyle Rogue sported in this era beautifully and executed the shape and texture of it very well, but the facial expression is a bit lacking. The expression is a bit blank when a more determined gaze would have better suited this “action” pose.

The paint work is very well done here. Bowen has had a couple of recent blips, but seems to have rectified most of those issues. The metallic green used on Rogue’s outfit is a real winner, and contrasts the matte black very nicely. 

My main concern here is the arms. I'm not one to think much about poses etc unless they don't work, and yet I am often troubled by the arms on Cusanelli's ladies. For some reason they often seem to lack energy or fail to fully achieve what you would assume the sculptor has set out to do. Here, Rogue's arms are raised at elbow height to show she is in flights, but the angle is perhaps a bit too tight, and so she looks somewhat like she is hanging on a piece of gym equipment rather than entering in to battle. Again, I'm not one to over analyse these things, and I certainly have nothing against this sculptor, but this is something that seems to continue to catch my eye.

All up, while this isn’t an entirely successful piece, the design gets it over the line for me. I’ll be displaying this alongside the recently released Storm Mohawk Exclusive, which isn’t quite era specific but is as close as we’ll get I suspect. What I really hope to see now are future releases to flesh out this great X-Men roster - particularly Dazzler in her blue costume, first appearance Psylocke and a full-sized Longshot. All of these get their fair share of buzz in Bowen fan circles, so hopefully time will gift these characters to us, and when they come, for Longshot and Dazzler especially, I am very hopeful they will be Art Adams-styled to match this piece. 

You can see more pics at Facebook, discuss this at the AFB Forum, and comment on this post to enter the November AFB Comment of the Month Contest!

Until next time!

Mego Museum Launches "Megozine"!

We chatted to Brian from the Mego Museum back in Episode 27 of the AFB Podcast - now the Mego Museum has some very exciting news to share!

Mego Museum launches "Megozine"

It may have gone out of business in the 1980s but it's hard to keep the World's Greatest Toy Company down. The Mego Museum and Wulf & Tyger are proud to unveil their latest project, Megozine, the official magazine for Mego collectors.  Megozine is dedicated to keeping the company’s spirit alive whether it be vintage toys, newer figures (dubbed ReMego by the Museum), knock-offs or colourful custom creations.

Issue One is packed with colorful surprises including:

•       Secret Origins of the 1/6th Scale Superheroes- Which details Mego's 12 inch Superhero figures and includes a never before seen prototype of a never made Mego 12” hero.
•       A Mego Museum Super Collector comic  adventure “Escape from the Planet of the Knockoffs” with art by Chris Franklin
•       Six Monsters, A Girl and a Mailer Box- A look at the Lincoln International Monster figures.
•       Aw Yeah Megos- Interview with Eisner award winning Art Baltazar about his passion for custom Mego figures.

Megozine will be ready for order in December 2012 and subsequent issues will follow every six months. For more information please visit www.megomuseum.com.

About The Mego Museum
Megomuseum.com  was founded in 1996 by Scott C Adams and was the internet’s first website devoted to the toys and action figures produced by Mego Corp. It has since grown into the premiere site for action figures both vintage and modern that utilize Mego’s signature 8” format. The site includes exhaustive galleries, interviews, custom galleries and a collector forum. Each June the Museum hosts an annual convention called Mego Meet (www.megomeet.com)

The AFB Podcast Episode 39: Bowen Captain America Action Statue / The AFB Challenge

Episode THIRTY-NINE of the AFB Podcast is live at iTunes and is now available for direct download! Download and subscribe to the podcast at iTunes now! 

Join Ben, John and Scott from the AFB Forum for Episode Thirty Nine of the Action Figure Blues Podcast! The AFB Podcast is a weekly look at action figures, statues and other collectibles from the worlds of comic books and pop culture.

Episode Thirty Nine includes our Toy of the Week Feature on the Bowen Designs Captain America Action Statue, and the very first AFB Challenge - listen as John sets a Trivia Game that Ben and Scott must compete in - and only one will emerge the victor! Whatever the outcome, this much is certain - the AFB Podcast will never be the same! 

We also have the next answer and clue in the "Name That...." Audio Game run by our friend Engineernerd from TV & Film Toys!

If you can't use iTunes, you can download Episode Thirty Nine 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!

Sponsor News: Win Hot Toys Bespin Luke from DASH!

Welcome to the DASH Hot Toys Luke Skywalker Giveaway (It’s not a trap)

It’s time for the latest contest from Collector-ActionFigures.com, and we couldn’t be more excited about this one. When it comes to action figures, Hot Toys makes the best in the world, and they’ve finally started on Star Wars with the Luke Skywalker (Bespin Outfit) figure. And we’re giving it away. You could win this $300 prize, which includes two complete figures, a load of accessories, and the high quality sculpting, paint, and design that only Hot Toys offers.

For your chance to win, just complete a free membership registration with Collector-ActionFigures. It only requires a minute to register and doesn’t cost a dime, but make sure you go all the way through the entire registration process including the email activation. Every account automatically earns an entry, and you’re getting the ultimate action figure resource that is the DASH catalog for free. You might be adding one amazing figure to your digital collection on DASH in no time.
Until then, may the force be with you, and good luck.

For complete contest rules and requirements, please email corey@Collector-ActionFigures.com

The AFB Podcast Episode 38: Interview with Randy Falk of NECA Toys

Episode THIRTY-EIGHT of the AFB Podcast is live at iTunes and is now available for direct download! Download and subscribe to the podcast at iTunes now! 

Join John, Ben and Scott from the AFB Forum for Episode Thirty Eight of the Action Figure Blues Podcast! The AFB Podcast is a weekly look at action figures, statues and other collectibles from the worlds of comic books and pop culture.

Episode Thirty Eight includes our fantastic interview with Randy Falk of NECA Toys. Randy discusses his role at NECA and a number of NECA's past and present toy lines, along with some fascinating insights. We know you will enjoy listening!

We also have the next answer and clue in the "Name That...." Audio Game run by our friend Engineernerd from TV & Film Toys, and a brand new segment - Absolutely Amazing Toy Facts - with Ben!

If you can't use iTunes, you can download Episode Thirty Eight 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!

Sponsor News: Take a Shot with DASH and Win a Halo 4 Prize Pack

The world of action figures keeps getting closer and closer to the world of video games, and we here at Collector-ActionFigures.com are well aware of that fact. So to honor this week’s Halo 4 release, we’ve decided to partner up with McFarlane Toys to give away a great Halo 4 action figures prize pack. In fact, we’re giving away a prize pack including four different figures including Master Chief, Elite Zealot, Storm Grunt, and Spartan Warrior.

For your chance to win these cool figures, you’ll need to complete a free membership registration with Collector-ActionFigures. It takes less a minute to register all the way through email verification, and it’s totally free. Not only will you be entered to win a great prize pack, you’ll also join one of the internet’s best (and growing) action figure communities, and gain access to the world’s most expansive action figure catalog and marketplace. Start your collection on DASH today, and you might just win four new figures to make it stand out from the horde.

So welcome to DASH, good luck with the contest, and more than anything else enjoy your time on Collector-ActionFigures.com.

Contest Details

• All entries must be received by 11:59p.m. ET on Friday November 16th, 2012.
• One grand prize winner will be selected at random.
• For an international winner, the first $10 will be paid for shipping, and the rest will be paid by the contestant.

For complete contest rules and requirements, please email corey@Collector-ActionFigures.com

Kotobukiya Marvel Bishoujo Elektra Review

II’ve been having a tug of war with Kotobukiya’s Marvel Bishoujo line after a jarring change of scale in the line - something that started when Black Cat was released in 1:7 Scale as opposed to the previous 1:8 Scale releases. Feeling like my collection was forever going to feel like a mismatched bunch, I contemplated giving up on the line for good. The decision that I ultimately came to is to take the smaller, earlier versions out of my display to focus on the current scale, with hopes that Koto will get around to releasing matching scale versions of the earlier characters in time – as they have now done with Black Widow.

All that brings me to the Kotobukiya Marvel Bishoujo Elektra Statue, which I am reviewing tonight. This has been out for a while now, but has sat unopened while I decided what to do with this line. Now that I’m back “in” she has finally been allowed out of the box and into the AFB Photo Studio!

Any reservations I might have had about keeping this piece were resolved the moment I got her out of the box. Elektra has never been a favourite character of mine, but this is one good looking statue. The usual quality sculpting I’ve come to expect from this line is present, along with the trademark flowing locks and clothing which the PVC base of these pieces allows sculptors to add without fear of breakage. Also present is a translucent element at the end of Elektra’s hair, which has also become a signature of this line.

The use of a metallic red for Elektra’s outfit really makes this piece stand out, and it contrasts beautifully with her ivory skin. The paint work on this statue is very solid, although the very small line of her bare midriff that we can see looks much lighter than the rest of her skin, almost as if it is unpainted. Koto love to produce variants for these statues, and I’d be highly surprised if we don’t eventually see a white costume version of this piece.

The sai that fit into Elektra’s hands are so complicated to insert that the piece actually comes with an included set of instructions. I thought this was amusing until I actually tried to set them up. It’s worth the trouble as they are very good looking once they are properly set up.

One big improvement that Kotobukiya has made on this line over the years is the quality of the bases. Whereas the early pieces in the line came posed on random white shapes, most of the current statues in the line have a detailed, character specific base included. Elektra’s base looks like a section of a roof of a dojo, complete with Daredevil’s face sculpted into the roof line. It’s good fun and beautifully detailed.

Despite the fact that Elektra doesn’t mean much to me as a character, this piece has become a favourite of mine in the Kotobukiya Marvel line simply because the detail, skill and craftsmanship that has gone in to creating it. I couldn’t think of a better “welcome back” to collecting this line!

You can see more pics at  Facebook, discuss this at the AFB Forum, and comment on this post to enter the November AFB Comment of the Month Contest!

Until next time!