Welcome back to Toy Aisle, our weekly roundup of the most amazing toys we’ve seen all week. Usually, this is where we’d tell you what sort of wonderful toys we’ve got in store for you, but seriously: Look at that Black Panther figure. Look at it.
Hot Toys Black Panther
T’Challa gets a new suit from his sister Shuri in the standalone Black Panther movie, which means it’s time for Hot Toys to release its own fancy version – and wow, did the company push the boat out for Wakanda’s king. Not only does this 1/6th scale figure come with an unmasked head sculpt depicting Chadwick Boseman’s likeness in Hot Toys’ trademark uncanny accuracy, not only does it come with a mask that has alternate eyepieces to depict the eyes shielded or open, not only does it come with a bunch of other cool accessories and alternate hands to grip them with… the goddamn thing lights up. Sort of!
The specialised stand included with the figure houses special LED lights that, when activated, reflect off intricate patterns stitched into the figure’s suit, causing them to glow purple with energy just like the suit does in the movie. Whether you pose it “normally” or under the LEDs, the whole thing looks amazing. You’ll have to wait until early next year to get your hands on it, though. [Hot Toys]
Sideshow Collectibles Batman Sixth-Scale Figure
This new 12-inch Dark Knight figure from Sideshow Collectibles appears to merge elements from almost 80 years of the caped crusader to create one of the coolest Batman toys we’ve ever seen. You’ve got the leather utility belt and dark blue colour scheme from Batman’s early years, with the aggressive-looking cowl design that made recent versions of the superhero feel extra menacing. For $US210, available for pre-order starting today, you also get a swappable Bruce Wayne head sculpt that isn’t Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, or George Clooney, which could easily be this figure’s best feature. [Sideshow Collectibles]
Super Impulse Tiny Arcades: Frogger, Galaga, and Dig Dug
We loved the fact that Super Impulse’s Tiny Arcade line lets you play classic arcade titles without having to fill your basement game room with giant cabinets when we reviewed them a few months ago. At just four inches tall they each recreate the feel of an arcade right on your desk, and this year there’s three new games en route, including Frogger, Galaga, and Dig Dug. Pricing will presumably be the same as the originals – $US20 each – plus the cost of batteries which unfortunately won’t ever be recouped, as coin slots aren’t included. [Super Impulse]
Poptaters Mr. Potato Head Black Panther
You didn’t think one of the most anticipated superhero movies in years would sneak into theatres without being accompanied by a Mr. Potato Head version, did you? Poptaters turns yet another one of Marvel’s much-loved characters into a squat, veggie-based, six-inch-tall figurine you can add to your ever-growing collection of heroic spuds for $US17. [Disney Shop via GeekAlerts]
NECA Portal 2 Chell and Half-Life 2 Gordon Freeman Figures
The stars of two of the most popular, and well-regarded video game series are returning to toy store shelves come May. NECA has revealed it will be re-releasing its seven-inch Half-Life 2 Gordon Freeman and Portal 2 Chell figures. Originally available way back in 2013, each figure features over 20 points of articulation. Gordon Freeman’s figure includes his anti-gravity gun, swappable hands, headcrab, and trusty crowbar, while Chell comes with her ASHPD portal gun that’s battery-powered so it glows blue just like it does in the game. [NECA via Toyark]
Super7 Robotech MUSCLE Packs
Well before smartphones and Game Boys arrived, kids of the ’80s only had MUSCLE figures – a collection of tiny all-pink wrestlers — to stuff in their pockets for emergency entertainment. Originally born in Japan as collectible erasers, and later released by Mattel in North America as figures, Super7 now carries the MUSCLE torch, releasing a series of licensed collections (He-Man, Aliens) that now includes the animated series Robotech. Four-packs are available for $US6 each, which each include three 5cm MUSCLE figures. Not cheap, but at least they’re not blind-bagged so it’s easier and cheaper to collect the entire series. [Super7 via Action Figure Insider]