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!

DC Collectibles Batman Black & White Batman Beyond Statue Review

I have been a big fan of the Batman Black & White Statue series for DC Collectibles for some time now. While I’ve been selective about the number of actual Batman statues I buy in this line (I currently own Aparo, Quietly and Cooke), but I have keenly collected the supporting cast statues in this line to surround them. Tonight’s review is of the latest release, the DC Collectibles Batman Black & White Batman Beyond Statue. 

Based on the art of Dustin Ngyuen, this statue was sculpted by longtime DC Sculptor Jonathan Matthews, who in recent times has done a number of the Batman Black & White Statues as well as a number of the Ame-Comi pieces.

The most striking thing about this piece is the pose. Batman Beyond has been sculpted performing a handstand or some other type of acrobatic manoeuvre, and the result is very effective. The sculptors of this line have been trying some different things lately, and it’s fun to watch. In my opinion, this pose is more effective that the Dick Grayson Batman in acrobatic flight pose, which looks great at just the right angle but is actually challenging to display well. This achieves a similar effect while remaining a piece that works at a number of angles and doesn’t hog too much shelf space. 

This piece must have posed a bit of a challenge for the designer, since the Black & White theme does not permit the use of the red that breaks up Batman Beyond’s mostly-black costume. This issue is cleverly addressed by the use of some grayscale elements and and a translucent material to represent the red underarm-wing-thingies BB sports - sorry to use such technical language, but accuracy is key here...

While I was at first a bit surprised by this choice, since a true B&W or grayscale representation of the red... youknowwhats.. would come up darker, I think this was a very good design decision, as it accentuates the handstand pose and makes the lines of the piece clear and crisp. I always give points to the use of some different materials in these statue pieces, and this definitely scores a few. 

The only thing that takes a touch off the shine off this piece is the lack of a numbered edition size, which seems to have been removed from all statues since DC Direct became DC Collectibles. While I can see some pragmatic reasons for this change, I really do feel it takes something away from the pieces. I can’t attribute any of this fault to the actual statue, but I do need state that I’m not a fan of this change.

My main hope for the future of this line is that the glaring omissions of a Robin of any variety and Nightwing are soon addressed, and that

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!

Sponsor News: New Contest at Collector DASH ActionFigures!

Our friends at AFB Sponsor Collector-Action Figures have a new contest running until 16 November - this time the prize is a set of Halo 4 Series 1 Action Figures! 

Click on the pic to check it all out at their site!

The AFB Podcast Episode 37: Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Playset / Toy Buying Regrets with special guest Arnie Carvalho

Episode THIRTY-SEVEN 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, John and Justin from the AFB Forum for Episode Thirty Seven 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 Seven includes our Toy of the Week feature on the World of Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Playset and a discussion on "Toy Buying Regrets" with special guest Arnie Carvalho from Marvelicious Toys, Star Wars Action News and the Now Playing Podcasts!

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

NOTE: We also had a very special guest for some segments in the form of aliens in Justin's headset - I've done my best to get rid of the noise but there are a couple of squeaky bits - apologies!

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

Hot Toys Star Wars Bespin Luke Skywalker Deluxe Figure Review

It’s been more than a year since Hot Toys announced that they were going to produce Star Wars figures in 1:6 Scale, and that the Hot Toys Star Wars Bespin Luke Skywalker would be the first figure in the line. It’s been a long wait for the release of this figure, but after a bit of delay it’s now hitting the shelves. I was lucky enough to be home today when this delivery arrived, and I am quite sure the delivery driver thought I was more than a bit mad as I really couldn’t contain my excitement to be receiving this much-anticipated item. 

First off, let’s just say this was well and truly worth the wait. Hot Toys couldn’t have made a better start to their Star Wars line. I honestly can’t remember the last time I’ve had so much fun and so many geeking-out moments while unboxing and photographing a toy. The immense quality of the product aside, a large part of this giddiness has to do with the nostalgia element, and I think this is going to be a figure that brings many collectors into the Hot Toys fold.

We’re quite used to seeing swap-out heads and multiple hands and accessories with these figures, but with the Bespin Luke release Hot Toys have taken this to an entirely new level by including two entirely separate figures in this set - regular Luke and Battle Damaged Luke. It’s a real credit to Hot Toys that these figures can be displayed alongside each other - I for one am not great with lots of swap out pieces and am happy to pay the extra cost for another True Type body to be able to have the whole set on display. 

The likenesses on both of these figures are excellent. I’m not quite as sold on Battle Damaged Luke’s likeness, mainly because the hair is a little off. The hair on both of these figures is removable in order to operate the PERS eye movement system, and while this is a great feature I think that the separation of the hair and head makes the hair piece a little thick and therefore not quite as natural looking. I’m still a bit gun-shy about using the PERS much - mainly because I fear them getting stuck in some sort of horrible cross-eyed frozen pose, so that’s all a bit lost on me, but it is a very clever feature that takes these toys beyond glorified Ken dolls to something collector-worthy.

Regular Luke and Battle Damaged Luke sport the same base outfit in “before” and “after” states, and impressively each have all of their own pieces and accessories. The basic jumpsuit is great and very nicely constructed, with great wear and tear for the Battle Damaged version. There is some great detail in the pockets and seams, and the boots on these figures are beautifully constructed. My only complaint with the clothing is that the jackets tend to ride up a bit and create a collar that is too high and overwhelms the neck. 

Very impressively, each Luke has his own blaster and his own complete belt with holster and all accoutrements. The only thing that the two Lukes have to share are the lightsabers in this set. There are one each of “off” and “on” lightsabers.

One thing about the minute detail that Hot Toys goes to with its pieces is that I always seem to have something break or come apart when I’m unboxing these toys. In this instance, the hook that you can hand the “off” lightsaber on came off of Regular Luke’s belt as I was connecting it. I think this can be easily repaired - as long as I don’t lose the tiny thing first!

Of course, Battle Damaged Luke isn’t really about some torn clothing - it’s all about the stump. This has been incredibly done, with a number of options for display. Battle Damaged Luke comes with a complete right arm, and then a swap-out stump. This was actually quite easy to do once I looked at the construction of the inside of the stump arm - it takes a bit of bending with  firm, steady hand, but the material is flexible enough to remove the complete arm without needing to heat it.

One the complete arm is removed, you can attach the regenerator to help Luke start to heal, or you can attach the stump and really have some fun! One great touch which I wasn’t expecting is the inclusion of the severed hand with connects to the stump wrist with a magnet. This is simply super fun - and you can’t help but have some silly fun and games with the whole stump scenario - the severed hand is such a great inclusion!

This is the Sideshow Exclusive version of the figure, which comes with the very creepy “Luke’s face inside Darth Vader’s decapitated head” extra piece. It’s very well done, and comes complete with a bloodied stump on Darth Luke’s neck. A very fun and beautifully crafted exclusive inclusion.

I haven’t photographed the large diorama with light-up features that comes with this set. At present I won’t be displaying this piece - I have a move coming up in the next few months and no real Star Wars space as yet -  and so I thought it best to leave the diorama pieces in their original state until I’m ready to have it on display. From all the photos I’ve seen, it’s huge and supports the weight of one of the figures. Definitely something I’ll look forward to having on display sometime in the future. 

The one surprise in all of this for me is that as yet we don’t know what is coming next for this line. Hot Toys have said that this is line they want to get exactly right, and indeed if they continue such a deluxe format of delivery it will be good to be able to spread the cost out, but I’m hopeful for some news on the next character soon. Having recently jumped off the Hot Toys bandwagon for superhero movie toys, mainly because the volume and pace of the output was too much to keep up with financially, I think a line like this is going to be much more my speed, and the collecting the most iconic versions of these characters at this level of quality is something I can very much see myself getting into.

The Sideshow Exclusive version of this figure is still up for order at Sideshow. If you haven’t grabbed one already, I would recommend doing so quickly - I can’t imagine this staying in stock for long!

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!

Bowen Designs Professor X in Hoverchair Statue Review

I’m working my way through a backlog of purchases to catch up on reviews, and while I’m setting aside most of the older purchases I’ve made, there are a few I can’t pass up - and one is the great Professor Xavier Statue from Bowen Designs which came out earlier this year. 

Digital Sculptor Khurram Alavi has helped Bowen make fans of the Claremont / Lee era X-Men happy by producing this great statue of X-Men founder Professor Charles Xavier in the hoverchair he got around in during that iconic era of Marvel’s Merry Mutants.

There is some very clever design involved in this piece - the hover effect for Professor X’s hoverchair is created by the suspension of the chair over the base by a clear riser pole. The set includes two poles of varying heights to suit your desired effect and display space. I’ve chosen the shorter pole for my display and these photographs. It’s a particularly clever achievement when you consider that this was all designed as a digital sculpt. 

The end result of this engineering is very effective, but caution is advised when assembling and moving this piece - once the riser pole is inserted, the statue swivels freely on the base. From a design point, this was a wise move as it makes the piece more durable and less prone to any kind of internal breakage if a more rigid slot or peg system was used, but it does make the piece slightly unstable when being moved.

While the chair is the eye-catching feature of this statue, there are some other lovely details, such as the leather-look padded back to the interior of the chair and the striped blanket that covers Charles’ lap, the lines of which are sculpted, not just painted. The paint work is very solid here, with a metallic finish for the exterior of the chair and a matte finish for the softer surfaces. 

Professor X himself is very nicely sculpted, and I appreciate the restraint in the pose - it would have been very tempting to have him with his hands to his brow in full-on telepathy mode, which would have been a bit corny for my tastes. If I have any criticism of the piece it is that Charles looks rather young and could have done with a wrinkle or two, or just some lines on his face to highlight an expression, as he does look a tad blank. 

There still seems to be a chance that a classic Professor X in a standard wheelchair may come from Bowen at some point, which would fit nicely with the sets of Original and Classic X-Men that Bowen is currently producing. I had initially planned to hold out for a possible wheelchair version, but now that I have this in my display I’m very glad I didn’t wait - it’s a great addition to the Bowen X-Collection!

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!

Sponsor News: The Value of a DASH Membership

Our friends from Collector-ActionFigures (DASH) have a new weekly update - "The Value of a DASH Membership"

If you still don’t see the value of a membership on Collector-ActionFigures, then we’ve got a lot to show you. You might think DASH is just about our giveaways, since we’re giving away Sideshow Collectibles Snake Eyes and Transformers Masterpiece Thundercracker prizes totaling in value at over $250 right now. Those contests are a great reason to Like DASH on Facebook, sign up for a free membership, and become a part of the DASH Collector’s Club, but they’re far from the only reason to join DASH today.

One of the real values in a DASH membership are the values themselves. The Catalog features more than 40,000 figures with associated loose and packaged values. Not only does this help buyers and sellers find the exact right price for their items, it also gives collectors and in-depth look at their collection and what it’s worth. If you’re looking to see precisely what you have and get an idea what your efforts have been worth, than a DASH collection report is the only way to do it.

This sample collection report shows a user with 870 items valued at more than $15,000.

The only way to get this kind of detailed collection report is with an upgraded membership on Collector-ActionFigures. Join the DASH Collector’s Club and finally take your first good long look at your collection.

The AFB Podcast Episode 36: Superhero Drinkware with Jeremy Ciccone

Episode THIRTY-SIX 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, Eli and Justin from the AFB Forum for Episode Thirty Six 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 Six includes our regular features and an interview with guest Jeremy Ciccone (who joins us for the whole epiosde!) to talk about his amazing collection of Superhero Drinkware!

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 Six 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 is Back and Bigger than Ever for November 2012!

​It's been a few months since we held our Comment of the Month Contest, for the simple reason that AFB has been through quite an evolution since we introduced the AFB Podcast! We do love giving away things, however, so we're pleased to bring the Comment Contest back bigger and better than ever!

From now on, 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 now more ways to win!

November's prize will be a DC Collectibles New 52 Aquaman Action Figure - sent to you by Mike's Comics N' Stuff!

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!

Bowen Designs Web Exclusive Hydro-Man Bust Review

Bowen Designs does a number of website exclusive items each year, but their ordering system for the Bowen Exclusive Hydro-Man Bust, which I’m reviewing tonight, went one step beyond that. As well as being a web exclusive, Hyrdo-Man was made to order, meaning that only the number ordered were produced. This explains the unusual edition size of 483. As far as I’m concerned, this also means there are 483 extremely lucky people out there, as this is a truly amazing piece.

The amazingly talented Kucharek Brothers can always be counted on for a top quality sculpt and something a little bit out of the box to go with it, and it is really great to see them doing busts for Bowen as well as their excellent statue work. Hydro-Man is the Kuchareks at their best, and the end result of this piece is one I am very glad to own.

These days Morris Bench sports a more modernised costume for his crime fighting, but his iconic look was a black t-shirt and jeans long before Superboy appropriated it for himself. It’s this look that Bowen has chosen, which means he will fit nicely with the majority of Bowen’s Spider-Man Family (and Foes) collection. The design of this piece, with Hydro-Man’s water arms up behind his head ready to pounce, is genius. It does make him a bit of a space hog for collectors short on shelf space, but this piece is worth making a focal point.

Apart from the overall concept and design, the making of this piece is the use of translucent materials for the water elements of the statue. There is an incredible level of detail in Hydro-Man’s giant water arms, and the translucent material creates a stunning visual effect.
Many Bowen collectors tend to be bust only or statue only, and there continue to be many requests for a Full Size Hydro-Man Statue. While this could be done magnificently, I almost don’t see the need. There is nothing “mini” about this bust - it stands nearly as high as some statues! When you consider Hydro-Man’s power and take into account the manhole base, it’s easy to imagine this is Hydro-Man coming out of the ground and put him alongside your Full Size Spidey collection, as I have done.

The pickings have become a bit slimmer for Bowen bust collectors in recent times, but it’s some comfort to know that when the busts do come, they are complete home runs. With the move towards more oversized busts that Bowen seems to be making, even the most die hard statue-only collector really needs to give these great pieces consideration!
You can see more pics on Facebook, and discuss this at the AFB Forum!
Until next time!

Pre-Order Sideshow's Deadpool Premium Format Figure!

Sideshow's Deadpool Premium Format Figure is now up for Pre-Order at Sideshow Collectibles!

It's been confirmed that the chicken (stuffed with dynamite) is the exclusive - so if that was putting you off this great piece you can now feel free to order as he can be displayed poultry free!

Are you ordering? Tell us in the comments - or go to Sideshow and order now!

AFB Sponsor - Collector-Action Figures (DASH) - New Contest!

Following on from our great interview with Corey Tincher of Collector-Action Figures (DASH) on Episode 35 of the AFB Podcast, we are pleased to welcome DASH on board as an AFB Sponsor!

Please check out their introduction and details of their current contest below!

Welcome to DASH - Here’s a Sideshow Snake Eyes Giveaway!

In case you haven’t heard of Collector-ActionFigures.com, we wanted to make a strong first impression. In fact, we’re giving away a Sideshow Collectibles Snake Eyes and Timber sixth scale figure to make sure you remember us. This exclusive figure is limited to 1000 copies, is valued at $200, includes a bundle of extras including a fully-articulated Timber figure, and is being given away to one lucky collector for free by Collector-ActionFigures.

For your chance to win Snake Eyes, all you need to do is complete a free membership registration with Collector-ActionFigures. It doesn’t cost a dime and only takes a minute, but make sure you go through the entire process (including email activation) to set up your account. Not only will you then be entered to win the contest, you’ll also have access to the internet’s best catalog of action figures. There’s simply no better way to start off a digital collection on DASH than by entering a classic figure like this near-perfect G.I. Joe action figure into your collection.

Enjoy your new membership, and good luck winning this unbelievable masterpiece of a prize.

Contest Details

• All entries must be received by 11:59p.m. ET on Friday November 2^nd, 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.
• The figure has not yet been released, but will be shipped to winner upon release date (~December 2012).

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

The AFB Podcast Episode 35: Corey Tincher of Collector DASH Action Figures

Episode THIRTY-FIVE 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, Scott and John from the AFB Forum for Episode Thirty Five 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 Five includes our regular features and an interview with special guest Corey Tincher of Collector DASH Action Figures - the fantastic new online resource that every action figure collector needs to check out!

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 Five 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!

AFB is back in the review saddle with Sideshow's Premium Format Psylocke!

It’s been some time since I managed to get a review of one of my own purchases up, what with the AFB Podcast taking up most of my “geek time” these days. While I haven't been posting reviews, I certainly have still been avidly collecting, so I thought it was high time I get back to getting some of them up here on the site - and tonight’s is a real beauty!

Sideshow Collectibles has been having a few QC issues with some of their Premium Format Figures recently, which has made me hesitant to pull the trigger on subsequent releases. Despite some disappointment with their efforts with X-Man Rogue, I am enjoying collecting the ladies of Marvel in this line, and so decided in the end to go ahead with the item I’m reviewing tonight - the Sideshow Psylocke Premium Format Figure, which I purchased from AFB Sponsor Popcultcha.com

Sideshow has been aiming many of their X-Men efforts at fans of the Jim Lee era, but I passed on the Exclusive for this as the head that comes with the Regular Edition suited me fine as it was less stylistic to a certain era. Some controversy was created when Sideshow changed both headsculpts after the item went up for pre-order, but in my opinion (and I may be in the minority) the changes to the regular head were for the better and I’m satisfied with it.

This figure has not been without its own QC issues, with a number of collectors reporting cracking in the flesh coloured paint on Psylocke’s legs. Mine has shown no side of this defect after a couple of months on display - much to my relief, as I would not like to have to deal with returning an item this big all the way from Australia!

One word of warning for those assembling this figure - the head doesn’t go on at the angle you expect, so check the photos carefully before inserting and proceed with caution. I managed to make a (thankfully very tiny) mark on my Psylocke’s shoulder by trying to put the head on the wrong way. Check those angles!

The Premium Format pieces are becoming less mixed-media and more sculpted, which is an issue for some but not a big problem with me. Being a “statue guy”, I don’t mind the idea of these being larger statues. I do often wonder how the fabric will wear on these. For Psylocke, the cloth elements are her barely-there (especially at the back!) swimsuit, and her red sash.

The regular version comes with a swap-out option for Psylocke’s left hand. She can either wield a second katana which is held behind her back at an angle, or emanate her trademark psychic knife, which is the option I’ve chosen. Both the katanas and the psychic knife are nicely done, with translucent material used for the psychic knife to great effect.

This statue comes with the traditional X-Base, which is good in terms of tying the X-Figures together, but takes a bit away from the piece for me as I enjoy some of the earlier Premium Format pieces that had bases that reflected a bit more of the character - for example, She-Hulk holding a parking meter or Black Cat opening a safe.

Next up for the X-Ladies will be Storm in early 2013, and we also have Scarlet Witch and Spider-Woman to look forward to. It’s a good time to be a Marvel Premium Format Collector!

You can see more pics at Facebook, and discuss this at the AFB Forum!

Until next time!

The AFB Podcast Episode 34: NYCC News / Freelance Toy Designer Catrina Arana

Episode THIRTY-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! 

Please note there is no enhanced podcast this week!

Join John, Eli and Scott from the AFB Forum for Episode Thirty 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 Thirty Four includes a rundown of toy news from New York Comic Con, and a special interview with freelance toy designer Catrina Arana, who speaks about the role of a toy designer and  her work on Hasbro properties including Star Wars, G.I. Joe and Marvel 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 Thirty 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 33: "Transforming Collections" with Philip J Reed

Episode THIRTY-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 Scott, Ben and John from the AFB Forum for Episode Thirty 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 Thirty Three includes our special guest Philip J Reed of battlegrip.com who talks to us about Transformers and his upcoming book (funded by a successful Kickstarter) "Transforming Collections"- an in-depth look at the amazing world of third-party Transformers Toys and Accessories. 

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 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!

The AFB Podcast Episode 32: Vintage Voltron / What Are You Collecting Now?

Episode THIRTY-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, John and Adam from the AFB Forum for Episode Thirty 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 Thirty Two includes our Toy of the Week feature on the Vintage 1980s Voltron Lion and a discussion on "What are you Collecting Now?"

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 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!