Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow is the latest release in the animation distribution deal between Marvel and Lionsgate films.

It picks up in an alternate future where Ultron has killed most of the Avengers and taken over the United States, and is attempting to take over the rest of the world.

Tony Stark is raising the children of the Avengers on a tropical island, while keeping an eye on the rest of the world. We have Captain America's son, Black Panther and Storm's son, Thor's daughter, and Hank Pym and Wasp's son Pym living on a tropical paradise while training to eventually confront Ultron. Really, Tony is keeping them hidden so they won't be killed by Ultron.

The Vision is helping Tony keep an eye on Ultron and happenings in the rest of the world. Thor, in an unThorlike move, has retreated to Asgard to attend to Asgard, leaving his daughter behind, when the other Avengers were killed by Ultron. Bruce Banner has retreated into isolation in the desert and is constantly meditating to keep from triggering the Hulk.

The only other Avenger to survive Ultron's attack was Hawkeye who let a group of survivors in Ultra City. Hawkeye, now deceased, has been succeeded by his son, Francis Barton as leader of the group of survivors. Unknown to everyone involved Betty Ross, Bruce Banner's long time girlfriend/eventual wife, has been living with this Barton's group for many years.

I think the reason the Hulk figures so prominently is as a sort of lead into the new series of Hulk Vs. ... DVD animated films Marvel/Lionsgate are releasing and of course to ride the coat tails of the Incredible Hulk film.

Personally, I'd have enjoyed it more if the Hulk/Maestro were the villain and they had to figure out how to defeat him to free the world.

I watched this with my 4 year old daughter. She liked it, but I can't say she loved it. I felt about the same. It was a fun idea, with OK execution.

High Points: Seeing the children of the Avengers. Seeing Tony living life as a grown up, even if he's portrayed as an old man. Finding out the real story why Thor left his daughter behind.

Low Points: The Iron Avengers. Changes to Ultron's origin (He was made by Hank Pym in the comics and they have Tony Stark being his builder in Next Avengers).

I'd say pick it up when you can find it for $6 or less and watch it with your kids. Or catch it whenever they get around to releasing it on one of the cable cartoon channels.

Rating: 5.0/10.0.

Bowen Ultron Statue

Manufacturer: Bowen
Product Type: Statue
Dimensions: 14 inches tall
Edition Size: TBD
Sculpted By: William Paquet
Release Date: Oct-08
Retail Price: $165.95

While there are some features that I really like about this statue, I must express some disappointment. Statue Points Against:

• Oversized chest - to the point that he could compete with some female statues
• Lack of detail that I have come to expect from Bowen - stand not included
  
• Might have selected a more detailed Ultron for sculpting purposes.
  

Positive aspect is the painting for the statue; however, my concern there is that this is the prototype, and a final analysis would have to take place with the released version.

Personal choice for now: PASS.

If you want an Ultron statue, I like the 2004 Bowen Bust by Carl Surges. The face alone tells you that he is about to destroy everything living.

Maquette: Iron Spider-Man Statue

Manufactured by: Sideshow Collectibles
Priced at: US $289.99
Est. Ship Date: 1st Qtr 2009
Limited Edition: 1250

After seeing this statue in the recent Wizard and then reviewing the various pictures of it on Sideshow Collectibles, I definitely wanted to place this item on a HOT BUY list. While I was never a big fan of the the costume, this statue alone could change my opinion.

Take a look for yourself:


Statue Points in its Favor:

• Detail to Hands and Mechanical Legs
• Fluid and Expressive Pose
• Great Colors and Paint Job

Personal Choice: HOT BUY

More of my statues > 50 and growing

Late Spring 2009 Bowen Releases

Bowen announced several new statues for Spring 2009 release, and out of the five, I am drawn to the three Kucharek Brothers' sculptures, which are:

• Stealth Iron Man
• Nova
• Bullseye

I don't tend to like the "non-action" designs; however, both the Nova and Bullseye statues look great. I think that choosing which one to go with is going to come down to personal preferences.

As for the Bowen Busts, I am not that thrilled with the Air-Walker by the Kucharek Brothers (which came as a surprise). Both the Cyclops and Kurse mini-busts appear to be my statue selections of choice.

Kotobukiya Marvel Busts

As I have not seen them, I am skeptic as to whether or not I will like them. While I love Kotobukiya Supergirl statue and the upcoming Batman Kotobukiya looks awesome, I can not give you an opinion on the Marvel Busts. From what I can tell - most of them are not really catching my eye.

Has anyone seen any of these (other than the online pics)? The only one of semi "ooooooh" value is the Colussus Bust.

My newest addition....

Out of the recent Bowen Busts, this is one of my favorite. The Red Cape and Blue Armor make a perfect combination. The flow of the cape around his arm, the chiseled jaw, and pose all give the fluid impression that his sword is directing him on what to do next. If you get a chance, grab this one. I did.

He is the newest addition to my collection, and I am quite pleased. The only thing that would have possibly been better would have been the statue; hoever, I was uncertain about the stance on that statue. It was too "King Arthur" for me, and the Black Knight is not King Arthur.