Marvel Entertainment To Be Acquired By Disney for $4B

The official press release can be read here.

I’ve been expecting something like this to happen for years, and yet I’m still shocked.

It’s still not 100% a done deal. It still has to pass through the FTC for anti trust issues and it still needs to go through the stockholders of both companies.

It makes a lot of sense, but at the same time, I thought they should have done it around 1999. And instead of Disney I actually expected it to be Universal, since they were making several of the Marvel movies and had a Marvel section in one of their theme parks. Plus it makes sense

Robert’s Two Cents:

• How will this affect Boom Studios Disney Comics licenses in the future? (And it won’t at least until the current licenses expire)
• Will the Incredibles crossover with the Fantastic Four?
• Will there be a Marvel park added to Disney World? I really like the Universal Studios Islands of Adventure Marvel section and would like to see more of something like that.
• Can we get Beauty and the Beast remade with Beast from the X-Men? (thanks @edkaye on Twitter)
• Can Howard the Duck take his pants off now?
• Can we get a Fableslike comic starring Disney characters?
• Will Marvel finish publishing Abadazad?
• Will Marvel publish other Crossgen properties?
• If Phil Noto does more covers for Marvel, he'll be working for Disney again.
• Will Dazzler be played by Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) if a film gets made?
  

Zimm’s Two Cents:

• Does this mean we get more Bowen Disney statues?
• Will there be a Spider-Man or Hulk action figure in the next Toy Story movie?
• Will they film a battle happening at Disneyland in a future Marvel movie?
  

I’m sure I’ll be updating this post later with more questions. What are your thoughts? Post them in the comments section and I’ll be updating this post throughout the day.

Just wow!

Update 11:17: See Johana Draper Carlson's notes on the webcast here. They're much better than my own notes.

Star Wars Slave Leia Mini Bust

As we expand into the ether regions of geekdom, I spotted this bust and had to give it a post.

Type Min-Bust
Ship May 2010
Price $59.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I have never understood the fascination with Princess Leia and this outfit; however, growing up with Star Wars, this piece jumped out at me.

Points in Favor

• The detail. Her face captures Carrie Fisher (from the eyes to the to the cheekbones) perfectly. I don't tend to like statues or busts based on an actual person.
  
• The chain coming down from her collar.
• Great colors. From the Vibro Ax, to her lips, to the
• The little things are what make this bust. Look at the Vibro Axe or her looped earrings, or the purple dress part of her bikini.

Points Against

• I don't really see anything wrong with this piece.

Recommendation: If you are a Star Wars fan, then this is one for the collection. Hot Buy. I may have to buy this one for my younger brother.

Robert's Two Cents
Wow! That looks like Leia's face. Usually these types of pieces are so lifelike. Plus I get to mention Slave Girl Leia and Vibro Axe in the same sentence.

Points in Favor

• Wow! The Vibro axe is sweet!
  
• I was in love with slave girl Leia when this movie came out.
  
• At least as lifelike as anything in Madame Toussad's.
  

Points Against

• Nothing!
  

Recommendation: Hot Buy. I would have killed for this in 1983. I was only eight, but I still would have killed.

Now that Jake joined the team: Project Natal.

As Jake seems to be the gamer of us, I figured that gave me an excuse to finally post this video. I saw it last month and was excited as hell.



I'm actually a Nintendo fan, but this might change everything.

The New Guy

Well hello...my name is Jake. In what is the first of many new changes here at Comics & Geeks I will begin my occasional blogging duties. I will share my view on pop culture news, books, DVDs, games, and my "Fanboy" collection. I can't wait to start! Is it my personal drive to become a hard hitting internet journalist? No. Do I believe it's my duty to give a voice to the poor geeky masses? No. Is it because I long to be eligible to apply for a San Diego Comic Con Press badge? Yes. So save us to your favorites tab, and tell your friends...there is now more crap to read on the internet.

Ok Robert, and Zimm...you asked for it!

Follow me on Twitter.

Pull Strange #1 of 4

Robert once said (something to the effect) that the reason Doctor Fate and Doctor Strange did not maintain such long series is the fact that they could do anything. I disagreed and feel that there are always some great stories around these characters, they just need a good writer.

And since Strange is one of my all time favorite characters, here is hoping that Mark Waid has a good story to tell. So, here are few of the upcoming pulls that I want to add to my list.

• Strange #1 - Released Date November 2009
• Unveiling R.E.B.E.L.S. Annual: Starro the Conqueror - Release October 2009
• Teen Titans #78 - Okay, I dropped this series already.....but it ties into Blackest Night. (I'm such a sucker.)
• Daredevil - Now that he is in charge of the Hand, I'm curious.

However, a definitive pass on the X-Babies.

Robert's Two Cents: I saw the Strange solicitation. It's going to be interesting at least to see Mark Waid take a crack at Dr. Strange. The problem is there is no peril to the character. Somehow magic can save the day.

That's an interesting take on Daredevil to say the least. We'll keep an eye on the situation.

Cable Modern Statue

Produced By Bowen Designs
Sculpted By The Kucharek Brothers
Type Statue
Size 16" Tall
Ship January 2010
Price $185.00

Zimm's Two Cents
As sneak peaks have been slipping out about this one on Statue Marvels, I have had a long time to really think about it and the collector's club version (shown below).

Points in Favor

• Sculpted by the Kucharek Brothers. This is just another piece that goes to show that with practice, you get better and better. (Especially the collector's club version. Look at the detail put into the base on that one).
• Detail, Detail, Detail. From the guns, to the base. They amount of detail in this statue is incredible.
• Love the coloring on this one as well.

Points Against

• From the side angle, Cable looks a little "stiff"; however, that is part of his personality, so......I don't see anything that I dislike in this one.

Recommendation: Hot Buy. While I would be hard pressed to find a place to alot for it's size, it would definitely be worth it.


Robert's Two Cents
This may be the coolest piece by Bowen since the Sentinel statue. I like the collector's club version better.

Points in Favor

• I love that base and all of the detail.
  
• I think the shoulder pad over militarized look works for Cable.
  
• This was/is (?) the best Cable costume ever.
• Limited run size on the collector's club version.
  

Points Against

• They should have had Rob Liefeld do the design sketches for the collector's club exclusive. Ouch! Stop throwing stuff at me.
  

Recommendation: Hot Buy. Very nice pieces.

Two-Face 1:2 Scaled Bust

Produced By DC Direct
Sculpted By Andy Bergholtz
Type 1:2 Scale Bust
Size 13"h x 11"w x 6"d
Ship April 2010
Price $295.00

Zimm's Two Cent's
I haven't had a chance to comment on some of the other pieces in this series, but I wanted to start with this one.
Points in Favor:

• Fabric shirt, coat, and tie add to the statue.
• Good paint job. Clean and detailed.
• Good sculpting.

Points Against

• While I like the fabric, I am worried that the fabric may look a little too flimsy or cheap. This will really make or break the statue when someone gets it.
• Not quite certain that I like the 'green toned colors' used on the scarred side of his face. Maybe I am referencing too much of the last Batman movie and how realistic it looked there..

Recommendation: Neutral . While this is a good piece, it still does not measure up to the quality and detail of the Apocalypse 1:2 Scaled Bust - or even the Galactus bust.

Robert's Two Cent's
This is nice. If I were to buy a Batman villain piece this might be the one.
Points in Favor:

• I really like the bad half of the tie.
  
• It looks like Two Face, if he were real.
  
• Paint looks good.
• The fabric pieces are a nice touch.
• It's a good blend of the cartoon/comic book version and the last movie version.
  

Points Against

• I'm not sure what it is, but there is something that bugs me.
  

Recommendation: Buy. Two minor issues:

• I'd rather have the Apocalypse bust like Zimm suggests, but this piece is beautiful.
• If you don't buy the others in the series, this would really stick out in your collection.
  

Green Lantern - Part 1: Hal Jordan

Green Lantern - Part 1

Legacies Multi-Part Statue: Hall Jordan & Guardians of the Universe

DC Direct offers yet another 4 piece set of statues that build into one overall larger statue. This series, as you can see, is focused on the Green Lanterns. While there are 4 pieces, the collector will need to buy 3 different pieces to buid the entire statue and include Alan Scott.

Produced By DC Direct
Sculpted By Mike Locasio
Type Porcelain Statue
Size 9"H x 8.5"w x 11.75"d
Ship April 2010
Price $195.00

Zimm's Two Cents
As you have probably noticed, my current favorite series is the Green Lantern and Blackest Night titles. I have never been a Green Lantern fan; however, after the Sinestro Wars and now with the Blackest Night, I can not get the comics soon enough. Also - I have trying to figure out which Green Lantern graphic novels I need. Suggestions?

Points in Favor

• I like the colors.
• While you can still see the stick holding them up, The Guardians of the Galaxy Universe look good. I like that they are floating.
• There are a lot of little details showing up in this piece. Guardian's faces and hands.

Points Against

• Hal's face looks off. The hair and expression just don't seem right.
• I feel like if you buy this piece, you HAVE to buy the other pieces - which I am not that thrilled about.

Recommendation: Neutral. Okay, if you have been a Green Lantern fan for life, you will probably be all over this collection. However, after looking at some of the other pieces, I think that some of the details may be lacking. So, I am still waiting on Green Lantern statue that I have to add to the collection.

Robert's Two Cents
I'm not currently reading Green Lantern, but I've always been a fan of Hal Jordan. One of my first comics was a reprint of Hal Jordan's origin.

Points in Favor

• Green Lantern looks good.
  
• The Guardians look good too. I'm not a fan of the look of the ponytail on the one on the left.
  
• The post and most of the sculpt are great.
  

Points Against

• The hair is way off. Not their fault, but I miss the grey at the temples look.
• I don't like this version of the Green Lantern costume. I like Hal's traditional costume or the one John Stewart has worn since the early nineties.
• The face is a bit off, but that frequently happens with rendering 2D characters in 3D.
  

Recommendation:Buy . I like the basic piece. The entire series intrigues me. There are just enough minor things to throw me off on it, but I'm still going to give it a buy.

What the.....Blammoids Series 2!

Okay, I admit it. I knew these were coming, but I still do not understand what they are for. The weird part of this set is that I actually like the characters in this set; however, some of the characters triangle underpants are really standing out. Anyway, Series 2.


Robert: Umm, no. I keep thinking I need to pick up one of these to be my urn one day.

The smile on the creeper reminds me from the plant from Little Shop of Horrors.

Plastic Man almost works.

Otherwise, I'm sticking with my first comment, umm, no.

Cylon Centurion

Okay, I stumbled upon this a little late; however, I love it. You can still jump on their waiting list, and I imagine that the people that did grab it will truly love it. The Starbuck piece is still available to order - click here. However, I am partial toward the Cylon.

I will keep an eye out for other upcoming pieces and try to keep you notified.

Robert: This is another one of those things that's cute, but shouldn't be cute.

Blackest Night: Nekron

Sometimes, the test of a good comic book is the ability to leverage previous characters, villains, and stories in a way that maintains the mythology of book and universe. While I haven't read the story, everything about choosing Nekron (see Wikipedia) as the main villain in Blackest Night fits perfectly. DC didn't create something new - they built upon what they had. This is going to be a fun ride.

A series worth reading, a trade worth keeping the in the library. This series keeps getting better and better.

Will Sinestro return as a Green Lantern? I don't have enough GL History knowledge to know, but in some ways, it would make sense - the way that this book is headed.

Women of the DC Universe: Batgirl

DC Direct offers us the second bust in their 3rd Series of Women of the DC Universe. Keep up the series, DC. I am enjoying the variety. Bowen provides a huge variety, and I hope that you do to.

Produced By DC Direct
Designed By Amanda Conner
Sculpted By Jack Mathews
Type Porcelain Bust
Size 5.5"H x 3.75"W x 4"D
Ship April 2010
Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cent's
Less the Watusi pose, I kind of like this piece. I realize that this is supposed be a counter piece to the Batman Bust, but Batman is in an action pose and she is dancing. Hmmm. But wasn't Barbara always the fun one?

Points in Favor

• Great Colors. From the yellow, to the grey / yellow costume, to the blue in her eyes.
• I am pleasantly pleased with the sculpting. I like the seams and details in the costume. Her face looks good.
• Attention to the detail. The belt, her face, hair, and gargoyle base.
• Gargoyle base. DC Direct is really getting into some of these bust bases.

Points Against

• The Watusi pose? I don't really have much against it. I like the piece.

Recommendation: Buy. While I am not dying to rush out and buy it, it is not something that I would mind having on my shelf. Overall, its a good statue with some nice detail.

Robert's Two Cent's

Points in Favor

• I like the Barbara Gordon Batgirl. She's one of my favorite character. I always thought it was too bad Joker paralyzed her when I was just a wee lad.
  
• Amanda Conner is a great artist. She's probably the only person other than Adam Hughes and Kevin Maguire who should ever draw Power Girl. She draws awesome female characters.
  
• Detail, detail, detail.
  

Points Against

• I'm going to have to look up Watusi in the Wikipedia.
• I have a really cool Batgirl bust already.
  

Recommendation: Buy. Any sculpt of a female character designed by Amanda Conner would be a good piece to own.

Podcast: SiDEBAR

SiDEBAR featuring "four color conversations on comics, art, & pop culture" (I love that tagline) and hosted by Dwight Clark and Swain Hunt is one of my favorite comic book focused podcasts out there right now. They interview a wide range of comics creators and famous comic book fans. They have interviewed Bernie Wrightson, Jon Foster, James Jean, Mark Chiarello, Jason Pearson, Phil Morris (of MadTV, Martian Manhunter on Smallville, Green Lantern on Justice League, and Static on Static Shock!), Sanford Greene, Cree Summer (Different World, Penny from Inspector Gadget and many more), Wendy & Lisa (former members of Prince's Revolution), Frank Quitely, and many, many more.

They discuss subjects way, way beyond the realm of comics and pop culture. They even have the occasional SiDEBAR Confession (like when Dwight Swain confessed to Kelley Jones that when he was a telemarketer, he went out of his way to call Kelley Jones, even calling several Kelley Jones in the Northern California area in the process, so he could speak to an artist he was a huge fan of). But with their wide array of knowledge in comics, music, art, and movies, their podcast is never boring and they amaze me some times with their range of knowledge. They also have a taste for artists I have never heard of but figure out that I like after their interviews, like cover artist, Marko Djurdjevic.

I'd rate this podcast a HOT BUY, especially since it's free. So try it out at www.sidebarnation.com or sidebar.libsyn.com.

Thanks to Swain for the correction on the SiDEBAR Confession bit.

Ame-Comi: Wonder Woman v2

Ame-Comi released two more figures in their ongoing PVC Figures.

Produced By DC Direct
Designed By Dustin Nguyen
Sculpted By Jack Mathews
Type PVC statue
Size 8.75"H
Ship April 2010
Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cent's
What happened? I was enjoying the majority of this series, and then this one showed up. This one may be a personal preference, but very little about it screams Wonder Woman.

Points in Favor

• The axe looks good. Truthfully, I prefer the sword, but the axe is a great change.
• Great colors - but Ame-Comi tends to be consistent in this area. Who knew that Wonder Woman spent so much time on her toenails.
• As you have a choice of the hair being up or down, the down one reminds me of Linda Carter.

Points Against

• The gorgon head is lacking. From the face, to the snakes, to the blood.
  
• Not a big fan of the Princess Leia based costume. I'm probably an exception here, as Star War fans everywhere should love this. Lynda Carter in a Princess Leia outfit, but I don't see this as something that she would have worn into battle against a gorgon.
• Very little of the "Ame-Comi" feel that the other pieces have. Especially in the eyes.
  

Recommendation: Pass. Unless you love Wonder Woman and Princess Leia and have always wanted them combined, this one is not as enticing as Ame-Comi's first Wonder Woman.

Robert's Two Cent's
This one is a bit of a contradiction for me. I will say I much prefer the original Wonder Woman Ame Comi over this one, but I really do like this one. The devil's in the details.

Points in Favor

• It's based on a design by Dustin Nguyen. He's a phenomenal artist and this piece screams with his touch.
  
• The design of the logo on the chest piece is really cool. I also like the embellishments on her bracelets. Both are very nice touches.
  
• I think I prefer the hair up version for some reason.
• This is one of those pieces where I'd really like to hear her story. She looks a bit Asian to me but she's holding the Medusa/gorgon head. Is there a dichotomy or were the features of her face made Asian because this is supposed to be the mangaized DC characters? I really would like to hear more.
  

Points Against

• If I stare at it too long, I may turn to stone.
  
• I don't love the costume. However, like I said above I do like all of the little embellishments.
• I don't like the one boot thing she has going one. We haven't asked yet, but I don't think Zimm's niece is going to like the shoes.
• The axe is cool. I'd prefer a sword, but I get that they didn't want to do that again.
  
• Shouldn't she have a mirrored shield too?
  

Recommendation: Qualified Buy. If I didn't already have the first Wonder Woman, I'd be all over this one. The first one is a better piece on many levels. This is cool and has a lot of personality and Dustin Nguyen is one of the best comic book artists on the planet. The original screams Wonder Woman more. This one could be any mythology based heroine.

It Came From the Solicitations...

I was looking through the solicits for Marvel for November and saw this. I'm mentioning it here because I know Zimm really liked Moon Knight when Charlie Huston was writing it.

DEATHLOK #1

Written by Charlie Huston, penciled by Lan Medina, covers by Brandon Peterson and Rich Buckler.

Marvel's ultimate cyborg is back in this 7-issue Marvel Knights limited series. In the not-too-distant future, war is a spectator sport, warriors die hard and live fast, and living larger than anyone is super-soldier Lieutenant Mike Travers. That is, until Travers hotdogs it on the battlefield and gets himself and his C.O., Luther Manning, blown to bits. The show must go on. Enter: Deathlok the Demolisher!

32 pages, $3.99.

Fables TP - Volume 12

By far, one of my favorite non-superhero bases series to pick up. This is a definitive pull and addition to the graphic novel collection, and I can't wait to pick-it up. If you haven't read and/or heard of the series, give the book a chance. Its an enjoyable read.

I would, however, like to remind everyone that this is a book for mature readers. I didn't realize it at first, but after the second graphic novel, I learned my lesson.

Monday Morning Start

Growing up playing the original D&D games, nothing was more exciting then picking up a few dice here and there. At one point, I had a bag of about 30 dice of different quality and luck.

If I played today, this would definitely be sitting on my desk, so I thought I would start the morning off with a bowl of luck. I just hope that there are enough 4, 8, 10, 12 and 20 sided included and it is not all 6 sided.

However, with 400 dice in the bowl - you are bound to find the right one for you.

Sideshow: Scarlet Witch Comiquette

Sideshow is offering us another Marvel Comiquette; however, what I would really like from them is another busts like Apocalypse or Galactus.

Produced By Sideshow Collectibles
Artists
* Idol Workshop
* Anthony Mestas
* Adam Ross
* Mark Brooks
* Tom Gilliland
* Simon Garciea
* The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Type Comiquette Polystone Statue
Size 17.5" H x 12" W x 12" D
Ship 1st Qtr 2010
Price $204.99

Zimm's Two Cents
Sideshow is turning into a 50/50 for me (when it comes to the Marvel statues); however, as I understand it, there is a really good market for them. I think it is because they keep such a tight limit on their edition sizes.
Points in Favors

• Love the colors on this one.
• Great Detail. The seams, the face, and the hair all look good.
• Love the cape on this one. I like the flow of it on the back.

Points Against

• Vision robot toy.
• Power Girl breasts.

Recommendation: Pass. I don't like the Vision robot toy. If she were standing there on her own, this one may have ended up with a different recommendation.

Everything I Needed to Know About Life, I learned from He-Man

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Season 1 is now playing on hulu.com.

This is pretty cool! Back in the days before Cartoon Network, back in the days before I had access to cable at all, we only had one weekday afternoon cartoon to watch. For years it was Scooby Doo in one flavor or another, until He-Man premiered.

He-Man, Battlecat, Man-At-Arms, Skeletor, Teela, Orko and the whole crew kept us company from 3:00 until 3:30 every afternoon for three years. And of course there was the obligatory life lesson at the end of each episode.

I'm going to have to set things up so I can watch this with my kids.

Zimm's Two Cents: He-Man? Really? Reeeaallly? I never got into He-Man.

Sideshow Collectibles: Mystique

Produced By Sideshow Collectibles
Artists
* Tim Miller
* Mike Najera
* Adam Hughes
* Simon Garciean
* The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Type Comiquette Polystone Statue
Size 16" H x 10" W x 6" D
Ship 1st Qtr 2010
Price $159.99

Zimm's Two Cents
Great piece. I'm really excited about this one.

Points in Favor

• Classic Mystique and costume.
• Nice base. A lot of detail for something that seems so simple. It ties into the belt and small forehead skulls.
  
• Good solid sculpting - If you look at the clothes or the boots, they included the seam lines. It provides little pieces of detail that make a great statue - the skull base, the skull belt, the gun, the flowing costume.
• Nice colors.
  

Points Against

• Something about her hair. Can't figure it out, but there is something that seems too 'over the top' about the hair. Looks almost like she has added in some extensions.
  
• I'm not quite certain that Power Girl's breast are a part of Mystique.
  

Recommendation: Buy! Sideshow is producing some good collectible stuff.

Robert's Two Cents
She looks great from the neck down.

Points in Favor

• The sculpting is great as it has been with this whole series.
  
• Skulls are definitely a Mystique motif.
• The detail work on the base.
• The detail in the gun.
• Breasts aren't as much of a focus as some of the others in this line have been. The statue is designed by Adam Hughes. He draws women with big boobs. It's what he does.
  

Points Against

• The first thing I said to myself when I saw this was her hair's too big.
• It's difficult to make Mystique's face look alive. They haven't succeeded here either.
• She might be just a bit too vampy.
  

Recommendation: Pass! Yes, Mystique is a seductress amongst other things, but to me the root of the character is that she's a killer. I can't say I can see her posing like that flipping back her hair while holding a gun like that. It may just be me though. Let us hear your opinion.

The hair also pulls me out of the moment with this character. It's way off for her.

It's a great design otherwise (like I said before, from the neck down) and Sideshow is producing some great collectibles. I think my favorite piece by them is still the Apocalypse life sized bust.

Things that I want.....The Enigma Trench

Growing up, I was your Goth Dungeons and Dragons player, and this is the coat that I always wanted. In fact, I spent one Halloween searching every mall and store throughout Houston and Austin for something like this, but low and behold, I never found it.

This is the perfect "Modern Death" piece (includes matching gloves); however, most will recognize it from Kingdom of Hearts.

A great piece, but alas, I am now too old for such a thing. I would merely look like a creepy old man in this thing.

Much sadness.

Robert: Zimm, you should get this and wear it to Dragon*Con.

Marvel Publishes New Series I Will Try

It's been a while since Marvel has launched a new series that piques my interest.

In November, Marvel Comics will release the first issue of an ongoing series featuring SWORD. They are the alien defensive side of SHIELD (or more like the SHIELD is like the FBI of Earth and SWORD is like the CIA). The book will feature a power struggle between Agent Brand and Henry Peter Gyrich, who has been a pain to super hero teams for at least as long as I can remember.

Also, Brand's core team will include the Beast and Lockheed, who is still missing Kitty Pryde.

For more info click here.

Things that I want: Dr Who's Trenchcoat

This is something that I am definitely considering, and what true Dr. Who fan wouldn't? A bit on the pricey side....

Reg price: $299.00
Sale price: $253.99
Shipping: December 2009

But, anyone caught wearing this jacket would look to damn cool. True - I couldn't pull off the hair or the dashing look. But I could purchase the led sonic screwdriver, talk with a horrible fake British accent, and solve my own world-shattering problems.

A definite geek consideration.

Hong Kong Phooey Funko Force Action Figure

My partner loves the cartoon series, and it has NEVER been one of my favorites. However - since I have to hear about it all the time - I thought that I would at least post it for everyone. (Better this then the "The Lucy Show" release updates. Argh!)
In fact, there is a series of these for a decent price. I just saw a Captain Caveman too.

Robert's Two Cents: I was a huge fan of the cartoon when I was a kid. It was second only to the Super Friends. Keep in mind I was probably only 3 when I was watching it.

These are pretty cool.

Sideshow Namor vs Iron Man

Another diorama from Sideshow Collectibles - with Namor and Iron Man going at it.

Produced By Sideshow Collectibles
Artists
* Tony Cipriano
* Mike Najera
* Bernardo Esquivel
* Mike Allen
* The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Type Polystone Diorama Statue
Size 17"H x 16.5"W x 11.5"D
Ship 1st Qtr 2010
Price $299.00

Zimm's Two Cents
Sideshow really is cranking out some great stuff, and I am constantly drooling over a number of different busts and comiquette statues. If you want some proof, checkout Statue Marvel post from San Diego Comic Con.

However (with that said) I have not been overly thrilled with some of Sideshow Collectible' diorama series. I love the diorama idea, and the ones that I have seen or own make an incredible conversation piece; but......I guess I want the same level of detail that Sideshow has given me in their other pieces.
Points in Favor

• I like Iron Man. MOre of a 'classic armor suit', with some good coloring.
• Namor can have or not have a spear! Cool stuff.
• Characters do appear to be in a confrontational mode, which is nice.
• Good base concept; however, it might be a tad bit distracting.

Points Against

• While I like the waves, the coloring or paint frost have become the center of my focus. When I look at some photos of the statue, my eyes are drawn to the waves instead of the characters or overall statue.
• Namor looks a little to 'plasticy'.

Recommendation: Pass. Sideshow has some other great pieces that I would grab before this one. Just put Mystique up against this one, and you would grab the Mystique statue in a heartbeat....or the Electra statue....or the Apocalypse bust....or the.....

R2 D2 Trashcan

I finally found a trashcan I want.

ThinkGeek has this trashcan. Now if I can just get a Landspeeder lawn mower, I'm all set.

Product Features

• Office Sized Trash Can is A Detailed Model of R2-D2
• Stands 24" High
• Step on R2's center Foot and his Head Pops open to Accept your Trash
• Removable Interior Can with Handle Makes Trash Removal Easy
• Durable Vinyl Construction
• Japan-only Fully Licensed Star Wars Collectable

Bowen Designs: Captain America Bust

While Bowen has offered a number of Captain America statues over the years, he has only offered one Cap bust....until now.

Produced By Bowen Designs
Sculpted By Randy Bowen
Type Mini-Bust
Size 6.5" Tall
Ship Date December 2009
Price $55.00

Zimm's Two Cents
After purchasing the bronze Cap statue, I realized that I had been missing out one of the better characters. Everything about the statue screams, Cap....and so does the bust.

Points in Favor

• It is a piece by Randy. That should always be a point in favor.
• The colors rock.
• The little things make this piece great. The shield, the hint of chainmail, the wings, and the facial expression.
• Definition - without overkill. I've mentioned it a little, but some pieces are going overboard on the muscles. This one doesn't. (And of all people who should have the muscles, Cap is one of them.)

Points Against

• I would have to say the base; however, anything more might take away from the bust. I'm content with the way that it is.

Recommendation: Another Hot Buy! If you don't have a Cap in your collection, then you have no excuse for not getting this one. If you collect busts, then you need this one. Great piece.

I would say a great Christmas gift, but I am uncertain if this would make it on time. So - instead - what a great way to start 2010!

Robert's Two Cents
What can I say? It's Captain America as sculpted by Randy Bowen. I have the original Cap statue by Randy, so I'm not as excited by this piece as Zimm, but it's still a fine bust.

Points in Favor

• Paint job. One of the best paint jobs out of Bowen in a while.
  
• The shield looks great. One big difference between the more recent Bowen Cap's and the one I have is the metallic detail on the shield.
  
• Randy Bowen always gets Cap's costume right. It clearly looks like chain mail covered with cloth. Many artists try to make it all chain mail looking, but it's not supposed to be.
  

Points Against

• The grimacing look doesn't match up with his body language. If Cap looked that angry, I'd expect there to be more movement in his left arm. Instead the rest of him is pretty lifeless.
  

Recommendation: Buy! If you don't have a Cap piece go get it. If you do, and you are needing another, this isn't the one. Now, if I could figure out how to pull the shield off this one and replace the one on my statue, maybe...

Pulls and Drops

Okay, here are some of the things that I am looking at, considering, and tired of....

Pulls

• War of Kings - I am enjoing this entire War of Kings galactic battle. It is no where near as good as the Blackest Night, but it does prove that 'galactic battle's can be fun. Besides, Marvel has been carrying this intergalactic turmoil for several years now.
• Thunderbolts - I tend to read more 'team books', and this one screams dysfunctional team.
• Dark Reign Young Avengers - I missed this one, and the title alone sounds fun. Sometimes I am such a sucker. (Robert: Read it. It's written by Paul Cornell of Doctor Who and Captain Britain and MI-13 fame)
  

Drops

• Superman & Batman - Stories don't appear to be holding up. I love the concept of Superman and Batman teaming up, but you still need descent stories to carry the series.
• Deadpool - How long can someone read about a guy that can't be killed?
• Dark Reign Sinister Spider-Man - Venom doesn't interest me. Sorry.
• Teen Titans - No Robin or Nightwing....No Titans. I may still take some peeks, as some of the characters are interesting.

Buffy Tooned up Faith Statue

By now, some of you might have realized that I am die hard 'Buffy' geek. Which means that I have been waiting anxiously for the next tooned up Buffy Statue.....and Electric Tiki delivered with Faith.

Produced By Electric Tiki
Size 9" H
Type Tooned Up Polystone Statue
Edition Size TBD
Release Date 1st Quarter 2010
Price $99.99

Zimm's Two Cents
From an initial glance, I loved this piece; however, that is because I am biased. After giving it a second glance over.....

Points in Favor

• Interchangeable stake or Mayor's Knife.
• Action pose of her jump kicking captures Faith.
• Faith's evil grin.

Points Against

• Paint looks a little sloppy in places. Bracelet around the hand holding the knife.
• Head looks a little disproportionate from certain angles.

Recommendation: This is hard for me to do, but Pass. I won't grab this piece, as I perceive a few (what I would consider) flaws; however, if you are collecting the entire line, you will always need Faith. However, she does look good next to the Buffy tooned up statue....click here.

Can't wait to see who is next!

Bowen Designs: Electro

Another teamed-up piece from Randy Bowen & Troy McDevitt. I may have to go back and look at all of the stuff that they have done together (or that Troy has done on his own).

Produced By Bowen Designs
Sculpted By Randy Bowen & Troy McDevitt
Type Statue
Size 14" Tall
Edition Size Website Exclusive
Ship Date December 2009
Price 170.00

Zimm's Two Cents
When I first saw the prototypes and sneak peaks for this statue, I really did not pay attention, as I am not that big of an Electro fan. However, as tends to be the case with Bowen, he captured the personality of the character and created a great statue.

Points in Favor

• Facial expression. Bowen was able to depict the ensane personality of Electro through both the pose of his hands and the look on his face.
• Colors - love the colors.
• Great sculpting job - but then again, it is Randy and Troy, so.....
• As this is more of a museum piece, the bust gives me just a little bit more then a flat ground. Nice job.
• Little hints of detail - bolt on gloves, cables in the base.

Points Against

• I don't see one.

Recommendation: Hot Buy! Even I am considering getting this one, which is the attraction of Bowen's pieces. I have bought a number of characters that I would never have bought and/or considered buying before -- and this looks to be another one.