Bowen Designs: Mojo mini-bust

Mojo is part of a race of spineless aliens who rely on technology to move and survive. In addition, Mojo is the network executive for the alien's top television programs. Mojo's primary purpose and motives are driven by increasing the ratings of network's reality based programming, which is what brought him to the X-Men - as he had hopes that they would both defeat Longshot and improve upon his ratings.

Not a favorite character of mine, at all. I have never been a fan of Longshot, Mojo, or the Mojoverse. In fact, the only character that I have enjoyed from the Mojoverse is Spiral - but that is a different story.

Produced By: Bowen Designs
Sculpted By: Troy McDevitt
Dimensions: Over 6 1/2" Tall
Type: Mini-Bust
Edition Size: TBA
Ship Date: Summer 2009
Estimated Price: $55.00

Zimm's Two Cents:
Points in Favor

• This is what Mojo is supposed to look like
• The splotchy painting fits the character.
  
• The technology infused with the head and eyes
• Bowen providing us with more then the standard heroes and villains.

Points Against

• I like the smile, but the mouth is usually open and includes a tongue
• Popularity of the character may not make this one a buy for some
• I'm wondering if he should have been a little "wider."

Recommendation: If you are a fan of Mojo and the Mojoverse, then Buy.

I won't be buying this character, but he is not for me. I am glad that Bowen is offering him to all of those people that do like him, and looking at the busts coming up, I am glad that Bowen continues to offer such obscure heroes and villains to purchase.

Robert's Two Cents

Points in Favor:

• It's definitely Mojo. They definitely have the look and spirit of the character down.
• The face is nearly perfect.
• Eyes too.
  
• Mojo is the one character that the recent splotchy Bowen paint jobs are a perfect fit for.
• You will probably never see a Bowen Mojo statue due to how fragile his legs and arms would have to be.
• I would like to see what this bust looks like from behind.
  

Points Against:

• I'd have liked to see them include his arms, but I understand why they didn't. They'd break off way too easily.
• The base could have been cooler. He's a cyborg. They could have made it look more like his platform he has for legs.
• Also, I agree with Zimm, he should be wider.
  

Recommendation: Pass. I am a fan of Longshot, even during his X-Men days. I think Troy did a great job with the sculpt and the details, but, pardon the pun, they could have "fleshed" him out more. I would like to see a Bowen action pose Longshot and/or a Spiral.

What the...Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance - Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem!

Finally a version of Pride and Prejudice I might actually read.

Editorial commentary from Amazon:

Product Description
"Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" features the original text of Jane Austen's beloved novel with all-new scenes of bone crunching zombie action.

About the Author
JANE AUSTEN is the author of Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Mansfield Park, and other masterpieces of English literature. SETH GRAHAME-SMITH is the author of How to Survive a Horror Movie and The Big Book of Porn. He lives in Los Angeles.

Kept seeing this on Twitter and thought it was a joke, but it looks like it is actually real. Go figure.

Unfortunately it's coming out too late for Valentine's Day. However, I still may have to buy this for my wife.

Sidebar: On a completely unrelated note, I just figured out the perfect Zimm comic: Marvel Zombies. They just need to do an ongoing and I'm sure he'd be all over that.

Battlestar Galactica Prop Auction

Speaking of props and replicas:

The SciFi Channel is auctioning of pieces of the Battlestar Galactica series, and for any of you true fans of the series, you may want to chime in and pick-up a few of these. Beginning with the Jan. 23, each remaining Battlestar Galactica show will include a weekly eBay auction featuring props from that episode.

This past week's auction was "Planet Earth", so you may want to check out what they are offering at the end of each episode.

FreakAngels 44 is up

Go read it here.

Bowen Ulik the Troll

Ulik the Rock Troll

Why Ulik the Rock Troll you ask and why do I care. I've always been an on and off Thor fan. My favorite periods being of course the Walter Simonson era, then the period right before and after issue 400 where Thor eventually ends up being joined with Erik Masterson and into the Thunderstrike era. During this time and even after Thor was cancelled, Ulik the troll was a persistent presence. He has fought both with and against Thor and the Asgardians. He is usually depicted as an honorable warrior. Plus anyone with uru knuckles (look it up) is cool.

He's pretty obscure but I believe he was one of the Jack Kirby designed villains. You can't mess with Jack. He's definitely one of the cooler Thor villains.

I always thought I was the only Ulik fan, but this bust shows I'm wrong. There are two of us.

Produced By: Bowen Designs
Sculpted By: Troy McDevitt
Dimensions: Over 6" Tall
Type: Bust
Edition Size: TBA
Ship Date: Summer 2009
Estimated Price: $65.00

Robert's Two Cents:

Points in Favor:

• They've nailed it. This bust looks like Ulik the Rock Troll
• The detail in his face and arms. Definitely has the chiseled quality Zimm was remissing about not being in the DC Direct Superman bust.
  
• They included the uru knuckles and his chest plate.
• Another decent Bowen paint job.
  

Points Against:

• Not much in my book.
• Obscurity of character, but that's what makes many of these Bowen releases great.
• No S&M leather fetish wear.
  

Recommendation: Buy. I realize not many people would recognize Ulik the Rock Troll. He's probably slightly less recognizable than Aurora and Northstar but he also has a good look to him.

Zimm's Two Cents:
Okay, I know that I am a little late on this one; however, Robert specifically asked me to provide my two cents. I was primarily hesitant at first, as I did not know the character; however, I wish that I did, as this is a great bust.

Points In favor:

• Overall carving provides the looks and characteristics of a character that should be revived, as this bust makes him look like he would be a challenge for any hero.
• The colors are awesome - I really like the hints of green in this statue.
• Great breast plate.
• Texture to the arms to represent how hairy he really is.

Points Against:
Still don't know who he is, which keeps me from buying him - or almost even writing about him.

Recommendation: Neutral. If I knew who this was, I would probably end up buying this one, so to Robert's point, this is a personal preference.

What the...So Harry Osborne isn't dead???

Has it really been over 15 years since he died?

Read more about it here.

Don't get me wrong, I don't really care. I haven't read a Spider-Man comic since JMS left and wanted to drop them before that (Gwen Stacy's twins anyone?).

Joker Cane Replica

Joker Cane Replica

This one's an oldie but a goodie. Here it is from the JLA Trophy Room, the Joker's cane. It is a two piece wood staff with a metal Joker head for the handle and the metal tip conceals a Joker “gas nozzle,” which can be activated by twisting the cane. Originally released in July 2008, some outlets still have them. Great for the costumer and for Halloween.

Dimensions: 37.25" long with a metal wall display shelf measuring approximately 5.5” long x 2.25” high x 2.75” deep
Type: Prop/Replica
Edition Size: Limited
Ship Date: July 2008
Estimated Price: $295.00 avalailable here for $236.99.

Robert's Two Cents:

Points in Favor:

• It's pretty cool!
• The detail in the cane. I really love the way the varnished card suits show up on the cane.
• The wall mount looks like a plaque from the JLA Trophy room.
  

Points Against:

• Price, but probably worth every penny.

Recommendation: Buy. If you have room for and the money to buy such a thing, it's lots of fun. It could also be fun in conjuntion with the aforementioned Bat Phone. Also, if you're going to be the Joker or Harley Quinn for Halloween, it's the perfect prop.

What the...Eau de Play Doh!

Hunh? For $19.99 you too can have this fragrant reminder of your childhood.

Um, yeah. I'm not really sure what's going on here. Maybe it's just a publicity stunt. Maybe not.

Apparently, Crayon, Bubble Gum, and Dirt are available as well.

Found on Gear Diary available at Perpetual Kid.

Bowen Designs' Goliath from Gargoyles Statue

Goliath from Gargoyles

Manufacturer: Bowen Designs
Sculpted by: Randy Bowen
Category: Statue
Dimensions: 23.5" Tall
Edition Size: TBA
Release Date: TBA
Retail Price: $275.00

Gargoyles was one of the greatest cartoons ever. It was one of those cartoons that came out when I was pretty much done with cartoons. You might say it kept me in the cartoon game when I was about to give up on them.

This is one that they had up on the site and pulled, presumably because the deal had fallen through. However, I'm delighted to say here it is.

Interestingly enough Gargoyles featured many Star Trek: Next Generation alumni as either stars or guest stars. Brent Spiner is now my Facebook friend. Sorry, just geeking out.

Robert's Two Cents:

Points in Favor:

• It's Goliath.
• It's the Gargoyles.
• It's Goliath from Gargoyles.
  
• The base is awesome. Nice detail. These are almost becoming a Randy Bowen Signature.
• The amount of detail is phenomenal.
• Check out those wings.
• While it's not in the style of the cartoon, Randy has captured the essence of the character and taken an animated design and made it acceptably realistic.
  
• Another of the better paint jobs that Bowen has done in recent years.
  

Points Against:

• Price, but it's huge. It's one of the largest and most detailed statues Bowen's ever released.
• I need a bigger house and more shelves and more money.

Recommendation: Hot Buy. This statue rocks! It's pricey, but it's one of the biggest and best statues that Bowen's released. I don't think anyone but Randy Bowen could have sculpted Goliath in a realistic style and kept the essence of this particular animated character intact. Plus, it's based on one of the best animated properties ever.

Zimm's Two Cents:
We were just talking about something like this yesterday, how we wished that Bowen would expand into some other genres or characters - and what a choice: Disney. Bowen, being Bowen, he did not start with a simple typical character; instead, he started with Gargoyle - and a magnificent Gargoyle to boot!
Points in Favor:

• Hopefully, it is the first in a series, which makes it even more of a collector item.
• The base provides a lot of detail and character to the statue.
• The wings are are beautiful.
• Randy's attention to detail around the hands, clothes, wings, and base.
• It was sculpted by Randy Bowen
  

Points Against

• Not an exact rendition of the cartoon Gargoyle - but instead, a more 'lifelike' version.
• The price is steep.

Recommendation: I concur. HOT BUY. This one will look good as part of anyone's collection. If you are beginner, what a way to start.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Album

For a limited time the album, Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Once More With Feeling, is available for $5.00 from AmazonMP3.com.

See the link below:

Congratulations to Neil Gaiman!

Congratulations to Neil Gaiman for winning the Newbery Award for The Graveyard Book. I haven't read it yet myself, but it's on my list.

Star Trek Barbie Dolls

Ummm.... yeah.

First let me say, this isn't the first time Star Trek Barbie Dolls have been release. Back in 1996, Mattel release a Ken and Barbie Star Trek gift set (seen here). And being more of a Star Wars fan than a Star Trek fan, I had already forgotten they were released.

I'm curious who Mattel is targeting with these? Clearly collectors, but which collectors? They are ostensibly appropriate for children 6 and up. And before you get up in arms about it, yes, I realize some Barbie collectors are trekkers (or is it back to trekkies?). But personally, I've only known one that would admit it. I'm pretty certain my daughter, who does like dolls and sci fi (smart for almost 5 isn't she?) might like them, but she doesn't have $43.19 to spend on a single Barbie doll. It looks like they're primarily targeting Wal-mart, walmart.com, and barbiecollector.com retailers for distribution, which again makes me question the price point. I guess, personally, I see Star Trek collectors possibly buying these, but not too many other people.

Release Date: April 20, 2009
Price: $43.19
Type: Barbie Dolls

Robert's Two Cents:

Points in Favor:

• Look pretty decent.
• Likenesses look pretty good for the cheap plastics used to make Barbie dolls.
• Costumes are well made.
  

Points Against:

• Price, I don't know about you, but I'm saving my Star Trek merchandise money for the Captain's chair (kidding).
  
• They're Star Trek Barbie dolls.
  

Recommendation: Pass, go buy the Huntress Ame Comi (Zimm, what has your niece said about her shoes) instead here. Maybe I'll get these for Zimm for Christ..don't throw that statue, Zimm.

What the...Toys For the Post 9/11 Generation

Playmobil Security Check Point

I love Playmobil toys, but I'm not really sure what to say. It has absolutely nothing to do with comics or geeks really, but I almost can't believe this has been released. It's just bizarre. Now I know Playmobil always releases pieces of playsets and this is probably part of a larger overall collection, like an airport set or something, and I haven't found it on Playmobil's website yet. It certainly makes me want to say "Hunh?" or as my mother-in-law would say "That's diff'rnt!".

Not much else to say.

You can find it here for $55.00.

Neil Gaiman's Coraline Trailer At YouTube

The book was a lot of fun and I almost always like Henry Selick (I'll give him a pass on Monkeybone) movies, so I have high hopes for this one. Neil describes the book himself best as a scary book for 8 year old little girls of all ages and genders.

It's like a darker more twisted Alice in Wonderland or Wizard of Oz.

Enjoy.



Update Robert: I'm not sure I'm taking my 4 (practically 5) year old daughter to see this in the theater, but we will most definitely watch it on DVD together.

Immortal Iron Fist Omnibus

Title: Immortal Iron Fist Omnibus
Writers: Matt Fraction & Ed Brubaker
Artists: David Aja with guest artists Travel Foreman, Sal Buscema, Russ Heath, John Severin, Howard Chaykin, Dan Brereton, Tonci Zonjic, Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic, Kano, Khari Evans, Leandro Fernandez, Nick Dragotta, Mike And Laura Allred, Mitch Breitweiser & Lewis Larosa
Publisher: Marvel
Format: Omnibus Hardcover
Page Count: 560 pages
Dimensions: Over-sized, if I can find the exact dimensions, I'll update later.
Price: $74.99, but you can pre order it for $47.25 from Amazon with similar discounts available from many online comic retail outlets (G-Mart $48.75, DCB Service $44.95, Westfield Comics $61.90, TFAW $59.99) all prices given are at the time of writing this and subject to change without notice.

The Immortal Iron Fist has been one of a few favorite titles of mine recently. It may actually be my favorite. Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction launched their run from the idea that there have been many Iron Fists (66 in fact) and how that legacy lead to Danny Rand taking up the mantle. Also, when rethinking the series, they realized that Danny Rand has the coolest job on Earth. He's a kung fu billionaire. And the story only improves from there.

David Aja brings action to the page like no one else can and redesigned his costume with a bit of urban practicality (getting rid of the fin collar thing and his booties) while keeping the iconic parts of his costume (the color scheme and the dragon tattoo, now a logo on his costume when his shirt does stay undamaged).

Since most modern comic book artists really can't draw 12 issues a year, the creative team and editorial planned ahead and established a tradition of having guest artists draw the flash back sequences introducing us to the Iron Fists that have come before. Yes, I said guest artists as there isn't a fill in artist in the bunch. Each artist was chosen for specific strengths applying to the storyline being proposed and together as an art team bring more to the story than any one artist could.

Enough about the series though.

This is THE Omnibus I've been waiting for. It contains the entire run of Immortal Iron Fist by Matt Fraction (Casanova, Last of the Independents, Uncanny X-Men), Ed Brubaker (Criminal, Incognito, Sleeper, Captain America), David Aja, and many guest artists and includes Immortal Iron Fist 1-16, Civil War: Choosing Sides (I assume just the Iron Fist/Daredevil parts), Annual #1, Orson Randall and the Green Mist of Death, and The Origin of Danny Rand.

Robert's Two Cents:

Points in Favor:

• All that beautiful artwork in all its over-sized goodness.
• Seriously the only way this book could have been any better is if it were drawn by John Cassaday (sorry thinking about my Absolute Planetary hardcover at the moment).
• Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker (and even their successor on the title Duane Swierczynski) found a way to bring the concept of Iron Fist and Power Man into the 21st century without being a joke.
• Great writing and great art by a team who were really enjoying what they were doing. How can you go wrong?
  

Points Against:

• You need a really big bookshelf if you are going to buy very many of the Omnibus Editions and/or Absolute Editions.
• Price. $74.99 is a big price, especially when you can buy all of the trades for about half that and the single issues on eBay for even less. But none of those are over-sized and the artwork is beautiful.
• I'm not a big fan of that dust cover, so I'm hoping the hard cover underneath has the Iron Fist dragon logo embossed in gold underneath. I'm not holding my breath though.
  

Recommendation: Hot, Hot Buy. Seriously, you need to see this in all its over-sized glory.



Additonal Recommendations: If you like this book you may also be interested in Daredevil by Ed Brubaker & Michael Lark Omnibus 1 or any of the many trades available of their run on Daredevil, found here. It's been the best Daredevil run in years, possibly even since the original Frank Miller run.

Heroes of the DC Universe: Superman

The most recent release in DC's series of "DC Heroes of the Universe" busts - though all of them have not been heroes, I still have some high hopes for this series, and in some aspects, I still do. (The Green Lantern was not that bad)

In the interest of adding a Superman statue or bust to my collection, I opted to give this one a review and consider.

Available here.

Designed By: Carlos Pacheco
Sculpted By: Jean St. Jean
Dimensions: 5.75” high x 5” wide x 2” deep
Type: Cold-Cast Porcelain
Edition Size: Limited
Ship Date: September 2009
Estimated Price: $69.99

Zimm's two cents:
Points in Favor:

• Paint job looks to be clean and not to splotchy.
• Good clean lines on the sculpting.

Points Against:

• Not a big fan of the face. Looks two much like a 'statue' face and not a 'chiseled' face. Unemotional
• The chains tend to throw me off a bit.
• I would have preferred his "Up Up and Away" iconic pose.
• Looking for a pic of the cape, but think that there could have been more.

Recommendation: Pass. This one is not for me; however, there are probably some Superman geeks that could point out why this is a good bust.

Robert's two cents:
Points in Favor:

• Solid sculpting
  
• DC Direct always does a good job on the paint.
• The base is designed to work with the new Supergirl bust designed by Terry Dodson.
  

Points Against:

• Doesn't feel like a good representation of Carlos Pacheco's art. He's a great artist with bold, beautiful lines and I don't get that with this piece.
  
• A little too typical of a Superman pose while not what I would consider an iconic pose. Doesn't everyone draw him breaking the chains or looking down over the city (ala Jim Lee's Superman statue)? I mean, you could wrap him in girders and pour concrete around him and he'd still get out.
  
• How do they get the chains around him anyway? And if they (I'm assuming the villains) did get chains around him, wouldn't they realize he's letting him chain them and they're in trouble. Chains may have worked on the George Reeves Superman, but this is the modern Superman, who can juggle planets. Just a thought.
  

Recommendation: Pass. Overall, I haven't been impressed with this series so far.

UNI-FORMZ™ Superman

Okay, don't ask me why, but I get a kick out of these. In fact, I might try to buy one version of each of the different toys, as they seem like a more expensive (adult) version of the Spiderman Friends series.

Designed & Sculpted By: Monster 5
Dimensions: 8" Tall
Type: Vinyl
Points of Articulation: 12
Edition Size: Limited
Ship Date: September 2009
Estimated Price: Set of 3 - $34.99 to $109.99

Second, in an apparent DC Direct series, is the new stylized vinyl UNI-FORMZ™ version of the Man of Steel: Superman. Similar to the Batman version, there are three different versions of Superman:

• Classic
• Return of Superman (Black and White)
• Cyborg Superman

All include the spit curl! A set of six is also available.

Batman is... Spoilers Below

Spoiler Alert

Batman is dead.

So - I guess we should start betting on how long it takes for him to come back? I guess we should start listing the many ways in which he avoided death and was placed in a suspended animation at the bottom of the Hudson River. Or that it wasn't even Bruce Wayne - it was a clone of Bruce Wayne.

I guess I am a little jaded toward these stories, as it seems that everyone has to die for a period of time.

Batman is dead - couldn't they have come up with something better than that.

DC Plush Toys for Kids

Now, let me start by saying that I can totally understand and accept the series of plush Super Friends toys created by DC for ages 3+. These toys are perfect for any up and coming geek who needs a collection of action figures designed specifically for him. They have Superman, Batman, and the Flash - to name a few.











However, what truly makes me want to say, "What the frack are they thinking!" is when I see a plush toy that actually has action figure qualities. Its a horrible mutation that has gone seriously wrong. If it is for a younger child, the toys up above are fine; however, if it is for an older child - why would he want plushy arms.

Take a look - and you tell me.

What the......!!!!

It is simply labeled "Spiderman Ooze" and "Venom Ooze." We also have the Green Goblin and Sandman Ooze as well.

With part of the description for the ooze reading: "scraped from the streets after one of the web slinger's many epic battles." I honestly don't want to know what it was that they "scraped from the streets".

And this is for ages 4 & up.

Punisher vs. Daredevil Diorama

Manufactured by: Sideshow Collectibles

Dimensions: 18.5" H x 13" W x 10" L
Type: Polystone Statue
Edition Size: Limited
Ship Date: Q2 2009
Estimated Price: $249.99

A unique piece offered from Sideshow Collectibles of the Punisher and Daredevil in the middle of a standard "misunderstanding" that seems to happen all of the time in comic books.

Safety Warning: This Product is for Adult Collectors. It may contain sharp points, small parts that are choking hazards, and other elements that are not suitable for children under 16 years of age.

Zimm's 2 Cents

Points in Favor:

• A statue of two heroes in battle is different for a statue
• I like the base of the statue.
• I do like the actual pose of the two characters - though the Punisher's left leg looks awkward.
• Decent paint job and attention to details.
  
• Punisher's face (though I'm not thrilled with it) does look like someone born from NJ/NY area with his background

Points Against

• Their faces - something bothers me about Daredevils face.
• The Punisher is wearing a trench coat.
• The safety warning that says that this is not for kids
• The Punisher only has a "pistol" and a knife against Daredevil? What's that about?

Recommendation: Pass. Doesn't really grab me as something that I would want in my collection; however, it is a decent statue.

Bowen Annoucement

Bowen had problems with another limited run statue, and they state the following:

"We use several factories for our production, but we've noticed a marked decline in quality from this particular manufacturer. They will not be used for future productions."

I wonder if this was the same factory that worked on the Northstar and Aurora busts, as they really are of some of the poorest quality busts that I have seen.

Goes to show - There are different qualities of production, and Bowen is constantly working to maintain his.

Robert: Now if they could just do the same thing with their paint jobs.

Bowen Executioner mini-bust

The Executioner Bust

Manufacturer: Bowen Designs
Sculpted by: Troy McDevitt
Category: Mini-Bust
Dimensions: 8" Tall
Edition Size: Limited
Release Date: Summer 2009
Retail Price: $65.00

Zimm's Two Cents:
Whoever created the Kraven and the Executioner visited one to-many gay leather bars. These character's scare me, but so do certain bars.

How much mascara does an executioner need to go along with the pink axe? I know, I know. It is how the character was drawn.

Points in Favor: None

Points Against:

• The paint job looks splotchy again.

Hahahahahahaha. I am too busy laughing, but I think that Bowen Designs' are showing me aspects of certain characters that I never realized as a kid, and I think that I would prefer not to have known it.

Recommendation: Pass. However, for a certain gay group, I guess this one may be for you. Here is to you Mitch.

Robert - can you give an unbiased comic review of the statue?

Robert's Two Cents:

• Definitely for the gay leather fetishist down the street. Not that there's anything wrong with that...
  
• He really could be kept in a certain pawn shop in Pulp Fiction.
  

Points in favor:

• Not much.
• The axe in his hand is well sculpted.
• The pedestal is well done if a bit dull (OK, maybe that's not a point in favor).
  

Points against:

• Paint job.
• The pink axe on his chest.
• Facial expression.
  
• The pink axe on his chest.
• Did I mention the pink axe on his chest?

Recommendations: Pass. Only for the gay bear leather fetishist in your life.

Bowen Thor: Frog of Thunder Mini-Bust

Manufacturer: Bowen Designs
Sculpted by: John Cleary
Category: Mini-Bust
Dimensions: 7 1/2" Tall
Edition Size: Limited
Release Date: Summer 2009
Retail Price: $60.00

Zimm's Two Cents:
I like this one because it is an obscure character; however, I don't know what to say about it. My initial impressions may be biased. I think that I will leave this entire review in Robert's able hands.

Robert.....

Robert's Two Cents:

No pressure there.

• I think it's pretty cool.
• Almost any sculpt based on a Walt Simonson design is a good sculpt.
  
• This would look awesome on a shelf with the earlier exclusive Thor Destroyer.
  
• My biggest complaint with many of these Thor universe characters is the unoriginality of their pose. Many of them (from the first Bowen Thor statue) have their right arm raised weapon in hand. I understand why they do this, but been there done that.
• Very detailed face.
• Nice paint job.
  

Recommendation: Buy!

Bowen Designs' Zombie mini-bust

Manufacturer: Bowen Designs
Sculpted by: Randy Bowen
Category: Mini-Bust
Dimensions: 6 1/2" Tall
Edition Size: Limited
Release Date: Summer 2009
Retail Price: $50.00

Zimm's Two Cents:

• Loved the statue, and I am thinking that I like the bust even more.
• Bowen seems to be converting a lot of the statues to a busts or a busts to a statues - and this is one of them.
• Why do I like it, the skulls make the bust.
• $50.00 isn't bad for a mini-bust these days; however, the statue is only $25 to $50 more depending on where you buy it.
• Randy tends to be rather consistent with his work - and I like this one.

Recommendation: Buy this one or buy the Bowen Zombie Statue - but buy one.

Robert's Two Cents:

• This bust rocks!
• The details on his face are even awesomer (yes, I know that's not a word) than the statue.
• I am getting tired of the immediate re doing of characters as busts immediately following release of a statue or vice versa. Recent examples: Black Knight, Hulkbuster Iron Man, etc.
• This has to be one of the better mini busts being released recently.
• For just a bit more you could own the statue. So buy whichever one you like best.
  

Recommendation: Hot Buy. I'd probably actually prefer the bust over the statue, if not for the base on the statue which you can see here.

Bowen Batroc mini-bust

Manufacturer: Bowen Designs
Sculpted by: Walter O'Neil
Category: bust
Size: Over 7" Tall
Edition Size: Unknown
Release Date: Summer 2009
Retail Price: $50.00 + shipping

Zimm's Two Cents:

• A little bit of an overkill on the muscle definition
• Painting appears to be "blotchy" in places
• Face does capture the character

Recommendation: Pass.

Robert's Two Cents:

• Notoriously crappy Bowen paint job. Why can't they get the paint right on their stuff 100% of the time.
• The look and the pose are Batroc.
• Problem with a Batroc bust is he's a kick boxer (savate actually) and he should be kicking.
• If you're collecting Captain America enemies, this would be a welcome addition to your collection.
  

Recommendation: Neutral.

Bowen Designs' Angel statue

Manufacturer: Bowen Designs
Sculpted by: Mark Newman
Category: Statue
Size: 12 1/2" tall
Edition Size: Unknown
Release Date: Fall 2009
Retail Price: $200.00 + shipping

Zimm's Two Cents:

• Definitely one of the better pieces for the year - and of Angel. I have the Hard Hero version.
  
• Incredible detail on the wings.
• Clouds were kept simple, which is something that could have been done horribly wrong.
• Face is fair, and body is slim - yet tone. He is not a Muscle behemoth.
• Coloring looks clean.
• I would expect that they are going to run a limited "red version" of the same statue, but either one of these would make a great addition to the collection.
• Oh - have I mentioned that it is a piece by Mark Newman. Don't forget Mark Newman's other upcoming release....Archangel. Which Robert added, "This may be the coolest statue released by Bowen Designs ever.

Recommendation: Hot Buy

Looking for the next one from Mark.

Robert's Two Cents:

• I like the Archangel better.
• It's difficult to sculpt Angel and not have him look ridiculous. Mark's close, but I think he has a miss here.
  

Recommendation: Pass. I'd rather see you spend your money on the Archangel.

Bowen Metallic Captain America - variant statue

ADVANCE NOTICE: Website Exclusive

Manufacturer: Bowen Designs
Sculpted by: Randy Bowen
Category: Statue
Edition Size: Limited
Release Date: January 12, 2009
Retail Price: $190.00

Zimm's Two Cents:

• I ended up getting the faux-bronze Captain America, and I was pleasantly surprised.
• Variant aspects that I can identify include the appearance of him looking up and the shield over his shoulders - resting on his back.
• Limited time of offer and a website exclusive means a limited run.
• I think the "metallic" part of it is the paint.
  
• I would definitely pay the extra to have it autographed.

Recommendation: Buy.

While I already have my Captain America, if you don't have yours, I would recommend grabbing this one.

Robert's Two Cents:

• I like it.
• The pose on this one makes for a really sweet Captain America.
• Exception to pose comment: He looks like he doesn't know what to do with his hands.
  
• Like Zimm I really like that his shield is on his back.
• I'm still not too sure about this whole faux bronze/metallic thing Bowen's doing.
• Definitely one worth owning. Plus the website exclusives are usually shorter runs.
• $190's not too bad for an exclusive like this.
  

Recommendation: Hot Buy

Mezco's BPRD Buddies

Mezco has jumped on the rip Hasbro off bandwagon. they're releasing Hellboy versions of the Star Wars Galactic Heroes, Marvel Super Hero Squad, and G.I. Joe Combat Heroes lines.

Price: $39.99, but you can get them for $31.99 here.

Hightlights:

• They fall under the category of "Some Characters Shouldn't Be Cute".
• Although that Wink is just the most adorable thing I've seen in a while.
• Johann looks like an egg in an egg cup. Or something a little more vulgar.
• They would look fine on a shelf with the Marvel Super Hero Squad figures. So you could have your Daredevil and Hellboy fight scene you've always wanted in diorama.
• Price is steep.

I like Mezco a lot. They released one of my favorite comic book related action figure lines, the Hellboy Comic Book Series, so I'm not beating up on them. They produce high quality products.

My Recommendation: Pass

Wizard Fan Awards 2008

They picked theirs - which I don't always understand, and now you can pick ours.

VOTE HERE - for the 2008 Wizard Fan Awards.

I did! Have you?

Sideshow Hellboy

Sideshow has listed a new Hellboy "12-Inch Action Figure" with 28 points of articulation.

All yours for $164.99!

Even though I like the looks of it - I would rather have a statue.

Robert: Yeah. Not so much for me either. As much of a raving Hellboy fan as I am and as nicely detailed as this figure will be, it's not worth $164.99 nor would I buy it for less than that. And like Zimm at that price point and 12 inches tall, I think they should have just done a statue.

Doctor Who: 11th Doctor Named

Or is it technically 12th? Isn't David Tennant technically both the 10th and 11th Doctors? But I digress..

Anyway, the new Doctor has been named and as expect...wait, who is this? Matt Smith? Hmm....

Interesting looking chap. At 26, Smith is the youngest to ever play the Doctor. Filming to begin this summer and airing to begin in 2010.

He's an interesting looking guy. I'll definitely be there to see what he does with the character. While some of the previously mentioned hopefuls/possibles were very appealing to me, this different direction could prove interesting.

Smith will have big shoes to fill as David Tennant is one of the most, if not the most, loved Doctors of all time.

David Tennant still has four specials to be released over the next year, so we're not done with him yet.

For more info click here.

Updated to add one stupid note: Since Mr. Smith is one of the aliases the Doctor has used over the years, he could be the first actor to play the Doctor using his own name.

Available Now: Rogue Comiquette Statue

Manufacturer: Sideshow Toys
Artist Based From: Adam Hughes
Category: Polystone Statue
Dimensions: 16"" H x 9"" W x 10"" D
Edition Size: 1000
Release Date: January 3, 2009
Retail Price: $149.99

Zimm's Two Cents:
This is actually one of my favorite times for Rogue. It was when she was first introduced to the team, and she was an actual threat to people she fought. I can still remember the X-Men cover with Wolverine and her in the background.

• I do like the idea of her breaking through the walls and taking off the glove. Classic Rogue.
• While I initially liked her face, her eyes and teeth tend to throw me off. I would have to see the actual statue.
• I don't remember Adam Hughes drawing her bust in implant size, but I did not notice those things as a kid. (Robert: Adam Hughes didn't draw the X-Men in comics much, mostly on posters. He draws almost all women to implant levels. Don't get me wrong I'm a fan, but with ta ta's like those, who needs super strength.)
  
• I think that my niece would give her props for the boots. I will have to ask her.
• How can any hero or heroine expect to fight with that kindof a wedgy going on (Robert: Don't you remember Psylocke?).
• Good price for a statue.

Recommendation: Neutral......Not for me - but definitely could be a buy for some others.

Robert's Two Cents:

Points in favor:

• Price. $149.99 for a full size statue is a good price these days.
• Boobs aren't too big for an Adam Hughes design. I mean it's comic book art. When haven't the characters been unrealistic physical ideals.
• They do remind me of a scene in the movie Kingpin.
  
• Sideshow paint jobs are the best I've seen on a comic book statue in a while. Actually paint is one area where Sideshow has Bowen beat hands down consistently.
• I am looking forward to the hopes that they may do a Dazzler in this series. An Adam Hughes Dazzler would be sweet. Or the eventual Goblin Queen statue. That would be porntastic!
  

Points against:

• I am a fan of Adam Hughes' artwork. I'm not a huge fan of many of the sculptures based on his work. I'm not sure if it's the artwork or if it's the sculptors.
• Every one of these that I've seen so far (Mary Jane, Black Cat, Emma Frost, now Rogue) have been a bit too sex kitten for my tastes.
• I didn't like the costume when Rogue was wearing it in the comics originally, I didn't like it when they reintroduced it, and I don't like it now. Chris Bachalo is one of the few artists who can draw that costume without me gagging.
• I'd much rather see the big hair version from the late 80s or the version John Romita, Jr. was drawing in the 80s.

Recommendation: Pass. I'm actually not a fan of the Adam Hughes series of statues. I don't like it. I don't hate it. If someone gave it to me, I would put it out, but I wouldnt' buy it. If you're a die hard fan of Adam Hughes, you're all over it.

Which shirt would you own?

Zimm: I stumbled upon these t-shirts the other day, and while I am neither a Trekkie nor a Star Wars nerd, I did get a kick out of these t-shirts. I, personally, would want the red-shirt. The red-shirt always dies first! Too funny.

Robert: Even though the red one would look better, I would wear the blue one. I actually had the blue one when I was five. McDonald's were giving out iron ons of the Star Trek logo because the first Star Trek film was coming out and I had my mom buy me a light blue shirt and iron it on, so I could be Spock. The funny thing is I had only seen a few episodes of Star Trek at that point in my life.

Released: February 2009

Price: $19.99

On Sale here for: $15.99

Recommendation: Buy

We all should own at least one.

Teen Titans Recruitment Drive

Ever since the relaunch of the Teen Titans in the 80s, I have been a Teen Titans fan. While the X-Men have driven me away with far too much baggage, history, and complex backgrounds, the Titans have managed a rather consistent view of the characters and how being a hero effects their lives.

The Titans continually maintain that "family" feel as the "Teen Titans" and "Titans" focus on character relations, and instead of spreading one or two characters across all of the Titan books or DC Universe - the characters tend to focus on one part of the family or the other.

In some aspects, the excitement of this recruitment drive is to see what new characters will become permanent members of the "Teen" Titan family - something I don't see the (older) Titans being able to do anymore. (However, they are having enough problems with their own family member - Jericho.)

I think I will probably pick this up - just to see what is going on.

Take a peak at the issue here.....

Happy New Year

What are you doing looking at this post? Go find an all day role-playing game to join in. It is the least you could do for New Year.

Zimm