Dear friends and colleagues,

By now, I am sure that you are aware of the devastation in Haiti and heard numerous stories of the indomitable strive for survival and compassion. While I am unable to directly aid those affected by this event, I fully intend to contribute to the relief effort the best way I can.

On February 1st, I am putting up an item from my personal collection of prototypes on Ebay for auction. All proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross for the relief of the disaster in Haiti. The piece, affectionately known as "Lightning Blanka," is a clear resin statue tinted in blue with lightning arcs painted over the body depicting the character Blanka from the legendary video game Street Fighter, made by CAPCOM. It features the same pose as the one released in 2007, however, this particular piece is a concept prototype that was made but has never gone into production. And after this auction, it never will, as it is the only one in existence. As a part of this auction, the winner will receive a certificate of authenticity as well as free shipping of this piece to anywhere he or she desires.

Thank you,

Guang Yang
CEO
SOTA Toys, Inc

What a great idea! The auction is already in progress and will end VERY SHORTLY... as on Feb. 4th!

The link for SOTA's Lightning Blanka statue auction is HERE!

All proceeds will go to Red Cross for use in aid of the victims of the tragedy in Haiti.
SOTA Toys will pay for shipping the statue to the location the Auction winner specifies.

So see what you can bid!

Thanks and we'll see you soon... as Toy Fair fast approaches!

RANDY

Hey there!

Look at this-TWO columns in one month! What has the world come to?

I caught this over at Aint It Cool News and figured I just HAD to bring it up here. It combines two things I love-film and action figures!

Viva The 'Nam is a black comedy/parody of Viet Nam films. This is a full-length feature film done in stop-motion animation with 1/6 scale figures!

Check out the trailer for Viva The 'Nam:
(Please Note: NSFW... naughty language and carnage!)

Kieran Healy (writer/director) and Paul Hanley (cinematographer/editor) had previously made animated short films (VICTORY AT ANY COST, CONG OF THE DEAD and COLONEL KHARNAGE: THE COMMIE KILLER-a GREAT title!). But they spent 8 1/2 years in the making of Viva The 'Nam! THAT is dedication to their craft! At 100 minutes, it actually longer than some films released by Hollywood… and a lot funnier!

From what I've seen, there are comedic elements of everything from PlatoonApocalypse Now> to Predator. And even seeing only the trailer, I was more amused than the last half dozen "parody" movies. (YES, I'm looking at you Disaster Movie and Meet The Spartans!) Maybe I've seen Full Metal Jacket too many times, but THIS clip just plain made me laugh!

Based on these scenes, I think this would make a great double feature with Tropic Thunder! It's premiering at the Alamo Ritz in Austin, TX on January 27th. I'm hoping it makes It to LA for a screening.

That's all for now. Maybe I'll have THREE new columns before the month is through!

RANDY

Hi all!

Here in LA, the sun has disappeared and the rain keeps coming down! Personally, I think its great. We could use the rain with our how many years now? drought still going on. Plus, I miss my thunderstorms!

So let me clear up the last business of 2009.
I forgot to post this up-Action Figure Times' Best of 2009 list!
You'll see that I have my own comment on the winner and even a few changes. Why bring it up? Because tha'ts why I have my own page-to expound on what I like!

AFT's Best of 2009
Best 12" Male: WINNER/ Hot Toys Iron Man Mark 1

Toygodd: What can you say about Hot Toys? They have become the pre-eminent manufacturer of 12” figures. Their attention to detail, sculpting and accessories is just unbelievable.
Umpire:Accurate to the Nth degree. A work of art that will make you drool. This was a must have for 2009!
Captain Collector: Hot Toys Iron Man Mk I. I own this toy, and let me tell you, from the paint to the lights to the miniature duct-tape, this thing is perfection.
Randy: Hot Toys has really become THE standard by which all 1/6 scale figures are judged. This was a particularly tough category, as there are several worthy winners from Hot Toys including the Predator Dutch Schultz and the Dark Knight Police Uniform Joker. But the Iron Man looks so sharp! I think I might need to get a HT War Machine IF (WHEN!) Hot Toys does one in 2010!
MY PERSONAL CHOICE: Hot Toys Predator Major Dutch Schultz

Best 12" Female: Winner/ Hot Toys Biohazard Sheva Alomar

Toygodd: Hot Toys did a great job on this figure. There weren’t that many female figures made in 09 but this was the best
Umpire:Slinky, sexy and deadly. Just the way we like ‘em. Thanks Hot Toys!
Captain Collector: Hot Toys Silk Spectre II took the prize for me. Really, and of the Hot Toys ladies are worthy contenders, it was a matter of personal preference.
Randy:Again for me, the choices all seemed to be Hot Toys. The Spirit’s Silken Floss was pretty damn hot… even for such bad film! But Capt. Collector is right on-it’s really about your taste in the ladies! And I DO love my ladies with such a wonderful and wide variety of firearms!
MY PERSONAL CHOICE: Hot Toys The Spirit Silken Floss

Best 6" Male: Winner/Mattel DCUC Green Arrow

Toygodd: Sans the complaints about distribution, this figure rocked!
Umpire:Mattel is making killer product, I must posses, I must posses…
Captain Collector: While I have a special place in my heart for the DCUC Hawkman, Green Arrow wins the same way Aquaman won it; by taking one of the stalwart characters and executing it brilliantly.
Randy:A LOT of good choices came from DCUC. And like the Captain, I leaned toward a personal favorite-Deadshot. But doing a classic character so well, brings it the high marks.
MY PERSONAL CHOICE: Mattel DCUC Deadshot

Best 6" Female: Winner/Mattel Power Girl

Toygodd:Power Girl is yummy!
Umpire:For me Hawk Girl did it. But Power Girl…. um…Can a toy make your nervous?
Captain Collector: While we were treated to some exceptional 6” Ladies this year, my vote goes to Powergirl, who was a much-requested figure that was done exceptionally well. Let’s face it, the boobs win it.
Randy:AGAIN-it’s just choosing from within a host of possibilities. I was aiming for Karu Sil, but I like the bad girls. Power Girl is a fine example of just what the Four Horsemen can do when let free to work.
MY PERSONAL CHOICE: Mattel DCUC Karu Sil

Best Vehicle/Play set: Winner: Hasbro Clone Wars Y-Wing

Toygodd: I don’t collect SW anymore but if I did I would have definitely shelled out the cash for this great ship.
Umpire:I own it. I reviewed it and I loved this. Next to the Falcon this is my most favorite design from SW…. Of course, if they do a Clone Wars Twilight or Slave I, well, my head could be turned.
Captain Collector: I thought that there were some amazing vehicles this year, like the new AT-ST, but the one that that took the prize was the Clone Wars Y-Wing, which was simply awesome!
Randy:I was rooting for the fairly massive SW/CW Turbo Tank. But I’m an old school fan of the Y-Wing since Star Wars… but this new sleek version is SOOOO pretty! Here’s hoping one shows up from Santa…
MY PERSONAL CHOICE: (Tie)Hasbro Star Wars Turbo Tank/Y-Wing

Best Line: Winner/Mattel DCUC

Toygodd: With the 4 Horsemen behind this line it is just too good to pass up.
Umpire:Premiere figures, wish you could find them in stores…
Captain Collector: Fans are still having trouble finding these toys at retail. Bad Distribution, or overwhelming demand? You decide!
Randy:It amazing how the world turns. Where once the Mighty Marvel Legends were the height of popularity, now sees the DC Universe step into the spotlight thanks to... MATTEL. From letting the Four Horsemen loose on the project to actually LISTENING to collectors’ feedback to producing lines of figures from classic (Super Powers) to current (Darkest Night), Mattel has shown how much they want this line to succeed. Now where’s my Question figure?!

Best Movie line: Winner/Hasbro-Transformers

Toygodd:This was a tough decision. Year after year Star Wars has improved. Avatar was certainly interesting as was G.I.Joe. That being said you have to give it up to Transfaormers for accuracy and sheer amount of product. Great job!
Umpire:Star Wars is my number one pick, then I’d have to say Transformers, they are so marvelous.
Captain Collector: I gotta say Transformers ROTF all the way. Hasbro could’ve gotten lazy and reissued the main characters, but instead resculpted, remolded, and tweaked them to make ‘em just right. It doesn’t hurt that they made tons of characters, I think the line delivered.
Randy:For me, it was the blast from the past, in the form of Ghostbusters! In both the 12” and 6” lines, Mattel really brought both great designs and a sense of fun to a line that hadn’ been done right in 25 years!
MY PERSONAL CHOICE: Mattel Ghostbusters

Best Company: Winner/Hot Toys

Toygodd: Hot Toys really has become exceptional at 12 inch figures as well as everything else. Well deserved.
Umpire:Nice people with a desire to make great products. Nobody does it like Hot Toys.. They make toys into art pieces you want to show off. I love Hot Toys!
Captain Collector:I hate 12” figures. Not my thing. Then I was introduced to Hot Toys. Now I hate them for draining my bank account. There is simply no finer collectible made today.
Randy:I don’t buy as many toys as I once did, because few excite me like Hot Toys… AND they all are on the high end of my budgets. Course, that didn’t stop me from buying ALL the Predator figures this year! And some many other wonderful pieces that just set me a salivating AND putting money away for 2010’s new items!

Most Improved Company: Winner/Hot Toys

Toygodd: From 08 to 09 you can see not only the step up in quality but the acquisition of cool licenses as well. Great job.
Umpire:Every release makes you gasp. When you think, “That’s it, that’s the best figure ever…” The next release will knock your socks off!
Captain Collector: If you look at 2 factors; Progression and innovation, Hot Toys is the clear cut winner. Not only have they made serious quality improvements, but now they’ve gone after 1st rate licenses too. If you doubt me, I have one word for you: P.E.R.S.
Randy:Gone are the days of the figures with vague likenesses and equipment based on what they have already producing. Hot Toys keeps pushing the boundries of both their figures and there licenses. I still think they could still work to make themselves 100% (The rifles on the Predator figures are wrong but should’ve been an easy fix) but maybe I’m just picking nits.

Best Import: Winner/DX Joker

Toygodd:I didn’t buy any of the Batman figures. That being said when you look at this 1/6th scale figure you really think it’s going to start talking!
Umpire:DX Joker. PERS! Awesome, totally awesome!
Captain Collector: MMS DX-01 Joker wins hands down. Perfect likeness? Check. TONS of accessories? Check. Light up base? Check. Poseable, articulated translucent eyes? Check. Wha???
Randy:CC says it all! MMS DX-01 Joker w/Police Uniform is an amazing piece of work with amazing sculpts and details accessories! And with another body, you’re pretty much getting two for the price of one!

Best Statue: Winner/Sideshow Abomination

Toygodd: It was large, green, scary as hell and right on for the sculpt!
Umpire:What nightmares are made from…
Captain Collector: Sideshow Abomination. $400 and 45 pounds never looked so good!
Randy:A face that only a mother… and Marvel freaks could love!

Best Packaging: Winner/Go Hero 12” Buck Rogers

Toygodd:I had the chance to check this out with Umpire. Just a great job of doing something different. A real stand out.
Umpire:Buck Rogers. Innovative design and a very, very cool figure to boot. Go Hero is a name that you WILL be hearing about in 2010!
Captain Collector: Go Hero Buck Rogers - The initial offering by Go Hero is simply beautiful. This little company is such a success story, I love that they are getting fine quality collectibles to market. Watch out for these guys!
Randy:Color me intrigued about Go Figure and looking forward to what they’ll accomplish in 2010. I love watching new companies step out and find their stride. Good luck, Go Hero!

Best Large Vinyl: Winner/3A Large Martin

Toygodd: I’m probably the only vinyl freak on the site. All I can say is that the vinyl robots that Ashley Wood and 3A make are unbeatable. Articulation, paint opps, and packaging are stellar. Great job.
Umpire:No comment
Captain Collector:Yamato 1/48th Scale Angilas- That’s right, you read it correctly, 1/48th scale! This bad boy crushes all other vinyls released this year, and is ready to rumble with your Kaiyodo Big Godzilla! He’s not cheap, but a meter long? Fuhgeddaboutit!
Randy:I leave this in the hands of someone more obsessed, er… knowledgible than me.

Best Medium Vinyl: Winner/3A Armstrong

Toygodd: I seem to be alone here for this category but again 3A and Ashley Wood scored a home run with this slightly smaller vinyl robot. Just a fantastic piece.
Umpire:No comment
Captain Collector: No comment
Randy:I’m always fascinated at how long the vinyl market has existed and continues to thrive. And I STILL don’t get it!

Best Small Vinyl: Winner/tie 3A WWRP and Jamungo Squadts

Toygodd:Jamungo got into the small vinyl market this year with their Squadt line and immediately had a winner on their hands. Limited in numbers and slightly expensive, this line is just great. 3A also decided to start making smaller versions of their huge robots and immediately caused a frenzy in the vinyl hobby with the Brambles and Berties in smaller form. Great job as well.
Umpire:Squadts are cool!!!
Captain Collector: No comment
Randy: Still don’t get it.

Best Doll: Winner/ Tonner Dumbledore + Wilde Imagination Evangeline Ghastly

Toygodd: Tonner Doll continues to produce exceptional dolls for the collectors market. Great sculpts, clothing and accessories these are truly a great doll to have. Wilde Imagination also has a hand in the upper reaches of the collector doll market. Their Evangeline Ghastly line is really popular and very well made.
Umpire:Tonner Dumbledore was a winner. Wilde Imagination E. Ghastly brings romance and fine costumes to collectors.
Captain Collector:I like to think I stopped playing with dolls as a child. At least that’s what I tell my therapist.
Randy:Tonner continues to reign supreme. And while Dumbledore along with the Harry Potter line has come out so well, I was captivated by the recent Catwoman and Miss Piggy line. But maybe I’m just… odd. I’ll be very interested in seeing what comes from Wilde Imagination next year.

Toy line we thought we'd never see: Winner/Mattel Ghostbusters

Toygodd: This was definitely a lonnnnnnnnnng time in the making. Now that they’re being made they are selling out! Great job.
Umpire:Nicely done Mattel.
Captain Collector:Over 20 years wait was worth it, with all the hurdles that had to be jumped, Mattel deserves some serious accolades for making this one happen. Oh yea, and the toys rule, too.
Randy:Tried by several companies over the past 25 years (GOD, I’m old!), Mattel finally seems to have finally been the one to capture the elusive ghost. And it was worth the wait! The 12” line is just plain amazing.

Best Exclusive:Winner:Mattel Wonder Twins(SDCC)

Toygodd: I bought one of these at the SDCC. Every year Mattel has a way to out-do not only themselves from the year before but everybody else as well. From the damn cool packaging, the sculpts of the figures, to the inclusion of the exclusive Gleek, this was definitely the best of the year in the ‘exclusive” category.
Umpire:Gleek? Can I get a Gleek?
Captain Collector:I thought we’d never get the Wonders Twins for our DC/Superfirends collection, but Mattel delivered, and knocked this set out of the park.
Randy:I don’t which is funnier: the fact that Mattel decided to make the Wonder Twins (and Gleek) or how nuts collectors went where it finally came out! That being said, this piece continues Mattel’s new direction and shows that they are taking to time to think about what collectors are interested in.

And more coming your way in 2010… especially with Toy Fair around the corner!

RANDY

The first decade of the 21st Century is over.

The Aughts (or whatever you’d like to call the decade) have been wild time of change in the “Toy” world (and the “Real” world).

Personally, the decade saw many ups and down, many firsts like going that first time to Toy Fair (oh, how THAT has changed!) and the amazing people I’ve met because of it. Then doing Toy Fair with Toygodd! Seeing the domination of toys at the San Diego Comic Con to the point to where it's the mid-year Toy Fair. I went from reporting on the toy industry as Editor of AFTimes to working in it for SOTA Toys to being unemployed for a year. I’ve gained a sister-in-law and lost a brother, but will soon gain a nephew.

I was in a Toys R Us over the weekend and marveled at some of the things that are now available at retail in the US. Star Wars continued domination over the figures and toy aisles with no sign of slowing. McFarlane Toys makes up a much smaller section of TRU than it once did but now upon the shelves are more movie, TV and videogames action figures by the likes of NECA, Mezco, SOTA and even DC Direct & Diamond! Action figures of every scale hang next to mainstream vinyl and miniatures like Kubricks and Mez-Its! Who would’ve believed that these would become available at your local Toys R Us?

It’s been a tumultuous decade in the toy industry. The rise of so many independent toy companies gave out by the middle of the decade. Palisades, 21st Century Toys didn’t see the end of the Aughts. But others like NECA, Sideshow, Mezco, SOTA Toys continued on through. And the “big boys,” like Toy Biz, Hasbro and Mattel, simply expanded or contracting with the times.

We’ve had Toy Biz’s continue their Marvel license, began the decade with their Lord of the Rings movie line, the introduction of Marvel Legends as (arguably) THE Definitive line and scale for this decade only to have that become part of the Hasbro family, who have gobbled up licenses all over the place while keeping Star Wars alive (through new movies) and thriving (til at least til 2018!). Mattel made strides forward throughout the decade, including nabbing the DC license and stepping up not only the quality but the amount of product they produce (though still fighting with distribution).

But the biggest change in the toy world, as far as I’m concerned, is with the Collector.

It’s become our decade-the Decade of the Collector.

I remember the days of reading & answering letters for this column from frustrated collectors wondering why certain figures were short-packed, why couldn’t figures within a line be in scale, why, simply, couldn’t they find the figures they want in their local stores and, finally, why didn’t the companies ever listen?

And most of these questions could be summed up with the simple answer- They don’t have to. Toy companies don’t make their money on Collectors.

Then the world changed and that changed the Toy World.

From the continued rise of videogame popularity with kids, to the bankruptcy of numerous retailers (KB Toys, Tower Records), to the sky-rocketing cost of oil, to the global economic crisis, the economic world of late 1999 is a long-gone dream compared to late 2009. In this new world, Companies needed to get every dollar, euro or yen they could to keep alive. And that meant courting a “new“ source of income-The Collector.

But what has this meant for Collectors?

*Classic Collector toy lines of the past like Masters of the Universe, GI Joe and Super Powers (some long dead) have come back from cancellation to live again.

*Collectors have chosen specific characters to be in lines like DCUC, Star Wars and Street Fighter.

*Limited and con exclusive figures, that had once been denied to those Collectors that missed them, have now been made available to collectors through online sales.

*Formerly monolithic companies like Hasbro and Mattel, who could not be bothered to reply to letter or emails, are openly and actively seeking the input from Collectors, from onilne polls to public meetings at conventions.

These are definitely changes for the better from a decade ago. And I think there's plenty more to come

So rejoice collectors-it has become our time! And the future is wide open.

Let’s see what the Teens will bring us!
I wish you all the best for 2010!

Yours,
RANDY

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