02. February... New York Toy Fair! What Caught My Eye! (Online of course, unfortunately I couldn't get to New York)

So February saw the announcement of many an exciting Lego set and action figure. The main event being New York Toy Fair, which was the conclusion to a couple of other toy fairs across Europe. Here's what caught my eye and what I most certainly hope to be picking up in store when released.

Star Wars Lego

Star Wars Rebels: Captain Rex's AT-TE

First of all. Do you watch Star Wars Rebels? If not, what are you doing? Go watch it now! Secondly if you've seen the first couple of episodes in Season 2 you'll know why I am super excited for the below Lego set which is being released Summer this year. I keep checking daily to see if this has a release date but so far no such luck. Captain Rex's AT-TE looks to be an exciting and impressive set. I believe it is priced at £99.99 in the UK and as far as I'm concerned is defitinitely worth picking up. I also really look forward to the minifigures for the older clone troopers, Captain Rex, Commander Wolffe and Gregor.

Resistance X-Wing

Next up is the Resistance X-Wing. We've already had Poe's X-Wing released, which I already have and was very fun to put together. So yes I understand this is probably the same build just a different colour. Well to that I say, who cares! I love the new X-Wing designs, and actually I think I prefer the White/Grey & Blue X-Wings more than I do the Black & Red 'Stealth' X-Wing. So I will certainly be looking forward to adding this one to my collection.

Now the two sets I've already mentioned certainly have me excited but one of the announcements that really got my attention is the up coming Star Wars Lego IP, The Freemaker Adventures. This will debut a new TV series on Disney XD and follow the adventures of a scavengers family and what looks to be their battles against the Empire. Obviously with a new IP come new Lego sets and a couple of these have already been revealed. I look forward to finding out more about this series when it gets closer to release.

Star Wars Hasbro

I've tried to cut down on the amount of action figures I purchase however there are a few characters I almost have to buy figures for. And just my luck, Hasbro's Star Wars The Black Series will be releasing figures for two of my all time favourite characters, Darth Revan and Ahsoka Tano. Also of note they will be releasing a Sabine Wren figure, a new character in the Star Wars Rebels TV Show. I can't wait for these to be released and get my hands on a figure, or two.Darth Revan Black Series




DC Collectibles

DC Collectibles really do seem to be the best producers of Action Fugyres for the comic properties. Marvel seem to stick with Hasbro, but DC are keeping it in house and it shows with the creative lines and awesome figures. One of note that was on display at New York Toy Fair is the 'Batman (Jim Gordon) & Robo-Bat, a Greg Capullo Design Figure, from his and Scott Snyder's most recent arc Super-Heavy. Capullo is a fantastic artist and his Design series does an amazing job at interpreting his characters drawn on the page into action figures. I for one will be waiting for the release date of this figure and will certainly be showing this one off in my display cabinet when I get one.

Another honourable mention is the Batman Black and White Statue Series. An especially awesome statue was announced during New York Toy Fair, a Frank Quitely designed Damien Wayne (Robin) statue, it looks incredible, unfortunately I haven't been able to source a decent image of it to post. But if you watch the below video you'll catch a brief glimpse of it along with the Rafael Alberqerque Batman statue, which is beautiful in it's own right.

Kotobukiya

Finally Kotobukiya's new ArtFx+ Star Wars Force Awakens range is releasing some great figures. Of note for me is the  R2-D2, BB-8 & C3-P0 statue which I will hope to get my hands on should I have enough money. I'm a huge fan of the droids, like many others, and this set just looks fantastic. Other statues of note in this range are, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, First Order Stormtroopers. I'm really hoping some point down the line we will get figures for Rey, Finn and more importantly, for me, Poe Dameron.

Monday Marvel Weekly Catch-Up

Here's my round up of the Marvel news that caught my eye in the past week. (From Monday 11/1 to Sunday 17/1)

Spider-Man #1 Preview (All-New All-Different Marvel);

This is the All-New All-Different Marvel title I have been waiting for since the announcement of the post Secret Wars universe last year. Miles Morales with the creative of Brian Michael Bendis, Sara Pichelli and previously David Marquez has been one of my stand out characters and titles for quite some time. It's also one of the titles that I have continuously collected without dropping an issue. Will it break my new digital only rule? Time will tell but with Bendis and Pichelli working together again on the character they created you just know that the writing and the art are going to be brilliant.
http://www.comicbookresources.com/comic-previews/spider-man-1-marvel-comics-2016-2016

Marvel's Free Comic Book Day 2016;

It's that time of year again. A new year begins and the Free Comic Book announcements start to appear. Marvel have announced that there Free Comic Day offering will contain both a Civil War II prelude and a new tale from the All-New All-Different Avengers, written my Mark Waid introducing a new Wasp to the Marvel Universe. Which explains the teaser from earlier in the week, "Best beware my sting". The Civil War II prelude will be written and illustrated by the previously announced team of Bendis and Marquez who will be bringing us Marvel's next big event.
 This follows a similar format from last year where Marvel used there FCBD issue to introduce last years big event Secret Wars. I'd be sure to get to your local comic store early to ensure you get your hands on this issue as it sounds like it is going to be a good one.
http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/marvel-to-preview-civil-war-ii-and-introduce-all-new-wasp-in-fcbd-issue

Teasers: Dead No More: 

Earlier last week Marvel Released the teaser Dead No More. Nothing else has yet been released and were this to do with a comic being released in April I believe we will have received more information by now. Many of the comic websites have been spending there time trying to predict who may be coming back from the dead, as this is what the teasers most obvious explanation would be. Many believe this may be Wolverine related, but I would be surprised if he is brought back so soon considering Marvel have gone to the trouble of bringing Old Man Logan into the Marvel 616 fold along with handing over the mantle of Wolverine to X-23. However saying that I do struggle to think of any other characters who currently dead and prominent to receive such a teaser? Some other name thrown into the hat have been Gwen Stacy, however she appears to have received her own renaissance in terms of alternative Universe characters. Professor X is another important Marvel character currently deceased. But after what I wrote above it will probably be Wolverine coming back. What do you think?

Netflix Marvel Jessica Jones Season 2 Confirmed;

Finally, at released only yesterday. Jessica Jones has been confirmed to be getting a second season coming soon. Looks like the Marvel Netflix line is just as popular as the Cinematic Universe and I for one love that. We already have Daredevil Season 2 to look forward to this March and now we have Jessica Jones second season to look forward too.

Not to mention the rumoured Punisher series to spin out of Daredevil, and the previously announced Luke Cage series and Iron Fist series. The future of Marvel's Netflix Universe looks incredibly bright.

Star Wars Sunday Weekly Summary;

Poe Dameron (Marvel Comic):
So Thursday evening I entered the Odeon Cinema in Greenwich to watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens for the 4th time, and being the good cinema goer that I am I ensured I turned my phone off. So it was to my surprise, and a little cheer that got a few funny looks, that when i turned my phone back on and checked my email it had been announced that Poe Dameron would be getting an on-going series at Marvel Comics from Charles Soule and Phil Noto.

Confirmed to be set before Star Wars Force Awakens, General Leia sends Poe Dameron and a squad of X-Wing fighters on a daring mission. I for one can not wait to get hold of this and with Phil Noto on artwork you just know that this comic is going to look stunning. If you haven't read the Chewbacca limited series yet, trade paperback out in February, you really should.

Poe Dameron will hit shelves some time in April, and I may, just may, have to break my digital only rule and pick this one up from my favourite comic store.

Star Wars Rebels Season 2;
Right next up Star Wars Rebels Season 2 Mid-Season trailer has been released and before I go on you must watch it! NOW!;

You've watched it? Good. Wow just wow, just as my excitement for the Force Awakens was beginning to calm down this is released and now I can look forward to what looks to be an incredibly exciting second half and finale for Season Two. There are so many questions from that trailer! Did you see Mandalorians? New Flagship for the Rebels? Was that Darth Maul? What path will Ezra take? Are there other Jedi survivors? Along with definitive things. More Yoda! More Ahsoka! Hera's father arrives! Ahsoka vs Darth Vader! This is going to be one hell of a ride and emotional rollercoaster. To say I'm excited for this is an understatement, they really look to have kicked this up a gear and it looks to me as though the second half of Season 2 can reach the great heights of The Clone Wars at its peak! Back on the 20th in the US and 23rd in the UK.

Kylo Ren Kotobukiya Artfx+ Statue;

After Poe Dameron, who I really hope will get his own Artfx+ statue, Kylo Ren is easily my favourite character from The Force Awakens. So I was pleased this week when Kotobukiya announced his statue, I have already pre-ordered mine. With many poses you can put this statue into your favourite Kylo Ren pose. Its also worth noting that this statue looks great and at only £65.99 to £69.99 before postage is good value for money. Especially if like me you would love to have figures and statues of your favourite characters, oh how I would like to by the Hot Toys figures, but at an affordable price. I've pre-ordered myself Kylo and also the Droids, C3-PO, R2-D2 and BB-8 statue. I'll be hoping for and looking forward to more of these coming with some of our light side heroes

Quick side note and not related to the above it was confirmed this week that the Hot Toys Rey figure will come with a lightsaber! Not that I'll be able to get it.

What I'm looking forward to in 2016;

Most Importantly;

THE WEDDING; The year is finally here, the year I marry my beautiful fiancée. Planning has gone into high gear and items are being ticked of our long list of things still to do. I continue to get more excited as the day gets closer. At the same time as being incredibly nervous, more because I hate public speaking and supposedly have to give a speech. But it's okay as I will have my trustee companion BB-8 on my sleeves, when I finally get around to buying the cufflinks that is.

5 Things I just simply can't wait for;

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-Ray
Why; The ability to watch the new Star Wars film as many times as possible is something I can not wait for. I still plan on seeing it at least 5 times in the cinema, 2 so far, 1 more planned and a couple more after that.

Netflix Marvel's : Daredevil Season 2
Why; March 2015 is the speculated date that the new season of Daredevil will be hitting Netflix. Another weekend that I will be using my TV, iPad & iPhone to watch as may episodes as possible.

Spider-Man #1 (Bendis & Pichelli)

Why? Spider-Men is one of my favourite all time Spidey tales. It was also the first time both the 616 universe and Ultimate universe collided. Well since the recent Secret Wars event Miles Morales will be making his way to the 616 and to New York where he will become the Spider-Man. With Peter Parker gallivanting around the world doing his best Tony Stark impressions with his newly found company Parker Industries this leaves Miles Morales to be the sole Spider-Man in New York. This title has been a long time coming but I am certain it will be worth the wait and I can not wait to see the creative duo of Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli once again teaming up to tell the tales of the character they both helped create.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Why? I still haven't finished returning to the cinema to watch Star Wars The Force Awakens. But we enter 2016 knowing there will be another Star Wars film. One of the new 'Anthology' or 'A Star Wars Story' films. With a December release date a trailer can't be far off and I for one cannot wait to at least finally get some teaser footage for this film. Am I worried there might be to much Star Wars coming, right now NO! Rogue One has the potential to be another hit and has a very exciting cast behind it.

Star Wars Celebration

Why? I was continuously checking the internet last year during Star Wars Celebration, checking out any news, announcements being made. They had a great Live Stream of the event, obviously the highlight being the Force Awakens Panel with another teaser trailer attached. Well when it came to an end and they announced the next Celebration will be in London, I went into meltdown and was there at my laptop the minute tickets went on sale. I've got full weekend tickets and I can not wait to get there. I hope to get to a few panels but also I'm looking forward to being in a room with like minded people talking Star Wars and spending way too much money on Star Wars merch.

5 Things I'm Really Looking Forward to;

Marvel Comics: Civil War 2 (Bendis & Marquez)

Why? Civil War by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven is the reason I got into comics books. I still remember the day my dad came up to London with me to Camden to head to Mega City Comics. There I picked up a copy of the Civil War TP and first issues of Avengers Initiative and The Mighty Avengers. The cynic in me is saying this is simply being done because of the Captain America film being released with the same name but in Bendis and Marquez I trust. Just a shame that it would seem the event has taken Marquez away from Invincible Iron Man.

Marvel Studios: Captain America Civil War

Why? Have you seen the trailer? More importantly have you watched Winter Soldier? I only ask as Civil War will again be directed by the Russo brothers, who have also been put in charge of Avengers Infinity War. Winter Soldier is easily the best Marvel Studios film to date, yes I enjoyed Avengers and yes I enjoyed Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Marvel Studios: Doctor Strange

Why? It can't be long until we get a trailer. Coming out the second half of this year, Marvel Studios are giving another genre, or possibly a new genre, a go with their Sorcerer Supreme. With Cumberbatch on board this has the potential to be another great addition. And remember many questioned Guardians of the Galaxy and that didn't turn out to bad did it?

Black Widow #1 (Waid/Samnee & Samnee)

Why? I missed out on this creative team's work on Daredevil, I'm steadily catching up through trade paperbacks. But Black Widow is a character who has come to prominence in the Marvel cinematic Universe. Black Widow comes back to the shelves with this same creative team of Waid & Samnee for All-New, All-Different Marvel! Where will they take the character? That's what I look forward to finding out, plus any excuse to finally pick up a Samnee monthly book is reason enough to grab this when it comes out.

Star Wars Rebels Season 2/3

Why? Season 2 is returning 20/01/2015 in the USA and the 23/01/2015 in the UK after its mid-season break. This is a brilliant programme with engaging characters bringing to life the birth of the Rebellion. Season 2 has kicked into high gear re-introducing fan favourite characters from The Clone Wars and including appearances from Original Trilogy favourites, including Lando Calrissian and in an upcoming episode Princess Leia. With a third season confirmed the future for Star Wars Rebels gets brighter and brighter.

My 2015 Favourites (Happy New Year);

Another year comes to an end so here come's another list of My 2015 Favourite's. I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year! And here's to another year of awesome, Comics, Films and everything in between.

My favourite writer of 2015: Jason Aaron

Why? Star Wars is back at Marvel and Jason Aaron was given the responsibility of writing the flagship Star Wars title and what a great job he is doing. Let's not forget his other work Southern Bastards and one of my favourite Marvel titles this year Thor (The Mighty Thor). What more reason do you need?

My favourite artist of 2015: Greg Capullo

Why? The best title this year is Batman by far. The collaboration between Capullo and Snyder is what makes this title as successful as it has been. Greg Capullo has been nailing the art on this book and just as you think his at the top of his game he still manages to take it up another level. I'll be sad to see him leave/take a break from this book from issue 50. But we're promised he will be returning to collaborate with Scott Snyder, plus we also have the anticipation for the announcement of what he will be working on with Mark Millar.

My favourite colorist of 2015: Rico Renzi

Why? One of the break out titles of the year is Spider-Gwen and also Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. Who colours these books Rico Renzi. He is also responsible for the fanastic coloring on Joe Quinnones art for Howard the Duck, which is the best I have seen his art coloured and gave me a new appreciation for the artists style.

My Favourite Publisher of 2015: Marvel (Star Wars)

Why? Star Wars is back at Marvel! And what a great job Marvel are doing with the franchise. I was very upset at first that Dark Horse lost the franchise and I was apprehensive as to what Marvel will do with it. But then they announce the creative teams and prove that they are putting there all into creating exciting, in continuity, stories for the Marvel Universe. What a great job there doing and what a great job Jason Aaron and Kieron Gillen are doing with there respective titles.

My favourite single issue of 2015: Batman #41

Why? This was part of the DCYou promotion and the first introduction and issue containing the status quo change for Batman. What happens when Bruce Wayne is dead/missing who will take on the mantle of Batman. Well none other than James Gordon of course and what an exciting and interesting take on Batman this character and the creative team have given us.

My favourite event of 2015: Vader Down

Why? We live in an age where if you don't have 1 or more events from the big publishers in a year well obviously your doing something wrong right? Even though I have strong feelings about the ever to frequent event strategy from the Big 2, I mean at least complete them in time. I have been pleasantly surprised by the first event to take place in Marvel's Star Wars titles. Vader Down is an exciting take on what happens if the Rebellion knows where Darth Vader is and when Darth Vader is stranded. We're half way through this event so far and the real question here is who is the hunter or hunted?

My favourite cover artist of 2015: Declan Shalvey

Why? For several years now Declan Shalvey has been one of my favourite artists. I remember him on issues of Dark Avengers and then a cover run on Winter Soldier alongside a brilliant arc on Deadpool. His now moved onto his creator owned book, Injection, with partner and colorist extraordinaire Jordie Bellaire and writer supreme Warren Ellis. But he has continued to create covers for Marvel and they do not disappoint as usual, and well I couldn't have a favourite's list without him. 

My favourite on-going title of 2015: Batman

Why? This was a close one. Star Wars being back at Marvel gave me several options however Batman has consistently been the title I look forward to most each month. Snyder and Capullo continue to put Batman into exciting and new storylines. In 'Endgame' and 'Superheavy' we have had to of the most intriguing and exciting Batman storyline's, how they keep managing to do one better than their last storyline is beyond me but I sure am thankful they do.

My favourite new title of 2015: Spider-Gwen

Why? The fact that this character got her own solo title is down to Fan demand and also the incredible creative team behind it in Jason Latour, Robbi Rodriguez and Rico Renzi. I've had to dramatically reduce my monthly pick list and this title still easily makes the cut. Each month I look forward to the next adventure for this character and love that Spider-Gwen will now have some involvement with the 616 universe alongside her own.

My favourite film of 2015: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Why? Well what else would it have been? I've been waiting three years for this film and it didn't dissapoint. The only film I have ever gone to a midnight showing for. I've seen it twice so far and plan on seeing it at least a couple more times before it stops showing in the cinema. Next step is it's home release and I can't wait to get hold of this so I can watch it whenever I want! May the Force Be With You...

My favourite video game of 2015: Fallout 4
Why? E3 2015 was the most exciting E3 in some time for me. Why? Bethesda, for the first time, were going to be giving there first pre-E3 press conference. What for? It couldn't be Fallout, could it? Well yes, yes it was. This was the announcement I had been waiting for, I got a PS4 a year after it's release but still found there wasn't much to play on it and still do. But Fallout 4 has filled that gap. I can play this game for hours, just wandering around the open world, until I run out of stimpaks. Have I completed it yet? No, but it is still by far the best video game I have played this year.

My favourite TV programme of 2015: Star Wars Rebels
Why? The only TV programme I have kept up with weekly for quite some time. I make sure I catch every episode. Blending great visuals, influenced by the original concept art from Ralph McQuarrie, and the feel of the original trilogy. Star Wars Rebels continues to put the heroic band of Rebels into impossible situations, not to mention the return of fan favourite characters, Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex. It's currently on its mid-season break but I can not wait for its return in January.



My Favourite on-demand TV programme of 2015: Daredevil

Why? Daredevil, what do you think of. Ben Affleck? Jennifer Garner? Not anymore! Marvel finally released their Daredevil Netflix earlier in the year. Was it what I expected? No. It was far better than I expected, a nitty gritty street level programme showing one mans fight against injustice. And that fight scene in the hallway, one of the best choreographed scenes on TV this year. Bring on Daredevil Season 2.

All-New All-Different Marvel... Breathe easy Spider-Gwen will be back and with the same creative team...

We are now averaging a couple of reveals a day. I'm also a couple of days behind now.

But this is an announcement I had been hoping for since it went missing on the monthly solicitations.

Spider-Gwen will return, from the same creative team of Jason Latour, Robbie Rodriguez and Rico Renzi. Her adventures will return to the Universe we have seen her in the first 5 issues with the opportunity to hop in and out of the All-New All-Different Marvel Universe.

I suppose by keeping Spider-Gwen where she was leaves room for the current Spider-Woman. But most importantly no matter which Universe she is in this Fall we will be getting more Spider-Gwen and hopefully soon we will have a more cemented date to mark on our calendars.

That only leaves a few titles that I am still hoping for. So far so good... lets hope for the next few soon.

All-New All-Different Marvel... Doctor Strange goes solo...

Free Comic Book Day revealed a new Avengers line up for post Secret Wars. More recently Marvel revealed the flagship title of All-New All-Different Marvel in Invincible Iron Man. The weekend just gone we found out about Spider-Man, Miles Morales that is, and his new on-going title. Well now it is time for Doctor Strange to take centre stage and Entertainment Weekly had the exclusive news. To be fair this was inevitable considering the feature film that will be arriving next year.

However this has a stellar creative team in Jason Aaron on writing duties and Chris Bachalo on art. Both creators whose work I am a huge fan of. I find myself reading most books by Jason Aaron nowadays and Chris Bachalo's art is a great fit for the Sorcerer Supreme. Also it isn't the first time these two have collaborated, previously collaborating on the critically acclaimed Wolverine And The X-Men.

The one common theme from the interviews regarding new titles is the length of stints they have signed up for and Jason Aaron is no different. If the article is to be believed he has plans for Doctor Strange for the next year or longer and in Jason Aaron I trust? Was this the creative line up you expected for Doctor Strange. I can't wait for that first issue, but like the others we will probably have to wait until October. But until then I expect we may learn more at SDCC.

For the full article check out the link below and also check out the character sketches by Chris Bachalo.


http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/22/marvel-announces-doctor-strange-comic?hootPostID=107f519b766667b9baf61db1cbe351c2