News

Tomorrow, the live-action series »One Piece« starts streaming on Netflix. 

Live-action adaptations of successful animes are always tricky. Does it succeed in picking up the fans of the original and in interesting new viewers who previously had no contact with it? Netflix's »Cowboy Bebop« recently failed at this task, but that didn’t discourage the streaming giant, who is now bringing us the Straw Hat Pirates. The reactions to the trailer were rather subdued. Many critics predict the same fate for the series as the aforementioned predecessor and expect the series to end after the first season.

We too remain skeptical, as the trailers seem strangely sterile to us. Of course, we are willing to change our minds, even if, to be honest, more than 1000 episodes of the anime series are quite enough for us for a few years, while enjoying the many collectibles from the series as well:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Animes-Mangas/One-Piece:::4685_5058.html

What about you? Are you looking forward to the series?

Since the middle of last week, Paramount+ has been streaming the six-part miniseries »Waco«. This is the first time that the series from 2018 will be shown in Germany.

The self-proclaimed prophet of the Branch Davidians sect, David Koresh (Taylor Kitsch) and his followers are under siege by the FBI and ATF for almost two months in 1993. The mission ends in disaster. A last attack and devastating fire leaves four federal officials and 82 cult casualties, including Koresh himself and 28 children.

The series has an impressive cast alongside Taylor Kitsch, including John Leguizamo, Andrea Riseborough, Rory Culkin, Julia Garner, Melissa Benoist and Paul Sparks. Michael Shannon stars as FBI negotiator Gary Noesner.

Even if the events are well known, the series is captivating and exciting and scores very well on IMDb with a score of 7.9. Our Mick, who watched the first two episodes last night, agrees with the positive rating and is looking forward to the last four episodes.

Here is the original trailer from 2018: 
https://youtu.be/2VXWgIOPgmw?si=7PFJd1-AzRwQWn_B

We are busy with packing and preparing for Toyplosion, which will take place this Saturday in the Europahalle Castrop-Rauxel. Sven, Tobi, Eva and Mick will be on-site at the retro actionfigure show with a big booth.

You can look forward to great collectibles, some absolute bangers, a few real rarities and cool goodies because we have a lot in store for you! So visit us at our booth - we're looking forward to seeing you! And for the ones who can't be there we will of course capture the most exciting impressions on camera.

The day has finally arrived, dear STAR WARS Fans! Ahsoka Tano - Warrior, Outcast, Rebel, Jedi - takes us with her on her own personal journey with Chopper, Sabine and Hera to a galaxy far, far away!

We are looking forward to see what Dave Filoni and his crew conjured up in this season’s 8 episodes. Are you as excited for the release as we are? With two feature-length episodes, this evening is going to be an event! We’ll just have to get through the day first …

And by the way, there are some good news for 1/6 collectors as well: The Ahsoka Tano & Grogu Set from Hot Toys will finally arrive at our warehouse in September. You can still order it at the moment, so: Hit the keys!

Yesterday evening, a first trailer for the Zack Snyder film »Rebel Moon: A Child of Fire«was released. Netflix will launch the film on December 22, 2023, which will be followed by part 2 entitled »The Scargiver« on April 19, 2024. A theatrical release seems to be planned as well, which would be great, of course.

Here's the trailer: 
https://youtu.be/_rHLOXbFZtI

It's no secret that »Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope« was a source of inspiration for the film, which the trailer shows here and there. But we're excited to see how Snyder will recombine familiar set pieces and what directions he'll take the epic – because the trailer leaves no doubt that this is what »Rebel Moon« is going to be. With a full net length of a good three minutes, the film preview unfolds a force and a pull that arouses the desire to immerse yourself in this foreign world. We're hooked!

60 years ago today, »The Haunting« was released to US cinemas. We’re taking this anniversary as an opportunity to remind you of this great classic of the haunted house genre.

The film is based on the novel »The Haunting of Hill House« by Shirley Jackson. Director Robert Wise returns to his RKO roots here and delivers us a masterpiece in the best Val Lewton tradition, but on a much larger budget than in the days of Lewton-produced films in the 1940s. At that time, there was no money available for elaborate monster designs but the films directed by Jacques Tourneur, Mark Robson and Robert Wise made a virtue of necessity and let the horror arise exclusively in the minds of the viewers.

This also applies to »The Haunting«, in which we encounter no ghosts. The horror is conveyed through atmospheric, excellent black and white camera work; the interior set design is simply to die for and the sound design and the acting performances make the terror almost physically tangible. The most important protagonist is Hill House itself as the incarnation of pure evil.

Even though the film hasn't aged well in every respect, we think it's a must-see for all horror fans. Here's a little appetizer: 
https://youtu.be/AeAzGxWlEcg

You can currently stream the film on Sky Go and Sky WOW.

It's way too hot again, so let the shutters down early this evening, turn the fan up to high speed, have a drink with ice cubes and move as little as possible. If that's your plan, we have a suitable streaming tip for you to top off the evening.

Last weekend, our Mick watched the seven-part South Korean Netflix series »Mask Girl« and praised it to the skies today.

The fact that time and time again there are exciting series coming from South Korea is no longer a secret, since »Squid Game« at the latest. »Mask Girl« oscillates between comedy, drama and thriller, sometimes gets pretty gory and, above all, is not predictable in the slightest. 

You can watch the trailer, if you can't resist: https://youtu.be/Gebl7um3jUg. But it's nicer not knowing anything and just being surprised by the twists and turns.

We're finally back with a regular episode of 💫 NEUES AUS DEM FIGUREN UNIVERSUM 💫! After the last special episode, this one is once again about the most interesting new in-stock and pre-order items! We have some great collectibles for you, such as the wonderfully bloody Patrick Bateman from Iconiq Studios including great accessories, four exciting Hot Toys figures from ACGHK or the impressive Gimli statue from Prime 1 Studio. And Mario, our current product of the month, pays Tobi and Sven a visit in our studio!

In addition, we answer a viewer question and tease a very special event. Don't miss out!

Check it out - now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/zSdBVZspubA

Today's theatrical releases could perhaps be described as "Movies Nobody Asked For". We’re taking a closer look at them anyway.

»The Last Voyage of the Demeter« is based on a chapter from Bram Stoker's novel »Dracula«. The Transylvanian bloodsucker is a stowaway on the Russian merchant ship Demeter, which travels from Varna to Whitby. The ship’s crew provides the count's snacks. Those who know the novel and many of its adaptations know how the story ends and the title of the film already serves as a spoiler to the uninitiated.

As Dracula fans, we still want to see the film, because director André Øvredal already proved with »The Autopsy of Jane Doe« that he has a knack for atmospheric horror. In 2020, the second episode of the BBC/Netflix series »Dracula« also told the story of the events on the Demeter and turned out to be the best episode of the miniseries, so the subject can definitely be made into an interesting adaptation.

If all films followed the novel very closely, we would always be told the same story more or less. Instead, each film adds further building blocks to the Dracula-/vampire myth. We are curious to see if and what Øvredal can add to the Dracula story. Without Murnau's »Nosferatu«, the Count would still be a "daywalker" , because in the novel, Dracula does not yet have a deadly sun allergy. Today it's an integral part of the lore that we're all happy to accept. As long as vampires don't sparkle, we are fine 😉.

The other film released today is brought to you by Warner: With »Blue Beetle«, they are adapting a (still) relatively unknown superhero from the world of DC. The movie is about the young Latino Jaime Reyes, who unbeknownst to him comes into possession of an alien biotechnological relic: the scarab! The beetle that attaches itself to his body gives him armor that is nearly omnipotent. While he's still trying to come to terms with his involuntary new powers, others are on the hunt for the silver bullet.

The character of the Blue Beetle from DC Comics has actually been around since the 1930s, while the character Jaime is based on a newer version from the 2000s. Due to the scarab's vast powers, most of the "Blue Beetle" stories are more about Jaime learning to control his armor and, most importantly, his relationship with his family. According to many reviews, this is where one of the film's strengths lies: the Reyes' family dynamics, which some would have liked seeing more of. The actors are convincing, especially Xolo Maridueña in the leading role. Susan Sarandon, on the other hand, receives little praise as the film's rather one-dimensional antagonist. The well-filmed action however is another plus. We are curious if and how Blue Beetle works on screen!

Will you go to the cinema for these films?

Dear »Star Wars« fans!

It's no wonder that we're all slowly but surely starting to sweat... because the eagerly awaited »Ahsoka« series is standing in the starting blocks! In exactly one week the first two episodes will start streaming on Disney+.

To keep anticipation high, Disney/Lucasfilm is releasing new teasers, clips and other appetizers almost daily. Here is a selection of the last few days - the 7-minute long »A New Star Wars Legacy« is definitely worth seeing:
https://youtu.be/btMQUq7kDuk
https://youtu.be/zVKUPB3_w0c
https://youtu.be/8KzVO-gTz4A

Watching Rosario Dawson in her role as Ahsoka is a true pleasure. You can really sense the connection she feels to her character. We're super excited for next wednesday!

The 1/6 hobby certainly starts with a passion for collecting - but that's far from the end of it! For real 1/6 enthusiasts, it doesn't stop at putting the treasures in the Ikea showcase. They stage their little friends in photo galleries and stories, pose them in self-made dioramas or even build their own figures. So-called kitbashing begins with the hunt for individual parts. Bodies, heads, clothing and accessories are combined in new ways. Hair is re-rooted, heads repainted and costumes tailored and 3D printers are now supplying many accessories, which isn't available for sale. This way, very individual figures are created, which can often hold their own against out-of-the-box figures.

Every fall, kitbashers get together in the Action Figure District forum for a competition that is great fun for everyone involved and delivers a diverse output. Whether it's historical figures or someone recreating the Village People (they’ve actually been in the competition before) - creativity knows no bounds. 

If that sounds exciting to you, just join us! Since this year, the contest is open for everyone (even if you’re not a member of the forum). Here is the first important information: 
https://action-figure-district.de/macht-mit-bei-unserem-grossen-kitbashing-wettbewerb/

Just wait and see, maybe S.P.A.C.E will come up with a little surprise for the winners 😉.

Last weekend the Power-Con took place in the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, probably the most popular toy convention in America and a Mecca and Eldorado for all MOTU fans, retro friends and action figure collectors! There were a lot of toys to admire, because of course many of the usual suspects were there and presented their collectibles.

Of course, the gigantic Ultimate Cats' Lair from SUPER7 made many »ThunderCats« fans gasp which already made a big buzz at SDCC.

The impressive Sewer diorama for the »Turtles« from NECA is also a great piece - coming soon to pre-order.

Of course, for MOTU enthusiasts, TWEETERHEAD were there and MONDO presented their ever-expanding »Masters of the Universe« line-up in sixth scale, including the huge Panthor (in a regular and a special flocked limited edition).

The FOUR HORSEMEN also provided cool show values with a fantastic »Cosmic Legions« and »Mythic Legions« presentation in the form of gigantic diorama displays with many new alien and fantasy creatures.

The line-up of the »Legends of Dragonore« Wave 1 from FORMO TOYS was on display as well. On top of that, the first figures from Wave 2 were revealed and some self-bred dragons were showcased.

There were also some manufacturers to be discovered that you might not have had on your radar before. Have you ever heard of RAMEN TOY? They showcased a couple of exciting prototypes of MOTU inspired characters (incl. Battle Bones) which would perfectly go along with your MOTU Classics. Whether Mattel will grant a license herefore will be at least as exciting. PREMIUM DNA impressed with their »Battle Toads« series. General Slaughter is a real chunk! If you're a retro fan, you're sure to love the »Gravestone Guardians« by toy designers GARRETT & DARREN SANDER or SAVAGE CRUCIBLE, whose presentation will certainly give many a fantasy fan wet eyes. You should definitely keep an eye on FRESH MONKEY FICTION, who are launching a whole range of exciting series, from cool Santa and Krampus figures to »Operation Monster Force« - a line we're really excited about, as they’re creating numerous figures that are inspired by classic monsters. The toys department behind THE NACELLE COMPANY were there with their super cool »Biker Mice from Mars« action figures. You can pre-order the first wave with all 3 characters in our shop already. Last but not least, we definitely wanted to mention an acquaintance of ours: Eamon O'Donoghue, this time in his role as project manager for Darkwolf, the first action figure for »Fire and Ice«, the cult classic by Ralph Bakshi. This amazing project is realized by the FRAZETTA GIRLS, the daughter and granddaughter of the great Frank Frazetta.

We'll put out feelers and see what we can dig up for you from all these cool collectibles.

To get an overview, visit the YouTube channel of collector veteran Pixel Dan:
https://www.youtube.com/@Pixel-dan/videos

More material is available at https://www.youtube.com/@ToyHypeUSAcom and you can find a nice tour at Mega Jay Retro: 
https://youtu.be/BFuwgf-Ggn8

Disney turns 100! To celebrate the mouse's birthday duly after a century full of animation classics, we're serving you a postcard straight from Wonderland 😁.

The motif was made by Marco (@stan_qbrick), who created a little forest at home specially for the Mad Hatter und took this colorful picture for us. Thanks, Marco!

This beautiful postcard is perfect for congratulating someone on their birthday or unbirthday or as a little present for a tea party ☕️. You'll get a free copy of it with every order until the end of the month 📦. So: hit the keys!

Today is going to be fast-paced because »Gran Turismo« is hitting cinemas! The film adapts the video game series of the same name and is based on the life story of Jann Mardenborough who went from gamer to racer.

The young Jann (Archie Madekwe) dreams of a career in motorsports but so far has only been on a virtual racetrack in the game Gran Turismo - until a competition gives him the opportunity to prove his skills behind the wheel.

As much of the film as possible was filmed on actual racetracks with the actors driving themselves while some of the stunts were done by the real Jann Mardenborough. The cast includes some familiar faces such as David Harbour, Orlando Bloom and Djimon Hounsou.

According to first reviews the film, despite some flaws, inspires with passionate acting and great camerawork and offers a good time in the cinema, even for viewers without much knowledge of the game and sport.

Yesterday Apple TV+ published a trailer for the fantasy-horror-series »The Changeling«:
https://youtu.be/i3jjAm2dBeo

The show is based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Victor LaValle and tells the story of Apollo (LaKeith Stanfield) and Emma (Clark Backo) who live an almost fairy tale like life together - until Emma commits a terrible act after the birth of their child and vanishes under mysterious circumstances. On his search for her, Apollo embarks on an odyssey through a bizarre world beyond imagination.

The trailer looks very high-class and lures us in with its atmosphere. We are absolutely pleasantly surprised by the quality of the content that Apple TV+ is delivering and are already excited for this release. »The Changeling« starts streaming on the 8th of September.

We don't live in easy times. All the adversities of recent years, starting with Covid, are also affecting the toy/collectibles industry. Founded in Birmingham in 2011, Big Chief Studios has now filed for bankruptcy and is closing production forever.

In their 12 years of work they had primarily concentrated on sixth scale figures from films and series 'made in the UK'. They had their biggest figure output with their »Doctor Who« license but also released other collectibles from the TV shows »Sherlock«, »Peaky Blinders« and »Space: 1999« and from films like »James Bond« and »Flash Gordon«.

Managing Director Mark Andrews explained that after surviving the global pandemic, numerous knock-on effects had brewed into a storm that has resulted in prolonged delays in both the manufacturing and release of BCS products. The current cost-of-living crisis and economic downturn resulted in a drop in sales, which seriously hampered their ability to continue and also prevented them from negotiating the renewal of their key licenses.

Ultimately, it was concluded that the company was no longer able to pay its debts and continue in business, and with a heavy heart they decided to liquidate the company voluntarily.

So, after more than 10 years in the collectibles world, Big Chief Studios is pulling the plug. For us collectors, this also means that long-awaited figures that were still in the pre-order phase will definitely no longer be released, such as the Laurel & Hardy figures that had been announced three years ago.

With Big Chief Studios, one of the rare European manufacturers says goodbye. After they had found their niche with British themes they’re now leaving a gap there and will definitely be missed.

This weekend the STAR TREK LAS VEGAS CONVENTION is taking place at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to a gigantically long list of star guests from 57 years of Star Trek, the exhibitor EXO-6 is of course of particular interest to us collectors. With a lot of love for the franchise, the company of Star Trek hardcore fan Nanjin Tam manufactures 1/6 figures from all series and films. At the con in Las Vegas, EXO-6 splashed out and again showed a gigantic line-up with 10 new characters. So Star Trek fans, take a deep breath and have your gold-pressed latinum ready.

From »Star Trek: The Next Generation« comes a new Captain Jean-Luc Picard. »Voyager« fans will be happy to see Lt. B'Elanna Torres and Neelix. From »Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan« comes Kirstie Alley as Saavik and from »Star Trek III: The Search for Spock « we meet none other than Christopher Lloyd as Klingon Commander Kruge, who is up for pre-order in our shop right now:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Filme/Star-Trek/1-6-Scale-Klingon-Commander-Kruge-Star-Trek-3-The-Search-for-Spock::26079.html

Five characters from the new Star Trek series »Strange New Worlds« are making their 1/6 debut: Captain Christopher Pike, Una Chin-Riley (Number One), Spock, Nurse Christine Chapel, and La'An Noonien-Singh. There will also be a whole series of 7-inch statues for the »Lower Decks« animation series.

That's good news for the Trekkies among you. In this sense: Collect long and prosper!

Attention Turtles fans: your favourite green heroes are back in theaters because »Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem« is coming to the silver screen!

In the movie the brothers Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo and Donatello try to take on villainous mutants to fight for the love and acceptance of the humans.

A pleasant surprise is the decision to have the Turtles be voiced by actual teenagers (Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon). Even apart from them, the movie boasts a great cast with Jackie Chan as Master Splinter, Paul Rudd, John Cena, Maya Rudolph and many others. Seth Rogen, who co-wrote the screenplay with director Jeff Rowe and others involved, also has a role.

The animation captivates you with its unique sketchy look which captures the grimy yet colourful nocturnal New York. According to the first reviews we're in for a film with lots of energy, humour and heart. We're super excited already and also wish you a lot of fun in the cinema! Cowabunga!

If you missed »Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3« in the cinema, starting today you have the opportunity to stream the film on Disney+ - provided you have a subscription to the Mouse. All that's missing is popcorn and drinks.

We wish you a lot of fun on the sofa with Star-Lord, Rocket & Co. 😀!

We present to you episode no. 5 of 💫 NEUES AUS DEM FIGUREN UNIVERSUM 💫! This one is practically a special edition, in which we talk about the most exciting new figures and reveals from 3 conventions in Asia. The focus is on Hot Toys who's currently causing a stir with their "Artisan Edition" line and reacting to the challenging competitor INART!

Check it out - now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/a2HXoWYYnpg