![](http://www.16bit.com/graphics/patreon-468x72.jpg) Become a Patron!
![](graphics/toyfair2023.jpg)
RIP Martin Mull
Juy 1, 2024 |
Star Wars Q&A at Galactic Hunter
|
![Q&A by Adam Pawlus](newspics15/ghqa2.jpg) Galactic Hunter has posted Q&A: Star Wars Cantina Ends in a Week (Get The Figures), Plastic Rubber. It's new! Be sure to click through and read up on the latest!
Be sure to send in your questions for the next thrilling update! We now have one for next week.
--AP
|
Super Mario Hack: Mega Mario
|
![NES](newsicons2/nes.jpg) Via ROMHacking.net: MEGA GIANT MARIO BROS.. It's the New Super Mario Bros.-type giant Mario, but on NES. You basically just destroy everything as you march across the screen, there's a preview video which looks pretty amusing.
--AP
|
Support 16bit.com and Galactic Hunter via Patreon
|
We're taking donations for server costs! Really. One of the rewards is Q&A a few days early - you can read next Monday's installment as soon as it's ready, which can be as early as 1:00 AM my time on Monday!
![](http://www.16bit.com/graphics/patreon-468x72.jpg) Become a Patron!
If you've got a dollar a month to share, please Visit the Galactic Hunter Patreon and help cover our server costs. I'll still put in hours of work, writing, photography, and research - I just need some help making sure that the site costs me only time, and hopefully not money. Thanks for your support!
--AP
|
|
That Annoying Kid
July 3, 2024 |
Star Wars Review: Krrsantan (The Retro Collection)
|
![Star Wars](newsicons2/galactichunter.jpg) Via the Star Wars Galactic Hunter Figure of the Day Blog: Krrsantan (The Retro Collection). It's still not in any stores I've been to, and it came out late last year. It looks like a remixed Chewbacca figure, with things you didn't see in the 1980s like big armor and hands that can grip a blaster. In other words, it's pretty good - and hopefully you got one if you wanted one. Read the whole review.
--AP
|
Ad: Sam the Eagle, Gizmo, and Mice at Entertainment Earth
|
Ad: Pre-order new Gremlins, Muppets, Animaniacs, and more! Not only are pre-orders welcome today for these items, there's a sale running this weekend - save up to $50!
|
|
Happy Save Your Thumbs Day
July 4, 2024 |
Review: Mattel He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Cartoon Collection Trap Jaw Action Figure
|
![Figure of the Day](newsicons2/fotd.jpg) Something new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!
Newish! This Mattel He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Cartoon Collection Trap Jaw Action Figure is pretty awesome - he doesn't have fake hair like on the cartoon, but he looks great for the price and despite not having a fly swatter arm, looks excellent. Do read on, and come back tomorrow for more fun!
--AP
|
ZPF for Genesis on Kickstarter
|
![Sega](newsicons2/sega.jpg) Via Kickstarter and Mega Cat Studios: ZPF - a New SEGA Mega Drive / Genesis game. It looks pretty cool - standard 16-bit shooter fare, but fancy. Cart plus paper good is $50, boxed is $60, and it's due in 2025.
It funded pretty much immediately, so it's basically a pre-order right now.
--AP
|
|
Go Get That Cantina, Ends Monday
July 5, 2024 |
Star Wars Review: Doikk Na'ts (Dorenian Beshniquel, The Vintage Collection)
|
![Star Wars](newsicons2/galactichunter.jpg) Via the Star Wars Galactic Hunter Figure of the Day Blog: Doikk Na'ts (Dorenian Beshniquel, The Vintage Collection). The set is still available on the secondary market, and the reason we're reviewing it today is because the HasLab Cantina is still going and ends Monday. It's at 7,836 backers - it sold almost 200 on Thursday and needs to hit 8,000 to be made. The sooner it does, the sooner people will probably hop on it for the stretch goals. But this is a nice band figure, and you'll want it for the bar. Read the whole review.
--AP
|
Nintendo Switch This Week
|
![Nintendo Switch](newsicons2/switch.jpg) This week's batch of titles on the eShop: Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak, Spy x Anya: Operation Memories, and over a dozen more.
--AP
|
|
Final Day for HasLab Cantina Crowdfund
July 8, 2024 |
Star Wars Q&A at Galactic Hunter
|
![Q&A by Adam Pawlus](newspics15/ghqa2.jpg) Galactic Hunter has posted Q&A: Star Wars Timing of New Stuff and Cantina Packaging Speculation. It's new! Be sure to click through and read up on the latest!
Be sure to send in your questions for the next thrilling update! We now have one for next week - but could use some for the following week.
--AP
|
New Hot Wheels Mail-In at Family Dollar General
|
![Hot Wheels](newsicons2/hotwheels.jpg) Via Mattel Creations: 2024 Collector Edition '65 Dodge Coronet From Dollar Tree and Family Dollar - it's $7.00, and you have to send them $20 worth of cardbacks/UPCs to get it so you're going to pay for some big envelopes and jump through some hoops to get it. Kroger and Family Dollar / Dollar Tree have had similar offers earlier this year, and it's notable given how few toy mail-in offers happen anymore. Hasbro had previously stated they mostly served the purpose of moving stock on store shelves, and I assume Mattel is doing the same thing here by offering a toy car that's arguably pretty cool and probably not losing much money in the process. It's a win-win for them.
And this is the form to order it online if you don't want to include a check or money order. Limit 10 per household. Family Dollar and Dollar Trees may be getting special in-store displays showcasing the offer with new product - I found one with a Batman & Robin Batmobile as well as a Treasure Hunt Draggin' Wagon on Friday. (The display was removed from the aisle by Sunday.)
--AP
|
Support 16bit.com and Galactic Hunter via Patreon
|
We're taking donations for server costs! Really. One of the rewards is Q&A a few days early - you can read next Monday's installment as soon as it's ready, which can be as early as 1:00 AM my time on Monday!
![](http://www.16bit.com/graphics/patreon-468x72.jpg) Become a Patron!
If you've got a dollar a month to share, please Visit the Galactic Hunter Patreon and help cover our server costs. I'll still put in hours of work, writing, photography, and research - I just need some help making sure that the site costs me only time, and hopefully not money. Thanks for your support!
--AP
|
|
It Creeps and Leaps and Glides and Slides
July 10, 2024 |
Star Wars Review: Kanan Jarrus (The Vintage Collection)
|
![Star Wars](newsicons2/galactichunter.jpg) Via the Star Wars Galactic Hunter Figure of the Day Blog: Kanan Jarrus (The Vintage Collection). Remember that big ship that HasLab crowdfunded last year and still hasn't shipped? He goes well with that. The figure is pretty good, with excellent articulation, a blaster, and the two lightsabers you would expect. It translates the "cowboy Jedi" to a more realistic style quite nicely, but also, you may have perfectly good animated-style 3 3/4-inch figures of this character already. I think he turned out well - but I'd have been just as happy with an Epic Hero Series-style figure for half the price. Read the whole review.
--AP
|
New Blob HEAP Robot
|
![Toys](newsicons2/toys.jpg) Via Etsy and Orbitdyne: Blob Head HEAP - Original Sofubi Vinyl Robot Toy. It's available now and has a cool rippled head coming out of a robot body - I'm friends with the guy who made them, and they're really neat. I have one of the older models and it's really cool.
He's got a lot of goodies coming up, some I'll be writing about here later this week due to a coincidence of a review going up of a non-customized piece, so check out his Etsy store. Godzillas, a Kenner-ish Cantina playset, Glyos, all kinds of stuff.
He also has an eBay store will gorgeous custom Hot Wheels that are priced pretty cheaply for something he had to dismantle, clean, and reassemble with pricey fancy paints. Take a look.
--AP
|
Ad: Blueberry Pudding at Entertainment Earth
|
Ad: Pre-order new SDCC exclusive Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Brite dolls and pins! Not only are pre-orders welcome today for these items, they are expected around August!
|
|
Back to Skull
July 11, 2024 |
Review: Maisto Adventure Force Kraniator Green Car
|
![Figure of the Day](newsicons2/fotd.jpg) Something new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!
Newish! This Maisto Adventure Force Kraniator Green Car is an old mold, but it looks really cool and is pretty easy to get at Walmart for under a buck. It's not quite as fancy as a Mattel car, but it's good - there's a skull, there are teeth, there's some metal, the wheels are nice, and it's even better when somebody custom paints one. But if you want a green one, odds are there's one at a store near you right now. Do read on, and come back tomorrow for more fun!
--AP
|
Custom-Painted Kraniators and Hot Wheels
|
![Toys](newsicons2/toys.jpg) Via eBay and Orbitdyne: Maisto 1:64 KRANIATOR Custom Painted Color Shift. It's pretty gorgeous, and it's hard to see how the color changes in still photos but you've probably seen paints like this on cars or miniatures somewhere. It takes a car and makes it look superb with a kind of paint you tend to not see in mass-produced toys. And yes he's a pal, but seriously, go look at it. It's cool.
--AP
|
HasLab G.I. Joe Cobra Rattler Likely Incoming
|
![G.I. Joe](newsicons2/gijoe.jpg) Via Hasbro on the Former Birdsite: Prepare yoursssself for launch! The picture features a Cobra Rattler symbol, so if it' not a Cobra Rattler, I'll eat my hat. I stopped wearing hats, so I can easily make this bet with minimal egg on face later. The Cantina crowdfund just completed and did rather well, and I assume if this comes in under $350 (especially with 4-5 figures) it's going to sail past all known goals.
While no date is given, I'm going to bet you'll see it go live for San Diego Comic-Con in a couple of weeks. That's coming, by the way, despite there being a certain air of indifference.
--AP
|
|
RIP Shelley Duvall
July 12, 2024 |
Star Wars Review: TC-14 (Droid Factory)
|
![Star Wars](newsicons2/galactichunter.jpg) Via the Star Wars Galactic Hunter Figure of the Day Blog: TC-14 (Droid Factory). There are surprisingly few figures being made for the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace, so it makes sense to make a figure that's a retool and can use some old parts. I was mostly surprised to see how much of it was new, including the hands and torso - and the shine is nice too. Don't throw out your vac-metal CommTech TC-14, but maybe give this one a look. Read the whole review.
--AP
|
`
Nintendo Switch This Week
|
![Nintendo Switch](newsicons2/switch.jpg) This week's batch of titles on the eShop: B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA, Muv-Luv Alternative, OGRE TALE, and over a dozen more.
--AP
|
|
RIP Dr. Ruth, Richard Simmons, Benji Gregory, Shannen Doherty
July 15, 2024 |
Star Wars Q&A at Galactic Hunter
|
![Q&A by Adam Pawlus](newspics15/ghqa2.jpg) Galactic Hunter has posted Q&A: Dark Empire Luke Brings Back Star Wars legends, also R2-D2 New for You? It's new! Be sure to click through and read up on the latest!
Be sure to send in your questions for the next thrilling update! We now have one for next week.
--AP
|
Glyos - New Healey Made Skeletor Trooper
|
![Glyos](newsicons2/Glyos.jpg) Via the Glyos News Dump: Healey Made Releases Raider (Skelly). It's $25 and has an alternate head, or a $20 blank figure you can pick up as well. It looks great!
--AP
|
Analogue Pocket Goes Metal for $499.99
|
![GameBoy](newsicons2/gameboy.jpg) Via Analogue.co: Analogue Pocket: Aluminum Editions -
Highly limited quantities @ $499.99 each.. Following the trend in Game Boy shells, Analogue will be doing metal shells for a much higher price. It launches at 8:00 AM Pacific today.
I am tremendously fond of the standard editions which are half the price. Maybe this is much better, but it being in stock will likely be a key selling point over the cheaper models. I assume you'll be better off with the standard edition when it restocks.
--AP
|
Dollar Tree Hermit Crabs 99 Cents Only
|
![Toys](newsicons2/Toys.jpg) Via Dollar Tree: Dollar Tree, Inc. Completes Transaction for 170 '99 Cents Only Stores'. I missed the announcement, but started seeing "DOLLAR TREE COMING SOON" banners over a number of local 99 Cents Only stores, a pretty good chain which shuttered in full just a few weeks ago.
99 Cents Only tended to have more stuff - more toys, more food, actual produce, and a lot of other odds and ends. In some cases the 99 Cents Only stores were under a mile from a Dollar Tree, so either they're going to close some old locations or maybe consolidate. And I don't know which, but some reports indicate the "new" stores may be open as early as the fall.
Dollar Tree toy selections are usually pretty weak - they're great for Matchbox and Hot Wheels, with a smattering of other stuff. Action Figure fans won't find much outside Final Faction or perhaps a number of $1.25 mini-figures from Shrek or Masters of the Universe or Jurassic Park or a few other licenses. It's worth a look if you've never seen it, but what I found to be the most impressive was that they can frequently turn over a case of 72 Hot Wheels over a weekend.
--AP
|
Support 16bit.com and Galactic Hunter via Patreon
|
We're taking donations for server costs! Really. One of the rewards is Q&A a few days early - you can read next Monday's installment as soon as it's ready, which can be as early as 1:00 AM my time on Monday!
![](http://www.16bit.com/graphics/patreon-468x72.jpg) Become a Patron!
If you've got a dollar a month to share, please Visit the Galactic Hunter Patreon and help cover our server costs. I'll still put in hours of work, writing, photography, and research - I just need some help making sure that the site costs me only time, and hopefully not money. Thanks for your support!
--AP
|
|
ORB Back
July 16, 2024 |
Review: Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 86 Dinobot Swoop
|
![Figure of the Day](newsicons2/fotd.jpg) Something new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!
New! The Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 86 Dinobot Swoop is the last of this scale of Dinobots, unless we get some more repaints, which seems likely given toy deco would make a lot of sense. But this is cartoon deco, and he has Grimlock's toy sword in the box, and he's pretty great - you'll want one of these. Read on, and come back tomorrow for more fun!
--AP
|
New ORB Record Last Week
|
![Music](newsicons2/music.jpg) Via ORB on Bandcamp: Tailem Bend. I just heard a bout this and need to place an order - but you can get it on Bandcamp or Amazon [ad link/affiliate link]. I really liked their other albums, like Naturality and Birth, so I recommend checking these out. You could use some new records.
--AP
|
|
Compare and Despair, Buddy
July 17, 2024 |
Star Wars Review: Marrok (The Retro Collection)
|
![Star Wars](newsicons2/galactichunter.jpg) Via the Star Wars Galactic Hunter Figure of the Day Blog: Marrok (The Retro Collection). He's from last summer's streaming show - and The Acolyte ends tonight - and is a great little figure. The cape is nice, the lightsaber is cool, and it looks like a dark knight. Also it came and went from stores pretty quickly, so hopefully you got yours online already. Read the whole review.
--AP
|
Review: Playing Mantis Johnny Lightning The Challengers Bug Bomb (Pink)
|
![Figure of the Day](newsicons2/fotd.jpg) Something new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!
Old! This Playing Mantis Johnny Lightning The Challengers Bug Bomb (Pink) is heavy, mostly metal, and bright pink - like, super-bright. It's a 1990s toy that uses 1970s molds and today isn't necessarily worth its original asking price, but it's cool enough that you should pick one up for a couple of bucks. Do read on, and come back tomorrow for more fun!
--AP
|
Ad: New 1986 Studio Series Optimus Prime at Entertainment Earth
|
Ad: Pre-orderTransformers Studio Series Commander Class The Transformers: The Movie 86-31 Optimus Prime! Larger than the Earthrise release, this one hews closer to the cartoon with more accessories in the box plus some new "jump" jet blast effects never before seen in an official Optimus Prime toy! And if you missed the Transformers Missing Link C-01 Optimus Prime (Convoy) - Exclusive, a new run is coming up - and you can pre-order yours now.
![Star Wars The Black Series The Stranger Premium Electronic Helmet](https://media.entertainmentearth.com/assets/images/a42035204301475bbc1ce06e9c77a884md.jpg)
|
|
RIP Bob Newheart
July 19, 2024 |
Star Wars Review: Grogu (Epic Hero Series)
|
![Star Wars](newsicons2/galactichunter.jpg) Via the Star Wars Galactic Hunter Figure of the Day Blog: Grogu (Epic Hero Series). You can probably find him in stores, and if you can't, the same figure comes with Mando's N-1 Starfighter (but doesn't include the floating pram accessory.) Grogu is a good enough figure, just tiny, and very similar to the Kenner Retro-style figure in many respects. He's also bigger than The Vintage Collection releases. Read the whole review.
--AP
|
Nintendo Switch This Week
|
![Nintendo Switch](newsicons2/switch.jpg) This week's batch of titles on the eShop: Arcade Archives TINKLE PIT, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, and over a dozen more.
--AP
|
Ad: McFarlane Toys Goes Marvel at Entertainment Earth
|
Ad: Pre-order new McFarlane Marvel Statues and Hasbro Marvel Legends Action Figures today! They're pre-orders coming later this year, and some pretty exciting things for fans of old Marvel comics, new pre-orders are welcome. Also don't forget, orders of $79+ ship free!
|
|
RIP Halo the TV Series
July 22, 2024 |
Star Wars Q&A at Galactic Hunter
|
![Q&A by Adam Pawlus](newspics15/ghqa2.jpg) Galactic Hunter has posted Q&A: The Cantina Was a Hit, More Star Wars Aliens?. It's new! Be sure to click through and read up on the latest!
Be sure to send in your questions for the next thrilling update! We now have one for next week - but could use some for the following week.
--AP
|
New NES Game From Tengen?
|
![BES](newsicons2/nes.jpg) For NES and Famicom via Tengen Games: Zed and Zee. I saw the game mentioned but did a double-take at the name of the publisher, and thankfully their site has a story:
"On a whim, [homebrew developer Jeff] Silvers conducted some research in 2022 and discovered that nobody owned the Tengen name. Recognizing a unique chance to pay tribute to one of his formative influences, Silvers began the process of registering the "TENGEN" trademark, receiving a "Notice of Allowance" from the United States Patent and Trademark Office in March 2024."
This sort of thing happens a lot - if a company lets a trademark lapse, someone might get it. Hasbro let Battle Beasts idle, so Diamond Select Toys got it. Kay-Bee Toys went unused, so someone got it and tried to license it to would-be stores that eventually resulted in nothing. There are lots of expired marks out there and we've seen things appear in unusual places as someone realizes it and jumps to snag them.
You can get a ROM for $5 or a cartridge for $50.
--AP
|
Support 16bit.com and Galactic Hunter via Patreon
|
We're taking donations for server costs! Really. One of the rewards is Q&A a few days early - you can read next Monday's installment as soon as it's ready, which can be as early as 1:00 AM my time on Monday!
![](http://www.16bit.com/graphics/patreon-468x72.jpg) Become a Patron!
If you've got a dollar a month to share, please Visit the Galactic Hunter Patreon and help cover our server costs. I'll still put in hours of work, writing, photography, and research - I just need some help making sure that the site costs me only time, and hopefully not money. Thanks for your support!
--AP
|
|
Mattel for Sale?
July 23, 2024 |
Review: Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 86 Dinobot Snarl
|
![Figure of the Day](newsicons2/fotd.jpg) Something new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!
Newish! The Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 86 Dinobot Snarl is now sold out, and hopefully you got it. It's a big sturdy fellow with a sword, and it's worth picking up if you stumble on one at a store. You probably won't. But you should get one. Read on, and come back tomorrow for more fun!
--AP
|
Custom Hot Wheels T-Rexstroyer Spectraflame with Real Riders
|
![R-E-X-X-XY](newspics24/0723hw.jpg) Via Orbitdyne on Etsy: Hot Wheels Custom T-Rexstroyer faux "spectraflame" Ruby Red - with Real Rider Wheels. He's a friend and I have some of his pieces - a 12" Clone Trooper, a 3 3/4" Blue Stars, some Glyos - and his new project is fancy Hot Wheels with incredible paint and, in some cases, tire upgrades.
He's a pal, he ships fast, and he has a lot of Godzilla, sofubi, and even a custom Cantina playset that I insist you look at. I'm not saying you have to buy it, but I got one, and I like it.
--AP
|
Venture Capital Has Come For Your Children('s Toys)
|
![Four Arms](newspics24/0723mt.jpg) Via Reuters: Exclusive: Buyout firm L Catterton approaches Mattel with acquisition offer, sources say. Mattel has been in talks to buy (or be bought) many times over the past few decades, so this may or may not be a nothingburger - but it's worth noting given how many firms are snapping up toy or toy-related IP companies in recent years. Notable from the article:
"The move could prompt other potential suitors to consider bids for Mattel, including rival Hasbro (HAS.O), opens new tab, which has become aware of L Catterton's approach and is discussing whether it should also submit an offer, one of the sources said. Hasbro and Mattel have held unsuccessful merger talks over the years."
If history is any indication, nothing is likely to come of this, but it can be hard to predict. Paramount just got bought.
--AP
|
Ad: New Deadpool at Entertainment Earth
|
Ad: Pre-order New Deadpool Figures and Toys from Hasbro and Funko! The Deadpool Hearts Wolverine Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure #1413 - Entertainment Earth Exclusive and more are all due this year.
|
|
Enjoy San Diego
July 24, 2024 |
Star Wars Review: Nash Durango (Crimson Firehawk Pilot, Young Jedi Adventures)
|
![Star Wars](newsicons2/galactichunter.jpg) Via the Star Wars Galactic Hunter Figure of the Day Blog: Nash Durango (Crimson Firehawk Pilot, Young Jedi Adventures). I had absolutely zero intention of buying this vehicle pilot, or this line, but clearances at Ross make things too cheap to pass up - for $45 the figure (and vehicle) is actually pretty decent. For under $10, you should run out and buy the set. Functionally, she's a lot like a big Imaginext figure with a massive head - but she's 4-inches tall, meaning you can put your 3 3/4-inch figures in her ship if you really want to. The sites are a little wide, but that means pretty much anyone will fit. Her hair turned out well, she has no accessories... are you sold yet? Read the whole review.
--AP
|
Review: Mattel Matchbox Push'n Puller Die-Cast Metal Vehicle
|
![Figure of the Day](newsicons2/fotd.jpg) Something new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!
Peg warming now! This Mattel Matchbox Push'n Puller Die-Cast Metal Vehicle is something I kept seeing, ignored, saw again, ignored and eventually picked up and looked at. Why isn't it selling? I don't know - it's two front ends of a car, bolted together, so either way is "forward." It has two sets of copyright markings, two steering wheels, two driver seats... it's weird. It's fun. It's a toy and you can probably find one (or ten) at a Dollar Tree or a Target near you right now. As a thing to fidget with on your desk, it's worth the buck. Do read on, and come back tomorrow for more fun!
--AP
|
Ad: New Transformers MPG and Iron Man Helmet at Entertainment Earth
|
Ad: Pre-order all sorts of new toys for the holidays and beyond! Pick up Transformers Masterpiece Edition MPG-12 Shattered Glass Optimus Prime, Transformers Masterpiece Edition MPG-13 Shattered Glass Jetfire, Transformers Adamasmachina AMT-01 Rodimus, and Avengers Endgame Marvel Legends Iron Man Mark 85 Premium Electronic Helmet Prop Replica. New orders are welcome today and all of these items qualify for free USA shipping.
![Avengers Endgame Marvel Legends Iron Man Mark 85 Premium Electronic Helmet Prop Replica](https://media.entertainmentearth.com/assets/images/082a3dcfd5fa4a1cb36628f2ce58f65fmd.jpg)
|
|
RIP Big Lots?
July 25, 2024 |
Review: Mattel Masters of the Universe Origins Orko Action Figure
|
![Figure of the Day](newsicons2/fotd.jpg) Something new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!
Reissued! This Mattel Masters of the Universe Origins Orko Action Figure is from 2020, but he just got reissued with those Filmation-style figures. He's bigger than Classics Orko, but the colors aren't quite a perfect match for the cartoon - he's darned close though. Do read on, and come back tomorrow for more fun!
--AP
|
Custom Hot Wheels Beat-All Color Shift Paint with Real Riders
|
![Meat the Beat-Alls](newspics24/0725hw.jpg) Via Orbitdyne on Etsy: Hot Wheels Custom Beat-All Unique Color Shift Paint - with Real Rider Wheels. He's taken a clear car - a clear car - and gave it color-shift paint so it looks awesome. Also new wheels, so it looks like a totally new toy. It's for sale on Etsy now, and there's a video there showing off the color shifting paint in a rotating video. Check it out, it looks like a dramatic change.
He also posted a very cool Custom Painted Super 7 ReAction Godzilla 57 X-Ray Glitter to eBay. It looks like a Sofubi toy but at pretty cheap prices - as proud owner of some glitter Godzilla and Gigan toys, I have to say I love this kind of thing and you should go check out his stuff.
--AP
|
More Nintendo and Game Keshi 3D Scans
|
![Nintendo](newsicons2/nintendo.jpg) Via Archive.org: tons of Nintendo, Square, Capcom and other Keshi figure 3-D scans! Winged moai, Link, Ridley, Kremlings, E. Honda, and more - it's worth a look, and if you have a 3D printer you should upsize some and send me a few.
While no date is given, I'm going to bet you'll see it go live for San Diego Comic-Con in a couple of weeks. That's coming, by the way, despite there being a certain air of indifference.
--AP
|
Big Lots Closing Many Locations
|
![Toys](newsicons2/toys.jpg) Via Timeout: HereŐs the full list of Big Lots stores that are closing and why. I missed this story until I drove by a Big Lots yesterday and saw a big "STORE CLOSING" banner.
Some locations had a pretty paltry, dusty, or old selection of toys - and the prices weren't exactly cheap given their origins as a place where you'd usually find closeouts and other really cheap stuff. The location near me is up to 20% off, so you might want to see what's left before the chair becomes much harder to find.
The chain has about 1,389 locations, and it looks like roughly 150 may be closing so far. There used to be a few nearby, now the closest is 20 minutes away. This means I'm unlikely to make it a regular stop from now on.
As a hunter of weird, cast-off, discount toys, it's been a bad year here in the USA with the losses of Tuesday Morning and 99 Cents Only, too. I assume TJ Maxx/Ross/Marshalls/Ollies are doing fine, and Dollar Tree is expanding.
--AP
|
|
NECA Gets Sesame Street
July 26, 2024 |
Star Wars Review: Night Trooper (Gray Helmet, The Vintage Collection)
|
![Star Wars](newsicons2/galactichunter.jpg) Via the Star Wars Galactic Hunter Figure of the Day Blog: Night Trooper (Gray Helmet, The Vintage Collection). Just about a year ago we were all waiting to see how the Ahsoka show would turn out, and a year later we've got some troopers and figures and a giant vehicle on the way. This one retools some elements of a very good trooper figure, and the set has a couple of other flavors of him we can get to later. If you like the design, it's a pretty good figure. Read the whole review.
--AP
|
HasLab G.I. Joe Cobra Rattler Launched, Doing Fine
|
![G.I. Joe](newsicons2/gijoe.jpg) Via Hasbro Pulse: WE LIVE IN FAME OR GO DOWN IN FLAME. With a Gunner, patches, and Baroness as stretch goals, the jet is 7,024 of 9,000 backers at press time. With 45 days to go and 18,000 backers needed for all the figures, the $324.99 set of toys is likely to be funded by next week and I'd bank on it being fully funded.
It includes Wild Weasel and tons of rockets. And stands, and helmets. And a ladder.
--AP
|
ThunderCats to Master the Universe
|
![Masters of the Universe](newsicons2/motu.jpg) Via SDCC/Toy Habits/whatever: Snake Lair MOTU Origins SDCC 2024 Booth Reveal. This is a crowdfund project coming to Mattel Creations next month, and it looks pretty good. It's big. I was expecting something simpler.
A Masters of the Universe x ThunderCats crossover was mentioned, but as far as I can tell nothing was shown yet. After Turtles of Grayskull and this year's Demogorgon, it makes sense that we're going to see more of these things as licensing deals are signed. It's not necessarily what hardcore collectors want, but a lot of fans (and dads) will buy these. And if it's cool, all the better, ThunderCats has struggled to find footing in any sort of modern mass-market line. Maybe this one will click.
And Toy News International revealed Mattel SDCC 2024 Masters of the Universe MORE Images with what looks like Turtles of Grayskull Mekaneck & Rattlor, Filmation She-Ra & Hordak, .
--AP
|
Ad: New Star Wars, Masters of the Universe, Street Sharks at Entertainment Earth
|
Ad: Pre-order all sorts of new toys from Mattel, Hasbro, and more! Check out the Star Wars The Vintage Collection Moff GideonŐs Imperial Light Cruiser Hallway Playset. New versions of Mando and Bo-Katan are up in Star Wars The Vintage Collection 3 3/4-Inch Action Figures Wave 20 Case of 8. New orders are welcome today and all of these items qualify for free USA shipping.
Also don't miss the Voltron Black and Gold Edition Robo-DOU Action Figure - Entertainment Earth Exclusive - it's awesome!
|
Nintendo Switch This Week
|
![Nintendo Switch](newsicons2/switch.jpg) This week's batch of titles on the eShop: Arcade Archives FOOTBALL CHAMP, COSMIC FANTASY, SNK VS. CAPCOM SVC CHAOS, and over a dozen more.
--AP
|
|
New Transformers Pre-Orders Are Still Coming This Week
July 29, 2024 |
Star Wars Q&A at Galactic Hunter
|
![Q&A by Adam Pawlus](newspics15/ghqa2.jpg) Galactic Hunter has posted Q&A: Post-Con Star Wars Ramblings, MVP Clones, and Figuring the Cantina Out. It's new! Be sure to click through and read up on the latest!
Be sure to send in your questions for the next thrilling update! We now have one for next week.
--AP
|
Mattel SDCC Items - Sold Out, Available, and Delivered?
|
![Mattel](newsicons2/mattel.jpg) Via Mattel Creations: SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE. Most items are still available - Jimmy Buffet, Ken's house the Star Wars and Secret Wars items - but some are sold out, like the Two-Bad Masters of the Universe set. For those who got Two-Bad on order, you may have been surprised when the figure was dropped off at your door on Sunday. I ordered Thursday, and had it Sunday morning - that's amazing.
I haven't heard (or at least, don't know) when Hasbro will be posting their exclusives.
--AP
|
Ad: SDCC Reveals New Star Wars, Deadpool, G.I. Joe at Entertainment Earth
|
Ad: Check out the all sorts of new toys from Mattel, Hasbro, and more! Check out the Newest Star Wars The Vintage Collection and The Black Series Pre-Orders at Entertainment Earth. We are especially excited for the long-awaited Star Wars The Vintage Collection Blurrg & The Mandalorian 3 3/4-Inch Scale Action Figure Set. New orders are welcome today and all of these items qualify for free USA shipping.
Can't wait for pre-orders? Tons of items have just arrived, including the Star Wars The Black Series Rebel Trooper & Stormtrooper 6-Inch Action Figure 2-Pack and Star Wars The Black Series 6-Inch Osha Aniseya Action Figure. For vehicle fans, the brand new Star Wars Epic Hero Series The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter Vehicle is excellent and is sized to fit The Retro Collection figures, too.
![Star Wars The Black Series 6-Inch Osha Aniseya Action Figure](https://media.entertainmentearth.com/assets/images/fbbdf102e28f4dca8fa4e24d5dd534bcmd.jpg)
|
Support 16bit.com and Galactic Hunter via Patreon
|
We're taking donations for server costs! Really. One of the rewards is Q&A a few days early - you can read next Monday's installment as soon as it's ready, which can be as early as 1:00 AM my time on Monday!
![](http://www.16bit.com/graphics/patreon-468x72.jpg) Become a Patron!
If you've got a dollar a month to share, please Visit the Galactic Hunter Patreon and help cover our server costs. I'll still put in hours of work, writing, photography, and research - I just need some help making sure that the site costs me only time, and hopefully not money. Thanks for your support!
--AP
|
|
Much Zoom
July 30, 2024 |
Review: Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 86 Ultra Magnus
|
![Figure of the Day](newsicons2/fotd.jpg) Something new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!
Sold out! The Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 86 Ultra Magnus is big, out of stock, and arguably a little on the large side. But it's the one you likely want, if you don't have it, as he has cool spring-loaded chest panels and a removable Matrix of Leadership so he can not hold on to it. Read on, and come back tomorrow for more fun!
> Also new-ish, a reissue of the 2018 release of Hasbro Transformers Generations Power of the Primes Evolution Optimus Prime Action Figure is showing up at Target stores. Reports show pictures of the same toy, in the same packaging, for $54.99. We don't know if they all have random cards, or an identical trading card. I liked this one, it's roughly the size of the famous MP-10 Masterpiece Edition toy at a fraction of the price. It's as tall as the Studio Series Grimlock. Read on!
Yeah, I'm reposting old stuff. I'm allowed. I've written thousands of these.
--AP
|
Nintendo World Championships: Week 3
|
![Nintendo Switch](newsicons2/switch.jpg) Via Nintendo: Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Challenge - Week 3. I bought and have largely been enjoying the Switch game, which is a collection of micro-challenges and speed runs that isn't as robust as either version of NES Remix but is still pretty good. New games go up overnight Sunday into Monday, giving you a reason to keep trying after anyone in their 40s probably blasted through all the reviews in the first weekend they owned it.
This week:
Super Mario Bros. 3 - Mushzoom 2, where you get the super mushroom in 1-1 quickly.
Excitebike - Cool It, in which you do a short lap and I am reminded I am not good at Excitebike.
The Legend of Zelda - Aquamentus Argumentus, in which you kill the first dragon boss in about 4-5 seconds.
Kirby's Adventure - Exit Stage Right, where you can find out how clunky he is to control
Super Mario Bros. - Mario Master, arguably a reason to buy this game, where you have to warp from 1-1 to the end of 8-4 as quickly as possible. I never got great at the first Super Mario Bros. game so I'm finding this one to be a real challenge.
The next round goes up when you should be sleeping early on August 5. If you care to try this, it's worth noting the game is a $30 download or a $60 physical with junk in the box like a non-working gold NES cartridge, 5 enamel pins, and some art cards of the game box art. I bought the fancy box.
I stopped mid-writing this to go play it some more. I guess that's a pretty compelling reason to give it a shot, if you think you're the kind of person who hasn't done any actual speed running but enjoys trying weird little challenges.
--AP
|
|
Apparently It's a Big Robot Day
July 31, 2024 |
Star Wars Review: 3PO Protocol Droid (Silver, Droid Factory)
|
![Star Wars](newsicons2/galactichunter.jpg) Via the Star Wars Galactic Hunter Figure of the Day Blog: 3PO Protocol Droid (Silver, Droid Factory). It's not TC-14, but I can see why you might assume it is. This one doesn't have a shiny silver finish, the chest tooling and hands are different, and he has blue eyes - and you had to buy him by putting together parts from bins in a theme park. But now you can't. How was he when you could buy him seven years ago? Read the whole review.
--AP
|
Review: Mattel Hot Wheels Radar Ranger (Gold)
|
![Figure of the Day](newsicons2/fotd.jpg) Something new every day-- unless it's old! Our exciting Figure of the Day continues for you lucky people! Is there anything we won't cover in this column? Probably not!
Old! This Mattel Hot Wheels Radar Ranger (Gold) is a mold they retired over 20 years ago - one of few they made a fuss about destroying - but it's really cool. If you like futuristic vehicles from the perspective of the 1980s, this chunky, angled six-wheeled vehicle will hit you right in the Battleforce 2000s. And it's cheap if you can find one. Do read on, and come back tomorrow for more fun!
--AP
|
Ad: New Knight Rider, G.I. Joe Transformers at Entertainment Earth
|
Ad: Pre-order Transformers Toys & Action Figures - the SDCC reveals are up at Entertainment Earth! Get free shipping in the USA at $59, and be sure you don't miss the Transformers x Knight Rider Collaborative Autobot Agent Knight.
|
|
![](https://www.entertainmentearth.com/images/affiliates/banners/468x60_aff_rogueone.gif)
Click Here For News From June!
|