The 2008 San Diego Comic Con International is still more than a couple months away, but it is never too early to discuss what exclusive toys and collectibles will be made available by the show’s vendors. The San Diego Comic Con is the place to be for the avid collector as many, if not all, of the offerings will only be available for purchase at this event. The world of toys and collectibles have always been a popular segment, and for some, one of the main reasons why they attend. Several of the large toy vendors have already made their announcements of what to expect and will be briefly discussed below. As the saying goes, there’s something for everyone and this year is no different.
Mattel has announced that the Masters of the Universe line will be released later this year, but what better way to resurrect it than at the SDCC with the inaugural figure King Grayskull. This figure will feature super articulation and classic detail sculpting. Included will be 3 accessories: his mighty sword, a battle axe, and shield. The packaging will feature lights and sounds and can ultimately be transformed into a mini Castle Grayskull playset!
Mattel will finally release the long awaited DC Universe Classics Lobo figure with “man's best
friend” the bulldog. Known for establishing himself as the most feared bounty hunter and assassin in the universe, Lobo is back to continue the carnage. This exclusive will include big guns, holster belt, chains, a spiked collar bulldog, and a pair of glasses that will feature a Lobo comic strip. The packaging will be in a 3D format, which will be eye-catching indeed.
Mattel will also be releasing a Disney Pixar “Cars” Lightning Storm Lightning McQueen die-cast vehicle. Based on the popularity of the film, this will be a sure hit not only with the youngsters, but with the young-at-heart as well. McQueen will come with wings, missiles, and rockets and will also include an exclusive stand all in a specially designed window box.
With Hot Wheels entering its 40th Anniversary, Mattel is rumored to have an exclusive die-cast in the works to commemorate this huge milestone. As you may all know, they always come through with something special. Make sure to keep your ears peeled and check back soon for new updates.
Gentle Giant Ltd. is well known for bringing out some of the best character renditions in their products. They will be releasing a hand full of exclusives from their main properties.
Lord of the Ring fans can expect a Tom Bombadil Mini Bust, a supporting character in J.R.R. Tolkien's written classic "The Fellowship of the Ring". For those of you who are unfamiliar with him, he was known as the "Master" and was met in the Old Forest by Frodo Baggins and friends. It was unfortunate that he never made it to the big screen, but has rightfully been given his due with this highly anticipated exclusive.
Harry Potter fans can expect a unique mini bust 2-pack of the inseparable twins Fred and George
Weasley. Since they'll be dressed in similar attire, you will the difficult task of figuring out who's who. Since you might have a tough time obtaining this item, I won't put you through the hassle. Fred is shown offering a treat from their Skiving Snackboxes as George laughs uncontrollably.
After scaring the wits out of people at the box office, Gentle Giant Ltd. will continue the blood and gore with a 30 Days of Night Feeding Frenzy Edition of Iris or Marlow action figures. Each figure will include a base, a bloody liquid filled mouse pad and a comic book. And if you're one of the luck few, you might even score a randomly packaged authentic movie prop patch!
With the Indiana Jones film slated for release in late May, what better way to follow it up than with a Con exclusive. It comes in the form of an Artifact Paperweights. There will be 3 randomly packed collections. Each crate will include a removable lid, a detachable magnetic whip and fedora, as well as rubber snakes. Inside, you will find either the Golden Idol and Wells of Souls Hieroglyphics Tablet, the Sankara Stones and Holy Grail Cup, or the Crystal Skull. If you happen to end up with multiples of the same artifact, try trading with your fellow attendees for one you need to complete the collection.
And now for all you Star Wars fans out there! Make room for an Anakin Skywalker Mini Bust as depicted in Episode III "The Revenge of the Sith". This life-like sculpt features an excellent rendition of actor Hayden Christiansens' likeness. He is captured holding his blue lightsaber as well as defeated foe Count Dooku's red curved lightsaber. May the power of the Darkside live forever!
Hasbro has announced a few exclusives of their own. To begin, the Star Wars exclusive will be
known as the "Disturbance of the Force" where two of the most powerful Sith Lords of the sage will be portrayed. This item will consist of a Holographic Palpatine Bust along with a Darth Vader action figure and a newly tooled base. The neat little about this is that it includes both light and sound features. When the medallion in the base's center is pressed, the holographic Palpatine and the light in the center will light up. At the same instance, a long sequence of the film's dialogue will play!
If you're a G.I. Joe fan, you're in luck! Following up on last year's 25th Anniversary of the G.I.Joe line, an exclusive Cobra Commander will be invading San Diego. With the upcoming presidential election and the inspiration of G.I. Joe Vol.1 #38, the COBRA leader will come formally dressed in a black suit and tie. Also included will be a COBRA draped podium and microphone all in 25th Anniversary style packaging. As was the case with last year’s silver and gold variant Pimp Daddy Destro Con exclusives, there will be a variant for this year’s figure as well. In this instance, Cobra Commander will don a Blue “Springfield Country Club” Blazer.
A major announcement has just announced that a second G.I. figure will also be offered. All I know is that it will be one of the most popular male G.I. Joe characters, it will be of a tool that has never been used, it will not be a standard 3 ¾’’ or a 12” figure, but will be smaller, it will include a sidekick, and will be based on a brand new line that will be arriving later this year. Stay tuned for updates on this one!
After enjoying one of the highest grossing movies of all time last summer, Transformers fans will need to buckle down as Nemesis Prime will be making another appearance at the Con. This exclusive will be released under the Transformers Classics line and will be a black repaint of the Classics Optimus Prime figure. Though the SDCC exclusive will have the blue transparent eyes and windows and not red like we were all hoping for (available only on the Japanese exclusive), this will still be one to grab. A second Transformer will also be offered from the Titanium line. The 6" Skywarp “War Within” from the Thundercracker mold will be flying his way at supersonic speed to San Diego. Check back soon for his close up!
Hasbro Toy Shop will also be offering 3 Mighty Muggs which will
only be available during convention week. Commander Gree from Star Wars "The Revenge of the Sith", Marvel's Iron Man, and the Golden Idol (aka the Chachapoyan Fertility Idol) from the upcoming Indiana Jones film will all make their debut. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this line, Mighty Muggs are an affordable urban vinyl toy "Made from 100% recycled awesome." Several of these chubby little guys have already been released for the Star Wars and Marvel lines and have shown early success and popularity. So you won't want to miss out on these!
Sideshow Collectibles will also be offering several exclusives. All of the following will be available for pre-order on a staggered schedule starting on May 15th and every week thereafter.
With a smashing success at the box office, what better way to call for an encore than with the Iron Man Mark II Marvel Archive Set. The Mark II helmet will be painted in metallic silver with sky blue eyes perched proudly on am Iron Man display stand. This will surely be a hot item as everyone is crazy for the iron clad hero.
The Star Wars exclusive will be the beautifully detailed Aayla Secura. This 12" figure is a tribute to
the skilled Jedi who's life ended far too early with the execution of Order 66. She will be dressed in burgundy attire, a removable dark brown Jedi cloak, her blue lightsaber, and a display.
Star Wars fans will be treated to a second exclusive, the Medicom Shadow Guard Vinyl Collectible Doll or VDC. This neat little guy is made of black vinyl, a black fabric cape with a flexible wire so you can form and pull the cape out, a removable lightsaber staff, and a menacing red visor.
Never fear, Jack is here! Just when you thought the Pirates of the Caribbean had been cast away,
think again. Introducing the Skeleton Jack Hot Toys Vinyl Cosbaby. He comes to you in his infamous colorful self with sword and gun in hand. This item will truly be adored by fans and kids alike.
McFarlane Toys has proudly announced their exclusive. And to the excitement of many, it will only come in pairs. Based on the XBox mega-hit video game Halo 3, the Spartan Soldier EVA aka "Hellspartan” and the Active Camouflage CQB Spartan prepare for a crash landing at the Con. Though they will be packaged separately, McFarlane has announced that they will only be sold as a set. Based on the success of the recently released Halo 3 Series 1 figures, this set will surely be a must-have for both gamers and collectors.
Mezco Toys definitely won't be left out of the mix. “Heroes” fans get ready as you'll be able to take home arguably the most popular character on the set. Introducing Future Hiro! Featuring the highly detailed sword of the legendary samurai Takezo Kensei, a sword sheath, all dressed in a black jacket, pants, and boots.
NECA has unveiled its prized figure, one that will rise from the ashes. "Gears of War" Delta Squad's Anthony "Tony" Carmine has been reincarnated and is set to be released exclusively at the Con. Though his life was cut short, this fan favorite will be honored as a 7" action figure. This awesome looking figure comes complete with signature blue-goggled helmet, his standard Lancer weapon and the an all-new Gnasher Shotgun. Prepare for War!
Watch your back Autobots! The highly elusive Decepticon Skywarp is headed your way in search of the Allspark! Brought to you by Action Figure Xpress, this bust will be just as elusive at this summer's greatest event. Limited to only 400 pieces, this will make it one the scarcest busts' around. A highly detailed sculpt with original color schemes, Skywarp proudly displays his strength and loyalty to Megatron and the evil Decepticons. Good luck to those willing to take a stab at this fella!
Decepticons beware! Thanks to Diamond Select Toys, the supreme leader of the Autobots will be arriving shortly to defend "America's Finest City". Introducing the SDCC Transformers Generation 1 Animated Optimus Prime Bust, which will be limited to only 750 pieces. This highly detailed sculpt of arguably the most popular Autobot ever is shown in his original Generation 1 design and color scheme. Known for his brute strength, vast intelligence, and an uncanny will to protect the innocent, this bust delivers it all!
