"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens in just a handful of days. Some of us look forward to the film with cautious optimism, some are completely uninterested, and others can barely sit still long enough to write columns about collectibles. Hey, speaking of "Force Awakens," Rey, from the new film, debuted from Hot Toys while a new Darth Vader arrived from Sideshow Collectibles. Meanwhile, Deadpool landed a variety of toys from Funko and Diamond Select Toys and plenty of others. Read on -- that is, if you can think about anything other than Mark Hamill's mysterious role in the movie!
STAR WARS | As everyone sits around just waiting for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" to open, we continue to wonder what all the new characters will be like on the big screen and how they will relate to the returning cast members. Daisy Ridley's Rey continues to be one of the most compelling newcomers. The scavenger from Jakku comes with a variety of accessories, including BB-8 if you want to add a little something. Judging by the Hot Toys toy ships, though, we'll know exactly where we stand with her and her spherical droid companion.
STAR WARS | While fans' relationship with Rey has yet to be established, they all love Darth Vader. The cyborg villain continues to inspire toy-makers like Sideshow Collectibles to create some of the coolest looking collectibles around. In this case, the company made a 1/6th scale version of the character as seen in "Return of the Jedi" that comes with multiple hands and, of course, his red lightsaber. The figure ships in all his glory next summer.
IRON MAN 2 | Hot Toys plans to take another crack at a War Machine 1/6th scale figure based on his appearance in "Iron Man 2." Not only is this one made with Diecast materials, but it also includes LEDs, a Don Cheadle likeness under the helmet and lots and lots of weapons. To address the fans wondering how this figure differs from the previous Hot Toys rendition of War Machine, Hot Toys posted some side by side photos comparing the previous one with the upcoming diecast version.
MARVEL MINIMATES | Deadpool takes center stage in the 65th series of Marvel Minimates from Diamond Select Toys. Each 2-pack comes with a version of Wade Wilson plus another character he's had ties with since his debut in 1991. As such, pairs included Zenpool and Messiah Complex Cable, Marvel Now DP and Domino/Copycat (thanks to alternate heads), Mascot 'Pool with Bon the Hydra Goon and Secret Wars Deadpool and Siryn. The toys hit next spring, a bit after "Deadpool" debuts at the box office on February 12.
FUNKO | In other Deadpool news, Funko showed off plenty of new offerings for fans. The Pop line will come to include a version wielding two swords and one where he's giving the thumb's up. That pair will come out in January along with a black costumed Pop Keychain, a Pirate Deadpool Dorbz, multi-colored Mopeez and a Super Deluxe Vinyl. After all that New Year's craziness you'll need some coffee, which works because the Pop Deadpool Mug debuts the next month.
February will also see the release of Lt. Starbuck, Cylon Centurian and Six from "Battlestar Galactica" in the Pop format along with Dom and a 1970 Charger based on the Fast & Furious franchise. In January, Pops of Dom Toretto, Brian O'Conner and Luke Hobbs from the car-fu series race into stores.
THUNDERCATS | Finally, Mezco unveiled the fifth piece in the Thundercats Mega-Scale line of action figures. Tygra finally enters the fray next spring, complete with Thundarian Bolo-Whip, in the quarter scale line. The figure stands 13 inches tall and comes with 9 points of articulation for varied battle poses.