High resolution pictures direct from the show floor of Comic-Con 2008 featuring the Master Chief and Flood statue from Weta Collectibles.

A point of contention I have read amongst the reaction from gamers hinge on the appearance of the muzzle flash from the dual-wielded Spikers, going so far as to compare it to ‘corn on the cob’. It’s an honest, if blunt observation.

As a collector, it calls out to me less, but the opaquely bright colors certainly tend to make them a focal point. Weta has previously utilized this technique even more dramatically on their Disaster Averted statue from the Superman Returns line.

I do wonder how it would manage with translucent resin, but that’s the rub however, as they are supports for Master Chief and therefore likely to be run through with reinforced elements. At any rate, the statue surely cannot be faulted for shortage of dynamism as a result of this device.

What do you think?

High resolution pictures direct from the show floor of Comic-Con 2008 featuring the Boba Fett, Stromtroopers and Carbonite Han Solo diorama from Gentle Giant. A great overall composition with the incorporation of the floating element, make this an incredible strong piece. Pretty much everyone loves to see Han suffer.

Director Zack Snyder and co-creator Dave Gibbons are joined by the Watchmen: Malin Åkerman (Silk Spectre II), Billy Crudup (Dr. Manhattan), Matthew Goode (Ozymandias), Jackie Earle Haley (Rorschach), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Comedian), Carla Gugino (Silk Spectre), and Patrick Wilson (Nite Owl) at Comic-Con 2008.

Zack Snyder: Watchmen has been knocking around Hollywood for a while. I was in post on 300 and got a call from Warner Bros. asking me if I would be interested in making this into a movie. And I said yeah…. seems like a crazy idea. Once they asked me, I kinda felt responsible; even if I said no, they would’ve moved on and then whatever happened to the movie I still would’ve had my chance and if I blew it… Read the rest of this entry »

High resolution pictures direct from the show floor of Comic-Con 2008 featuring the Iron Man life-size bust from Sideshow Collectibles. This is the only collectible in this stratosphere of price tag (that’s $700, if you haven’t been keeping track) that’s continually danced across my thoughts. Prudent sense –and a buoyant bank account– reels me back of course, but the thought is there.

It’s that polished, that impressive. Yet it’s the way it achieves this in an understated and elegant manner that really makes it exceptional. This bust is currently still in pre-order phase.

High resolution pictures direct from the show floor of Comic-Con 2008 featuring the Master Chief and Grunts statue from Weta Collectibles. What’s great about Weta Halo range thus far* is that, in relatively few pieces, they’ve managed to cram in a great many characteristics that seasoned fans will come to recognize.

Here Master Chief asserts dominance over the lowly but endearing grunts. Weta did not squander the opportunity to showcase the familiar arsenal, as MC sports a different weapon on each statue. In this particularly case, he makes pancake batter out of the grunts whilst dual-wielding a pistol and energy sword.

*As seems to be the usual case, if, and how many more Halo pieces Weta intends to pursue is contingent upon how the initial release is received. So if you want to see more Halo, best get you one or four…

High resolution pictures direct from the show floor of Comic-Con 2008 of the Sterling Silver Halo collection from Weta Collectibles. These are one-offs created to commemorate the launch of the company’s Halo range, and will be made available only via Ebay auctions. In addition to being plated in sterling silver, a subtle, but distinguishing feature is that each statue contains an element in solid silver.

I probably would not have noticed this had Weta Collectibles GM, Tim Launder not kindly pointed it out to me. There is a definite difference in the luster in these special parts. Go to WetaNZ for a listing solid silver parts on each statue– and be sure to sign up for the mailing list if you are interested in the auctions, of which the start dates are TBA.

High resolution pictures direct from the show floor of Comic-Con 2008 featuring the Angel of Death statue by Gentle Giant. Standing 32.5 inches tall with a wingspan of 19 inches, it is claimed that this piece is a reproduction of the actual maquette used in the pre-production filming of the movie.

High resolution shots from the Comic-Con show floor of Sideshow Collectibles‘ Iron Spider-Man comiquette, including a very rarely seen shot from the back! The already sold out exclusive version features Captain America’s shield and Iron Man’s helm incorporated as base elements. Regular version is still in pre-order phase.

High resolution shots from the Comic-Con show floor of Weta Collectibles‘ Cortana, from the Halo range, which is slated for pre-sale in August. There is no light-up mechanism in the sculpture, however the clear resin emits a convincing luminous quality, even in the dim of convention lighting.

High resolution shots from the Comic-Con show floor of Sideshow Collectibles’ Diablo 3 “Overthrown” diorama, featuring the Barbarian. The exclusive version features a bonus changeable helmed head. This piece is currently in pre-order phase.

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