On display: Obadiah Stane’s (as portrayed by Jeff Bridges) armored alter ego, Iron Monger, from the motion picture Iron Man
Archive for September, 2008
Sep
15
2008
Blades Of GloryPosted by Charles Song in Weta Collectibles, tags: rare item, Weta WorkshopDid you miss the teaser announcement last week right here at [[Artist Proof]]? Yes indeedy, Weta Collectibles will be selling prop swords from Peter Lyon, and the latest Weta Cast sheds more light on the mystery. One thing is certain, the swords will in fact be “one-offs” and not a part of any concrete mass produced ‘range’– as Peter himself describes it, this is all coming about as the downtime between film projects sometimes affords him the opportunity to work on “special commissions” for collectors. Have a listen to the pod cast for yourself and see if you can decipher it any better than I.
Better yet, pick Mr. Lyon’s brain yourself at the Leeds, UK exhibit this upcoming weekend and more importantly, give us the scoop! …is what collectors have said in light of Weta Collectibles’ announcement that their Prince Caspian endeavors will be severely downsized from downsized demand. Whilst the line will not be entirely cancelled, there will be a reduction of up to 80% in edition sizes by limiting all statues to 100.
It’s sort of bad news wrapped in a candy shell– as the lower edition sizes may increase interest even as the line’s been dealt a death knell. It certainly is a deserved reward to those already committed. Stubbed entirely, is the line of helmets. Hopefully Weta doesn’t take this as a sign to again retire the miniature helm range in any future product lines.
The fare’s not cheap, but there are some unique perks. The Unnatural Selector – Lord Cockswain’s Ray Blunderbuss- all 50 of them- will be entirely manufactured at Grordbort’s Labs (that’s New Zealand for the late person). It’s always been wildly apparent that this life-size firearm could not be produced in any budget-conscious fashion. Instead then, of trying to find some sort of compromised manner of reproduction, the choice to make them ultra-high end does work, so long as you have the goods to back it up. And Weta is tossing the kitchen sink at this one: Each will be hand assembled with cast metal parts, personally engraved with your name and edition number- which you are allowed to select during purchase. The pricing is staggered for the edition: #1 $7,900 Those at all interested are encouraged to register your interest at WetaNZ.
Sep
11
2008
Peter Lyon Gives Us A Shoutout!Posted by Charles Song in General, tags: LOTR, SSW, Weta WorkshopForum member Oxfordian recently caught up with Peter Lyon at the Weta Exhibition in Leeds, UK. Not only did he manage to chat with the master swordsmith after his presentation, he also got Mr. Lyon’s to inscribe one of his works from the Sideshow Weta days to give away on our forum. Swell chap ain’t he!
Do check out Oxfordian’s recap of Peter Lyon’s presentation as well.
I seem to recall Dusty saying some time ago that Sideshow tries not to create exclusive items that are too crucial (in regards to the Indiana Jones PF and its idol exclusive). Well, that’s certainly not the case with the Leonidas premium format, up for order this week, and selling at a good clip. The Spartan helmed head will indeed only grace those who cinch the exclusive from Sideshow– pretty damned essential I’d say. It could be entirely possible that she was referring only to licenses with murderously rabid followings (Star Wars, Indy) in hindsight. In other news, Hot Toys live up to their name by making me succumb to ordering my first ever figure. New Pre-Orders:
Previewed: Giveaways:
Sep
09
2008
SDCC In-Depth: PredatorPosted by Charles Song in Cinemaquette, Comic-Con, tags: Predator
To continue on the Predator theme this week comes news from the Cinemaquette front. By opening up pre-orders for their anticipated 1/3 scale take on the subject, they’ve finally, and officially, joined the hunt for the most important trophy of all- your wallet. It’s been years since this collectible first made the rounds. In this retrospective, we present a collection of photos from Comic-Cons past. For those of you who’ve budgeted 2 large for this statue, this gallery’s for you.
Sep
04
2008
One Ugly Mother……Posted by Charles Song in Reviews, Sideshow Collectibles, tags: Gore Group, photography, Predator
Review
Predator Diorama Exclusive | Artist: Gore Group | Edition Size: 600 Predator, like all things from that era, is a fond reminder of an 80’s childhood. It still holds up well as a great action thriller, a fact the farcical Alien vs. Predator abominations only serve to further remind. Poor kids today. However, the fact the two brawniest leads eventually went on to govern two of our great states is as remarkable as anything else to me. It just did not have that sort of deep-seated attachment on me. Of course, as a movie creature, there are few more iconic this green blooded beast. It’s presence was what made it real. It was what made it scary. Pure Stan Winston magic.
There are those who know the proper cranial measurements of the Predator, the precise curvature of the helm prop, or know the Predator’s skin markings by heart. ….I’m not that person. What I can tell you is that this diorama’s got a great pose, a proper looking, thematically fitting base, and a great overall composition. You get all of the trademark weird alien gadgets, and changeable helmed and unhelmed heads (for the exclusive). It’s greatly successful in the fact that you don’t feel short changed at all for your investment of a buck fifty. Surprising detail #1: The trophy skulls are not sculpted but strung individually on a string. Ditto the spine decoration.
Considering that this piece is probably 1/8 or 1/9 scale (or smaller?), this is really incredible. Risky, but incredible. By the same token, sacrifices were necessary on account of size, like the missing quills on his forehead. Still, these are little unexpected touches that elevate an excellent sculpture by the Gore Group (do they ever disappoint?) The fact that it comes separated from the Predator logo base as consideration for those who wish to wall mount this is rather ingenious too. There are lots of things going on here, and all of it works.
Practically speaking, I don’t much want a small refrigerator-sized tribute to the Predator, or the costs associated. And if you’re of the same mindset (a casual fan or one who simply can’t afford the larger beauties), in many ways, this is exquisitely perfect.
Information 
Sep
04
2008
Unboxed: Legolas Legendary Scale BustPosted by Charles Song in Sideshow Collectibles, tags: busts, LOTR, unboxedForum member darkshadowcollectibles kindly gives us some of the first pics of the Sideshow Legolas legendary scale bust. Click through for his images!
As promised, WetaNZ marketing manager, Magnus Hjert, has been entrusted with the unenviable task of selecting a winner from the varied and wonderful responses to our question: “What’s your dream Weta collectible?” So without further ado, sir, your verdict please!:
Winner: Darth Rage The Sith wins it! Thank you, everyone for entering the contest, and even if you didn’t nab the Hellgate piece, I hope this delicious piece of collectible news was conciliatory enough a prize. Note also that Weta is offering a “Buy one, get one FREE” offer for Hellgate this month. What superb timing! (enter HELLGATE241 during checkout) Thank you again maestro Magnus, and Weta for your participation and sponsorship! |
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Surprising detail #2: The hair-thin pieces of wire that protrude throughout the piece.
It doesn’t take an expert to know that there are other larger, more elaborate, ‘better’ alternatives of the creature out there. A few of them already released by Sideshow. That’s not really the audience this (or the upcoming 
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