Our pick for Comic-Con’s “Best in Show” last year– Sideshow’s Diablo III: Overthrown diorama returns again, and our savage Barbarian is looking better than ever. It’s the first chance for folks to see the new paintjob first hand, and it looks bloody fantastic. And it’s wowing con goers even without the benefit of the exclusive helm, which Sideshow’s curiously omitted.

This, along with the Venom Comiquette, and the Avatar Maquette, were the three best things on display at Sideshow’s booth.

For even more images of the Sideshow Diablo diorama, don’t neglect to peruse our Comic-Con 2009 Gallery!

• See pics of the unpainted Diablo prototype from last year
• See more In-Depth features from Comic-Con 09

At long last, Sideshow’s Diablo 3: Overthrown polystone diorama has finally gotten some face time with a painted up version. As you’ll recall, the piece debuted at Comic-Con last year (click here for our photos) and has been stuck looking pasty for nearly an entire year. Still, considering the fact that good ol’ Blizzard hasn’t so much as even hinted at a release for the actual game, this doesn’t seem that grievous an offense.

Here’s a curiosity: Although the preview was up for about an hour tonight, the photos have all since been taken down. Curtain pulled before this barbie was ready? Luckily we have you covered here at the [[AP]]. [[Update]]: Photos are now back up at Sideshow

Adding further mystique, the product listing is also no longer on Sideshow’s site, though as mentioned in this teaser, a “relaunch of the Barbarian” is coming June 18th. Yeah, this one smells all kinds of bizarre. But the statue looks amazing, which thankfully leaves no egg on our faces for deeming it the Comic-Con “Best In Show” last year.

Or maybe you do. Especially if you work for Blizzard.

A recent Ebay listing advertising a “Sideshow World of Warcraft Orc statue” caught my eye for several reasons: While Sideshow does have WOW license, it has only released a grand total of one statue thus far- the Blood Elf Rogue VS Draenei Paladin Diorama- and this was not it. Another major eyebrow-raiser? This here mystery statue sold for $2000 (via best offer). By now perhaps your interest may be piqued as well.

It was quickly apparent that this was no Sideshow collectible at all, but instead a Weta one: A (looks like 1/6) scaled faux-bronze Orc Warrior on Wolf Mount statue of the life-size installation at Blizzard’s Irvine, CA campus, also by– you guessed it, Weta. Some very fine looking work courtesy of sculptors Eden Small and Daniel Cockersell.

The piece was given to Blizzard employees as a thank-you gift in 2007, which readily explains why such a rarely seen statue has an edition size of 2986. Being what it is, the act of ebaying it would seem to be somewhat of a faux pas.

And now you know. I know I do!

Closing out the week of Comic-Con coverage, here is a roundup of thoughts and recollections. First thanks to the great industry folk who all in some way made the con this year a memorable experience: Tim, Magnus, Linda, Greg, Martin from Weta; Jennifer, Corie, Dusty, Heath from Sideshow; Kevin from eFX. And also salutations to all the visitors from Statue Forum, Sideshow Freaks, The Shadow and Flame and across the net, I hope your visit was worthwhile.

But I did catch up with my friend, Tim from Weta Collectibles. I have to admit to being impressed with his vision for the company under his management. He maintains a strong sense of awareness in what collectors are looking for, and is willing to broaden that knowledge, through chatter on forums, blogs, or face to face. In short, he recognizes the value of ideas from Average Joe collectors like you and I.

As a Weta collector, it will be exciting indeed to see just where the new team takes it.

Comic-Con 2008 Roundup

Everyone Wants A Piece Of: Bruce Lee
Sideshow, Cinemaquette, Enterbay, MINDstyle (and loads of others I’m sure) all had their own take on The Dragon. (Last year’s winner: Halo)

Most Improved Booth: Cinemaquette
They finally, finally, moved from the outer rim ’skid row’ where they’ve been eternally stranded. Much more plush, much less bright neon ‘Cafeteria’ signage reflections in photos. This relocation did cause me to nearly miss their booth on preview night. But I don’t hold a grudge guys. I’m happy for you.

Memorable Faces: Hot Toys and Gentle Giant
Hot Toys does it again with their Robert Downey Jr. headsculpt for their Iron Man Mark III figure. Gentle Giant had strong portraits with their Harry Potter line- their Weasleys (Ron, Ginny, Twins) were very lifelike. Cinemaquette’s Bruce Lee is certainly no slouch, but I have some reservation that the production statues will look the same. I hope they prove me wrong. (Last year’s winner: Hot Toys Elizabeth Swan)

Coolest Thing You Can’t Buy: Weta’s Unnatural Selector Raygun
It’s unclear whether this will be made available just yet. But sitting tantalizingly out of reach atop the Rayguns display case, it was certainly very popular with con attendees. (Last year: Lifesize Lord Cockswain and Moon Mistress display)

Longstanding geek-void filled: Pan’s Labyrinth
Gentle Giant took up the mantle with a big unfinished clay Faun statue and a con-exclusive Faun bust signed by Guillermo Del Toro. Prediction for next year: Firefly.

Most Detailed: Weta Dr. Who: The Cyber Controller

Eyesore: Medicom oversized VCD’s, GG Classics busts, GG LOTR Berserker busts

Best Action Figure: Hot Toy’s Iron Man Mark III

Best Mixed Media: Sideshow Thor premium format

Best Statue: Weta Cortana, Sideshow Species Sil (tie)

Best Diorama: GG Boba + Carbonite Han dio

Best Life-Size: Sideshow Iron Man bust

Best In Show: Sideshow’s Diablo 3 “OVERTHROWN” Diorama

• [[Arist Proof]] Collectiblog Comic-Con 2008 Gallery
• Enter our Weta Collectibles Hellgate: Cabalist Giveaway
• Enter our Sideshow Collectibles Elvis premium format Giveaway

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.

• See more In-Depth features from Comic-Con 08

Forum member Battletroll shows off the various assets on her just arrived Sideshow Blood Elf Rogue VS Draenei Paladin diorama– or alternately, that World of Warcraft statue. Click through to see the rest of her pics!

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