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It’s time for an early/late addition of the All-New, All-New Different Marvel Rundown. Marvel shipped a select few comics early including Rocket Raccoon and Groot #1, this week’s exclusive #1! This week we’re exclusively taking a look at this one comic following up on the previous week’s spotlight on Patsy Walker A.K.A. Hellcat #1. While the first Rocket Raccoon […]

By: Nick Eskey

Hello again toy enthusiasts, and welcome to another installment of San Diego Comic-Con Funko releases! You know Funko, the purveyors of the highly popular POP! series of collectible figurines, who also vow to “cover as many beloved licenses and characters as possible to remind every Comic-Con attendee why they fell in love with these stories in the first place.”

Monday will be the last announcement for San Diego Comic-Con exclusives, so make sure to check back soon. And remember, there is no pre-buy option this year. So if you see any of these toys you want to get, you’ll have to visit the booth while supplies last, or cry into your Lean Cuisine.

Without any more procrastination, here’s the next installment:

Pop! TV: Arrow – The Arrow: Unmasked

We can’t get enough of the show “Arrow.” Feed the hunger with this ruggedly-handsome Arrow: Unmasked. His arrow will go straight… to your heart!

Pop! Disney: Big Hero 6 – Transluscent Glitter Emoticon Baymax

How would you rate the “kawaii” factor of this toy? The Translucent Glitter Emoticon Baymax from Pixar’s “Big Hero 6” always rates a big smiley face in my opinion.

Pop! Movies: Minions – Gone Batty

Can you imagine you’re life without a minion? Not only do they get the menial tasks done while you are plotting world domination, but they do it in historical style. Joining the large POP! minion collection is this Gone Batty. Wearing a purple cloak and showing off some pointy fangs, this blood sucker should be flying into your hands.

Pop! Disney: Tangled – Frying Pan Rapunzel and Burnt Pascal

Not too long ago, every Disney princess would be the equivalent of a damsel in distress; but not this feisty lady. Frying Pan Rapunzel and Burnt Pascal are ready for a fight. She’s got cookery, and she knows how to use it!

Dorbz: Marvel – X-Force Deadpool

The impending “Deadpool” movie has comic fans squealing with delight. Satisfy your Deadpool cravings with this X-Force Deadpool, dressed in his alternative grey onesie. If you don’t get it… well I just don’t know what this anti-hero will do to you. So, why chance it right?

Dorbz: Guardians of the Galaxy – Mossy Groot

And rounding it up, from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” we have this Dorbz Mossy Groot. We’ve already seen this fella on our list, but instead of the XL we are getting the regular size. Options are good to have.

Thanks for tuning it guys and gals, and don’t forget to come back for our last exclusive Funko releases post!

By: Nick Eskey

Hello again nerds and nerdettes, and welcome to another installment of San Diego Comic-Con Funko releases! You know Funko, the purveyors of the highly popular POP! series of collectible figurines, who also vow to “cover as many beloved licenses and characters as possible to remind every Comic-Con attendee why they fell in love with these stories in the first place. “

We have some exciting announcements this time, including an extremely limited edition POP! figurine. Reminder, this year Funko will not be doing any sort of pre-buying. The only way you can get this beauties is on site, so be sure to visit the booth. If you don’t have tickets to Comic-Con… well there’s always black magic?

Without any further distractions, let’s bring on the toys:

Pop! TV: Doctor Who – Eleventh Doctor holding Cyberman Head

Does the sight of a British police booth cause you to hyperventilate? This eleventh incarnation of Doctor Who holding a Cyberman head then is the right toy for you. Check him out with his chic purple jacket and debonair hair. *Swoon.*

Pop! Disney: Frozen – Barbershop Quartet Olaf

From Pixar’s “Frozen,” perpetuator of a few sickly cute and catchy songs, comes everyone’s favorite silly snowman Olaf. This Barbershop Quartet Olaf comes complete with a hat, cane, and similarly dressed seagull sidekick.

Pop! TV: The Flash – The Flash Unmasked

Fan’s of the series “Flash” should keep their eyes peeled for this POP! The Flash Unmasked. Be careful not to let this one slip by you.

Hikari: Star Wars – Darth Vader Matte Black

Another Star Wars collectible? No, never. Who could have predicted? Despite there already being a thousand other pieces of Star Wars merchandise however, this Darth Vader Matte Black figure by Hikari looks beautiful. It almost looks like if this famous Sith was made of copper. Better find some room on those already crowded shelves for this toy, which is limited to only 1200.

Hikari: Marvel – Frosted Groot

In this batch of announcements, Hikari will be also coming out with this Frosted Groot. Limited to 1000, it looks like this humanoid plant made out with Olaf. Oh the magic of warm hugs.

Dorbz: Batman – Thrillkill Batman

Nothing better strikes fear into the hearts of men more than a caped crusader in a mask. Well, maybe a caped crusader in full grin and an alternate costume. Dorbz’s Thrillkill Batman sports a red and black costume and a smiling face. A cute, yet disturbing addition to any collection.

Pop TV: Hannibal – Bryan Fulle

And rounding off our releases is this highly limited edition POP! It’s unfortunate that the show Hannibal was cancelled, but you can share the hurt with this Brian Fuller figure. Dressed to kill in his Hannibal like attire, the show’s creator also sports a pair of spectacles and a large kitchen knife. This bad boy comes in only 144 units and will be available during his signing at the Funko booth on Friday, July 10th at 2 p.m. The line for the signing won’t begin until 1p.m., so no early campers please. No other Funko items will be sold during this time.

We’re getting closer to Comic-Con, so stay tuned for more Funko exclusives!

By Nick Eskey

Thanks for tuning in geeky guys and gals to this Sunday update of SDCC ’15 Funko toy release. Better known for their “POP!” line, Funko strives to “cover as many beloved licenses and characters as possible to remind every Comic-Con attendee why they fell in love with these stories in the first place.”

Just as a reminder, this year Funko will not be taking pre-buys of their products. So if there’s any of these exclusive toys that you want to get, best to get them onsite or see if a lucky con-goer buddy will help you out.

Without further delay, here’s the addition to our list:

Pop! Disney/Pixar: Inside Out – Sparkle Hair Joy

Disney’s Pixar, which arguably can be thanked for the recent revival of the Disney brand, has just recently released their newest movie “Inside out.” Involving the personified personality traits in people, this Pop figure from the movie features Sparkle Hair Joy. Don’t work, there’s enough anger and depression in the film to balance this perpetually happy and hyperactive lady.

Pop! TV: Sesame Street – 6″ Flocked Mr. Snuffleupagus

Whether he’s being an imaginary character that only a large yellow bird can see, or a real thing, this 6 inch super sized Snuffleupagus from the much beloved Sesame Street will be materializing to Comic-Con. Who doesn’t want to own a Snuffy?

Pop! TV: Once Upon A Time – Regina

Once upon a time, there was a toy who wanted nothing but to rule. Now with your help, this Regina from the Once Upon a Time series can rule your figure collection. And look, she’s got an apple for you too as a gift. How thoughtful!

ReAction: Arrow – Arrow Unmasked

Protecting your crime riddled shelves is this ReAction Arrow Unmasked. Complete with 1970’s style packaging and limited posable action, this fantastic plastic will be a must have.

Dorbz XL: Guardians of the Galaxy – 6″ Mossy Groot

Guarding the galaxy is a big job. Thankfully, this Dorbz XL Mossy Groot is the humanoid plant you’ll be wanting for the job. Featuring a healthy growth of 6 inches, this happy creature will keep everything happily dancing along.

Dorbz XL: Guardians of the Galaxy – 6″ Nova Suit Rocket Raccoon

And lastly, the big wooded Groot can’t go too far without his furry compadre. Dorbz XL Nova Suit Rocket Raccoon will be providing 6 inches of vinyl sharp tongued humor to your collection. Despite his gruff exterior, look how cute he is!

Thanks for tuning in, and see you fellow nerds for our next installment. Stay tuned!

Well the Raccoon and Starlord got their own books, so why not a tree? (And Gamora is coming, we’re told.) Jeff Loveness, usually a writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Disney animator Brian Kesinger are teaming for a Groot ongoing comic—Declan Shalvey does the variant cover, with colors by Jordie Bellaire. The colorist on the interior pages isn’t credited but…wow.

Confession: this looks adorable.

Groot was created by Jack Kirby.

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“There’s a huge language barrier between Groot and the rest of the Marvel Universe,” says writer Jeff Loveness, in an interview with Marvel.com. “He may be a kind-hearted soul to us, but to a stranger, he’s just a terrifying tree-monster. He’s bound to get in trouble because of people judging him before they know him.”

It’s not all fun and games when, for the first time in years, Groot has been separated from his pal and translator Rocket Raccoon and forced to make it on his own in the big, scary galaxy. Armed with just the words “I”, “Am” and “Groot,” he’s about to embark on a new kind of adventure.

“We have the kinds of wacky situations a giant space tree can find himself in,” series Editor Devin Lewis says, “but we’re also striving to show what makes Groot one of the noblest and wisest characters in the Marvel Universe. There are as many feels in this book as there are chuckles, and it’s going to surprise people.” 

Explosions! Intergalactic Hitchhiking! Aliens! Space Sharks! And that’s just the first issue, True Believer! Bursting at the seams with action, adventure and excitement – fans will not want to miss out on this epic thrill ride. The intergalactic road trip is about begin. Hang on tight when GROOT #1 sprouts up in comic shops this June!
GROOT #1
Written by JEFF LOVENESS
Art by BRIAN KESINGER
Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
On Sale in JUNE!

This November’s Marvel comics will include a ton of Rocket Raccoon and Groot variant covers, making this officially the Year of An Awful Lot of Rocket and Groot, but as a waffer-thin nod towards making this maybe Too Much Rocket and Groot, one more cover by Simone Bianchi will appear.

“We were totally overwhelmed by the response to the Rocket Raccoon & Groot variants when we released them last month,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel in a statement. “When Simone Bianchi said he wanted to do one too, we couldn’t resist! We couldn’t be happier with the stunning cover he turned in.”
 
When we herd that Bianchi’s variant was for Spider-Woman #2 we were hoping for an homage to the greatest Spider-Woman cover of all times, but alas, it is mere a tribute to Amazing Spider-Man #129.
                                                                                                                                    
SPIDER-WOMAN #2 ROCKET RACCOON & GROOT VARIANT (SEP148238)
Written by DENNIS HOPELESS
Art by GREG LAND
Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
FOC – 11/24/14, On-Sale – 12/17/14
                                                                                                                

A missed a lot of things in my inbox, but here are some of the best!

§ Brimpception. If you don’t know, never mind.

§ Hot Toys is making a Potted Groot, but alas, it is only available as a bonus figure with their regular Rocket and Groot set. But the good news is that the comes with an interchangeable Groot Angry Expression Face and a pair of Partially Clenched Palms. I see my work here is done. 



§ I managed to miss that a film called “A Brony Tale” is coming out on DVD on August 19th after a limited theatrical run. Directed by Brent Hodge (Winning America, What Happens Next?) it’s the first documentary in the “Morgan Spurlock Presents line and it travels to the 2012 BronyCon in NYC with actress Ashleigh Ball, who does several voices on the show. And here’s the trailer. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgcWpnvyZeA

I must admit when I heard about bronies the first time I though it was a joke, but now I know better. More info here.

I kind of had an inkling that Guardians of the Galaxy would be the big thing at Comic-Con 2014, and after looking on the floor for a few minutes…I was right. If it isn’t the Lego Rocket and Groot, it’s dioramas or the spaceship (Owl ship?) in the Marvel booth. The Marvel booth is very “under construction” but I wouldn’t be too surprised to see more Guardians imagery. I’ll be peeking back in a bit to see what else I can find but here’s a quick look!

Some of these are blurry spy pics because workers don’t like it when you stand there and take a lot of clear, well framed photos.

All my life I have dreamed of seeing Sean Bean on an airport luggage conveyor belt. Best promo of the show so far, but I just landed.

Nice Guardians of the Galaxy display at Hasbro.

This is a video of JJ Abrams telling you how awesome Star Wars VII is going to be.

Hot Wheels, I think I love you.

Star Wars Rebels

The stars of the show so far.

Seriously the only danger is that Rocket and Groot may be approaching Poochie territory with the exposure they’re getting.

Doings at the Marvel Booth. Is that Kree, Skrull or just part of an air duct?

The Alex Ross booth is always a treat although it’s relatively unchanged in recent years.

More Marvel swagga.

Batman is the big theme of the DC booth! I tried to get a better shot of the Batman costume displays—which will be very impressive—but too many nosy parkers.

Top Shelf’s Leigh Walton is thankful his palette of books just arrived. And MArch 2 coming in January.

Yes SLG and publisher Dan Vado are here. Despite Vado’s recent money troubles, he made it to the show with a lot of merch to sell…

…including this cool shirt. Many more like it. Check out the SLG booth across from the DC booth!

And my favorite booth! The land that time forgot, New England Comics. But I got word of a new Tick…sign coming. Maybe.

Brutal working conditions thus far.