The 2008 International Comic-Con is coming to San Diego in mid July (the 23rd- 27th). The biggest comics and pop culture event isn't only for sci-fi and anime nerds anymore and the four day memberships are already sold out. Every year at Comic-Con, several companies release limited editions of their products or introduce what they think will be hot sellers for the upcoming holiday season. This year they have everything you'd expect; hot tv show action figures from such hits as Heroes and Adult Swim, sexy japanese anime dolls and yes, more Star Wars products.
However, in addition to releasing the usual plethora of action movie genre dolls like Iron man, Flash and the Incredible Hulk, there are some unusual (and might I say, hip) action figures debuting that will conjure up nostalgia for the 30+ crowd.
Celebrating Alfred Hitchcock's classic film, this incredible Mattel Barbie Collector's doll features the Hitchcock heroine being attacked by a trio of fine feathered foes, just like Tippi Hedren in the movie:
Stands about 11 1/2-inches tall. Available for pre order here.
Don't miss The Dude-- Unemployed! A Comic-Con Exclusive Action Figure of The Dude from The Big Lebowski. Dressed in his bathrobe and slippers, he stands 8-inches tall and comes with loads of hilarious accessories: sunglasses, robe, White Russian, milk carton, ID card, and genuine cloth rug!
Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski is a real laid-back kind of guy. He enjoys "bowling, driving, (and having) the occasional acid flashback." In the classic film Big Lebowski,this humble pacifist and his bowling buddies become entangled in a web of embezzlement, supposed kidnapping, and alcoholic laced hijinks!
Also making their product debuts at Comic Con, Big Lebowski Urban Achiever 8-Inch Figures Series 2 Set:
Lebowski figures available for pre-order here.
From the cult-classic film Reservoir Dogs, the movie that launched Quentin Tarantino's career, comes this exciting set of Action Figures:
It includes 5 articulated characters with connecting display bases: Mr. White, Mr. Orange, Mr. Blonde, Mr. Pink, and Mr. Brown. Each stands 7-inches tall and includes various cool accessories: gun, sunglasses, base, and more. (Subject to change.) Order these dogs now!
In 1973, one film redefined the horror genre and created an instant pop sensation. From one of the most terrifying films of all time, comes this Exorcist Spider Walk Regan 7-inch action figure. Regan balances on her head and hair to recreate the notorious Spider Walk scene.
Regan comes with a detailed staircase display base and multiple points of articulation, including a ball-jointed neck, swivel forearms, and swivel legs. Pre-order the creepy freaky Exorcist Regan doll here.
Get your dragon suit ready. If you wanna be like Jimmy, that is. From his launch with The Yardbirds to his raving success with Led Zeppelin, nobody riffed like Jimmy! This Jimmy Page 7-inch plastic action figure comes all decked out in his signature dragon suit, complete with double-necked guitar, speaker cabinet, and amp. Grab the legendary rocker now, in all of his guitar-god glory!
An action figure you can believe in! The 6-inch tall Barack Obama action figure brings you young America's favorite political son in genuine plastic.
Sporting 8 points of articulation, this figure can help show the world who you believe deserves their vote! Pre-order Obama here. And yes, a John McCain action figure that you can pre-order here arrives in August as well.
And believe it or not, A Dexter action figure is coming soon.
Clearly, I am not too old to play with dolls.
Other upcoming odd but perversely appealing toy releases worth noting:
Steiff is releasing a Mohair Buddha Bear. Now, if that doesn't tell you that Buddhism has permeated mainstream society, I don't know what does (yes, I'm still waiting for Buddha Barbie).
Above: The 9-inch tall Buddha Bear is made of brass-colored mohair and his facial expression, posture, and aura were inspired by classic Buddha figures. He is 5-way jointed and his legs are slightly bent. This enables him to sit in the lotus position in which energy can flow freely. His belly is somewhat large and his nose, mouth, and claws are embroidered with gold-colored thread. The corners of the black eyes are hand painted in order to give his expression depth and dignity. Limited edition of 2,008 pieces. $249.99, available for pre-order now.
Especially random: The Desperately Seeking Susan Minimates 2-pack:
Above: Return to the 1985 classic that introduced Madonna to the big screen with this Desperately Seeking Susan Minimates 2-Pack. Featuring Susan (Madonna) and her pseudo-double Roberta (who was played by Roseanna Arquette), these comical figures include the ultimate 1980s fashion styles and the film's signature skull hatbox! Designed and sculpted by Art Asylum, each 2-inch Minimate features 14 points of articulation and a world of possibilities. Available in October. $9.99. Pre-order them here.
Mattel's Barbie Juicy Couture Doll:
above: From the Gold Label Vintage Reproduction line, this gift set featuring Dolls styled in the high fashion of Juicy Couture. Complete with all the accessories a couple of girlfriends would need to live the Juicy Couture lifestyle. $119.99 Available for pre-order now.
Medicom's LOST Kubricks!
From ABC's hit series, Lost comes these cute little Kubricks that are just too fun to resist. This display case of 24 pieces includes an assortment of 7 different character, each individually packaged in a blind box. The assortment may include the following characters: Locke, Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Sayid, Charlie, Hurley.
$189.99 pre-order them here.
2008 Comic Con website.