Showing posts with label sdcc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sdcc. Show all posts

Saturday, 25 July 2026

Tomb Raider joins G.I. Joe at Comic-Con



Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding G.I. Joe Classified Series Collaborative Lara Croft Tomb Raider at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

G.I. JOE CLASSIFIED SERIES RETRO CARDBACK COLLABORATIVE LARA CROFT TOMB RAIDER

(HASBRO | Ages 4 years & up | Approx. Retail Price: $44.99 | Pre-Order Thursday July 23 at 5 PM ET; Available Fall 2026)

G.I. Joe is a highly skilled, on-demand, special operations force of men and women from around the world. Lara Croft, the TOMB RAIDER, is a legendary truth seeker and adventurer whose globetrotting explorations have brought her fame and notoriety. It's only natural their paths would cross while exploring the jungles of Cobra Island in this amazing collaborative between Hasbro and Crystal Dynamics. New to the G.I. Joe Classified Series line, Lara Croft TOMB RAIDER comes ready for adventure, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability. This Lara Croft TOMB RAIDER figure contains 16 character-inspired accessory pieces including alternate head, 2 alt hands, 2 climbing axes, backpack, grappling hook with handle and rope, recurve bow and arrow, quiver, the Dagger of Xian with sheath, and dual weapon accessories; plus a removable bandolier.

Look for other G.I. Joe figures and toys to build your roster of heroic G.I. Joe’s and Cobra villains (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.).

Lara Croft is based on her appearance in the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis video game coming to PlayStation 5 (PS5), XBOX Series S|X, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC on 12th February 2027. Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel to Tomb Raider: Underworld, has been delayed until 2028.

Despite a premium price tag, Lara Croft quickly sold out on Hasbro Pulse and fan channels when she went up for pre-order. I managed to pre-order mine along with Action Man from Star Action Figures in the UK in time for Christmas.

Pre-order G.I. Joe Classified Series Collaborative Lara Croft Tomb Raider at Amazon (affiliate link).

Have you pre-ordered G.I. Joe Classified Series Collaborative Lara Croft Tomb Raider? What other collaborative crossovers would you like to see in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

Friday, 10 July 2026

Star Wars SDCC exclusive from Jazwares



Lucasfilm licensee Jazwares has announced its San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) exclusives, including a concept art variant of Boba Fett’s Slave I from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, which will sell for $60.

Read the official press release:

"Based on its concept art and model prototypes from the production of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™, the Starship comes packed with a pivoting cockpit and wings, an opening side panel, a removable weapons rack, an extending boarding ramp, positionable chin cannons, a seismic charge hatch, and more."

The fan-favourite Ralph McQuarrie design will be a must-have for fans (myself included) when it goes on sale on Friday, 23rd July. I might ask Nick Smith, our US-based reporter who is attending SDCC, to pick one up for me if it hasn't sold out.

Are you getting the Jazwares Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron exclusive at Comic-Con? Let me know in the comments below.

Friday, 1 August 2025

Predator meets Star Wars



During an interview with IGN at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), director Dan Trachtenberg (Prey) revealed that Predator: Badlands was inspired by Star Wars.



The working title of the upcoming Predator movie was Backpack!

Trachtenberg has confirmed that C-3PO and Chewbacca from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back were the inspiration for the titular predator (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) to carry the Weyland-Yutani synthetic, played by Elle Fanning, around on its back.

The two Alien vs. Predator (AVP) movies were forgettable. Ever since Predator 2 teased a shared universe with Alien, I've longed for something like this.

Predator: Badlands opens exclusively in cinemas on 7th November in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, Cinemark XD, 4DX, ScreenX, and premium screens everywhere.

Are you looking forward to Predator: Badlands? Let me know in the comments below.

Thursday, 31 July 2025

Gunship announced as Star Wars HasLab



At San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), Hasbro announced its Battle of Geonosis campaign for 2026 with a Star Wars HasLab.

Read the official press release:

"Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship

The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship transports you right to the heart of the first battle of the Clone Wars on Geonosis and its aftermath. In Star Wars: Attack of the Clones™, this speedy attack ship led the rescue mission of the Jedi remaining after Count Dooku and the Separatists’ assault, setting a cascade of rockets and laser fire onto the Separatist droid army.

LAAT/i (Low Altitude Assault Transport/infantry) Republic ships can be seen in epic battles scenes across Star Wars, including the animated classic Star Wars: The Clone Wars™ and its more recent counterpart, Star Wars: The Bad Batch™. The HasLab team is thrilled to bring you one of the franchise’s most recognizable and celebrated vehicles.

If funded, this ship will make the perfect tribute to one of the defining moments in the prequel trilogy. Let’s get into the details!"


Take a closer look with Hasbro designer Chris and special guest Adam from Lucasfilm's product development, who sold me on backing it.



The last Gunship toy I owned was from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, which I sold to a fellow Star Wars fan and collector a few years ago. Like many fans, I have reservations about the £449.99 price tag and tiers.

After pontificating for a few days (The Ghost is still boxed), I’ve decided to back the HasLab for now, if only to support the campaign and reach 8,000 backers. I appreciate that this is a good problem to have. Will it be another Rancor? We'll see in September.

Will you be backing the Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship HasLab on Hasbro Pulse? What do you think of the price? What are your thoughts on crowdfunded collectables? Should it be a retail release? Let me know in the comments below.

Wednesday, 30 July 2025

Hasbro teases Tron toys at Comic-Con



Hasbro's Steve Evans teased Tron toys based on Disney's original Tron, Tron: Legacy and the upcoming Tron: Ares at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Evans handed out 3.5-inch floppy disks, which contained a teaser image.

Christmas 1982 was all about the Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K, Disney's Tron and Steven Spielberg's extra-terrestrial. I wanted Tron action figures and vehicles. It looks like Hasbro is about to grant that wish this holiday season.

Which Tron toys would you like to see from Hasbro? Let me know in the comments below.

Saturday, 26 July 2025

Masters of the Universe x Transformers



Club Grayskull, which I ponied up an annual subscription to obtain He-Ro, a member-only grail action figure from my childhood, teased future Masters of the Universe (MotU) crossovers on the official forum (forums are still a thing in 2025?).

On Friday, Mattel and Hasbro announced Masters of the Universe x Transformers action figures at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). An included mini-comic will provide a backstory to the crossover, much like the original toy line!

As a fan of both toy lines since day one, I've pre-ordered Megatron Armour Skeletor and Bumblebee Armour Man-At-Arms from Mattel Creations, as I didn't want to miss out. The Fright Zone sold out in less than 30 minutes on Mattel Creations. I had the long-awaited playset in my cart, but to no avail. However, Hurricane Hordak and Despara won't be homeless for much longer as I've pre-ordered Hordak's stronghold from The Whole Shebang.

Fans have wondered where's Optimus Prime Armour He-Man and why isn't Man-At-Arms, Brawn? The designers revealed that Buzz-Off was an early concept for Bumblebee. This crossover looks fun, and there will be further action figures in the line. Arcee Armour Teela?

In related news. An Amazon exclusive Castle Grayskull (affiliate link) and Hot Wheels x Transformers Bone Shaker and Twin Mill (affiliate link) were also announced at SDCC.

What are your thoughts on Masters of the Universe x Transformers? Which action figures would you like to see? Are you a fan of toy line crossovers? Is it lazy nostalgia to fleece fans? Let me know in the comments below.

Friday, 25 July 2025

Step inside the Hasbro Pulse Booth



For Hasbro fans (myself included) who aren't at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), Hasbro Pulse has released a booth tour.

“We’re excited to return to San Diego Comic-Con with a compelling slate of product reveals and fan-driven programming across TRANSFORMERS, BEYBLADE, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and more,” said Tim Kilpin, President of Toys, Board Games, Licensing & Entertainment at Hasbro. “As we continue to focus on our ‘Aging Up’ strategy, we’re delivering premium collectibles and immersive experiences designed to resonate with our fans. From highly anticipated convention exclusives at the Hasbro Pulse Toy Store to engaging brand panels, partner collaborations and experiences throughout the city, we’re inviting fans to celebrate the passion and storytelling that define our iconic franchises.”



"Couldn’t make it to San Diego Comic-Con? Or maybe you’re here and haven’t stopped by yet? Either way – step inside the Hasbro Pulse Booth at #SDCC2025 with Emily as your guide!

From our Fanstream Studio to the latest products from Transformers, G.I. Joe Classified Series, Marvel Legends, STAR WARS, and more, this tour gives fans at home a front-row look at the full Hasbro Pulse experience.

Explore our product displays, check out the exclusive Hasbro Pulse Store, and get a closer look at the sprawling artwork by Tom Whalen that wraps around the booth.

📲 If you’re following along from home, tell us which brand or reveal you’re most excited about this weekend – and stay tuned to Hasbro Pulse for more updates from SDCC 2025!"


Which brand panels are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below.

Thursday, 24 July 2025

Alien: Earth first look



San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is currently underway. Go behind the scenes on the set of FX’s Alien: Earth and see what’s in store for humanity when technology and biology collide — with deadly consequences.



Read the official synopsis:

“When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, “Wendy” (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat in FX’s “Alien: Earth.”

In the year 2120, the Earth is governed by five corporations: Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic and Threshold. In this Corporate Era, cyborgs (humans with both biological and artificial parts) and synthetics (humanoid robots with artificial intelligence) exist alongside humans. But the game is changed when the wunderkind Founder and CEO of Prodigy Corporation unlocks a new technological advancement: hybrids (humanoid robots infused with human consciousness). The first hybrid prototype named “Wendy” marks a new dawn in the race for immortality. After Weyland-Yutani’s spaceship collides into Prodigy City, “Wendy” and the other hybrids encounter mysterious life forms more terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined.”


The cast for Alien: Earth includes Sydney Chandler (Don't Worry Darling), Alex Lawther (Andor), Samuel Blenkin (The Sandman), Kit Young (Shadow and Bone), Essie Davis (Assassin's Creed), Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger) and Timothy Olyphant (The Mandalorian).

The tech bros are the monsters in Noah Hawley's (Fargo) upcoming series.

Alien: Earth premieres only on Hulu and Disney+ on 13th August.

Are you looking forward to Alien: Earth? Let me know in the comments below.

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Hasbro reveals Star Wars Comic-Con exclusive



Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding the Star Wars: The Black Series San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) exclusive 2-pack featuring Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES ANAKIN SKYWALKER & OBI-WAN KENOBI

(HASBRO | Ages 4 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $109.99 | *Availability details below)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES includes 6-inch action figures, vehicles, and roleplay items from the 40-plus-year legacy of the STAR WARS Galaxy, letting fans create galactic scenes with a faithfulness to STAR WARS comic books, movies, series, and more. This STAR WARS Hasbro action figure 2-pack is detailed to look like Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi from STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH. In addition to their signature Lightsabers™, the Sith Lord and the Jedi Master come with swinging and clash effects, a two-part stand, interchangeable Force hands, and more. Designed to look like the planet Mustafar, the platform can be displayed in multiple configurations and includes an additional lava piece for posing. With exquisite features and decoration, THE BLACK SERIES embodies the quality and realism that STAR WARS devotees love (additional products each sold separately, subject to availability).

*The STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES ANAKIN SKYWALKER & OBI-WAN KENOBI will be available for purchase exclusively at the Hasbro booth (#3213) during 2025 San Diego Comic-Con. Additional purchasing details to be announced on the official San Diego Comic-Con website. Following San Diego Comic-Con, limited quantities will be available to order on Hasbro Pulse.

Will you be adding Star Wars: The Black Series Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi SDCC exclusive to your collection when available for pre-order on Hasbro Pulse? Let me know in the comments below.

Saturday, 12 July 2025

Star Wars creator coming to Comic-Con



George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, is heading to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Lucas' space opera franchise has a storied history with Comic-Con dating back to 1976.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome George Lucas to Comic-Con for the very first time,” said David Glanzer, chief communications and strategy officer of Comic-Con. “Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring Howard Chaykin’s now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item.

Lucas will be joined by filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water) and artist and Star Wars prequels production designer Doug Chiang for a panel that will explore the power of illustrated story and offer a sneak peek at the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

“Now, to have Mr. Lucas return, this time to debut the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community, and the museum’s mission to celebrate narrative art in all its forms perfectly reflects what Comic-Con has championed from the very beginning.”

SDCC is set to run from 24th July through 27th July. I wish I were attending this year.

Are you looking forward to SDCC? Let me know in the comments below.

Sunday, 4 August 2024

Is Doctor Who a success on Disney+?



During the Doctor Who Hall H panel at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), Disney+ and the BBC announced that The War Between The Land And The Sea — a new five-part spin-off series written by showrunner Russell T Davies and Pete McTighe — is on the way.

Rather than the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa), the new series will revolve around a group of humans working together to face the Sea Devils, a race of ancient, ocean-dwelling creatures who first appeared in Doctor Who in 1972.

The fan-favourite marine monsters last appeared in Legend of the Sea Devils. The new Whoniverse spin-off begins filming soon with Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Russell Tovey, Jemma Redgrave and Alexander Devrient leading the cast!

Now that the dust has settled following the conclusion of Doctor Who season one, Nick Smith, our US-based veteran Whovian, looks back at the start of the Disney+ era.

Guest post by Nick Smith

The Star Wars prequels. Google+. New Coke. Sometimes the hype is so high, that nothing can live up to it.

Expectations were massive for writer/producer Russell T Davies’ first full season of Doctor Who since the noughties. Many fans reenlisted during his original run on the show; some were captivated children when it began. There was no way that Davies could meet their expectations. But that wasn’t his goal.

A sense of freedom shines through the 2024 episodes of Doctor Who that isn’t present in Davies’ 2005 relaunch. Visually, he can now do anything; there are dinosaurs, talking infants, diabolical animated musical notes, and a CGI boss battle. Budget-wise, he has more to play with than ever before. And when it comes to story, he has slipped the shackles of pseudo-science, moving the Doctor into the fantasy realm.

If anything, Davies has tried to do too much in a handful of episodes. There’s a lot of exposition, as the Doctor (played by Ncuti Gatwa) explains to his companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) who he is and what he does. Donna Noble’s daughter Rose (Yasmin Finney) returns, but has little to do. The Doctor falls in love - a bigger upheaval to the show than the Timeless Child saga - but there are no consequences. There’s no time to get to know Ruby, and returning characters like Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) and Sutekh (Gabriel Woolf) act out of character.

The usually stoic Kate is warm and friendly; Sutekh is far less eloquent and sinister. It’s as if their familiar names are chucked in to please the fans. Both should have been new or different personae.

The pace of this series seems rushed, with unlikely heroes popping up to save the day: a baby with a flamethrower, and John Lennon with a piano. Almost every week, the Doctor defeats an indomitable god, over-emoting as he goes.

When the show slows down, it’s delightful. 73 Yards focuses on atmosphere, a sense of dread, and is our one chance to gain a deep understanding of Ruby’s personality. In other adventures, small moments centred around her family are touching and believable. Boom focuses on one location, building up tension as the Doctor tries not to get himself blown up. Otherwise, the rhythm is discordant and breathless throughout the season, as if the show has been edited for the TikTok generation.

Davies aimed his 2005 season at young kids, hoping to lure them into watching his program with fart gags, piggy aliens, and high adventure. His latest stories see a return to this tone; Space Babies includes the biggest, silliest joke about flatulence Doctor Who has ever cracked. There’s an effective focus on visual imagery, from iconic close-ups of the Doctor’s face to the memorable sight of Sutekh being dragged through the time vortex.

But style over substance was never Doctor Who’s bag, and the best stories, like Boom, work on multiple layers: a dilemma and an insensible child for the kids to latch onto, and relationship drama and the theme of legacy-building for the adults.

With a Christmas special lined up and a 2025 season already in the can, the hype continues, albeit tempered by the unevenness of this year’s offerings. There’s room in Doctor Who for broad comedy and body horror, tales of love and bright redemption, but the producers would do well to remember that the TARDIS has all of time and space to explore, and there’s no need to rush.

Ultimately, season one of Doctor Who is subject to the cultural shift of a streaming era, where fewer fans are sitting around a telly at primetime on a Saturday (circa 2005). Willow was removed without warning on Disney+. I hope the Doctor doesn't suffer a similar fate after two seasons.

Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Disney+ outside the UK and Ireland. Season one is available for pre-order (affiliate link).

Have you watched Doctor Who season one? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Nick Smith's new audiobook, Undead on Arrival, is available from Amazon (affiliate link).

Thursday, 1 August 2024

The Toys That Made Us is back!



The Toys That Made Us is returning to television screens after 5 years!

The cult-favourite documentary series debuted Christmas 2017 and I binged season one on Christmas Eve. For three seasons The Toys That Made Us was a love letter to fans (myself included) of He-Man, G.I. Joe, LEGO, Star Trek, Star Wars, Transformers and more on Netflix. There was also a spin-off series, The Movies That Made Us, focussing on classic films including Aliens and Jurassic Park.

During the pandemic, Nacelle produced A Toy Store Near You on Prime Video (affiliate link), which was comfort viewing during lockdown. It was a poignant reminder of how great independent stores are and the communities they forge.

“By far the most consistent comments we’ve received over the last 5 years have been some sort of inquiry about the future of The Toys That Made Us,” says Brian Volk-Weiss, Nacelle Founder and CEO. “We’re honored to be able to bring this series back to the fans that have waited so long to see it return, and we appreciate the support over the last 5 years that helped make this a reality.”

Episode topics announced at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) include:

Ghostbusters
Hot Wheels
Superhero Toys
Polly Pocket
Fast Food Toys
Pokémon
American Greetings
Nerf

No deal has been announced regarding the upcoming fourth and fifth seasons. However, Netflix has the first three seasons available.

Nacelle is also reviving several 1980s toy lines through toys and animated series, including Biker Mice from Mars (which is co-produced by Ryan Reynolds) and RoboForce (co-produced with Dwayne Johnson's Seven Bucks Productions). They also produced action figures for the sci-fi series The Expanse and acquired the 80s toy brands Sectaurs and Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa.

Are you looking forward to seasons four and five of The Toys That Made Us? Let me know in the comments below.

Friday, 26 July 2024

HasLab takes to the sky with Cobra Rattler



Hasbro announced the G.I. Classified Series Cobra Rattler Ground Attack Jet HasLab campaign during Thursday's G.I. Joe panel at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

Here's the official word from Cobra:

"Your antissssipation is finally over! The Cobra Airborne is readying for launch but needs your assistance to fund its crowning achievement of aviation ingenuity. M.A.R.S. Industries, in concert with HasLab, has developed a 6-inch scale G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Rattler Ground Attack Jet. In order to initiate our takeoff sequence, we are in need of 9,000 backer orders by the end of the Campaign. For each HasLab vehicle you pledge, you’ll receive a Cobra Rattler jet along with an action figure of Flight Commander Wild Weasel featuring premium deco, detailing, and articulation for poseability."

The Cobra Rattler with Wild Weasel action figure looks amazing and, as I never owned the original fan-favourite toy, I've already backed it. The folding wings and included flight stand will make it easier to display.

The only fly in the ointment is the first tier at 11,000 backers! It's a set of Cobra Airborne Squadron patches, which should have been an action figure (Destro?). More so given the HasLab campaign is £324.99 in a cost of living crisis. The Cobra H.I.S.S. HasLab was £299.99 with 4 action figures. 14,000 backers unlocks a Cobra Rattler Gunner action figure and 18,000 backers unlocks the pilot Baroness action figure.

Hopefully, Hasbro will respond to fans' (myself included) concerns on social media. How about an early bird SDCC exclusive tier?

Given the number of backers needed, the latest G.I. Joe HasLab should be fully funded this weekend.

Will you be backing the G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Rattler Ground Attack Jet HasLab on Hasbro Pulse? Are you going to wait and see if all the stretch goals are met? Let me know in the comments below.

Monday, 22 July 2024

Hasbro at SDCC



Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding brand and partner panels at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the 40th anniversary of Transformers, and the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

The Hasbro booth (#3213) design has been updated to better engage fans and create a more immersive space. The Hasbro Pulse Toy Store is back, and this year's design by Tom Whalen includes an impressive second story for live interviews.

There are four exclusives at SDCC this year. Marvel Legends Death's Head, G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Commander (Once A Man), Transformers Legacy United Voyager Class Fractured Friendship 2-Pack, and Star Wars: The Black Series Darth Maul & Sith Speeder. Limited quantities will be available to pre-order on Hasbro Pulse after the convention. While supplies last.

“We are thrilled to return to 2024 San Diego Comic-Con with an evolved booth design and even more exhilarating experiences for our fans,” said Tim Kilpin, President of Toys, Board Games, Licensing & Entertainment at Hasbro. “This year, we are particularly excited to celebrate our upcoming film, TRANSFORMERS ONE, and bring an immersive and interactive showcase that will truly spotlight the creativity and innovation behind our iconic brands. We can’t wait to reveal fan-favorite products from BEYBLADE, TRANSFORMERS, G.I JOE and more to create countless unforgettable memories alongside our dedicated fanbase.”

HASBRO BRAND AND PARTNER PANELS

Attendees are invited to learn more about Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE brands and MAGIC THE GATHERING’s Mark Rosewater and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS with premier collaboration brands, Star Wars and Marvel, through special panel experiences featuring new product reveals and major updates, along with other partner presentations.

Thursday, July 25
· PARAMOUNT PICTURES: TRANSFORMERS ONE: July 25 at 11:45AM – 12:45PM | Hall H - Paramount Animation & HASBRO Entertainment bring a panel discussion and exclusive footage presentation to fans with talent Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Keegan-Michael Key, along with the Director, Academy Award® winner Josh Cooley, and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura.

· Hasbro G.I. JOE Brand Panel: Thursday, July 25 at 5:00PM - 6:00PM | Room: 25ABC - Join the G.I. JOE development team for a LIVE launch of the new Classified Series HasLab! This behind-the-scenes look will also feature additional new product news, including never-before-heard stories, digital character renders, in-hand figure prototypes, pre-order launches, and maybe even a special guest.

Friday, July 26
· Marvel Legends Panel with Hasbro: Friday, July 26, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | Room: 5AB - The Hasbro and Marvel product experts will discuss exciting news about Hasbro’s ever-popular Marvel Legends product line! Attendees will also get a sneak peek of upcoming, never-before-seen items, followed by a Q&A for your burning Marvel Legends questions.

· Hasbro Star Wars Panel: Friday, July 26, 2:00PM - 3:00PM | Room: 7AB - Join members of the Hasbro Marketing & Design teams as they discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line, including the Black Series and The Vintage Collection. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure offerings from throughout the saga. Word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises. May the Force be with you!

· Hasbro TRANSFORMERS Panel: Friday, July 26, 6:00PM - 7:00PM | Room: 25ABC - Join the Hasbro TRANSFORMERS Toy Development team as they take you behind the scenes to unveil the latest character figures from across the iconic brand. Plus, time permitting, there will also be a Q&A session filled with trivia and more!

· Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Across the Morphin Grid: Friday, July 26, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM| Room 5AB - After 8 years and over 120 issues, BOOM! Studios’ Power Rangers universe is coming to an end… but not without a few final surprises! Join Melissa Flores, writer of the climactic “Darkest Hour” event, alongside the iconic Ryan Parrott, the original Pink Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson, and the original Black Ranger, Walter Jones, for a behind-the-scenes peek at the final issues of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers… and an exclusive look ahead at what’s next. Moderated by Matt Hotson (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return).

· TRANSFORMERS & G.I. JOE The Energon Universe is HERE: Friday, July 26, 4:30PM – 5:30PM | Room 5AB - WELCOME TO THE HOTTEST COMICS IN THE WORLD! TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, and Void Rivals from Skybound have taken over the comic book world and we’ve got the top secret reveals you can’t miss. Superstars Robert Kirkman (Void Rivals), Daniel Warren Johnson (TRANSFORMERS), Joshua Williamson (Duke, Cobra Commander), Tom Reilly (Duke), and Sean Mackiewicz (SVP/Publisher, Skybound) deliver the panel that will have everyone talking!

Saturday, July 27
· Celebrating 50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday, July 27 at 10:00AM - 11:00AM | Room: 6DE - Dungeons & Dragons is celebrating 50 years! From countless hours of adventures and storytelling, new editions and book releases, to the rising tabletop entertainment and pop culture takeover. Come listen to industry experts as they share how Dungeons & Dragons has taken its place on top of the pop culture dungeon

· Magic: The Gathering Panel, Blogatog Live: Saturday 6:30 pm -7:30 pm | Room 24ABC Magic head designer Mark Rosewater presents this one-man program in which he re-creates his daily blog, answering the audience's questions about the making of the popular trading card game and revealing new, never-before-seen cards, mechanics, and more!

Sunday, July 28
· Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern Panel: Sunday at 11:00AM | Room: 32AB Taliesin Jaffe (Critical Role) moderates a panel about the hit off-Broadway theatrical experience Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern which includes co-creators David Carpenter (producer, Puffs) and Sarah Davis Reynolds (game designer, Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern), Set/Costume/Prop Designer KC McGeorge (Dimension 20) and other special guests. The panel will discuss the creation of the show from idea to page to stage and include a Q&A session with the audience.

Hasbro’s booth at SDCC this year is #3213. The booth is next to the Star Wars pavilion, Mattel Creations, LEGO, and other SDCC hot spots.

Are you looking forward to SDCC? Which panels are you excited for? Let me know in the comments below.

Saturday, 13 July 2024

Doctor Who x Star Trek



Ruby Sunday's (Millie Gibson) reference to Star Trek in Space Babies wasn't a throwaway line.

Doctor Who series showrunner Russell T Davies and Star Trek franchise executive producer Alex Kurtzman will headline an Intergalactic Friendship Panel at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). An exclusive creator-to-creator conversation about the art of storytelling in alternative universes and to celebrate the power of friendship.

Doctor Who has captivated audiences since its launch by the BBC in 1963. With Ncuti Gatwa currently portraying the 15th Doctor, the series continues to break records, including being the UK’s most-viewed scripted show on Christmas Day 2023 for under-35s. Meanwhile, Star Trek, with its 60-year legacy since being introduced by Gene Roddenberry, remains a beacon of cultural diversity, scientific exploration, and boundless imagination. Today, it spans 11 TV series, 13 films, and over 900 episodes, available in more than 200 markets worldwide.

In related news. The TARDIS will be materialising at SDCC this year for a Doctor Who Hall H panel with Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson and Russell T Davies, as they discuss all things season one and more.

The beloved sci-fi franchises have a storied history including the Doctor and the crew of the Enterprise battling Borg and Cybermen in IDW comic books.

Would you like to see a live-action Doctor Who and Star Trek crossover episode? Let me know in the comments below.

Monday, 8 July 2024

Cobra Commander (Once A Man) at SDCC



San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) returns later this month.

Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding exclusives from G.I. Joe Classified Series, Marvel Legends, Star Wars: The Black Series and Transformers.

G.I. Joe fans (myself included) will be excited to know this year's SDCC exclusive is from G.I. Joe: The Movie.

G.I. JOE CLASSIFIED SERIES #130, COBRA COMMANDER (ONCE A MAN)

(HASBRO | Ages 4 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $39.99 | Available: Summer 2024)     

New to the G.I. JOE Classified Series line, Cobra Commander (Once A Man) comes ready for adventure, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability. Inspired by the character’s mutated appearance in G.I. JOE: The Movie, this 6-inch action figure contains 9 character-inspired accessory pieces including 4 alternate hands, alternate helmeted head, cracked faceplate, dagger, backpack, and weapon accessory.

Includes an additional figure of Cobra Commander degenerated and mutated into primitive snake form. A transparent sleeve guards a phenomenal lenticular image depicting the horrific fate of Cobra Commander. Inside, the windowed display showcases the figure, accessory loadout, & dynamic digital renders.

Look for other G.I. JOE figures and toys to build your roster of heroes and Cobra villains (each sold separately, subject to availability). Available exclusively at 2024 San Diego Comic-Con. Attendees can request a time slot to purchase Hasbro products at the Hasbro Booth (#3213) at the Hasbro Pulse Toy Store through the San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives Portal.

Limited quantities will be available to pre-order on Hasbro Pulse after the convention. While supplies last.

Are you excited about G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Commander (Once A Man)? Are you looking forward to SDCC? Let me know in the comments below.

Monday, 1 July 2024

Marvel Legends Death’s Head at SDCC



San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) returns later this month.

Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding exclusives from G.I. Joe Classified Series, Marvel Legends, Star Wars: The Black Series and Transformers.

Death’s Head originally appeared in Marvel UK's The Transformers comic and Doctor Who Magazine (DWM)! As a fan of both franchises, this is exciting news from Hasbro's Marvel Legends. The cult-favourite mechanoid (no relation to the robot enemy of the Daleks) bounty hunter is an SDCC exclusive.

MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES DEATH'S HEAD

(HASBRO | Ages 4 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $39.99 | Available: Summer 2024)     

Bring the excitement and wonder of the Marvel Universe to your collection with the Hasbro Marvel Legends Death's Head figure! Inspired by the character's appearance in Marvel Comics, this collectible 6-inch figure is fully articulated with poseable head, arms, and legs. Comes with 6 accessories, including shield and weapon accessories that can be displayed on his back. This premium figure comes in an exclusive window box package inspired by the character's retro collector card.

Hasbro Marvel action figures' 6-inch scale make them great for posing and displaying in fans' collections. Reimagine Marvel Comics-inspired scenes with Marvel Legends action figures (each sold separately, subject to availability). Attendees can request a time slot to purchase Hasbro products at the Hasbro Booth (#3213) at the Hasbro Pulse Toy Store through the San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives Portal.

Following San Diego Comic-Con, limited quantities will be available to order in on Hasbro Pulse, and other select retailers, after the convention. While supplies last.

Cool, yes?

Are you excited about Marvel Legends Death's Head? Are you looking forward to SDCC? Let me know in the comments below.

Friday, 28 June 2024

Darth Maul & Sith Speeder at SDCC



San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) returns next month.

Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding exclusives from G.I. Joe Classified Series, Marvel Legends, Star Wars: The Black Series and Transformers.

Star Wars fans (myself included) will be excited to know this year's SDCC exclusive celebrates the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES DARTH MAUL & SITH SPEEDER

(HASBRO | Ages 4 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $59.99 | Available: Summer 2024)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES features 6-inch action figures, vehicles, and roleplay items from the 40-plus-year legacy of the STAR WARS Galaxy, letting fans create galactic scenes with a faithfulness to STAR WARS comic books, movies, and series. This STAR WARS set is detailed to look like Darth Maul & his Sith Speeder from STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE. Comes with 6 accessories, including his signature double-bladed Lightsaber™ and a pair of binoculars.

With exquisite features and decoration, THE BLACK SERIES embodies the quality and realism that STAR WARS devotees love. Look for more STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES action figures to build your own STAR WARS galaxy (each sold separately, subject to availability).

Available exclusively at 2024 San Diego Comic-Con. Attendees can request a time slot to purchase Hasbro products at the Hasbro Booth (#3213) at the Hasbro Pulse Toy Store through the San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives Portal.

Limited quantities will be available to order on Hasbro Pulse after the convention. While supplies last.

Are you excited about Star Wars: The Black Series Darth Maul & Sith Speeder? Are you looking forward to SDCC? Let me know in the comments below.

Sunday, 23 July 2023

Lower Decks crossover on Strange New Worlds



Paramount+ has dropped the hotly-anticipated Star Trek: Strange New Worlds live-action crossover with the animated adult spin-off series Star Trek: Lower Decks episode early following a screening at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

Read the official synopsis for Those Old Scientists:

"An accident while investigating a time portal sends Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid, Lower Decks) through time from the 24th Century, and Captain Pike (Anson Mount, Strange New Worlds) and his crew must get him back where he belongs before he can somehow alter the timeline."

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ second season on Paramount+ came in hot after the stellar conclusion to Star Trek: Picard. And, you know something, it’s some of the best Trek I’ve ever seen.

In related news. Star Trek: Lower Decks' fourth season premieres on 7th September on Paramount+.

Have you watched the animated/live-action crossover on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Monday, 1 August 2022

Wakanda Forever honours Chadwick Boseman



During San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), Disney dropped a teaser trailer for Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.



This serves as a poignant tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman who personified the character of Black Panther from the moment he first appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Captain America: Civil War.

Boseman's iconic role touched myriad lives around the world and leaves a lasting legacy.

Wakanda forever! 'Nuff said!