SDCC 2011 Exclusive Martian Manhunter Metallic Variant DC Universe Pop! Vinyl Figure Toy Review

It’s hard to explain just how excited The Blot was for Funko’s San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Martian Manhunter Metallic Variant DC Universe Pop! Heroes vinyl figure. True story: a friend asked if there were any Funko San Diego Comic-Con 2011 exclusives I wanted. At the time Funko had only announced their Disney exclusives and I replied “the only exclusive I’d have to get is if they release a Metallic Martian Manhunter.” Then on the first day of Comic-Con I got an email telling me Funko's DC Comics exclusives, which of course included a metallic J’onn J’onzz of Mars! I was beyond pumped, and it ended up being one of only two SDCC 2011 exclusives I purchased last summer.

The Martian Manhunter has always been one of my favorite DC characters and as you all know I’m a sucker for a limited edition SDCC exclusive colorways. I’d never actually owned one of Funko’s metallic colorways before, but I thought J’onn’s bold look would really be enhanced by metallic paint. I was so right! The Martian Manhunter’s green skill really pops in metallic paint, and it makes the red of his uniform stand out even more than before. There’s not much to J’onn’s uniform but I think that’s what makes it so timeless.

I am so glad Funko did not go with the Martian Manhunter’s “Brave New World” look with the oval shaped head and military looking cape/collar. However they did use his Brightest Day look, which while not my favorite is way better than the horrible Brave New World look and his new look in the recently rebooted DC Universe (ala Stormwatch #1). There really is only one slight difference between Jonzz’ classic uniform and his Brightest Day uniform, the round Mars looking circle on his chest where his straps meet. But I guess beggars can’t be choosers right? I’m just glad they made a Martian Manhunter Pop! vinyl figure and decided to release him as a Mettalic Variant!

The only real complaint I have about this figure is the sloppy paint job. Sadly, this seems to be a recurring complaint with Funko’s Pop! and Blox toy lines. If Funko could get its quality control in check these toys could be huge! Then again, maybe that’s one of the reasons Funko has been able to keep its prices so long even with relatively low run sizes.

The San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Exclusive Martian Manhunter Metallic Variant DC Universe Pop! Vinyl Figure by Funko stands 3.75” tall, has a rotating head and comes in a displayable window box. The figure has a limited edition run size of 480 pieces and can be purchased here on Amazon.com for just $15.99!

SDCC Exclusive El Bandito Muerto Vinyl Figure by Jesse Hernandez

Sometimes good things do come to those that wait! At this year's San Diego Comic-Con, Jesse Hernandez unveiled his outlaw of death, El Bandito Muerto, and yesterday Kidrobot put its remaining stock of the black and grey vinyl figure up for sale on its website. Now those of us who originally missed out on this crazy new figure by not attending Comic-Con can add one to our collections…and at retail prices to boot!

Fully armed and ominous, this malevolent 8” black and grey pistol-packing bandit blends Hernandez' signature indigenous style with a seriously dark and edgy street vibe. The removable sombrero and sculpted detailed serape lay claim to Bandito's and Hernandez' own Mexican roots, but the colossal sculpted sneakers and somber six-shooter are less than subtle clues to this mean muerto's approach to life and death on the streets. Limited to only 250 pieces, the San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Exclusive El Bandito Muerto Vinyl Figure by Jesse Hernandez can now be purchased at the Kidrobot online store for $100.

Sketchbot Green Variant by Steve Talkowski

The Blot is way behind on this release, but the fourth colorway of Steve Talkowski’s Sketchbot vinyl figure made its world debut at San Diego Comic-Con 2011 last month! The Sketchbot V4 is florescent green and includes a stylus accessory for all you Cintiq aficionados! The Sketchbot is one of The Blot’s favorite new figures, and I love how digitally savvy this green colorway is (just like its creator naturally!).

The Sketchbot Green Variant by Steve Talkowsky stands 5 inches tall and has 6 points of articulation. Originally available at the Dragatomi SDCC booth #4935, it can now be purchased for just $35 from the Dragatomi online store.

Cowboys & Aliens Screen Print Series by Daniel Danger, Tom Whalen & Janée Meadows

To coincide with today's world premier of Cowboys & Aliens, Mondo will be releasing its Cowboys & Aliens screen print series, which it curated with the film’s director, Jon Favreau! Favreau personally approved and art directed the series with Mondo, making for one very exciting and movie authentic release. This three print series features two of The Blot’s favorite artists (Daniel Danger and Tom Whalen) and is arguably even better than the movie itself (at least based on the film’s early reviews). While a limited number of Danger’s Cowboys & Aliens posters were originally released at San Diego Comic-Con 2011, today marks the first release of both Whalen and Janée Meadows’ C&A prints.

Cowboys & Aliens by Daniel Danger is an 18"x24" hand numbered screen print with a limited edition run size of 420 and will retail for $40 each. Cowboys & Aliens by Tom Whalen is a 24"x36" hand numbered screen print with a limited edition run size of 190 and will retail for $35 each. Cowboys & Aliens by Janée Meadows is an 18"x24" hand numbered screen print with a limited edition run size of 170 and will retail for $35 each. All three prints go on sale at the Mondo online store today, Friday, July 29th, at a random time.

Ultrus Bog Vinyl Figure by Skinner

After months of teases and hints, Lulubell Toys finally debuted Skinner’s new Ultrus Bog vinyl figure at San Diego Comic-Con 2011! This is the one figure The Blot was looking forward to seeing at SDCC the most, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I can’t get over all the little details on the Ultrus Bog’s sculpt. The head alone puts most figures to shame, and I love all the skulls that make up Bog’s body. And check out the awesomness that is the two custom Ultrus Bog figures Skinner sold at Comic-Con in the photo below (thanks to DrilOne for the photo!). These figures are nuts!

Standing a massive 10” tall, the Bog has five points of articulation and retails for a reasonable $85 (considering the size and details of this figure). The San Diego Comic-Con glow in the dark colorway seen above in the first photo is now sold out, but keep your eyes peeled on Lulubell’s online store for a second colorway sometime soon.

DCnU Justice League Action Figures by DC Direct - SDCC 2011

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard that DC Comics has made the decision to end all of its books, reboot/relaunch its entire universe, and give every single character some sort of makeover. While I think the idea itself is solid (a last ditch effort to bring in new comic book readers), I hate most of the new looks. Adding random lines and turning costumes into armor is so 1990s. But, DC has definitely achieved its goal of garnering its reboot loads of attention from the mainstream media. What most toy fans have wondered since the big relaunch/reboot is how will this affect the toy lines of Mattel and DC Direct?

To be quite honest, we still don’t really know that much. Mattel announced a Flashpoint Action Force tie-in at San Diego Comic-Con 2011 and that was really about it (pretty disappointing if you ask me). DC Direct wasn’t much better, but at least they debuted the six DC new Universe (“DCnU”) Justice League action figures you see above: Aquaman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman and The Flash.

What you see is pretty much what you get when it comes to the new uniforms, but there was one glaring omission from the set of action figures! You see the new core of the DCnU Justice League are the six characters seen above and Cyborg. What’s even more shocking is that one of DC’s stated goals is to bring diversity to the DC Universe and yet when DC debuts their very first line of action figures based on their universe they leave out the team’s sole minority member. Seems like a PR disaster to me! I’ll withhold final judgment until I see these figures in person, but don’t expect me to be running out and collecting the series based on this first look.

SDCC 2011 Exclusive Blox Vinyl Figures by Funko: Batman & General Mills Monsters

Blox, Funko’s newest line of vinyl figures, debuted at San Diego Comic-Con 2011 with four limited edition metallic figures: Batman and the General Mills Monster Cereal characters, Count Chocula, Frankenberry and Boo Berry. These blocky figures stand around 6” tall and about 1.5” thick. Look for future Blox vinyl figure waves to be released in October featuring characters from DC Comics, The Simpsons, Mars Attacks!, General Mills Monster Cereal, KISS, PIXAR, Disney and more!

If you're interested in knowing more about these Blox vinyl figures and seeing pics of one out of its packaging, head over to Battlegrip.com for a great review of the Frankenberry Blox figure. The four SDCC 2011 Exclusive Blox vinyl figures seen above are currently available from Gemini Collectibles for $24.99 each.

The Avengers Concept Art “Avengers Assembled” Character Movie Posters

One of The Blot’s favorite things to come out of San Diego Comic-Con this year are these concept art character movie posters for next year’s The Avengers! For the past 4 years Marvel has been building up to The Avengers, and from the looks of things they might just pull it off. Each poster features a different star/member of The Avengers and when combined create a beautiful banner.

These posters also mark the first time we see what the Hulk will officially look like in The Avengers and what, if any, costume Hawkeye will wear. The Blot’s also really excited to see the inclusion of How I Met Your Mother’s Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill in the SHIELD poster! I guess this mean she’ll play a pretty significant role in the film, which is definitely a good thing!

The Avengers, directed by Joss Whedon and starring Chris Evans as Captain America, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk and Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson, is scheduled to premiere on May 4, 2012.

SDCC 2011 Exclusive Freddy Pop! Funko Vinyl Figures

Thank god The Blot is not a completist because there is no way I could have get my hands on all of these San Diego Comic-Con 2011 exclusive Pop! Funko vinyl figures. If you’re not familiar with Freddy, he’s Funko’s official mascot and the star of Funko’s newest line of Pop! vinyl figures. What’s cool about this release is that every Pop! Funko figure is Freddy dressed up as a different character, including Superman, Flavor Flav, Count Chocula, Frankenberry, Freddy Krueger, The Ramones and Buzz Lightyear.

While every SDCC 2011 Exclusive Freddy Pop! Funko vinyl figure is limited edition, Funko also threw in some ultra rare chase figures for fans to hunt down! These include metallic variants and glow in the dark chases of most of the Freddy Pop! vinyl figures.

The Blot really doesn’t know very much about these Freddy Pop! Funko figures, but thanks to Gemini Collectibles we have all of the figures above. You can also purchase some of the Comic-Con exclusives seen here at Gemini Collectibles online store but be prepared to pay $60-225 per figure!

SDCC 2011 Exclusive Slimer Meathead Resin Figure by Motorbot

Since Motorbot had to cancel his plans to attend San Diego Comic-Con 2011, he’s catering to those of us stuck at home and releasing his SDCC exclusives online. These Comic-Con 2011 exclusives will only be available online from July 21st-24th at the Deadbear online store, and his first exclusive is the Slimer Meathead!  Doesn't it look awesome!?!

Out of all of Motorbot’s amazing resin figures, The Blot’s favorite colorway has always been his Slimer color scheme. A tribute to the popular Ghostbusters ghoul of the same name, the Slimer Meathead features translucent green resin, a hand painted mouth and a yellow doll eye. Each San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Exclusive Slimer Meathead retails for $15, comes bagged with a header card and can be purchased here until Sunday, July 24, 2011!

The Avengers Teaser Movie Poster - SDCC 2011

San Diego Comic-Con 2011 has officially begun and the leaks are already hitting the internet. Take, for example, the first one sheet movie poster for 2012’s The Avengers seen above. What is sure to be Marvel’s next summer blockbuster, The Avengers is going to be huge! The Blot can just feel it. How can you go wrong with a movie directed by Joss Whedon and starring Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) and Mark Ruffalo (Hulk).

The Avengers is scheduled to premiere in theaters on Friday, May 4, 2012.

Surprise New Figure from Dragatomi Debuts Tonight at SDCC 2011 Preview Night

Something strange and exciting was caught on tape in the woods this week…but only the fine folks of Dragatomi know what mythical creature hides behind the trees. The only way to find out is by braving the wild and heading over to Dragatomi’s San Diego Comic-Con Booth # 4935 tonight during Preview Night to see the world debut of this all blue figure.

Is it vinyl or is it resin? Who was it designed by? The Blot’s guessing Bigfoot, who just happens to have a signing scheduled at Dragatomi’s SDCC Booth #4935 at 1pm on Saturday, July 23rd for a new print release, but what do I know! Watch the video and examine the photo for yourself, and let me know your guesses!

SDCC 2011 Exclusive Captain America: The First Avenger Mondo Screen Print Series by Olly Moss, Tyler Stout & Eric Tan

For the first time ever, Mondo will have its very own booth at San Diego Comic-Con 2011! Not only that, but the Austin based company will be releasing six all new Captain America: The First Avenger screen prints by three fan favorites: Olly Moss, Tyler Stout and Eric Tan. Marvel Comics fans may recognize Tyler Stout’s two prints, as the image was first seen as the cover the comic books Captain America: First Vengence issue #4. The other four propaganda style prints by Olly Moss and Eric Tan will be making their debut at SDCC.

Tyler Stout’s Captain America print measures 24″x36″, has a limited edition run size of 650 pieces and will sell for $50. The Stout’s Metallic Variant has a run size of 220 pieces and will retail for $100. Olly Moss’ Captain America Propaganda screen prints measure 18″x24″, have run sizes of 375 pieces, and will retail for $85 per set. Eric Tan’s Captain America Propaganda screen prints measure 18″x24″, have run sizes of 220 pieces, and will cost $80 per set.

There has been no word on when these prints will go on sale at Comic-Con, but I believe they will be made available for purchase at random times throughout San Diego Comic-Con 2011 at Mondo’s SDCC Booth #433. I would also recommend following Mondo on Twitter to find out more details concerning the sale of these amazing SDCC 2011 Exclusive Captain America: The First Avenger screen prints.

Color Ink Book’s SDCC 2011 Exclusives

This is a huge San Diego Comic-Con 2011 for Color Ink Book and The Brothers Washburn with over 7 exclusives and 11 different signing events! Head over to the Color Ink Book SDCC Booth #5569 for the debut of Travis Lampe’s Rayola plush figure and pick up the SDCC 2011 Exclusive Monochrome Colorway (limited edition run of 80 figures).

You will also find the Color Ink Book x Skinner SDCC 2011 Exclusive GID Toxic Mini Lurker at the Color Ink Book (limited edition run of 50 figures) and a fun new print by Alex Pardee. To find out more about Color Ink Book’s Comic-Con Exclusives, including t-shirts, magazines and prints, click here for a full run down!

SDCC 2011 Exclusive Ty_po Dunny Series 2 by Ryan the Wheelbarrow

For those of you attending San Diego Comic-Con 2011, be sure to stop by Dragatomi’s Booth #4935 for some amazing custom toys, including Ryan the Wheebarrow’s new Ty_po Dunny Series 2. This exciting new black and gold 14 piece 3” custom Dunny series will be blind box assorted in hand screen printed boxes and will retail for $60 each. Created with spraypaint, die cut vinyl lettering and dry transfer instant lettering on a 3" Dunny, then glossed for your viewing pleasure.

Ryan will also be dropping 2 fresh ty_po dunny 8" Dunnys, which utilize his new combination of up-cycled vinyl stickers with the vintage Chartpak & Letraset fonts. One clean and one not so much. The golden one ( ex. 8c - x sell_nt ) combines the masking of adhesive die cut letters with gold spray paint and a glossy coating. The black design ( ex. 8d - old scratch ) as well as the Ty_po Dunny Series 2 uses said masked golden vinyl letters to create a negative balance with controlled chaos. All contain various text_ures with abstract eyes peering into your soul and giving them each their own individuality. Both 8" one-offs will also come with hand screen printed boxes and retail for $260 each.

Ryan the Wheelbarrow will also be holding a signing and creating complimentary screen printed cards at the Dragatomi booth on Sunday, July 24 from 1-2pm.

SDCC Exclusive Easter Egg Custom Mongolions by L’amour Supreme

The Blot knows very little about these beautiful custom Mongolions by L’amour Supreme but they are way too beautiful to ignore. These Easter Egg Mongolions feature pastel colored rubs which really show off the figure’s killer sculpt. For those of you interested in these San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Exclusive custom Mongolions, I recommend tracking down whatever booth L’amour Supreme is showcasing his wears on Preview Night. If you wait much longer than that you may miss out completely on an Easter Egg Mongolion.

Jamungo x Scott Wilkowski SDCC 2011 Exclusive BUDbat Resin Figure

For the 2nd year in a row Scott Wikowski will be releasing a killer looking Jamungo BUD resin figure. This year’s San Diego Comic-Con exclusive is the BUDbat and just look at how amazing these resin heads are! The Jamungo x Scott Wilkowski SDCC 2011 Exclusive BUDbat comes in 2 different colors (Green and Blue) and has a limited edition run size of 80 figures. Each BUDbat retails for $60 and can be purchased at the DKE Toys SDCC Booth #4728. And don’t forget to stop by the DKE Toys booth on Saturday, July 23rd at 5pm for signing featuring BOTH Ferg and Scott Wilkowski.

SDCC 2011 Exclusive Ducktales #1 8-Bit Variant Cover by Boom! Studios

One of The Blot’s favorite SDCC 2010 exclusives was the Darkwing Duck #1 variant cover which paid homage to Frank Miller’s iconic cover for The Dark Knight Returns. This year Boom! Studios is at it again with an awesome San Diego Comic-Con 2011 exclusive variant cover for its newest series, Ducktales! The Blot was a huge Ducktales fan as a kid and I spent many a night playing the Ducktales Nintendo video game. So this 8-bit variant cover definitely hits close to home.

Pick up the San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Exclusive Ducktales #1 8-Bit Variant Cover at the Boom! Studios SDCC Booth #2743 and you might just "solve a mystery or re-write history" at Comic-Con this year. The Ducktakes 8-Bit Variant Cover has a limited edition run size of 500 pieces and retails for $10 each.

SDCC 2011 Exclusive The Muppet Show “It's Not Easy Being Green” Variant Screen Print by Dave Perillo

The Muppets make their first appearance in Acme's popular and growing Disney Underground line with this San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Exclusive The Muppets variant screen print by Dave Perillo entitled “It's Not Easy Being Green.” Limited to just 100 pieces, this 18"x24" signed and numbered 4 color screen print can be purchased at Acme’s SDCC Booth #5629 for $50 each.

For those of us unable to attend SDCC, there is the standard version of Perillo's The Muppets screen print (which you can see above) that will eventually be available for purchase via Acme’s online store.

SDCC 2011 Exclusive Grapefruit Honoo the Flame by Leecifer

Leecifer’s first production San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive drops this week and it’s a clear orange “Grapefruit” Honoo the Flame! This fiery little monster is sure to heat up any collection with his infections smile and devilish looks, and he can now be yours via a trip to SDCC 2011. Catch this 4” fireball at the Super7 SDCC Booth #4729 for $35 each and you might even run into Leecifer while you’re there!