Matrix Minibust NEO by Dark Horse Comics
Matrix Minibust Trinity by Dark
Horse Comics
Collectible toys, for the most part, may never
be removed from their airtight packaging. Although included under the umbrella
term of “toys,” most of the collectibles mentioned below are designed for
older aficionados of detail, craft and all things “limited edition.”
Matrix
Minibusts: Neo and Trinity
From Dark Horse Comics (ToyShow)and
Gentle Giant Studios come two new mini-busts (6.25 inches tall) of characters
from The Matrix ( $50.00 each). The series of busts will include
other characters from the original film and its sequels, the last of which
is scheduled for release in November.
The first in the series is Neo, portrayed
by Keanu Reeves. The bust is based on three-dimensional scans of the actor
himself. Joining Neo will be his love interest, Trinity, drawn from computer
scans of actress Carrie-Ann Moss. Both Neo and Trinity’s sunglasses are
removable. Each bust will be a numbered, limited edition.
Released in late July, the Chinese MiG-15 Pilot ($34.99)
joins BBI’s Elite Force line of highly detailed 12-inch
military figures. Rounding out the “Mig Alley” Korean War set, the MiG-15
pilot is the perfect compliment to the U.S. Sabre Pilot released earlier
this year. Both figures have unique facial sculpts, loads of authentic
gear and uniforms that are accurate down to the stitching.
George W. Bush Aviator
Figure
George W. Bush Aviator Figure
Last May, the world watched as our President staged his own victory parade
by landing a military jet on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
Now, just in time for “Dubya” to kick off his re-election campaign, Blue
Box has released a special edition Elite Force George W. Bush Aviator
Figure displaying the company’s usual rigorous attention to detail.
G. Dubya figures will be available at KB toys in early September.
New
this summer, this die-cast collectible hot-rod from Playing Mantis’s Johnny
Lightning line features soft tires, open bicycle-style front
wheels that turn, a quick-change rear end and a fully blown Hemi. The
360-degree packaging lets collectors display the car from all angles while
protecting its value.
The Lord of the Rings'
Deluxe Sauron by ToyBiz
The Lord of
the Rings: 10” Deluxe Sauron with Electric Lights and Sound
(ToyShow)
For
collectors five years old and up, the Lord of the Rings ’ Sauron
has been brought to collectible form by ToyBiz ($34.99). Standing
at 10 inches tall, this version of omnipresent evil is far less of a threat
than the menacing overlord depicted in the LOTR movies, but the figure
should get fans scrambling. Embodied as an undefeatable warrior instead
of a giant red eye featured in the first movie, the figure features electric
lights and speaks four authentic phrases from the movie. True to the movie
and book, Sauron’s eyes light up red when he speaks, and the figure’s
hand is detachable so Sauron’s ring can be removed when his hand is severed.
Sonny 12” Military Action
Figure
World War II USMC Flamethrower – Sonny 12” Military Action Figure
Sonny
(ToyShow),
a detailed Marine Corps action figure stationed in Iwo Jima, comes with
an M2.2 flamethrower, M3 pistol and holster strapped to the 1941-likeness
uniform, Thompson machine gun, ammunition and canteen ($39.99). Each military
figure from Dragon Models is poseable and designed specifically for collectors.
Barbie 2003
Collector Edition: Barbie 2003
Mattel ’s Barbie
(ToyShow)
has been a hot collector’s item since she first burst onto the scene in
1959, and the tradition continues with Barbie 2003 ($49.98), a vision
in lavender with detailed beading and a floor-length wrap of organza and
taffeta. Standing 13 inches tall, this special edition Barbie also wears
a rhinestone brooch on her shoulder that reads “2003.”
Thinkway ’s Neopets Kacheek
Neopets: Kacheek Voice-Activated Virtual
Pet
Unlike the first wave of virtual pet fever,
Thinkway ’s Neopets (ToyShow)
come to life and react to the tone of your voice. Yell at Kacheek
and he will respond with complaints. Coo at the collectible
pet, and he will blush and sing merrily. With more than thirty different
sounds, Kacheek can almost baby-sit your child with nods, wiggling ears
and moving from left to right. Neopets love making friends with other
Neopets, so it’s worth a try to collect them all. Each character comes
in four different colors and has unique characteristics of voice and movement.
For a reasonable $12.99, Neopets are easy to afford but difficult to find.
