I recently attended the Toy and Doll Collectors Supershow locally in Thornton, Colorado.\. There were many treasures to be found, but one item really caught my eye.
Item:
Hot Toys Hulk 1/6th figure
What it is:
It is an amazingly detailed action figurine of The Hulk. As a character, The Hulk generally needs no introduction as he has made a huge “impact” in the Marvel Universe spanning many decades. The Hulk likes to be a loner, but he’s also a member of The Avengers. This particular action figure was created to scale along side the other Avengers in this line. Each of these Hot Toys figures was created with an incredible amount of detail and attention to match the movie versions of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
A company named Hot Toys out of Hong Kong creates these figures. They are well known for creating very detailed and collectible action figures. I had the pleasure of speaking with Brandon, working the booth for BigTop Collectibles. He was able to give me some great information about this Hulk and the history of The Hulk in general. Brandon has a great deal of knowledge when it comes to collectibles, comics and general geeks subjects all around. It was a bit noisy at the convention so please forgive the background sounds but in this video you get some info from Brandon and a demonstration of how this Hulk moves.
How Much it Costs:
As you heard in the video, these action figures are made in a limited run. They are not serial numbered but Hot Toys does as much as they can to ensure price protection. Brandon even told me that BigTop received some damaged Hulks. Hot Toys asked that they destroy those Hulks and show proof of the destruction. They were sent replacements right away. Hot Toys does not want any poor quality products reaching the secondary market. The manufacturer generally does an announcement when they are going to do a run and you can pre-order these. The initial price for this Hulk was somewhere around $200-300. Now that the production run is over the price has gone up quite a bit. I have seen them being offered from $399-$499 around the net.
Is It Worth It?:
For any Avengers, or Hulk collector for that matter, this would be could be the prize of your collection. It’s an exceptional piece, very well made, and created exclusively to reflect the recent Avengers movie.
I want to thank Brandon and BigTop Collectibles for the interview and time they spent with me to create this review. If you are interested in seeing this Hulk or any number of other collectibles like this, you can visit BigTop Collectibles in Arvada Colorado 12650 W. 64th Ave, Unit E or online at http://www.bigtopcollectibles1138.com .
*Hush Comics is not affiliated with nor receives any compensation from BigTop Collectibles. This article is intended for informational purposes only and not as an endorsement of any one company or business.
The money in our bank account is limited, so how unfair is it that there are endless gadgets, collectibles and toys out there that demand to be purchased? Let us help you sift through the crap, so you don’t can save that hard-earned cash for the things that deserve it. In other words, we give you the power to go to the counter and say, “Shut Up and Take My Money!”
Item:
Captain America: Life-Sized Replica Shield
What it is:
I believe the name pretty much says it all, but for those with possible reading comprehension issues – it is a life-sized replica of the shield that Captain America uses in the new film. It comes in the standard color but a new color is available, as well. I would have preferred they went with something that fit with the comics a bit more like one that has the visible crack his shield got after breaking and being re-bonded together. The website states that this is constructed of fibre-reinforced polymer and metal with leather hand straps. It stands 27 inches tall and looks like it is pretty thick. Every aspiring hero or defender of justice should own one. Perhaps police can get one as standard issue?
How Much it Costs:
For $1500, this thing had better be made out of actual vibranium if they expect people to actually purchase it. That being said, I am a major Captain America fan and plan to dress up for the upcoming film. If I had an extra 1500 bucks lying around I would strongly consider purchasing something like this since all the other replicas I have seen on the market have been cheap knockoffs or kids toys with no heft. This does however appear to be expertly crafted and they have obviously spared no expense when it comes to material. I would like a little more information about this polymer but I am sure something that will be mounted on my wall or be used in the occasional dress up event should suffice from the current materials being used. Like the Nightwing Escrima Sticks this is really only for the serious collector or major fan of the Cap.
Is It Worth It?:
For $1500, this thing had better be made out of actual vibranium if they expect people to actually purchase it. That being said, I am a major Captain America fan and plan to dress up for Captain America: Winter Soldier, out this Friday (April 4th). If I had an extra 1500 bucks lying around I would strongly consider purchasing something like this since all the other replicas I have seen on the market have been cheap knockoffs or kids toys with no heft. This does, however, appear to be expertly-crafted and they have obviously spared no expense when it comes to material. I would like a little more information about this polymer but I am sure something that will be mounted on my wall or be used in the occasional dress up event should suffice from the current materials being used. Like the Nightwing Arsenal, this is really only for the serious collector or diehard Cap fan.
Nailed it.
Bottom Line:
If you are a serious collector of high-end pieces, major fan of Captain America, or even planning to protect America from that Nazi bastard the Red Skull, then you should definitely own this. Otherwise, it’s safe to say that you can pass on this or buy a cheaper replica.
The money in our bank account is limited, so how unfair is it that there are endless gadgets, collectibles and toys out there that demand to be purchased? Let us help you sift through the crap, so you don’t can save that hard-earned cash for the things that deserve it. In other words, we give you the power to go to the counter and say, “Shut Up and Take My Money!”
Item:300 Helmet Licensed Replica
What it is: What is it? IT IS SPARTA! The universally recognized headpiece from Leonidas and the 300 elite Spartans can be yours. Lucky for you, you don’t need to stab a wolf, kick a dude down a well or have a twelve pack of ab muscles. All you gotta do is put up the cash and order it online. This isn’t your average replica; it’s forged in hell itself…. Okay sorry, getting carried away. The helmet is made of steel, plated in brass and lined in leather. That last bit lets you know that this baby was meant to be worn, not put on display like some boy-loving Greek.
How Much it Costs: The retail price of this glorious headpiece is over $300. It’s a steep price for a replica, but when you think about movie and show replicas, it’s rare to find a collectible that embodies the spirit of the source material so fully. There are other options if you can’t throw down the full votive, there are tons of awesome-looking hand-made helmets that also bring glory to Sparta.
Is It Worth It?: Oh hell yeah it is. It is literally the coolest thing you can buy for the dollar amount. And you can wear it anywhere, literally anywhere. I mean, have you personally ever made fun of a Spartan helmet? No, you haven’t, because anybody that rocks a Spartan helmet is one bad mutha. Only thing is, you need some Xerxes type wealth to comfortably afford this. You could always spring for the hand-made models on eBay, but if we’re talking about a home-made model, I’d rather get my hands on a 3-D printer and make my own than spend $100 on somebody else’s work – as cool as it may be.
Bottom Line: It is almost too awesome to pass up. I can’t even imagine how cool it would be to go see 300: Rise of an Empire this weekend and find somebody in the seats wearing this. I couldn’t even get mad at him for blocking my view. All things considered, I wouldn’t mess with this collectible due to the price tag, but it is a beauty.
The money in our bank account is limited, so how unfair is it that there are endless gadgets, collectibles and toys out there that demand to be purchased? Let us help you sift through the crap, so you don’t can save that hard-earned cash for the things that deserve it. In other words, we give you the power to go to the counter and say, “Shut Up and Take My Money!”
Item: Batman Arkham City Nightwing Arsenal
What it is: If you ever wanted to have an amazing replica of Nightwings sticks to help you fight crime with, then look no further. The replica creators at Triforce have managed to meticulously create the arsenal that Nightwing uses in the Arkham City game. It comes complete with a full-scale replica of Nightwings escrima sticks that actually light up to simulate the electricity running through them. The collection also comes with a collection of darts, posters and gimmicks and a really nice stand to display everything. The sticks and darts are hand- finished and hand painted out of polystone that has a solid feel and weight to it. Polystone is a very high quality material that allows for the sculptor to be very detailed in the design of replicas. This replica spares no expense to be the most accurate replica on the market.
How Much it Costs: This item is only for the serious collectors and will set you back around a thousand dollars. On the plus side however, the shipping is free so you have that to look forward to. There isn’t anywhere that seems to be offering any discounts, but it wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye for possible price drops if you are seriously considering purchasing.
Is It Worth It?: With a price tag over a thousand dollars, this is really only going to be considered worth it to people who are serious Nightwing fans or collectors with some money burning a hole in their pockets. There is no doubt that this is an amazing replica and for the money, you can’t get something of higher quality. With high-end materials and the meticulous hand crafted nature of this replica, you really can’t go wrong if you did decide to spend the money.
Bottom Line: This is definitely not for your average collector. Big money and an affinity for Nightwing are prerequisites for purchase here. If both of those requirements are met though, I would have to highly recommend getting this. It is almost too awesome to pass up.
The money in our bank account is limited, so how unfair is it that there are endless gadgets, collectibles and toys out there that demand to be purchased? Let us help you sift through the crap, so you don’t can save that hard-earned cash for the things that deserve it. In other words, we give you the power to go to the counter and say, “Shut Up and Take My Money!”
Item:Mass Effect M-6 Carnifex Full Scale Replica
What it is: While I wait for inFamous: Second Son and Metal Gear Solid V to come out in March, I’ve been keeping myself busy by re-playing the Mass Effect trilogy. Mass Effect is one of the best games I’ve ever played. It created it’s own universe, with new species, planets and, of course, weapons. The M-6 Carnifex was officially named in the second game, and fully-detailed in the third. It is a Magnum-like pistol with heavy rounds and high accuracy. For a video demonstrating its badass-edness, check it out below:
The replica weighs in at seven pounds, which tells me that it’s sturdy and feels realistic – not some plastic knock-off. So you’d be paying for the real deal – minus, you know, the fact that it doesn’t shoot out lethal beams. It does, however, have functioning LED lights that turn on when the trigger is pulled… so there’s that.
How Much it Costs: The M-6 Carnifex is not for the faint of heart. When the replica was announced last year (along with the M-3 Predator and Geth Pulse Rifle), it retailed for $400 (the Pulse Rifle is still available for pre-order if you are willing to drop $750). The Carnifex is sold out everywhere, but with just a little bit of digging, you can find it on eBay or Amazon for around $250. This isn’t out of the ordinary, as a lot of Tri-Force’s collectibles are highly-coveted and, therefore, highly-priced.
Is It Worth It?: It’s a tough call. Fans that are interested in hard-core cosplaying for Mass Effect should jump at the opportunity to adorn themselves with such an incredibly detailed sidepiece. Collectors should also jump at the chance to own a Tri-Force collectible. Only 500 of these babies were made, so once they run out on their first cycle through eBay and Amazon, the price will skyrocket. Picking up one now would be a sound investment. Casual fans of the game and collectibles should probably just admire the pretty pictures and move on. Paying over $200 for any collectible is a serious investment, and you may end up sleeping on the couch with your new pistol if it’s not the investment you try to make it.
Bottom Line: This is a premium replica at a premium price. If you love Mass Effect that much, or want to invest in a collectible that will undoubtedly give you a return, go ahead and pick one up. These things are selling out like divorce attorneys at a Kardashian family reunion, though, so act quickly if you aim to buy. Hopefully, the success of the Carnifex will lead Tri-Force to try out other video-game replicas.
The money in our bank account is limited, so how unfair is it that there are endless gadgets, collectibles and toys out there that demand to be purchased? Let us help you sift through the crap, so you don’t can save that hard-earned cash for the things that deserve it. In other words, we give you the power to go to the counter and say, “Shut Up and Take My Money!”
Item:Walking Dead Survival Kit
What it is: It’s that time of year again: The Walking Dead is back! Every time this show comes back on, it makes us want to prepare ourselves for the zombie apocalypse. Thankfully, that will be easier than ever, as this fully-loaded kit (minus the weapons, but it will do) embroidered with TWD branded items. This isn’t your average novelty set; this kit has some hardcore do-dads, as well as some rewards for the die-hard fans. The supplies listed below are designed for two people to last three days (sorry, all you third-wheels):
Exclusive AMC The Walking Dead – We’re Survivors Patch to the first 10,000 orders
High end military style messenger bag with brass fittings and custom The Walking Dead Logo
2 – Datrex 2400 Calorie Emergency Food Ration. Stays fresh for up to 5 years
12 – Datrex 4.22 oz packs of Emergency Water. Stays fresh for up to 5 years
1 – Premium Lifeline First Aid kit, 85 Pieces
1 – Lifegear Glow LED Flashlight. Lasts up to 400 hours
2 – Emergency Mylar Space Blankets
2 – Emergency Ponchos for Severe Weather
1 – Leather Palm Work Gloves for moving debris
1 – Waterproof match booklet (where permitted)
4 – Procedural Face Masks
How Much it Costs: The survival kit is listed at $130, available as a pre-order through First My Family LLC and will be released in March-April. This is a company that actually sells emergency response supplies, from radios to first-aid kits to kits just like this. The only question I have, other than “What took AMC so long to capitalize on something like this?” is whether or not they will be released by the time the world ends.
Is It Worth It?: Honestly, not really. I know it’s harsh, and I know this is a pretty cool item, but why would you spend $130 for a bunch of crap you can probably get at Wal-Mart or the Army Surplus store for half the price? If you’re spending that much for a gaudy satchel with a logo and some generic first-aid and survival supplies, you’re probably not going to make it that long in the apocalypse anyway. That being said, though, it’s a really clever idea that will surely make them some money, and it’s really not that much more expensive than the other packs that First My Family LLC offers.
Bottom Line: This is a really cool idea marketed to The Walking Dead fans and zombie apocalypse enthusiasts everywhere. However, It’s just too steep of a price for things that you can gather on your own for a much cheaper price. The fact that it’s adorned with The Walking Dead name won’t help you any in an emergency situation, so why not spend that extra money on a machete, or a hammer, eh Tyreese?
The money in our bank account is limited, so how unfair is it that there are endless gadgets, collectibles and toys out there that demand to be purchased? Let us help you sift through the crap, so you don’t can save that hard-earned cash for the things that deserve it. In other words, we give you the power to go to the counter and say, “Shut Up and Take My Money!”
Item: Avengers Iron Man MAGTITAN NEO LEGEND Bracelet (Carbon Fiber/Titanium)
What it is: For people who want to look like Tony Stark but don’t exactly have the funds of a billionaire, genius playboy, this item is for you. This bracelet isn’t just a replica of the band Tony Stark wore in the Avengers; it is the actual product itself. It is claimed that these are limited edition but I’d be willing to bet that a simple search of the internet will allow you to snag one from somewhere. This is constructed from Titanium, Carbon Fiber, and Stainless Steel which is held together by a high quality epoxy resin. This is constructed from only the best materials. The only thing that is missing is the Mark VII armor that it is supposed to control.
How much it costs: List price is $200 but there are varying discounts around the internet that can be taken advantage of to score one as low as $150. Some websites say that it is Limited Edition but it seems to be easy enough to get one if you really want one.
If it’s worth it or not: If you are the type of guy or gal that thinks it’s worth it to spend money on any type of fashion then I think this could make a nice addition to anyone’s wardrobe. It has nothing but positive reviews on varying sites, however, it does mention to measure you wrist first and to make sure you order the appropriate size. There is nothing like paying good money for something only to have it not fit appropriately. Returning through the internet is a pain in the butt so make sure to order the proper size. Measure twice buy once. I personally think it is worth it and I am seriously considering adding this to my collection; even if I don’t wear it often, it is still a cool piece of movie memorabilia.
photo courtesy of Amazon.com
The bottom line: If you aren’t into wearing jewelry or a big Iron Man fan, steer clear; however, if you are looking for a solid piece of jewelry to add to the collection, I would recommend giving this serious consideration. At this price point and these construction materials, you really can’t go wrong
Anything you feel this article is missing? Are you wondering whether or not a certain product is worth grabbing? Let us know!
It’s only after you finish wiping the tears from your face from “Granite State” that you realize that there is only one episode left in what could be the most cerebral television show of the past decade. It’s normal to have these feelings of anxiety. White people had it when Friends ended, black people felt it when The Wire came to a close, and the Hispanic population all held vigil when the George Lopez Show was canceled. Too soon, I know. Heartbreak aside, there are plenty of ways to commemorate the finale of Breaking Bad. We’ve thought of seven you may want to hear about:
1.) Read Hush Comics’ “Breaking Bad Week” articles:
Every day this week, we will be posting a list relating our favorite moments, episodes and Easter eggs from the rest of the series. We will have interactive polls seeing what your opinion on the matter is, as well as original fan art byJohn Sowetosprinkled throughout the week in our ultimate love letter to Vince Gilligan and Co. Check out Instagram for updates as the week goes on, too. The entire Hush family is invested in the show and are as excited to bring you news as you are to read it. It’ll be a sad, sad moment when the series comes to an end, and we want to hear what you all think about it, too.
sketch by John Soweto. Check our Instagram, HushComics, for details on how you can snag some BrBa giveaways
2.) Buy the Complete Series Blu-Ray Set:
Collectors rejoice! On November 26th, just two months away, the Breaking Bad Complete Series is set to make its way to a retailer near you. With a whopping $225 price tag, the Breaking Bad set has all the feel-good (or Bad, ha!) extras you’ll need to curl up and cry for a week straight. Among the notable bonus feature are: a two-hour long documentary capturing the filming of the final eight episodes, a nostalgic look at each character’s development, as well as numerous amusing anecdotes pertaining to filming and storyline. All told, the extras, which are listed as over 55 hours long, rival the full length of the entire series.
Extras are cool and all, but let’s get real – you buy a complete series for THE STUFF! Stuff-collectors will not be disappointed, as the box set comes inside of a “BrBa” branded barrel of methylamene that you can carry home (or you can roll it, cuz it’s… ya know, a barrel). Inside the tub, which we’re estimating is about two feet tall, are such collector’s items as: a personal 16 page letter from the creator, Vince Gilligan, a Los Pollos Hermanos kitchen apron and a commemorative challenge coin, which I will no doubt scratch one side and flip it around like Two-Face while wearing a pork-pie hat and the signature beard. If you pre-order directly from theBreaking Bad Store, you will receive a free t-shirt. It’s a steep price for any television series set, but collectors and die-hard fans will jump at the chance to own this piece of TV history.
3.) Breaking Bad: Alchemy app/book:
If you’re looking for exclusive interviews, factoids and high-quality photos to give you the inside scoop on Breaking Bad, the Apple iBook app, Breaking Bad: Alchemy, is the place to go. The iPad only app is downloadable for $10; making this an iPad app only definitely leaves the market unsaturated, but after using it, I’m convinced that making it available for smartphones wouldn’t do it justice. I downloaded Alchemy before I set out on a road trip from Denver, Colorado to Lincoln, Nebraska (“What’s in Nebraska?” – Saul Goodman). In the seven-hour drive, I was amazed at the level of depth I came across. I mean, there’s only so much you can learn from a Wiki page before it feels like a chore to read. Not with Alchemy – there was interactive trivia, there was hide-and-seek style clues to click on, and there was death! A really cool detail in this app was the interactive death timeline of all our favorite homies and villains. If I had a 40 with me, I would have poured it all out along I-80. Another great read is the episode guide, in which the titles of episodes are explained. Some focus on a tribute to a past movie or catchphrase, and some mean nothing at all until they are grouped together. In a generation of television that is all about instant gratification, it’s very satisfying to see that kind of forethought put into something as simple as the episode names. The app also focus a lot on different aspects that make up the show, such as cinematography, sound and special effects. Alchemy is all substance (pun!), unlike most books of the same nature. It does a great job of utilizing the medium, by doing what a book cannot by showing the reader instead of telling the reader. It’s any fan’s compendium for the series, giving value to casual and dedicated viewers the same.
Here is shot of the Cousins’ attack on Hank with the film lens filter on and off. Edited with Diptic mobile app.
4.) Road trip to the ABQ:
Who wouldn’t want to take a trip to the ABQ and relive their favorite scenes? We have no idea; they definitely aren’t reading this blog. Taking trips to Albuquerque, New Mexico solely for the purpose of paying tribute to Breaking Bad is totally normal. And unlike The Wire, is totally encouraged by the city that it was filmed in. Albuquerque takes great pride in Breaking Bad, with many of the local businesses feeding off the recent tourism that the heralded show now brings in. We will actually be embarking on our our Breaking Bad tour in a couple weeks, the weekend after the finale which also happens to coincide with the annualInternational Balloon Fiesta. If we’re lucky, we might even see a gigantic Heisenberg face floating in the distance. Keep up with us as we document all our findings through our trip through Heisenberg’s Hometown. By the time we are done, we will hopefully have compiled a comprehensive list of places to go, people to see, and meth dealers to meet. Kidding, we’re keeping that information to ourselves.
5.) The internet is for pornBreaking Bad:
In this lovely age of information, there isn’t much that you can’t find out about your favorite things. In the case of Breaking Bad, there is plenty of buzz. From nerdy t-shirt sites (like Redbubble.com and OnceUponaTee.com) to poorly-drawn webcomics, there’s something for everyone. Before writing our reviews, we always check out other people’s opinions on IGN, the Breaking Bad wiki or Reddit. And we always check out the Heisenberg Chronicleson Tumblr, or deviantartfor screencaps and original fan art. Wikiquotes also offers some pretty great lines of dialogue in the series that you might have forgotten throughout the series. As Breaking Bad falls off the tongues of your friends, the internet is a great place to keep the legend of the Heisenberg alive. Oh, and here’s one on us, http://www.bettercallsaul.com is REAL.
Just grab your meth and double click, it’s Brea-king Bad!
6.) Spin-offs:
Of all the characters that have blank pages of background story, Saul Goodman AKA Saul McGill AKA we don’t actually know if any of that is true is the most intriguing. He always seems to know a guy who knows a guy (spoiler alert: sometimes, that guy also knows a guy, too). So imagine my delight when it was announced on my birthday (gush!) that AMC has given the green light to a prequel story to Bob Odenkirk’s Saul Goodman titled Better Call Saul. It will be fulfilling to find out just how exactly Saul became a “criminal” lawyer. Certainly, it won’t be from positive experiences. He and Mike probably didn’t meet while talking about water on Mars at the bar. The most reassuring news is that it will be created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, so we should see high caliber writing with both members of the Breaking Bad brain-trust having their hands on it.
Another spin-off that Breaking Bad is getting is far less spin-offy, and more cultural recreation. In what I consider a tribute to the original, Mexican television network Univision has picked up the series. From what it sounds like so far, it’s going to be a hilarious telenovela version of the show, boasting main characters Walter and Cielo Blanco (no seriously) as they pretty much do the same thing AMC’s Breaking Bad has done, but with rice and beans for awkward dinner instead of Albertson’s deli food and a significantly lower budget. While it’s undoubtedly going to be hilarious, it will be interesting to see how a Mexican network portrays the very cartel that infects its country. I won’t knock it until I’ve seen it, because, honestly, I can’t think of a better way to teach nerds Spanish.
7.) Comic-Cons:
Go to your local comic book convention. Each year, it becomes less about actual comics (although they are the backbone to such events) and more about thousands of nerdgasms happening simultaneously. Costumes, television shows, action figures, homemade trinkets and fan art capture so much more of the nerd spirit than before, and everybody has benefited. All you need to be at a Comic Con is the appreciation and respect of cult followings. And Breaking Bad definitely has that among all nerd walks of life, as we found out at the Denver Comic Con. Not only is it fully appropriate to wear a yellow haz-mat suit and shave your head to become the Heisenberg, but people loved it when we handed out blue rock candy meth and they crooned when Adrian (dressed quite well as Pinkman) called everybody nearby a “bitch.” Cosplay aside, there were tons of merch, from t-shirts to fan art and cool jewelry, Breaking Bad has already solidified itself as a great American treasure in pop culture with the possibility of being resurrected every time a middle-aged man in sweat-stained underwear and a green button-up shirt walk by.
Sherif and Adrian aka Walt and Jesse
We hope you liked our article! Join us tomorrow as we discussJesse’s Top 7 Bitch Moments… BITCH!
Hey there! Doing some trolling on the web this morning and found a blog called Jafo’s Spot. He posted awesome pics from Toy Fair 2013… which is looking like something I should attend! Here are some the pics he took of new Pop! Funko vinyls Disney Series 5. Yup, shut up and take my money….
Alice!Mary Poppins! I wonder if she can pull out adorable lamps and teaspoons of sugar from her purse!Carl and Russell!!! I definitely need one to collect and one to play with. They need to come out with an Ellie too!!!I love his cane and the tennis balls! So detailed.Baloo and Louie… I love Jungle Book!Jasmine and Jafar…. Sherif will definitely need these!Genie and The Rocketeer…. Disney rocksMerida and Dumbo… Love
Hush Comics 