Denver Comic Con 2015: Droids!

It’s Con season and geeks are in full bloom. Every year at Denver Comic Con, there are so many sights to behold. We got a lot of interviews this year. We will be featuring each interview from Denver Comic Con over the next three months! First up is Jim Shima, droid builder extraordinaire. We like covering cool items, but also affordable items. Now these may look expensive, and some are, but one can build a droid over time. There is a huge support group out there and, budget providing, you can have your Astromech up and running in no time.

Item:

Real life Droids!

What it is:

DYI protocol Droid and Astromech, better known as C3PO and R2D2

How Much it Costs:

Cost can vary quite a bit, depending on materials and function of the Droid. If you want a nice looking R2 unit to just sit and look pretty, here’s a list and instructions on how to do that-

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-a-R2D2-Full-Size-Scratch-Built/

Total cost is about $150-$200.

If you want something that can move, have cool light and sounds.

Here’s one guide I found online that showed a higher end R2-

http://r2d2-robot.blogspot.com

There are actually dozens of how to guides and a great support group out there.

In the Colorado/Wyoming area we have Mountain States Droid Builders (http://msr2droids.com/) . A great bunch of friendly people. You can find them here on their Facebook page –

https://www.facebook.com/MountainStatesR2Builders

Just Google your local area for builders as they are all over the world.

Total cost is in the $5000 range, some as high as $10,000. This can vary depending on materials but I think can expect it to exceed $500 :). Keep in mind though that you can spread this cost out over many years. You might need that time to gain the skill needed and build it slowly to make it just perfect.

As you can see there’s more than just R2D2 and C3PO that can be built.

Is It Worth It?:

Everything we cover at Hush is worth it! Droids are no exception. Certainly these are the most recognizable pieces of movie-making magic ever. C3PO and R2D2 are the most well known and well liked characters in the history of movies. If you have a home theater or you are the ultimate Star Wars collector you would not be disappointed with life sized R2 or 3PO. I think the extra bonus is that you get the satisfaction of knowing you built it. Just like Anakin you can be a Droid builder and build C3PO, and maybe one day a Sith Lord.

Bottom Line:

This probably the coolest item we have covered yet here at Hush for Shut Up and Take My Money. That being said, this takes a time and financial commitment. You might be able to offer money to one of the current builders for a finished droid, but I wouldn’t count on it. They would probably want quite a bit of money for them, and rightly so! If this is something you would like to have, take some time and do some research online. There is a great community of friendly folks who have gone down the same road and are willing to offer advise. Being good with your hands and having some experience with electronics is a plus but not a requirement. I believe all that is required is passion, enthusiasm and commitment to the build.

My special thanks to Jim Shima for sharing his passion with me and allowing Hush to do an interview with him.

You can find out info about his projects here- www.hyperdynelabs.com

Life-Size Boba Fett!

This month we went back to Bigtop Collectibles to see their big surprise they told us about last month. I was shocked when I saw this life-size figure of Boba Fett standing with the imposing look of a bounty hunter. We also wanted to see what else was new at Bigtop and maybe more in our price range.

Item:

Boba Fett Life-Size Figure by Sideshow Collectibles & Star Wars Black series actions figures.

What it is:

6-1/2′ tall Boba Fett designed by Sideshow Toys crafts people and Lucasfilm artists.

Newly released Star Wars Black series 6″ tall figures with amazing detail.

How Much it Costs:

Life-size Boba Fett retails for $8000. From what Carlos told me, all of the production models are spoken for so that means on eBay, you are looking at closer to $10,000.

If you want the 6″ version in the new Star Wars Black series, that’ll only set you back about $20.

More Star Wars Black Series.

Is It Worth It?:

You bet! Well, if you have the pocket book for the life-size version. I image the most fanatical of Star Wars Collectors would buy up all the life-size versions of Star Wars characters if they could. This would make an awesome piece in a home theater or display in your amazing toy collector room.

The 6″ version is really awesome in it’s own right. They are great to play with, have great detail, and display very well. On top of that you could buy 100 of these and still be way under the purchase price of the 6′ versions.

Boba Fett and Jango Fett, for that matter, are one of my top 5 favorite Star Wars characters. As much as I would love the life size one, I’l be buying myself the 6″ version for $20.

Bottom Line:

If you want the life size one, good luck! They are all spoken for and those willing to sell will probably want a lot for it. As for the more affordable 6″ figures, Bigtop has plenty in stock of all your favorite characters.

Bigtop Collectibles 1138 | Star Wars Superstore

Item/Place:

Bigtop Collectibles 1138 | Star Wars Superstore

 12650 West 64th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80004

(303) 431-3757

http://www.bigtopcollectibles1138.com/

What it is:

I had the pleasure of meeting Carlos Lopez, the owner, and talk with him about Bigtop Collectibles 1138. He has a sincere love for Star Wars and started collecting in 1991 when the Timothy Zahn books came out. He started buying and selling Star Wars collectibles in 1992 and has continued to this day. Hard core George Lucas fans will recognize the “1138” in their name – Bigtop Collectibles 1138.

Bigtop is the most amazing Star Wars Collectors store ever with the added bonus of having thousands of other collectible toys. They have an impressive collection of Hot Toys figures from some of the most popular current movies. From the video you can see the Avengers, Star Wars, Walking Dead, Star Trek and LEGOs!. This store opened on 12.12.12 but Bigtop Collectibles has been around since 1992.

How Much it Costs:

They have figures from $5 to $300. I found many things very affordable and for the the discerning high end collector, very fair prices. I didn’t see any of the higher end items that were that were overpriced.

Is It Worth It?:

For the Star Wars collector, this is a must-visit store if you are in Colorado. There were items I haven’t seen anywhere else, except maybe online for outrageous prices. If you are into vintage Star Wars, they have a large assortment of pristine or nearly pristine still in the box play-sets and starships. It was simply amazing to see so much of it all in one place and in such great condition.

Bottom Line:

The thing I loved about Bigtop was how easy it was to find everything. The store is meticulously arranged in perfectly straight rows and perfectly organised. The display cases beautifully showed the higher end action figures.

Carlos, the owner,  told me that they are receiving something HUGE this week that no one in the state will have. He said it was Star Wars related and was such a cool big item that people from all around will come to check it out. He didn’t want to tell me exactly what it was, but we will cover it right here on Hush Comics for next month’s “Shut Up and Take My Money.” We can’t wait to find out what this item is!

Thank you to Carlos for the tour and the interview.

Bigtop Collectibles 1138 | Star Wars Superstore

 12650 West 64th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80004

(303) 431-3757

http://www.bigtopcollectibles1138.com/

Bigtop Collectibles

Fifty Two 80’s: A Totally Awesome Shop!

This month we are not going to review a single item, but rather we will review an entire era: the 1980s – yes, we went there. You may ask how we accomplished this feat of time travel? Was it Police Box, Delorean or a hot tub? No, we stepped through the threshold of a magical emporium called Fifty Two 80’s: a totally awesome shop.

Item/Place:

Fifty Two 80s a Totally awesome Shop!

 

What it is:

A store entirely dedicated to items right out the 80s and early 90s. These good people stock mostly toys, but also have some clothes and iconic posters from that era. Here’s just a short list of items I found of interest: Voltron with all the Lions, Garbage Pail Kids collector cards, GI-Joes from 84-89, a Captain America poster from the 80’s TV show, PeeWees Playhouse toys/videos, Plush Gizmo from Gremlins, WWF actions figures, and a full sized Chewbacca cardboard cutout. You can see many more of these items in the video above and the pictures below.

How Much it Costs:

The cost is so affordable you can’t miss the opportunity to go to this store and step back in time. Items range in price from a few dollars to around a hundred dollars. Most items I saw were under twenty bucks. These items are not in perfect or A+ condition and might be missing a few parts. That’s what makes this store special. Everything is meant to be enjoyed without having to spend a fortune to relive your childhood. This isn’t a thrift store either! All the items are laid out and displayed with care. If you are looking for something specific and they have it, you will find it. You don’t have to dig through bins or shelves of random brick-a-brack to find that special item that will trigger those joyous memories of your childhood.

Is It Worth It?:

This store is beyond worth it – from the casual to the hardcore collector and everyone in-between. I’m a casual collector and have some nearly mint items that could go for hundreds of dollars. The down side is, neither myself nor my kids really get to enjoy my collectable toys anymore because I’m trying to retain their value. Fifty Two 80’s gives you and your kids a chance to enjoy toys from the 1980’s and 90’s. These vintage toys are very inexpensive and in a condition that begs to be played with. While I was at Fifty Two 80s my eight year old son ran around this store discovering a whole new world of toys he’s never seen. We ended up getting three GI-Joes and a couple of loose Star Wars Micromachines for fifteen bucks! These prices will blow away any bargain you find on ebay. They do have some better condition items that go for more and even those are set at amazingly low prices. If you happen to be in south Denver, stop by Fifty Two 80s a Totally awesome shop. Talk to Tony or DeDe, the co-owners, about any item you find. They are very knowledgeable and totally awesome people!

5280s a Totally Awesome 1980s shop:

1874 S. Broadway, Denver CO 80210

Store Hours:

Wednesday – Friday from noon to 6 p.m.

Saturday- noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday – noon to 4 p.m.

Shut Up and Take My Money: Hot Toys Hulk Action Figure

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. 64^th 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.

Shut Up and Take My Money: Tactical BBQ Kit

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:

Tactical BBQ Gift Pack

What it is:

The last of the snow has hopefully fallen and the time has come to put away the winter clothes and break out the summer gear. With that also comes time to break out the grill and have some friends over for hotdogs and hamburgers. Nobody likes their clothes to be stained with grease from cooking and everyone needs the proper equipment to make sure everything comes out perfect. This tactical gear kills two birds with one stone. You not only get protection from the dangers of cooking but you also get the proper ordinance such as a laser guided pizza cutter and laser guided BBQ fork to make sure your brats or pizza doesn’t try to pull any shit. The tactical vest itself looks like a bomb disposal vest and has four pouches to store everything from seasoning and barbecue sauce to extra magazines.

How Much it Costs:

$70 is the original asking price on ThinkGeek, but it is currently on sale for $50. I also found it cheaper on Amazon for around $40 so there are options all over the place.

Is It Worth It?:

For fifty bones this seems like a no-brainer. If you are anything like me and enjoy grilling/cooking but hate the idea of having to wear some fruity apron to keep your clothes clean, then this should be right up your alley. This does however seem a little tedious to take on and off since it does require you to wear it like an actual vest but if you keep it on the whole time I can’t see there being any big issues. The best part isn’t even the vest so much as the laser-guided utensils.

Bottom Line:

For the price, you can’t go wrong as a goofy impulse purchase. Even if you don’t end up liking it that much for the apron, you still get the really cool utensils. This is a little pricey to be purchased as a gag gift unless you can find it pretty cheap on Amazon, but I couldn’t see any man not enjoying something like this.

 

Shut Up and Take My Money: Greg Capullo Court of Owls Action Figures

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:

DC Comic Designer Series: Greg Capullo Series 1 Figures

What it is:

Today, the first four figures from the new Designer Series are released. The first to get the treatment is Greg Capullo’s Batman (written by Scott Snyder, and really just the best DC Comics book out for the last three years. The first set of four to be released are: Batman, Nightwing, Talon and Nygma (Riddler), the latter of which appearing in the Zero Year storyline (happening right now!), while Nightwing and Talon are brought to life from earlier storylines (Death of the Family and the already legendary Court of Owls). Each figure comes with appropriate props: Batman with Batarangs, Nightwing with escrima sticks, Nygma with his staff and Talon with daggers and a Court of Owls mask. I know these are supposed to be collectibles, but there’s nothing that can convince me that I’m not supposed to take Talon and Batman out of the box to make them duel each other. The design is pays homage to Capullo’s craft just as much as it does to the progress DC Collectibles has made over the years.

How Much it Costs:

These figures are a little pricier than normal, netting about $25 per figure – give or take a few depending on where you get it. Right now, you can find the figures at most any outlet, but with this being the first edition of the new Designer Series, I expect that these will become highly coveted collectibles in no time.

Is It Worth It?:

Collectors will not hesitate to pick these beauties up and fans of the comic book will instantly have a unique souvenir to remind them of this superb book that inspired them. That being said, they are on the expensive side – it seems to be the way figures are getting now. It will be hard to justify buying the whole series, especially with a second series on the way in October. That being said, the Talon figure is just so detailed, it would be hard to pass up getting, as there are no other DC Collectibles for The Court of Owls. I expect these will sell out soon, and prying them form the fingers of greedy fanboys could be much costlier.

 

Bottom Line:

Buy these. Buy two. One to play with and one to keep in the box to brag about to your friends. The Nightwing and Nygma figures are dope, but let’s be real; Batman and Talon are the real show-stoppers here. How cool would it be to buy a bunch of Talons and descend upon Gotham with only one Batman to stop them? …This is bad news for my wallet, guys.

Shut Up and Take My Money: Captain America Shield 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:

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.

Shut Up and Take My Money: Toilet Sarlacc

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:

Star Wars Toilet Sarlacc decal set

What it is:

It’s a crap!!! Based off the scene in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi where Boba Fett is famously swallowed into the Great Pit of Carkoon, these toilet bowl decals allow you to recreate the scene over and over again using your own poo! Complete with tentacles, barbed teeth and poor Boba himself, it’s a hilarious recreation of the scene.

How Much it Costs:

You can only buy the Toilet Sarlacc decal set from toiletsarlacc@gmail.com – and the cost is $25. It’s currently sold out, but the maker is taking pre-orders for a new batch of prints. I can’t imagine that Disney is cool with this, so get one while you can, before Disney slaps the site with a good ole cease and desist.

Is It Worth It?:

Ashamedly, yeah, this is kinda worth it. At $25, it makes for a great gag gift (or at least you can tell your friends that) and, fortunately for you, it’s only available online, so you don’t have to explain yourself to the smart-ass sixteen year old behind the counter.

Bottom Line:

The Toilet Sarlacc won’t make you cooler, per-say, but it will definitely leave a lasting impression on anybody fortunate enough to sit upon your toilet. The application process doesn’t look like too much fun – draining the water out of your toilet and manually applying the decals to the inside of your bowl – and I can only imagine what this thing would look like after a few months, but it’s a clever idea and I’m hoping it will spawn an entire line of nerd-themed toilet accessories. Who needs a girlfriend when you can poop into a Sarlacc’s mouth?

Written by Sherif Elkhatib

Shut Up and Take My Money: 300 Helmet Licensed 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.

Written by Sherif Elkhatib