Another Toy Fair is on the books, and I’m left with a feeling of “ehhh.” It’s very much like how the holidays hit differently the older you get. It’s just a thing that happens every year, whether you want it to or not.
I’m not taking this as a portent of doom or anything, as the industry is very much in flux right now. McFarlane is losing the DC Universe license, Playmates is losing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles license (which is wild since they’ve held onto it for almost four decades), and both licenses are going to Mattel. I’m very curious what Mattel is going to do with both properties, but we’re not likely to see anything of substance until later this year. Yes, I know that Mattel showed off their more budget-friendly/kid-targeted DC line at Toy Fair, and a lot of people had poor knee-jerk reactions thinking that these would be the successors to McFarlane’s adult collector line.
So, was there anything that got me excited that was previewed at Toy Fair? Not really, and I’m starting to think I may be genetically incapable of being excited. That said, some cool stuff was previewed. Gaze upon their works, ye mighty, and despair.
The Transformers: The Movie Studio Series The Matrix of Leadership
The Transformers on display last weekend were largely rereleases and recolors of prior figures, and I’m not rushing to preorder Skywarp as I did for Thundercracker. I’m sure I’ll get there eventually, and that’s all I can really say about it.
The Matrix of Leadership scores some major cool points for sure. It’s a (human-sized) reproduction of the Macguffin that Optimus Prime was carrying around inside his chest for the entirety of the original Transformers cartoon, which was only revealed when he died and passed it on to the new product line’s new batch of Autobot heroes.
All things considered, I’m not keen to drop $125 on this thing when it’s released in August. Ideally, I’d like to pick one up on clearance or at a liquidator for a fraction of the price. I’m not sure how likely that’ll be.
Here’s the product description:
Only the Chosen One can open the Matrix of Leadership and wield its power. Ultra Magnus couldn’t do it, Galvatron couldn’t do it—but you can. March forward into a new age of peace and happiness with this showpiece in your possession.
Celebrating 40 years of The Transformers: The Movie with an iconic, must-have collectible: The Matrix of Leadership.
The Matrix of Leadership comes to Studio Series. The ultimate collectible for Transformers fans, inspired by the iconic 1986 animated film.
Pulsing with the power of Primus, the multi-faceted core features LED lights that shine brighter when the Matrix of Leadership is opened. Expand the frame and feel the power as the full song from the movie echoes through Unicron’s insides. Or, you know, your living room. Optional stand makes for epic shelf display and works with the frame open or closed. Bonus points if you can spot all the Cybertronian Easter eggs.
Product Features
- 9.4H x 15.75W inches (24cm x 40cm) on stand
- Frame extended: 9.4H x 19.5W inches (24cm x 49.5cm) on stand
- LED core with pulsing blue light for cinematic display
- Plays “The Touch” by Stan Bush, the memorable ’80s anthem from the movie
- Extending frame allows for epic roleplay and open/closed display options
- Requires 2 AA batteries (not included)
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA | 3.75 INCH ACTION FIGURE ASSORTMENT WAVE 1
It shouldn’t really surprise anyone reading that I didn’t really vibe with the Battlestar Galactica relaunch from (checks notes) TWENTY YEARS AGO?! It was arguably more successful and well-regarded than its predecessor, but there’s something about those late ’70s, early ’80s sci-fi TV series that I just love. This isn’t a slight against the newer BSG, which I’m sure I’ll get around to watching and enjoying one day.
Factory Entertainment unveiled a 3.75-inch line inspired by the original series, and it looks pretty great. I already know one person who has preordered the wave, and I hope these are successful enough to warrant a second wave because, for me, if there’s no Daggit, it’s no deal.
There’s also a Colonial Viper ship available for preorder at an eye-watering $220, and it doesn’t even fire a spring-loaded missile choking hazard. You’ll just have to settle for it looking cool.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Krang 1/1 Scale Prop
Yeah…yep.
Trick or Treat Studios is psyched to unveil the officially licensed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Krang 1:1 Prop. Ripped straight from Dimension X, this life-sized 1:1 replica of the brainy bad guy is sculpted with wicked detail, oozing with the grotesque genius of Shredder’s slimy sidekick. Crafted from premium latex for a squishy, sinister texture, this prop brings Krang’s menacing presence to your collection or display. Snag the Krang Prop and let this interdimensional terror rule your shelf like the Technodrome itself!
