Mark Your Calendars!— The Release Date for Robert Zemeckis’ New 1:6 Scale Motion Picture, “Welcome to Marwen” Has Been Confirmed

Battle Scar— Mark Hogancamp (as portrayed by actor Steve Carell, off-camera) puts the finishing touches on his new mini-me “Cap’n Hogie” action figure, painting a scar on his right cheek a la GIjOE. During his real-life beating, the right side of Hogancamp’s face DID receive the greatest amount of damage and required extensive reconstructive surgeries. (Screenshot: Universal) Click to enlarge.

U.S. premiere of eagerly anticipated film delayed by 1 month

Finally. we have a date! It’s December 21st, 2018— a day that will forever LIVE in 1:6 scale GLORY. That is now the OFFICIAL release date for the new Robert Zemeckis-Steve Carell action-drama-fantasy, “Welcome to Marwen,” which will be opening in theaters all across the country. Just a short while ago, the film’s release date was still being touted as “sometime in November,” but according to a blurb article just spied in the August 17, 2018 issue of Entertainment Weekly (see below), the new, OFFICIAL premiere date has been moved back a month and is now slated for “12.21.”

It’s now in PRINT— So it must be true, right? No explanation is given for why its premiere was delayed by one month, but according to this article in the August 17, 2018 issue of Entertainment Weekly, the release date for “Welcome to Marwen” is now December 21st. SO EXCITING! Click to enlarge.

Bottom Line: This official confirmation in the press means that fans will have until that time to make their plans for the premiere. Will you be dressing up as a character? Will you be organizing a GIjOE club mass-viewing? Will you be taking along an action figure—or two—to watch the film with you? Remember, according to Amazon, the DVD is not yet even available for pre-order, so until the film is re-released on say, Netflix, fans who miss it in the theaters will have to wait even longer to enjoy it in all of its (freeze-framed) 1:6 scale GLORY at home. Let’s get ready to go to the movies!

 

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Up—or Down?—InvestorPlace Believes That Tough “Structural Challenges” Facing Hasbro Explain Why Investors Should “Fade” (i.e. SELL) Despite the Company’s Recent Stock Market Rally

What the heck is going on?— A wary stock market continues to keep a cautious eye on economic and societal events currently plaguing both Hasbro and Mattel. (Photo: phillipcfd)

It’s a Secret No Longer—There’s a Terrible Truth Facing Today’s Toymakers

Here at The Joe Report, we like to keep an eye on the the economic health of the major players in the toy industry. While reading an article about stock market investment re Hasbro, the term “fade” was used. That left us a tad confused. Fade? Beyond the obvious definitions, what did they mean? We looked up “fade” over on the investopedia website and discovered the following:

“Fade refers to a contrarian investment strategy used to trade against the prevailing trend. A trader who ‘fades’ would sell when a price is rising and buy when it’s falling.” 

Ah. Okay. So the article is encouraging investors to be somewhat “contrarian” when considering investment in the “big H.” That’s understandable in today’s “contrarian” world. In fact, the July 24, 2018 article written by Luke Lango and published recently on the InvestorPlace website proved to be rife with additional quotes of interest for both GIjOE fans and Hasbro followers in general. Here are just a few that stood out to us (edited for length):

Luke Lango, L&F Capital Management, LLC and InvestorPlace contributor (Photo: Luke Lango)

“Surprise, surprise! Toy maker Hasbro (NASDAQ:HAS), one of the companies that was supposed to be crippled by the recent Toys R’ Us liquidation, reported much better than expected second quarter numbers. Revenues weren’t down all that much. Margin compression wasn’t that bad. And profit erosion wasn’t as awful as everyone feared for Hasbro stock. In response to those better than expected numbers, Hasbro stock is up more than 10% to above $105. But I think this is a rally investors would be wise to fade. At $105, the valuation simply doesn’t make sense for Hasbro. Revenues are in retreat. Margins are falling back. There are secular headwinds facing the toy industry outside of Toys R Us. As such, I think Hasbro is way overvalued here, and will inevitably fall as investor enthusiasm fades.”

So… it appears Hasbro is doing just fine–for now. That’s great news. But after the “investor enthusiasm fades,” Lango states he believes the big H’s stock value will FALL. Why should that be the case? Well, apparently, it’s due to something we’ve long discussed here on The Joe Report—the dwindling interest today’s children have in toys—DUE to the growing infiltration of electronic devices such as cell phones, home computers and video gaming systems. Lango clearly concurs:

“The Toys R Us bankruptcy and liquidation was supposed to kill this company. Indeed, it did kill Hasbro in the first quarter of 2018. Revenues dropped 16% year-over-year, led by a 19% decline in the U.S. and Canada business and a 17% decline in the international business. But, the numbers got a lot better in the second quarter. Overall, that is a positive development in the Hasbro growth narrative. The problem is that Hasbro stock is already priced for this positive development, and a whole bunch more. 

At the core, Hasbro’s issue isn’t the Toys R Us liquidation. It is a boom in internet and smart device usage among children. The average age for a child getting their first smartphone is now 10.3 years, so that means that all those 10-year-olds that were playing with Hasbro action figures are now playing on their smartphones.”

Too young? This toddler is clearly engrossed in this—or is it HIS(?)—new cellphone. Will toys ever again appeal to future generations? Or has that appeal already been LOST—forever? (Photo: mercury news)

The very real dangers posed by cell phone addiction, unrestricted access to the internet and excessive video gaming are all well known. For children, those influences can also mean an abrupt end to what HAD been considered a traditional (or “normal”) childhood development. Surrounded by electronic distractions, their lost or waning interest in traditional, imagination-based play—and toys—is practically a given. Lango confirms this bad news with some more startling statistics:

“Plus, tablet usage among children has soared from 26% to 55% over the past several years, while internet usage has soared from 42% to 64%. In other words, children aren’t playing with Hasbro toys as much as they used to. Instead, they are playing on smart tablets and smartphones.“

<Sigh.> The troubles facing the toy industry appear to be just as we feared. So how does Lango see these sad developments affecting Hasbro in the future? He closes with:

“This trend won’t slow any time soon. Indeed, things may only get WORSE for Hasbro as technology continues to grow in popularity. Hasbro’s second quarter numbers were much better than expected…But, that doesn’t mean it is time to buy Hasbro stock. The company has structural challenges due to waning toy demand as a result of growing smart device adoption. So long as these structural challenges remain, Hasbro will have trouble holding onto gains.” —Luke Lango, InvestorPlace Contributor

Q: Who needs toys? A: Fewer and fewer children, apparently. Whenever an iPad or other such high-tech device is placed into the hands of a young child, oftentimes that moment marks the END of what was previously regarded to as a “normal,” or pre-digital childhood development. The resulting “ripple effects” are still being studied and understood, but stock markets are clearly paying attention. (Photo: herald.ie)

Bottom Line: It’s a tough toy-world out there nowadays. Human society—and our children—are changing. Is this a good thing? A bad thing? Or just par for the course of life? Strongly affected by such unpredictable developments, toymakers are clearly heading into some serious economic—as Lango calls them—”headwinds.” Keep your fingers crossed that they’re able to adapt and thrive in such an uncertain business. Let’s hope too, that innocence and childhood isn’t eroded or shortened any further. Heck, when I was growing up in the 1960s-’70s, I remained blissfully ignorant of the “trials and tribulations of adulthood” until I was about 16. Now it’s only 10? Where are we headed?

Messerschmits! 12 O’Clock High!—1:6 Customizer Creates WWII Aerial Combat Diorama Featuring 2 Waist-Gunners Defending a B-17 “Flying Fortress”

Here they come! Stay sharp! We’ve got to get through!— This realistic 1:6 scale WWII B-17 battle diorama was created and customized by Bud Brown of California, and the ProSeries waterslide decals (shown on the aircraft’s outer hull) were provided by Patches of Pride (natch’). All this pic needs now are some special “FIRE” effects so that the .50 cal looks like it’s really “spittin’ HOT lead!” Absolutely outstanding customizing and pics, Bud. Keep up the great work! (Photo: Bud Brown) Click to enlarge.

Man, oh MAN. Some 1:6 scale custom dioramas are SO accurate and thrilling to look at that they make you DROOL with envy. This is one of them. Looking at the photo above, you can practically FEEL all the tension and energy of that moment. And, as we all know, it was life-or-death—EVERYDAY—for Allied and Axis combatants over the skies of Europe during WWII. Do you ever stop to think about the horrors endured by all the young flyers during that extremely dangerous air campaign? Well, if you’re not thankful for your comfy life of freedom now (would you even EXIST today if Germany had won?), then think about just ONE of the shocking B-17 bomber statistics from that war—as recounted to us by the dedicated aircraft historians at the Spitfire Association:

“In a single 376 plane raid in August 1943, 60 B-17s were shot down. That was a 16 percent loss rate and meant 600 empty bunks in England. In 1942-43, it was statistically impossible for bomber crews to complete a 25-mission tour in Europe.”

“Statistically IMPOSSIBLE” to complete. And yet they went up anyway—time and time again. And this was the result of just ONE mission! Are you paying attention now? Good. Those heroes DESERVE our attention. While Hollywood movies thrill and excite viewers, the terrible truth was—and forever will be—REAL war is HELL. Millions of fathers, mothers, sons and daughters DIED protecting and preserving freedom around the world. Thankfully, the creation, sharing and commemoration of those heroes—in 1:6 scale dioramas—is a growing and popular hobby. When customizer Weldon “Bud” Brown II wrote in recently (see below) to share some pics of his latest custom 1:6 creation, needless to say, we were thrilled. Here’s Bud’s letter—

Weldon “Bud” Brown II

“Attached are some finishing touches on my B-17 waist-gunner display. The bomber jacket patch is fantastic. I placed the decals on the plane fuselage. I made both the YANK mag and the Bible. I also put in the pin ups (one is my wife), along with a liberators war poster and a German aircraft identification poster. Now if I could just find some expended .50 caliber ammo for the floor. Thanks Mark and Patches of Pride. You have great stuff!”
—Bud Brown

History comes ALIVE— On your shelf? Yes! And what a conversation starter. Bud’s 2-figure, B-17 waist-gunner diorama makes viewer’s eyes POP and their jaws DROP. (Photo: Bud Brown) Click to enlarge.

Details DO make the difference!— In this closeup, you can see Bud’s handmade YANK magazine, a Bible and some pin-up photos. There’s also a couple of parachutes, some oxygen bottles and even a thermos for coffee. Out-STANDING attention to detail. (Photo: Bud Brown) Click to enlarge.

This reverse-view shows an ammo belt, Bud’s “Liberators” poster, and the gunner’s step-decks to help stabilize their balance and aim. (Photo: Bud Brown) Click to enlarge.

Durable and Desirable— Large, textured cloth patches for the backs of 1:6 scale bomber jackets are available HERE from Patches of Pride. Bud chose the ever-popular “Straight Shooter” version (for obvious reasons). ZING! (Photo: Bud Brown)

Avoid “Friendly Fire”— Bud’s German aircraft ID chart helps his waist-gunners to tell friend from foe. So cool! (Photo: Bud Brown) Click to enlarge.

Providing backup— Another view from tail-gunner #2. (Photo: Bud Brown) Click to enlarge.

Pulled Back a Bit— Fully revealed, you can now see that Bud has only one small section of the hull of a B-17 represented. To display a full-sized 1:6 scale B-17 in his office would be, let’s say, “uncomfortable.” HA. But this is MORE than enough fun for a work space! (Photo: Bud Brown) Click to enlarge.

Adorning Armored Aircraft— This reverse angle clearly shows the exciting Patches of Pride ProSeries waterslide decals Bud chose to use on his custom diorama. The 4 swastikas indicate the number of confirmed “kills” for that gunner. The “Benito Finito” cartoon decal (found HERE) was first seen on Allied Jeeps after the Italian campaign. They look GREAT on aircraft, too! (Photo: Bud Brown) Click to enlarge.

Bottom Line: Our sincerest thanks go out to Bud Brown for his generous contributions to this article. Customizers of 1:6 scale continue to “push the envelope” and amaze us with their creations.

It’s Getting REAL—Mattel Lays Off Nearly One-Fourth of Its Total Workforce (2,200 Employees) As Toy Sales Continue Plummeting Worldwide—Mattel Factories Too, Will Soon Be Up for Sale

Will Matty Mattel ask for a government handout? Maybe. It looks like the giant toy company’s mascot is extending his hand, pleading for financial assistance in a “time of need.” If sales of its products continue to drop, will Mattel’s leadership seek bankruptcy protection in court—ala Toys R Us? Toy fans around the world are wringing their hands!

We’ve been talking about the “slump” toymakers Mattel (and Hasbro) have been going through for a couple of years, but the downward economic effects of that trend are now about to be be felt on a truly PERSONAL level—by over TWO THOUSAND of Mattel’s employees. Mass layoffs loom. Factories too, are slated for imminent sales and closure. According to VOA News—

“Mattel, home of Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels, is cutting 2,200 jobs in order to save money after the closing of U.S. toy retail giant Toys R Us. The toymaker said the cuts amount to 22 percent of its nonmanufacturing employees worldwide. Mattel has about 28,000 employees. It also plans to sell factories in Mexico as part of a $650 million cost-saving plan.

Mattel reported a loss of $240.9 million in the second quarter, bigger than the $56.1 million loss in the same period a year ago. Revenues fell nearly 14 percent to $840.7 million, below the $863.1 million analysts had predicted. The toymaker has lagged behind its competitors in digital media, analysts say, and is trying to catch up with other brands that have spawned apps, movies and TV shows. 

Mattel CEO, Ynon Kreiz, said the company is working closely with other retailers and looking for more ways to sell its toys online.

Bottom Line: Mattel better get its act together. Sales are down. Factories are closing. People are losing their jobs. What else can go wrong over at the “Big M?” Stay tuned to The Joe Report!

When L.R. Aponte “Feels the Need” for a Custom 1:6 Scale USN Fighter Pilot Helmet—He Makes His Own!

AWESOME American Aviators— This custom, 1:6 scale, US Navy VF-1 “Wolfpack” fighter squadron helmet was created by master customizer, L.R. Aponte utilizing a set of ProSeries waterslide decals from Patches of Pride (see HERE). Out-STANDING work, sir! (Photo: L.R. Aponte) Click to enlarge.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing products you’ve manufactured being put to use by talented customizers out there in the 1:6 scale “universe.” Of course, that must happen all the time to Mark Otnes of Patches of Pride, who filed the following report regarding the latest accomplishment of one of his longtime “customer-customizers,” L.R. Aponte. According to Otnes:

“It’s true. We get letters, emails, photos, online posts, and everything else you could imagine from thousands of customers we’ve supplied with our products over the years. Whether it’s miniature patches, decals or any of the thousands of other 1:6 scale-related accessories we sell, it’s always exciting to see how individuals are using them to enhance their own unique, custom projects.

For example, this week, longtime PoP customer and customizer extraordinare, L.R. Aponte, wrote in to share some STUNNING photos of a 1:6 flight helmet he’d just completed customizing, using one of our more, oh, let’s say, “challenging” helmet decal sets. It’s a ProSeries set—aka “waterslide”—that we created a few years ago to commemorate the heroic aviators of the US Navy’s VF-1 “Wolfpack” fighter squadron.

That set includes a pair of giant wolf heads and some seriously lonnnng stripes that require a steady hand (and patience) to install correctly. As you can see from L.R.’s photos, they look absolutely AWESOME once installed. He’s done a SUPERB job creating a custom VF-1 helmet. Congratulations, L.R!” —Mark Otnes

Opposite 3/4 view from the front. Out-STANDING! (Photo: L.R. Aponte) Click to enlarge.

LR Aponte added the following intel regarding this amazing custom helmet, stating:

LR Aponte, Customizer of 1:6 scale action figures (Photo: LR Aponte)

“Hi Mark, I just wanted to send you some pics of the helmets with your decals. They came out good. Thank you so much and I will be making more purchases soon. When I am not buried in work, I try to set time aside and work on 1/6 scale figures. I repaint head sculpts and come up with some original figures. My work area is whatever area around the house that is close to a panoramic window, I LOATHE being enclosed in an ‘office’ area. My line of work is aerospace and I travel now more than when I started 32 yrs ago. I have seen all types of jets from all our friends and foes around the planet. I hope you like the pics. Your website (Patches of Pride), is an excellent site and your products are VERY good.” —LR Aponte, Jacksonville , FL

This side view shows how the stripes curve perfectly on the helmet. (Photo: LR Aponte) Click to enlarge.

SCRAMBLE!— Another of LR Aponte’s amazing custom pilots. (Photo: LR Aponte) Click to enlarge.

U2 Lookin’ at Me?— Aponte’s U2 pilot w/ custom-painted headsculpt. (Photo: LRA) Click to enlarge.

The Rear-View is sometimes the BEST View— In this case, we’d agree. Seriously, we’d pose the figure wearing this helmet with his face to the wall and his back facing out so that the viewer could see this side of the helmet clearly. It’s THAT cool. The paint, the decals, it’s perfect! (Photo: LRA) Click to enlarge.

Bottom Line: LR’s mastery of the application of waterslide decals is obvious. In fact, his skill levels are so high, he could probably open a sideline business making 1:6 scale custom helmets! Our sincerest thanks and best wishes to Mr. Aponte for his generous contributions to this article. If you’d like to try your hand at creating a VF-1 “Wolfpack” helmet like this, the ProSeries decal set (shown above) can be purchased from THIS PAGE of the Patches of Pride website. Enjoy!

Drooling Yet?— Slew of New Captain Action Enterprises “Prototype” Pics Released Today

ZZAP!!! Closeup of proposed new Captain Action space suit. (Photo: CAE)

ACK! ACK! Rear view of Mars Attacks! Martian air-weapon tanks (Photo: CAE)

WHOOSH! Rear view of Rocketeer prototype figure (Photo: CAE)

Don’t call him Boomerang! “Daredevil” box prototype (Photo: CAE)

He is INSANNNNE! — “Madman” box prototype (Photo: CAE)

Ed Catto with Mars Attacks! Martian prototype figure (Photo: CAE)

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Rocketeer costume set box prototype (Photo: CAE)

Bottom Line: These pics all appeared on the CAE fan page on Facebook today. Whether or not any of these fanciful concept products actually make it to reality remains to be seen. Keep your fingers crossed and— Let Justice be Done!

UPDATE— Captain Action Newsgroup Members All Agog Over New CAE “Prototype Product Reveals” Spotted Recently at San Diego’s Comic-Con 2018

Keeping the DREAM Alive— A “Rocketeer” costume set for Captain Action has long been one of CA fan’s “holy grails.” With the reveal of this latest prototype, is such a sought-after product FINALLY about to become a reality? This one looks to hold MUCHO potential. Cross your fingers! (Photo: CAE)

The internet’s all “abuzz” this week with talk about possible new costume sets for 12″ Captain Action (CA) figures. Over on Yahoo’s Captain Action News Group (yes, such places still exist) and on Facebook’s Captain Action Enterprises (CAE) fan page, “Actioneers” are eagerly swapping first-person and hearsay descriptions of products that many clearly want to purchase, but (sadly) don’t actually exist—yet. But fan memories are long, and CA collectors recall having their hopes raised (and dashed) many times before (remember those never-produced Batman, Superman, and Rocketeer costumes?). Many are reluctant to be “burned” in such a way again, preferring to give such online gossip of “prototypes seen at Comic-Con” an understandably WIDE berth of cautionary skepticism. Nevertheless, as dyed-in-the-blue-spandex CA fans ourselves, we’d be remiss here at The Joe Report if we didn’t pass on any and all juicy CA intel when it became known to us—and so—with a quick dash of “just don’t get your hopes up,” here is what we heard on the boards today—

“I went to the Captain Action panel today at the con. Along with the spacesuit set and the Mars Attacks Dr. Evil costume, they also announced the Rocketeer, based on the comic version of the character, not the movie. Future costume sets in the pipeline include Madman, the Black Terror, and the Golden Age Daredevil. The hope is for the first release to be ready in time for Christmas.

There is a new headsculpt, but it’s essentially a ‘1st shot’ prototype version, not a final product version, so it is almost certainly going to change before any sort of future release. Also, distribution of the new sets will be online-based. Some retailers have expressed interest in carrying the sets, and they’ll certainly work with them to get them stock, but they’re not focusing their attention on brick-and-mortar store distribution.

No price point at the moment, since all the manufacturing arrangements are not finalized yet. Being a costume set and not a dressed figure, it should be way below the cost of your average Hot Toys figure. Figures are a possibility in the future, but not immediately. Flicker rings are also a possibility (It’s new for you!), but no guarantees.” —​​​​​​​James (last name not given)

AKK! My, how he’s GROWN— The “Mars Attacks” martian prototype. (Photo: CAE) Click to enlarge.

Mining the “Public Domain”— Let’s face it, licensing fees are what killed the Batman and Superman CA costume sets. Such “top-dollar” properties are protected like the gold in Fort Knox. Fees to reproduce their logos and likeness cost a VERY pretty penny. As a result, budget-conscious toy companies (such as CAE) hoping to “mine” pop-culture for new and affordable product ideas have to go WAY back in time to find characters that nobody knows, remembers, or cares about. Ideally, such “forgotten” characters are also now in the “public domain,” copyrights-wise (i.e. FREE). Ever hear of “Madman?” Didn’t think so. How about “The Black Terror?” Nope. We all know who Daredevil is, but that boomerang-wielding guy (above) ain’t Marvel’s Matt Murdock. And as for the identity of CAE’s “Mystery Hero,” well, if that’s not the silhouette of Will Eisner’s “Spirit,” then we’ll eat a comic book price guide! (Photo: CAE) Click to enlarge.

CAE’s head honcho, Joe Ahern, added these informative comments—

Joe Ahearn, founder of Captain Action Enterprises (Photo: CAE)

“The figure at the show is just a stand-in. The prototype came to us very late, so there was no time to rework it on a Captain Action figure.  The head though, is a new headsculpt we are toying with, but haven’t made any decisions about.

We’re not doing any new figures at this time, but if we get good results on these costume set offerings, we’ll certainly look into that more closely. Just to clarify, the Rocketeer is absolutely the Dave Stevens comic book version.” —Joe Ahearn, CAE

Bottom Line: We’ll believe it when we can buy it. Until then, this is all speculative talk—albeit just the kind of talk we typically only dare DREAM about. Please let us know when we can REALLY get excited, fellas. Until then, we’ll just keep holding our breath along with the rest of the Captain Action collecting universe.  Let Justice be Done!

UPDATE!— New (Extended) Trailer for “Welcome to Marwen” Released—Plus—New Close-Ups of Main Characters and More Patches of Pride “Sightings”

Okay, this just got even more “REAL”— In an all-new, extended-length trailer for the upcoming Robert Zemeckis film, “Welcome to Marwen,” numerous additional scenes clearly show products that were produced by longtime 1:6 scale patch company, Patches of Pride (PoP). As PoP remains the sole official sponsor of The Joe Report, we here in the “TJR Newsroom” are understandably excited whenever we see their work being enthusiastically embraced by esteemed customizers or—as in this case—Hollywood filmmakers—projected right up there on the big screen for all to see!

Look fast, PoPsters—In this somewhat grainy “screen grab” from the new trailer, you can quickly see one of Patches of Pride’s full-color version Master Sergeant chevrons (found HERE) on the sleeve of one of the female figures. Note too, that the studio’s prop makers have blackened out the edges of the patch (to eliminate white fabric from showing) as recommended in the installation instructions included with every PoP patch order. Out-STANDING work prop-people! (Photo: Universal) Click to enlarge.

While the majority of scenes in this new trailer show CGI action figures, it’s obvious the patches depicted were based on PoP’s real-life miniatures. And whenever the film cuts back to moments of reality and utilizes real actors, then the patches being shown onscreen are clearly PoP’s products. It’s truly exciting too, to see (real) actor, Steve Carell, handling the figures and to realize that PoP had a small part in their “finishing details.” Here are some Universal publicity stills provided today—

YOU can make this— Other than the custom Steve Carell headsculpt, this would be a fairly easy figure for most customizers of 1:6 scale to recreate. Most of the elements are commonly available and that Flying Tigers patch is available from Patches of Pride HERE. (Photo: Universal) Click to enlarge.

Howdy, SARGE—Aptly named, “G.I. Julie,” this character totes a Thompson machine gun and sports one of PoP’s full-color sergeant chevron patches on her left sleeve. (Photo: Universal) Click to enlarge.

Peace, Baby— Clearly more of a “flower child” peacenik than a war-monger, this “Nicol” character promises to be quite interesting. But—a Purple Heart recipient? (Photo: Universal) Click to enlarge.

Rock it, Roberta— Toting a BAR, this figure also wears an impressive bandolier around her chest and a bayonet strapped onto her right leg. Look out, you nasty Nazis! (Photo: Universal) Click to enlarge.

Muy Caliente— If you need someone to fire a .50 cal, THIS is the your woman. She’s clearly got the required ammo belt—plus one grenade. Mama-SITA! (Photo: Universal) Click to enlarge.

Tovarich in a Tutu— Looks like only half of a Russian uniform was available. But who cares? Heck, all I know is that I WANT one of these! Is that an oven mitt on her hand? (Photo: Universal) Click to enlarge.

Viva la France— Sex appeal in a slit skirt—what else do you need? (Photo: Universal) Click to enlarge.

Pain and Pleasure— The PAIN is evident in Steve Carell’s scarred, action figure face. The PLEASURE is sure to come to audiences who go to see this film, November, 2018. (Photo: Universal) Click to enlarge.

Poster Perfect— With this line-up, the Nazi’s don’t stand a chance. (Photo: Universal) Click to enlarge.

Bottom Line: The more we see of this film, the more we WANT to see. Keep it comin’, Universal!

First Pics!— Prototype “Attack on Mars!” Captain Action Costume Set and New Prototype Headsculpt Thrill Attendees at 2018’s San Diego Comic-Con

Holy, Spaceman!— Now THIS is what ‘ol Cap should’ve looked like from the beginning—a high-flying, adventurer-type HERO. This is, without a doubt, the most exciting CA product “reveal” we’ve seen in a lonnnnng time. As Bill & Ted would say—“EXCELLENT!” (Photo: CAE) Click to enlarge (and drool).

Take a look at the 3 exciting images posted by Captain Action Enterprises (CAE) over on their Facebook fan page. The first one (shown above) shows a completed prototype for their proposed “Attack on Mars” (AOM) spacesuit costume set and—if you look closely—an all-new HEADSCULPT for the figure itself! Fans who’ve grown tired of CAE’s previous “meh” headsculpt, will undoubtedly be thrilled by what they see in this pic. The second photo (below) shows proposed artwork for the costume set’s window-box packaging as created by illustrator, Joe Jusko (GREAT—as always).

Ray Gun at the Ready— Joe Jusko’s “Attack on Mars” illustration for the new CA costume set packaging. Out-STANDING! (Photo: CAE) Click to enlarge.

The third and final pic (see below) is actually an advertising banner which touts the new AOM set and its contents stating, “pre-order info coming soon!” VERY exciting news all around. Forget all of those previous “little” CAE incarnations—it appears CAE and our favorite “multiple-personality superhero,” Captain Action, are finally getting ready for (another) BIG-TIME 1:6 scale comeback!

In your FACE!— Bold, attention-grabbing advertising banner created for the upcoming “Attack on Mars” CA costume set. Oh, YES, please! (Graphic: CAE) Click to enlarge.

Bottom Line: We couldn’t be more thrilled by this news. But are we the only ones thinking how great this new spacesuit would look on OTHER 1:6 scale action figures as well? Say, oh, I don’t know, maybe something called, “GIjOE?” All you’d have to do is change the CA chest emblem to an AT one. Can you imagine an entire space-exploring Adventure Team clad in these silver spacesuits? Offer them in different colors, gold, bronze, etc., and we’d have to COLLECT ‘EM ALL! What a concept. It’d be like Major Matt Mason all over again, but this time in 1:6 scale. WOWZA!

The Final Exclusive— JoeCon 2018’s “Green Beret Machine Gun Outpost” 12″ Set Reviewed (Video)

Bottom Line: Mark at Patches of Pride spreads out the contents of the club’s final 12″ exclusive set for a close-up “look-see.” What does he find inside? Some good and some not-so-good. Enjoy!