What to look for in July 2004
by Dana Tillusz & BT

10. Marvel Legends Series 7 Action Figures

There is nothing new or exciting in this set. The line up really sucks. So, why endorse it in the collectible column? The first reason is simply because I've been wrong before. The second reason is because this figure line has a strong tradition of putting out well-articulated, cool figures that kids drool over. They are affordable, highly detailed, have accessories and have gained a following on the collectible markets with their chase figures and paint variation. I will order this set just to check the cool sculpts, but I also want to take a look at Hawkeye. I want to see if he can fire arrows like them cool Lord of the Rings figures. (BT)

Coolness: 6
Collectibility: 6
Affordability: 6

9. Alien / Predator 12-Inch Figures

Yeah, yeah! Here I go endorsing McFarlane again. I'm not proud of this, but I can't help that he gets all the really cool figure licences. I loved the Aliens and Predator movies and the fact they have new figures really makes me happy. McFarlane put the early 90s figures to shame when he brought out the smaller version of both figures last year. So, to promote the new version, he re-released those figures, but increased the size.

The first question I asked myself is how far does the knife stick into my wallet? Comparatively speaking, these figures will cost as much as McFarlane's 18 inch Freddy and Jason, both of which sold really well. Is the price on the Predator figures worth the missing 6 inches? Well, my friend, you will have to answer the age-old question. Does size really matter? (BT)

Coolness: 7
Collectibility: 6
Affordability: 5

8. The Incredibles Action Figures

If you don't know what the Incredibles figure line is you need to go check them out. The Incredibles is the new film from Pixar due out this fall about an animated superhero family. The company Pixar has had nothing but success in the past and with the hype surrounding the superhero market, this line is sure to be a hit. I'm undecided as to what size of figures would gross the most sales: There is 12 inch, 3 inch, 5 inch and an 18 inch Mr. Incredible. As a collector, I would have to put my money on the 5 inch line. Yet, my boy is nuts over Shrek and Toy Story so I just know he will desire the large, expensive Mr. Incredible. Like a good father, I will most likely get him the 12 inch cheaper version and scar him for life. (BT)

Coolness: 7
Collectibility: 6
Affordability: 6

7. Family Guy Series 1 Action Figures

Until a month ago, I've been without cable television for about six years. I've never watched Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, CNN or The Simpsons six times a day 'til now. But one of the best shows I've found on the tube since my entrance to the modern age has been The Family Guy. Why didn't anyone tell me about it? Anyway, the Griffins (Peter, Lois, Brian, Chris and Stewie) will soon be available in stores. I won't be buying them, but I know who they are now. (DT)

Coolness: 7
Collectibility: 6
Affordability: 7

6. Elvis 2 Super Stage Figure

A wise man told me, "Elvis is the king" and did I listen? Hell no! Well, when wave 1 came out, do you think that I could keep the figure on the shelf? I'm talking 24 hours and this figure was gone. The only thing left was the box it shipped in and it's quite possible I could have sold that. I think Elvis fans are a lot like gamers. They hide their dirty, little habit under the guise of normalcy and then go crazy when new collectibles come out. This time around I won't be caught unprepared. I know this figure really has nothing to do with comics, yet the job of this column is to pick out the stuff that will be in demand or overlooked. (DT)

Coolness: 7
Collectibility: 7
Affordability: 6

5. Superman Statue

I knew this was going to happen when I heard the news Jim Lee was going to be illustrating Superman. It's too bad I let my Jim Lee Batman statue go right before then. This statue comes on a highly decorated base sculpted from the cover of Superman #204. Supes looks grim as he looks over us puny humans from the top of some skyscraper. This statue will most likely appreciate as fans of the comic book realize how cool it'll look standing beside the Batman statue. Looks like I'm out of luck. (DT)

Coolness: 7
Collectibility: 8
Affordability: 5

4. Kiss Love Gun Deluxe Boxed Set

Elvis has his fans, but the KISS army is more open about there dedication. This is obvious when looking at the abundance of sales over the plethora of KISS merchandise. This Love Gun set is no different. There will be heads rolling if you didn't order enough of these. Love Gun to me was one of the most memorable records, plus the outfits for this run were the best. The price of this set is steep, but, hey, it comes with a stage. I know if given the choice of tickets to see KISS or picking up this set, I would be a man with lots of unsold sets; but, the pockets of the KISS army are lined with many a pay stub because of the lack of any collectibles for some time. (BT)

Coolness: 8
Collectibility: 7
Affordability: 6

3. Army of Darkness Series 1 Action Figure 2-Packs

Wahoo! I can now put my kid through college. The motley fan base that buys this merchandise is so dedicated, it's the only time I can have two rival drug dealers lined up patiently in my store. I can sell this set of figures to doctors and lawyers and then an hour later be charging up a pimp in a fedora. These figures come in two packs with only one pack having Ash. One noticeable flaw is the lack of the good guys and a whole lot of deadites. Ash is pretty much the only real character actor in this set-- no chicks, kings or evil Ash. The makers do redeem themselves though because they offer a Previews Exclusive of the Ash with two heads. The price is really not all that bad considering they are two packs, but price is never an issue with Army of Darkness merchandise. This is also a timely figure because Devil's Due Publishing is launching a new Army of Darkness comic and every fan will be in the store for that. (BT)

Coolness: 8
Collectibility: 8
Affordability: 7

2. Colossus Statue

This statue makes me wonder if Bowen sits in his office chuckling over whether or not he has made his fans squirm long enough. He did a mini version of Colossus about a year and a bit ago and at the time the fans were insane over whether they would see a full scale version of their favourite metal man. Well, we have fretted long enough and now its time to pay up. It's a good price, everyone loves the X-Men and he would look great with any existing X-Men collection. Don't hesitate and kick yourself in the ass later. Order it today. (DT)

Coolness: 8
Collectibility: 8
Affordability: 7

1. Star Wars Mini-Bust: Deluxe Stormtrooper

Finally! Gentle Giant has been slowly producing mini-busts of the classic characters from Star Wars. Darth Vader, Boba Fett and Moff Tarkin aside, some of their choices for reproduction have been kind of wonky. For instance: Greedo and Bossk. Sure, they are core characters, but making them before the Stormtrooper is nuts. This Stormtrooper bust comes with 5 different right arms and two different left ones allowing the owner to pose and customize their bust with greater authority. So, if it's a blaster or rifle you want, you can get it. Hopefully, this company will make a million of these because any true Star Wars fan will want a battalion of Troopers. (DT)

Coolness: 10
Collectibility: 8
Affordability: 8