Posted in: Comics | Tagged: C-3PO, Darth Vander, han solo, Kotobukiya, NYCC, star wars

Kotobukiya: For The Fans

Published Fri, 11 Oct 2013 15:00:53 -0500

Jeremy Konrad writes for Bleeding Cool:

On Thursday Kotobukiya held one of the more lively panels so far at NYCC. Featuring higher end collectibles ranging from business card holders to higher end statues, they had a little bit for everyone to show off. I for one was most interested in their Star Wars line, and they did not disapoint.

They started by showing off their line of Star Wars business card holders. They are up to five different styles now, which include the already released Han Solo in carbonite and R2-D2 styles, which will be followed up later this fall with Darth Vader, C-3PO, and a Stormtrooper design. These are made of metal and retail for $24.99. The detail on them is gorgoeous, as I can now speak to because later in the panel I won a raffle for one of the unrealeased C-3PO cases.

After that the focus was on their ArtFX and ArtFX+ line of staues. Already released is their Jango Fett, which I have on order back home. he comes with two sets of arms, and a removable jet pack. In December comes General Grevious, who looks absouletely stunning in a 1/10 scale. Also shown were their Sandtrooper two packs and Sandtrooper Sergent single figures to troop build, if you have tons of money and and are so inclined. Those will run you $99.99 for the two pack and $54.99 for the Sergent. the last reveal is that in 2014 they will be releasing two pack featuring characters from A New Hope, namely Han Solo with Chewbacca and a Luke Skywalker with Leia. Together they will form a recreation of the old style movie poster.

Lastly they showed off their Bushijo wave, which started with Jania Solo earlier this year and will continue with fan favorite Mara Jade in May next year. Both are stunning pieces to see in person.

After Star Wars, they turned to video games, but did not show very much from their Tekken and Street Fighter lines. it seemed to me like they are holding back for the 20th anniversary of Tekken coming up.

On to Marvel, which was welcomed with much applause. They started by showing their Iron Man 3 Mark 42 and War Machine statues, which retail for $129.99 and are available now. Next was a fantasic looking Hulk that I will never get my hands on since it is $239.99 reatil. Also shown was the first pics of the finished Juggernaut fan choice statue, which has no release date at this time. Also announced for the first time was a brown costume Wolverine ArtFX statue, so be on the look for that later next year.

Marvel Now Avengers was shown next, and was a disapoinment for me. All we are getting so far are the movie characters. Where are some of the lesser knowns? Where is my Wonder Man? Or Vision? What was shown was still in prototypes, still a ways away.

The Bushijo line keeps humming along with Psylocke in December, and Spider-Woman coming in May. The biggest cheers of the entire panel were for the announcement of Jubilee coming sometime next year.

Lastly was DC. New 52 Deathstroke is coming in November featuring a removable faceplate. Next shown was a continuation of Jim Lee inspired statues of Superman and newly announced Wonder Woman to join Batman. Superman is coming in january, Wonder Woman no release date was given. Two new Bat family statues from the New 52 were then announced, as Nightwing and Batgirl ArtFX statues are coming next year.

On to questions:

Large scale Rouge? They want to do it.

Damien Wayne? No plans.

Star Wars video game characters? Yes, they will be coming eventually.

Yu Gi Oh ArtFX? Can't Discuss that, but they smiled.

Batman 66 Statues? No plans.

Soul Caliber? Played it coy, but all they would say is that they are aware it exsists.

Metal Gear stuff? All we are getting is model kits.

After the Q&A, they did a raffle where they handed out tickets and raffled off numerous statues and merchandise. halfway through they also handed out Star Wars lightsaber chopsticks to everyone in the crowd. After not hearing my ticket called over and over, and getting insanely jealous of the 8 year old that won an Iron Man 3 Mark 42 statue, the last number called was mine, and I recieved my C-3PO business card holder.

All in all, it was a fun, and energenic panel that gave the fans what they want: more expensive things they can try to afford.

Time to start saving my pennies……..

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