Ben 10: Alien Force Overview

The original Ben 10 series found an enormous following of young boys and girls alike, across the English-speaking world. Five years after the beginning of the first series, Ben 10: Alien Force, the sequel series, is due to start and is hotly anticipated! Ben 10 is now actually Ben 15 … he has aged in the show's hiatus, and the Ben 10 action figures also have accordingly. Today we take an overview of what's going on in Ben 10 in the immediate future.

The plot

Ben is already known the world over as a superhero … in the show as well as in real life! Gwen and Kevin will be around to help him with his exploits, and while the kids of the world are immediate converts, the adults aren't so much. Creating an 'inner group' and an 'outer group' has always been a popular way to make devoted fans,, and it seems that the tactic works as well now as ever!

Ben has a new Omnitrix called an Ultimatrix - look out for this available to be purchased alongside the new Ben Ten action figures. It's expected to have a pretty hefty resale value if you can get your hands on an early model!

In this series, Ben's grandpa Max Tennyson goes missing, and Ben has to put his Ultimatrix on and re-enter the world of aliens and danger.

The Enemies

The alien enemies include:

• Terrapsin
• Water Hazard
• Amphibian
• Nanomech
• Ultimate Swampfire
• Ultimate Humungosaur
• Ultimate Big Chill
• Ultimate Spidermonkey
• Ultimate Cannonbolt
• Ultimate Echo Echo
• Armodrillo
• NRG

Other main villains fighting this round of Ben 10 action figures are:

• Vilgax
• D'Void
• Ghostfreak
• Vulkanus
• Charmcaster
• Hex

The long wait means that there is al to of hype surrounding the Ben 10 new series … get your Ben Ten action figures early, and prepare to see their value skyrocket!

The Story Behind the Halo Figures

It is one of the most famous games in the world … ever … as is to be expected given that it was made by one of the companies that is most likely known even in the dusty, goat-herding depths of Africa … Microsoft. A wax replica of the Master Chief has even been made for the Madame Tussaud's wax museum in London. In the first ten weeks after the release of Halo 2, players spent a combined 91 million hours playing the game online. Halo has pretty much been the savior of the Xbox 360 (which otherwise has little that can compete with Nintendo Wii other than good graphics), and has even created its own film genre. So, what's the back story behind the Halo video games and Halo figures? We check it out.

Setting

Halo is set in the 26^th century, when mankind has been able to colonize several other planets due to the development of faster than light travel. Of course, there has been conflict between outlying human settlements and the central government. You know how much conflict simply having state and federal governments creates, imagine if you added an interplanetary dimension into the whole thing!

Major events

A mysterious alien civilization starts attacking the Halo figures on their human-colonized planets with no warning. They are known as the Covenant, and are actually made up of several different species that have come together in a caste-based system under a fundamentalist government.

The human race can't hold out against the unexpected attacks of the aliens, and we start losing planets to The Covenant. One of the main human 'weapons' against the Covenant is you … playing Halo as Master Chief John 117, the last of a secret race of supersoldier human beings known as Spartans.

Halo 1, 2 and 3

Each game takes you through a story in the overall plotline of the human-Covenant clash.

• Halo 1: Master Chief John 117 discovers an ancient artefact while his ship escapes the Covenant
• Halo 2: There is a split within the Covenant, and you discover a second ancient artefact
• Halo 3: Loose threads within the storyline are all tied up, and the end of the Covenant Invasion and Civil War are covered.

For a simple first-person shooter game, Halo and Halo figures have done amazingly well. If you have the time to foster another addiction, it is highly recommended!

5 More Little-Known Villains from the Marvel Legends

There's no way to avoid it … in order for good to continue to triumph in comic book form, there needs to be an enormous number of baddies for them to routinely defeat every issue! This makes the villainous world of the Marvel Legends HUUGE, and also quite varied and rich. There are characters that can do little more than a bit of mind control, all the way up to long-time foes that can't be defeated within a single episode, and may have powers equal to those of the Marvel Legends. Today we continue our exploration of the many and varied villains in the Marvel Legends Universe, starting our journey at some of the more obscure corners!

Baroness S'Bak

Baroness S'Bak is a minor warlord of the Skrull Empire, with the natural shape-shifting abilities of her race, but little intelligence, strength, or energy projection capabilities. She appears in the Annihilation Comics.

The Communist Party

Given the prominence of the Cold War in the public consciousness in the heyday of Marvel Legends comics, it isn’t surprising that they were so blatant in naming them as villains! Some of the notable fictional characters from the party (which was led in the comics by the real Lenin and Stalin), include the Iron Maiden, Executioner, Fantasma, Omega Red, Red Ghost, Red Guardian, Red Skull … not many opportunities for non-confusing nicknames!

Ezekiel

Ezekiel is a long time nemesis of Spiderman, and one of the more interesting and permanent characters out of the corps of over 800 Marvel Legends villains. He has quite decent durability, strength and intelligence … which makes sense, since he derives his powers from the same source as Spiderman. He isn't really evil … more of a wasted opportunity.

Jazz

Jazz is one of the more recent additions to the Marvel Legends villain-verse, appearing in 2004 and 2006. He has blue skin and wears a 'Bufu' hat! He is part of the 198 group

Mosh

Mosh comes from the Hood comics, with his first appearance in 2002. He's nothing but muscle … but actually has minimal strength, durability, fighting skill or intelligence. He did have superhuman strength and night vision … before he died.

Little-Known Villains from the Marvel Legends

Think you know a bit about the Marvel Legends? Got all the action figures, read all the comics, seen all of the recent remakes of the movies? I wonder if you knew that there are well over 800 villains in the marvel Legends series! Today we delve into some obscure corners of the villainry catalogue, testing the memories of hardcore fans, and giving new enthusiasts a taste for the enormous scope of the Marvel Universe.

Mathemanic

A geeky looking thin blondie with 3D glasses on, Mathemanic is a university student with little physical skills, Mathemanic can project abstract mathematical information into the brains of his victims to overwhelm them … I know the feeling! He's from the New Warriors comics.

Brainchild

One of the first Savage Land mutates, Brainchild often leads the pack of mutates. Savage Land is often discussed in Spiderman, Uncanny X-men, Astonishing Tales and Avengers.

Kangaroo

Kangaroo is a member of the Corpse Corp, and is a Proto-Husk version of his former living self, who was serving Arnim Zola before being killed by Deadpool. Official ratings are only 1 out of 7 for everything, but fans actually considered him to have good physical prowess.

Hag

Despite her name, Hag was actually a beautiful, vivacious demon assisting Troll to try to defeat the Ghost Rider. She used to hypnotize her victims, leaving their bodies as rotting corpses.

Lullaby

As indicated by her name, Lullaby may be a bad 'guy' but she certainly isn’t very scary! She gets a 1 out of 7 in official ratings for every characteristic. Her real name is Felicity Hopkins, and she can sing people to sleep immediately and them make them do whatever she wants. She appeared in the Sleepwalker comics to torment Marvel Superheroes.

Lady Deathstrike

Wow, Lady Deathstrike! She gets top marks in the official ratings for all of her characteristics, including Intelligence, Strength, Speed,, Durability, Energy Projection, and Fighting Skills. But I guess there's no sense making a cyborg that isn't quite perfect! She is a nemesis of Wolverine of the Marvel Legends.

Marvel Legends Biographies: Wolverine

Wolverine is the natural leader of the X-men, and is central in so many of the X-men comics and cartoons. The life story of this Marvel Legend, like that of many of the brand's heroes, is actually pretty sad in his early years as James Howlett… but he has had many triumphs as Wolverine to make up for it! Today we take an overview of the life and times of Wolverine/Logan/James Howlett.

Early years

James Howlett was the sickly son of wealthy landowners in Alberta, Canada. He had two childhood friendships, one with the caretaker's son, Dog Logan, and one with Rose (an orphan who was brought in from the city to be his companion). His mother was mentally unstable, triggered by the death of his older brother, John Howlett Jr.

His friendship with Dog Logan and his father soured when the father shot John Howlett Sr, causing his mother to take her own life with the same pistol. This sight was Wolverine's first manifestation of his mutation … his claws emerged from his knuckles and he used them to kill Thomas Logan, and put a triple scar across Dog's face.

Little Wolverine Growing Up!

James Howlett took the name 'Logan', and became a miner who also ran with the wolves of the forest. When Dog returned to kill him, Rose got in the middle of the fight and Wolverine's claws impaled her instead. Wolverine went off to the forest for many years to live with wolves. He returned when Dr Cornelius used him in an experiment with bonding adamantium to human bone cells, making them indestructible.

Wolverine's Powers

Bet you didn't know your Marvel Legend figurine could do all of this:

• Regenerate damaged or destroyed areas of his body at an incredible rate, including being able to knit two halves of his body back together!
• An immunity to all poisons and drugs (he cannot get drunk, either)
• Immunity to the poisons of fatigue
• Extraordinary agility and reflexes
• An extended lifespan - he is over a century old
• Amazingly acute senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch
• Six fully retractable one-foot-long bone claws in his hands
• Fluent in Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Lakota, Cheyenne, Spanish … whew!
• Trained in hand to hand combat, explosives, assassination techniques, weapons, computer systems

Wolverine also has the ability to die. Despite this Marvel Legend's healing capability, if his injuries remove vital organs from his body or cause a loss of physical form, he will perish.

Marvel Legends Biographies: Iron Man!

Despite his popularity, relatively few people know anything about the Marvel legend Iron Man! He's actually been in the Marvel Universe since 1963, along with his alter ego, Anthony Stark. Today we delve a little deeper into the background of the action figures you may have of Iron Man, the cool exec with the heart of steel!

Marvel Ratings

Marvel rates Iron Man's strongest qualities as his intelligence, his strength, his durability and energy projection. He rates 3 out of 7 for fighting skills … though presumably that 3 is on a superhero scale, that would still leave him able to wallop any ordinary person into the ground! Speed gets 5 out of 7, and the rest of his above mentioned characteristics rate 6 out of 7. Surprisingly, though he has advanced degrees in physics and electrical engineering, his intelligence only rates 6 out of 7 also.

The creation of Iron Man

Iron Man was created when Anthony Stark was kidnapped by Wong Chu, a warlord, and in the struggle was injured by exploding shrapnel. Stark and Ho Yinsen worked together to create weapons for Wong Chu, and also to make a suit of iron for Anthony Stark that would keep the shrapnel still in his body from making its way completely to his heart.

The two tried to escape together, but Yinsen was killed - in the escape Anthony Stark met Rhodes (War Machine!), his soon-to-be best friend and helicopter pilot.

Extra powers

Iron Man gained extra powers after he injected himself with a modified virus to save his own life. The virus fused Stark's armor to his body (otherwise every time he took it off, the piece of shrapnel would have worked its way closer to his heart). It also let him store it inside his own body controlling it by direct brain impulses. They have operations to get shrapnel out nowadays, and probably did back in the 60s as well … but c'est la vie in comics!

Battle with alcoholism

As it so often is in real life, the rich playboy lifestyle of Anthony Stark has led to a serious alcohol addiction. He became homeless at one stage due to his alcoholism, and handed over his Iron Man identity and tools to Rhodes, one of his best friends. However, he returned as Marvel legend Iron Man shortly afterwards, starting a new company at the same time.

4 Cool Modern Action Figures!

Action figure collecting isn’t only about what is already classic … it is those collectors who recognize modern classics, or 'classics in the making' that stand the best chance of profiting from their collecting hobby. Today we're looking at action figures from four modern films from Harry Potter to Avatar- all very reasonably priced now, and all with lots of appreciation and profit potential in the future!

1. Avatar Neytiri with bow and arrow

This is a classic 3 ¾ inch scale model of Neytiri from James Cameron's Avatar. She is said to be graceful, fierce and intelligent, and she is a natural choice for collectors. She does have some articulation, at the knees, elbows, waist and head. She is also incredibly good value, at $12.99. The bow and arrow are removable so this isn't recommended for children 6 and under.

2. 7" Harry Potter

This is a classic Harry Potter figurine, one with plenty of resale potential down the track. It is hand painted and has great sculpting detail. Harry is in his Triwizard Tournament uniform, from the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire book and film. He's articulated, and comes with a display base and wand and glasses as accessories.

3. Ben 10 Omnitrix

This is an awesome toy at an awesome price! If you are the sort of collector who likes to actually enjoy your pieces by playing with them, the Omnitrix has plenty of added features for you. It makes lights and sounds, and comes with a set of 10 mini translucent figures that attach to the base. As far as toys go, this is quite a popular one - compared to old Harry Potter (despite his collectability value), who is ranked over 30,000 in Toys and Games, the Omnitrix from Ben 10 is ranked at 943 currently. Less resale value and rarity value, perhaps - great toy.

4. Darth Maul quarter scale action figure

Of all the new characters that Star Wars Episode 1 introduced, Darth Maul is perhaps the most instantly recognizable. This is a full quarter scale figure, standing at around 22.5 inches tall. It has a voice chip, is fully articulated, and is sculpted 'hyper-realistically'. He has dozens of five star reviews - most people are amazed ta how tall it is, and one person wrote an entire essay on him! Best of all, it is currently half price.

10 More Specialist Action Figure Collection Terms Explained

Much like becoming a doctor or a mechanic, becoming a pro Star Wars, Avatar, Marvel Superheroes or Harry Potter collector requires a lot of specialist knowledge! Today we continue our quick reference guide to the ever amazing dictionary that belongs to the toy collectors' world.

1. Die cast

A toy made out of metal. While they are usually stainless steel, any type of metal can be die cast, if it is cast from a die!

2. Exclusive

If a toy set or assortment is made only for one retail store, it is considered exclusive. There are other ways for a toy to be exclusive, of course (for example, if it was only sold in the United States), but this is the one the term refers to.

3. Foreign card

If a toy was sold outside the United States and the card is printed in a language other than English, it is said to be 'foreign carded'.

4. Holo

Stands for holographic or hologram, and may refer to the card, the packaging, or the toy itself.

5. Limited edition

If production of a particular model is limited, despite demand for the toy still existing, it is a limited edition. This is frequently a marketing ploy to enhance branding and increase after market sales … possibly by the company themselves.

6. Loose

Has been removed from the original packaging. Often loose toys are missing accessories, and frequently rate lower on the C-scale. Loose Star Wars toys can still fetch quite decent prices …

7. Mail aways

Usually collectors must send in barcodes from other purchased toys or products in orfder to receive an item that is not available elsewhere.

8. Mint/MIB/MIP/MINMP/MONMC

Mint means that the toy is visibly no different to the state it would have been sold in on the primary market, in toy stores etc. MIB stands for Mint In Box, MIP stands for Mint In Package, MINMP stands for Mint In Near Mint Package, MONMC stands for Mint On Near Mint Card.

9. Hollow cast

Metal figurines that are not solid - the metal is poured into the die, and the sides will cool first. The excess molten metal is poured out, leaving a hollow figurine. These are obviously worth less than solid figurines.

10. Animated toys

If a toy is made to move or simulate lifelike movements it is considered animated. Simulation techniques could include rubber bands, gravity, steam, electricity, batteries, springs, etc.

10 Specialist Action Figure Collection Terms Explained

Ever heard an action figures guide talk about articulation, and wonder what sort of speaking ability a Star Wars figurine had? Wondered how a figurine without lymphatic circualtion could have a blister? Today we're going to find out, with ten of the most popular glossary terms from the world of action figure collecting.

1. Accessories

Anything that is not the figurine itself. For example, vehicles, weapons, and personal tools that come along with a figure are accessories.

2. After market

Any sale of action figures after their original launch from the manufacturer. All eBay sales are after market, for example - buying from Toys R Us or a memorabilia website is not.

3. Articulation

Refers to the degree and number of moving parts in a toy. Example: "The new line of Star Wars figurines shows a high level of articulation, with movable feet as well as knees and elbows."

4. Assortment

Number designated by the manufacturer assigned to a collection of toys. It can usually be found on the packaging, and rarely is also imprinted on the toy itself. Another reason to keep items in mint condition!

5. Blister pack

Lister refers to the clear plastic display shell of the toy.

6. Bendy/Bendie

A bendie shows infinite different types of articulation, as it is manufactured with rubber or latex around a wire center. A toy may have bendie parts, or be a complete bendie.

7. Carded

If a toy is still attached to the cardboard backing of the box, it is termed 'carded', and usually understood to mean that they toy itself is in mint condition.

8. CNP

Stands for 'Complete No Package' in the aftermarket action figures guides. Pretty self-explanatory.

9. Con

Stands for 'convention', and usually referring to gatherings of hobbysists or collectors. There are frequent comicons, Star Wars cons, etc.

10. C Scale

The 'Collector's' scale, where C1 is the lowest collector's rating, and really just refers to pieces of a toy that would need complete restoration, up to C10, which represents absolute perfection, flawless mint condition, handled with kid gloves and kept in original packaging.

5 of the Rarest Star Wars Action Figures

Star Wars is believed by many to be the birth of the entire action figures genre of collectibles … after all, they only came 20 years after the invention of Barbie, and it took a little time for people to stop thinking that dolls were only for little girls! Over time, though, Star Wars collectors have proven to be some of the most dedicated in the entire collecting world, and as such, the rare figurines spawned by the films fetch much more than any others. Today we are drooling over some of the rarest.

1. Darth Vader with Telescoping Lightsaber

This is from the first wave of Star Wars accessories, way back in 1978, and many people probably thought they were pretty dumb when they were released. Not so nowadays -- even non-fans of the film will appreciate that they fetch about $6,000 on the private market. There were only ever a few hundreds of these made.

2. Rocket Firing Boba Fett character

After the release of this Star Wars action figure, safety concerns arose about the tiny missile that could be shot from Boba Fett's missile launcher on his back. Kenner denied ever making a launching version of the figure (probably not the best strategy, were it ever to wind up in a personal injury court!), but several firing figures have definitely been found at auction houses and sold for hefty sums, up to $2,000.

3. Vinyl Cape Jawa

When the telescoping light saber Darth Vader, Skywalker etc were released in 1978, the Jawa were released along with them, originally with a vinyl cape. However Kenner changed the cape shortly afterwards to help them sell -- the new cloth cape was supposed to add perceived value to a toy that was half the size of Darth Vader but the same price. Now perceived value is, ironically, much higher for the original Star Warsfigurines!

4. Yak Face

Yak Face was never retailed in the States -- he was one of the last characters made before the entire line was cancelled in 1985. These were sold overseas to recoup production losses … if they'd kept them for another 30 years, there may have been a handsome profit. Yak Faces sell for around $1,000 each nowadays.

5. Blue Snaggletooth

This figurine was from 1978, along with the telescopers. The toy designers had nothing to work from other than a grainy black and white shot, and grossly messed up the design (as you would). This is one of the rarest Star Wars figures ever, and fetches about $400 per figurine.

Collecting and Compulsive Hoarding … The Thin Red Line!

Collecting is a lot of fun, and many collectors are designated as hoarders, packrats, or even obsessive by non-professionals who simply fail to understand that there are people in the world who differ from themselves! If your action figure collection has ever caused you to be called obsessive compulsive by a friend or relative, today we are actually looking at the difference for you. Are you obsessed? More importantly … do you want to lose your obsession?

Compulsive hoarding, AKA…

Compulsive hoarding is also known as pathological hoarding (alluding to the fact that it is a disease, though the term pathological doesn't truly apply here), disposophobia, or the messy mindset. I love the last two terms!

The clinical definition

Of course, every clinician differs in the limits of what they recognize as compulsive hoarding, whether of items from your action figures guide, stamps, or empty toilet paper rolls. Here are some general guidelines, though:

• An obsessive need to acquire a significant amount of possessions
• The failure to use those possessions
• The failure to discard the unused possessions
• The felt need to keep the items, even if they are worthless, unsanitary or even hazardous.

Compulsive hoarding may also be a symptom of another disorder, such as a wider obsessive compulsive disorder.

Are YOU a compulsive hoarder?

Just one of the characteristics of your collection above would certainly not a clinical hoarder make. If a stamp collector went to his doctor's office and said "Doc, I'm worried about myself. I haven't looked at my stamps in over 6 months, even though I keep adding new pieces to my collection. Doesn't failure to use my collected items mean that I'm a compulsive hoarder?", he would be laughed out of the building. And of course, if you collect pieces out of your action figures guide, but don't use them because you are keeping them in mint condition for future resale, this would hardly be a reason to seek professional help.

While some health care professionals would say that ALL of the above conditions need to be apparent in order to make a diagnosis of compulsive hoarding, others would say that several factors plus the physician's opinion is enough. For example, a person that obsessively collects old alligator clips, makes sculptures out of them and has long conversations with them would definitely need clinical help … though they don't exactly meet the definition of failure to use the items!

The basic question is -- does your collection significantly impact on your ability to lead a normal life? If not, there is absolutely no problem.

10 Reasons Why People Start Collections

Most of us collect things because it is fun – because we like the idea of having a set, because it is a good financial investment, and because we love the thrill of the chase.

Have you done much real thinking about why you collect Star Wars action figures, Avatar memorabilia, Marvel superheroes memorabilia, and so on? We’ve identified ten main reasons for you to think about. They aren’t necessarily applicable to everybody – but are great to think about in the interests of self-enlightenment!

1. Knowledge and learning

Physically having something in our hands is a primary source of information. We can look at it, feel it, assess how it would have related to the lifestyles of the time, etc. This is especially interesting with older toys, like original Star Wars action figures.

2. Relaxation and stress reduction

Everybody needs playtime – some people surf, some people play guitar, some people roll around on the lawn with their dogs – some play with action figures. That escape into another world is vital for mental wellbeing, no matter how you arrive there.

3. Appreciation of beauty

This is a very subjective thing, but does often enter into action figure collecting.

4. Social aspects of collecting – sharing knowledge, swapping pieces etc

While collecting is not a team sport, it definitely has a social aspect – several people can be working towards a common goal of helping each other build and maintain their collections.

5. Competition and challenge

There is still a strong thrill associated with either keeping an action figure longer than anybody else (and creating more value for it), or unearthing a rare piece before anybody else.

6. Recognition

Strongly associated with the last point is the recognition of those achievements.

7. Altruism

Many excellent collections are ultimately donated to museums, universities, and so on ... even before the collector themself dies. People aren’t always in it for the money.

8. A desire for control

Our world often seems to spiral out of control – maintaining a collection be bring a sense of order and predictability to lives that often seem difficult to understand.

9. Nostalgia, the connection to history

For some people, this can be evoked even when the action figures they are collecting are quite new. You can have a sense of history – or of history in the making.

10. Financial gain

This is quite often the primary reason that people start collecting action figures, and then they find the other benefits along the way!