Tribune’s Dick Tracy will make an appearance as a hyper-articulated 6” action figure in creator Chester Gould’s black and white comic strip style. The World’s Most Famous Detective will be available in two limited run action figures. The limited B&W standard version with suit and pistol, will be available at the Shocker Toys booth #321. The limited B&W variant figure, with Tracy in his iconic trench coat with Tommy gun, will also be available at the booth.

October 16th - 18th, Pier 94 NYC, Tribune’s Dick Tracy will make an appearance as a hyper-articulated 6” action figure in creator Chester Gould’s black and white comic strip style. The World’s Most Famous Detective will be available in two limited run action figures. The limited B&W standard version with suit and pistol, will be available at the Shocker Toys booth #321. The limited B&W variant figure, with Tracy in his iconic trench coat with Tommy gun, will also be available at the booth.

Shocker Toys' booth will also highlight their new articulated designer line, Mallows, with three exclusives: A Mallow version of the CCI Guy, The Phantom with yellow/black trunks and Dethklok’s favorite rock and roll clown, Dr. Rockzo. On hand will also be DIY blank Mallows in black or white to design your own creations for fun at home or at the shows on-site custom contests. Artist custom Mallows will be showcased featuring artists such as Phetus, Rsin, Mad Hatter Creative and more. So make sure to stop by and try your hand at designing a one of a kind Mallow.

If Dr. Rockzo isn't enough for fans of Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse, Shocker Toys will also be featuring the re-release set of the now legendary Dethklok set that took the metal world by storm in 2008.

Booth #321 will feature contests, giveaways, feedback and new products. Also, meet Wizard Guest Geoff Beckett, the CEO of Shocker Toys, who will be answering questions about upcoming releases for Mallows, Indie Spotlight Series 2 and 3 and more. Be sure to mark it on your list of booths to visit.

In addition to the debuting exclusives, updates to the Indie Spotlight line will be on display at the booth. This includes Series 2 in the final development stages, lineup and preliminary development for Series 3, and for the third Wizard show since Chicago, Indie Spotlight Series 1 is back in stock. Look for the full lineup available at the booth along with Translucent Scuds and more. Shocker Toys will also be sponsoring after-parties on Friday and Saturday at Pier 92, one featuring Naughty by Nature!

Also look for us at the VGXPO in Philadelphia 10/9 - 10/11. We will be in the booth with SMOKE, the professional wrestler, with product on hand.

Stores and Press are urged to contact Shocker Toys at info@shockertoys.com for more info about wholesale specials on-site and interview opportunities.

About Shocker Toys, LLP.
New Jersey based Shocker Toys, LLP current roster includes Indie Spotlight 6" scale independent comic book action figures, Who Wants to be a Superhero figures, 3" Shockinis, Metalocalypse figures and Mallows. For more product and licensing information visit the company's website ShockerToys.com

Meet the Maxx, one of Shocker toy's latest Indie Spotlight action figures.

From what I understand, The Maxx was originally a comic book created by Sam Keith.....

I first learned of The Maxx in 1995. MTV was doing all sorts of outlandish cartoons like The Maxx including such memorable shows like Aeon Flux and the Head. I never missed The Maxx when it was on.

FROM WIKIPEDIA

The Maxx is an American comic book and animation character created by Sam Kieth and published by Image Comics. The comic book spawned an animated series that aired on the MTV network.

The series follows the adventures of the titular hero in the real world and in an alternate reality, referred to as The Outback. In the real world the Maxx is a vagrant while in the Outback he is the protector of the Jungle Queen.

The Jungle Queen is similar to the Maxx in that she also exists in the real world as Julie Winters, a freelance social worker who often bails the Maxx out of jail. While the Maxx is aware of the Outback, Julie is not, though it is integral to the story of both the Maxx and Julie.

Bizarre? I know.....So anyhow, I really dug the cartoon.

With all that being said... I was excited the first time I saw him in prototype form at the SDCC08. Geoff Beckett CEO of Shocker Toys had him on display.

Luckily, this years SDCC 09 Geoff had some ready and he was happy to give me one.

Upon opening the display package (shown below),I immediately noticed the heft of the figure. He was pretty beefy, and sturdy, made of PVC and vinyl. The vinyl parts are the upper shoulders, torso and forearms. The rest is PVC.

Maxx comes with two interchangeable heads, one for when he is in the Outback and another for when he is in his reality. But again, the head is made of PVC and the paint job doesn't match the body too well.

He also comes with 3 IZS.

FROM WIKIPEDIA

The main creatures that inhabit The Outback are white Isz. White Isz are herbivores, but can eat most other Outback creatures, as most if not all the creatures in Julie's Outback are actually plants.
When white Isz are brought from The Outback into the real world they become black Isz. Black Isz are carnivores and cannibalistic. They are stronger, faster, and have sharper teeth than white Isz. Black Isz assume different appearances depending on the clothes they're wearing. In this matter, intention counts more than disguise skills. If an Isz is dressed as an old lady, it appears as an old lady to anyone who doesn't know what it really is. All Isz are eyeless.
In the latter part of the series, Sara's Isz appear as pink, flying, eyeless fairies and explode if not kept in water.

All in all, I think the figure has a good sculpt that depicts the Maxx well. There were just a few glitches with the paint and the loose joints. If you like the Maxx, I would suggest buying him, but, if you are a toy snob he may not be for you.

When I was approached to review this Mallow figure, I had expected the worst. Imagine my surprise. Something really wonderful happened.

You say the phrase "designer toy" or "art toy" around here and people cringe. And rightly so - most of it is overpriced and under-articulated, at least for Japanese toy and action figure collectors. A lot of it is very pretentious and ego centric.

When I saw Shocker toys was getting into this game, I thought to myself - "A day late and a dollar short".

Not only has the designer toy culture burst, but the culture is so focused on name recognition. If KidRobot makes a vinyl, great - if Mattel makes one - corporate sellout.

So when I was approached to review this Mallow figure, I had expected the worst. Imagine my surprise. Something really wonderful happened.

First of all - Mallows are not vinyl at all, but hard ABS plastic. Secondly, they are articulated, with 9 points of articulation. And finally - they are CHEAP! At about 14.00 USD, you can purchase an army of them for the price of one designer figure. It's quite remarkable really.

The toy comes in a cardboard box, with the toy resting in a clear tray. The packaging is suprisingly sturdy.

A blank mallow is just that - totally undecorated. So far they come in black and white, as well as some pre-painted versions.

The joints on this thing are VERY tight. The plastic is high-quality, with no noticeable flaws or seam lines. It's perfect, and durable.

So I was sitting there, playing with it and posing it and I was struck with inspiration.

See, in my other life I fancy myself something of an artist. I've been drawing skulls since junior high, inspired by Pushead and other 80s heavy metal artists. I have drawn on paper all my life, but now...

Inspired by the toy, I ran right out to the craft store and bought some paint markers. I took that Mallow and did what I do best - drew a skull on it. I was giddy with excitement.

It came out great. Sure, i'm not a popular or famous artist, but I created something with the Mallow as a canvas that made me feel like I could be. And without the pretentiousness or risk or ruining an expensive vinyl piece. The Mallow has just the right amount of canvas and a great texture to work on.

If you have ever though of doing your own custom figure, this is a great low-cost way to get into it.

I really thought I wasn't going to like this, and it quickly became one of my favorite pieces. Mallows are available at Shocker Toys

Shocker Toys returns to San Diego Comic-Con Booth #3849 with five, count ‘em, five, exclusives, the return of an old favorite and one can’t miss party.

Shocker Toys returns to San Diego Comic-Con Booth #3849 with five, count ‘em, five, exclusives, the return of an old favorite and one can’t miss party.

Tribune’s Dick Tracy will make his first appearance as a hyper-articulated 6” action figure in creator Chester Gould’s black and white comic strip style. The World’s Most Famous Detective will be available in two limited run action figures. The B&W standard version with suit and pistol, limited to 500 pieces, will be available on-site and at the Shocker Toys online store. The B&W variant figure, limited to 250 pieces, with Tracy in his iconic trench coat with Tommy gun, will be available only at Comic-Con with a purchase ticket given out at the show opening every day of the show.

Shocker Toys' booth will also highlight their new articulated designer line, Mallows, with three exclusives: A Mallow version of the CCI Guy (the SDCC Logo) (250 pcs), The Phantom with yellow/black trunks (500 pcs) and Dethklok’s favorite rock and roll clown, Dr. Rockzo (500 pcs). On hand will also be DIY blank Mallows to design your own as well as custom contests and Artist custom Mallows showcased featuring some artist such as Phetus, Mad Hatter Creative and more.

If Dr. Rockzo isn't enough for fans of Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse, Shocker Toys will also be featuring a 500 piece re-release of the now legendary Dethklok set that took San Diego by storm in 2008.

Shocker Toys will also help kick off the Con in style with a Friday night Mallows release party at BONDI across from the convention center in the Gaslamp, more location info here. There will be custom Artist Mallows, giveaways and great music. Right before the party, Shocker Toys will be hosting a panel in room 4 on Friday July 24th, 6:30-7:30. Stop by for news, info and special giveaways.

Booth #3849 will feature contests, giveaways, feedback and new products. Also, meet Shocker Toys CEO Geoff Beckett, who will be answering questions about upcoming figures for Mallows, Indie Spotlight Series 2 and 3 and more. Be sure to mark it on your list of booths to visit.

In addition to the Comic-Con exclusives, updates to the Indie Spotlight line will be on display at the booth. This includes Series 2 in the final development stages, lineup and preliminary development for Series 3, and for the first time since Wizard Philly, Indie Spotlight Series 1 is back in stock. Look for the full lineup available at the booth.

Shocker Toys has released their line of 6" action figures based on characters from a vast array of independent comic books; Indie Spotlight Comic Book Heroes. Each Indie Spotlight Series will feature, and be based on, a larger than life 'mega' character. Series 1 Features Sam Keith's The Maxx.

Shocker Toys has released their line of 6" action figures based on characters from a vast array of independent comic books; Indie Spotlight Comic Book Heroes. Each Indie Spotlight Series will feature, and be based on, a larger than life 'mega' character. Series 1 Features Sam Keith's The Maxx.

The Series 1 line up changed a few times through production, but this certainly didn't slow sales. The initial air-mail shipment sold out within a week of its arrival in the US. Fans and critics alike have posted reviews and raved that the figures are an accomplishment for a young company and a line in its infancy. Beginning with the primary vessel shipment of Series 1, due in June, you will begin to see the products available via Amazon.com, TRU, other fine retailers and of course your local comic shop.

So with Series 1 shipping to customers and a second shipment on the way to fill retail shelves, what's next? Series 2 (revealed at San Diego Comic Con 2008 and available for pre-order) is in keeping with the 'mega' themed Series and will feature The Tick. It will ship Q3 of this year. Series 3 is in pre-production now and will be discussed at SDCC 2009 along with a contest announcement in the next few months for an indie comic artist to have their comic character voted into Series 3. We're hoping to conduct a fan vote to pick finalists and then use a judging panel to choose the winner. We can't spill the beans yet, but we're hoping to finalize some well known judges and possibly conduct a panel at SDCC '09 to announce our picks.

The first two series include..

INDIE SPOTLIGHT COMIC BOOK HEROES Series 1 ? THE MAXX SERIES (above)

* The Maxx

* Kabuki

* ShadowHawk (& New Costume Variant)

* Katchoo

* SCUD (& SOL model variant)

All Series 1 figures are packed with Isz's from Sam Keith's The Maxx so fans who collect the entire series will build an Isz army and be able to send us their UPCs for the Series 1 mail-away figure, Mr. Gone!

____

INDIE SPOTLIGHT COMIC BOOK HEROES Series 2 ? THE TICK SERIES (Below)

* The Tick

* Jack Staff

* Ignacia

* Dick Tracy (& Trench Coat w/Tommy Gun Variant)

* King Zombie (& King Zombie Variant)

All Series 2 figures are packed with items from The Tick's universe so fans who collect the entire series can recreate scenes. For even more fun with The Tick, the Series 2 Mail-away figure will be everyone's favorite Tick sidekick, Arthur!

____

Shocker Toys is proud to announce their San Diego Comic Con 2009 EXCLUSIVES:

For SDCC '09 Shocker will be presenting a pair of Dick Tracy black and white figures. These figures will be based on the Comic Book Heroes Series 2 Dick Tracy, but run in only limited edition. The B&W Dick Tracy Standard Figure will premier at SDCC '09 and be available on-site and through the ShockerToys.com store. Specifics regarding pre-ordered exclusives will be made public shortly.

The B&W Dick Tracy Variant will be available ON SITE ONLY. The Dick Tracy B&W Variant will be produced ONLY for on site sales at SDCC '09 and will not be made again. Preliminary estimates are that there will only be 250 of the B&W Variants available for purchase.
In addition to the Dick Tracy exclusives, keep your ear to the ground for another Series 2 SDCC '09 Exclusive. Series 2 fans are sure to be excited about this one.

I've had a little time to sit on this review, to think about what I want to say about this offering from Shocker Toys. I want to be diplomatic, and not give in to just outright bashing this company who has such a controversial reputation. I want to give Shadowhawk his fair shake.

Read on to find out more, with HD Video review with special guest JustinB.

I've had a little time to sit on this review, to think about what I want to say about this offering from Shocker Toys. I want to be diplomatic, and not give in to just outright bashing this company who has such a controversial reputation. I want to give Shadowhawk his fair shake.

I have to admit, I've had a soft spot for the Indie Spotlight series. Year after year, Shocker has had prototypes for these on display at various conventions, saying release dates are just around the corner. Each time they were shown they looked a bit better and better. As hard as is it is to believe, I actually kind of became sympathetic to this cause. Not that I cared about any of the characters in the line, but it's like the "Little Engine that Could". Its as if someone told Geoff Beckett that if you believed hard enough, and long enough, you could do it, and what do you know - against popular belief, he did it. Indie Spotlight figures are here, finally, in the flesh. In my hands. For achieving this goal, I congratulate you. It's been a long hard road.

That being said.... (how many times do I say that?)

Shadowhawk, measured up against any other major action figures of similar scale (ie Marvel Legends etc..) falls short. It's a remarkably average action figure, with a few serious QC issues. But the fact that I am just floored that these things have finally seen the light of day makes me want to like them a little bit more. It's hard to explain what I am trying to say here. Lets just move on to the figure.

The Indie Spotlight series is made up of characters that only hard-core comic collectors who have been buying books since the early 90s would remember. I would guess the MAXX would be the most popular, followed by Kabuki, Scud, Katchoo from Strangers in Paradise, and then Shadowhawk.

Huh?

I have to be really honest here. Shadowhawk was a terrible character, from a terrible comic, born in the worst time in comic book history, when the industry was morally and creatively bankrupt. All of these creators with overinflated egos decided to jump ship from the majors, some talented (Erik Larsen) some absolute hacks (Liefeld) and some who I think got dragged along because he happened to be in the room and promised not to tell anyone if he could come along (Jim Valentino). These creators founded Image comics, and unfortunately influential company that makes me burp up old orange juice into the back of my throat when I think of some of the crap that studio put out.

So yeah, Shadowhawk was probably not the best choice of figures to send out to me. But I'm trying to look past the character and look at the essence of the toy here.

The packaging is rather nice, featuring a collector-friendly wrap around plastic shell. I only had to cut two pieces of tape and the backing card slid effortlessly out. The card graphics are professional and well designed. Unfortunately, with packaging like this you will likely never see it at mass-market retail, because thieves would be opening these things in seconds.

Inside the package is the Shadowhawk figure, a weapon, and a Isz figure. The Isz figure is one of the little dudes that follow around the MAXX, and is kind of a bonus, he has nothing to do with Shadowhawk. He does nothing.

The Shadowhawk figure is 6 inches tall, and is cast in high quality plastic, although the surface of the plastic has slight lines and textures in places like the thighs that are not a result of the sculpt, rather from the material poured into the molds. This is a minor thing, as most mass-market toys can have imperfections like this.

The figure is cast entirely in black, with silver and red paint applications. The paint varies in quality. The red on the belt has some excess paint on the waist, and the silver lining can go from sharp to fuzzy on the same line. But for the most part the paint is good, once again, on par for a mass-produced figure.

The articulation is surprisingly good, but not up to par with Marvel Legends figures. The head is on a single ball joint but has a good range of motion. The shoulders are on a ball joint which can rotate, swivel in and out, and rotate again at the top of the bicep. The elbows are double jointed and the wrists are just a simple pop in ball joint.

The chest is articulated in two places, and provides a great range of motion, but it is in the upper chest the first serious flaw reveals itself. The figure can separate easily at this point, revealing the connection method - a sort of dumbbell shaped connecting pin.

It looks as if this top connection is not firm enough, and can come apart when posing. When trying to put the parts back together, there is no "pop" of the ball fitting into place, and i think that is the root of the issue. I have see no other complaints of this issue, so it is possible I just have a defective sample.

Moving on to the legs, the hips have a great range of motion that while similar to a Marvel Legends style, I actually think they do it better. The joints are less obvious here, and provide a great range of motion.

The knees are double jointed, and the pins in the joint had a bit of flashing left in them from the manufacturing process. These knee joints get a bit loose after a bit of play, and due to the nature of the sculpt can over-extend in the opposite direction, making him look as if his knees have been broken backwards. Proper attention to detail would have made the knees stop leg movement at a natural angle.

The feet, like the hands, are just pop-in ball joints, with no other articulation. However, on a cool note, the feet have peg holes in them, something every proper action figure should have.

Shadowhawk's only accessory is a long bladed weapon that clips onto his forearm. It actually looks a lot like a Garden Weasel Claw. This weapon is actually a very sturdy plastic and does not suffer from floppy weapon syndrome.

Flaws aside, Character aside, Shocker drama aside, the figure isn't that bad in general. Its not spectacular, but from a small little company, its a big accomplishment.

I shot this review with my son Justin, who is 4. He really liked the figure, more than his ML Spidey, so I guess that says something. He's now the proud owner of it.

You can check out Shadowhawk and all of the other Indie Spotlight figures at ShockerToys.com

Background diorama courtesy of Action Figure Displays

Indie Spotlight figures finally revealed!

Shocker Toys may be one of the most infamous toy companies around. It just seems like they have a lot of bad luck around them, or maybe its the overwhelming drama that ensues whenever message posts about them incur. Whatever your opinion, there's no denying that they appear to be in it for the long haul.

When we first stopped by the booth on Sunday, we asked about the new Indie Spotlight figures. Unfortunately, they weren't there, there was some delay with UPS etc... You know the drill. So did we. They said they would be here the next day.

Imagine our surprise when we returned, and there they were - carded, production Indie Spotlight figures! And they looked VERY GOOD.

No, seriously. They looked great. The sculpts were much smoother and toy-like than the prototypes and rough sculpts we've seen at previous cons. We handled Scud and the Maxx and both were surprisingly sturdy and well done. Could this be? Could Shocker Toys have arrived?

Some of the character choices in series 1 are questionable (Shadowhawk?) but the characters I like, Katchoo for instance, or Scud, came out great. I'm sure fans of Shadowhawk will enjoy the renditions of them.

Series 2 features an equally odd mix, with cool characters like the TICK, and odd choices like Dick Tracy.

I think they said Series 1 will hit sometime in April.

Also on display were some Mallow figures - prototypes of some designer-vinyl type figures that have been done to death by now. Not for us, but people who collect Dunnys and Mighty Muggs will probably like them.

Deathlok Figures

Con Exclusives

I briefly met with Geoff Beckett, President of Shocker Toys at this years San Diego Comic-Con.

Geoff showed me his up coming Indie Spotlight line of action figures. All of the figures shown were painted prototypes, 6 inches in height and have full articulation. Some of the highlights of the Indie Spotlight line-up are: SCUD, the Phantom, Dick Tracy, Shadowhawk, Katchoo and my personal favorite, The Maxx figure.

As you can see from the photo’s, Shocker toys has come a long way from last years SDCC07 promotional resin Metalocalypse figures. If the final products look anything like the prototypes I saw, the fans will definitely be in for a treat.

From this small sampling, it really looks as though Shocker Toys is going to be a true competitor in this niche market. I look forward to receiving the first wave of figures and personally reviewing them for the fans.
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Shocker Toys steps up with the hottest exclusive figures this summer

Shocker Toys steps up with the hottest exclusive figures this summer:

Metalocalypse

Limited to 500 sets, selling for $80 and available only at San Diego Comic
Con Booth #3849. This all-new line features fully painted vinyl action
figures of Dethklok, the undisputed greatest animated metal band in the
galaxy featured on Adult Swim’s hit series, Metalocalypse. The 5.5”
collectible action figure line will consist of band members Nathan
Explosion, Skwisgaar Skwigelf, Toki Wartooth, Pickles and William
Murderface and a secret pack-in!

MTV's The Maxx

Limited to 500pcs, selling for $30 and available at San Diego Comic Con
Booth #3849 this summer July 23-27th. Sculpted by Ricky K.Y. Lam with 4poa,
the tiny but larger than life mini Maxx vinyl action figure will come to
life when taken out of its full colored box! It will also be available to
non-attendees through the Shocker Toys Online Store. Be sure you grab one
before it's harder to find than a Great Northern Crabbit in the Outback!

Also available at The Shocker Toys Booth: an MC Chris 500pc Limited Edition
mini statue in "zombie form"! MC Chris will be selling his statue for $50.

A few quick details about the Shocker Toys Booth and Panel:
Shocker Toys Panel July 25th 6:00-7:00PM, Room #4; there will be an AV
presentation, free giveaways and live voting for the Indie Spotlight lines.
Be sure to attend and leave your input so we can take Indie Spotlight to
the highest level possible!

There will be Suicide Girls, prize giveaways, live voting for Indie
Spotlight Series picks, 2 showcases full of new and exciting products such
as the Updated Indie Spotlight Series 1 and fully painted Series 2. Also
meet some of your favorite artists (see website for details and times):
Spike and Mike (Spike and Mike’s Sick and Twisted Animation), Mark Wasyl
from Drop Dead Sexy Pinups.

Geoff Beckett, Shocker Toys CEO, says, "We want to bring all of your
favorite comics and shows to life making the toy experience the best it can
be! See all of you at the show, we look forward to chatting with you and
listening to your feedback!" Make sure you don't miss out on the limited
pre-orders which have started already at Shocker Toys Direct (
www.shockertoys.com/store.php ).

About Shocker Toys LLP
Buffalo, New York-based Shocker Toys LLP, was founded by Geoff Beckett and
Lance Buttiglieri in 2000. The company’s current roster includes Indie
Spotlight 6-7” independent comic book action figures, Who wants to be a
Superhero? Figures, 2.5” Customizable Shockinis, 2.5” Indie Spotlight
Shockinis, Metalocalypse figures. For more product and licensing
information visit the Company’s website: http://www.shockertoys.com

Shocker unleashes the most Brutal exclusive figures this summer:

Metalocalypse

Available only at Comic Con this Summer as a set, this all-new line features fully painted action figures of Dethklok, the undisputed greatest animated metal band in the galaxy featured on Adult Swim's hit series, Metalocalypse. The 5.5" collectible action figure line will consist of band members Nathan Explosion, Skwisgaar Skwigelf, Toki Wartooth, Pickles and William Murderface and a secret pack in!

More details, pricing and paint ready photos coming soon! Make sure you don?t miss out on the limited pre-order which has started already at Shocker Toys Direct (www.shockertoys.com/store.php).