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.
:

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).

Series 2 is set to consist of Dick Tracy, Zombie King (Deadworld), Jack Staff, Ignacia (Wildguard) and The Tick Mega Figure.

Indie Spotlight is a new action figure series from Shocker Toys presenting independent comic book characters in 6-7” super poseable figure form with a full size pack in comic (They debuted at Toy Fair 2008). The 6” Comic Book action figures Series 1 features (Jim Valentino’s ShadowHawk, Rob Schrab’s Scud the disposable assassin, Terry Moore's Katchoo of ‘Strangers in Paradise’, David Mack’s Kabuki and MTV’s The Maxx an 8" Mega Figure”. Series1 will have an Isz packed in with each figure to complete a fight scene with The Maxx. The Maxx will be sold as a stand alone figure mega sized in the series and there will be a mail away figure Mr. Gone. Series 2 is set to consist of Dick Tracy, Zombie King (Deadworld), Jack Staff, Ignacia (Wildguard) and The Tick Mega Figure. Series2 will have different Tick related items like SPOON! with each character and an Arthur mail in figure. With the creators of each character involved, Indie Spotlight will strive to create the perfect version in each figure and connect fans to the creators on a more personal level. Focusing on classic characters as well as underground favorites and new arrivals to the panels, INDIE SPOTLIGHT will bring these icons of the Independent Comic Universe to comic shops all over the world and into the homes of the fans who have come to love them. For the first time ever, the likes of The Tick and Dick Tracy will stand toe to toe with Scud the Disposable Assassin and The Maxx! Retail price is $13.95 per figure and $14.95 for each Mega Figure. They are due out July of 2008 and will be carried by Toys R Us and Local Comic Book shops as well as direct.

Indie Spotlight features 20+ pts of articulation in every 6 inch scaled figure. President of Shocker Toys, Geoff Beckett stated "We want you to be able to recreate classic moments from your favorite comics so posability and accessories are key. Shocker Toys wants to have as close a relationship with the creators of each character as you have come to have over the years of reading their books, so our figures will reflect that. We also realize that Indy Spotlight will create it's own universe as it grows, so look for scale to play a big part in expressing the diversity from character to character with giant robots staring down super powered vixens and over muscled supermen going toe to toe with sickly, inhuman creatures..we'll have it all!" Other characters in the ever growing line up are Dr. Solar, The Lone Ranger, The Phantom, Retro Rocket, Bog the Swamp Demon, Nexus, The Moth, Earthboy Jacobus, Atomika, Robotika, Fist of Justice, Liberty Girl and much much more. The characters in the 6-7" action figure line willalso grace the new cute 2.5" mini block figures called Shockinis with an Indie Spotlight 8 character per series line up.

Other Toylines slated for Shocker Toys 2008

Metalocalypse Dethklok action figures, GWAR action figures, Indie Spotlight Shockinis, Who wants to be a Superhero? Shockinis and 6" Feedback and the ever popular customizable, interchangeable, paintable mini shockini block figures. The Spotlight has also become a brand on its own such as Horror Spotlight, Anime Spotlight, Manga Spotlight, Movie Spotlight, Gamer Spotlight and more to come.

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, 3” Customizable Shockinis, 3” Indie Spotlight Shockinis, Metalocalypse figures and 7” GWAR action figures. For more product and licensing information visit the Company’s website: http://www.shockertoys.com

http://www.shockertoys.com/forum

http://www.myspace.com/shockertoys

Comic-Con returns to New York April 18-20th and Shocker Toys LLP will be in full force at Booth# 962 with new product showcasing and bringing a show exclusive to the event.

March 2008 - NY - Comic-Con returns to New York April 18-20th and Shocker Toys LLP will be in full force at Booth# 962 with new product showcasing and bringing a show exclusive to the event.

Very pleased will be the fans of Rob Schrab’s Scud, Shocker Toys LLP will have on hand SCUD the Disposable Assassin. SCUD comes from a world in which you can buy intelligent robots out of vending machines which destroy a specified target and then self-destruct. Scud, an average Heart Breaker Series 1373 model on his first mission is sent to destroy Jeff, a rampaging female mutant with mousetraps for hands, an electrical plug for a head, and a squid for a belt. During his first mission, Scud glances in a mirror and sees the warning label on his back explaining how he will explode upon completion of his mission. Realizing that he doesn't want to explode, Scud wounds Jeff then takes her to a hospital placing her on life support ensuring their mutual survival. Scud's begins a career as a freelance assassin working to pay off Jeff's medical bills. SCUD comes with a bulls-eye base and his two 11mm guns. This is a limited edition figure with only 400 pieces produced.

Also on hand will be the unveiling of Indie Spotlight Series 2 which will consist of Dick Tracy, Zombie King (Deadworld), Jack the lantern, Ignacia (Wildguard) and The Tick. Indie Spotlight is a new action figure series from Shocker Toys presenting independent comic book characters in 6-7” super poseable figure form. Series 1 features (Jim Valentino’s ShadowHawk, Rob Schrab’s Scud the disposable assassin, Terry Moore's Katchoo of ‘Strangers in Paradise’, David Mack’s Kabuki and MTV’s The Maxx 8”. th3rdworld Studios, producers of Eskimo Dave and the designers of the Indie Spotlight logo and packaging will be at the Shocker Booth all week. www.th3rdworld.com

The SCUD figure will be Available at NY Comic Con (4/18-20, 2008) and on www.shockertoys.com/store/php for pre-order for attendees and non-attendees, while supplies last (limited to 400pcs).

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

About New York Comic Con:

New York Comic Con (April 18-20 in the Jacob Javits Center) is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture event. An enormous show floor plays host to top entertainment industry leaders showcasing the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, television, and more. New York Comic Con gives attendees access to top entertainment industry talent, panels, and autograph sessions as well as sneak peaks and at upcoming television shows and motion pictures. And with dedicated professional hours, New York Comic Con is a market, bringing together the major players in the worlds of comics, film, and television. New York Comic Con is the biggest popular culture event on the East Coast and the only one that puts attendees and professionals in the core of pop culture, media, and licensing in the most exciting city in the US -- the birth place of comics -- Gotham City. Further information can be found at www.newyorkcomiccon.com

Comic-Con returns to New York April 18-20th and Shocker Toys LLP will be in full force at Booth# 962 with new product showcasing and bringing a show exclusive to the event.

March 2008 - NY - Comic-Con returns to New York April 18-20th and Shocker Toys LLP will be in full force at Booth# 962 with new product showcasing and bringing a show exclusive to the event.

Very pleased will be the fans of Rob Schrab’s Scud, Shocker Toys LLP will have on hand SCUD the Disposable Assassin. SCUD comes from a world in which you can buy intelligent robots out of vending machines which destroy a specified target and then self-destruct. Scud, an average Heart Breaker Series 1373 model on his first mission is sent to destroy Jeff, a rampaging female mutant with mousetraps for hands, an electrical plug for a head, and a squid for a belt. During his first mission, Scud glances in a mirror and sees the warning label on his back explaining how he will explode upon completion of his mission. Realizing that he doesn't want to explode, Scud wounds Jeff then takes her to a hospital placing her on life support ensuring their mutual survival. Scud's begins a career as a freelance assassin working to pay off Jeff's medical bills. SCUD comes with a bulls-eye base and his two 11mm guns. This is a limited edition figure with only 400 pieces produced.

Also on hand will be the unveiling of Indie Spotlight Series 2 which will consist of Dick Tracy, Zombie King (Deadworld), Jack the lantern, Ignacia (Wildguard) and The Tick. Indie Spotlight is a new action figure series from Shocker Toys presenting independent comic book characters in 6-7” super poseable figure form. Series 1 features (Jim Valentino’s ShadowHawk, Rob Schrab’s Scud the disposable assassin, Terry Moore's Katchoo of ‘Strangers in Paradise’, David Mack’s Kabuki and MTV’s The Maxx 8”. th3rdworld Studios, producers of Eskimo Dave and the designers of the Indie Spotlight logo and packaging will be at the Shocker Booth all week. www.th3rdworld.com

The SCUD figure will be Available at NY Comic Con (4/18-20, 2008) and on Shocker Toys.com for pre-order for attendees and non-attendees, while supplies last (limited to 400pcs).

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

About New York Comic Con:

New York Comic Con (April 18-20 in the Jacob Javits Center) is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture event. An enormous show floor plays host to top entertainment industry leaders showcasing the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, television, and more. New York Comic Con gives attendees access to top entertainment industry talent, panels, and autograph sessions as well as sneak peaks and at upcoming television shows and motion pictures. And with dedicated professional hours, New York Comic Con is a market, bringing together the major players in the worlds of comics, film, and television. New York Comic Con is the biggest popular culture event on the East Coast and the only one that puts attendees and professionals in the core of pop culture, media, and licensing in the most exciting city in the US -- the birth place of comics -- Gotham City. Further information can be found at www.newyorkcomiccon.com

A small but fast growing toy company, Shocker Toys LLP today revealed its plans for the 2008 year, weeks before the American International Toy Fair in New York City (February 17-20). The fun filled exhibit booth#5733 cornered in the urban bazaar and main aisle will feature fun interactive products and a creative sales team.

Shocker toys will be attending the 2008 international toy fair with new products and concepts sure to turn buyer’s heads

Buffalo NY. -- February 26, 2008 – A small but fast growing toy company, Shocker Toys LLP today revealed its plans for the 2008 year, weeks before the American International Toy Fair in New York City (February 17-20). The fun filled exhibit booth#5733 cornered in the urban bazaar and main aisle will feature fun interactive products and a creative sales team.

"Each year, Shocker Toys looks to grow and add to our experience across a diverse range of products," said Geoff Beckett, CEO. "We have had a tough start but have started in a new strong direction for 2008, including making fun but great looking action figures and our newly designed Shockini line which will expand into new markets including lines for girls as well."

The company will showcase a number of new toys that offer old fashion playability and creativity, a re-growing trend within the industry. Products combined with paint and stickers and comics will help the overall play experience. These products include Indie Spotlight a comic book action figure line as well as Shockinis - the create your own toy kit. On display will be the following toy lines:

Shockinis

The most interchangeable, constructive mini action figure systems on the market! Every Shockini is interchangeable with the others, so the only limit is your imagination. Available in different colors as well each Shockini will come with a 50 pack of stickers, a paint set, a standing base and building accessories. Linking parts together to form monsters, playsets or your favorite characters or loved ones will plenty of room for the imagination.

Shockinis Indie Spotlight

Indie Spotlight Shockinis are the tough little 3” block figures mirroring the characters of the Indie Spotlight action figure series. The 3” Comic Book block figures will be available in 2 character packs. Series 1 includes ShadowHawk and Scud the disposable assassin, Katchoo of ‘Strangers in Paradise’ and The Maxx, Kabuki and Solar ‘Man of the Atom’, Dick Tracy and Madman. Series 2 will be talked about at Toy Fair consisting of Dick Tracy, Zombie King, Jack the lantern, Ignacia, The Tick, Lone Ranger, jack staff, fist of justice and the Wraith

Shockinis Who wants to be a Superhero?

Who wants to be a Superhero? Shockinis are the tough little 3” block figures mirroring the characters of the hit Sci-Fi show hosted by Stan Lee. The 3” Superhero block figures series 1 includes Feedback, Fat Momma and Major Victory. Series 2 will be discussed at Toy Fair consisting of Defuser, Hyperstrike and Hygena.

Metalocalypse

Vinyl action figures of Dethklok, the world’s most popular band and most significant cultural force. For the band Dethklok, the world is full of darkness, pain, destruction and death. Not to mention groupies and ear-shattering heavy metal and piles of cash. Created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha, Metalocalypse airs during late night on Adult Swim. The 5.5” figure line will consist of Nathan Explosion, Skwisgaar Skwigelf, Toki Wartooth, Pickles and William Murderface.

Indie Spotlight

Indie Spotlight is a new action figure series from Shocker Toys presenting independent comic book characters in 6-7” super poseable figure form with a full size pack in comic. The 6” Comic Book action figures Series 1 features (Jim Valentino’s ShadowHawk, Rob Schrab’s Scud the disposable assassin, Terry Moore's Katchoo of ‘Strangers in Paradise’, David Mack’s Kabuki and MTV’s The Maxx in 8”. Series 2 will be discussed at Toy Fair consisting of Dick Tracy, Zombie King (Deadworld), Jack the lantern, Ignacia (Wildguard) and The Tick BAF.

Who wants to be Superhero?

Who wants to be a Superhero? 6” action figures mirroring the winning character of the hit Sci-Fi show hosted by Stan Lee. The 6” Superhero figure will be Feedback winner of the first season and The Defuser winner of the second season.

All buyers and press are urged to contact shocker toys for an appointment. Free gifts and order discounts for early appointment registers. Contact Geoff Beckett at 201-913-7027

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, 3” Customizable Shockinis, 3” Indie Spotlight Shockinis, Metalocalypse figures and 7” GWAR action figures. For more product and licensing information visit the Company’s website: http://www.shockertoys.com

Ouch...well...I suppose they qualify as "toys"...

Metalocalypse fans, you may want to avoid this review. Then again, if ya need a really good laugh...

Wow...what can I say? I write for CDX because, y'know, I like toys. This will be a first for me, though. A review of something that fills me with hate and loathing...

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Folks, I'm a hip hop head, through and through, but I have a few close friends who're devoted metal heads. When they first told me about the Adult Swim show, Metalocalypse, I knew I had to see this! I mean, I loved Spinal Tap (and, of course, the hip hop lampooning, Fear of a Black Hat). Something about subcultures busting on themselves that's just perfect--keeps folks from taking themselves too seriously. Anyway, this show was being done by actual metal fans, and as such, I had a feeling it would be good.

I wasn't disappointed!

The show is about the death metal band, Dethklok (yes, that's right! just based on the name, it's already good!). The band, a mix of US and Scandinavian musicians, happens to be the most popular band in the world, and in fact, the band has so many adherents, that it actually represents the single largest economy in the world! People are literally willing to die for the band. The story simultaneously follows a shadowy organization of extremely powerful individuals who run the government, military, media, and such behind the scenes. This organization is closely watching the band's activities because religious predictions have it that the band will continue to rise in power and eventually bring about the Metal Apocalypse...the "Metalocalypse".

Sounds pretty damn cool, huh? While not the most original plot ever, it definitely has potential. Now, here's the best part: the band is composed of complete idiots! That's right! The meat of the individual episodes focuses on the moronic crap they get themselves into. For example, in one episode, the band decides to write a song based on translated texts from some ancient Finnish book of necronomancy...because, obviously, it's freakin' cool. Of course, when they play the song for the first time in an open concert before the Bay of Danzig, they end up inadvertently summoning a lake troll that decimates the countryside. Classic!

Anyway, if you ARE a metal head or have metal fans in your life, you really need to see this show!

Okay...so obviously I dig the show. This past summer, Shocker Toys made the announcement that they had acquired the license to produce toys from the cartoon. I was freakin' psyched! Apparently, they had them at SDCC07, where Mason and I were...but on the--*ahem*--urging of concerned loved ones, we steered clear of them. Finally, Josh was able to procure the first wave of their figures to give to me for review.

And that's where everything went horribly, horribly wrong.

goh!

Horrendous.

Now, the first thing Josh said to me when he first gave them to me (before I had a chance to unpack them and take a look at them for myself), was that they looked like they had been painted by retarded, left-handed monkeys. I naturally looked at him a bit sideways (being left-handed), but then he assured me that he meant retarded, left-handed monkeys...forced to paint righty.

You know? I think he was right.

I mean, Josh stated clearly and in no uncertain terms that these were the worst licensed toys he had ever seen. He wanted them out of his house immediately. And now, here they are...in my possession.

Anyway, I'm sorta at a loss. You see, I'm used to covering toys I like. Well, let's see what we can come up with... First of all, Wave 1 consists of Nathan Explosion and William Murderface Murderface Murderface, the lead singer and bassist of Dethklok. These are billed as "action figures" on Shocker's website. I simply refuse to categorize them as such on this website. Each "action figure" is a single, static, poorly molded lump of resin. There's NO action here, folks...besides Josh throwing them at me during lunch that day...

So, let's talk about the sculpt. Now, c'mon, people. This is a cartoon--the characters are pretty basic-looking. Would it have killed ya to sculpt the figures to, y'know, at least sorta look like 'em!? Murderface isn't too terrible, but Nathan is just...off. And the detail of the sculpts are just poor--though I don't know if that's a problem with the sculpt or with the actual molding process. None of the surface details are sharp at all. Everything looks smooth, rounded...and sorta doughy. No good.

The worst part is when you really start to take a close look (which this reviewer does NOT recommend). Not only is there little definition at all in the molding, but there are mold flaws everywhere. Gobs of extra material clumsily left in armits or hairlines. It's truly awful. I can see more love going into a small child's very first sculpture in elementary school art class. And more talent, too.

Oh, here's the single worst part. If you notice in the image above, I have the figure of Nathan standing on a CD case...at an angle. Well, guess what. The figure cannot stand on its own. Again, I can't be sure if this is a flaw with the sculpt or the molding process (or with this particular piece...or ALL the Nathan figures). The feet appear fine on the figure--they're just angled too far down at the ankles, causing the figure to fall backwards. To take these photographs, I had to prop up the back side of the CD case with some coins. Way to go, Shocker. Your "action figure" can't even stand.

*sigh*

Let's move on. Next, we have the aforementioned monkey-painting.

Seriously, the paint achieves new kinds of low. The paint scheme selected here is supposed to depict the characters' concert make-up (seen at the end of the opening theme song), which is obviously meant to make them appear dead--their skin pallid and necrotized. The painters have succeeded in pulling off a look more akin to poop smears on their face. I mean, really...what the hell were these guys thinking? Wasn't there someone at some point along the design process who said, "Hey, waitaminute guys--I think we may be f#@king this up"?

Again, if you look at the details (which I must reiterate that I **DON'T** recommend!), you can see how the borders of colors run sloppily into each other, complementing the lack of definition in the sculpt with a miserable lack of care and neatness.

And just imagine: all this bootleg-level quality can be yours for the low, low price of $20 a whack.

All right, seriously, I don't think I can go much further with this review. I'm starting to make myself angry again. Anyway, y'all get the point about these figures. Lemme at least leave you with something postitive about Metalocalypse:

***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***

Dateline: 31 January 2008

Well, here's a...*ahem*...shocker!

CDX has recently been contacted by Geoff Beckett, President of Shocker Toys, wishing to enlighten us as to the nature of these items. Much like on the boards erechoveraker linked below in the comments, Beckett tells us that "they are promotional samples for San Diego Comic Con limited to 500pcs each hand painted in 20days and manufactured in 20 days before the show. Some of them were spot on and some were not but again they were hand painted samples made in 20 days for the fact that there was no adult swim presence at SDCC and [Shocker] wanted to make something the fans could walk away with." He goes on to say that "they are resin samples as well not toys not meant to be toys or played with as such" and that they have yet to receive a single complaint from anyone who bought them in person at the show.

Beckett had earlier stated that the set reviewed here comprises "a 1,000pc resin statue made for san diego comic con". So...500? 1000? Either way, it seems apparent that a true Wave 1 is under development at Shocker that will ostensibly not suck. Beckett emphasizes that the set above "has no collectablity nor is playable" and that this article "is misrepresenting the line as [Shocker] tried to do the fans a solid and get something they could grab at SDCC for promotional purposes."

Okay, grammar notwithstanding, I think we get the point.

Whether or not this helps fans sleep better at night, all we know is that when these items were provided to Josh, they were given as "figures" with no contextual data to the otherwise. At the time of the original publication of this article (21 December 2007), Shocker's own website listed them as "figures", and made no mention of any distinction between these and their actual Wave 1 figures supposedly in development. Incidentally, the page has now been updated to reflect the use of the new language (i.e., "exclusives")...and yet right under the "Metalocalypse Wave 1: 5.5" action figures!" heading, unpainted versions of the resin statues above are still shown with no images of any other figures or characters.

At any rate, while I haven't changed the content of the review above, I changed the title to reflect the true nature of these statues.

So...is this a case of Shocker Toys furiously back-pedaling and changing their tune in the face of outraged fans, or is it simply a case of miscommunication...horrendous, horrendous miscommuncation...? Honestly, I'm not particularly interested in exploring the answer to that question. All I know is this: I'm a Metalocalypse fan. I'm a toy fan. I would like some good toys of Dethklok.

For better or for worse, Shocker Toys has promised superior Metalocalypse product in the future. That, alone, makes me hopeful and I will look forward to telling it like it is when they finally come out. Stay tuned!

New dealings with NBC/Sci-Fi's "Who wants to be a Superhero" and Turner Network/Adult Swim's "Metalocalypse".

June 21st, 2007 – Shocker Toys will be hitting Comic Con International in San Diego (Booth #4517) in the 4500 aisle, debuting some exciting new lines like Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse and Sci-Fi’s Who Wants to be a superhero.  On hand will be GWAR action figures wave1, Indie Spotlight action figures and our flagship Shockini line of figures with new kit designs for 2007.

New products: 

•  Adult Swim's "Metalocalypse" Vinyl Figures Series1
• SCI FI's "Who Wants to be a Superhero" 6” Action Figures & Shockinis
• GWAR Action Figures Wave1
• Indie Spotlight Action Figures Series1 & Shockinis
• NEW Shockini kits for customization and interchanging

We will also have give-away items EVERY DAY at SDCC as well as raffles to make sure our friends have a great time.  This is a chance to get Shocker Toys Exclusives, not available any where else, free of charge.

Since exclusives are the stars of SDCC, we are proud to announce our boys of 2007!

Stop by the Shocker Toys booth this year and pick up your Metalocalypse Nathan Explosion and William Murderface Dethklok figures!!  Each appears in their “death” stage makeup, limited to 500 pieces of each, for 20 dollars each.

ALSO, be sure to attend this special event…

SDCC Panel Friday, July 27 6:30-7:30pm ROOM 4

Shocker Toys: Toys by Fans for Fans! 

What plans are in the works for new products? How did Shocker Toys start and what happened along the way?   Ask any burning question you've ever had about Shocker Toys and be heard as the owners, sculptors and licensors sit down together.  It’s a unique opportunity to find out how a smaller toy company overcomes the pitfalls inherent in doing business in today’s economy.  It’s also a great chance to talk to the artists and creators who have come on board to have their projects immortalized in plastic!  Company Heads Geoff Becket and Lance Buttiglieri join Who wants to be a Superhero, Metalocalypse and Indie Spotlight comic artists for what is bound to be an informative and entertaining panel, the likes of which could only happen at SDCC.

For further info or exclusive pre-orders, visit http://www.shockertoys.com

To set up an appointment to meet with Shocker Toys representatives while at SDCC, please contact Geoff Beckett at 201-913-7027

Other booth appearances will be Indie Spotlight comic creators- Rob Schrab and others, Fangoria Comics and Kevin Michaels director of Vampira the movie with a limited convention exclusive print of Michael Madsen's project SHIFTER.

About Shocker Toys: New York, Buffalo based Shocker Toys LLP, was founded by Geoff Beckett and Lance Buttiglieri, as new designers in the toy industry, in 2000. The company’s current roster includes Indie Spotlight 6-7” independent comic book action figures, 3” Customizable Shockinis, 3” Indie Spotlight Shockinis, 7” GWAR action figures, Metalocalypse and Who wants to be a Superhero. 

Shocker Toys LLP exhibiting all new toy and action figure concepts at American International TOY FAIR 2007(booth# 5745) in the Urban Bazaar: Indie Art Toys section

Buffalo, NY - Feb 1st, 2007 --Shocker Toys is excited to show its brand new toy line-up for 2007 at the International Toy Fair show in NY City, Feb 11th - Feb 14th. The new line up will include Indie Spotlight figures and Shockinis, GWAR figures and new Shockini action figure systems. Indie Spotlight is a new action figure series from Shocker Toys presenting independent comic book characters in 6-7” super poseable figure form with a full size pack in comic. GWAR, the most brutal band ever to walk the earth, comes to you in 7” action figure form with pack in accessories, stylized bases and cowering slaves. Indie Spotlight Shockinis are the tough little 3” block figures mirroring the characters of the Indie Spotlight action figure series.  Also on hand will be our popular Shockini action figure systems, the cool 3” interchangeable block figures!  Every Shockini is interchangeable with the others, so the only limit is your imagination.

Toy Lines shown at Toy Fair 2007 booth# 5745 will consist of:

Indie Spotlight: 6” Comic Book action figures Series 1 (Jim Valentino’s ShadowHawk, Rob Schrab’s Scud the disposable assassin, Terry Moore's Katchoo of ‘Strangers in Paradise’, David Mack’s Kabuki and MTV’s The Maxx in 8”.

GWAR: 7” Heavy Metal music action figures Wave 1 (Oderus, Beefcake and Techno) featuring 3 different slaves (one for each figure), accessories and a base.

Indie Spotlight Shockinis: 3” Comic Book block figures in 2 character packs.  Series 1 includes ShadowHawk and Scud the disposable assassin, Katchoo of ‘Strangers in Paradise’ and The Maxx, Kabuki and Solar ‘Man of the Atom’, Dick Tracy and Madman.

Shockinis: The most interchangeable, constructive mini action figure systems on the market.   Our current lineup includes Shockini Prime in 7 colors, Shockini female in 7 colors, 4 armed, 4 legged, Skeleton, Mutant Heads pack, Pirate Pack, Apex robot, Neutrex robot and Xenix robot.

Shocker Toys will be set up at the Javits Convention Center in New York City for Toyfair 2007 at booth# 5745 in the Urban Bazaar exhibit section located on Level 1 (lower level).  Toy Fair is for industry trade only. Members of the press, specialty and mass-market buyers are urged to contact Shocker Toys at 201-913-7027 or (info@shockertoys.com) for an appointment.

About Shocker Toys: Buffalo, New York based Shocker Toys LLP, was founded by Geoff Beckett and Lance Buttiglieri in 2000 and has added Daniel Flores and Christopher Gawrych.  The company’s current roster includes Indie Spotlight 6-7” independent comic book action figures, 3” Customizable Shockinis, 3” Indie Spotlight Shockinis and 7” GWAR action figures. For more product and licensing information visit the Company’s website: http://www.shockertoys.com