Idea for Toyline: THE SECRET AGENT

Inspired by the DIY, crowd-funded methods of Marauder Gunrunners and Boss Fight Studios to fill the void left in the 3.75-4" figure market by Hasbro, I still felt there was a particular niche that wasn't being serviced. Marauders' focus is more on a military (with a hint of Sci-Fi; think Aliens) aesthetic, which I feel is too much of a retread, albeit a very good retread, of the Joe figures that we've gotten from Hasbro for decades. Boss Fight, on the other hand, went with a Greek Mythology motif for their initial launch, which had some collectors griping that it didn't fit with their particular Joe-centric play style (though this idea comes to mind). Not quite a valid complaint, in my opinion - good figures are good figures - and certain collectors just lack imagination; though I understand with having a singular Spartan warrior and Medusa-style figure, there's only so many "play" scenarios you can think of. Still, their base figure/buck looks fantastic; perhaps even a step forward, in terms of articulation and the number of poses one can do. Plus they promise to expand their slate to have different concepts for future waves (Barbarian wave!).

As I stated earlier, one of my nitpicks was that, although they were excellently done (perhaps the apex of sculpting and accessories; a continuation and pushing forward of what was done with G.I. Joe's highly-regarded "Pursuit of Cobra" Wave), there was something missing. Especially when it comes to play and display, there only seems to be two, or three, kinds of figures - military, super-hero and fantasy. Granted, these are the ones that many collectors would buy, because of its aesthetic appeal, but at this stage, especially appealing towards a more adult market, I think variety would be good.

Enter my idea for a new line: THE SECRET AGENT

Not exactly an original idea, since figures licensed and/or inspired by the James Bond Franchise have been produced since the 1960's, but those were usually in the 12" format (along with metal vehicles, kits, etc.), akin to the original G.I. Joe. When the latter transitioned to 3 3/4" figures in the early 80's, and became a kind of pseudo-standard for the action figure industry of the period, there was a lack of James bond or any similar take-off on the secret agent. Best guess is that creators and/or executives felt that a suited or tuxedoed figure wouldn't have much appeal to kids, compared to the gunned-out, gear-laden look of Joe, or the sci-fi/fantasy stylings of Star Wars.

Solid, but doesn't quite hit the spot

That was then, though. Nowadays, I think a Secret Agent line would attract many collectors. After all, Bond is still popular, as are Secret Agent-type films and TV shows like the Mission: Impossible series, the Bourne trilogy and 24 have proven. The simple design and aesthetic of a figure, or series of figures, in suits would allow for other play or "gaming" (to use an MJ term) options beyond the hero-vs.-villain. Not only could these "Agents" serve as auxiliary or background, but be main characters in their own right (more on that later).

So without further adieu, here's my concept, with notes. Keep in mind I'm not an artist or designer and have no association with any toy company, and have no knowledge if there are are legal issues in doing a Secret Agent-style figure. I'm just an over-eager fan and collector with a love for the hobby. If anyone wants to contribute their ideas, feel free to do so.

First Wave: Four Figures - The Secret Agent, Control, The Mastermind, The Henchman

Basically two good guys, two bad. 4 inch, or 1:18th style, with requisite articulation. Similar body builds (no differentiation, i.e., one stockier, one taller, etc.). Outfitted with unique weapons and accessories. Let's go through each:

THE SECRET AGENT - Typically handsome, square-jawed, physically fit white male in his late 30's/early 40's. Dressed in a black Tuxedo in default iconic suave mode. Weapons are a simple handgun (Walther PPK optional), perhaps some playing cards spread across (a Royal Flush, say), and a drinking glass (this is for adult collectors, after all).
Not exclusive to just Bond, many Secret Agents have rocked the tux, such as Ethan Hunt, Derek Flint, OSS 117, Schwarzenegger in True Lies, etc. - it's the default suave costume. But, so as not to incur the wrath of EoN's lawyers, differentiate the head sculpt from Sean Connery or any specific Bond actor. Instead, make him generic, with thick dark brown hair, perhaps a dimpled chin.

Secret Agent Inspirations

CONTROL - Basically the Secret Agent's boss. Late 50's or 60's. Dressed in a simple single-breasted grey suit, black tie, black shoes. Modeled after "M" in the films (pre-Judi Dench, of course), but also from the John Le Carre "George Smiley" Novels (hence the name) and Greg Rucka's comic series Queen and Country (called "C"). Headsculpt should be of an older gentleman, with white or gray-ish receding hair, as well as mustache. Accessories would be a bowler hat (which would fit on all figure heads), a closed umbrella (a nod to John Steed), a tea cup w/ plate(!), and perhaps a handgun.

Control Inspirations

THE MASTERMIND - The de facto villain; in his 40's or 50's. Dressed in a Nehru suit (khaki), similar to Dr. No or Blofeld or Dr. Evil, even Bond (as well as the Beatles!). Headsculpt should be intimidating - black matted hair, goatee, an eyepatch, sort of like a dark-haired Slade Wilson/Deathstroke. Accessories would be a pistol, a reposed cat (to lie on his lap and pet), an antenna-ed remote control (with red button).

Mastermind Inspirations

THE HENCHMAN - Blond-haired, Aryan version of the Secret Agent. Based on the Robert Shaw's Red Grant from From Russia with Love, but also Illya Kuryakin from Man from U.N.C.L.E., and Steve McQueen in Bullitt (design-wise). All black clothing - black turtleneck, black army pants, black boots. Perhaps a hint of color in the belt (like the buckle) and other metallic/non-cloth details. Out of the first wave, this figure is the most Joe-like (similar to "Dollar Store" Shipwreck) - decked out with a (removable) tan gun holster, with separate removable guns, a SOG knife, and a leg holster for the knife.

Henchman Inspirations

Features: For those complaining about certain figures being a bit too scene-specific, here's the solution: Swappable Heads. This means that that if you want the Secret Agent to be slightly less-dressed, exchange heads with Control; or if you wants to go all Night-Ops, the Henchman. Same thing with the others - A dressed-up Mastermind? A suited Henchman? Simple, idiot-proof customization, with no need for paint or other accouterments. It's Barbie in 4"s, basically.

Another feature: You're only limited by your imagination. Think the eyepatch and goatee make the Mastermind a cool sidekick for the Agent? Or better yet, make him the hardened, grizzled protagonist? Have Control be the turncoat villain in G.I. Joe (or MU) play? Have blondie be the Secret Agent instead? Since the figure designs are somewhat "generic,"  with the the same, or similar, build, you can switch roles or create any character in any scenario you want.

Cool things to include, but would probably be cost-prohibitive...

Swappable hands - I initially thought it would be cool and interesting, plus add more variety of customization, to have pop-in/pop-out hands. The Secret Agent character have triggered/gripped hands, similar to most figures; then the Henchman would have closed fists; Control would have a gun grip with trigger finger, plus an open palm; Mastermind would have a more open hand with fingers extended (kind of like Dr. Doom). If the collector wanted, he can switch hands to make different kinds of poses/gestures. Might be too expensive, though.

Mini-comic - One of the complaints of Boss Fight's initial wave of Spartan figs, and to a certain extent, Marauder John's military line, is just who are these guys? G.I. Joe had a whole Marvel/Sunbow-fueled mythology behind them, with filecards and pages of backstory, and that's something that's lacking in many of these toys.
Yeah, yeah, people would probably respond with, "use your imagination," or "I'll use them as a special task force within Joe" or whatever. Still, some characterization (complete with tragic backstories) beyond their appearance would be cool, right? In a nod to Super Powers, how about a short comic, like a six-page adventure profiling each character, ending with a cheeky "Will he survive? You decide!" ending?

Packaging - Though the figures would probably be bagged to reduce costs, a cardback with vivid artwork would be the icing on the cake. I imagined it to be a mix of the highly-colorful Adventure Team box art, with the just-as-vivid paperback covers of the Ian Fleming series of books, specifically the retro-style re-releases by Penguin (though with more focus on the hero/villain than the undressed woman, of course).

For package: G.I. Joe retro-meets-Bond pulp art

That's not all! There are some other cool ideas for Wave 2, and beyond! Just like a real a toyline! In Part 2!

Deathlok...the Demolisher!

Deathlok Marvel figure and its cover counterpart, drawn by creator Rich Buckler

Recently picked up the new, or latest, Deathlok figure front the Marvel Infinite Series line (still alive, yes!). Pretty cool figure, though a bit fragile. (His leg popped off with some posing; yep, these figures aren't really meant for kids.)

Deathlok? Um, no.

On the character of Deathlok himself (itself?), seems I'm not the only fan and admirer; some of Marvel's writers have given him a significant role in recent years - Charlie Huston/Lan Medina did a reboot mini-series a few years back, Rick Remender included him as a part of Uncanny X-Force, and Jason Aaron made him Terminator-esque killing machine in Wolverine: Weapon X, plus there's a new ongoing series of him (intriguing so far) by Edmundson and Perkins. On TV, they made a version of him (criticized by many for having a lame costume) in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. So the concept started in 70's by artist-creator Rich Buckler (and to a lesser extent, writer Doug Moench) sure has legs, even though it has never made a great impact, whether in in its initial publication or subsequent restarts. When it comes to popular Marvel characters, or company wide-events, Deathlok isn't included.

Underrated

So, what's the appeal? The version I was into was the 90's reboot, written by the late, great Dwayne McDuffie (of the animated Justice League fame), Greg Wright, and drawn by Denys Cowan, artist of one of my favorite Batman stories, Blind Justice. McDuffie and Cowan became part of the group that founded Milestone Media, which focused on minority-based superheroes and concepts. In their version: The corrupt company Roxxon is creating cyborg killing machines and selling them to the highest bidder. Michael Collins, a moralistic engineer, protests, and is subsequently "killed," with his mind transferred into said killing machine, Deathlok. Michael gains consciousness and control of the robot, and goes on the path of bringing down the unscrupulous company head, with the larger goal of transferring his mind back into the body he initially thought dead.


The most interesting part of the concept (even in the original) is that Collins has a relationship and interaction with the computer part of his consciousness. Collins is a pacifist with strict morals, while the machine part of his brain, besides handling all the grunt work, leans more towards extermination and self-preservation. Collins frequently instructs and reminds the computer on "no killing" parameters, wanting to just incapacitate his enemies, but amusingly sometimes does this through humor and sarcasm. Another cool detail is is how he could instruct the computer to "run" fights and other actions for him, i.e., the grunt work, so that he doesn't have to worry about it.

"Handle it, computer, ok? Thanks."

Another cool aspect to Deathlok, both as character and in play or display as a figure is he can be a good or bad guy. Portray him as a lone wolf, with internal dialogue as he/it battles against evil forces. Or make him a Terminator-like, unstoppable killing machine sent from an alternate future timeline to eliminate heroes in the present.

Can play the hero and the villain.

Star Wars: Episode VII: Force Awakens: The Toys?

Everyone the world over seems to be going gaga over the new SW trailer - including me. The cool, evocative and mysterious shots mostly introduce the faces of the new cast (out of context), plus does some fan-servicing in the way of old vehicles (Millennium Falcon, X-Wings, a glimpse of the Tie Fighters) and John Williams' iconic score.
All in all, response has been more than positive (with a few nitpicking on the crossguard design on the new lightsaber).

With the early write-ups breaking down the teaser for shot and gleaning its deeper meanings, I thought I'd take a different, unexplored (thus far) tact and focus on the probable toyline that will come out of all this.

I got heavily into Star Wars figure collecting during Episode III's toy line. What drew me was the amazing scultpwork and details that (in my opinion) laid the groundwork for the high level quality of toys in the ensuing years - from the Vintage Line to G.I. Joe's Pursuit of Cobra.
I also realized what was so unique in the SW toyline was the sheer variety of characters. Whereas other toys like Marvel and G.I. Joe focused mainly on principal characters - good vs. evil, bad guys against good, SW dug deep into its roster. Not just the main heroes and villains, but 2nd-to-3rd tier characters, supporting players, and obscure background characters that amounted to little more than a several second cameo appearance.
In SW toy play, you can create stories or scenarios involving politicians, soldiers, smugglers, lovers, family members, etc. and all the drama and conflict those relationships would entail.
Another cool addendum was the expanded universe. Not just limited to the main movies, but in books and comics, which allowed these background characters to have their own rich stories and adventures to fuel the imagination.

Having said all that, I figured I'd look forward, speculate and give some thoughts on what could be in store come next Christmas 2015.

First character to literally pop up: actor John Boyega in Stormtrooper gear. Evoking Luke and Han's undercover look in Episode IV, it's only natural to assume we'll see a version of this character on the shelves.

Replace with Boyega's head

Personally, will probably skip it, since he'll probably just look like that for a limited period. Instead, will get the (likely) figure that will be in his default hero garb.

Similar color scheme and top, but otherwise very different

New Astromech droid - when I first saw it, it looked just a bit strange and confusing. How was it able to balance or attach the top part as it spun? As a toy, I'm curious as to how it's going to look - will they just add a base on it so it can stand upright (but have no movement), or will the designers employ some exterior that will make it roll while keeping the top part stable, or what? As a different take and a new character though, I'm in.

Daisy Ridley, who looks like the probable(?) female lead. What's interesting is she looks like SW artist Ralph Mcquarrie's initial design for Princess  Leia - with the head wrap and goggles. As a fan of female figures and more variety, I'd purchase it.

Also likely is this new vehicle - which looks like a cross between Ep IV's landspeeder and EP VI's speeder bike.

Landspeeder + Speederbike =

Landspeeder Bike?

Personally, I think it looks a wee bit bulky. But in a way, that's part of the appeal. If I were a toy executive, I would have requested that the scale be dialed down a little so it wouldn't take up too much space on the shelf. But, who knows how the final product's going to look overall and how they're going to eventually scale it? Though I kind of like it, probably a pass.

New Stormtroopers - Looking pretty sleek with just a touch of modernity and streamlininess(?), it doesn't stray too far from the timeless design of the original. If it ain't broke, don't fix it right? Since I already have a few stormtroopers in my collection, I'll have to see the final product - specifically if it's really cool and different - to buy, or if I can just use my old stormtroopers. Maybe it'll be available in a pack or with a wanted accessory? That will probably be the deciding factor.

Reminiscent of B-Wing Pilot, color-wise

Oscar Isaac as a Rebel Pilot. Also have a few pilots in my collection, but due to space (and price) issues, no X-Wings or large scale vehicles. Again, like the Boyega figure, I assume he'll have a regular, non-flight costume, so that's what I'll probably get.

Sample Siths

Main villain - or not? Adam Driver - or not? Either way, the good guys need an opposite number, so this guy will probably be an automatic buy. The design of the character is in line with typical SW Villains like Vader and some EU Siths, with black capes and cloaks. I already have some Siths in my collection (such as the Evolutions pack above), so I'm hoping there's more variety than just "shrouded figure in black."
My take on the weapon? Ok, I guess. You had the original one-sided, then two-sided in Episode 1, then the new spinning one in SW: Rebels, so how many more ways can you do an original take, right?

Millennium Falcon and Tie Fighters - If this means they'll re-release the BMF, I'll consider making room for it. (Fingers crossed for some financial windfall.) That vehicle was just way too cool. What would be even better, and will entice those who already have a BMF, is to have new features and variations inside.

Re-release?

Looking at it overall, it seems most of it is just variations on already established figures. Will there be some new characters with some original designs? Of course.

What the trailer didn't reveal was the original cast and their new (i.e., older) looks, which means more additional new figures. Start saving now.

Wishlist: IDW G.I. JOE FIGURES

Veteran writer Chuck Dixon has been in charge, or at least played a significant part of current G.I. Joe mythology for several years, since the license was taken over by IDW. Since that time, he's crafted a very intricate tale that rebooted the early origins of Joe. Some fans complained that the stories were a bit too decompressed and slow going (it took a few issues in for Joe to even realize the existence of Cobra). As the series wound down post Cobra Command, however, it seems that Dixon and company were playing the long game, making an epic Joe story that had consequences, not just recurring themes and motifs.

To that end, he introduced many new characters that would be cool to have in toy form. Rather than get yet another version of the same character, Hasbro or another group (G.I. Joe Collector's Club Figure Subscription Service - whew!) would do well to create some of these interesting characters.

Cobra Trooper - Many Cobra troopers have been made, so do we really need another one? Not really, but the motorcycle mask-like design makes for an interesting wrinkle, and how can you not want a fig opf the guy that almost fought Snake-Eyes to a standstill?

Dial Tone - Many fans were disappointed at the sex-change revision of IDW's Dial-Tone, but as several years have gone by, like most changes, people have gotten used to it. Plus, it would be nice to have another female figure.

The ROC seven-pack version left a lot to be desired, since it was just a shoddy Helix repaint, so a new figure, perhaps with added computer accessories, would be nice.

Urso - Like the Cobra Trooper, there are a few big, armored bad guys in the Cobra figure ranks (or maybe not as many as I think). So, another "heavy" would also be a good addition.

Cobra Submarine Captain - Kind of snively and cowardly, he didn't make much of an impression in his brief appearance, but the design is pretty interesting - thin, old, with the uniform and hat.

Bildocker - The Joes' scrounger for resources when the government cuts their funding. Pretty amusing personality, with a heavy-set frame. Not all figures need to be muscular, manly men right?

Badass Dreadnok - Speaking of manly bad-ass though, this unnamed(?) guy made quite the impression when he blasted a bunch of Arishikage ninjas in the "Target: Snake-Eyes" story arc.

This guy appeared in a later(?) issue, and only made an appearance for two panels before coming to an end.

Brainstorm - Another computer geek, before Mainframe made his appearance as the Joes' go-to techie. He would probably make a dull figure in his regular uniform, but put him in the outfit he wore in his first appearance, and it would be more interesting. Pack it in with a "camera drone" and it would be cool.

Coil Trooper - With the Cobra no longer associated with the Arishikage for contracts and other missions, Serpentor volunteers his worshippers as Cobra's new hit squad.

Savane - Female bad girl figure? Kind of like a neo-Baroness.

Krake - Not making much of an impression, just a new Cobra heavy, but the creators gave him a slow-rollout to become a brutally efficient killer. This would serve him well in Cobra Civil War, when he finally took the reigns...

As the new Cobra Commander.

Flashback Fave: JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL

Everyone is familiar with Justice League - Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the rest of DC comics' "magnificent seven" - the top-tier, i.e., most popular, most iconic of the company's characters, teaming up to vanquish evil no one hero can tackle alone.

Less well-known is the 80's iteration of the group: Lesser known heroes such as Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Guy Gardner, et. al. (though still keeping Batman for a few adventures), battling together, but mostly bickering and bantering with one another - to hilarious results.

In the intro to the 1st JLI paperback, A New Beginning, editor Andy Helfer related the genesis of the project, spurred on by popular Legion of Superheroes plotter/penciller Keith Giffen, who was bugging him on a daily basis ("He would stick his head in my office and say, 'Jusssticce Leeeaague'.") Finally, Helfer answered, "You got it." But before they could chronicle the continuing adventures of the one of comicdom's signature teams, they hit a snag. Post-Legends (a company-wide crossover following Crisis on Infinite Earths), most of the editors and creative teams in charge of solo titles like Superman and Green Lantern were still in the midst of revamping and renewing their characters, so these heroes were off-limits. What was left were second-tier characters that, although familiar to fans, weren't quite strong enough to star in their book.

Plotted by Giffen, scripted by J.M. DeMatteis (then known more for horror and angst), and wondrously penciled by newcomer Kevin Maguire, Justice League International was considered a breath of fresh air after the serious, dour tone of comics post-Watchmen and  Dark Knight Returns. The emphasis was not on adventuring and fighting the big baddie every issue; instead, it was how the characters related to one another and humor. Importantly, the treatment of humor wasn't the typical, full-on sight gags and slapstick of "funny"-based comics. Rather, it was dialogue and character-driven, with facial and body expressions that were more grounded in reality.

Never truly done before in comics, much less superhero mainstream comics, strange that it hasn't been truly replicated since, at least compared to the "serious, dark" turn of heroes that became the dominant, de facto style for the better part of a decade. Although the series, like most, petered out towards the end (almost becoming a parody of itself), the first several years remain a distinct, highlight of that late 80's period.

Proves you can go home again

Flashback Fave: (ANIMATED) WORLD'S FINEST

When this was released on laserdisc more than a decade ago, I taped it to VHS and must have watched it about a dozen times, more or less. I thought the story was really, really good (with a few cool character interactions and moments), the voice acting top notch, and the animation exemplary (sort of an anime spin on Bruce Timm's BTAS style).

I was a fan of Batman, and admired, though was not that big a fan of Superman. Together, however, I liked the chemistry and contrast in characters. Gone were the days of the  happy, smiling relationship of their previous team-ups in the early days of comics. Since the 80's, the two were antagonistic and distrustful of one another - perhaps reaching it's zenith in the mano y mano, boot-in-the-face confrontation of the Dark Knight Returns. I was also a big fan of the "prestige" mini-series World 's Finest, written by Watchmen artist Dave Gibbons and gorgeously drawn by Steve Rude.

Memorable comics confrontations

With the success of B:TAS followed by Superman's turn in the hand-drawn realm, it was only a matter of time until the two teamed up, and with the "World's Finest" series of episodes in S:TAS (combined for one straight-to-video movie), the wait was well worth it.

Not a great start

When a mysterious jade statue gets stolen in Gotham by the Joker, Batman tracks it (and him) to Metropolis. He promptly encounters Superman and, in one of the first "cool" moments, simply uses his x-ray vision to discover Batman's alter ego. Not one to accept such a offense without retribution, Bats promptly stalks - via hidden tracker - Superman to his apartment, where he sees him changing into Clark Kent.

You peeked

Eventually setting aside their differences and misunderstandings, the two team up to try and foil the Joker, who himself has forged a shaky alliance with Lex Luthor, by making a deal to kill Superman with the jade statue (actually - surprise! - made of kryptonite). Like the two heroes, there's a couple of scenes displaying the characters' outward, often hilarious enmity towards one another. Another interesting plot development is the love triangle between Lois, Batman/Bruce and Superman/Clark, which almost ended up in marriage(!) for Lois-Bruce, until she discovers Batman's secret identity, and has second thoughts.

When were you going to tell me? The honeymoon?

For anyone wanting more of a Superman/Batman team-up it's a good thing DC Animation eventually turned Justice League into an animated series, extending their relationship, complete with passive-aggressive interplay, with the two eventually having, if not a traditional friendship, mutual respect for each other.

A comics adaptation of an adaptation of a comic