Voltron’s return!
Variety has posted an article letting us know that Voltron is returning!
The reintroduction of "Voltron: Defender of the Universe" will begin with an animated series on Nicktoons and a new toy line from Mattel rather than leap straight onto the bigscreen.
That's the plan from rights holders World Event Prods and Classic Media, which are attempting to relaunch the massive robot, popular in the 1980s, to a new generation.
It's the latest of several properties to scrap plans for an initial film in favor of relaunching the brand through TV and toys.
Warner Bros.' animation aims to produce an anime-influenced version of "ThunderCats" for Cartoon Network to revive the '80s property, which has had a feature treatment stuck in development.
Likewise billionaire Haim Saban bought back "The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" from Disney last month for about $100 million to reboot as TV shows on Nickelodeon and toys.
Starting next year, Nicktoons will air 26 half-hour episodes of "Voltron Force," about five space explorers who pilot robotic lions that combine to form Voltron, an invincible guardian sworn to defend the Universe.
Series will remain faithful to the old show, while introducing new recruits to fight alongside the original characters.
New episodes will be timed to the 25th anniverseries. It's the first "Voltron" TV project in 10 years, although an iPhone game came out in December.
New Thundercats Animated Series In The Works
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) has begun production on “ThunderCats,” an all-new animated series for Cartoon Network, based upon the iconic 1980s action classic. “ThunderCats” is the newest series from WBA, joining “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” which was recently renewed for a third season, and the following forthcoming programs: “The Looney Tunes Show,” “MAD,” “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” and “Young Justice.” The announcement was made today by Sam Register, Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Animation.
“In addition to being Warner Bros. Animation’s first anime series, ‘ThunderCats’ marks our most ambitious foray yet into fantasy,” said Register. “The realism and dynamic visual style we’ve achieved are sure to thrill viewers, and the cool weapons, vehicles and technology should help the show appeal to a diverse audience.”
The 21st century reimagining of the series marks a creative collaboration between WBA and Studio4°C, one of the most vibrant animation studios in Japan, with credits including “The Animatrix,” “Gotham Knights” and “Halo Legends.” WBA is working closely with Studio4°C, utilizing the latter’s expertise to give the “ThunderCats” characters a new cutting-edge look while remaining true to the compelling storylines and mythology of the original series.
“We at Studio4°C are excited to be in this creative partnership with Warner Bros. Animation to bring ‘ThunderCats’ to life,” said Eiko Tanaka, President and CEO, Studio4°C. “This collaboration combines the strengths of our two companies – high production values and great storytelling – toward reintroducing this classic fan-favorite to a new audience.”
Roaring to life through WBA and Studio4°C’s use of the Japanese animated artistry of anime, “ThunderCats” characters Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, Panthro, Cheetara and others will spring off the screen with realistic cat-like characteristics inconceivable in previous incarnations.
The new “ThunderCats” will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode.
“ThunderCats” is executive produced by Sam Register (“Teen Titans,” “Ben 10,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”). Michael Jelenic (“Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Wonder Woman”) and Ethan Spaulding (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”) are the producers.
Where am I going with this site
On my long run today I get a lot of time to think about random things such as this website and what direction I want to go. Pop culture related websites are popular with the popularized of comic conventions and super hero movies. Things I want to do on this site include more reviews and focus articles but I do not think that is what people want to see. People want videos and more interactive websites now a days and I think I need to figure out what people want before I spend a lot of effort going in the wrong direction. If you have any thoughts on what I should do feel free to leave a comment. Thanks!
Thundercats!
WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND ICON HEROES GO ON THE PROWL WITH LICENSING AGREEMENT FOR THUNDERCATS
BURBANK, Calif., – May 14, 2010 – Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced today a partnership with leading collectibles manufacturer, Icon Heroes, to create products inspired by the classic animated series, Thundercats. This all-new line features prominent characters and environments from the beloved 1980’s animated television hit.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Icon Heroes will manufacture 6-inch and under scale statues, vehicle replicas, environments and dioramas all inspired by Thundercats. The statues will be branded as “Staction Figures” (Static Action Figures) and will be non-articulated standing atop a highly detailed environment base.
Each Staction Figure is scaled such that they can be displayed individually or alongside other 6-inch action figures and statues. The first Staction Figures scheduled for release are Lion-O, Jackal Man, and Jaga. Other products to be released include the Thunderclaw, Cat’s Lair, and many more.
“Thundercats is a classic cartoon property and Icon Heroes is the ideal partner to deliver an array of offerings befitting of these beloved characters,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Fans of the series will be thrilled to see not only the products available, but the painstaking detail with which they are created.”
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“Icon Heroes is all about bringing popular characters to life and we very excited to be recreating some of our favorite 1980’s animated heroes,” added Patrick Wang, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Icon Heroes. “It is wonderful to be able to work with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and we can’t wait to offer fans our exciting and vast collection of Thundercats product lines.”
Icon Heroes’ products can soon be purchased directly through their store at www.iconheroes.com. More information can be found by visiting the Icon Heroes blog at blog.iconheroes.com
Master of the Universe Classics Bios
Two new bios for the Master of the Universe Classics for the figure that will be out in May.
Optikk™ Bio
Real Name: (pronounced through a series of blinks)
A Space Mutant spy from the foggy polar region of the planet Denebria™, the spyeye eyeball of Optikk™ is specially adapted to see through the dense Denebrain fog of his homeworld, making him an ideal spy. He carries a Photon Neutralizer, which has made him one of the most feared of the Space Mutants in the Tri-Solar System. Optikk™ allied himself with Skeletor® shortly after the Lord of Destruction™ defeated Hordak™ and turned his ambition to the Horde Empire, forming a coalition of mutants and outcasts to conquer the universe. Optikk™ serves Skeletor® by keeping an eye on He-Man® and all of the Galactic Protectors of the planet Primus.
Real Name: Tytus™
Tytus™ the giant fought for peace alongside King Grayskull™ and He-Ro™ in the Great Wars. Originally from the mountains of Perpetua, he was forced to leave his home after his herd of dinosaurs began developing strange techno parts. He traveled across Eternia® to seek help from the village of Grayskull™. There he joined the King in battle against the Snake Men™ and Horde. Tytus™ helped construct one of the Three Towers during a temporary truce with his enemies. After the death of He-Ro™, Tytus™ used his great strength to build King Grayskull™ a mighty fortress, incorporating the symbol of the Cosmic Warriors into the entrance as a tribute to his fallen comrade. In the end, Tytus™ fell during the first Ultimate Battle Ground, heroically sacrificing his life to stop the rampaging giant Megator™!
Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Comic-Con Exclusives
From the wonders of Matycollector.com Facebook page this is what we are getting for SDCC Comic Con exclusives.
Mo-Larr vs. Skeletor.
This box set will be $40.00 both at SDCC and on MattyCollector.com after the show (no change to product). Mo-Larr will come with all his tools including his drill and his floss. Skeletor features a new toothless face and comes with his Havok Staff, Power Sword and half Power Sword. The pack out is truly epic as designed by Ray Makowski. It includes Skeletor's massage chair and magazine collection as chip art. Also features brand new bios supplied by the gang at Robot Chicken!
Orko (with Prince Adam)
So here is the first of our SDCC items that will be different after the show. The version of Orko at SDCC will feature color change when you dip him in warm water. His magic book also show the SDCC logo in hot water. The version sold on MattyCollector.com after the show will not be color change (on Orko or the book) but both version will include his stand, wand and book as well as a pack in Prince Adam with two heads (He-Man and new Prince Adam smirk) as well as a purple Power Sword and half purple Power Sword.
The bio on the back belongs to Orko as this is his figure. Adam is his accessory! The only difference between the SDCC version and the MattyCollector.com version is the color change feature. $25.00
A lot of fans have asked "why Orko for SDCC?" Well, simple. We chose Orko because we wanted to go with a more 'A' list MOTU character who would draw in fans otherwise unfamiliar with the current line. In the past our SDCC items have been a bit more obscure in character selection so we deliberately went the other way this year. Also, since Orko was larger then a "standard" accessory we had no way to fit him into a monthly $20.00 figure structure. But by pairing him with Adam we could do a unique structure for a unique price ($25.00) at the show. One of the whole points of an SDCC item is to get PR for a line and to do an item that wouldn't fit into the standard line due to size, theme etc... This fit the bill in a lot of ways!
Custom She-Ra
The Fwoosh has posted a new custom, this time of She-Ra, which looks amazing.
Pop Culture Shock Announces New Line of Thundercats Statues
THUNDERCATS ON TAP FOR POP CULTURE SHOCK COLLECTIBLES
80’s Icons Immortalized in Premium Format Statue Line
NORTHRIDGE, CA (March 26, 2010): Pop Culture Shock Collectibles are pleased to announce they are the newest licensor for the wildly popular 80’s cartoon Thundercats! This licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products will bring 1/4 scale mixed media statues to hardcore collector’s homes in 2010.
Pop Culture Shock has made a name for themselves with their Street Fighter™ and Darkstalkers™ statue lines, distributed through Sideshow Collectibles and Diamond Distribution. The 1/4 scale mixed media series offers highly detailed sculpting, beautiful paints and cloth costumes on figures 17” and larger providing a stunning collection for the most discriminating fan. The Thundercats line will adopt this same amazing quality.
“It should come as no surprise that I’m a big fan of 80’s properties” stated Jerry Macaluso, President and Founder of Pop Culture Shock Collectibles. “Street Fighter™ allowed me to bring iconic characters to people’s homes in the most striking format I could conceive. Now, Thundercats will get the star treatment once again that this killer animation classic deserves. We are extremely excited to be working closely with Warner Bros. Consumer Products on this project and can’t wait to show fans of the series what they will soon be able to bring home.”
Keep watching http://www.popcultureshocktoys.com/ and http://blog.popcultureshocktoys.com/, as well as your favorite outlet for collectibles news for more info as it develops.
BOTCON 2010 Realized
From Botcon.com:
From 1984 to 2006, Earth was the biggest, baddest battlefield of the Great War. But after the Rebirth, Galvatron and the Nebulan Lord Zarak beat it, takin' the fight to Nebulos and other civilized worlds beyond.
Sure 'nuff, Optimus Prime and the rest were right on their afterburners, leaving only a skeleton crew to man Autobot City against future Decepticons attacks.
As we fought across space a new generation of Transformers arose on Earth, boosted by experimental human and Nebulan science and given the spark of life through technology reverse-engineered from Vector Sgima. Ol' Terra Firma
was home to a whole new "Second Generation" led by an Autobot who sees this planet not only as a place to defend, but as the place he considers home!
While things were pretty peaceful for a time, we all know that can only last for so long. And now, through the magic of the Cybernet space cube, the BotCon enhanced stories of the Transformers...Generation 2: Redux!
That's right, Generation 2 returns! While we usually reveal the names of each character in the BotCon brochure, we have decided to give you your first sneak peak right here with..."Autobot Spark," Leader of the Generation 2 Autobots!