Donny B

every single one of those customs look astounding! I want to pick a favorite but I don't think that will be possible, they're all so remarkable

It's funny, I have fond memories of 9-year-old me picking up that issue from the corner store and immediately falling in love with that one panel, and wondering why we didn't see more of the Spider-Phoenix costume after that (or even in that very issue. funny how they'll put something on the cover and then only have it play a bit part in the comic itself). And while the impressionable child in me formed an instant fondness for it that has lasted 2 decades, I am certainly hard pressed now to defend getting a Minimate of the Spider-Phoenix =P And it's also interesting how easy it apparently is to interpret the inconsistent images from that comic. I always thought the color scheme was white and red, based on the image kaipo posted, even though the cover makes it look like light blue and red. but the customizer who made that figure decided to go with black and red...?

I might be wrong, but I think Zak's point was that the MvC3 Red Hulk wasn't supposed to be the Ross 'Rulk', but rather, just a red version of Bruce Banner's original Green Hulk as he appears in the game. So, comparing the Thunderbolts Rulk to the MvC3 Red Hulk might fall under a technicality issue. ... for those who love semantics

with this and the new rumor of Johnny Depp being groomed for Doctor Strange, it seems Marvel is breaking out of their "new (and less costly) faces" approach, at least a little (though I suppose your definition of "big star" makes a difference in this instance). While I certainly recognize MIchael Douglas as a bankable name in Hollywood, and likely a boon to the movie from a sales standpoint, I was definitely surprised at this casting news. I can't picture Douglas as Hank Pym... BUT, Marvel hasn't really let me down yet. And I'm curious if this really drastically alters Whedon's vision for Wasp. I have no idea if he just completely scrapped the idea of using her in the future, but I know that initial Avengers storyboards showed Wasp being part of the first film. Regardless, I'm intrigued at how they're going to weave everything together...

I love that I'm not the only one whose first thought after reading that was "oh yeah, that movie was actually released in theaters."

Not sure if the news has been mentioned here on the boards yet, but it was just recently announced that a younger version of Toad will be featured (probably in a small capacity) in XMDFP. I'm sure that exposure won't hurt the chances of us eventually getting him as a mate (even if it's another Blob situation)...

That is inspired, to say the least. Very impressive!

Ditto - last time was great fun! Thanks for running this again this year, Lobster!

It never fails - I always have something positive to say about my purchasing experiences with Luke. Even when I have special concerns or oddball questions/requests, he is quick to accommodate and give the best quality a small business (or big businesses, for that mater) can give. Collecting Minimates would be a very different experience without Luke's Toy Store!

I haven't found the 1¢ TRU deals, but back in the day I stumbled across an online sale (I think it was AFX? I can't remember for sure) of 1¢ LOTR Elven Warrior 2 packs. Of course, shipping made it more like $2 or $3 a pack, but I choose to remember it as the time I army built for pennies

Dangit Luke! You and your magnificent customizing abilities - I never thought twice about wanting that character until now. And now for next year, apparently I need to get a 3D printer. Thanks for setting the bar, Luke I kid I'm glad you liked everything! For the riddles, I did some research and found ones that were apparently officially quoted by The Riddler (no luck on issue numbers, though). Yeah, the last two were definitely more difficult than I could have figured out on my own. I felt like it was a bit of a gamble to give a drawing. Some people love original artwork, but some people couldn't care less. So to be safe, I threw in as many items from your list as I could (plus several items under the "any mates that I think are cool enough that everyone needs to have" category) to try and offset any potential disappointment in the 'big' gift. But I'm glad it went over well, and I wasn't expecting you to like it enough to actually want to frame it! (Also, here is a scan of the b+w version): I'm curious, how far into the whole process did you figure out that I was the gifter? I wasn't sure if all the clues were too much, too little, or even if there was any point because it was already obvious who I was...?

Brilliant, as always!

killer custom! definitely professional quality work

It's always great adding new members to the ranks! Welcome

Irish acting legend Peter O'Toole, probably best known to most from his lead performance Lawrence of Arabia, passed away Saturday from a long illness at Wellington Hospital. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have fond memories of many of O'Toole performances. He pulled off everything from hero to biblical role model to sympathetic villain, and he made it believable. Rest in Peace, sir.

I echo the above sentiments

I wonder if that new Iron Fist would be our opportunity to get the white costume? or if it'd be another green (which seems likely, if it's a 2 pack)

Hahaha, I love the undercover Ghost Rider

Alistair Smythe? Had we heard anything about him being in the movie before this?

timetravelersmate!

JRJR, much like Walt Simonson, has passed his prime, and his artwork as-of-late isn't really able to stand up under the modern coloring & printing process... that being said, there is still something to say for people who like his artwork. Like humor or music, artwork is very subjective, and one opinion doesn't negate another. And as an artist, I can find things worth admiring about his skill and natural ability (things that I personally could learn a lot from) ... but I still cringe every time I have to look at his work =P To bring this slightly back on topic, I'm really glad that DST picked the Granov armor. I think the JRJR design works well from a purely technical standpoint (it looks structurally solid enough to stand up under a beating from Hulk, at least more effectively than the others), but the aesthetic value seems far less appealing. I'm sure it would look great as a Minimate, but not as cool as the one we have. Although, as popular as Iron Man is from a sales standpoint, it wouldn't surprise me if we do eventually get that model as a Minimate...

I have to say, you're pretty creative with your approaches on several of those customs. I'm not a big fan of Cable, but I love your update of him (the Spidey arm is a genius move), and it makes me want another official one that looks just like that

I always assumed it was an extra little something to give the figures an extra 'pop' ... but the ease of which is wipes off is a bit of a head scratcher. I imagine it adds to the production cost, which makes me wonder why it wasn't applied directly to the plastic and/or paint? or perhaps Prowlar is right and it's an unintentional mold residue... *shrug*

The current theory running around the internet is that X-Force will spin out of this new film featuring Apocalypse. I guess it's all about setting up for Cable's introduction. Time travel (Days of Future Past) --> Apocalypse --> Cable --> X-Force (led by Cable). *shrug* who knows. It's all speculation at this point. but if Rob Liefeld's tweets mean anything, an X-Force movie is definitely still happening. We just have no idea what the time frame is at this point...

I've been keeping my eyes open, but haven't seen it on tv yet. But here's a link for anyone who is just curious about the commercial itself (sorry, I had issues trying to embed it)