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Merrick Plays With STAR TREK Toys!! (the most unapologetically nerdy headline ever??)

Published at:  May 06, 2009 11:55:30 PM CDT

SPOILER ALERT !!


Merrick here...



For STAR TREK fans and casual followers alike, this should be one helluva weekend.

For Geeks, one of the surest portents that coolness is afoot is the inexorable onslaught of movie tie-in toys. Given that this is the Geekiest weekend we're likely to have all year, and that we're also covering TREK Blu-Rays, soundtracks, etc., we'd be remiss if we didn't go all the way and take a look at some toys from the new movie as well. Many of us have been chasing TREK-related spaceships and action figures all of our lives - our stopping now doesn't seem terribly likely.

Paralleling TREK's return to theaters after a 7 year absence, Playmates Toys has rejoined the franchise after hiatus of over a decade - releasing a line of figures, vehicles, and "role playing" paraphernalia based on designs, characters, and props seen in J.J. Abrams' ballsy reinvention.

I was curious about what brought Playmates back to TREK, and ran a few e-mails past Paul Fish, VP of Marketing & Product Development at Playmates. He was kind enough to discuss the intricacies of returning to the franchise with a fresh perspective.

"The reasons for returning to the Star Trek are both business- and geek-driven"

...said Fish.
"On the geek side, we love this property. We love the richness in characters, storyline and heritage, as well as its optimistic vision of the future. The opportunity to get involved in a TREK update using today’s filming technology, and a contemporary director like JJ Abrams, was too exciting to pass up. Plus, it allows me to justify to my wife that my addiction to watching TREK reruns at home is, in fact, 'research.' "


Which leads to an obvious question: what's different about Playmates' approach to STAR TREK this time around? Fish explains:

"The approach has been quite different for this range of product. Firstly, we've made a conscious effort to develop the line for both kids and collectors. The 3 3/4" scale allows for interaction with playsets like our TV-advertised transporter room. We've built in a collectible program into this sku, with the bridge and transporter room accessories packed out with the figures. The 6" scale is more collector-targeted, but again at mass channel prices. We've given these figures soft PVC clothing, for a more authentic look and feel."


A little known fact about the development of toys based on movies or TV shows: often, while developing the first wave of a product line, a toy company might have limited access to the designs upon which they're basing their product. At some point you've probably asked yourself why toyetic interpretations of some of your favorite characters or vehicles aren't more literal - this is why. Earlier waves in a line are often, to a certain extent at least, a "best guess"/"educated extrapolation" based on limited access to media from a movie or television production.

The development of Playmate's new STAR TREK line was no exception. But now that the cat's out of the bag, Fish says the company is...

"looking forward to giving fans everything they want."


The previous two paragraphs sound like an apology or explanation of some sort - they are not. As a whole, Playmates' first wave of material from Abrams' TREK works as a solid (and sometimes very well realized anchor for a line whose growth potential is vast given the textural richness, and ambient enormity, of Abrams' film.

NOTE: THERE MAY BE A FEW MINOR SPOILERS BELOW, as some toys will be contrasted against their bigscreen progenitors. Nothing too major will be revealed, but those wishing to remain ensconced in a Cone of Silence may wish to tread cautiously.

Technically, these figures, vehicles, and "role playing" props were to be released a few weeks back. However, a cursory check of Geek-friendly retailers in my neighborhood over the weekend turned up mixed results. Our local Super Target had new TREK toys on shelves since before launch (they'd broken embargo & and have consistently been thisclose to selling out), while no sign of the film's existence could be found at the Uber-Giganto WalMart across the street from said Target.
Our neighborhood Toys 'R' Us had much of PLaymates new line in stock, although Enterprises and Phasers were nowhere to be seen. In essence, the influx of TREK toys appears to be a work in progress.

What follows is a broad-stroke...pretty much stream-of-consciousness...perspective of some of (but not all of) Playmates' new STAR TREK line. We don't have access to some of the material released by Playmates, but know there's more out there - and we're mentioning everything below, even if it's only in passing.

First off, figure hunters should know there are actually two lines of "action figures": a 3.75" 'Galaxy Series' and 6" 'Warp Series'. The 3.75" line lacks much of the 6" figures' nuance in terms of sculpt and detail. However, the 3.75" figures are compatible with the new Enterprise bridge playset and Transporter Room playset, which you can see in action HERE (click the "Play" window at the bottom of the page). There is also a third wave of figures that don't fall under the "action figure" auspices as far as I'm concerned - the 12" 'Command Series'.

A few friends called me to bitch about "I can't believe Playmates didn't make bigger figures!", etc. - they were seeing only the 3.75" figures on the shelves at that moment. So, if you're going on a nerdtastic quest for Abramsverse figures, keep all of this in mind.



THE SIX INCH FIGURES - aka "The Warp Series"
(CLICK HERE for a clearer look at any of the figures referenced below).

"The Warp Series" includes "Original" Spock, new Spock, Cadet McCoy, Scotty, Cadet Chekov, Cadet Uhura, Sulu, Nero, and Pike.

KIRK. Strangely, "PineKirk" (wearing the Yellow Captain's shirt we see him donning briefly in the film) looks more like a young William Shatner in action figure form than Chris Pine does in the actual movie.

My first reaction to seeing a figure representing Simon Pegg as Montgomery Scott was "Wow - how weird is it to see a Simon Pegg action figure?" Then I recalled that this isn't actually the first time Simon Pegg has been rendered in tis form - two rather nice facsimiles of his SHAUN OF THE DEAD character can be found HERE and HERE.

Pegg's portrayal of Scotty in the film is a teeny bit whacked. But within his sandwich craving Scottish chest beats the heart of a hero - and we do see that hero shine in the film. Playmates' rendering of Pegg suggests the character's more heroic angle. Perhaps a future wave of figures will feature the subtly neurotic, giddily excited Scotty.

CLASSIC SPOCK. It's Old Spock - and any Spock is cool Spock as far as I'm concerned.

PIKE. The biggest disappointment in this lot. I've always been a major Bruce Greenwood fan and feel he's been perpetually under-appreciated. When I heard he was cast as Enterprise Captain Christopher Pike, I was delighted. Finally he'd have a role so prominent he'd be hard to overlook - playing a character pivotal to both The Original Series and J.J.'s reincarnation of the same. The figure...just doesn't do it for me. Doesn't capture the essence of either Greenwood, or his character (almost unrecognizable).

CADET MCCOY. Arguably the most vivid character in the film, and one of the best figures in this first "Warp Series" wave. We've come a loooonnnnng way from "Why the hell did they cast Karl Urban in this movie?!"



There are two other standouts in the 6" 'Warp' wave. NERO - Eric Bana's character in the movie. If this isn't "dead on", it's damn close...




...and QuintoSpock.



All 6" figures have clothing, for want of a better word. Rubberized overgarments that closely hug the figures' bodies & provide an interesting sense of dimension.

The modeling/pattern on the shirts of the Starfleet uniforms is cleanly etched and surprisingly consistent, and smaller details (like rank insignias around shirt cuffs, or snaps on uniform boots) are sharply etched and painted.

Starfleet personnel come with the expected Phasers, Communicators, Data Pads, etc. - all supported by a utility belt. Nero comes with a mean looking multi-bladed jabby cepter(ish) thing. All figures come with display stands (the Starfleet "arrowhead" insignia, for example) appropriate to their affiliation.







12" Original Spock

I wish someone had come up with a better name than "Original Spock" - it's too easy for haters to call Quinto's portrayal of the character "Diet Spock", or somesuch, in comparison. I'm just being snarky here to illustrate a point. Quinto did a rather fine job in the movie, all things being equal, under very daunting circumstances.



12" Original Spock - works really well. You feel like you're looking at Nimoy. In 12" figure form, he appears a bit less haggard than he does in the actual film - and comes with swappable right hand allowing him to 'grip' (phaser included), or perform the iconic Vulcan salute.






ENTERPRISE



This is an odd one. The prototype pictures we saw of the toy a while back...even the final packaging of the toy itself...significantly undersell the quality of the product as far as I'm concerned. I.e. the Enterprise is better than I thought it would be before getting my hands on it.



Playmates' new Enterprise captures the Jules Verne-meets interstellar hot rod/roadster quality of Abrams' Enterprise quite effectively.



Multiple light sources (forward deflector array, the front and back of the warp nacelles, a new energy pathway visible along the bottom of the warp nacelles, the impulse drive, and the "nipple" domes on top of and beneath the saucer) shine brightly. Sounds FX are loud and crisp.



Some past STAR TREK ships have experienced problems with components falling off...or being "floppy"...as elements of the vessels were shipped disassembled (to facilitate more compact packaging). I don't recall if Playmates was responsible for this or not. Either way, this particular Enterprise is solidly constructed - it's pre-assembled out of the box, and wobble free.




My biggest beef with this toy? It has a lot of screws. 7 in the bottom of the saucer section alone, plus an additional two along the bottom of the primary hull. YES, it's only a toy...and YES, toys have screws. But...ya know? Seems like at least some of those distractingly shiny silver screws could've been masked in some way.

This said, the new Enterprise toy is fun. My hunch is once fans see how Abrams presents this ship, these little things will be flying off of shelves.







ROLE PLAYING "ACCESSORIES"


PHASER





This may well be my favorite toy out of the current line-up. It's a highly reflective, chromed out iteration of phasers we've seen before...by way of FLASH GORDON. The configuration itself very much evokes Phasers seen in STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER.

In Abrams' film, Phasers operate more like a FLASH GORDON weapons than the weapons we've seen in previous TREKs. His Phasers have the retro "sweep" of FG guns, and even sounds like them (their pulse beams 'sputter' - literally and figuratively - like old time Sci Fi 'ray guns'). No humming, solid beams here.

It's muzzle emitter pivots in a cradle, snapping from "stun" to "kill" (or whatever these settings are called now) instantly. On the toy, this emitter only pivots to one setting & must be re-set manually. In the film, the emitter snaps back and forth as commanded (no manual adjustment). If the line is successful, perhaps a future reissue of the Phaser might adjust this.

On top of the toy, an amber switch "powers up" the Phaser - accompanied by appropriate sound FX.





TRICORDER




As you see above, the Tricorder...is actually branded "Tricorder" on its flip-up hood.

So, in the Abramsverse, does this mean "Tricorder" is a generic device (a la 'cell phone')? A specific brand name? Phasers aren't labeled 'Phaser', for example...so I don't get it.



A matte black framing hugs a chrome body (nicely accessorizing the Phaser - I can't believe I just wrote that).



Similar to The Original Series device of the same name, a flip-up hood reveals a control panel on top, and a drop down shelf on the device's front panel allows for two scanning functions - toggling light and sound displays unique to either function.






COMMUNICATOR




As in The Original Series, the new Communicator "chirps" when it's protective hood is flipped. A blue backlight illuminates the Communicator's display dome (which appears to show some kind of starfield/gas cloud?). On the front of the Communicator (under the hood), small buttons on either side of a control wheel toggle dialogue from either Kirk or Spock.


Lightweight with an easily flip-able lid, this is probably the most toyish of the role playing accessories...but is a must have for anyone already geeking out over Phasers or Communicators.






THE TRANSPORTER ROOM

Expanding on an idea introduced by Playmates' during its TREK: TNG era, this playset allows users to place a 3.75" figure into the Transporter chamber of Abrams' Enterprise and, though a magical blending of lights and mirrors, 'dematerialize' said figure. The figure literally seems to disappear, and this element of the toy works well.

Whereas Playmates TNG Transporter Room toy (circa 1994, I believe?) was more or less locked down (i.e. "beam in" and "beam out" of the Transporter Room playset only), Playmates has added a new perk that is very cool in principle - the ability to re-locate the figure you're "beaming" via a small cylinder, and 're-materialize' it elsewhere.
And, that re-materialization effect works nicely as well.

What's frustrating here is the mechanics of actually pulling off the trick. It's easy enough to lock the magical transport tube into place within the Enterprise transporter chamber, but the figure tends to either slide out of the tube, or fall over, during the re-materialization process. Kinda sucks some fun out of it.

A brilliant idea that's never fully realized.

HERE's a link showing the Transporter room playset in action.






All the way around, this is a successful relaunch by Playmates; only a few pesky missteps tarnish some rather fine work overall. There are even a few moments of inspiration for good measure - on/off switches on all of the devices prove surprisingly useful, for example. And, appropriately enough, the line demonstrates a notable evolution in overall design, style, and execution from Playmates' past TREK undertakings.

For an excellent retrospective of Playmates TREK toys from the past, CLICK HERE!

We'd like to thank the folks over at Playmates for offering their invaluable assistance, precious time, and boundless patience in pulling this article together. All is most appreciated. To track down Playmates TREK stuff in your area, CLICK HERE to jump to the rather well done TREK section of Playmates' website.

Below is a shamefully assembled embed showing the new Enterprise, and various Playmates accessories from the new movie, in action.

Enjoy, and good hunting!



















    + Expand All

    Readers Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:19:10 PM CDT

    FIRST!!!

    by lockesbrokenleg

    HOLEY SHIT!!! AINT IT TREK NEWS!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:29:45 PM CDT

    Yayyyy!!!!

    by vettebro

    Star Trek toys. Don't forget to collect your Star Trek glasses from Burger King too you dorks.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:30:25 PM CDT

    OH FOR FUCKS SAKES!!!

    by returnofthecreepythinman

    Yeah, I’ll just go run out and buy these, HEY, while I’m at it why don’t I CUT MY FUCKING COCK OFF, DRESS IN A STARFLEET UNIFORM AND SHOVE A KINGON DAGGER UP MY FUCKING SHITPIPE!!! WOOFUCKINGHOO!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:33:01 PM CDT

    All of these have leaked on other sites about 2 weeks ago!

    by scriptgirl_nipples

    For all the cock sucking that AICN does for JJ Abrams. If I was this site, I'd want to post this shit first!.. and not have to deal with sloppy thirds & fourths!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:33:36 PM CDT

    I saw the ship on some site last year

    by lockesbrokenleg

    It's called Toy Fare. Look it up.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:34:32 PM CDT

    That Enterprise has been on ebay for weeks now.

    by scriptgirl_nipples

  • May 06, 2009 11:36:43 PM CDT

    Make the Communicator an actual cell phone

    by reportabuse

    And I'll go for it. The phaser looks awesome though.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:37:01 PM CDT

    Just don't wear the pjs or underwear.

    by juansanchez

  • May 06, 2009 11:43:07 PM CDT

    I WONDER IF I CAN GET THAT ENTERPRISE UP MY ASSHOLE?

    by returnofthecreepythinman

    HEY, THAT’S A GREAT FUCKING IDEA! MAKE THE NEXT MOVIE A HOMAGE TO FANTASTIC VOYAGE WITH THE ENTERPRISE TRAVELING UP HARRY’S CHOCOLATE STARFISH WHILE BATTLING THE KINGONS OF SHIT DANGLING FROM HIS DIARRHEA SMEARED GINGER FUCKING ASSHAIRS!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:44:48 PM CDT

    OH HOW ABOUT A SPOCK BLOW UP FUCKDOLL???

    by returnofthecreepythinman

    WHEN YOU FUCK IT IN THE ASS IT SAYS “LIVE LONG AND FELCH MY GAPING CUM BUCKET”!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:45:03 PM CDT

    What a geeky story

    by d.vader

    I love it!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:48:32 PM CDT

    Geeks and their toys

    by seppukudkurosawa

    These lumps of plastic aren't "beautiful." They don't make your love of the movies any more tangible. They're just another means of filching money out of geeks' pockets. I'm not saying that the makers didn't put care into designing this stuff; but it's the movies you love, not the junk. I'll never understand the memorablia side of geekdom. It reminds me of that Mark Twain story about the man who felt his life was so empty he decided to start collecting echoes.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:48:41 PM CDT

    Better pics on Playmate side, as Merrick said.

    by juansanchez

    McCoy: http://startrek.playmatestoys.com/media/image/products/full/17/products.detail_images/image.png
    Kirk: http://startrek.playmatestoys.com/media/image/products/full/4/products.detail_images/image.png

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:51:31 PM CDT

    JuanSanchez, I'M GONNA WEAR MY S.T. PJ'S IN COMPTON…..

    by returnofthecreepythinman

    SO IF YOU HEAR A NEWS FLASH ABOUT SOME CRAZY FUCKING HONKY GETTING HIS ASS CAPPED WHEN HE ROLLED UP ON HIS BMX DIRT BIKE IN SOUTH CENTRAL L.A. WEARING STAR TREK PJ’S AND THEN HAD HIS TOY PHASER SHOVED UP HIS LILY WHITE ASS....THEN YOU’LL KNOW THAT WAS ME!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:53:33 PM CDT

    YOU CAN'T TAKE ANY OF THIS SHIT WITH YOU WHEN YOU DIE!!!

    by returnofthecreepythinman

  • May 06, 2009 11:54:28 PM CDT

    hahaha, ReturnoftheCreepyThinMan

    by hegele

    its worth it for your responses

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:58:23 PM CDT

    You can if you're Egyptain, CreepyThinMan

    by d.vader

    Or you end up on LOST Island.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 06, 2009 11:58:48 PM CDT

    looking at these toys and imagining

    by sylarthecylon

    grown men playing with them... it killed all my interest in seeing this movie

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:02:11 AM CDT

    Someone get merrick a pulitzer

    by drturing

    Death to print media. Merrick managed to get the scoop from the playmatyes marketing genius a task no Boston globe reporter could. With this report he has easily outdone his post pictures of terminator toys scoop

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:08:42 AM CDT

    These toys are proof that capitalism is a joke

    by axel fff

    what a bunch of worthless shit. Is the movie made to promote the toys or the other way around?

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:17:32 AM CDT

    Video is labeled Private

    by zargotron

    Why post something we can't watch?

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:28:28 AM CDT

    So what else Trek related is AICN going to feature on this site?

    by glory_fades_immaxfischer

    star trek..THE FLAMETHROWER!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:31:09 AM CDT

    Make that Phaser an actual functional taser

    by reportabuse

    And I'll go for it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:33:57 AM CDT

    Action figure commercial on Playmates site

    by harry palmerlime

    I would like to mention, that not only have action figure commercials not changed one iota since 1978, but I am also a large enough nerd to recognize John DeLancie's voice in the ad as well.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:37:12 AM CDT

    Cripes, I used to have all the TOS toyz...

    by reportabuse

    Several iterations of the Enterprise model kit, Klingon battlecruiser, Romulan BOP, and the phaser-communicator-tricorder which they sold as a triple kit. I still have a little wooden painted Phaser I (the one that fit into the top of the pistol phaser) from TOS. The Enterprise model always was a pain in the ass to get the warp nacelles to stick into the hull without tilting over (and looking like the crappy Constellation model from "The Doomsday Machine.") The first model kit I ever bought was that one of Spock firing a phaser at a three-headed reptile on some planet diorama.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:43:22 AM CDT

    This Site Doesn't Have to Apologize for Nerdiness

    by aquatarkusman

    Shamelessness, however..

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:58:28 AM CDT

    original spocks pointy ears??

    by detectivesoap

    Where the hell are they?

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:59:24 AM CDT

    You Are Still Playing With Toys???

    by media messiah

    Now, if they are sex toys, I perfectly understand?

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 1:08:59 AM CDT

    ORIGINAL SPOCK...DIET SPOCK...SPOCK ZERO...

    by missing dink

  • May 07, 2009 1:09:10 AM CDT

    HAVE AN ICE COLD SPOCK!!

    by missing dink

  • May 07, 2009 1:09:41 AM CDT

    Make The Communicator An Actual Functioning...

    by media messiah

    ...cell phone. I'd buy that.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 1:22:36 AM CDT

    Jesus Fucking Christ

    by mattmanreturns

    This is just getting sad now.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 1:23:03 AM CDT

    This is like a car accident

    by miyamoto_musashi

    Am appaled and disgusted at what I see, but yet I have to look.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 1:25:50 AM CDT

    Think this site can provide a service to charity

    by miyamoto_musashi

    "You have lost your job, your wife has left you for your dad, and they took your dog with them, you hate your life and probably want to kill yourself, but let me show you something really sad ...."

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 1:27:36 AM CDT

    I WANT STAR TREK COLORFORMS DAMMIT!

    by lockesbrokenleg

  • May 07, 2009 1:29:47 AM CDT

    Returnofthecreepythinman..please keep posting

    by datascream

    I haven't laughed hard enough today. Seriously, you should write a book, I'd buy 2 copies.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 1:39:09 AM CDT

    Playing with toys

    by miyamoto_musashi

    If we get to see Zoe playing with toys, or for the crude guys, fucking her pussy with a big dildo, there will be smiles all round

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 1:42:26 AM CDT

    Further on Zoe

    by miyamoto_musashi

    Our eyeballs are looking forward to be fucked by her later this year

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 1:59:13 AM CDT

    Where's the Star Trek Schlong?

    by jj_dicknose

    So I can copy Chris Pine, by walking like I'm packing a 12-inch stiffy!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 2:06:35 AM CDT

    I want the Chinese lead paint limited edition

    by drturing

    The one that merick mustve eaten all the paint chips off of.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 2:17:35 AM CDT

    really huffing that dong aren't we

    by haters_union

    that big fucking dong

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 2:27:22 AM CDT

    You forgot, Simon Pegg had a figure in...

    by 11zombies

    ...the Doctor Who line. The Editor. Research.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 2:34:19 AM CDT

    The Motion Picture will own your ass.

    by alucardvsdracula

  • May 07, 2009 5:10:17 AM CDT

    The new Enterprise....

    by lionelrl

    ...looks dreadful. The proportions are all wrong. It's a pale imitation of Andrew Probert's beautifully designed Refit Enterprise.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 5:52:55 AM CDT

    give me a dalek anyday!

    by seph_j

  • May 07, 2009 7:22:00 AM CDT

    even i have to admit...

    by rippergiles

    this is overkill

    These figures were reviewed a few weeks ago at trekmovie.com.

    Merrick, I'd talk to the guys at Playmates that had you do this -- they didn't get all of the figures to you. And they didn't get the playset for you.

    On the hole, the figures aren't wretched. But with the inability to create a half decent Kirk, no collector will buy the set and either have no Kirk at all, or a shitty looking Kirk. The piss poor workmanship on the lead fucking character is consistent through the 3.75" and 6" lines, with the 12" Kirk (one of the ones they didn't send you) only somewhat recognizable.

    The most pathetic attempt is the 6" figures and their rubber costumes. Actually etching that emblem onto the shirts make it look like Granny McCoy make all of Leonard's little friends matching cableknit sweaters. Plain sloppy.

    But yeah, the site contributers have all weighed in on the movie, the talkback is up... even this Trekkie says it's time to start looking for more cool news.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 7:28:03 AM CDT

    And a brand new generation of nerds...

    by kid z

    ...is even now sliding down the pop culture birth canal.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 8:13:29 AM CDT

    the level of detail in the action figure description is weird.

    by the_one_man_gang

    very weird. also, star trek weapons ( that phaser) are weakkk

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 8:13:38 AM CDT

    Merrick, while you're indulging yourself...

    by fa_tass_dinomolester

    just make sure the Star Trek toys don't end up playing with you.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 8:15:56 AM CDT

    what i mean to see is merrick you have a problem.

    by the_one_man_gang

  • May 07, 2009 8:22:04 AM CDT

    That is such Marketing BS...

    by fishface

    The comments from that product manager are the same sort of tripe he would spew if they were making toys for any movie. And the same formula. Look at any action line based on a movie and the same components are all there. Spinning that Playmates has some sort of "uber-geek" thrill as a driver to create the line is grade-a cow-cake.

    Bottom line is, $$$$. Pure and simple.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 8:23:59 AM CDT

    The thing that really bugs me about the toys...

    by 433

    If you want a complete Bridge playset, you have to buy all the figures, including ones that aren't out yet. The Bridge comes with a few chairs and desks, but you don't get everything you see on the box unless you buy all the figures. Lame.
    I got my Scotty figure, and I'm stopping there.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 9:48:42 AM CDT

    Yea!!!

    by skydemon

    As I sit here, the first line of Playmates TNG figures are displayed on the wall to my right. I'll admit, I'm a freaking toy geek. This time around, I'm only interested in the 12" figures. Where the heck is the exclusive Nero 12" figure?

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 10:34:28 AM CDT

    fuck this shit

    by windowlicker74

    Merrick, isn't that the guy who 's into this whole fucked up roling playing game shit? yeah right i guessed it right.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 10:34:37 AM CDT

    I got a 12 inch toy you can play with...

    by joely_boy

    Complete with pumping action!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 10:37:03 AM CDT

    The ugliest designs I've seen for Trek

    by 1138sw

    Whoever JJ hired to do the production design should be fired. How can you take one of the most beautiful designs in all of Sci-Fi and design an an ugly enterprise? The phasers look like toys )I know it's a toy but the movie phaser looks like it and sucks) and whats with the insignia on the communicator? And what's with the branding of Tricorder on the Tricorder? I got I hope this movie is good because I hate the design and look so far.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 10:38:16 AM CDT

    Pah!

    by lemure_v2

    Lightsabers are more fun than any of that lot. The only thing worse than a Social Workers In Space fan is one with toys.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 10:50:34 AM CDT

    They asked the venerable old Chinese gentleman

    by smokingrobot

    How he got to be sure a venerable old gentleman. He said, 'sleep when you're tired. Eat when you're hungry'. And, 'play with toy if you want to'.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 10:52:49 AM CDT

    "J.J. Abrams' ballsy reinvention"

    by ebolamonkey

    How is this a "ballsy reinvention"? Its a great, straightforward action flick with a budget triple what any Star Trek movie has ever had to work with. It shows.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 11:37:15 AM CDT

    For once I agree with Merrick

    by tin snoman

    That Pike figure looks NOTHING like Bruce Greenwood. Not even close. The Scotty ones don't look great either, IMO, but the rest look decent. Don't care enough to buy any of them, though.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 11:39:56 AM CDT

    For a few bucks more you can buy the actual Walter Koenig.

    by azultool

    The Star Trek cash storm doesn't trickle down to everybody.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:05:24 PM CDT

    Jesus Bloody Christ, AICN!!!!

    by asimovlives

    Can you at least for once PRETEND you haven't sold your asses to Jay Jay? This is beyond embaracing now! Even if the movie was a masterpiece for the ages, this level of obvious selling out is is just very bad for your image and integrity. Small wonders so many criticses you and claim you are nothing but the studio's lackeys. This doesn't help you guys at all! This is bad. This is very, very, very bad!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:11:47 PM CDT

    And the new Enterprise looks terrible!

    by asimovlives

    Talk about over-design. It's needley over-complicated for no good reason. It's clear this is not one man's vision but the result of too maky cooks. It's design by comité, it's design by pools, it's design merely for show off, and without a vision of it's own. More and more i admire the original Enterprise design's low key simpliciticy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:16:43 PM CDT

    Diet Spock

    by embeedeuce

    and Kirka Cola. Would you like Enterfries? (Ah, the classics....)

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:21:37 PM CDT

    Asimov

    by dennismm

    Yeah, but it's FUCKING COOL! DUH! IT'S COOL!

    /sarcasm

    The "refitted" Enterprise from the TOS movies looked great. No need to change that design at all. I always grin when I watch ST:TMP and Scotty takes Kirk on the grand tour around the ship before docking.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:31:57 PM CDT

    DennisMM

    by asimovlives

    The Enterprise tour in ST:TMP is, bar none, the best moment in all of ST movies. It's pure cinematic magic. With images and music, it perfectly conveys the sense of awe and the love that Kirk has to his ship. It's drama without melodrama. It's pure cinematic magic. And it's done by filmmakers who udnerstood the importance of slowing down a movie for a deliberate emotional impact. Which filmakers like Jay Jay nowdays, this things will never be repeated, we will never get that kind of cinematic magic ever again. And this folls will never, ever, understand why.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:32:28 PM CDT

    Enough with the hackery!

    by one_guy_from_andromeda

    These Toys look like shit, especially the Enterprise. And "You feel like you're looking at Nimoy"?? Seriously? It looks nothing like him!
    Where have the cool news gone? This place is only about uncool toys and shitting on people for seeing movies early anymore...

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:34:26 PM CDT

    one_guy_from_andromeda

    by asimovlives

    You have to remmeber those were the words froma sell-out who's trying to impress the people who bough his ass cheap and wholesome. If course he will be telling lies and wild gross exagerations. That's how it works.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:44:53 PM CDT

    one_guy_from_andromeda

    by azultool

    I thought the same thing about that Nimoy action figure. It doesn't look anything like him. It actually looks more like the actor who played Spock's dad from the original movies.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:50:12 PM CDT

    AsimovLives

    by dennismm

    Ah, the difference in film making styles is why, no matter the flaws of ST:TMP, J.J. will never, ever approach the talent of a Robert Wise. Forget space movies for a minute. I'd ask the people here to imagine an "Andromeda Strain" by J.J. or, laughably, a "Sound of Music." Wise was a master. Abrams is an action director. Okay, off-topic rant done.

    one_guy, I thought the Spock figure looked far more like Mark Lenard than Nimoy, myself.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 12:52:33 PM CDT

    Okay, I exaggerated.

    by dennismm

    J.J. can do more than action. He can do drama, as seen in some of his TV work. But his movies ... pow, pow, pow, mostly.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 1:37:06 PM CDT

    Jesus H. Time Tripping Christ...

    by everythingeverywherestinks

    I wish all the fucking virgin man-children in this world would take their arrested development and their fetishistic need to play with fucking toys and die and leave the Earth forever.

    Fuck...enough already.

    Unless someone makes a giant, green-tinted, double-headed dildo with Nimoy's crybaby head on one end and Quinto's dead eyed expressionless head on the other.
    THAT would be cool. For all you Trek fucks to use on your mothers.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 1:41:46 PM CDT

    I swear thats the same decal...

    by ltgalloway

    Same decal that was on a toy tricorder I had years ago. I'm almost certain I've seen it before. Don't know what it was promoting at the time, but it was Next Generation era.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 2:19:14 PM CDT

    Ah, trolls

    by dennismm

    Man, they're pathetic.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 2:42:34 PM CDT

    Sold your credibility for toys....So Sad.

    by yiggy


    This site is becoming laughable. Everyone is lining their pockets with as much swag and cash as possible.

    Hey Merrick, the Franklin Mint called. They want you to review their plates!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 3:06:21 PM CDT

    Wow...

    by jmdaulton

    I thought the shameless slathering over 4E D&D was bad. But this - this is a new low. Keep this up and Ain't It Shameless Whoring should be the site's new name....

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 3:09:44 PM CDT

    Why would you even NEED a Tricorder???

    by kid z

    When you just know there'd be apps you could download to the Communicator that'd be able to do all the same functions. That's always been the problem with Trek-tech... stuck in that Jetson's era of futurism. Oh well, I'll be in line tomorrow night, anyway.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 3:38:14 PM CDT

    News?

    by v3d

    All of these toys have been on the shelves of Toys-R-Us for over two weeks and Blockbuster Video stores for more than a week now. They're just average. If you want to see really cool Trek gear, look for the Art Asylum figures and accessories. KHANNNN!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 3:38:14 PM CDT

    News?

    by v3d

    All of these toys have been on the shelves of Toys-R-Us for over two weeks and Blockbuster Video stores for more than a week now. They're just average. If you want to see really cool Trek gear, look for the Art Asylum figures and accessories. KHANNNN!

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 3:41:36 PM CDT

    DennisMM

    by asimovlives

    You call it drama, i call it teen melodrama ill fittingly shoved into pseudo-adult shows. It seems Jay Jay cannot even begin to guess how an adult thinks... or a real teen, for that matter.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 4:27:12 PM CDT

    Bring back the 4.75 inch figures!

    by yeah i'm a jerk!

    Honestly, these new 3.75 inch figures don't interact with my old Playmates figures and playsets, and that totally sucks! The brilliance when Star Wars toys were reintroduced as well as the current GI Joes, is that they are roughly the same size as the ones from years ago and will fit in the old ships and playsets.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 5:26:54 PM CDT

    "J.J. Abrams' ballsy reinvention"

    by fa_tass_dinomolester

    Well you're right about the "balls" part.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 5:41:47 PM CDT

    Asimov

    by dennismm

    I'm not saying I like J.J.'s drama, only that he's marginally competent at it. His big problem is that he doesn't understand that drama derives from genuine character interaction, not gimmicks - as seen endlessly in his "Lost" and "Alias" work.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 8:25:08 PM CDT

    Boys and their toys

    by reportabuse

    What is it they say, the only difference between men & boys is the price of their toys. I like to play with real geek toys like the latest cell phones and PDAs so the non-functional Communicator doesn't impress me. I like real tech like those touchpad computers, so the tricorder seems a little superfluous and outdated to me. They better show it doing something in the movie beyond what a 21st century device could do or it's going to look clunky. I think the new Phaser is an awesome design but you can't do diddly squat with it even if you retrofitted some functionality into it -- laser pointer? Meh.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 9:26:01 PM CDT

    Toys are for CHILDREN!!

    by rayseedy

    Jeez.. Dorks, put down the Phasers and go to a bar. Save the cash you were gonna use on a 12 inch Spock doll and buy a girl a drink.
    Maybe you will have a date when you go see Star Trak.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 9:27:17 PM CDT

    Film nerds making fun of toy nerds...sigh

    by daredrummer

    Oh my god. Seriously? You nerdy film geeks are trolling a fucking internet fan site and then making fun of people who collect toys? Wow. Nice one. Idiots. Talk about calling the kettle black.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 9:28:37 PM CDT

    And another thing....

    by daredrummer

    Posting on geeky fan sites isn't any cooler than a display shelf of toys. Let me guess...your hot girlfriends are sitting there trolling with you...sheesh.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 9:31:13 PM CDT

    well..

    by rayseedy

  • May 07, 2009 9:33:26 PM CDT

    ..

    by rayseedy

    She is in bed. We just had sex maybe an hour ago. I can't sleep and thought I would look at this site cuz I am bored. Yeah, I like movies so what?? Grown men who play with toys are fucking geeks.
    Sorry I hurt your feelings.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 9:33:58 PM CDT

    oh..

    by rayseedy

    ..and she is very hot.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 10:39:52 PM CDT

    not as bad

    by frank cotton

    as the STAR WARS junk i see everywhere

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 07, 2009 10:47:02 PM CDT

    Private Video? Fuck that!

    by orionsangels

  • May 08, 2009 7:10:08 AM CDT

    The real reason beyind Jay Jay's Star Trek

    by asimovlives

    ... is just really to sell stuff. To sell toys and whatever other merchandise. Forget all those lies about re-invention and bringing back Star trek to the masses and all that nonsense. all this is jsut Jay Jay trying to find a new sheme to harness loads of cash, since Cloverfield was not the big merchandise franchise empire he hoped to create. Failing one, he has to go for another angle, right? Ence, Star Trek. They might as well call it Cash Trek.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 08, 2009 10:12:16 AM CDT

    Nice

    by unclebusu

    some of these actually look decent, but I'm still not sold on the overall design elements.

    http://drivein77.typepad.com/drivein77/

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 08, 2009 10:18:03 AM CDT

    Pegg's figure

    by 10thdoctor

    Simon Pegg's Doctor Who figure came out years ago...

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 08, 2009 10:28:11 AM CDT

    men & toys

    by 10thdoctor

    what if you love both Movies and certain action figures ? :)

    my appreciation for what figures I have(mostly Star Wars & Dr. Who) is likened to viewing an art exhibit. while I never "play" with them, they are damn cool to look at. and the 6', slender beauty who shares my bed and mothered my children understands. :) everyone needs a hobby. some dudes are gearheads. HA ! cars...boring !!!!!
    some people like to eat...whatever.
    my point is : if you deem yourself "too old" or "too cool" or simply "above it all", I pity you with all the harsh pity I can muster for someone so "grown up & respectable". movies and toys are equally useless in the grand scheme of things.
    mere distractions from the frailty of existence, huh ?

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 08, 2009 10:33:31 AM CDT

    Buy a girl a drink???

    by kid z

    These are Star Trek geeks, guy! Ever seen some of those dudes? First off, they collect toys for chrissake... what does that say about their personal interaction skills? Second of all, they were all hit with the Ugly Forest... kind of dudes that can't get past the door check to get INTo a bar. Besides, they'd probably just get the drink thrown at them or a snootful of pepper spray anyway. Easier to stay home with the toys.

    Reply to Talkback

  • May 08, 2009 10:42:49 AM CDT

    Trek geeks

    by 10thdoctor

    nah...anyone can be a geek. :)Doctor Who fans don't exactly have the reputation for being well groomed or aesthetically pleasing either. but, that's an ugly, ignorant cliche. interest in toys has NO correlation to interaction skills...

    Reply to Talkback

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