John Ary here with a quick look at a few toy lines that are making news this week... As always click on the photos for an embiggened look and for more information check out the preorder links...
PLAY ARTS KAI MAN OF STEEL FROM SQUARE ENIX
With the new Superman movie hitting theaters in June, Square Enix has announced two new action figures based on the film. General Zod and Superman will stand in the 9-inch scale with swappable hands, multiple points of articulation and character specific accessories. These should fly into action in July or you can pre-order Supes and Zod.
1/4 SCALE CLASSIC BATMAN AND MAN OF STEEL PROTOTYPES FROM NECA
Adam West and Henry Cavil will soon be immortalized with 18-inch action figures based on their superheroic roles. The classic TV Batman will feature over 20 points of articulation, a functioning utility belt, interchangeable hands and judging by this prototype pic a cloth cape. He’ll release in August or you can preorder him here. (Is that Burt Ward's head by the keyboard?!) Cavil’s Man of Steel figure will feature 30 points of articulation and a cloth cape. Look for him to fly onto toy shelves in June or you can preorder him here.
JULIE NEWMAR CATWOMAN FROM MATTEL
Three different women have played the role of Catwoman on the original Batman TV show, but Julie Newmar portrayed the Caped Crusader’s feminine foe the most times. Mattel will add her to the second wave of 6-inch figures for the upcoming 1966 toy line. Other figures to join her in the second wave include Cesar Romero as the Joker, and a Surf’s Up Batman. She will claw her way onto toy shelves in August or you can preorder her here.
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE ROCKMEN FROM MATTEL
MattyCollector.com has revealed its first San Diego Comic Con action figure exclusive for 2013. The Four Horsemen have sculpted new versions of Rokkon and Stonedar, helping to develop their snap-on arm and leg armor, rock mode transformation with an additional snap-on front piece and trademark laser guns that they can hold or snap into their chests. This Comet Warrior two-pack will be available for pre-order starting on June 4, with pick up at the big con. A limited number of these will also go on sale at MattyCollector.com on August 5. Mattel also announced several other SDCC exclusives this week including the New 52 Shazam! from the DC Club Infinite Earths line of toys.
TOWER OF ORTHANC FROM LEGO
Lego posted this video of three builders taking us through their new Lord of the Rings-inspired project. The Tower of Orthanc features 6 highly detailed floors filled with movie-related details including the attic, library, alchemy room, Saruman’s throne room, entrance hall and dungeon. It also comes with a Great Eagle, buildable Ent figure and 5 minifigures with weapons: Saruman with kirtle outfit, Grima Wormtongue, Gandalf the Grey, an Uruk-hai and the Orc Pitmaster. It will release in July for $199.99. 
And finally this week, Hasbro sent me some Iron Man 3 toys to take for a spin. To my surprise, the Arc FX Mission Mask and the Motorized Arc FX Gauntlet can actually fit adults. Hallelujah!!!
Hasbro also sent me a couple blind packaged Iron Man 3 Micro Muggs. I feel bad hording all of these toys for myself so I'm giving away these two little guys. If you want to win them, all you have to do is follow me on Twitter (@john_ary) and tweet me a pic of yourself wearing a mask, any mask, with the hashtag #masksformuggs. I'll randomly select a winner on Monday (5-6-13) at noon CST. Unfortunately this giveaway is only open to folks in the continental United States.
That's it for now. Be sure to follow my toy blog ArticulationTimes.com on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to the AICN Youtube channel.
