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.
1/6 SCALE STORM SHADOW FROM SIDESHOW COLLECTIBLES
The Cobra Sixth Scale figure collection has invited a new member into its ranks. This highly skilled, silent yet efficient assassin employs a compound bow, katana, shuriken, and ninja tonfas to dispatch his victims. Outfitted in a winter camouflage suit with an assault vest, Cobra Commander’s body guard is ready for a fight. Storm Shadow also comes equipped with forearm gauntlets, shin guards, ninja tabi boots, swappable hands, and a climbing rope. Order from Sideshow Collectibles and they'll throw in an exclusive Cobra Head katana. He’s expected to go on the prowl in February or you can preorder this deadly ninja here.
PLAY ARTS KAI BATMAN AND JOKER FROM SQUARE ENIX
It’s Silver Age Batman versus video game Joker. Square Enix will soon bring two new versions of these beloved characters to the Play Arts Kai line. Bats will don his blue and grey costume, complete with a batarang, interchangeable hands, a display stand and a poseable cape. The Joker comes with interchangeable hands, a pistol, knife and a display stand. Look for these icons to release in December or you can preoder Batman here and Joker here.
SHAZAM! AND THE CRIME SYNDICATE FROM DC COLLECTIBLES
IGN got an early look at some upcoming releases from DC Collectibles. Of note, Shazam! fans will soon get a new 7-inch scale figure of the hero formally known as Captain Marvel. This New 52 version of the character will go on sale in February or you can preorder him here. This next one should be considered a SPOILER for the conclusion of Trinity War and the upcoming DC event Forever Evil. Three members of the Crime Syndicate will get 7-inch scale figures. Ultraman, Power Ring and Superwoman will release in February as well.
MARVEL SELECT THOR FROM DIAMOND SELECT TOYS
Thor: The Dark World opens in November, but Diamond Select Toys will have this new 7-inch scale action figure of Chris Hemsworth available before then. He will feature 16 points of articulation, a detailed base that combines with Jane Foster’s to re-create a scene from the film (sold separately) and the mighty hammer Mjölnir. It will release in October or you can preorder him here. The 7-inch scale Jane Foster will release in December.
JAY & SILENT BOB AND DOCTOR SMITH WITH THE ROBOT FROM DIAMOND SELECT TOYS 
Art Asylum and Diamond Select Toys released black and white Minimate versions of Jay and Silent Bob and Doctor Smith with his robot companion as exclusives at San Diego Comic-Con this year. Soon, collectors will get to pick up the color versions of these 2-inch action figures. The New York Post got the first look at the two new sets. No word yet on a release date.
AND FINALLY THIS WEEK, MattyCollector.com showed off the mold of its upcoming Castle Grayskull playset. Scott "Toy Guru" Neitlich demonstrates how the Jawbridge will work and how the Masters of the Universe Classics figures fit in scale with the structure. If you didn't pre-order it, the company will make Grayskull available in limited quantities this December.
That's it for now. For more action figure news follow my toy blog ArticulationTimes.com on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to the AICN Youtube channel.
