Our top 10 Action Figures for the remainder of 2014

With only a few short months left until Christmas companies will be falling over each other to grab our attention and fight to the last for that must have action figure, and it seems that this year there is a little something for everyone. Here's wants our top 10 must have's for the rest of this year:

10) Breaking Bad Jesse Pinkman in Blue Hazmat Suit Px Previews Exclusive 

Mezco make some extremely well detailed figures in the Breaking Bad line. All of the Walter White figures, especially Heisenberg, were in high demand and the Jesse Pinkman figures will be no different. Fans have been crying out for these and finally Mezco have delivered. The blue hazmat figures will be the standard figures in this line with different variations coming in smaller waves to increase collectibility. We love these figures but there is only one drawback. No articulation. Now I realise that some figures can have too many points of articulation but these can be difficult to display out of the box without the aid of a stand. If you're happy to go down this route then these figures are a must have. If you're collecting for future investment then these figures can also be displayed boxed as Mezco supply them in blister packaging. 
The blue hazmat figures are currently available to preorder on our ebay site or on our website. We will also be stocking the Orange Hazmat exclusive figure and this will also be available for preorder from next week. 

9) Guardians of the Galaxy ARTFX+ PVC Statue 1/10 Rocket Raccoon 14 cm

If you haven't seen the movie or read the comics then you are missing out on something very special on both counts. Kotobukiya have provided the collectibles industry with some incredible figures over the years that just keep getting better. They have always started lines villain heavy, but have made an exception with Guardians of the Galaxy. Though I stated it above as a drawback, no articulation has never been a problem with Kotobukiya ArtFx figures as they always provide extra limbs, heads and accessories for multiple pose options. Both Rocket Raccoon and Groot are superbly detailed and can be displayed in their own right or as above with Rocket on Groots shoulder. Frankly, we can't say enough about how good these look and believe that with certain other companies falling short in the quality department its worth spending that bit extra on something extraordinary. 

These are available to preorder now from our online store here

8) Sons of Anarchy Jax Teller and Clay Morrow 6-Inch Variant Action Figures

Fans of Sons of Anarchy have been waiting for these figures for some time now and its no surprise nor disappointment that Mezco are the ones making them. We have only one problem with these, and though it may seem picky, it was kind of a big downside....No Harleys with the figures! Other than that these are a must have and we are preselling the EE exclusive variants that are going to be rare down the line. Again, with these being mezco expect no points of Articulation, high detail and blister packaging.

Preorder Clay Morrow here and Jax Teller here

7) DC Comics ARTFX+ PVC Statue 1/10 Green Arrow (The New 52) 20 cm

Coming in December this year is yet another of Kotobukiya's ArtFx figures and this one is stunning. With the success of the TV Series and the New 52 comics the Japanese company has yet again excelled themselves and this should sell very well. We know that most of us in the Highrise office will be parting with our hard earned to get our hands on this piece. We will be putting this up for preorder soon.

6) Star Wars Black Series Wave 5

With new and improved packaging (this is more aesthetic than anything) Hasbro's 5th wave of the 6 inch Black Series figures look set to be the most popular yet and we couldn't create a "must have" list and not have these figures on it. The success of the Black series figures has been huge and it looks like this is going to continue for some years to come. These figures have never suffered in quality with having articulation and display extremely well in and out of the window packaging. Well worth every penny!

5) Star Wars Black Series Deluxe Action Figures

These have been an instant hit and have already sold out at preorder from the majority of suppliers. If you can still get your hands on some then we recommend that you do. The speeder bike and scout is supplied with a stand for ease of display, however, if you want to keep them boxed then they will still look incredible. 

4) Star Wars Black Series Limited Edition Shadow Squadron Deluxe Set

This is an incredible looking set. Not only do the figures look incredible but it would also be hard to take them out of the box considering the awesome backdrop on the packaging! In fact all of us at Highrise have agreed that we would keep them boxed! 

Preorder this box set here

3) Star Wars Black Series Boba Fett in Prototype Armor 

Well what can we say. Its Boba Fett. He looks cooler than ever and well...Its Boba fett. Nuff said

Preorder here

2) Walking Dead TV Series 6 Action Figures by Macfarlane Toys

The walking Dead figures have much improved since they first started life a few years ago. In fact, it would have been fair to say that there was little to no resemblance to the characters the figures were pertaining to be, yet it seems to have added to their charm and collectibility. Who would have thought?! This set of figures look very good and with some sought after characters in this set we reckon these will sell fast. 

You can preorder these on our website now or if you prefer ebay then keep a look out for them in the next few weeks.

1) Walking Dead Rick Grimes 10" Deluxe Action Figure by Macfarlane Toys 

Top of our wish list and we can guarantee we aren't the only ones. After the success of last years Daryl Dixon deluxe figure we were hoping for either a Michonne or a Rick grimes (we've heard unofficial rumblings that Michonne is next). If last years figure is anything to go by then the detail on this Rick grimes figure will be amazing and it will be great to see him on our shelf in his classic gun toting pose! 

Preorder the Rick Grimes deluxe figure from our website now or from our ebay site in the coming weeks.

And thats our top ten. If there's anything you feel should be here then let us know! 

What is Funko Hikari you ask?

With the recent addition of our Funko Hikari preorders to our web and ebay sites we have had many customers ask what these figures are. Hikari, meaning ‘light’, is a highly collectible line of clear Sofubi Vinyl Figures.These will be ultra-limited and piece runs will range from 500pieces - 5000pieces depending on the treatment.

 Each Hikari piece will include a hand numbered card to prove authenticity and rarity. The first two lines of Hikari products have been based on Batman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with more on the way. These figures will also light up on display. We like them, despite them being a little on the glittery side and verging on garish! With the limited runs on them, they will no doubt be very sought after in the future. Prices are currently running from around £31 for a 1 in 3000 right up to £130 for a 1 in 500. 

Preorders are available at either Highrise-collectibles.com or http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Highrise-Collectibles. Whatever your taste, whether you're a collector or a magpie and have a penchant for the glittery and shiny, these are a must have!

The World of Breaking Bad, Moving on to Better Call Saul!

Breaking Bad…

Two words that previously meant nothing to the television world but since January 2008, have created a storm; a storm of emotion, intrigue, shock and awe. A show that even left its viewers questioning whether they should love or hate the characters involved. 

But where did it start? 

Breaking Bad was the creation of Vince Gilligan; the mind and the man behind massive television success in the guise of The X-Files.

Gilligan originally just followed The X-Files as a fan of the show but his big break came when he submitted a script to Fox themselves who picked up on it and he started to become a part of the writing team from there.

A rarity in itself but nevertheless, it serves as a fitting showcase of his creative abilities.

Vinve Gilligan 

To go back to Breaking Bad itself; a show that uniquely managed to address the protagonist, Walter White, as a desperate and loveable family man but ultimately managed to showcase his downward spiral as he ‘broke bad’. It could be argued that our protagonist eventually became the antagonist as he delved into darker territories. But how? How did Gilligan manage to successfully do this in five short seasons? 

It goes without saying that these five seasons would combine to be widely regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time.

Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, starts his story as a despairing high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with an inoperable lung cancer. The show begins with tragedy of epic proportions and doesn’t relent on continuing down that pathway. Walter White has no choice but to start considering how he can secure his family’s financial future before he succumbs to the cancer. He doesn’t have long to do it and what better way to make quick cash than to do it on the other side of the law?

And so the story begins… 

Walter, in a strange pairing, meets with a former student of his - Jesse Pinkman. Pinkman, perfectly cast and played by Aaron Paul makes for a sometimes comical, yet loveable team with Cranston.

Walter, or Mr White as he gets referred to by Jesse, forms a unique alliance with him and they begin to use his skills in chemistry and it isn’t long before the pair are producing and selling methamphetamine to make their money.

A fairly simple idea but made all the more complicated by the fact that Walt’s brother in law, Hank Schrader, works for the DEA and eventually finds himself chasing the mysterious Heisenberg, whom he laters finds to be none other than Walt’s alter ego.

The combination of Cranston and Paul became so strong that Gilligan kept the latter in the show. Jesse was actually originally intended to be killed at the tail end of season one and it’s maybe just as well he did.

Despite the two involving themselves in a life of crime, Gilligan perfectly captures the humanity within them both along the way. After all, even criminals deserve love… even criminals have a life away from their crimes...

The double lives the two lived began to eat away at their abilities to bear the burden of a criminal life - something which they continue to get deeper and deeper involved in.

Along the way, many loathsome and loveable characters graced our screens; from Walt and Jesse themselves, the fearless Gustavo “Gus” Fring to the questionable small time lawyer Saul Goodman… what isn’t to like about the show?

It’s very tough to try and summarise such an epic story, especially when considering that so much was packed into it in such a brief run… 

After all, how long could Breaking Bad realistically continue with Walt battling an inoperable cancer?

The world that Gilligan created was so expertly written and expertly cast that many of the actors (and the show itself) won numerous awards and nominations; 101 wins and 267 nominations to be exact.

After 5 seasons and 62 episodes… Breaking Bad finished. It is fascinating to think that 62 episodes was all Gilligan needed to build up and portray the downward spirals of the characters involved but he did it. In fact, Breaking Bad seen itself as one of the most highly anticipated endings of a show in the history of television.

The show Breaking Bad came to an explosive close and thus the world Gilligan created.... or did it?

Recent announcements confirmed a spin off series titled ‘Better Call Saul’ which is going to focus on the life and questionable antics of the lawyer Saul Goodman himself.

Spin-off shows can be a dangerous concept and are often spat at by fans and critics but at no surprise, knowing it is the Breaking Bad world we are returning to, there is a lot of hype and a lot of excitement surrounding this one.

Whether Gilligan brings our favourites Walt and Jesse into the mix at any stage is yet to be confirmed, though it fortunately hasn’t been denied either.

It’s entirely possible that we will see Walter White and Jesse Pinkman on our screens again in 2015.

In the meantime, to commemorate such a pinnacle of television genius, Highrise Collectibles are stocking Breaking Bad figures at unbeatable prices.

You can buy your favourites, Walt and Jesse in their Hazmat suits… or should you prefer the elusive Heisenberg…? You can buy him too.

Check our website: www.highrise-collectibles.com to buy the highly sought after figures now!

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Trailer Released

 Tolkien fans all over the world have been feeling like Gollum as they have been not so patiently waiting for the one minute, forty-eight second trailer that was shown within the Hobbit panel at Comic Con on Saturday. Jacksons trilogy that explores the depths of Middle Earth in a brand new light is set to conclude with three major battle scenes, and a variety of emotions that are said to make the audience truly connect with the characters.
 After the 15 second sneak peek trailer, Warner Bros. UK then stated that the UK release date for Battle of Five Armies will be December 12th 2014 as opposed to the 17th as previously thought. They then included a brief synopsis to excited fans who read on past the release date.

“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenceless men, women and children of Lake-town.
Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honour to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. 

As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance."

    Set to be one of the biggest films of the year, Peter Jackson has stated how they are still currently working on the video effects, meaning that the full theatrical length trailer will come to us in October, but in the mean time he and Warner Bros. have delivered this.

SDCC 2014: Guardians of the Galaxy Sequel Announced and Dated

With still four days before Guardians of the Galaxy hits the box office Marvel seems to have high hopes for it as an ongoing movie series by announcing the sequel already. During the Marvel Antman and Avengers panel a short video was shown which involved director James Gunn and Chris Pratt (Starlord) in talks about the sequel to the upcoming movie, and then slipping in the release date before comically saying "I hope Kevin Feige doesn't find out we just told them the date."

It seems as though Marvel has big plans to open up the universe of Avengers and Guardians and hopefully with the sequel we'll see some Iron Man/ Rocket action. It was also interesting to see what the guys had planned for the second Avengers movie while talking on the panel. They showed off a short teaser of Age of Ultron which got the audience very excited. With the addition of three new characters it looks as though Marvel is turning it up to 11, which is never a bad thing.

Guardians of the Galaxy looks like it's going to be a ton of fun and from early reviews Marvel are right to put trust into new IP's. Make sure you check out the movie when it shots the box office this Thursday and then wait in anticipation for it's sequel which will be hitting the big screens on July 28, 2017.

SDCC 2014: Sons of Anarchy The Final Ride

 Following a second teaser trailer last week named 'The Final Ride' the Sons of Anarchy cast begin saying their goodbyes to the FX hit television show, but begin to discuss creating a prequel for the first time in public. This has been rumoured by fans for a long time as they wish to see more from the life of John Teller. The creator of the series, Kurt Sutter stated how there will not be a spin off as he feels that a spin off will only work on a procedural drama, but will indeed continue in the shows very first novel; 'Sons of Anarchy: Bratva' written by Christopher Golden is set to be released November 18th 2014.

  Joining Sutter on stage were Paris Barclay (Executive Producer) Katey Sagal (Gemma Teller-Morrow), Kim Coates (Alex 'Tig' Trager), Mark Boone Junior (Bobby Munson), Tommy Flanagan (Filip 'Chibs' Telford), Theo Rossi (Juan Carlos 'Juice' Ortiz), Dayton Callie (Wayne Unser), Jimmy Smits (Nero Padilla), Drea de Matteo (Wendy Case), Niko Nicotera (George 'Ratboy' Skogstrom), and David Labrava (Happy Loman). All cast members showed their appreciation to Kurt Sutter with a standing ovation that reduced him to tears, and resulted in him ordering them to "Sit the f*** down."

  As everyone knows, SAMCRO wouldn't be complete without the presence of actor Charlie Hunnam (Jackson 'Jax' Teller) who although unable to attend, sent a rather comedic video in which he referenced being the biker in fashion magazines. Hunnam then went on to mock the luxurious way in which the other members of cast should wait on him hand and foot.

  While still currently writing and filming the beginning of the second half season, the cast and crew still have a while until they wrap things up however the roar emotion surrounding the end of the beginning is clear as the cast try their hardest to keep it together every time it is mentioned that this is the last season. It seems that a lot of the emotions (which we will know will always be a heavy thing with SOA) will be truthful to the audience, as many of the cast members may not got the chance to work with one another again.
  Teasing tweets from Kurt Sutter have suggested that an extra special guest is to appear on the show in its final season but nothing was given away today, as we already know that Marilyn Manson and Courtney Love are to have recurring roles this season. Whether there is to be another guest star within their midst at this moment is unknown, but only time will tell.

  Season 7 of SOA is set to premier September 9th in America, but a UK date is still unannounced.  And while you're here check out the teaser below and maybe a pop over to the store HERE to browse at our collection of Sons action figures.