This page contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions when readers interact with or purchase items through these links. For more information, see our affiliate disclosures here.
Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums
Seibertron.com - The Ultimate Transformers Fansite
Do you collect other toys besides Transformers? Maybe you've got a Masters of the Universe collection you'd like to show off, or maybe you like Thundercats, Voltron, G.I.Joe, Power Rangers, Star Wars, Wrestling, or any of the various comic book toy lines. Please keep the discussions here to non-Transformers toy lines.
An absolute favourite of mine growing up. I watched a Toy Galaxy video not too long ago, wherein I learned this wasn't that big a thing in the US. It definitely was here in the UK when I was young. I've always had a soft spot for classic Sci-Fi (and Pulp Heroes, too). The adventures of Dan Dare, Flash Gordon etc When the future was depicted as something exciting and, well.. Space bound. I think those authors would be a bit disappointed how technology stands at the beginning of the 21st Century. But I digress.
Thanks to Neca, to coincide with the 35th anniversary, this series will soon be receiving its own collectors line. While Flash Gordon and The Phantom have recently been given their own revivals, care of Boss Fight Studio. This will be the first for this ensemble piece since the 90's. I say 90's, since although this was an 1986 show, originally. I didn't see it until reruns/repeats in the early part of the following decade. When the original toys were still being sold. Yes, it was that popular.
This was the Neca reveal for the initial set of announced figures - Mandrake The Magician, The Phantom, Flash Gordon, Ming The Merciless and Lothar... The, "Caribbean Ninja". Yes, that's a thing.
With this being officially up for pre-order (at time of writing) as Wave one - The Phantom, Flash Gordon and Ming The Merciless
Of the two sites I initially saw the pre-order on, even at £99 for the three figures, they have already sold out. Sound off, if you've even heard of any of this before!
Pros: The face sculpts are amazing. Phantom and Flash Gordon do share a mold with minor retooling, but for them it works. Ming however, is amazing! The level of detail, in apps and sculpt, plus a cloth cape simply puts him on another level. Probably one of the best figures I've seen from Neca to date.
Cons: Articulation is standard Neca. All the joints were tight and I didn't feel entirely safe testing some double knee and elbow joints. Then, there's the paint. While it is more noticeable on Flash, Phantom has some of the same issues. The pegs for the interchangeable hands are the same colour as the body (Red for Flash, Purple for Phantom). Just moving the wrist hinge, has eroded it completely. The same with Flash's ankle joint. Now sporting a red line in the middle of his gloss black boots.
Overall, really impressed. Not perfect, but Very Good. Can't wait for Mandrake and Lothar!
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:An absolute favourite of mine growing up. I watched a Toy Galaxy video not too long ago, wherein I learned this wasn't that big a thing in the US. It definitely was here in the UK when I was young.
My father was a fan of pulp heroes and serials of the 30's/40's. The Flash Gordon Filmation series is still a great watch for me, as is the 1980 film, but I have seen the older serials.
As for Defenders of The Earth. I do have fond memories of it. Although my father seemed to take issue with The Phantom as he should have had a son instead of a daughter, as was the tradition to pass on his lineage, btu oh well....it was a kids cartoon right?
It was known among my peers, but it did seem to get choked out in an already crowded 80's boy's toy/animated market. Still I did pick up the DVD set because it was very reasonably priced for all 65 episodes. Also the theme song was pretty great as well. .
It is cool that there are so many companies offering toys like this now for older collectors.
Bucket/Want List: Botcon 2016 Customization Class Ratchet (G2 Deco), or Customization Class Ratchet (Marvel Comics Deco) **would also be willing to pay for an Unpainted Botcon 2016 Ratchet, TT Legends Fortress Head (only) with working Electronics
Wish List of Modern Combiners: Road Caesar, Monstructor & Dinoking (proper size to fiction), Landcross, Guard City, Battle Gaia, & G2 Defensor. Wish List of Titans:Metrotitan,Majin Zarak
Pulp Heroes have a real charm that their modern counterparts lack these days. Anyway, I thought I take some more pics to show off how good these figures look. Today, the face sculpts:
^ Again, the level of detail on Ming is very impressive.
As general online chatter gives Lothar and Mandrake a tentative "Spring 2022" release (as an aside, it has always bugged me when release dates are given by quarter). Neca being Neca, have been busy with these molds...
The SDCC 2021 Flash Gordon Movie boxset. Good Luck finding one...
Next, came...
Flash Gordon and Ming The Merciless As depicted in the Filmation Movie/series, The Greatest Adventure of All.
Lastly, and most recently came this news...
NECA wrote:Introducing THE ORIGINAL SUPERHEROES line of figures — NECA's loving tribute to the classic giants of comic books and pop culture! Series 1 includes King Features characters from long-running comic strips that went on to influence the world of superheroes. It includes Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and Ming the Merciless. Each 7" scale action figure has over 30 points of articulation. The Phantom features glow-in-the-dark eyes and includes interchangeable hands, two handguns, two detachable muzzle flashes, whip, and Oath Skull. Flash and Ming include interchangeable heads and hands, a laser blaster with two detachable effects, and a sword that fits into a sheath on the belt. Collector-friendly window box packaging with custom illustration.
Glad I waited on phantom but I think first ming is probably the best. Flash is 50/50 for me but I'd really like the exclusives in movie style. Kinda hoped they would release mings ice guy for defenders of the earth in wave 2.
blackeyedprime wrote:Glad I waited on phantom but I think first ming is probably the best. Flash is 50/50 for me but I'd really like the exclusives in movie style. Kinda hoped they would release mings ice guy for defenders of the earth in wave 2.
The DotE Ming is certainly the most detailed. Even the Movie design isn't as intricate. I'm actually looking forward to Comic Book Flash, though. Unfortunately when it comes to Phantom redecos. The design hasn't really changed all that much in 85 years.
If wave 2 does have an unannounced third figure, Garax would definitely be welcome. Pretty sure he was the original sixth figure too. As for Ming's ice robots in general, I'm hoping for paint apps and not clear plastic. That was good enough for the original line, after all.
Some unexpected pre-Christmas arrivals! I don't have the time (or space) to open them right now. But really impressed with both. Ming, with a completely different face deco, looks really good. In spite of the lack of addition flourish the DotE one has. The added colours of Flash's animated aesthetic sell him as a separate release also.
Nice, I got Dote flash and Ming but they look too good in their boxes to take them out. Hopefully I'll get the movie versions and that NECA can sneak a prince valiant into their original heroes/D&D line up
blackeyedprime wrote: NECA can sneak a prince valiant into their original heroes/D&D line up
I do have high hopes for Buck Rogers, Prince Valiant, The Shadow etc becoming part of the Original Heroes line.
Emerje wrote: They're nice, but flesh colored outfits aren't a good look on anyone.
Emerje
Honestly, it is strange to me too. As much as I do love deco variants. That colour palette wasn't what Ming looked like in the Filmation show. I don't know where they got it from?
Always weird when they don't match the box art either with Mings green and blue shirt flash. Same for motu with a new DK book out but the cover has battlecat with out his helmet on and my brain fails to accept it.
Would be nice for a Shadow and Buck Rogers too. I'm pretty sure Zorro won't be far off.
Zorro is a weird one. Since Boss Fight Studios has the license to Flash Movie likenesses. Plus, assuming the licenses are linked, they have already released Zorro, Tarzan and some of the legacy characters for Phantom too.
To that end, considering Buck Rogers was basically the first Sci-Fi hero. It would be good for Neca to go all out on the release of that Actual original hero.
The in-person Toy Fair 2022 event is not taking place this year. But that doesn’t mean there are new toys to reveal. We’ve teamed up with our friends at NECA to exclusively reveal three new figures from the Defenders of the Earth toy line! Previously, NECA has released figures based on Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and Ming The Merciless from the 1990’s cartoon series. The figures have been a huge hit with fans of the characters, but we all know that there are a lot of great designs from the show that everyone has been looking forward to.
Today we have new look at a two previously revealed figures, and an all-new figure for you to check out. All three of these items have been highly anticipated by fans. Kicking off, we have a new look at the Lothar 7″ Scale Figure. We’ve seen Lothar in a few previews since last year, but we have a look at the finalized figure, his art, and accessories. Lothar includes swap out hands, a blaster, a grappling hook, and two firing effects pieces. Next up, we have a look at the upcoming Mandrake The Magician 7″ Scale Figure. Like Lothar, Mandrake was previously announced, and we’ve had a few glimpses of him before. But today we have a look at the (near) finalized Mandrake, including his art. The figure includes swap out hands, a magic wand, a grappling hook, and two firing effects pieces. For the all-new reveal, we have a preview of the upcoming Garax 7″ Scale Figure! In the cartoon, Garax is in charge of the Ice Robots, the cannon fodder mechanical soldiers that would take on the Defenders of the Earth. The upcoming toy looks to be based specifically on his cartoon appearance.
To go along with the reveal, we were also given a chance to speak to Randy Falk, head of product development at NECA Toys. You can read our interview and see the new photos and a video after the jump.
We’re please to share our interview with Randy Falk of NECA Toys. We talked a bit about the new Defenders of the Earth figures, their plans for additional takes on the characters, and potential for more from not only the cartoon, but homages to other toy lines. For a refresher, they announced a licensing partnership with King Features back at Toy Fair 2020. At the event, they gave us a look at their initial line of Defenders of the Earth 7″ Scale Action Figures. The first figures announced were The Phantom, Flash Gordon, Ming the Merciless, Mandrake the Magician, and Lothar. Since the announcement, The Phantom, Ming, and Flash Gordon have been released. Variations of those figures, based on other appearances, have also been released. This year, NECA hops to complete that initial line up, and expand beyond that. Below, you can see my conversation with Randy about the figures, and future of the line (JM = Joe Moore, RF = Randy Falk):
JM: These are three great looking figures for fans of Defenders of the Earth. The first thing everyone will want to know is, when can they expect to see Lothar and Mandrake on shelves?
RF: We are hoping they will be in stock this summer! Right now, we’re making some adjustments to Mandrake’s cape and final debugging is taking place. They look fantastic and we are so excited to complete the Defenders line.
JM: Since Garax looks to be earlier in development, is he coming out a little later in the year?
RF: Actually, if everything goes as planned, he should be able to join Lothar and Mandrake in the same assortment. But if not, he will definitely follow shortly thereafter.
JM: As we’ve seen with Flash, Ming, and The Phantom, can we expect alternate versions of Mandrake and Lothar?
RF: Perhaps! It’s a question that certainly needs to be discussed as we build out our “Original Superheroes” line, which started with the classic comic strip versions of those three.
JM: Following up on the previous question, Lothar and Garax had wildly different looks in the classic Defenders of the Earth toy line. Since we’ve seen classic toy versions of Ming and Flash, it is safe to say we may see classic toy versions of these figures?
RF: Variants for Lothar and Garax are definitely under consideration… it would make for a fun chase or exclusive.
JM: While playsets and vehicles can be tough to release in a line of 7″ scale figure, the old Defenders of the Earth toy line had some great vehicles. Are there any you’d love to tackle in the future?
RF: I’d love to do the skull copter – that would be amazing! — or the Swordships. But sadly, Defenders vehicles and playsets are unlikely due to the increasing costs of tooling and production. As extraordinarily cool as these characters are, this is still a very niche specialty line.
JM: Are there any figures from Defenders of the Earth you’d like to release that might be too obscure to work at retail?
RF: It would be nice to add the kids and Princess Castra to the line, but the main thing we wanted to do was celebrate the 35th anniversary with modern versions of the original Galoob line. We’re heading in different directions now with the Original Superheroes line and other concepts.
JM: Does the license actually allow for you to expand into some of the other characters from the cartoon, such as Kshi, Jedda Walker, Rick Gordon, etc?
RF: We would have to consider it on a case-by-case basis if we decided to expand.
JM: The licensor, King Features, has a large assortment of brands, such as Popeye and Cuphead. Do you anticipate expanding your licensing agreement with them to produce figures from their other brands?
RF: We are definitely looking at a number of other brands and IP that fit within the Original Superheroes banner as we build that line out. Expect to see a lot of fun stuff! This is a great area to play in.
JM: It’s clear there’s a huge fan base for figures from a wide variety of 1990s cartoons. Does the success of the Defenders of the Earth line, as well as the Gargoyles line, bode well for additional figures from that era?
RF: Absolutely. We have covered so many of the ‘80s icons and it was the right time to move into the ‘90s. The success of and response to our Gargoyles line has been nothing short of phenomenal! And while we have already identified a number of other properties that would be a good fit for NECA, we’re always listening to our fans, so keep talking to us and we’ll keep surprising you!
Completely unexpected, days before Christmas. But Mandrake, Garax and Lothar all arrived this morning. Unfortunately Lothar doesn't have his OG "Caribbean Ninja" title anymore. But I do wonder, given the highly detailed face sculpt of everyone so far. If a "toon accurate" demake, akin to Masterpiece, is on the cards if this line sells well enough?
That is currently unknown. But for now, aside from some troopers for Garax. This is the entire principle line of DotE. Of course, there are ..the kids. But I'm mostly holding out for some army builders next.
Note: For the end of the year, I should have some collection update pics. For MOTU Classics, Defenders of the Earth and Storm Collectibles Mortal Kombat, respectively.
I still need to get Lothar and Mandrake (have seen them twice at Targets but didnt have the cash) but the 29.99 price tag really hurts.
Not a sheeple. Think for yourself, don't let the magic TV box and social media do the thinking for you. Question EVERYTHING!! Just because you have a youtube review channel doesn't make you special. No, I am not friendly online or in real life. I look forward to attending a Botcon only to settle matters with idiots in person.
Cyber Bishop wrote:I still need to get Lothar and Mandrake (have seen them twice at Targets but didnt have the cash) but the 29.99 price tag really hurts.
I dunno. £/$30 seems to also be the going rate for Marvel Legends. While articulation isn't the best with Neca. Everything else (sculpts, paint apps, accessories etc) they do with figures is leaps and bounds beyond Hasbro.
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:I dunno. £/$30 seems to also be the going rate for Marvel Legends.
Another reason why I don't buy legends.
Not a sheeple. Think for yourself, don't let the magic TV box and social media do the thinking for you. Question EVERYTHING!! Just because you have a youtube review channel doesn't make you special. No, I am not friendly online or in real life. I look forward to attending a Botcon only to settle matters with idiots in person.
If ever there was a clearer example of how you envisioned a figure as a kid to the reality. That is the difference between show accurate Garax and the Retro carded version. A big group display shot is coming soon. But, so far with no new updates or news regarding this line. He might be the last...
* Price and quantities subject to change. Shipping costs, taxes and other fees not included in cost shown. Refer to listing for current price and availability.
/t-DSC02970.jpg)
/t-DSC02911.jpg)
