Have you ever wanted a place where you can meet other collectors, share pics of your collection, see pics of other peoples' collection, safely buy, sell and trade figures and simply immerse yourself in an all-encompassing action figure collecting world? Well, the DASH Collector: Action Figures online application may just be what the action figure collecting world has been dreaming of for years.

It's part social network, part action figure database (with literally thousands of pictures), and part personal collection manager. When I first took a look at the online application (called this because it's quite a bit more than just another website or forum), I was stunned at how many areas it covered. I've been looking for something like this for years!

According to their home page, they offer the following features:

• Browse the World's Largest Community-Maintained Universe of Action Figures

• Search, Sort and Share Action Figure Information
• Enjoy Amazing 360° Action Figure Photography
• Manage Your Action Figure Collection Quickly & Easily
• Learn More About Your Category
• Buy, Sell & Trade Action Figures with No Transaction Fees

I signed up for the free membership registration this past weekend and played around with it for a couple of days, and am now fully prepared to go with the pro account, which I will be giving a thorough test drive, after which you can expect a fully-detailed review. As it stands now, I'm completely impressed, but I urge you to swing by and check it out for yourselves. We could be witnessing the start of something huge in the action figure community. And I, for one, am ready to dive in!

Give the DASH Collector: Action Figures application a spin by registering at www.collector-actionfigures.com.

In yet another addition into the category of "awesomely fun things you can do with your action figures," an action figure fan, Stormtrooper lover and picture-taking manic known only as Stéfan has begun a brilliant daily post of 365 days of Stormtrooper action figures (specifically, TK455 and TK479, that's their names) doing all sorts of funny things, from staring down a sleeping cat to hanging out in birdhouses to enjoying a few grapes.

Many people have done the 365 picture thing on Flickr, but this one is right up our alley. Being both a died-in-the-wool Star Wars geek and full blown action figure junkie, I became absolutely enraptured in looking at all of Stéfan's photos of those hapless Empire thugs just doing their thing when they're off the clock after a hard day's work of looking for stolen Death Star plans on Tatooine.

At the risk of looking like a total rip-off artist, I'd love to try something similar, perhaps with my crew of Snake Eyes figures or something. In fact, I'd love to see this become a thing, where people choose their favorite action figures and take daily shots of them doing whatever. Who knows, Stéfan may have invented a meme! Well, a meme within a meme, I suppose. Still, whether or not I chose to shamelessly ripoff this guy's idea, I'll have to always note that this guy has set the standard in seriously charming action figure shots.

To see all the great pics (only 215 so far, as he started the project in April), just visit Stéfan's Flickr page and heap him with praise, and perhaps even be a little inspired. Now, where are those Snake Eyes figures and my camera?

Do you need a 12" tall badguy to take long distance pot-shots at your G.I. Joe troops? Well, thanks to the wizards at Sideshow Collectibles, you can now get your mitts on one seriously beautiful long-range killer with their release of the 12" Cobra Sniper figure.

Picture of this incredible figure were released by Sideshow earlier this week and have been popping up all over the action figure forums and blogs, and I can honestly tell you that the folks at Sideshow have outdone themselves again. of course, I have a soft spot in my heart for all things G.I. Joe, so it stands to reason that I would want to keep this figure in my sights (ha ha).

Here are the stats on the figure according to Sideshow themselves (via Toy News International):

The Cobra Sniper 12 inch Figure features:

• Male Body with 30+ Points of Articulation
• Detailed Sniper Uniform with COBRA Insignia
• COBRA Sniper Issue Helmet
• Tactical Boots
• Smersh Harness
• Magazine Pouches
• Canteen Set
• Knee Pads
• Belt
• Three Sets of Interchangeable Gloved Hands
• SVDS Dragunov Para Marksman Rifle
• Folding Buttstock
• PSO-1 Scope
• 10-Round Magazines
• G17 Pistol w/Holster
• 17-Round Magazine
• Bayonet w/Sheath & Strap
• 12-inch display base with COBRA logo

  Product Backstory

  Just as the venom of a cobra contains neurotoxins that are capable of killing a human with a single bite, Cobra Snipers are deadly with a single shot. One of the vilest individuals on earth, COBRA Commander rarely, if ever, negotiates his demands. Instead, he uses his elite unit of snipers to demonstrate the consequences of non-compliance. From concealed positions, COBRA Snipers take care of those unwilling to give in to COBRA Commander's demands or are simply in the way of a larger agenda. In addition to their extensive infantry training and natural born marksmanship capabilities, COBRA Snipers are specialists in camouflage, infiltration, observation and reconnaissance techniques. Employing these abilities, COBRA dispatches snipers across the globe to remind the nations of the world that their most important personnel are always within reach of COBRA's fangs.

  Time and time again, G.I. JOE has had to deal with COBRA Snipers on the battlefield. Above being an added annoyance and source of frustration, COBRA Snipers have hit their marks more times than the Joe's are willing to admit. While respected for their abilities, their cold-blooded selection of targets incenses many of the Joes and at the same time filling COBRA Commander's heart with delight. They have no remorse and the psychological training they received from COBRA has removed any trace of conscience that may have previously affected their loyalties. These individuals are simply an extension of the venom coursing in COBRA Commander's veins... COBRA!

  For more information and a ton of cool pics, visit Toy News International, or pre-order your figure now at Sideshow Collectibles.

I was never a huge fan of the Halo game, having only played it once at a friends hose, but I completely understand the appeal. And after reviewing the Halo Wars Mega Bloks sets, I have developed a somewhat deeper appreciation for how awesome the vehicles and characters are, and pretty much owe my slowly developing interest in the franchise to the Mega Bloks sets, so much so that I found myself getting a little excited over seeing the latest Halo action figures from McFarlane Toys on the shelves of my local Toys R Us.

Now that I know the difference between a Covenant Grunt and a Master Chief, I find myself being tempted to dive deeper into the world of Halo, and the new figures from McFarlane aren't helping me fight off a bad case of the "gotta haves." Now, I know I've griped about McFarlane toys in the past, with their usual lack of articulation and whatnot, but these Halo figures look different, as if the House of Spawn has finally given in to the demands of the fans and are finally producing some figures you can pose and, dare I say it, play with.

Whether I pick up any of these figures is still up in the air. I need another line of action figures to collect like I need and angry little gnome hitting my knee-caps with a hammer (okay, not my best analogy), but they are certainly tempting. Be assured that if I do pick some up, full reviews will follow. Until then, you can take a closer look at Spawn.com.