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.

Wow. I have not seen this kind of backlash since Marvel Comics killed off Aunt May, referring to the drove of smack-talking, calling out and overall rolling thunder grumblings of collectors all over the globe at Mattel's handling of various issues in the action figure collecting world, from impossible to find DCUC exclusive waves to the bumbling manner in which Matty has been dealing with their online-only Masters of the Universe Classics orders and subscriptions.

Part of me feels bad for them. I know that Matty is trying their best to do something a little different and to treat their adult collector demographic better than the usual toy companies, but it seems like everything just flies back and hits them in the face and they can do nothing right. I've been keeping an eye on their Facebook page and it seems like it has recently turned into a meeting place for ranting, dissatisfied collectors lashing out at the toy company. Yikes!

I've also been keeping my ear to the ground at various action figure message boards and the words used to describe Mattel's practices there cannot be repeated here. Things are getting ugly out there, Matty. So, heads up. Considering the sheer anger witnessed in the backlash, you'd think Mattel came out and admitted that they were actually devil worshipers and ate babies or something.

I'll be the first to admit that Mattel's practices of late have been less than ideal, as I sit here looking at my MOTU Classics-free shelves (ARGH!), but we all have to take a minute and breathe. I mean, these are just action figures, people! Of course, I'd be able to take up that mantra a little easier if I could just find a stupid DCUC Wave 10 Batman! Double-ARGH!

For an interesting inside looks at the Matty madness, enjoy this post from action figure aficionado Poe Ghostal as he records his odd dealings with Matty's customer service. It's not pretty. After reading it, I'm kind of glad I didn't go for the MOTU Classics subscription. But only kind of.

News is spreading around the various action figure forums and blogs about Mattel's announcement that the next DCUC Wave 12 assortment, which you can get a sneak preview of right here), will include two variant figures; a white-costume Mary Batson figure and a glow-in-the-dark Spectre variant, the latter of which I am personally about to lose my my mind over, as I, like many toy collectors, am a total sucker for anything that glows in the dark.

According to Toy News International, where you can see pics of the figures, the variants will be released as chase figures at a 50/50 ratio to the regular figures, which are better odds than a lot of chase figures.

The whole variant figure thing is viewed as either great news or horrible news to collectors, depending on who you talk to. There are those who simply love the thrill of hunting down these figures, but their rarity usually causes these figures to get snatched up by "neckbeards" who scalp them on eBay at much higher prices. Still, for those lucky few who beat the scalpers to the stores and find one of these variants, the thrill can be epic.

I'm going to go ahead and make a prediction that the Mary Batson variant will do well, but it will be the glow-in-dark Spectre figures that collectors will be clawing over each other to get their hands on. And I may just be in the middle of the scrum, clawing with the best of them, crushing neckbeards under my feet!

Toy companies are reknowned for cutting corners here and there in order to save money on production costs, and one easy way for them to pinch pennies is to simply re-use an existing toy mold mixed with a simple repaint and voila! You've got a brand-new toy!

Vintage MOTU fans will remember the whole Merman/Stinkor repaint fiasco from the early 1980s.

Well, our good friends over at the uber-nerd blog has compiled yet another one of its awesome lists with their 9 Greatest Re-Used Action Figures. Why not 10? They couldn't think of one more? Oh well.

The list does a pretty good job of pointing out the "cheap-skatery" of various toy makers, including Toy Biz's habit of using the same exact female figure mold for just about every female figure they ever produced. Come on Toyu Biz, you know better than that! And they even pointed out somethings I never new about, such as the New Adventures of He-man/Demolition Man action figure connection (hint: they're the exact same mold!).

Anyway, my hat is tipped once again to some great irreverent list-making. To read the list, visit www.toplessrobot.com.

Good grief! Mego action figures are coming back! Everyone run out into the streets and dance with joy!

Okay, maybe I'm over-reacting, but I can bet taht a lot of adult action figure collectors who were alive during the late '70s and early '80s will attest that Mego, makers of those classic, fully clothed, 8-inch superheroes can be held practically wholly responsible for their long-lasting love for action figures. Megos were like the gateway toy that turned many of us into die-hard collectors. And now, after years of demanding fans crying out, Mattel is taking the helm and re-launching the Mego line of figures.

Well, okay, so these aren't technically Mego figures. It's not like the Mego company has magically come back to life or anything. But Mattel is basing these new figures on the vintage World's Greatest Superheroes line from the days of yore. They do look a bit different, better quality for one thing, with their vinyl trimmed outfits and actual hands replacing those odd vintage mitten that the old figures sported. But having seen a few pictures, they do look extraordinarily reminiscent of the classic Mego figures and that's enough for a fan like me to get all tingly inside.

The first wave will include famous DC characters Superman, Lex Luthor, Green Lantern and Sinestro, and I can only hope that some Batman characters will be soon to follow. Then, to make us old school collectors really go nuts, they need to start making Marvel characters! And Planet of the Apes! And The Waltons!

Okay, maybe not The Waltons.

For more information and to place a pre-order, visit www.entertainmentearth.com.

This is just the kind of thing to make collectors of vintage Master of the Universe toys salivate like a bunch of dogs coming across a knocked over hot dog cart. Anyone who grew up with the classic fantasy/sci-fi hybrid action figure series will be able to recall the vividly epic artwork that was found on all of the packaging, especially the vehicles and playset, with fantastic scenes of a war-battered world, gray clouds roiling across the sky, towering fortresses looming in the distance and in the foreground, a muscle-bound hero, gleaming weapon in hand, astride his rearing giant attack beast, readying his leap into the clashing fray!

Aaahhh... good times.

Well now you can own a piece or two of this brilliant artwork as the CAAF (Children Affected by AIDS Foundation) and Mattel, the makers of the MOTU line, have teamed up to auction off a couple of original pieces of packaging art from two legendary MOTU toys, the Battle Armor He-man with Battlecat and Battle-Bones figures and accessories.

According to The Fwoosh:

Please join the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF) and Mattel in a celebration of the artists and artwork participating in the 2009 Dream Halloween the Art Show! The Preview Night exhibit will include a silent auction of over 70 pieces of unique art created by Mattel employees. All those in attendance will have the opportunity to bid on one of these original works of art! Proceeds will benefit the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF), a Mattel philanthropic Signature Partner.

Phone bidding is available for art marked with a RED RIBBON. The Live Auction by phone is October 24, 2009 at approximately 5:30pm Pacific Time. To register as a phone bidder, please call 310-258-0850 between Monday, October 19 and Friday, October 23.

PLEASE NOTE, PHONE BIDDING IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PAINTINGS WITH THE RED RIBBON AND HAVE A MINIMUM STARTING BID OF $1,000.

So break out those checkbooks, MOTU fans! Come on, it's for a great cause!

For more information, visit the Fwoosh at the link above or visit www.caaf4kids.org.

As a fan of all things lychanthropic (anything dealing with werewolves), I'm about seven different kinds of excited about the upcoming Wolfman movie starring Benicio Del Toro and the occasionally fuzzy-challenged. Of course, any time I get excited about a new line of eye candy (movie, TV show, comic book) I can't help but wonder if there will be accompanying action figures and if so, when?

Well, well, wonder no more fellow fur-fanatics, news on the street is that the official Wolfman 7" action figure made by Mezco, will be available for purchase in January of 2010! Wait.. what? January of 2010? Are they serious?! Well, if that's not a kick in the pants, the movie is not coming out until February of 2010. Seriously, because nothing says "Valentine's Day" like a werewolf movie, right?

Now, I'm no marketing genius, but when I went to see Zombieland last weekend (quickie movie review: awesome!) and I saw the trailer for the Wolfman before the feature presentation, I nearly lost my mind right there int he theater for several reasons, one being that this is the Halloween season, a holiday tailor-made for things like curse gypsy men who turn into man-eating half-wolves. But do they release the movie around Halloween? Noooooooo. They save it for a holiday season based on candy hearts, bouquets of flowers and fat, little babies with vestigial bird wings. Brilliant.

Oh well. What I've seen of the figure looks great (although I'm already suspicious of a lack of articulation) so the chances are pretty good that I'll pick one up, taht is, as long as I can keep up my Halloween mood for the next 4 months. Wish me luck.

For a sneaky peek at the figure, visit www.entertainmentearth.com.