TMNT Out of the Shadows Week: Bebop and Rocksteady

A wise man once said, "If you don't have an appreciation for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, something is inherently wrong with you...".

Ok, so we made that up. But we have a definite appreciation for all things TMNT, and as we marvel at the growing legacy that began on a small printing press in 1984, we also marvel at the growing line of collectibles thanks to the heroes in a half-shell.

With TMNT Out of the Shadows dropping in theaters this Friday, we figured we'd devote this week to the boys in green and some of the characters from their world. Raphael was spotlighted on this blog a while back (you can read that post here).
Today, let's focus on two of the characters we'll see in the new film, the fan favorite villains of Bebop and Rocksteady. Here are a few cool collectibles for the Boar and Rhino punk hybrids...

Bebop and Rocksteady First Comic Appearance
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #1 (1988)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #1

Bebop and Rocksteady first appeared in the 1987 TMNT cartoon, but eventually they made their way into comics ala Harley Quinn. This issue is key for TMNT fans as it is also the first comic appearance of Krang. Goes for about $25 right now on eBay. We expect the price of this book to go up over the years, so grab one while you can.

Bebop and Rocksteady figures by Playmates (1988)

Bebop figure by Playmates

Rocksteady figure by Playmates

The Playmates TMNT figure line was a huge hit for fans and collectors alike, and carded figures can still be found at a fairly decent price. These boys however will set you back a good $150 each for the first wave versions if you can find them on eBay or at a toy show.

Turtle Power Print by Gabz/Kx2/Bottleneck Gallery (2014)

Although this limited print created by the ultra talented Domaradzki brothers is no longer available on the Bottleneck Gallery website, you may be able to track one down on eBay (if you're patient enough).

More TMNT all week long!

Game of Thrones Monday: Enter the Dragon

(WARNING: This post contains SPOILERS for season 6, episode 6 of "Game of Thrones," so if you haven't watched it yet, please skip ahead to the collectibles. Now, on to our weekly "Game of Thrones" recap!)

A long-lost and nearly forgotten character makes his triumphant return this week when Bran Stark and Meera Reed are rescued from an attacking horde of White Walkers by a masked man on horseback. The man in question turns out to be none other than Bran's uncle, Benjen Stark, who had gone missing north of the Wall way back in season 1. Benjen's timely reappearance -- looking mysterious and dangerous with his cloak and fire-tipped whip chain -- was good news for Bran and Meera, who looked to be overwhelmed by the Walkers after having just lost two stalwart companions in Hodor and the direwolf, Summer. Early in the episode, titled "Blood of My Blood," some very important imagery flickers by as Bran (in his hypnotic warg state) is being dragged through the frigid tundra by Meera. Primarily the visions revolve around the Night's King and his army of Walkers; the "Mad King" Aerys II Targaryen (father of Daenerys Targaryen), who vociferously threatened to "burn them all" and was killed by Jaime Lanister during Robert's Rebellion; and the Tower of Joy, where a young Ned Stark searched for his sister, Lyanna, who had supposedly been kidnapped by Rhaegar Targaryen, Aerys's eldest son. Bran's visions will undoubtedly play a part in how this captivating "Game" eventually concludes. Until then, he's lucky to have Benjen (saved from certain death by the Children of the Forest) back on his side.

Ellie Kendrick and Isaac Hempstead Wright in "Game of Thrones"

Samwell Tarly and Gilly, with baby in tow, arrive at Sam's family home of Horn Hill, and while Sam's mother and sister are pleasant as peach pie, Sam's father, Lord Randyll Tarly, is a downright a-hole (adding to a long list of a-hole fathers throughout "Game of Thrones"). At dinner, a scowling Randyll rips into Sam for being "soft and fat," and expresses his displeasure with Sam's choice of a wildling mate. Samwell eventually decides to split Horn Hill alongside Gilly and little Sam, but makes sure to take along Heartsbane, the family's 500-year-old Valyrian steel sword (his birthright), just in case.

In King's Landing, Jaime Lannister arrives with a contingent of Tyrell soldiers to intimidate the High Sparrow and his fanatical Faith Militant, and make sure Margaery Tyrell isn't subjected to a humiliating "walk of atonement." But the Sparrow one-ups Jaime and the Tyrells by revealing that Margaery will not take her walk after all, as her atonement comes in the form of bringing good ol' impressionable King Tommen Baratheon into the "true light of the Seven." Now the crown and the faith stand together and the High Sparrow finds himself in even a more prominent position of power alongside the King. Yikes. In the aftermath, Jaime is booted from the King's Guard and told to lead an army to Riverrun, where Ser Brynden "The Blackfish" Tully (great uncle to the Stark children) has retaken the area from the despicable Freys, the family responsible for the Red Wedding massacre.

Arya Stark basically decides she has learned enough from Jaqen H'ghar at the House of Black and White and elects to dig up her sword, Needle, given to her by Jon Snow in season 1, and finally embark on her long-standing quest for vengeance. The decision doesn't sit well with Jaqen and he sends The Waif -- Arya's bitter teacher/rival -- after Arya with instructions to kill her without suffering. "Shame," Jaqen admits. "The girl had many gifts." While we're excited to see where Arya's crusade takes her next, the prospect of a jealous master assassin coming after her is a bit unsettling.

And finally, Daenerys is reunited with her massive dragon, Drogon, while riding back to Meereen with her Dothraki army. Daenerys takes flight on Drogon and delivers a rousing speech to her followers, encouraging them to help her take the Iron Throne and cement her place as rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. This all seems to be leading up to what author George R.R. Martin has promised all along -- a Song of Ice and Fire. We'll have to tune in next week to see where things go. Now, onto some great GOT collectibles.

Jaime Lannister Legacy Collection figure, Funko

Jaime Lannister Legacy Collection figure by Funko

Funko continues building its legacy of producing top-notch collectible figures with this release of Jaime Lannister, decked out in his King's Guard garb. The finely detailed figure can be bought online or at a toy show or comic convention.

Daenerys Targaryen and Drogon statue, Dark Horse

Daenerys and Drogon statue by Dark Horse

Dark Horse Deluxe released this gorgeous full-size statue of Daenerys and her trusted dragon, Drogon, in 2015 and it sold out quickly. The sculpture measures 14" across and 18" long, and is limited to 750 pieces.

Needle, Valyrian Steel Collection

Needle replica by HBO

This gorgeous replica of Arya's signature sword can be purchased through the HBO Shop website and comes with an attractive House Stark wooden plaque. The 30.5" sword features a stainless steel blade and antique brass handle.

See you all tomorrow as we cowabunga our way toward "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows."

Top 10 Friday... X-Villains

The X-Men have a horde of colorful adversaries, which isn't much of a surprise considering their defining characteristic is being mutant. Apocalypse makes his big-screen debut today in "X-Men: Apocalypse" and can easily be counted among the most dangerous of the X-Men's foes.

Oscar Isaac in "X-Men: Apocalypse"

Narrowing a list down to 10 is a tricky task, but we gave it a whirl anyway. We had to omit some interesting, longtime baddies, like Stryfe, Omega Red and the Blob. But we think we've identified pretty much the worst of the worst. Firstly though, in honor of Apocalypse's cinematic first appearance, here are a few Apocalypse collectibles you can snag without conquering the world.

X-Factor #6 (1986)

X-Factor #6

Apocalypse made his first appearance in this early issue of X-Factor. He has since troubled the various X-groups many times over, including in the popular "Age of Apocalypse" series. Track a copy down online or at a local comic shop.

Marvel Legends Apocalypse figure, Toy Biz (2004)

Marvel Legends Apocalypse figure by Toy Biz

Toy Biz produced this impressive version of En Sabah Nur in series 7 of its Marvel Legends line. A bit hard to find these days and goes for around $75-$100.

Apocalypse statue, Bowen Designs (2007)

Apocalypse statue by Bowen Designs

During a long span of producing Marvel statues, Bowen Designs often outdid themselves. Check out this killer Apocalypse statue, which stands 15.5" tall, is limited to 2,000 pieces, and features an interchangeable canon hand. Can go for upwards of $800 on eBay.

OK folks, On to our...

Top 10 X-Villains

10. Mojo

Mojo in Uncanny X-Men #461

This creepy tyrant of the sadistic Mojoverse first appeared in Longshot #3 (1985).

9. Sebastian Shaw

Sebastian Shaw in Uncanny X-Men #132

The Hellfire Club's power-hungry Black King first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #129 (1980)

8. The Shadow King

The Shadow King in X-Men #78

This telepathic psychopath also goes by the name Amahl Farouk and first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #117 (1979).

7. The White Queen

The White Queen in Uncanny X-Men #131

Another telepath, Emma Frost has played both sides and made her first appearance alongside Sebastian Shaw in Uncanny X-Men #129 (1980).

6. Mystique

Mystique in X-Factor #108

Raven Darkholme, the shape-shipping member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, first appeared in Ms. Marvel #16 (1978).

5. Mister Sinister

Mister Sinister in Uncanny X-Men #243

The diabolical mutant geneticist known as Nathiel Essex first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #221 (1987).

4. Sabretooth

Sabretooth in Uncanny X-Men #213

Vicious and violent Wolverine rival Victor Creed directed his anger at the X-Men after first appearing in Iron Fist #14 (1977).

3. The Juggernaut

The Juggernaut in Uncanny X-Men #32

The unstoppable, hot-tempered half-brother of Professor X has been bulldozing the X-Men since the early days, first appearing in X-Men #12 (1965).

2. Apocalypse

Apocalypse in X-Factor #25

En Sabah Nur, the world's oldest mutant, has been harassing the X-Men since he first appeared in X-Factor #6 (1986).

1. Magneto

Magneto in X-Men #1

The master of magnetism, Erik Lehnsherr, has acted as the X-Men's top threat since the very beginning, when he first appeared in X-Men #1 (1963).

Who did we miss? Let us know, and see y'all on Monday for our "Game of Thrones" recap. Have an eXciting weekend!

X-Men Apocalypse Week: Psylocke

X-Men Apocalypse opens tomorrow and we're getting ready here at CollecTwins with posts on the horsemen from the film. We've already hit on Storm and Archangel this week, and today we're going with the X-Men's resident answer to Elektra, the one and only Psylocke.

Here are some great Psylocke collectibles

The Psylocke key comics:

Captain Britain Vol. 1 #8 (1976), New Mutants Annual #2 (1986) and X-Men #256 (1989)

Captain Britain Vol. 1 #8

New Mutants Annual #2

X-Men #256

Psylocke (Betsy Braddock) is the twin brother of Captain Britain (Brian Braddock), and when she first appeared, she was more of a "Pride and Prejudice" kind of british hero with bee-hive pink hair. Her first appearance overall was in Captain Britain Vol. 1 #8, and her first appearance in American comics was in New Mutants Annual #2. Later, Marvel re-vamped her by placing her mind in the body of a female Japanese ninja, hence the major change of look and ultimate popularity of the character. This started in X-Men #256.

Psylocke statue by Bowen Designs (2010)

Psylocke Statue by Bowen Designs

This gorgeous statue thanks to Bowen Designs was limited to 1200 pieces when it came out in 2010 and was sculpted by Jason Smith. It will run you upwards of $450 these days on eBay if you can track one down.

Psylocke by Craig Drake/Mondo (2015)

Psylocke by Craig Drake

This original piece from the talented Craig Drake was at one time available from Mondo for the slim price tag of $1200. Gone now, but a pleasure to look at.

Marvel Universe Psylocke 3.75" figure by Hasbro (2012)

Marvel Universe Psylocke figure by Hasbro

Another great addition in 2012 to the Marvel Universe figure line from Hasbro. Goes for about $15 on eBay.

See y'all tomorrow for Top 10 Friday! And you guessed it, it's all connected to X-Men: Apocalypse.

X-Men Apocalypse Week: Archangel

Warren Worthington III has long been known as Angel, a preppy winged mutant and one of the founding members of the X-Men. But back in the early X-Factor days, Apocalypse got his greasy mitts on the playboy mutie and conducted some ... experiments. The result was Archangel, a decidedly darker version of the Warren X-fans had learned to love. Archangel was somber and deadly. His once-feathered angel wings now metal shards that could fire out dangerously. Warren's skin would become blue as Archangel, and he would often wear a skull mask.

Ben Hardy in "X-Men: Apocalypse"

Once Archangel was able to shake Apocalypse's manipulative influence, he became a pretty darn cool character, and suddenly people were forgetting all about Angel. With Archangel making his cinematic debut this week in "X-Men: Apocalypse," let's take a fly-by on some Archangel collectibles.

X-Factor #24, Marvel Comics (1988)

X-Factor #24

Archangel's first appearance took flight in this issue of X-Factor. It was a drastic change for a character that had been around for years, and boosted the popularity of Angel (er, Archangel) and the notoriety of Apocalypse in one fell swoop. Depending on grade, you should be able to get one on eBay or at a local comic shop for around $20-$25.

Marvel Universe Archangel figure, Hasbro (2009)

Marvel Universe Archangel figure by Hasbro

A part of the mega-popular Marvel Universe series of 3.75" figures, this Archangel is from Series 2 of the line and features numerous articulation points. He goes for around $30-$40.

Archangel statue, Bowen Designs (2009)

Archangel statue by Bowen Designs

The crafty folks over at Bowen Designs released this beauty in 2009. It stands over 14" tall and was limited to only 1,000 pieces. Goes for about $325-$375 -- if you can find one.

See you all tomorrow as we get closer to Friday's release of "X-Men: Apocalypse."

X-Men Apocalypse Week: Storm

With the latest addition to the X-Men's growing cinematic library X-Men: Apocalypse releasing this week, we' re going to spend the next few days focusing on a few of the boys and girls out of the good ol' school for gifted youngsters. To be more specific, we'll spotlight a few of the film's "horsemen" of Apocalypse, one of the x-mythos most powerful mutant villains making his big screen debut this week thanks to Bryan Singer and Oscar Isaac. Although she is not known in the comics for following the metal clad Apocalypse, it seems she will be a key character in the film, and we're finally getting her with her fan-favorite mohawk.

Without further ado, here are some great Storm collectibles...

X-Men #198 (1985)

X-Men #198

This great issue features a fantastic cover and interior art by the legendary Barry Windsor-Smith, and is one of our favorite Storm stories as she fights for survival. Written by the one and only Chris Claremont.

Punk Storm Statue by Bowen Designs (2013)

Punk Storm Statue by Bowen Designs

This Bowen Designs statue depicts Storm in all her punk, defiant glory. Stands 12" tall in a run of just 340 pieces.  She goes for about $350 right now if you can find one on eBay.

Marvel Legends Infinite Series Toys R Us Exclusive Storm Figure by Hasbro (2014)

Marvel Legends Infinite Series Storm Figure

This hard-to-find figure from the Legends Infinite series line came at only one per case when it was released as a Toys R Us exclusive a couple of years ago. It will cost you $100 or more on eBay or at a toy show if you can track one down.

Game of Thrones Monday: The Nightman Cometh

(WARNING: This post contains SPOILERS for season 6, episode 5 of "Game of Thrones," so if you haven't watched it yet, please skip ahead to the collectibles. OK folks, on to our recap!)

Hodor's origins are finally revealed in this week's gut-punch episode of "Game of Thrones," titled appropriately "The Door." Bran Stark's naive understanding of his dynamic warging abilities leads to a run-in with the Night's King, the creepy captain of the zombie-esque White Walkers. Turns out the Night's King ain't too fond of Bran or the Three-Eyed Raven, and after discovering Bran's whereabouts during the young Stark's ill-planned warg ride, the King and his White Walkers stage a cold-front assault on the Raven's underground hideaway. And while Bran and Meera barely make it out alive, the Raven, Bran's direwolf Summer and the loveable Hodor are all killed during the attack (although, to be fair, we don't actually watch Hodor die, but odds are not in his favor). In Bran's final flashback alongside the Raven we see a young Hodor in Winterfell go catatonic as Meera urges his older self to "hold the door" against the Walkers so she and Bran can make their escape. The poignant scene ties together the past and the present, and reminds us viewers just how dangerous the Night's King and his minions are. And if anyone else is keeping count, we're down to two direwolves from the original six: Ghost and Nymeria (though we have had no mention of Nymeria since season 1.).

Littlefinger tries to make amends with Sansa up at Castle Black and she basically tells him where to stick it, but his revelation that her uncle Brynden Tully, aka "The Blackfish," had gathered an army and retaken Riverrun may prove helpful in Sansa and Jon's quest to win back the north. Arya's grueling training continues when she is tasked with assassinating an actress in what apparently passes for decent theatre in Braavos. The bizarre scene revealed that Arya Stark is still very much Arya Stark despite her efforts to become faceless. A horrible play has a way of knocking you back into reality, it seems. And, um, gratuitous nudity anyone? Did we really need the twig-and-berries close-up? We think not.

Gemma Whelan and Alfie Allen in "Game of Thrones"

Things get decidedly more interesting on the Iron Islands as a kingsmoot is held to select a new king. Yara Greyjoy, with Theon by her side, makes a compelling argument as to why she should be chosen despite the area's history of male-dominated leadership. But her smarmy uncle, Euron Greyjoy, ultimately scores the nod by convincing the Ironborn that he'll get all Deuce Bigalow with Daenerys Targaryen and conquer the world. Euron's ascension forces Yara, Theon and their loyal followers to flee the Iron Islands, coaxing a not-too-vague threat from Euron: "Where are my niece and nephew? Let's go murder them."

Over is Vaes Dothrak, the noble Ser Jorah Mormont reveals his greyscale illness (and his feelings) to Daenerys, just as she's ready to welcome him back to her inner circle. Greyscale has no known cure, but Daenerys isn't having it and orders Jorah to discover the cure and return to her side, where he belongs. Jorah has proved his resourcefulness in the past and we wouldn't put it past the loyal knight to actually find a cure for his condition. In Meereen, Tyrion and Varys turn to another creepy red priestess to help keep the peace, and we'll just say that the GOT world is no place for the casual churchgoer. Fanatics are all the rage in the religious corners of Westeros.

And finally, at Castle Black, Jon and Sansa meet with their trusted companions -- including favorite characters such as Ser Davos Seaworth, Brienne of Tarth, and the wildling stalwart Tormund Giantsbane -- to further their plan to defeat Ramsay Bolton and retake Winterfell. The group then sets out to muster forces against Bolton, leaving Edison Tollett to run Castle Black. Anyone else loving the budding Tormund/Brienne flirtation? The episode closed on a heavy note with the aforementioned White Walker siege. We're officially at the halfway point of season 6, and things are getting more interesting by the minute. Now, a look at more GOT collectibles.

Hodor Pop! Vinyl, Funko

Hodor Pop! Vinyl by Funko

Keep Hodor in your thoughts with this terrific Pop! Vinyl from Funko. Doubles as a great doorstop (too soon...?).

Game of Thrones #1, Dynamite (2011)

"Game of Thrones" #1 by Dynamite

Dynamite has published a fantastic adaptation of George R.R. Martin's epic book series, and it all started with this impressive first isse. Sold out, but you can track a copy down on eBay or at your local comic shop.

Night's King bust, Dark Horse

Night's King bust by Dark Horse

Creep up your collection with this 9" bust from Dark Horse. Limited to 1,250 pieces, this sculpture of the Night's King comes courtesy of Cortes Studio. 

Come back tomorrow, as we count down to "X-Men: Apocalypse." And hopefully you all got the chance to catch "Preacher" on AMC after GOT, as it was an excellent introductory adaptation of the acclaimed comic series. See you tomorrow, folks!

Top 10 Friday... Vertigo!

Ok, so now we are just TWO days away from the premiere of Preacher on AMC. Can you tell how excited we are? This week we are celebrating! After two posts on Preacher collectibles (on Tuesday and Thursday), today's post is in honor of DC's daring and ground-breaking Vertigo series, which Preacher was a part of and was launched as an imprint for DC back in 1993.
Before our Top 10 this week, here are a few Vertigo related collectibles out there...

V for Vendetta Statue by NECA (2011)

V for Vendetta Statue by NECA

This resin statue stands 13" tall and features V ready with his knives. Limited to 1500 pieces.

Heroes of the DC Universe Swamp Thing mini bust by DC Direct (2015)

Swamp Thing mini bust by DC Direct

A beautiful rendition of Swampy as sculpted by Jean St. Jean. You'll have to try to track one down on eBay though, they seem to be scarce elsewhere.

John Constantine Hellblazer Figure by DC Direct (2000) 

Hellblazer Action Figure by DC Direct

A nice figure of John Constantine that fits with the Preacher line DC did in 2000. You can find one on eBay for around $20.

And now, on to our...


Top 10 DC Vertigo Titles of all time


10. Fables

9. 100 Bullets

8. Transmetropolitan

7. Scalped

6. The Invisibles

5. Hellblazer

4. V for Vendetta

3. Swamp Thing

2. Preacher

1. The Sandman

That's it for this week! See y'all on Monday for our Game of Thrones recap and enjoy Preacher this Sunday! Tune in to AMC after GOT!