GRID IRON STUDIOS

Collectors of 1:12 scale six-inch action figures, such as Hasbro's GI JOE CLASSIFIED and STAR WARS BLACK SERIES, need to check out a specialized armory depot for these types of toys. Tempe, Arizona-based Grid Iron Studios recently emerged on the toy scene to provide army builders and collectors with authentic looking accessories and weapons that add an exceptional level of realism to action figures. They have nearly a hundred made in the USA items available to purchase on their website ranging from equipment such as binoculars, communications gear and mine detectors to weapons including pistols, machine guns, and even a Ninja arsenal.

The Grid Iron Studios depot will have army builders geeked with its array of real-life military reproductions as well as movie prop replicas from action, horror and sci-fi films. Get an AK-47 that looks like it just came off a battlefield or an AR15 that has the appearance of being military issued. Also available are the pulse rifles the space marines used in Aliens, the axe Jack Nickelson swung in The Shining, and the RPG fired by Rambo in the First Blood movies. 

I follow Grid Iron Studios on Instagram and it seems as if they are introducing new products every week! And if you want to see some great images of their products being utilized check out one of my favorite toyographers the_imperial_grunt who showcases a lot of Grid Iron Studios products in his artwork. Plus, if you are on Instagram give us a follow too at Geekdad248.

I personally purchased from Grid Iron Studios a one twelfth scale howitzer to use to display with my six inch sized COBRA soldiers from the GI JOE CLASSIFIED toyline. The 105mm howitzer was released as a Kickstarter campaign to gauge interest in the company producing larger scale vehicles and weapons to make available in its arsenal. Have to say the finished product is impressive!

This realistic artillery display set included crates with shells and spent casings, communications devices, spyglasses, camouflage netting and sandbags. The cannon itself is 7.0 inches high, 6.25 inches wide, and 14.5 inches wide. Not only does this howitzer model have girth to it and proper scale to match 6 inch action figures, but it has detailed elements including a gun barrel that can be elevated and tow shovel that can be spread open and shut. 

It also has a first rate paint job to make it look great when displayed. The Grid Iron Studios Howitzer though also has very sturdy, durable construction for those who also want to play around with it. I am very pleased with my purchase. 

For more information about getting your hands on items from this depot of toy accessories or announcements on new products being released, visit gridironprops.com

Tech Manual will explain how Batman's gadgets work in "Dawn of Justice"

Though I know it's make believe, I've always been interested in how tech, gadgets and vehicles would work within their fictional comic book, novel and movie universes.  I have a shelf filled with books, blueprints and posters that contain concept art, layouts, schematics and drawings for the gadgets, vehicles and weapons used in some of my favorite Sci-Fi movies.  So it would probably be an understatement to say I was geeked to find out that DC Comics is publishing a book tied to the upcoming Warner Brothers's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice that promises to be a Tech Manual for the cool props that we'll be seeing in the movie. Batman is all about his gadgets and you know he will have an all new bat-suit, bat-mobile, bat-wing, and enough other tools and weapons to fill up a book, but the publisher also promises to have other interesting tidbits included as well including info on some of the Kryptonian tech used by Superman and the Amazonian weapons used by Wonder Woman.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: Tech Manual is scheduled to be released on March 22, 2016 with a retail price of $39.95.  Check out the official synopsis of the book:

Batman’s tech has been reimagined and reinvigorated in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the new blockbuster from director Zack Snyder releasing in March 2016. This book takes an exclusive, in-depth look at Batman’s arsenal, vehicles, Batsuits, and the iconic Batcave. The new Batmobile design is explored from first concept sketch, through detailed blueprints, all the way to the physical construction of the vehicle itself.

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Tech Manual" is a definitive guide to the weaponry and props created for the movie. It closely examines the Utility Belt, the Batwing, grappling hook and batarang. Everything in the Batcave is explored down to the construction of the set and the graphics from Bruce Wayne’s mainframe. This official volume also goes deeper in to the world of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," showcasing Superman’s Kryptonian suit and Wonder Woman’s iconic weaponry.

The official companion book to the new movie, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Tech Manual," features interviews with concept artists, the film’s weapon’s master, the mechanic for the Batmobile, and Zack Snyder himself.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice arrives in theaters across the United States on March 25, 2016 a few days after the Tech Manual hits store shelves.  Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City's own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis' most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.  And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it's ever known before.

SKYLANDERS SUPERCHARGERS brings Racing & Online Multiplayer to the video game franchise

For the first time in Skylanders history, Activision will bring the online multiplayer experience to the popular kids video game franchise.   The company announced at GamesCom 2015 that its upcoming Skylanders SuperChargers game will allow fans to play the game with friends and family across the globe via online multiplayer on their favorite gaming console.  Skylanders Superchargers will be available on September 20 in North America and September 25 in Europe for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's WiiU. 

Skylanders SuperChargers expands upon the franchise's signature gameplay to introduce a brand-new pattern of play.  For the first time ever, players can explore and navigate the mountainous terrains, deep sea environments and big blue skies of Skylands by going behind the wheel of tricked-out land, sea, and sky vehicles - bringing them from the physical world into the digital world in a high octane action-adventure video game.  Skylanders SuperChargers offers a diverse and dynamic story-driven gameplay experience, filled with vehicle-based and on-foot adventures featuring combat, puzzles, mini games, and activities -- all set within a variety of new compelling environments.  The new game has 20 land, sea, and sky vehicles that can be played with digitally and physically.  There is also a new class of heroes -- 20 SuperCharger toys that feature all new powerful attacks, moves, upgrades and personalities.  Plus here's some great news for long time players and the parents who have paid out money over the years to buy figures for these video games - in addition to all of the new features and figures being added the new game also supports all 300+ Skylander toys from previous games.

The upcoming Skylanders SuperChargers game will feature an all-new Racing Mode, playable in Land, Sea and Sky environments, features supercharged racing combat, layering in even more depth and excitement to the game’s online multiplayer component.  The high-octane mode is further amplified with all-new time trials, which include three-lap races that take friendly competition up a notch as players battle for the best time score on the leaderboard.  All Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Packs will come loaded with six dynamic race tracks – two each for Land, Sea and Sky. With hidden routes, power-ups, and diverse locations, Racing Mode offers completely new ways to enjoy the game. Whether played in offline split-screen or online multiplayer, gamers can choose the best route to finish a race, trying to avoid attacks along the way as they navigate through dynamic environments. Voice-chat is available with friends for an added layer of excitement. 

Skylanders SuperChargers delivers these great play features too:

• Single player Adventure Mode
• Online & local co-operative Adventure Mode
• Local 2-player head-to-head racing in split screen
• Online competitive racing with up to 4 players

Fan who really enjou the racing experience can augment it with another racing combat game available for the Wii system and Nintendo 3DS hand-held system called Skylanders SuperChargers Racing.  All-new tracks, augmented with power-ups, boosts, hazards and more, offer up to 50 different and exciting gameplay experiences. On Nintendo 3DS, gamers can go head-to-head with competitive multiplayer via local play or online with up to four players. Iconic Nintendo character Bowser™ and his Sky vehicle, Clown Cruiser are available in the Skylanders SuperChargers Racing Starter Packs for Wii and Nintendo 3DS and can also be played on the Wii U™ system.   The Supercharged character not only works in Skylanders SuperChargers Racing, but also as amiibo in compatible Nintendo games, so players can store their saved data in both modes with a simple twist of the figure’s base. 

Skylanders SuperChargers looks to be a great addition for any kid's holiday gift list though I have a feeling it will be hard to keep it under wraps between its September release date and December because its has such darn cool features and upgrades to it.  For more information and details, visit Skylanders.com

Celebrate Batman's 75th Birthday with a Warner Brothers Studio VIP Tour

Wow! wish I could afford to fly the family out to LA for a trip to check out this special exhibit Warner Brothers Studio is putting on for Batman's 75th anniversary.  For a limited time, visitors to the WB studios in Burbank California, can participate in a Batman themed VIP tour that whisks you around the back lot sets to show you familiar sights you've seen in the Batman movies and than through a special exhibit where you can get a close up look at the vehicles, props, and costumes that appeared on the silver screen.  During the 2 hour 15 minute tour, expert tour guides will accompany you as they show you iconic locations from the Batman films and lead you through a newly-transformed Studio Tour museum that has its entire ground floor dedicated to the Caped Crusader.  The tours consist of 12 people per group that leaves every 15 minutes from the start off point so you have to reserve a date and time slot to go so you are assured a semi-private encounter through the "Batcave" exhibit as you wander through it.  You can reserve a time slot and purchase tickets online.  It costs $54 per person for the #WBBatmanTour.  If you have younger children, you should note too that children must be 8 years or older to participate in the tour.

Six iconic Batsuits will be on display including the original version worn by Michael Keaton in Batman and the final Christian Bale costume from The Dark Knight Rises. The cowls from all the Batman movies are also on display. You’ll get see a wide range of authentic costumes including those worn by Poison Ivy, The Riddler, Mr Freeze and Catwoman as well as some infamous prop weapons such as the Joker’s cards, Two-Face’s coin, Penguin’s umbrella and Bane’s bomb. A selection of the Dark Knight’s most iconic vehicles are also showcased – with the Bathammer, Bat-Pod and Tumbler taking center stage. The Bat-Signal, used to call Bruce Wayne’s alter ego at a time of need, will be on display and you’ll get the chance to operate the famous prop yourself and get a photo op.

CLICK HERE for more information about the Warner Brothers Studios Batman Exhibit.