There has been a lot of news about new Star Trek toys and merchandise headed to major retailers this spring, but Trek’s return to Toys R Us has already started with a whole wave of classic Trek toys and figures from Diamond Select, including the instant-classic exclusive ‘screaming Khan’ Kirk figure. See below for our review with pictures first 2009 TRU Exclusives, plus more DST news on the return of Locutus.
The return of Star Trek toys to big retail stores has begun with Diamond Select Toy items at Toys ‘R Us. Re-releases (with some new tweaks) of previously available online items, and brand new exclusive action figures are making this return a fun event. Collectors who can now say that "dreams really do come TRU."
Exclusive ‘Screaming Khan’ Kirk – $12.99 [order from toysrus.com]
The TRU Exclusive Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan ‘screaming’ Kirk has received a great deal of attention in the media, and it is a popular item already, quickly selling out at many stores. The figure is incredibly fun, and the detailing is good. Kirk is packaged with different hands, one of which is holding the communication device featured in the film. The figure also includes a phaser and nicely crafted Starfleet communicator which opens and has good detailing.
As per usual with William Shatner-sculpts, the visage isn’t a perfect likeness, but it is certainly good and it the figure unmistakably represents what is arguably Star Trek’s most iconic moment. The only problem is that the uniform pockets are so big, that the figure is a "shelf diver" and most likely requires some help standing up (not an unusual problem for DST’s heavy action figures).
TRU Exclusive ‘screaming Kirk’ figure (click to enlarge)
The Khanification Kirk certainly qualifies as one of the most unique Star Trek action figures, which is no small accomplishment consider there have been nearly a thousand figures during the previous 42 years. You can have fun juxtaposing angry Kirk from TRU with a previously available "Regula I" edition of Admiral Kirk (no angry face) that was released in autumn of 2008 and which is still available and on sale now from William Shatner’s website store (plus, orders of $10 or more get a free photo of The Shat).
Regula I Kirk w/ Exclusive ‘screaming Khan’ Kirk (click to enlarge)
Exclusive TMP ‘Captain’ Kirk (w/ TMP 2-pack) – $24.99 [order from toysrus.com]
The second exclusive figure is the grey uniform version of Kirk (from after he requests command of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: The Motion Picture), as part of a variant of DST’s new TMP Kirk & Spock two-pack. While attention has been lavished on the TWOK Kirk exclusive, collectors are just as excited about this TMP TRU exclusive set.
Exclusive grey shirt TMP Kirk (click to enlarge)
These are good action figures, and like all DST products, they are accompanied with TMP era accessories, such as wrist communicators. The uniform and the younger-looking Shatner likeness feature good detailing. It would have been nicer if there was something unique about the Spock figure also, but this was an unannounced item that surprised many collectors this year. The TMP two-pack with grey uniformed Kirk exclusive is a variant of the a new two-pack which includes the same TMP Spock with Kirk in his two-toned TMP Admiral’s uniform. That is available at other retailers (including Entertainment Earth).
TMP Spock (with accessories shown) – part of Exclusive TRU two-pack
(click to enlarge)
The packaging for both of the exclusive Kirks include a nice silver stamped sticker identifying the items as TRU exclusives, and the DST new packaging looks amazingly good on the shelf. Star Trek items are very noticeable at the TRU stores because of the colorful palette of packaging and even character uniforms.
TRU Exclusive packaging (click to enlarge)
TOS Capt. Kirk and Cmdr. Spock Re-releases – $12.99 (each)
TRU is also making available newly repackaged and tweaked versions of Kirk and Spock. In 2003, Art Asylum and DST released a Commander Spock and in 2004 a yellow shirted TOS Kirk as a convention exclusive. Both figures have been tweaked (gone is the "rubberized" stomach that allowed for slight bending in favor of the now preferred sculpted version) with the now unified packaging. These retail for $12.99 each. [buy at toysrus.com: Kirk – Spock]
TOS figure re-issues available at TRU
More DST Trek at Toys R Us
The only other exclusive at Toys R’ US is a grey handled variant of the popular DST TOS phaser. Toys R’ Us is also carrying the previously released Amok Time Kirk and Spock two pack and the a re-release of the 40th Anniversary TOS USS Enterprise toy.
Buy TRU Trek in stores or online
One of the great things about TRU is that exclusive items cost the same as regular editions, so the Khany Kirk is $12.99 (like all the regular action figures) and the two-pack is $24.99, both prices of which are lower than almost every online retailer for similar items. However, the TMP TRU exclusive two-pack is harder to find than the ‘screaming Kirk’ and it is already selling for more in the secondary market and at online auctions. All of the DST Star Trek items mentioned in this article are available or are going to available at nearly every TRU retail store, with many having the items now. They are usually located in the generic "action figure aisles" along with Heroes, Wrestling, Sports, and other action figures. To find your closest Toys R Us, use the store locator at toysrus.com.
The Toys R Us Online Store (www.toysrus.com) also has many of these items available, including some of the exclusives. Items are selling out (in fact, when the Khanifed Kirk was offered online, it sold out in less than 12 hours), so be sure to check often as new supplies and replenishments are being added frequently. Also note that the online TMP 2-pack has the 2-tone Kirk pictured, however if ordered, you will get the grey shirt exclusive.
Thoughts on Trek back at Toys R Us
It has been many years since Star Trek toys were available at retailers such as TRU. Going to TRU this past few weeks in anticipation of these action figures has brought back some great memories of the early 1990s looking for Star Trek action figures. Some days, you got the bear. Other days, the bear got me. However, the fun of these Star Trek items helps restore memories of shared times with friends and the fun of working to complete a collection. Now, as DST brings TOS back to TRU, I get to share the experience with my son. The fun and the laughs going to TRU are as valuable as the toys themselves, and Star Trek back in retail stores is the collector equivalent of going to a ballgame. It is really about sharing the adventure of collecting and then sharing that item with others that makes this an exciting hobby. To borrow from Vinne Barbarino, Welcome Back, Star Trek. Welcome Back, TRU.
This video shows that TRU is bringing the kid back out in me
LOCUTUS OF BORG
Switching gears (get it?), DST has announced the next figure in its Borg line. They are releasing a newly revamped First Contact version of Locutus of Borg. Back in 2006, DST offered fans a "Best of Both Worlds" version of Locutus as a Previews Magazine Exclusive Item. Now, Picard is getting a feature film redo, with ultra cool FC Borg detailing. The sculpt of Locutus is from a digital scan of Patrick Stewart. The action figure will come with a section of a Borg alcove, which when combined with the sections that with other Borg action figures, will form a complete alcove display.
2006 Locutus (L) and 2009 Locutus (R)
(click to enlarge)
Khan you believe that head!!!
Wow
Sorry i should have tried harder!
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN! you beleive that head…?
Yeah I saw some of these over the weekend as well. I would say that AA/DST Figures are more highly detailed unlikenesses of their real world counterparts than Playmates is ;)
Good article though John! Thanks.
looks more like a “Orgasm Face”
:o)
That video is just too funny!
Am I the only one who feels that the screaming Kirk action figure is more reminiscent of some Rap artist ‘bustin’ out rhymes”?
Bring on the Eminem action figures….
Bit of an error in the article…the Kirk and Spock rereleases do indeed still have the rubberized shirts with the articulation underneath. Both have new paint jobs, but they definitely still have the rubberized shirts. The only Classic style Kirk and Spock to feature the new fully sculpted chests are still only in the Amok Time 2 pack.
I got them all and think they are very nice. Watch out though when ordering straight from TRU. They sent my first batch in a padded envelope which given our mail system was risky. The card on one was slightly creased as a result but i was surprised the bubble wasn’t crushed to be honest!
Just to clarify – are the TMP 2-pack of Kirk and Spock the 3-3/4 line or the larger 6-inch line?
I don’t mean to sound petty but the Kirk and Spock efforts are really disappointing. They did a lousy job with Kirk’s face; I don’t expect a 1:1 likeness, but that isn’t even close. And why does the Kirk/Spock TMP blister pack have the TOS Enterprise? It’s that kind of poor attention to detail that turns me off to product like these.
10> These are part of Diamond Select’s 6″ line, not the 3-3/4 line.
11> I believe that’s because the TOS Enterprise is part of the new “umbrella’ branding of all the classic crew style packaging…
FYI, I got an e-mail from BBTS yesterday informing me that the Star Trek III Kruge and Maltz 2-pack has been cancelled.
“Diamond has just informed us that this item has been cancelled and will not be produced. We are very sorry for the problem on this item. We will need to cancel all orders in our system and remove the item from our site. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
#13–Yeah, I noticed that set disappeared from DS’s website last month and then EE llisted it as canceled. Bummer. It looked great. Wonder what happened.
– …and most likely requires some help standing up –
Never mind – if screaming Kirk should ever have problems standing up I’d be glad to lend a hand…
Screaming Kirk and non-screaming Kirk both look very Manga.
New Captain Jean Luc “Quit Looking at My Codpiece” Picard looks cool.
Off topic but still about trek toys, you should do a search for custom star trek megos on ebay. There’s a guy that is making excellent repos of TOS mego figures in different outfits. Just a lil to pricey for me, but ultra cool!
Speaking of poor attention to detail (#11, TonyD), the arrowheads on the TMP Kirk and Spocks are backwards. Sloppy.
Sorry, the likenesses on the Kirk figures are just SO poor that I would really never buy these. If I’m looking at an action figure of a character I worship, I really appreciate it LOOKING like the character.
#17– Yes, those are really nice. I wanted a couple of them. I liked the MIrror Mirror ones the best.
Agreed 19. That doesn’t even look like Kirk. Terrible! I wouldn’t buy them anyway, even if they were a good likeness, but that just looks like butt!
20-those are the nicest, especially how he inverted the cards much like how they would look in a toy store in the mirror universe.lol
The photo of side-by-side Regula I Kirks seems to beg for a movie-era remake of “The Enemy Within”…
20-I even tried to see if he’d sell me all of them at once at a lower price, but he gets 60-100 a piece for them so he didn’t bite ;(
That video was terrible! I love it!
two pointers however:
1) Diamond Select were not involved with Art Asylum until the summer/fall of 2005 so the information about DST releasing Trek before then with AA is wrong. AA was partnered with Play-Along from 2001 – 2004 with more emphasis on doing figures like many of its competitors (NECA, McFarlane). When DST took over the AA name became just a brand name and everyone involved with AA before 2005 moved on including its creator: Digger.
The sculptors, painters and everyone behind the making of these figures is a totally new team today and I can’t say i really like the lack of detail these figures contain – the screaming Kirk looks soft and lacking in facial details, and the paint work on the original Patrick Pigot Kirk and Spock sculps just leave a lot to be desired.
It is in my opinion that i feel since DST took control of the Star Trek license that their emphasis is not to create quality pieces but to create a huge quantity that lacks the quality.
2) Also more importantly the re-released figures of TOS Kirk and Spock STILL have the rubber shirts and the same articulation. The only TOS figures to have sculpted shirts are the Kirk and Spock from the Amok Time 2 pack.
nice- the umbrella branding takes away from the variety.
These figures are crap. I’m sorry but they just are.
The kirk likeness (or should i say ..unlikeness) should be shouting ccrrraaaappppp!!!!
Why on Earth do they keep reissuing stuff that no one wants? Wow, new action figures from a 23 year-old movie! Focus on the now! They’re not going to sell like hot cakes with today’s fan base, does the company actually expect to turn a profit?
And the Locutus dolls, the right arm is all wrong. He didn’t wear a glove, he had a long prosthetic do-dad. And the digital scan of Patrick Stewart’s face is crap, they only got the eyes right. Don’t the manufacturers LOOK at the product before sending it out or what?
26.> Beat ya to it…Post #12….;)
I REALLY wish they would have had the sculpted torsos….Heck, I wish they’d redo the whole crew with sculpted torsos…
I mean post #8, not #12…
I went to Toys R Us the other day, and to my wife’s embarrassment, I bought both the grey handled phaser and a Kirk figure. man those suckers look good on my home desk.
I can not describe how much fun it is to hear the phaser make various show noises. You can adjust it to stun, or kill, and then another switch makes it go to overload. I wish it was metal though, because it feels light, but otherwise, the noises and the light up flashing tip is a really cool toy. The Kirk figure just looks cool. I got him pointing a phaser at me. I ‘ve seen pictures of one where a Kirk is in his old command chair, I wish that was available I’d rather have that, but any Kirk is cool to decorate the old desk.
#28–Dude, I hate to tell you but they do sell out. Now, I doubt they are manufacturing on the level of a Playmates but they now are making enough to move into TRU so they are doing something right. And believe, there IS a market for stuff from the Classic Films. Oh yes. Nothing wrong with a niche collector market.
“20-I even tried to see if he’d sell me all of them at once at a lower price, but he gets 60-100 a piece for them so he didn’t bite ;(”
Yes, a little pricey although nice. If I’m gonna pay that though it’s for the REAL ones. Although one of these I make break down just cause I think they are so cool. I want a Mirror Spock!
32- the mirror ones are cool,but the environmental suit ones and even kirk in casual attire makes me wanna bid;)
CmdrR#16- LOL!
The screaming Kirk looks more like screaming John Shuck.
If anyone’s interested, here’s a Kirk sculpt I’m working on at the moment:
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3322/copyofimg2669gv8.jpg
Definitely not an easy likeness to figure out.
That Kirk head looks like Schwartzenegger pulling the homing device out of his nose in Total Recall!!
LOL!!
Love the Locutus and TMP figs, though. Playmates, take notice!
33-Yes, a little pricey although nice. If I’m gonna pay that though it’s for the REAL ones………………..I’m the opposite on that debate, the customs are almost one of a kinds and if quality by far more worth the expense. Also, now I’m wary of even buying carded megos due to the availability of repo cards. So at least with a custom I don’t get riped off.
36-way closer than some i’ve seen keep up the good work…hair seems a lil off though ;)
39
Yeah, still figuring out the “Kirk hair”. : P
The new Locutus is a big improvement!
David J..if you ever make casts of that, I’d gladly buy one! Shatner is hard to capture, but you’ve done a great job!
36. DavidJ
Holy crap! I want one of those! I don’t know who that is they are calling Kirk above but THIS looks like James T. Kirk.
My local TRU had ZERO Trek items on the shelf, and the employees looked at me like I was crazy when I asked them… =(
…but, I got the Amok Time set online… SWEET! =D
…had to pay a little extra on ebay **cough** for the “KHAAAN!” Screaming Kirk figure…
…now just waiting for my Tricorder… ;-)
36
Man, that is fantastic. You should consider marketing that.
36> Holy crap! That’s a great likeness! What scale is that in and how do I get one!!!!!
My TRU had Khaaan Kirk, and the TOS Kirk and Spock. That’s it so far, I’m hoping the TMP two pack shows up, b/c that I would definitely get.
I agree that the likenesses on DST items havebeen hit or miss. What I don’t tend to agree on is the general dislike of Playmates 90’s-era figures. Certainly they’re not as complex in their detail (and I didn’t like that the accessories tended to be bright flashy colors, but hey they’re TOYS) but I think they are all reasonable likenesses of the actors upon which they’re based. For the size and scale, you could look at any random figure and have a instantly recognizeable likeness before you. Standouts (IMO) were Data, Odo, Quark, Chang, Soran, Q, unification Spock, Sela. There was alot of nuance and care taken in the likenesses for what were basically just toys, not “collector’s items”. I have 2 shelfs full of them and I think they look great on display. They only one I ever thought they didn’t get right was Troi. Somehow they never managed to get a handle on her facial features.
Again, IMO
The Amok Time 2-pack and the TMP 2-pack are the same item number and come in the same case. Unless the case pack changes at some point, if your TRU has one, then they should have the other, at least initially.
My store sold out of the ‘Sceaming Kirk’ the same day we got them. We’re now on our 3rd shipment (I think), and we’ve sold through those as well. Layouts call for a tricorder as well, and a few other things that are due to arrive later.
My store still doesn’t have the Enterprise though. :(
Check at the tail end of the Star Wars section, that’s where Star Trek is located in my store.
#36
Beautiful work David J!
You have definitely captured that “Kirk’ attitude in his face.
Obviously you sculpt professionally.
Shatner seems to be an incredibly elusive likeness for most sculptors. The only one I’ve ever seen that was spot on was a 12 inch doll (by Playmates I think) which depicted Kirk as a Romulan in “the Enterprise Incident”.
If you don’t mind a friendly assessment of your wonderful work, I think that Kirk’s jaw needs to be slightly smaller especially at the bottom, also the little clef above Kirk’s lip isn’t quite as deep and rounded as you have it. The top half of Kirk’s lip IS larger than the bottom half, but not as pronounced and seems to blend in more. You are definitely extremely talented sir.
I made a “cartoony” attempt at Shatner (and Nimoy)7 years ago when I first started sculpting. Have a look…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v617/spockboy/kirkspocksculpt.jpg