Dear Doc Curmudgeon,

Are you excited about the Watchmen sequels? I am. Maybe I will be able to understand this one.

Sincerely,

Most people, if they are totally honest 

I really AM looking forward to them. I am excited about anything that gives me insight into the world of Rorschach, Ozymandias, and the Comedian. I am more excited about anything that might lead to seeing Malin Akerman in spandex again (Oh come on, you are all THINKING it!)

Dear Doc Curmudgeon,

I have read your columns with great interest. It is so refreshing to find someone with the same views I share. For instance, I am so glad that you only write about comic books of color. Me and my kind, well, we just don’t take kindly to those “black and whites”.

Sincerely,

The Crab Rangoon of the Clu Gulager Klan

You are very mistaken, pal! I have supported “black and white” rights since the 1960’s! I marched to Selma, Alabama from Washington D.C.! No wait, I marched past the D.C. Comics offices in New York once and saw Selma Hayek in Company on Broadway. Something like that!

Let me refer you to a little piece of comics gold called Illegal Aliens by Eclipse Publishing, and maybe then you can talk to me about my feelings on black and whites.

You need to throw off your four-color sheets and zip-toned hoods and embrace a book like Ted McKeever’s Mondo.

I don’t know much about Ted McKeever but I know one thing:. We should all stay away from him. He scares me. And this is coming from yer ole pal Doc who once shared a booth with Clive Barker for a terrifying afternoon in San Diego. McKeever is even scarier.

Do NOT , however, stay away from Mondo.  Run to it with arms open wide like Snooki running to a stripper pole.  If Will Eisner and Frank Zappa had a lovechild, that child would be Mondo. McKeever takes a Man-Thing/Swamp Thing/ Heap story, seasons it with liberal doses of Eisner-esque visuals, a tie-dyed story-telling style, and a soundtrack consisting of “Dynamo Hum”, “Dancin’ Fool”, and “Weasels Ripped My Flesh” that keeps it fresh and interesting.

And funny. Holy Moley is it funny. And on many different levels. One of the biggest laughs I had was spotting the sign of a protestor which said “Not Happy”.

I also get serious chuckles out of limb removal and this is a running theme through Mondo. A lot of arms pulled off and shoved into mouths. Have I mentioned Kitten Kaboodle? You are in for such a treat.

Mondo has the honor of being the first book rated under our DIG-IT SCALE.

Rather than do Thumbs Up or Down, or Stars, or Tomatoes, I will give comparisons so you can decide for yourself if you will dig it or not:

THE DIG-IT SCALE: You will dig Mondo if you dig Toxic Avenger, Tarantino Films, Super Chicken, or Little Shop of Horrors (The movie, the musical, or the movie musical)

Dear Doc Curmudgeon,

I recently attended your speech at the really awesome and totally fictional BOMBASTI-CON in Chickashay, Oklahoma. Your topic was “Ethics in Comic Book Journalism.” You said you were against them. Care to elaborate?

Sincerely,

The One Person In Attendance At The Speech “Ethics In Comic Book Journalism” at BOMBASTI-CON 2012 in Chickashay, Oklahoma. 

I do REMEMBER YOU. You wouldn’t give me a cigarette when I tried to bum one. You “claimed” you didn’t have one. Like that portable oxygen tank was supposed to convince me. Cheap bastard.

I can sum up my stand on ethics in four words: “I can be bought.” If someone wants to attempt to curry favor with me by sending me stuff then by all means they should send me stuff! It doesn’t mean I will give it a positive review (It totally does). Nor does it  mean I won’t rip it to shreds if it’s garbage (I totally won’t).

Before you go getting all poop-snooty, let me make one thing crystal clear: I was a professional journalist for twenty years. I stuck to a strict ethical code and at the end of those twenty years I emerged bloodied and bruised, with my integrity intact. But no stuff.

Now I want the stuff.

Got something you want me to take a look at?

Send it to:

DOC CURMUDGEON
134 FOURTH AVENUE
HUNTINGTON, WV 25701

Just so you know, you will never see it again. I am so-o-o-o-o keeping it.

Dear Doc Curmudgeon is a column written by Clint McElroy made up of completely fabricated responses to mostly fabricated questions. But you knew that, due to your discerning nature and brilliant mind which would never fall for a columnist trying to butter you up. Unless you’re into that. In which case I have a tub of Land O’ Lakes with your name on it. Email your questions, concerns, and comic book conundrums directly to Doc Curmudgeon at doccurmudgeon@yahoo.com.

Another Giant Leap:  Academy Award, Emmy Nominee Dean Stockwell To Attend 2012 Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, April 14-15 At Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Veteran Of More Than Six Decades In Movies and TV To Make First Wizard World Appearance, Joining Fellow Quantum Leap Star Scott Bakula, Paul Wesley, Jeri Ryan, Other Notables

NEW YORK and TORONTO, February 20, 2012 – In a career which began as a standout child actor in the 1940s, Dean Stockwell has appeared in nearly 200 movies and television shows.  Now after having starred in “Quantum Leap” and performed memorable roles in shows like “Battlestar Galactica” and films like MARRIED TO THE MOB, the Academy Award nominee and four-time Emmy nominee will be making his first appearance at a Wizard World show when he meets fans, signs autographs, poses for photos and takes part in a Q&A panel at Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, April 14-15 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC).

Stockwell will be joined at the event by Scott Bakula, the lead in “Quantum Leap,” for which Stockwell earned all four of his Emmy nods.  Other popular stars scheduled to attend Toronto Comic Con include  Paul Wesley, Jeri Ryan and Amy Acker along with WWE® Superstar Edge® and dozens of standout celebs and talented comic book artists and writers.

Stockwell, who will turn 76 on March 3, is one of a handful of Hollywood child stars who has gone on to  on-screen success as an adult.  His preteen roles included 1940s blockbusters ANCHORS AWEIGH (1945) and GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT (1947), followed by well-received parts in SONS AND LOVERS (1960) and LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT (1962).

After a hiatus, Stockwell resumed his film career, taking on sophisticated supporting roles, including his Oscar-nominee-worthy performance in MARRIED TO THE MOB (1988) before playing the “boss” to Bakula in “Quantum Leap” (1989-93), appearing in the sci-fi series’ entire 97-episode run.

Toronto Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Children and adult attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests.  Event-goers may also try their hand interactive product exhibits and shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at scores of dealer booths.

Toronto Comic Con is scheduled as the second stop on Wizard World’s 2012 North American tour.  Hours are Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 15, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/toronto.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door.  Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($38 on site); two-day tickets are $40 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult).  VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.

About MTCC

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (http://www.mtccc.com) is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility.  It is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, within walking distance of almost 13,000 hotel rooms, shopping, restaurants and Toronto sites.

About Wizard World:

Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworldcomiccon.com.

***** SAVE THE 2012 DATES *****

April 14-15 – Toronto Comic Con

June 1-3 – Philadelphia Comic Con

August 9-12 – Chicago Comic Con

September 29-30 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con

October 26-28 – Austin Comic Con

TBD 2013 – New Orleans Comic Con

#          #          #

Media Contacts:

Jerry Milani, Wizard World, 646-380-2479 (o), 917-797-5663 (c), pr@wizardworld.com

Andrea Grau, Touchwood PR, 416-347-6749, andrea@touchwoodpr.com

Mouse McCoy and Scott Waugh, the directors from Bandito Brothers are always looking to push the envelope. Whether it is extreme surfing videos or video games that combine professional athletes with military ops, Californians remain in a constant quest to re-ignite that male demo that may become bored with the current state of shoot em up, testosterone engorged action heroes.

Their choice to rearrange the furniture in the genre? Take real Navy SEALS, have them  sculpt out a rescue operation from exercises and missions they have really been involved with, and throw in some live ammunition just for effect. The result is a realistic, high adrenaline 90 minute rush called “Act of Valor,” which will hit theaters on February 24.

Act of Valor has no big name stars. As a matter of fact the credits don’t even list the names of the SEALS in the film. The star of the film is the mission, and the way the story is told through the eyes of the SEAL team and their family (yes their families are also in the film).  It looks and feels real, and it leaves you almost shaking with its second by second plot changes and emotional connection to those in the film. ”We call this heartfelt human stories wrapped around incredible action, and we think it is something that is different from anything ever experienced before,” McCoy said recently after a screening on the USS Intrepid in New York. ”Our goal was to re-create true to life scenarios and make the best live action film possible.”

The story of the SEAL team was pulled from actual missions, with the assistance of the U.S. Navy. The directors were given access to all the latest technology and had a short window to actually land some of the cast on a Nuclear sub in the middle of the Indian Ocean, getting one take to make sure they got one of the most crucial scenes in the movie right. Then there were the bullets. Real bullets and lots of them. It is the first film since the 1920′s which used live ammunition during filming, something that, considering the cast, wouldn’t cause as much consternation as it would if say, Steven Seagal was pulling the trigger.

The SEALS actually scripted the scenes, and worked with the directors on executing (no pun intended) the action to make it as real as possible.”The biggest advantage in doing (the shooting with real shooting) was to put our trust in the hands of our SEALS, who are true professionals,” Waugh added. “There was an unspoken trust amongst them and with us that whatever we did it would be done authentically and as safe as possible. They never put anyone in any real danger and we worked within the guidelines they set forth in the Ops w to make it as real, but also as safe as possible for the crew.”The end game for the Bandito Brothers in making the film was to unleash a new genre, one that is part strong story, part action film, part video game and 100% compelling. “The film will expose the audience to the real life encounters that these true heroes, active duty SEALS go through both in the ir work and their personal lives,” McCoy added. “We think it will help re-think the way action films are made and will also get some extra credit to these amazing men and women and what they do for all of us at home. It was a pleasure making this film and we think it will be a door opener for what’s to come in the future.” Visit the official site or watch the trailer below:

Dear Doc Curmudgeon,

You wanna buy some Girl Scout Cookies, mister?

Sincerely,

Little Amanda Beth Whippersnapper

Ordinarily darlin’, I would buy enough Thin Mints to tile the Space Shuttle, but I’m tapped right now. You see, yer pal Doc is going to send his spare cash to Gary Friedrich to pay off his $17,000 Ghost Rider legal settlement to Marvel. I don’t claim to have attended law school, or college, or high school, or any form of what you would call “organized” education (that’s just the man keeping you down) – so I am not smart enough to know who’s right or wrong here. But let me tell you this: if Gary shows up at the Toronto Comic Con and his head bursts into flames, don’t make eye contact.

Dear Doc Curmudgeon,

Why did everybody hate me as Green Lantern? I tried the very best I could but all I ever hear is “Nathan Fillion! Nathan Fillion!”

Sincerely,

Ryan Reynolds

First, Ry, let me say: Big fan.  Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place was poetry. I was in awe of your work with Richard Ruccolo. (I just realized: You guys probably shared monogrammed sweater vests!) In the second season the character of Johnny Donnelly was added and what was great became … transcendant!  Johnny was played by little-known actor Nathan Fillion and he – oh, there’s that name again. Is he stalking you or something?

Here’s the thing, Ry-Rey. Green Lantern just didn’t stack up against a lot of the comic-based movies littering the landscape. Of course, the sample is fairly large, since every third movie that hits theaters comes from the Four-Color Kingdom. And that’s my point.

Do you know what comics fans had in the 1960’s, when it came to movies, TV, etc?

The Grantray-Lawrence Marvel Superheroes syndicated cartoons. They were done with “xerography”, which basically is photocopying the actual pages of a comic and then manipulating the arm, or lips slightly to give the appearance of motion. They were hideous. They made shadow puppets look like high art.

BUT THAT’S ALL WE HAD! We all walked around school singing: “CROSS THE RAINBOW BRIDGE OF ASGAAAAAAARD!” And “TONY STARK, MAKES YOU FEEL, HE’S A COOL EXEC WITH A HEART OF STEEL”.

The Guardians of Oa should have used their powers over Time and Space and sent your movie back to 1964, glowing green Hot Wheels tracks and all. It would have been hailed as Gone With the Wind, and Battleship Potemkin rolled into one. As opposed to Catwoman and Super Mario Brothers rolled into one.

(By the way, if I sent you my boxed set of Firefly could you get your buddy Nathan Fillion to sign it? I LOVE that guy. He would have made a GREAT Green Lan–…..Hornet. I meant Hornet.)

Dear Doc Curmudgeon,

I like you.

Do you like me?

Do you LIKE ME, like me?

Check: (__) YES or (__) NO

Sincerely, The Uncanny X-Force

Actually, I LOVE you, Uncanny X-Force.

I’m talking “Talk-To-You-On-The-Phone-For-Three-And-A-Half-Hours” Love You.

I’m talking “Ask-You-To-The-Prom-And Wear-A-Lavender-Tux-Just-To-Match-Your-Dress” Love You. I’m talking “Steam-Up-The-Windows-Making-Out-In My-Mom’s-Car-Parked-In-The-Back-Row-Of-The-Drive-In” Love You.

How Do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

• YOU’RE SMART. I know that when I sit down with you I am going to have an engaging, challenging experience. I never know what you’re going to do or say. Let’s be honest, I’ve been around the block a time or two. But you always surprise me. Like that time you shot that kid in the head! Oh man! I did NOT see that coming!
• YOU’RE FUNNY. Unlike your sister (KOFF-KOFF-Uncanny X-Men-KOFF-KOFF), you have a wonderful sense of humor. You know that witty dialogue is not having EVERY character throw out one-liners (See previous KOFF-KOFF). Your humor actually comes from the characters and is rooted in their personalities. Deadpool’s funny is Deadpool’s. Fantomex’s funny is Fantomex’s.   I love that about you. (KOFF-KOFF). No that was a real cough.
• YOU PUT OUT. There are many, many, many others that do not deliver. I’m sorry if I sound like a pig, but if someone plunks down their hard-earned simoleans, he wants some action. You deliver that in spades.  Every time I get together with you, I am left a little breathless, my heart thudding in my chest, and I’m sorry to see it end. For instance, here we are in the middle of the Trial of Fantomex, and Nightcrawler’s back and he’s a jerk, and Warren Worthington is once again what he used to be.. an empty-head pretty boy. You make me so…very happy.

I hate to go all Taylor Swift on you, but, I am going to ask your Dad for your hand. Mister Remender, may I call you Rick? Gotcha. Mister Remender. I want to spend the rest of my life with Uncanny X-Force. May I have your blessings? Well then, will you at least keep Betsy in the Lady Briton costume? That’s pretty hot.

Dear Doc Curmudgeon is a column written by Clint McElroy made up of completely fabricated responses to mostly fabricated questions. But you knew that, due to your discerning nature and brilliant mind which would never fall for a columnist trying to butter you up. Unless you’re into that. In which case I have a tub of Land O’ Lakes with your name on it. Email your questions, concerns, and comic book conundrums directly to Doc Curmudgeon at doccurmudgeon@yahoo.com.

Nothing quite says love like “Honey, I’m going to carrying your decapitated head around with me while I slay zombies” does it? Juliet from the upcoming Lollipop Chainsaw sure thinks so. Check out this video valentine full of all the things lovers adore: devotion, dedication, and the undead.

The Mass Effect 3 demo hits today, and on Valentine’s Day, no less. I took it for a test drive over the weekend before its official drop and I’m pleased to report it’s one mission you just may fall in love with. The robust 1.6 GB download allows players to choose their experience: action, role-playing, and story options to tailor to each individual’s preference. Those eager to jump straight into the action are thrown into battle, those who opt for more of a story showcase are given easier battles and the full yarn the demo has to offer, and others are treated to the “full,” unaltered Mass Effect experience. From there you may tailor your Shepard to your liking, complete with personalization of his or her appearance to combat specifications. For the playthrough, I used both John and Jane default Shepards, and the Soldier specialty.

As far as the story goes, I’ll refrain from spoiling any relevant plot points you may want to experience for yourself on Tuesday, but you should already be aware of the impending Reaper invasion, especially if you’ve been on board since the original Mass Effect. The disaster has hit close to home, and in a rousing start to the demo, you must deftly navigate the aftermath of the beginning of the Reaper onslaught after meeting up with several familiar faces and establishing Shepard’s current station – which is not on the Normandy, as you may have already guessed, especially after playing The Arrival.

Movement is tight and smooth, almost strangely so – wielding a pistol and continually aiming while walking felt almost as if I were gliding, but the instant I went to sprint that feeling went away. Perhaps the most noticeable addition to combat and exploration demonstrated in this expository bit was the seamless integration of leaping over gaps and climbing ladders with the action going on around Shepard and his escort. Shepard’s powerful Omni-blade is a formidable tool for clearing out enemies should you run out of bullets as well. I found the scope of the enormous Reaper vessels and those whizzing above my head considerably terrifying décor, adding to the immediacy of the already heart-pounding warfare beginning around me, especially the ominous, War of the Worlds-esque tone emitted by the ships, which sends chills down your spine.

The prologue to what would hopefully be the Reapers’ undoing was very much the climax to the previous games, which I would almost certainly consider the “calm before the storm.” Everything has always been calculated to lead up to this. Then, after a quick show of combat prowess between Husks and a few enemies known as Cannibals (and a particularly heartbreaking scene near the end), somber music sets in, setting the scene for what should hopefully be the finale we’ve all been waiting for. Luckily, much to my delight, the demo didn’t end there – though it well could have, sending players reeling and then leaving them to wonder about the fate of Shepard and his new “suicide” mission.

The second part of the demo, what I would assume was meant for those looking to jump right into the action, follows Shepard and a piecemeal crew to the Turian homeworld, protecting some very precious cargo. It’s your first outing in the demo with others to command, and plays out just as urgently as you’d expect. You’re still collecting ammo, healing with Unity, and kicking things up a notch with ammo powers, but this time around movement is much more accurate and refined – save for snapping to cover. For some reason Shepard had issues with staying behind cover or getting down when in the line of fire, costing me a few immediate critical mission “fails” and cursing.

As the mission wore on and Cerberus made their grand entrance to usurp the aforementioned cargo, things really got out of hand. Soldiers advancing everywhere: biotics, heavily armored troopers, turrets, and soon, mechs. Luckily my teammates took charge of the situation with their own brand of biotics and defense maneuvers, which I took control of via Kinect – by mistake, I might add, forgetting the peripheral was hooked up and angrily shouting a teammate’s name in annoyance. She replied “Understood!” and it was then I realized the full potential of the added layer of control with voice commands. So why not give a fair test run?

Calling out a teammate’s name and directing them how to behave in combat was an interesting, if slightly forgettable experience. It streamlined combat, issuing commands as if I were right there in the heat of the battle, but simply pressing A to bypass a security door or pick up an ammo clip lying two feet away got the job done just as easily. As the commands were relegated in this part of the demo to combat decisions and other various bits and pieces, I am aware that the responsive voice commands will also be available for use in conversational sections, but was unable to try that out at this time. In the future, when more strategic decisions will be required (such as the end of the second demo section) issuing orders via voice should make felling your foes a little more easier – if you can’t be bothered to do so via radial menu. Lifeline, this is not, and for that I was thankful.

Shortly after the recovery of a very important individual and the subsequent threads that unfolded afterward, the demo came to an end, leaving plenty of room for discussion and the yearning to watch Shepard’s newest adventure unfold. High production values, a continually slick interface, and the Reaper invasion all worked together to create an impressive taste of the game to come, and by that measure, March 6^th feels like years away.

Let us know what you think of the demo when it becomes available today.

Do you live in the Los Angeles area? If so, Nintendo wants you to come and experience yourself some Rhythm Heaven Fever at a free party where you can play the game and take home some goodies. Get out of the house, shake your legs, and see if you can catch the Fever!

WHAT:

Nintendo is teaming up with iam8bit and Giant Robot to invite consumers to celebrate the release of the Rhythm Heaven Fever game for the Wii console. With its quirky graphics and catchy music, Rhythm Heaven Fever is the perfect game to bring video game fans and art lovers together.

This party will be open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees will have the chance to get hands-on time with the game in advance of its Feb. 13 release. In addition guests will enjoy game play, food, beverages and music throughout the evening.

Attendees can also film and submit clips to be included in a special Rhythm Heaven Fever interactive video experience posted online.

T-shirts, posters and other premium items customized for the event will be given away while supplies last.

Rhythm Heaven Fever is a unique game that lets players find the beat and prove they’ve got the groove. With irresistibly catchy music and quirky graphics, the game puts a new spin on more than 50 easy-to-learn, tough-to-master minigames.

WHO:

California video game fans and music and art lovers of all ages

WHEN:

Friday, Feb. 10

6-10 p.m.

WHERE:

iam8bit Gallery
2147 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026

This season of television is really heating up despite all the cold weather. Or the lack of it, depending where you live. Some of us have seen a total of five snowflakes throughout this so-called “winter,” strangely enough. If you’re stuck inside during some particularly nasty weather though, fear not, as there are three series of note you should be watching right now. Cozy up with three of the hottest new series you should be following.

The River
Watch It On: ABC

You might only be familiar with this ABC serial due to Steven Spielberg’s attachment as one of its many executive producers, but if that’s all you know you’re missing out. The horror/found-footage/action/adventure hybrid is an intriguing mishmash of truly horrible nightmare fuel (creepy doll faces on monkeys) and mysteries that require a little unraveling. And The River’s crew are just the people to do it. When explorer Dr. Emmet Cole went missing after seeking out a spooky sort of magic in the Amazon, a group of those looking to uncover the answers behind his disappearance sets out on a seemingly doomed quest to find the truth. Of course, in true TV fashion, they find more than they bargained for, including an apparition that hates when you play with her toys, or flash blindness. Yeah. Sound like a trip you want to go on? I was out when they mentioned the Amazon river, but all the other baddies they’ve encountered so far is a deterrent as well. Check out The River for some quick scares on network TV.

The Fades
Watch It On: BBC America

We know a great British show when we see it (especially Whovians) and The Fades is no exception. Paul is wracked by strange dreams that no one seems to understand. To top it all off, he’s seeing things: spirits known as Fades, that are imperceptible to anyone but Paul. These angry and vengeful spirits, left behind as they could not get into Heaven, are resourceful, though – they’ve found a way to reach partial human status in order to regain entry into the real world. Still, that’s not doing them that much good. They’re only seen by a special chosen few known as the Angelics, which Paul is now one of. Paul, a confused teen, finds himself caught up in the middle of a war between the two groups. All this to make sure a bunch of spirits stay dead. Ain’t that the way it always goes? The Fades is an excellent mix of spot-on drama and modern horror, and a treat. Just try not to get caught up in it. You’re welcome.

Alcatraz
Watch It On: Fox

LOST fans, this might be the next best thing. J.J. Abrams’ latest pet project, Alcatraz, is a convoluted yet wholly enjoyable yarn that follows the disappearance of more than forty guards from the famed Alcatraz prison in 1963. Of course, a story like that wouldn’t jibe well with the public, so the government only out up a front that the prison was closed. Emerson Hauser, FBI agent with a cause, is now investigating the disappearances of these several guards under the guise of a secret organization as the prisoners are now coming back, not having aged at all. Explain that! Alcatraz is a wild ride, and you’ll want to make sure you start from the beginning, but you won’t be sorry.

Just when you thought you’d had enough Persona 4 figures, another collection marches out that you have to snap up. And you know you have to, because Persona 4 was a fantastic game and these figures continue to be adorable. They can’t help themselves. MegaHouse is releasing a fourth installment to the Game Characters Collection Mini series, adding 8 more to the 22 figures previously available. While they can hardly be considered all unique figures, as some of these characters have already been covered in the collection, that now rounds out the Persona 4 set to 30.

The Game Characters Collection Mini Persona 4 Re:MIX+2nd BOX includes Konohana Sakuya, Jiraiya, Take-Mikazuchi, Izanagi, Yukiko, Kanji, Margaret, Yosuke, and the Protagonist. Yukiko and Kanji are notable in that they’ve never been released wearing their infamous glasses before, and this set accessorizes them nicely. Margaret is an interesting addition to the set as well, but I’ve got my eyes on the Protagonist. His cool factor simply never diminishes, no matter how many figures you buy.

Preordering a box of these figures will set you back ¥5,400 and you can expect them in May 2012. That’s just in time for my birthday!

Source: Tomopop