It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Henry Cavill

British actor Henry Cavill has been chosen to be the new Superman for the upcoming Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder Superman movie.

In a press release Snyder said, "In the Pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be part of his return to the big screen. I also join Warner Brothers, Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield."

Interestingly, a majority of superheroes are being played by British actors. Batman, Spider-man and now Superman.

No word on Lois Lane casting yet. Superman is expected for a 2012 release.

So, what do you think gang? Think Cavill has what it takes to fight for truth, justice, and the American way?

The Flash: 3rd Wave Retro-Action DC Super Heroes

The third wave of Mattel's Retro-Action DC Super Heroes has been released and I have jumped all over it. The first up for me with this wave is The Flash.

Mattel continues with the Mego like line of action figures with a figure that Mego had planned, but never produced. The Flash looks ultra cool and very much looking like what I think he would have if Mego themselves had actually produced this character.

The Flash has a nice head sculpt and captures the characters personality.

Body suit is very much like the standard Mego issued body suit used for the majority of the action figures in the vintage line. Like the blister cards for "wave 1", where we got a sneak peek at Batman for "Wave 2", we get a sneak peek at Shazam for "Wave 4".

Nice detailed boots. Had Mego produced the figure he probably would have been given the same boots that were used for the vintage Shazam. Mego was famous for recycling the same parts for multiple figures.

All in all I like this newly acquired addition to the family and helps fill the gap on what could have been with the original WGSH line.

Anne Hathaway to Play Catwoman/Selina Kyle in 'Dark Knight Rises', Meow!

The cat is out of the bag. No pun intended. Well, maybe. Christopher Nolan has finally announced Anne Hathaway will be the next bat-villain in his third installment of his Batman series franchise as Catwoman. We had speculated that Hathaway would be the winner to play the jewel thief love interest of Batman/Bruce Wayne. He also has announced who Tom Hardy will play. We had hopped for Professor Hugo Strange, but that will not be the case.

Hathway was one of the actresses that was listed on Nolan's short list. Other contenders, such as Natalie Portman and Marion Cotillard, were ruled out due to pregnancy. In a press release Nolan stated:

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble cast as we complete our story."

We were thinking that Tom Hardy may be a good match as Hugo Strange, but he will be playing the back breaking Knightfall villain Bane. Last seen in Batman & Robin. Let's expect that this experience will turn out better than the previous one.

That leaves just one more role to be announced. That of Bruce Wayne's love interest. Or is Anne Hathaway filling both shoes as villain and love interest? Stay tuned.

(via The Hollywood Reporter and io9)

The Quest for a Cowl: Putting Together a 1966 TV Batman Costume

As if I didn't have enough going on, I am now going to start putting together an Adam West style Batman costume. Between the re-modeling of the live Batcave Toy Room, business, family, and expanding my collection, I am on the hunt to start putting together a Bat-Suit.

Getting an authentic Batman TV series style utility belt is a piece of cake. I will probably pick one up from CY Productions. Clint Young sells other various other Bat-Equipment like batarangs and bat communicators as well. This may also be my first piece for my costume. I can pick one up for $225.

I have some tips for the boots and tights, but the rest may not be as easy. With the hardest part being finding a well made cowl. Evolution Props out of Argentina makes a descent looking Batman cowl. I am just not sure if it is well made or not. Below is a video of someone who picked up one of Evolution Props' cowls, who seems pretty happy with his find.




The quest has begun. So what does everybody think? If anyone has any idea were to get various pieces please let me know.

At Last! The First Glimpse of Chris Evan as Captain America

First we caught a glimpse of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man and next we get a shot of Chris Evans as The First Avenger: Captain America from Ain't It Cool News. There isn't much to compare other than the two made for TV Captain America movies or the unreleased movie from the 90's, but I think Evans looks great in Cap's red, white,and blue outfit. Looking forward to July 22nd for this one.

Introducing the New Spider-Man

I was so disappointed when the plug was pulled on Spider-Man 4. Spider-Man 3 needed some work, but for the most part the series was well done and I figured Tobey Maguire and gang would redeem themselves in the new movie. Why Sony felt re-booting the series would speed up production, I'll never know.

Well, here it is kids. Andrew Garfield as the new Spider-Man. Doesn't look as bad as I thought, but time will tell how good the new series is. What do you think?  

Happy 45th Anniversary to the Batman TV Series

Forty-five years ago on January 12 & 13, 1966 the Batman TV series premiered to record numbers. Thanks to Adam West and Burt Ward for bringing our favorite Dynamic Duo to life. It's been 45 years and the show is still airing and delighting Bat-fans around world. Just wish it was out on DVD darn it.

Who is and Isn't Being Cast in The Dark Knight Rises?

Batman 3 rumors are flying around everywhere in regards to who is or isn't being cast in Christopher Nolan's next Batman film The Dark Knight Rises.

First, we know that Tom Hardy has been officially cast already, but the question remains, what will be his role in Batman 3? Most are speculating that he will play Professor Hugo Strange. Especially, since Hardy has been sporting around with a shaved head and the beginnings of facial hair growth, which seems to fit the appearance of Strange, who is one of Batman's oldest villains.

It has also been reported that Nolan and his writing partners, brother Jonathan Nolan and David Goyer, who used Batman: Year One as a basis for Batman Begins and The Long Halloween for The Dark Knight, are now using Prey for the basis of The Dark Knight Rises. Prey features Hugo strange prominently. The supposed leaked script also seems to follow this storyline.

Other rumors revealed Nolan's choices for six lead actresses to fill roles for two main parts. One as a villain and one as a love interest. Natalie Portman and Marion Cotillard were rumored to be a part of that elite group, but the pregnancy of both has eliminated them from the list.

The latest rumor from Collider has Naomi Watts cast as Vicki Vale and Eva Green as Talia al Ghul. The story also revealed a new look to the Batmobile and Batcave. An excerpt from that articled revealed:

"Our source 'Raphael' tells us that the new Batmobile (aka The Tumbler) has been redesigned as a sleeker version, but still powerfull with all the gadgets. As for the Batcave, it will b e the same cave we saw in Batman Begins and they're attempting  to keep the classic stuff like the circular bay for the Batmobile, but keep the look modern. They're also setting up the Batcomputer and storage for the Batsuits. And if there is a new Batmobile and a new Batcave, is it possible we'll be getting a new Batsuit in The Dark Knight Rises? (Hint, hint)"   

Heat Vision has also reported that Anne Hathaway, Jessica Biel, Kate Mara, Gemma Arterton, Kiera Knightley, Charlotte Riley are scheduled for screen tests. The rumor screen tests are about to commence are confirmed by a comment that Christian Bale made to THR at the NBR Gala, stating he had to get back to  Los Angeles to work on screen tests with his possible co-stars.

Here are the odds of these lovely ladies being cast in The Dark Knight Rises:

Anne Hathaway

Odds 3:2. Providing she doesn't price herself out of the running

Jessica Biel

Odds 5:1. May not be able to play an International Femme Fetale' like Talia al Ghul

Kate Mara

Odds 10:1. She'll have to knock Nolan's socks off to get this one

Gemma Arteron

Odds 20:1. She getting ready to do Hansel and Gretel, Witch Hunters, which will probably have scheduling issues

Kiera Knightly

Odds 2:1. She may be a runner up.

Charlotte Riley

Odds unknown. Would Nolan cast her and boyfriend Tom Hardy in the same movie.  

I'd love to see them all in the next Batman movie, but my money is on Anne Hathaway right now. Any opinions?

(via Blastr)

No Catwoman for Marion Cotillard

Christopher Nolan's selection of female leads for his third Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, is shrinking. Why? They are beginning to breed like rabbits.

First the announcement of Natalie Portman's pregnancy and now Oscar winning actress Marion Cotillard will be passing on the role of Catwoman for an entirely different role. The role of new mom.

The 25 year old Cotillard is expecting her first child with actor/filmmaker Guillaume Canet. Like Portman, there were rumors of Cotillard having a role in Batman 3 as the new Catwoman.

Well, there are still plenty of potential leading ladies on Nolan's list of potential female leads. In the meantime, congratulations to both of these fine actresses.

(via TheMarqueeBlog)

Return of the Jedi's Not so Happy Ending

With the second Death Star being twice the size of the original and being closer to Endor than Yavin IV, it is probably safe to say the Rebel Alliance hadn't calculated the actual mass destruction of the battle station.

In an alternate ending to Star Wars: Episode VI-Return of the Jedi may reveal what could have happened with a miscalculation of judgment.



(via Topless Robot)

Plot Leaked for The Dark Knight Rises

The script for Batman 3 may have possibly been leaked. According to Scriptflags.com they have a copy of the Jonathan Nolan and David Goyer's screenplay for the upcoming third Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises.

Scriptflags isn't a 100% sure it is legit themselves, but they say, "if it's a fake, it's the best fake we've seen."

Here's what the say is in the script:

• The assassin Deadshot (Floyd Lawton) is broken out of prison and brought to Gotham City.
• Crime is way down in Gotham and Batman has become more of a myth than anything else.
• Batman has a Batwing like aircraft called "The Wraith," a rebuilt Wayne Manor and Batcave and an EMP equipped Batmobile.
• Wayne Enterprises is struggling with competition (and a lawsuit) from Roland Daggett's Daggett Industries (which, in the animated series, invented the goop that turns actor Matt Hagen into Clayface), and Lucius Fox feels he must turn against the irresponsible Bruce Wayne.
• The Villainous Black Mask has hired Dead Shot and is working with Roland Daggett, although it's unclear who he's been hired to kill (probably Batman or Bruce Wayne, of course).
• Eward Nashton has the Riddler's name, but Hugo Strange's character, as he figured out Batman's identity and uses this to mess with the Dark Knight's head.
• Commissioner Gordon and a Detective Adams are heading up the task force to catch Batman.
• Talia al Ghul makes a brief appearance.          

There is a whole lot of stuff shoved in here and feels a lot like Spiderman 3. If this is a real deal it may be a copy of the first draft as it doesn't seem like the well formed, smooth flowing story we have seen from the previous Christopher Nolan Bat-films. It will be interesting to see if any of this true, but one main item that seems to be lacking are Nolan's two leading ladies that he has been looking to fill. Talia al Ghul is mention, but who's the other?

(via io9 and Scriptflags)

Target Exclusive Empire Strikes Back Special Action Figure Set on Clearance

He shops he scores an Empire Strikes Back Action Figure Set with nine figures. Actually, my non-geek but super cool wife scores. It is great to have a spouse who isn't a geek or a collector, but knows what I like and the condition items should be in.

While my wife was out making her weekly Target run she noticed the Empire Strikes Back Action Figure Set in the clearance section and immediately called me. I had known that the set was an exclusive for the bulls eye branded store last year, but really didn't want to spend $50 for it, which really isn't a bad deal since it comes with 9 action figures. But for $25 it is for sure well worth. They were on sale for 50% off. Sweet.

However, my wife immediately noticed that the packages weren't in the best shape. Even for half off she knew how particular I would be about the packaging so she texted me and sent me pics. Based on the pics she sent, I declined the ever so sweet thought of my wife picking up this piece for her geek husband.

The next day however, we went to another Target and what do you know. They had them on clearance there too. However, this other store had them in the 30% off section. Not as cool as 50%. I decided to inspect the packages anyway and found the same creased package problem the other action figure sets had at the other store. Save one. A sister planet...Cmdr Adama original BSG(sorry to much sci-fi dialogue in me head). The thing is, this one was in very good condition. Not only that, it was the only one marked down half off. The collecting gods had shined down on me.

This set is packaged in vintage style and contains 3 packs with the same characters contained in the original release. The figures are packaged as follows:

1. Hoth Rebels: Han Solo (Hoth Outfit), Rebel Soldier, and FX-7
2. Bespin Alliance: Bespin Guard, Lando Calrissian, and Luke Skywalker (Bespin Fatigues)
3. Imperial Set: 4-LOM (named Zuckuss in the original), AT-AT driver, and TIE-Fighter pilot 

There were six other packs of three figures each in the vintage line. It would have been cool if Hasbro had done them all, but that might be a bit much. Anyway I am way happy on my find.

If only I could have found the Target exclusive vintage TIE Fighter and Rebel Armored Snowspeeder on clearance too.

Sunday Funnies: Chewbacca Hairdo

I have seen a really cool photos of a Batman hairdo that was created when the 1966 Batman TV series was ultra popular and I am sure many have sported Princess Leia's cinnamon rolls, but this one takes the take.

Tom Welling to Finally Wear the Tights

No, Tom Welling is not wearing woman's clothes like Michael Rosenbaum did in Sorority Boys, but we've all been waiting to see Tom Welling wear the Superman suit for the past ten seasons of Smallville and we are finally going to see that happen.

With this being the final season of Smallville, Tom Welling will definitely get to wear the famous red, blue, and yellow costume. Question is, when? Most speculate it won't be until the last episode airs and others are hopeful it will happen before then. In the meantime, the CW has released this teaser poster (reminiscent of Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader from The Phantom Menace Teaser poster) of Welling's reflection revealing the Superman persona. I hope the end is more of a full view of the suit and not some quick glimpse. Stay tuned. The other half of Smallville's tenth and final season begins January 28, 2011.

(via TheSource and Moviehole)

Natalie Portman Shows the Baby Bump at the People's Choice Awards

Well, it is definitely not just rumor. Natalie Portman is pregnant an engaged. The co-star and Thor love interest, pictured here at the People's Choice Awards, was seen carrying a baby bump. We're still waiting on the news of which two actors Christopher Nolan has chosen to appear in the Dark Knight Rises, but Portman is definitely out.

Anyway, this is what Portman should be looking like in a few months.

The question is, wouldn't it be interesting if she had twins and name them Luke and Leia? Causing a paradox and bringing the Star Wars prophecy of the chosen one into reality. What the heck am I talking about? Star Wars is a reality. The next Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises" begins filming May 2011. Man this is beginning to feel like forever from now.

NSFW Video for Having a Date with Wonder Woman

If you every thought having a date with Wonder Woman would be the best thing ever, think again. This hilarious video reveals what it may be like to date Diana Prince's alter ego.

Even though Diana is a little rough around the edges, I still wouldn't mind a shot with her, when I was single of course.

A Date with Diana from Maggie Lawson

What do you think? Could you handle a date with this version of Diana?

The Evolution of the Batmobile from 1948 to 2010

Batman has always been well, Batman. His suit, as I see it, hasn't really changed that much. When you see him you know it's him. In a way I guess you can say the same about the Cape Crusaders car...The Batmobile.

The Batmobile has had way more looks than the Dark Knight himself, but just like Batman, when you see the Batmobile, you know that it is the Batmobile.

Autoblog, who had help from BatmobileHistory.com and researchers from CarInsurance.org, put together this cool timeline of the Batmobile. (check out the full size version at Autoblog.com)

Of course the 1966 Batman TV series Batmobile is my favorite. What's yours?

Remodeling The Batcave Toy Room

With the remodel of The Batcave Toy Room Blog just about complete, I have tons of ideas for the remodel of the actual Batcave Toy Room. The main concept I have is to give it a comic book shop and toy store feeling.

All of the comic book and vintage toy stores I frequent in my home town have basically a slat wall design. With wall to wall slat walls with hooks and shelves for action figures and such. This also gives a bit of a retail feel as well, similar to seeing rows and rows of action figures on peg board with hooks at Toys R Us.

So I came across this laminate slatwall at Display Warehouse and found the slat board to be fairly inexpensive. A 4 X 8 panel is only 57.50 and I can basically cover a whole wall with probably 2 panels. They offer all kinds of hooks, brackets, and shelves in different styles to create a pretty sweet display. The majority of our furniture at home is cherry in color or dark wood. So I would probably go with the cherry color laminate.

Standard display cabinets or even slat board gondolas are also an option or a combination of both. I really haven't had a true instance of inspiration yet and I am still tossing around ideas. I will continue to keep you posted as the remodel continues.

Have any ideas on how to display my collectibles? Send me some pictures of how your vintage toys and collectibles are displayed. I need to have an epiphany.

(Photo via Super Duper Toy Box)

The Batcave Gets a Makeover and What's up for 2011

The Batcave Toy Room was originally created to showcase my vintage toys, comic books, posters, movie, and TV series related collection with the occasional movie and TV series discussion and rumors. I had intended this blog to be very much like Super-Duper Toy Box or Action Figure of the Day. Check out these two blogs if you haven't already. Especially, Super-Duper Toy Box. His collection has grown by leaps and bounds and has definitely been bitten by the ever addictive collecting bug. The format of this blog was also modeled somewhat after the ever awesome Batman related Bat-Blog, which scrictly covers Batman related topics. If you love Batman go take a look at Tommy's Bat-site. However, back to what I was getting at, over the past several months I haven't posted much of my collection and have concentrated more on the movies and TV series' that bring these toys to life.

For me, I don't know if the movies and TV series' drive the collecting or the collecting drives my hunger to watch the shows and go to the movies. Maybe it's both. Possibly both drive each other. I am eagerly awaiting the release of Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger and last and certainly not least the release of The Dark Knight Rises. How about you?

Several readers have contacted me asking" What happened to those wonderful toys?" Well, they are still here. My collection is large enough for me to write a post every day of every item I own for the next couple of years. So, why has the collectible posts subsided?

1. Time- The previous couple years we have felt the economic pinch, which had hurt our business, but this year we have seen tremendous up swing in business. Especially, the past couple of months, which has had me working all kinds of hours. We've been able to hire more staff. So, I should start to see some relief. The other fact and the most important cut into my time has been the welcome addition of our daughter. I am dedicated to spending time with her each and everyday come rain or shine and refuse to have a "Cat's in the Cradle" relationship with my daughter. So, even though I bought a new camera and back drop several months ago to take photos. Setting up the shoot, taking pictures, posting the pictures, and writing about the collectible takes time. It has been easier for me to write about the rumors and news that get me excited about the upcoming movies and TV shows that are coming out. 
2. Money- The previous mentioned economic downturn has put the breaks on my collecting, even though I have enough to write about for quite awhile, I haven't been able to add anything new.  But that has changed and will be able to start posting about my new goodies.            

So, with a new year comes new goals and new plans. Here's what I have in mind:

1. There has been a remodel of The Batcave Toy Room. What do you think? Do you like the new look?
2. With the remodel of The Batcave Toy Room Blog also comes the remodel of the actual Batcave Toy Room. I will be doing updates how that is going.
3. I will be committing myself to doing at least one post a week on something from my collection. Probably on weekends.
4. Will be adding a video blog entry to the mix of posts. I think video captures more than photos and you get to know the collector on a more personal level.    

Let me know what you think and tell me what you'd like to see? More toys? More news? Or do you like a little of each. In meantime, I wish everyone a happy 2011 and happy collecting. Let's have one hell of a year. To the the Batpoles!