Welcome back to Toy Aisle, io9's roundup of the sweet toys and merchandise we’ve seen this week. We’ve got a magical Doctor Strange figure, a rather large Homecoming Spider-Man, and a miserable way to treat your favorite astromech unit. Also: Legend of Zelda Clue. No, really!
Play Arts Kai Variant Doctor Strange
Square Enix’s Play Arts Kai Marvel toys are back, with a very elaborate Doctor Strange. Like the companies’ previous Marvel toys, this one disappointingly doesn’t go too out there when it comes to changing up Strange’s classic comic book look (just once I’d love something in this line as weird as the Bahamut Batman), but it makes up for it a bit with some really rad magical accoutrements, giving Strange everything from flickering spell bolts to glowing hands and runes, to even some extra bits of magical armor that would make a lot of sense for a combatant like Strange. Sadly, you’ll have to wait until November to get yourself one if the Sorcerer Supreme entices you—he’ll set you back a hefty $150 for the pleasure, too. [Toyark]
Star Wars R2-D2 Garbage Can
Like an aging Hollywood star shunned by an industry looking for the next big thing, R2-D2 seemingly can’t compete with the toy-friendly design of BB-8, and has apparently had to accept other gigs he’s probably not proud of. A few months ago he was happily brewing your morning coffee, but now, as a novelty garbage can, he’s forced to swallow your trash and other refuse. As garbage cans go this one is surprisingly elaborate, however, and you might think twice about what you toss in there after spending $160 on one. [Toy People News]
Transformers Masterpiece Movie Series Optimus Prime MPM-4 Figure
The original Michael Bay live-action Transformers movie came out in 2007, marking 2017 as the 10-year anniversary of the movie franchise. Many of us are still disappointed at how Optimus Prime was translated to the silver screen (flames? really?) but it’s hard to argue that this new $100 Masterpiece Movie Series figure isn’t a sight to behold. Details include individually articulated fingers, swappable masks, die-cast metal parts, and a 43-step transformation process that’s sure to frustrate those who grew up with the original cartoon and toys. [Hasbro]
Hot Toys Sixth-Scale Beauty and the Beast Belle
Hot Toys’ talented sculptors perfectly captured Harrison Ford’s smirk in the toymaker’s recent sixth-scale Han Solo figure. But they don’t quite hit the bullseye with this Belle figure from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast live-action remake. Is Emma Watson recognizable? Mostly, yes, but the figure has an uncanny valley aura to it, similar to the CG version of Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia at the end of Rogue One. But with 26 points of articulation, interchangeable hands, and incredibly detailed versions of Lumière, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and Plumette, there’s still a lot to help justify a collectible that will cost you well north of $200. [Hot Toys]
Neca 1/4 Scale Spider-Man
Ever thought to yourself that you need a recreation of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man that’s actually a quarter of the size of the actual Tom Holland? Well, Neca has you sorted. Standing around 18 inches tall, this fully articulated version of Holland’s Spidey comes complete with alternate, squinting eyes to put on his mask and multiple hands to pose him mid-thwip! There’s no price just yet for getting your own little-short-for-a-spider-man figure, but you can expect him to swing onto shelves this September. [Neca]
Lego Creator Expert Carousel
Following the updated version of its Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series Rebel Snowspeeder, Lego is also releasing a new and improved version of its Grand Carousel set, originally released back in 2009. The new Lego Creator Expert Carousel, which actually features less pieces than the original (2,670 vs. 3,227) still includes five different animal rides that move up and down, powered by a hand crank that can be automated with a Lego electric motor kit. It will be available starting June 1 for $200, and will also include seven minifigures to add to your growing Lego amusement park. [Lego]
The Legend of Zelda Clue
It’s a good time to be a fan of The Legend of Zelda. Breath of the Wild on Nintendo’s Switch is quite possibly the best Zelda game to date, and now the popular board game Clue has gotten a Hyrule makeover. But instead of trying to solve who killed that annoying Navi, players try to determine which character has the power to beat Ganondorf, what item will defeat him (the Master Sword, fairy bow, megaton hammer, boomerang, hookshot, or bombchu), and where in Hyrule he’s hiding. Available at the end of June for $40. [Merchoid via Nerd Approved]
Anki Overdrive Fast & Furious Edition
Anki Overdrive’s intelligent slot cars already had players taking the wheel of souped-up racers that seemed inspired by Hollywood blockbusters. So it only makes sense that Anki would choose the Fast & Furious franchise as its first official licensed property. Available come September, the $170 Anki Overdrive Fast & Furious Edition will include Dom’s (Vin Diesel) Ice Charger and Hobbs’ (The Rock) MXT vehicles, in addition to the custom tracks which allow the cars to track their positions during a race. [Anki]
Driftpad 8
A couple years ago Phil Foss figured out how to drift Hot Wheels cars using a special section of track he designed made from corrugated plastic that was printed with a special low-friction surface. Over the years he’s been honing its design, and for wannabe Ken Block’s who can’t afford a souped-up Ford Fiesta, Phil’s Driftpad 8 is now available for $30. You’ll need to add your own Hot Wheels track to the mix for launching your tiny rides, but that’s all you really need to get your die-cast cars sliding around corners. [tyotoys]