Rittenhouse Star Trek 2009 Movie Costume Cards

Over the years embarking on collecting Trek merchandise and collectibles, little is done about actually owning a part of movie history until now. I've always been a great fan of William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Now, I have a piece of costume by Spock and an autographed photo of Bill Shatner is being dispatched to me as I blog. Of course, that would probably be in the next few postings in which the rest of the captains' autographs will be subject of discussion.

Back to the issue at hand...I ordered almost a dozen costume cards, made by Rittenhouse Archives. They come layered in gloss-coated cards which houses the vaunted fabric...those worn by the very people who portrayed the legendary crew of the USS Enterprise.

These fantastic non-sporting cards are affordable now and most can be found on eBay. If not for the sentimental value, they'd make a great investment. In years to come, I'd probably be able to ask for 2-3 times the value, possibly more on the rarer ones.

But I noticed prices going up. Released end 2009, they were between USD15-20, but now easily goes for USD25 and above, depending on which cast member or character. They're the next best thing to autographs, which incidentally Rittenhouse carries also. Naturally, they come at a premium now and are scarce. I would however, love to come into possession of a JJ Abrams autograph. The man behind the alternate reality in Trekkers' lives.

The other reason for expanding into these collectibles is the uniform material pattern. Trekkers have always known and been sharing that they're tiny delta shields in a repeated motive. If I so wish, I could do some more research to acquire the correct uniform replica to be added to my personal collection. Having these costume cards now gives me the perfect excuse.


Last I read, all cast members of ST09 has signed up for ST XII (2012) and JJ Abrams has been very very tight-lip about the whole thing. No one knows for sure the plot that awaits intrepid Trekkers worldwide, but I suspect that the sequel to the alternate reality franchise will not be a let down. The suspense kills me everyday with speculations flaring in my mind. But as one great captain once said...all things have their place in time.

Malaysian Toy Fair (24-25 July 2010)

Richard told me about the first ever Malaysia Toy Fair and with all the hype I've heard about San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) going on in the States, I thought of checking it out today to see if it was anything close to the conventions held abroad. In the US, these exhibitions would mean appearances by Hollywood stars, founders of toy and gaming companies and box office film releases. On the sidewalk, you'd fine about a million fans donning costumes, carrying their allowance to buy that coveted exclusive merchandise and chasing the opportunity for an autograph of their favorite actors.

On the way, I spotted a very obvious sign of a Transformers die-hard fan as I walked from my car to Mid Valley Exhibition Centre (MVEC). I couldn't help but be amused by the obvious tribute this driver is paying to the 80's animated mechanized phenomenon. For those of you who are curious, D.E.C.P.D. means "Decepticon Police Department".

A RM3.00 entrance fee entitles you a 1-day pass for which you could walk in and out of the exhibition hall. I felt very surreal walking into a world whom I am most familiar with.


Once I walked in, I spotted Rey manning the Shioktoys booth. I saw Rey last night at the shop in e@theto pick up my Hottoys 1/4th Scale Iron Man Mark IV collectible bust.

The media was expected. I think this interview was done by a local talk show.

Of course, being the first one, MTF pales in terms of size compared with SDCC. Still, there is no shortage of SDCC exclusives. Here we have Iron Man from Mighty Muggs.

No short of Sith Lords at MTF 2010. Courtesy of the 501st Legion: Malaysia-Brunei Outpost. My friend and fellow lawyer was there donning a Boba Fett costume. I had hoped to sense the presence of other Trekkers but I guess the dark-side of the force was strong today.

"Hey, aren't ya a little too short to be hunting with us?..."

"Oh yeah? I bet you'd change your mind after I cut your head off and use if for a shield just like I did the alien strapped to my arm now."
Cosplay (costume play) is an important part of any toy oriented affair. Here we have a couple of Halo 3 posers.

I'm so bad, it's a thriller.

No convention is complete without a gamers' corner. Here, we have a Sudden Death tournament going on which is so reminiscent of the Counterstrike days back in 2004-2005.

For a first timer, the event was quite a success. This is the humble beginning of a whole new phase for the toy industry in Malaysia. I hope next year's MTF would see the lights of some special guests from Hollywood. For that, sponsors must see the impact such appearances would have on business. Perhaps they should coincide the event with a major box office release next summer.

I just read that SDCC announced Tron Legacy. It's been 3 decades since the Tron was released which bewildered fans of sci-fi with a depiction of what it's like inside a computer. This highly anticipated sequel is coming soon.

88 Miles Per Hour!

“It’s a Delorean!” Marty McFly

The new Diamond Select Toys (DST) Back to the Future (BTTF) Delorean Time Machine Mark I has jumped into Outpost Toys at e@ the Curve. For Marty McFly and Doc Emmet Brown fans, you can now own a piece of the iconic time travelling film series. It’s retailing for RM265.00 or USD 44.99.

I think someone at DST screwed up.

It is however not to be confused with the Mark II as the Mark I is shipped in a BTTF II box. You must be astute to detect “Mr. Fusion” on the energizer matrix, or lack thereof on the Mark I. A YouTube video review of the Mark I reveal a mistake on the box which says “Back to the Future II”. The maker remarks according to BTTF.net, the folks at DST claim that this was not really a mistake as if you remember the scene in BTTF II in 1955 when Marty was attempting an 88 mph temporal displacement threshold on that famous stormy night in Hill Valley, the car featured was the Mark I. These guys have really taken time travel paradoxes to explain away a blatant product misdescription!

Just remember, if it doesn’t have “Mr. Fusion” or hover-mode, it is not the Delorean from BTTF II.

A plastic body means the stainless steel effect is somewhat lacking

Apart from that, the Mark I battery operated lights-and-sounds effects really makes this a good display piece. The temporal flux tubes on the anterior and posterior lights up, so do the headlights, taillights, dash, time-circuits and the flux capacitor behind the seats.

As opposed to its die-cast counter-part by Sunstar, the Mark I is molded in plastic. Details are fantastic, although the paintwork could use a bit of work, in particular the stainless steel body of a Delorean. Copyright and licensing issues also mean that the front grill is missing the iconic “DMC” logo, but that can be easily fabricated. The vaunted gull-wing doors are arrested with clips which prevent them from undesirably swinging open. The toy is missing an engine as the engine bay is used to house the 3 AA batteries and it doesn’t come with the “lightning rod” which Doc Brown retrofitted on the Mark I to harness the 1.21 gigawatts from a bolt of lightning needed to send Marty back to the future in 1955.

Home sweet home...

The scaling has made this collectible more “malleable” in the hands of collectors who prefer to customize electronics and lighting systems. The Mark II would be a good candidate to add on the hover-mode lights on its undercarriage and in the wheels.

DST has yet to unveil plans to manufacture 3 ¾ Marty and Doc Brown figurines for the Delorean citing “licensing problems” (yet again). You could “kit-bash” some 3 ¾ G.I. Joe figurines to solve this problem.

Notice that this prototype of the Mark II does have a “DMC” logo on the front grill.

DST probably dropped that when “copyright and licensing” issues cropped

The dirt on the Mark III is a nice touch. Realistically so since Marty McFly

ploughed through the desert away from a rampaging bunch of red indians.

The Mark II is scheduled to be out in July 2010, as with the Mark III (as seen in BTTF III).

Also available from DST, the Delorean’s “OUTATIME” license plate (if you have a Delorean) through eBay or entertainmentearth.com.

Iron Man 2 Stuff at KFC

The memorabalia fever goes on...KFC is no least a follower.

With every KFC
Showbox Meal (A or B) for RM12.40, get one of 3 Iron Man 2 keepsake:
i) IM2 Glowing Keyring
ii) IM 2 lanyard
iii) IM2 Wristband (War Machine)
RM9.90 a pop with any other purchase (while stocks lasts)

The arc reactor really glows on the keyring!
It comes with a carabiner instead of a ring
and the bright blue LED doubles up as a torch light when you go into the
cinema for the upcoming movie.

The War Machine quarter-body wristband. Made of PVC and comes with
a two-button setting.
Either it fits you or not!
Pudgy people should avoid trying this on...

Finally, the Mark VI Iron Man 2 Bust lanyard,
complete with keyring holder and a string-loop.

Coming Soon: Iron Man 2

The long-awaited sequel is set to be screened in Malaysia on April 30, a week ahead from US screenings.

Looks like the gold-titanium alloy man is bringing with him a whole new range of armor suits and weaponry, namely the Mark IV, V and VI suits and not to mention a new side-kick, War Machine (aka Col. James Rhodes) with a shoulder-mounted chain gun and arm-strapped rocket and grenade launchers. You know it was almost a give-away in the first movie when Terrence Howard (who plays Rhodes) looked at the Mark II for a second, walks away and remarks "next time"....

It looks like the armor variants play an important role both on and off the set. this time Tony Stark would inevitably be developing newer and more state-of-the art armor for dramatic story telling on the screen whilst back here, the toy franchise and licensed merchandisers will be raking in tonnes from toy and memorabilia sales!

Check out HotToys War Machine and Mark IV bust (with lit arc reactor). I hear War Machine will be going for about RM576, with the later release of the Mark IV, V and VI and the half Mark IV bust, you could get for a little over RM300.

The Mark IV armor
(front, side and back profile. Also make reference to the movie poster above)

The Mark V armor
(for some of your who's seen the full trailer, you would notice Tony Start taking out a portable armor in a suit-case...this is the one)

The Mark VI armor
(notice the triangular miniature arc reactor on the chest plate)

For those of you who would be buying an army of Iron Man 2 toys for the kids, don't just spend. Redeem free sneak preview tickets at The Outpost, e@TheCurve (for preview screening on April 29th) when you buy RM200 worth of Iron Man 2 toys from Hasbro.

For display (but not HotToys pricing), you may be interested to pick up an 8-inch Mark VI armor of Iron Man or War Machine (retailing at RM44.90 each) or for a little less at RM39.90 each, 3 3/4-inch figurines (personally, i though War Machine looks fantastic in this size, with matte colors). Cheaper than that, there are several 2 inch figurines going for RM14.90 each, r the less indolent kid, there's always the strapped-on Repulsor for kids aging 4 and up...imagine little squirts going around blasting a bright blue light in your face all the time.

Movie reservations and advance purchases can be made 2 weeks prior to the screening.

New Trek Goodies Announced

For all you ardent Trekkers out there who've been waiting for a glimmer of hope for release of Masterreplicas' Star Trek Mark IX Tricorder, there's hope yet. Although scheduled for release in Q3 of 2008, MR had ceased production after only having made and sold about 200 units (from the initial 2000 units targeted in 2008). Since then, Trekkers like me have been awaiting eagerly for any news of resuscitation of the prop. Of course, the affluent ones could easily pick one up at Roddenberry.com for about USD 799 to USD999, but even MR's RRP of USD 399 seemed pretty steep. Before that, there were some sold by Federation Surplus which also closed down sometime in 2007. Recently announced by eFX, a company incorporated in 2007 in Los Angeles, they have recently been licensed by CBS to make the Star Trek TNG Mark IX Tricorder prop replica and comes slightly cheaper at USD 350 in comparison to MR's version. eFX used to work with MR.

Each comes with a base signed by Brent Spinner (Lt. Commander Data) and has improved LED illumination compared to the MR version. Only about 1000 units will be made, so, Trekkers around the world vying for one would have to pay close attention to its release date and availability. eBay sellers would be cashing in on this one.

eFX also announced plans to make a ST:2: TWOK Phaser, a 20-inch Klingon Vor'cha class cruiser and ST: TOS Phaser for 2010 releases. Smaller ships are also said to be on the drawing board to make collectibles more affordable for collectors and Trek aficionados.

For those really keen on collecting affordable Trek starships and replicas, there's always Diamond Select Toys. There's a dearth of DST collectibles of eBay. Recently, DST announced that they are releasing the ST: TMP Phaser (which shape-wise is almost identical to the ST:2 Phaser). I've already pick up several DST starships from eBay and they look pretty damn good! The USS Enterprise D and the TWOK USS Enterprise Refit are my favourites! Sounds, lights and lines from the movies really rock my boat!


DST has announced that USS Excelsior (NCC 2000) (as first seen on ST3: The Search for Spock) and USS Enterprise-B (as seen on ST: Generations) will be released end of 2001. Knowing DST's track record for delays, hopefully by Q1 of 2010.


Complementing the year end release, DST also announced plans to come out with the ST:2 Communicator, although not confirmed. If you recall, these were the ones used by Kirk and Saavik on the Genesis Moon.

Mattel SDCC Hot Wheels Exclusive "USS Enterprise NCC 1701 under construction in spacedock"

(Click on the pic above)

My offer of USD60.00 for this exclusive SDCC collectible was accepted!
My first Comic Con special!

The replica is placed on a "space dock" case.

The space dock opens and becomes a stand!

Constitution Class Refit Revisited

Kenny and I were dabbling about our reignited passion for the Constitution Class Refit. Known to many as its legendary nomenclature, USS Enterprise this ship was as functional as it was beautiful. One of a kind and those guys really knew how to design starships those days (click here to get an insight of the team who brought us this magnificent work of art). Just imagine this idea was conceived nearly 30 years ago. The design, the concept, the vision of Kirk's refitted Enterprise was simply ahead of its time.

She's one of the most beautiful starships ever built. Her glistening hull, enclothed with aztec motive and many shades of white, pearl and blues and strikingly lined with red pin-stripes. Her ever so pivoted engine pylons, angled back and seem to be ready launch forward, as if an archer at the brink of releasing the arrow into the final frontier. I really marvel at the thought process, not mentioning the hours expended to create and bring to life (at least on the silver screen) this epic starship!


The Constitution Refit looks awesome from any angle. The one on top with a starbase relegated to the background is one of my favourites. Her sensual secondary hull supporting seeming a pair of frail boards, which in turn holds the indispensable warp nacelles. Her profile as she fades into the horizon is often times a moment for me to reckon with. I just can't help wonder if that is what its really like in space. On board a starship.

Functionality= a masterpiece with purpose. Notice the grid lines on the ship up close? Shield generator grids. When energized, they form an energy field which makes another "layer" just a few feet from the hull to absorb incoming fire from enemy weapons. On the bridge, the consoles are designed for task specific functions. The storage of equipment and wares is accomplished with modular recepticles. Crew quarters were designed with minimal space in mind, but have maximum function. Phaser banks are strategically placed on the hull to cover all angles and of course, her main photon torpedo systems. She might not be the most heavily armed starship, but she was still after all, Starfleet's flagship!

As true Trekkers at heart, Ken and I are eagerly awaiting Polar Lights release of the 1/1000 scale Enterprise NCC-1701 which is due to be released end of 2009. One of the more detailed kits ever in the market, PL had 2 years ago released the 1 m long 1/350 scale Enterprise NCC-1701-A, followed by a second release last year incorporating more accurate decals! This intended release is 12 inches long thereabout and would make an excellent addition to our ever growing collection. It would certainly make a nice Christmas present for yours truly. To boldly build what so many are waiting to build.

Hallmark Star Trek Ornaments I got in 2008

USS Enterprise NCC 1701 A.
Constitution class starship.
About 4" in length. Comes in a neat box and...

..it lights up!
One push of a tiny button on the ventral side and wala!

Light up warp drive (photonic spill vents), EM field sensor assembly
(the two small blue lights at the top of the nacelles)

deflector dish (top pic) and impulse engines (2nd pic)...

Main bride (which also lights up)

Then there's the USS Reliant NCC 1864, Miranda class starship.
About 3 1/2" in length.
Made famous by the epic battle between Kirk and Khan in ST II: Wrath of Khan

Smooth hull plating. Nice markings too.
Slight improvement over the Enterprise's hull markings

Light up impulse engines, photon control assembly and
warp drive (photonic spill vents) and...

...lower impulse power core.