Product Enterprise Limited Edition Talking "Cybertrooper" Stealth Cyberman

Today I went to the comic shop for the first time in almost a year, and I came across this wonderful Product Enterprise Cyberman figure (I even took hundreds of photos as soon as I got home and photoshopped the following picture, which just shows how excited I was about it):

There were only two Cybermen figures in the shop, the other being all silver. These Cybermen are were featured in the 1985 serial "Attack of the Cybermen".

Scans of the back and sides of the box:

Honestly, when I first read the sticker that said "Limited Edition Cybertrooper", I was somewhat confused - it looked like a stealth Cyberman to me. It turns out that they are the same thing, but in searching the term "cybertrooper doctor who", I found references only to this particular figure.

These stealth Cybermen (as faced by the wonderful Sixth Doctor, who happens to be one of my favorites) always remind me of the borg more than any other. By looking at the photos above, I am sure one is able to deduce the reasons. (Here's a hint: to make it into a borg, merely replace the head.)

These Cyberman figures were sculpted by Gary Hilliard (who also sculpted a beautiful bust of Count Orlok [Nosferatu], my favorite Vampire) and Ian Crichton. Oh, and the amazing artwork on the box? That was done by the amazing Graham Humphreys (one of my favorite artists). With all of these amazing people working on the product, it's no wonder that I found myself immediately drawn to this Cyberman figure.

This figure stands about 9" tall, takes 2 LR44 batteries, and speaks four phrases when the chest unit is pressed upon: "eradicate the Time Lord", "emotion is a weakness", "destroy earth", and "excellent". Unfortunately, the sound is poor quality.

With this figure also comes a blaster gun, with a buckle strap.

The detailing on the surface of the figure is absolutely beautiful, and the weight and feel of the figure means that I will be carrying it with me for a long time. It's just such a nice figure to hold.

Tomorrow I will be eating cereal, and while the spoon will be in one hand, the stealth cyberman will be in the other. I will then take a shower, while sticking my right arm out through a hole in the shower curtain, clinging to the Cyberman. Etc.

Well, maybe I am exaggerating a little bit. But I will be carrying it around.

It also comes with a 1.5" Cybermat. I find it interesting, however, that they chose to include the cybermat from the 1968 serial "The Wheel in Space". Personally, I would have loved for them to have included the Cybermat from The Tomb of the Cybermen because well, I found them to be adorable with their antennae. 

I have always loved the Cybermen, but this is my first Cyberman figure. I am definitely going to be investing in a lot more, however, and this will always be the one figure that started it all.

Alien Spotlight - Volume 1 2008 - Vulcans

A is for Alien Spotlight!

About a year ago, I was in a local grocery shop when I stumbled (literally) into a rack of comics that I had never seen before - for only eight dollars each (Canadian). One of the comics I picked up that day was IDW's Alien Spotlight Volume One - a collection of "one-shots" featuring the Borg, Andorians, Orions, Vulcans, and Romulans.

My favorite story (as one might predict) is the spotlight on the Vulcans. Not only does it center around Spock, but it also takes place under the command of Captain Christopher Pike!

I have scanned some of the key panels - spoilers ahead.

Vulcans
Written by James Patrick
Art by Josep Maria Beroy
Colors by Mario Boon
Color Assist by Andrew Elder
Letters by Chris Mowry
Edits by Andrew Steven Harris

According to this comic, Spock was not readily accepted by the crew of the enterprise. His logical stand on issues such as life and death is creating "friction" among them.

Captain Pike considers getting him reassigned. After preparing to beam down to meet the Magefferan Military Leaders in the City of Pomapoli, they arrive on a planet covered in debris, unable to contact the Enterprise. The Magefferans attack, and the crew discovers that the phasers are jammed as well. One of the crew members is killed, causing another logical statement from Spock:

Captain Pike feels that this mission may confirm that Spock be reassigned. Captain Pike and Lieutenant Tyler decide to attack the Magefferans, despite Spock's reminder that they came on a mission of peace.

Lt. Tyler gets angry at Spock, accusing him of not "giving a damn about anything". Against Spock's disagreement with the plan, the go on to attack the Magefferans. The Magefferans realise that they have been distracted from some of the crew sneaking off to destroy the jammer, and capture them, stating that they will "cut their throats, one by one". As they struggle to hold down the Captain and Lt. Tyler, they notice Spock:

Pike deduces that a majority of the Magefferans have never seen a Vulcan before.

The Magefferan leader does not believe Spock, but Spock proves himself and his emotional control. The Magefferans are intrigued, and agree to listen. (Click images to enlarge)

Afterwards, the Magefferans had their medical staff analyse Spock, and sending him from leader to leader. After days, they were convinced  to board the Enterprise to continue negotiations. Mediators were sent to the planet, most of them Vulcan, to continue the Federation's work. Captain Pike - and the rest of the Enterprise Crew - begin to accept Spock, even if they still do not understand.

When I have a child, I will read it this story every night. It's definitely worth finding a copy, as one is not only entertained, but gains an insight into various species' as well. And no, I'm not being paid to endorse this collection.

It even has a "charming" page about the Borg meeting a little girl. It makes me laugh every time I see it, and then I feel kind of bad.

Adorable.

Seven of Nine - Gouache and Ink

I have been experimenting lately with different styles of drawing and coloring.

She kind of looks like a pug.