Watching Heroes

The Heroes action figures are on target to be released in June 2008, but if you’re the lucky winner of The OWI’s new “Show Us Your Heroes” contest, you might get them early.

The contest begins March 3. All you have to do is send in a photo of yourself dressed as your favorite Hero. Fans will be able to vote for their favorites beginning on March 31. The top 5 will be reviewed by the sponsors of the contest, The OWI, Mezco Toys and NBC to decide on the grand prize winner. The winner will be announced on April 14.

The grand prize is shown below. It is an extremely rare, unpainted test shot of Mezco’s Series 1 Heroes action figures. There are only 5 sets of unpainted test shots in existence. (more…)

In an effort to keep Heroes alive in our hearts during this extra long hiatus, the producers of Heroes are releasing a soundtrack featuring exclusive new singles as well as a few classic tracks. The CD, which will be available at Best Buy stores or via download services such as Zune beginning March 18, will include songs from Wilco, Panic! at the Disco, Imogen Heap, Brighton Port Authority feat. Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, David Bowie (singing “Heroes” of course) and others. There will also be 3 new songs by Wendy & Lisa (yes, the Prince girls) and a new track from Jesus and Mary Chain. The Heroes theme song will also be included.

Heroes executive producer/director Allan Arkush has put together five music videos to go along with some of the tracks. the videos will be exclusively available for free download on Zune Marketplace and will also be available for streaming at MSN. The first video, to Nada Surf’s “Weightless” will premiere tomorrow, February 29. Here’s the complete list of songs: (more…)

My friend, AnnieB, lives right in the heart of New York City and she took the time to send me a photo of the awesome Heroes window display at the NBC Experience store in Rockefeller Center. I thought I’d share it with those of you, like me, who probably won’t get a chance to visit in person. Take a look (click to enlarge):

She also sent me some fantastic Heroes postcards, featuring the art of Tim Sale, which she purchased inside the store.

If you’re planning a visit to NYC, you can find the NBC Experience store at the corner of Rockefeller Plaza and West 49th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues). They are open Monday - Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.

Toy Fair 2008 just wrapped in New York City and there are photos circulating the internet of the Mezco Toys Heroes action figure displays from the event. We also now have tentative dates for the release.

Series 1, which we have already seen, will release in June. Series 2 will follow, just in time for the Season 3 premiere, in September and Series 3 will be released in November.

We previously saw some sketches of the Series 2 and 3 figures but now the prototypes are done and were on display at Toy Fair. I think some of these are much better likenesses than the Series 1 figures. I especially like the Adam Monroe, Linderman and HRG figures. Here’s a look at a few photos from SuperHeroTimes:

Series 1 figures: Claire, Sylar, Mohinder, Peter and Hiro. We also get a peek at the packaging (behind Claire). You can’t see the tag in this one but it says June 2008. (more…)

Topps has released a 90 card collectors set of Heroes trading cards. The set was originally slated to coincide with the premiere of season 2, but was delayed. They are now finally available and it sounds like they were worth the wait.

Each pack includes 7 cards and they are packaged 24 packs per box. The set includes 90 cards which feature character bios and take you through the first season storyline. There are several foil cards as well as some amazing inserts - costume cards, autograph cards and one-of-a-kind sketch cards by Tim Sale and other artists.

You can see a sampling of the cards and read more about them at Trader Cracks. They are available for purchase at Amazon.com and I’m sure you can find them at your local comic book store.

Action-Figure.com has posted photos from UK Toyfair indicating that Mezco is planning 2 more series of 7 inch Heroes action figures. Each series will include 5 figures. Of course, these are in the planning stages at this point and the lineup could change but this is what the posters indicate. (more…)

NBC is kicking off another round of auctions today and there are plenty of Heroes items up for bid. A portion of the proceeds benefit the United Way. So if you’ve always wanted to own a piece of your favorite show, this is a great way to do so and help others in need.

Here are the Heroes items you will find: (more…)

CoolToyReview.com has some high resolution photos of the new Heroes action figures I’ve been reporting on. The images are great quality but I have to give the figures a FAIL in the likeness category. I don’t really think any of these look much like the characters. The costumes are dead on and some of the hairstyles are good but the faces are nearly unrecognizable. I realize they can’t make carbon copies of the actors but I think they could have gotten a little closer. I’ve seen a lot of action figures in my day and these are some of the worst likenesses I have seen.

Take a look at my comparison: 

Claire:  Her hair is off and her face looks nothing like Claire. Look how much lower cut her blouse is. What’s that all about?

(more…)

I showed you Claire and Sylar the other day, but HeroesTheSeries has posted a promo photo that features the rest of the Mezco action figures. (Photo after the cut)

It’s a little hard to tell how these compare to the real-life characters from this photo, but to me it looks like Mohinder and Hiro fared pretty well. They got the hair right on Peter but I’m not sure about the face. In case you can’t read the info here’s what it says about each figure: (more…)

NBC and Stamps.com are offering Stamps which feature the Heroes characters and mythology. These PhotoStamps are officially authorized by the US Postal Service.

There are 5 stamps available which feature the art of Tim Sale - Claire, Hiro, Nathan, Peter and the Helix Symbol. Each set includes 20 stamps and sells for $21.95  A collectors set, featuring one sheet of each of the stamps, is also available. That set sells for $99.95. Each sheet is official U.S. Postage (overpriced as it may be) and comes packaged in an “ultra clear�? sealed sleeve with a backboard.  

These are really neat collectibles, and real postage to boot. Of course, once you pay shipping, you’ll end up spending over a $1.00 to send a letter instead of the standard 41 cents, so maybe their appeal is purely collectible. You can find them at the NBC/Universal Store.

Toyfare Magazine, Issue #127, which hits stores today, has the first look at the new Heroes action figures which are being produced by Mezco Toyz.  The magazine will also include an interview with Mezco about the line, which characters it will feature and what they will look like.

Mezco is slated to produce several different figures including 7″ articulated figures (which I believe we see below), 3 3/4″ Diorama scenes, and larger, more detailed “deluxe” figures. No release dates have been announced yet and most of the information being released is pretty vague.

The ToyFare cover gives us a preview of the Claire and Sylar figures and, according to the website, there are more photos inside the magazine. Check it out (click to enlarge): (more…)

One of the Tim Sale creations available at NBC.com

For our final installment of the “Heroes Gift Giving Guide,” we have something for those of you who have a little more money to spend. If you want something really unique for your Heroes fan, then check out the auctions now running on NBC.com. There you can find props, wardrobe, and other items actually used on Heroes and other hit NBC shows.

The auctions go live today, November 19th and run through December 3. A portion of the proceeds will benefit United Way.

The Heroes items include:

• Teddy Bears featured in scenes between Claire Bennet and her dad. The collection includes 20 bears.
• Melted objects, including a partially melted Entenmann’s box and a lampshade, used to demonstrate Sylar’s stolen power of molecular manipulation.
• Claire’s cheerleader uniforms from Union Wells High School in Odessa, Texas. Both Clean and Bloodied uniforms are available.
• Tickets from Global Airlines which Hiro gave to Charlie the waitress in attempt to change his friend’s fate.
• Brochures from the manatee exhibit at the aquarium, which Claire used as a cover story when she went to find her real mother.
• Panels from a prophetic comic depicting Hiro’s confrontation with Sylar.
• The Yellow Pages ad which helped Hiro repair his sword. The ad reads “Jittetsu Arms Bladesmith Specializing in Rare Weapons�? and uses the ”Godsend” symbol as its logo.
• Tim Sale painting from Season 1 depicting Peter Petrelli, broken and bloodied, beneath the Union Wells High School Homecoming banner. The clock in the background announces the time of his “death.�?
• Another Tim Sale creation, which shows Claire and her friend Zach walking the halls of Union Wells High School.
• Tim Sale’s depiction of Claire with a horrified look on her face. Save the Cheerleader, Save the World.

Some of the other featured items include Michael Scott’s Timex watch and Hawaiian “Convention” shirt from The Office, a poker set used by the main cast of 30 Rock, Tim Riggins’ jersey, a signed football and a signed mega phone from Friday Night Lights as well as Danny’s signed Letterman jacket from Las Vegas.

For a complete rundown of what is being offered, log on to http://www.nbc.com/auctions.

The Heroes invaded the world this past summer when they embarked on an 8 country Heroes World Tour.  These items would make perfect gifts for fans who got to see the tour and want a memento, or for those of us who didn’t get the chance to go and wish we had.

I love this t-shirt. It’s the Nathan Petrelli “Flying Man” design and what makes it even better, is that it’s green. No, I’m not talking about the color (although it is green in color, too). I’m talking about the fact that this shirt is made from 100% organic cotton and printed with organic ink. The back of the shirt lists the 8 toured cities, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Munich, Toronto, & New York. This shirt is available in S, M, L, XL, and XXL. It retails for $26.00. 

Here’s another World Tour t-shirt in black with the Heroes logo on the front. It reads, “Nissan Presents The Heroes World Tour - Summer 2007.” The back lists the 8 World Tour locations. This one may not be as environmentally friendly as the Flying Man version but it’s still a very cool shirt. This one is only available in S, M and L. It will run you $22.00.

And finally, we have the Heroes World Tour 2007 organic luggage tag. This is another green product, both in color and in design. Made of 100% organic materials, this tag is sure to brighten up your luggage or laptop case. And it will fit right into your budget at only $8.00.

 All of these items are available from the NBC/Universal Store.

Maybe the Heroes fan on your list likes to read books (or at least look at the pictures). Today’s gift ideas are perfect for the more literary fan.

The premiere issue of Heroes Magazine is a great gift idea. It includes features on the actors and actresses, the back room special effects crew and sneak peaks into season 2. It is billed as the “ultimate guide to exploring one of the biggest hits of 2007.”  This Premiere Issue releases on November 20 and is sure to become a collector’s item. The single issue retails for $9.99 and is available for pre-order now or you can subscribe. A one year subscription is only $32.95 and includes 4 regular issues plus 2 specials.

Another great idea is the Heroes: Volume One Graphic Novel. This 240 page volume features a cover by comic legend Alex Ross and includes an introduction by Masi Oka. Inside you will find all 34 chapters of the Season One graphic novels featured on NBC.com and Tim Sale’s artwork as seen on the show.  The book retails for $19.79 and is on sale now.

Want to mix a little romance in with your sci-fi? Then try the first Heroes novel, Saving Charlie. The book reveals the untold story of Hiro and Charlie, the waitress he went back in time to save. The novel, written with the full cooperation and consultation of the show’s creators, is penned by Aury Wallington. Wallington, author of the book Pop!, has also written for shows such as Sex and the City and Veronica Mars. The 256 page book comes out in hardcover on December 26 with a suggested retail price tag of $23.95, but is available for pre-order at Amazon.com for only $16.95.

Are you confused by Heroes and all the symbolism it contains? Then check out Saving the World: A Guide to Heroes. Authors Lynnette Porter, David Lavery, and Hillary Robson are experts in the field of television analysis. In this book they explore the history of comic books making their way to the screen, and how Heroes has been affected by the decades of comic book superheroes that precede it; the series’ archetypal characters; the fandom surrounding the show; its link to other current series such as Lost; creator Tim Kring and how he is the driving force behind the show. The book also includes brief episode guides.  It is available now at a cost of $10.17.

All this week, I am giving you some gift ideas for the Heroes fan on your list. If yesterday’s gifts were too run-of-the-mill, then you should like today’s suggestions.

How about giving Hiro’s sword? That’s right, DK Online has a handmade replica of Hiro’s sword. It features a sharpened 27.5 inch high carbon steel blade with hamon and a leather back strap. Overall length is 42 inches. They are also throwing in a free wooden display stand. It retails for $70.00.

There are a limited number of these and I have seen them go in and out of stock over the last couple of months, so act fast to get yours by Christmas!

Not much for giving weapons? Well how about a nice helix symbol necklace, like the one Peter is wearing in season 2. This Helix Symbol Pendant Necklace features an adjustable rope for a perfect fit and includes a 2 inch Helix symbol. It’s a discreet way to let other Heroes fans know that you are on the list. The NBC store has these available for $15.00.

I told you about the Heroes 2008 wall calendar yesterday, but maybe that’s too boring for you. Instead, think about this 50 year pocket calendar.
This calendar references the years 2006 thru 2055, so you can travel to the future like Hiro (well, sorta). The brush alloy outer casing is engraved with the mysterious Heroes helix symbol. At only 3.25 inches, it will fit right into your pocket. The calendar retails at the NBC store for $15.00.

 Tomorrow, stop by to see a selection of gifts for the literary Heroes fan.