***This is an expanded version of the feature in the August ’20 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 302)***
The best part of this year’s virtual SDCC? You can watch panels for your favorite shows, movies and talented creatives in one browser window while you click your way through geektastic retail therapy in another!
SHELF FILLERS
The Adventure Zone: Petals to the Metal
The McElroy boys are back as their fantasy RPG alter-egos for a third graphic novel installment, adapted and illustrated by Carey Pietsch (Lumberjanes). Inspired by the hit podcast (in development as a Peacock original animated series), Vol.3 follows Taako, Magnus and Merle as they set out to apprehend master thief The Raven and retrieve his Grand Relic for the Bureau of Balance — and test their skills at battle wagon racing. [First Second, $20 paperback / $10 digital]
The Art of Cuphead
Drink in the 1930s cartoon-inspired animation of the wildly acclaimed hand-drawn game from Studio MDHR with this 260+ page exposé, packed with full-color artwork and personal insights from creators Chad and Jared Moldenhauer. The perfect refreshment as you wait for The Cuphead Show to premiere on Netflix! [Dark Horse Books, $40 hardcover / $20 digital]
The Art of The Last of Us Part II Deluxe Edition
Ellie’s harrowing quest for vengeance continues in the highly anticipated sequel to Naughty Dog’s award-winning PS4 adventure. Experience the gameworld in a new light with this 200-page exclusive hardcover packed with art and creator commentary, complete with slipcase and gallery-quality lithograph. [Dark Horse Books, $90]
RWBY: The Official Manga
Artist Bunta Kinami brings Rooster Teeth’s groundbreaking, American-produced anime to the page. Based on the hit series created by Monty Oum, Vol. 1 reintroduces the magical world of Remnant and four heroic Huntresses-in-training — talented Ruby Rose, heiress Weiss Schnee, mysterious fighter Blake Belladonna and fiery big sister Yang Xiao Long. With their unique strengths combined, the quartet fight creatures known as “Grimm” (and navigate teen drama) as the ultimate girl group: RWBY! [VIZ Media, $13]
Wonder Woman: The Way of the Amazons
Herewith lie the secrets of Themyscira, the home of the Amazon Warriors and their princess, Diana … Learn all you want to know about the history and artifacts of Wonder Woman’s home, illuminated through beautiful original illustrations and special secrets to unfold in these pages. Aimed at kids 8+, or warrior royalty of all ages.
[Insight Editions, $20, Aug. 4]
SWAG BAG
Funko Virtual Con Shop
Many limited edition designs are offered at this favorite wallet-emptying shop! Toon favorites include the Pixar Remix Toy Story alien in Kevin (Up) costume, Emperor’s New Groove kitty Yzma, Nightmare Before Christmas Tear Away Face Clown, Samurai Jack Scaramouche and winking Invader Zim with minimoose. (Funko.com July 19-25)
Kidrobot x SDCC
Covetable art toy outfit Kidrobot is offering several exclusives this year. Our top picks are the Disenchantment 16″ Luci Large Plush ($35) inspired by Matt Groening’s medieval fantasy send-up, and the very centering The Simpsons Golden Homer Buddha 1.5″ Enamel Pin ($10), limited to 500 pieces. (Kidrobot.com)
Entertainment Earth Exclusives
New items are dropping on the regular — everything from Star Wars: The Clone Wars pins to Naruto Shippuden figures to Starship Troopers vinyl. Keep checking for new items! (EntertainementEarth.com)
NECA Exclusives
Known for its detailed, high-quality figures, NECA’s annual TMNT set is rockin’ and retro this year. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990 Movie) 7″ Scale Action Figure Musical Mutagen Tour 4-Pack reimagines the heroes in a half shell as arena sell-out shredders. The box doubles as a stage, and set includes instruments, accessories, interchangeable hands and, of course, a pizza. ($125 at Target, July 23; available internationally through TheNECAStore.com for $150)
Zales Wonder Woman 1984 Fine Jewelry Collection
28 pieces inspired by the hero’s iconic WW emblem, lasso of truth — and even the villainous Minerva. ($229-$839, available now)
Arcadia Quest: Usagi Yojimbo Hero Pack
IDW Games and CMON Ltd. have teamed up for this Stan Sakai inspired expansion to the popular board game. The BackerKit preorder campaign runs through August 14.
Gentle Giant SDCC Exclusives
Two highly limited items are on offer this year: an all-new Star Wars Boba Fett Concept ⅙ Scale Bust based on the designs of Joe Johnston and Ralph McQuarrie, with two alternate helmets ($120, 500 pieces), and a Marvel animated Animated-Style Elektra Statue, a joyful five-inch jumping Elektra in her white outfit based on a variant cover ($50, 250 pieces). (www.gentlegiantltd.com)
Transformers Hasbro Exclusives
A whole slew of exclusives were announced during Pulse Fan First Friday for Walmart, Amazon and fan channel Generations Selects. We’re partial to the colorful Transformers: Generations War for Cybertron Trilogy Quintesson Pit of Judgement 5-Pack, available exclusively on HasbroPulse.com in the U.S. and Canada. ($70, September)
BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (Bluefin)
The first round of SDCC exclusive preorders dropped included awesome Godzilla and Dragon Ball pieces from top lines. Fans will be real charged up about the FiguartsZERO Super Saiyan Broly – The Burning Battles 12.5″ figure in an event-exclusive color edition, available for pre-order at Bluefin’s website. ($90, ships August)
Sprayground Backpacks
The streetwear brand’s newly launched 2020 collection features designs inspired by Illumination’s Minions and Classic Media’s Richie Rich — perfect for toting your haul at the next in-person Con. All Sprayground backpacks include separate laptop compartment and velour pouch perfect for glasses, phone, pencil case or secret snack. ($70-80, sprayground.com)
Kate Spade Nx Betty & Veronica
The beloved Archie Comics frenemies star in a chic, colorful new collaboration between King Features Syndicate and the esteemed fashion label. The collection includes handbags, totes, backpacks, pins, wallets, pouches, coin purses and apparel. (Available from Kate Spade New York Outlet stores worldwide)
COMING SOON
My Little Pony X Ghostbusters: Plasmane
Available for pre-order from Big Bad Toy Store, Entertainment Earth
($15, in stores Jan. 2021)
