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ANI*STATUES

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SHUNYA YAMASHITA

As it turns out, the end product still delivers plenty of opportunities for women to gape open-mouthed with no real provocation, and of course to become captured by a gang of slavers.
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As reported at Psylocke – Like A Butterfly:

In Madripoor, Psylocke, Storm, Rouge and Shadowcat face a group of “modern pirates”, which has kidnapped Rachel. The rescue operation is more complicated than the girls have thought as Rachel seems to betray her teammates even if Kitty says that Rachel told her telepathically to trust her. When they try to escape, they are hit by a beam which deprives them from their powers. They fall, but miraculously save themselves.

It’s hard to tell just looking at these preview scans or reading the above text, but again, Manara’s style is mostly fun, so none of this is going to lead to any Identity Crisis super-heroine rape scenes. To quote from Wikipedia:

Manara’s style favors clean lines for women reserving more complex drawings for monsters or other supernatural elements. Many of his comics feature themes of bondage, domination and humiliation, voyeurism, the supernatural, and the sexual tension beneath various aspects of Italian society. The works vary in their explicitness, but the general mood is playful rather than misogynistic. Manara’s skill in creating atmosphere, his obvious talent, and his occasional excursions into more “mainstream” stories, have helped to give him an air of artistic respectability.

So, without further ado, my ultimate Sideshow Holiday Gift Guide! In alphabetical order, because that’s only fair (and because it lets me list Cammy first :)

Cammy Statue (Shadowloo version)

Sideshow says: Sideshow Collectibles is proud to bring you the ‘Street Fighter 2′ Series. The Cammy mixed media statue is cast in high-quality polystone with real fabric elements, a stunning addition to any display.

Norimaro notes: Also available in her Delta Red camouflage outfit, see below!

• View gallery
• $249.99, IN STOCK at Sideshow

Cammy Statue (Delta Red version)

Norimaro notes: If Delta Red Cammy is so reformed and straight & narrow, then why is she seen here fleeing from a certain secret agent, hmm? (Gift art from Jen Seng for NLL circa 1998 — now THAT’s old school!)

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• $249.99, IN STOCK at Sideshow

Cloak & Dagger Comiquette (Sideshow Exclusive Edition)

Sideshow says: Cast in high-quality polystone, this sculpture is taken directly from the concepts and designs of widely acclaimed comic artist Mark Brooks. Brooks’ unique style and incredible talent have made him a critical and fan favorite. Hand painted and hand finished to exacting standards, the Cloak and Dagger Comiquette is created here in breathtakingly stunning detail, a perfect addition to any Marvel display.

Norimaro says: It’s a little misleading to call this “Cloak & Dagger” when it’s all about Dagger — but I’m not complaining :) The regular edition is sold out — this one costs slightly more, but you get the awesome print by Mark Brooks, which is as hot as the figure itself.

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• $189.99, IN STOCK at Sideshow

Ignis Blazing Scarlet PVC Figure

Sideshow says: Ignis is the demon huntress with fiery red hair and a shapely body from the popular Japanese visual novel / game Jingai Makyo created by Nitroplus. This is Ignis as never seen before. Sculpted by G.O. (Cerberus Project TM) from an original illustration by Ress, Ignis is on the charge, katana at the ready and gun ablaze. Standing approximately 8.65 inches high, Ignis will be riding to the rescue with gun, katana, and themed display base all packaged in a collector’s style window box.

Norimaro says: I don’t know what makes her more fiery — the red hair, the katana or the blazin gautomatic! But what makes this piece all the more special is it’s an original costume not seen in the novel/game (which shows off all of Ignis’ finer attributes heheh).

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• $89.99, IN STOCK at Sideshow

Morrigan 18″ Statue

Sideshow says: The sexy succubus from the Capcom fighting game Darkstalkers stands approximately 18 inches tall, cast in high-quality polystone. Each piece comes with a unique Certificate of Authenticity, hand signed by the sculptor, artist Jerry Macaluso.

Norimaro says: Sideshow also offers an exclusive edition of Morrigan with green hair holding a bat, but I definitely find this pose sexier.

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• $274.99, IN STOCK at Sideshow

Motoko Kusanagi – Ghost in the Shell RAH 12″ Figure

Sideshow says: Sideshow Collectibles is proud to bring you the latest from Medicom’s amazing line of 1:6 scale Real Action Heroes figures, Motoko Kusanagi from the acclaimed Masamune Shirow manga series Ghost in the Shell. Medicom has partnered with Perfect-Studio to create the figure, with a unique body sculpture and design. Each Rei figure includes detailed weapons and a figure stand and comes packaged in a beautiful display box.

Norimaro says: Elsewhere on Sideshow’s site it notes that Medicom’s RAH body is “capable of nearly any pose that the human body can achieve” (for those of you with idle hands and active imaginations).

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• $174.99, IN STOCK at Sideshow

Mystique Premium Format Figure

Sideshow says: Sculpted to Sideshow’s museum-quality standard, the Mystique Premium Format Figure presents the shape-shifting blue babe in fine form. Each piece is hand-cast of high-quality polystone, hand finished and individually numbered.

Norimaro says: The exlusive edition of this figure is wearing a belt with a big death skull buckle around her waist to further emphasize her seductive appeal, but you have to get on the wait list for her. And if the two versions of this hot figure alone don’t satisfy your Mystique fix, there’s Adam Hughes Comiquette due 1st Quarter of 2010.

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• $249.99, IN STOCK at Sideshow

Poison PVC Figure

Sideshow says: One of the most popular figures from Yamato’s Capcom Girls Collection, Poison is deadlier than ever as a bleach blonde decked out in black denim. Sculpted by Mitsumasa Yoshizawa (REFLECT), this stunningly statuesque PVC figure of Poison stands approximately 10.25 inches high and comes complete with handcuffs, arm rings, chains, and mirror base all packaged in a collector’s style window box.

Norimaro says: You can’t trust a big rack and handcuffs! Due November 2009.

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• $84.99, PRE-ORDER at Sideshow

Samus Zero Suit Statue

Sideshow says: Cast in high quality polystone, the statue is hand finished and hand painted. Comes packed in a foam interior full colored box with a card of authenticity. The Zero Suit is limited at only 2,500 pieces worldwide online and local specialty stores.

Norimaro says: Because not every pick on my list is a sexed up wench, so there! Due 4th Quarter 2009.

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• $119.99, PRE-ORDER at Sideshow

The Sacrifice PVC Figure

Sideshow says: Brought to three-dimensional life, Dorian Cleavenger’s “The Sacrifice” PVC statue stands nearly 13.00″ including an elaborately detailed altar base and removable parts. Accessories include cast-off clothing and an altar display base.

Norimaro says: I’m not sure this woman knows what evil fate awaits her, despite the fact that it seems to have restrained her hands is is crawling up her thighs, because somehow she does not look particularly scared.

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• $129.99, IN STOCK at Sideshow

Some cute/cool faves from this set:
• Gold Digger Annual #15 pinup by Neolucky
• Mayhem #3 pinup by Jim Mahfood
• Sky Pirates of Neo Terra #2

Sideshow Collectibles and Marvel Comics proudly present the latest addition to the Marvel Legendary Scale Bust series: Spider-Woman. This outstanding bust meets the standard of excellence that is the hallmark of a Sideshow sculpture, hand-finished, hand-painted and cast in the highest quality polystone. Capturing the alluring arachnid superhero perfectly, the Spider-Woman Legendary Scale Bust is a perfect addition to any Spider-Man or Marvel collection!

click here for full release info

Arkham Reborn #1, Batman #692, Blackest Night #4, Blackest Night: Titans #3 (cover), Blackest Night: Titans #3 (interior), Detective Comics #858 (cover), Detective Comics #858 (interior), Gotham City Sirens #5 (cover), Gotham City Sirens #5 (interior), Green Lantern #47, JSA #32, Madame Xanadu #16, Northlanders: The Plague Widow (cover), Starcraft #5 (cover), Superman: Secret Origin #2 (Cover A), Superman: Secret Origin #2 (Cover B), Superman: Secret Origin #2 (interior), Teen Titans #76, Teen Titans #76 (Ravager 2nd Feature), The Web #2, Wildcats #16 (cover), Wildcats #16 (interior), Wonder Woman #37 (cover), Wonder Woman #37 (interior).

Anita Blake: The Laughing Corpse – Executioner #1, Anti-Venom #2, Avengers Initiative #29, Dark Reign: Young Avengers #5, Guardians of the Galaxy #19, Hulk #16, Hulk #16 (Regular Cover), Hulk #16 (Variant Cover), Incredible Hercules #137, Marvel Divas #4, Necrosha #1, New Mutants #6, Secret War #9, Spin Angels #3 (interior), Spin Angels #3 (cover), Spin Angels #3 (back cover), Ultimate Avengers #3, Ultimate Avengers #3 (cover), X-Force #20.

Daily Wallpaper Update: Alodia as The Baroness (available in 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1024×768)