TF2010: New Gears of War Epic Scale Series

[JeffSaylor]

First look at Epic Scale Marcus Fenix Bust and hands-on with the 1:1 Lancer Rifle...

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Toy Fair 2010 coverage brought to you by the following fine sponsors: BigBadToyStore.com, PastGenerationToys.com, and Sekaido.com (YesAnimation.com).

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As fans eagerly await the next chapter to unfold in the Gears of War video game series, the lore surrounding its rich characters continues to evolve in 2010. From Dom and Marcus' recent surprise appearance in the Lost Planet 2 trailer, to Karen Traviss' upcoming novel Anvil Gate this summer, EPIC is making sure Gearheads don't soon forget this amazing sci-fi universe.

To further extend the franchise's reach this year, Gears of War collectibles proceed to play a big part. The American International Toy Fair raised the curtain on a number of new items, including (Gear)head turning high-end sculptures from TriForce. We had the distinct privilege of visiting TriForce's Manhattan office during the event to get a sneak peek at two exciting new Gears of War collectibles: The awesome 1:1 Scale Lancer Rifle Replica and a first look at their all-new Epic Scale Marcus Fenix Bust. Read on...

"And then there were none." - Marcus Fenix

Hearing team TriForce explain the level of detail that went into making the 1:1 Scale Lancer Rifle had me questioning my fanboy faith. Sitting in their office was like taking Gears of War 101; these guys know their Gears inside out and it shows in their product. Uber-realistic oily fingerprint paint apps on the ammo magazine. An EPIC-approved number of chainsaw teeth (which will also be wickedly sharp - heed the warning label). Accurately colored, weather-worn weapon decals. The detail list goes on and on and on. TriForce didn't just set out to make a static replica, they approached this project as if making the real thing.

To display this bad boy (because it's 15 pounds heavy), TriForce told us that the Lancer will include a half-moon COG base with two clear rods to support it. Other extras include the light-up feature which will be activated by a concealed button below the butt of the gun. While the prototype we held wasn't a working model, photos of a test piece demonstrated just how accurately the Lancer will illuminate. The blue cross hairs looked amazing. A Limited Edition of 500 pieces worldwide are slated to be produced with release eyed at this Summer. The Lancer will retail for $949.99.

"And I used to be so pretty." - Marcus Fenix

An equally exciting part of our TriForce tour was the first look at a new series of Epic Scale Busts. Unlike the Design Maquettes, this line will feature prominent Gears of War characters from the waist up, captured in dynamic poses. Game star Marcus Fenix will be the first release this Fall; the COG hero to be sculpted with Lancer held high in one hand (an exact replica of the 1:1 model) and COG tags clutched tightly in the other. The sculpt and paint work on the Epic Scale Marcus was just as hyper-real as the 1:1 Lancer. Of particular note was the soft, flesh-like appearance of Marcus' face. The TriForce team was mum on how this effect was accomplished; only to say that the resin for the face was mixed with other materials to achieve the eerie realism.

Another signature of the Epic Scale series will be the addition of incredibly ornate bases that further define the character. The base for Marcus depicts architecture reminiscent of Fenix Manor and even featured the face of a broken cherub statue on the back as seen in the Mad World trailer. The Epic Scale series is, well... epic, not only in sculpt, but also in size. The Marcus bust was close in height to the 19" Locust Drone Design Maquette, and with Lancer Rifle in hand, a little bit taller. TriForce has not set a price for these yet, but plans to have them below $600. Gearheads will be delighted to know that TriForce has plans to release a VERY LIMITED run of Marcus Fenix Epic Scale pieces with Gold Plated Lancers available right around San Diego Comic-Con. By very limited, we're talking 50-100 pieces max. The possibility of a 1:1 scale Gold Lancer in an even more limited capacity is being discussed as well.

Stay tuned for further news from the front...

TRIFORCE TOY FAIR PHOTO GALLERY!

Special thanks to Drew Seldin, Vice President of TriForce, for the amazing tour.

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For a great selection of action figures and collectibles, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, SmallJoes.com, MonkeyDepot.com.

For a great selection of pop culture t-shirts and apparel, check out TShirtGurus.com and 80sTees.com.

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[SamRock]

Thats the best looking Marcus so far... He looks really pretty (lol) and unbelievably real!

I wish NECA makes a face sculpt that looks closer to that..

Jeff you are a born COG soldier!!