Dark Horse has developed an impressive lineup of 3D merchandise for 2004, most of which supports the company's comic books, though some items, such as the ongoing series of figures designed by movie helmer Tim Burton, are simply way cool in their own right.  Dark Horse will release its fifth series of Tim Burton's Tragic Toys for Girls and Boys later this year, and though the characters do relate to Burton's The Meloncholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories, which Dark Horse publishes, they have also taken on a wonderfully weird life of their own in this incredibly inventive series. 

 

In addition to a very modern sense of the absurd, the folks at Dark Horse also have a real feeling for the history of comics and comic strips, and they have produced a number of wonderful items based on the comic strips and cartoons of America's past.  This summer's tribute to the rich tradition of American animation is a 7-inch vinyl figure of Mighty Mouse, which will be out on June 2 and retail for $17.99.

 

Most of the items Dark Horse displayed at Toy Fair this year do relate directly to the company's comic properties and few will be of more interest to large numbers of fans than the Kotobukiya Star Wars model kits.  Imported from Japan, these hugely detailed, snap-together kits are perfect for serious Star Wars collectors.  Dark Horse intends to ship the menacing Darth Maul Figure in late May and a superb Imperial Stormtrooper Figure in June.  Star Wars Episode III will be out next year, so expect Dark Horse to gradually expand its Star Wars offerings over the next twelve months.  Dark Horse has already provided retailers with a lot of Hellboy merchandise, which ties in with the April release of the Hellboy movie.  A series of four Hellboy Coasters, which will be out in May and retail for $12.99, round out an ambitious Hellboy merchandise program.

 

Valeria Bust

Dark Horse's new Conan comic book series has done well on its own and also provided some significant merchandise opportunities. The latest in a series of busts and statues based on the Conan property features the gorgeous (and deadly) Valeria.  The fully painted resin Valeria Bust debuts in July with a retail price of $49.99.

 

Shi Action Figures

This summer, Dark Horse will also release Shi and Tomoe Action Figures, based on William Tucci's Shi comic book series, now published by Dark Horse.  The Shi and Tomoe Action Figures will retail for $14.99 and should be available by the middle of July.