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Six new Doctor Who Collectors’ Sets + New Australia / USA Availability
Some sets are available now with more to follow from www.sanity.com.au
Customers in the USA will be able to order sets via www.amazon.com #ad
Character Options is pleased to announce the launch of six new Doctor Who action figure sets launching in late July 2020.
The range includes several action figure boxsets, including Friends and Foes of the Thirteenth Doctor set which completes the Thirteenth Doctors crew. All include highly detailed 5.5 inch scale figures featuring multiple points of articulation and come beautifully packaged.
The new collection will be available in the UK exclusively at B&M stores from late July and in the USA from www.amazon.com #ad and in Australia from www.sanity.com.au
Hotly anticipated is the Friends and Foes of the Thirteenth Doctor set. These are the first figures of companions Yasmin (Yaz) Khan, as seen in ‘Arachnids in the UK’, and Ryan Sinclair as seen in the story ‘Rosa’. The set also features a Judoon Trooper, one of the ruthless intergalactic security enforcers seen in the story ‘Fugitive of the Judoon’.
The new release of the Second Doctor and TARDIS Set features detailing from the last episode of 1969’s ten part epic ‘The War Games’, the final story of Season Six. The set comprises the Second Doctor with ripped trouser knee details and bedraggled appearance. The TARDIS comes in dark blue with iconic Second Doctor square top lamp, standard opening doors, ‘POLICE BOX’ signage and the newer low-profile base.
For Dalek aficionados there will be the two History of the Daleks Sets, which include specially created inserts as part of the heritage Doctor Who brand packaging.
‘The Daleks’ Collector Set comprises of a Twin Dalek Set and features the Daleks as seen fully in ‘The Daleks’, the second story of the very first season of Doctor Who in 1963. When seen in the early days of black and white television these Daleks were utterly alien in look and virtually identical in their livery of silver, mid grey and blue hemispheres. Their eyestalks became larger or smaller like the pupil of an eye and their guns comprised straight metal rails with inset plastic octagons. To identify each prop the casings had parallel black lines etched on, numbering them one to four. This has been replicated as accurately as possible in this new set.
The Dalek Invasion of Earth Collector Set features the Daleks as seen in the second serial of the second season, The Dalek Invasion of Earth, from 1964. Overwhelming demand and popularity meant the Daleks had to return, and this time they came to Earth. These revised Daleks were taller and more imposing with deep bases and revised colour schemes this stunning new set represents a silver eyed ‘Drone’ Dalek and the black ‘Saucer Command’ Dalek.
Hot on the heels of the Harry Sullivan figure release last year, Companions of the Fourth Doctor features a new figure of Sarah Jane Smith and two figures of Romana completing the Fourth Doctor’s companion list from 1975 to 1981. This set includes Sarah Jane Smith as seen in 1975’s ‘Genesis of the Daleks’ and ‘Revenge of the Cybermen’ stories, and Romana as seen in 1978’s ‘The Pirate Planet’ and 1979’s ‘Destiny of the Daleks’.
For some collectors, the arrival of the 1971 U.N.I.T Claws of Axos Set ends possibly the longest awaited figure release and completes the classic Third Doctor’s core U.N.I.T team of Brigadier Lethbridge Stuart, Captain Mike Yates and Sergeant John Benton. This new set features figures from Season 8’s 1971 story ‘The Claws of Axos’; the Brigadier wearing his less formal uniform with U.N.I.T beret, and Benton and Yates sporting their combat fatigues and webbing.
Al Dewar, Character Options, Creative Director, said. “This will be the first time in almost a decade where there will be parallel launches of the same product in the UK and the USA. Hopefully this new wave of toys will contain a few surprises for everyone. As always, the Character team has tried very hard to bring something new to delight, and hopefully exceed the expectations of fans and collectors alike. This time we are bringing even more to the table with six new products!”
Lee Moone
May 19th, 2020 - 11:36pmBecause that’s how it was on the original. The front and the back were part of the Wardrobe prop for The Celestrial Toymaker story. These were used for the original prop when it had a re fit and stayed that way until it fell apart during Seeds of Doom story, so therefore it is THE most accurate box so far… that said it’s not 100% as there are other quirks missing, or not able to do with these releases.
Hope that helps?
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 10:51pmAny idea why the TARDIS has two different police box signs at the top?
Lee Moone
May 19th, 2020 - 11:29pmBecause that’s how it was on the original. The front and the back were part of the Wardrobe prop for The Celestrial Toymaker story. These were used for the original prop when it had a re fit and stayed that way until it fell apart during Seeds of Doom story, so therefore it is THE most accurate box so far… that said it’s not 100% as there are other quirks missing, or not able to do with these releases.
Hope that helps?
River Slaney-Sanchez
May 19th, 2020 - 11:44pmBecause in some stories, the prop was so badly damaged, and then patched up, it did have some mis-matched signage. So this is fairly accurate.
Bobby Davros
May 20th, 2020 - 12:50amAnd by some stories we mean every story from 1966 to 1976.
JJ
May 19th, 2020 - 7:45pmAny idea how much the Tardis and Dalek sets will be or are they all going to be £19.99 each?
Jamie D
May 19th, 2020 - 8:14pmThey are all 19.99.
Grant
May 19th, 2020 - 7:43pmThese look great! And six sets oh my poor bank balance! Just glad we are getting new 5” figures after all these years and new classic companions! My hopes for an unearthly child set could poss happen (please!!) only slight niggle is Romana 1’s outfit they could have painted the pink blouse all way around, but hey ho very grateful to character & B&M like I said that after all these years we are still getting new releases! Lovely!
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 4:02pmOh my days!!! Lovely!!!
MajorMorgan
May 19th, 2020 - 3:18pmI’m delighted that B&M are doing these and I shall buy them all if I get the chance.
With the UNIT figures it is a shame that Yates and Benton have the same legs as the Brigadier and not be wearing boots with gaiters. I’ve also seen a picture of Benton’s gun and it’s a M4 carbine not a L1A1 SLR. I understand about using existing moulds but it’s a shame. Still I’ve waited so long for a Benton figure I’m happy to get anything.
Dalek z
May 19th, 2020 - 2:13pmLovely stuff, but B&M again! I’ve been hiding from shops for two months now.
I’m gonna get Covid visiting all these B&M’s trying to find me these.
Look at that Romana in pink…wow!!!
Dan Schmeichel
May 19th, 2020 - 1:15pmSo wait???
So these are going be available to fans in America???
I usually have to buy from Ebay. & who north America have been able on getting B&Ms but like a month later from the release date. I wonder if whona.com know about this so they can get them earlier.
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 1:17pmI think I’ll order from America too if it’s cost effective
booboo
May 19th, 2020 - 1:22pmyes and it looks like the price is sensible as well $19.99 each in the USA also it seems
Really depends on if Amazon USA will export under their global shipping but some how i doubt it
Bob James
May 19th, 2020 - 3:14pmI’ve already contacted Keith Bradbury at http://www.whona.com about their getting some of these in stock and am awaiting a reply. I’d be very surprised if he didn’t make the effort to get these as these figures are going to make plenty of Classic Who fans quite happy.
booboo
May 19th, 2020 - 3:27pmthey didn’t seem to know about the press release but there is a dedicated North American official site yet to launch properly who will be selling all sets (and the last 13th Dr wave wave) via Amazon at $19.99 each. Unless they can get some at trade i cant see how they can compete.
Also the last B&M sets to get to the USA via UT were considerably more expensive than the UK so this is good news for you.
davidhhh
May 21st, 2020 - 7:23amPlease keep us updated when that site will be selling via Amazon!
I absolutely want at least three of these. But money’s tight right now, for obvious reasons!
pupbenny
May 19th, 2020 - 1:10pmI LOVE THOSE DALEK SETS! And I’d certainly like Romana II. I still don’t have the Second Doctor after all these years so hm…. that could be a good one for me.
Doctor Stu
May 19th, 2020 - 1:00pmWill these be released with standard variants for everyone else or are these the one and only versions and at b&m only? Because I hate how this works
booboo
May 19th, 2020 - 1:10pmI doubt it very much
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 12:37pmI love these sets! I for one want all of them! Ryan and Yaz will be very much wanted in my house!
What figure first reused parts from a Primeval figure?
masterdoctorten
May 19th, 2020 - 4:12pmI think Count Scarlioni used one ages ago.
The Monitor
May 19th, 2020 - 12:16pmYou have really got to hand it to B&M to persevere after all these years. I have loved everything they have done, including 12 years ago when the rereleased 6 single figures in slimmer, better packaging. I was so excited when I finally got a full set.
Then B&M expanded their shops everywhere with more coming.
Martino
May 19th, 2020 - 12:12pmStunning likeness on the UNIT figures, and Romana 2. I will be buying all the Classic figures … on eBay sadly. I’m a ten minute bus journey from a B&M (Willesden), but they never have any Dr Who figures. :O(
David
May 23rd, 2020 - 2:40pmAre you part of the Doctor Who Collectors Club on Facebook? I know many members there help each other out in finding the sets.
AT
May 19th, 2020 - 11:56amThese sets arent that exciting. The Romana 1 figure is really poor, the Unit set is boring and do we really need another Judoon figure?
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 12:04pmjust be happy that we’re getting figures at all.
booboo
May 19th, 2020 - 12:10pmVast majority are over the moon with these, that’s all that matters figures here collectors thought they would never get.
James17
May 19th, 2020 - 12:17pmTo you, they may not be exciting.
I’ve wanted Unit for years, Mike and Benton are my childhood favourite characters. Romana 1 doesn’t look that bad, and anyway, you can customise it, which is something lots of people love doing.
Fitz
May 19th, 2020 - 12:37pmI don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about pieces of plastic. Romana II is a dream come true.
SJF
May 19th, 2020 - 3:38pmWe’re getting 7 brand new companions, how is that not exciting?
If you don’t like them, you don’t have to buy them. Last year’s sets weren’t hugely of interest to me bar a few specific figures like Harry and Dark Eyes Eight but I can still see that they were good sets for people that were interested in Sontarans and Cybermen. Year after year CO have been delivering almost everything we ask for within reason, along with a load more goodies we’d have never expected.
Judy McFoody
May 19th, 2020 - 10:30amI only wish that the 2nd doctors eyebrows were bright ginger…. ngl
John
May 19th, 2020 - 10:19amThese are just a dream come true. If new heads are affordable, I wonder if Dalek appendiges are? ie perceptor, cutter, electrode unit etc.
Whilst its not a convnient time for some for these to be released, I suspect they will be around for a while for that very reason. Don’t forget these would be planned probably a year ago when none of this Covid crisis could even be imagined so you can’t blame them for putting stock on the shelves – they need room and return from investment. All thats going to happen with an army of Who fans demanding mail order and delays is that someone will say oh this range is too high maintenance lets not bother! I do share your concerns, especially those without easy to reach stores but give B&M a break eh? Their business isn’t built round us – I’m just eternally grateful they have the faith to invest in what is essentially a dead range to everyone else.
Trip of a Lifetime
May 19th, 2020 - 9:26amthese look amazing!
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 9:02amBooboo, do you know what the base figures for the Yaz and Romana 1 figures and the Benton and Yates figures?
TIMELORDTC
May 19th, 2020 - 9:24amRomana and Yaz are from a Primeval figure
SJF
May 19th, 2020 - 11:39amSarah Jane – Martha (combat gear)
Romana I – Claudia Brown (Primeval)
Romana 2 – Sarah Jane (Kudlak two pack)
Benton – The Brigadier (The Three Doctors)
Yates – The Brigadier (The Three Doctors)
Yaz – Claudia Brown (Primeval)
Ryan – Nick Cutter (Primeval)
lister
May 19th, 2020 - 1:15pmI don’t think Benton and Yates are based on the Brigadier from the Three Doctors set. That figure is wearing more of a dress uniform. I’m not sure where these figures come from.
SJF
May 19th, 2020 - 3:40pmIt is the Brigadier from The Three Doctors, it’s just a new body wrap because the Brigadier’s uniform was a plastic wrap rather than sculpted on the torso.
Presumably it was only possible because they did both Benton and Yates, so they could justify the new piece.
Romana’s scarf is new as well.
Bryan Of Morbius
May 19th, 2020 - 10:39pmFor my money the Yates and Benton torso sections are based on Primeval figures Stephen (looking at pocket angles) or Nick but reworked with the addition of the webbing pouches etc, I was looking at doing something along those lines myself. The head sculpts are new but the beret is probably from the Brig.
What I’d like to know is if they come with any accessories, even the modern Primeval ones like the guns and walkie talkies? The original Brig had a pistol but also swagger stick and binoculars with other versions.
There’s room for army building if you want to do some customisation head wise etc.
darkbill
May 19th, 2020 - 8:49amI just picked up the Pertwee Tardis and Dalek sets a couple of weeks ago. B&M weren’t exactly strictly enforcing social distancing, but checkouts etc. were adhering to the rules and they were stewarding customers in and out. It was the other customers who were the issue – most didn’t seem to be aware that social distancing was even a thing. People were basically self-regulating, so some were giving you distance, waiting to let you move on etc, but others were just breezing around without a care in the world.
I’m a key worker and this is a large B&M next to where I work, so I go past it most days. I can probably go first thing in the morning when things are quiet. I’m in Scotland and by June the lockdown restrictions are likely to be eased a little further – although sensibly social distancing will still be expected. And knowing B&M it will be closer to the start of July before they start showing up around here.
This should make it easier for people to pick these up, so long as everyone stays sensible.
On a more positive note, I love all these sets. When CO starting producing these figures I remember thinking that if they did all the classic doctors, a Genesis Dalek and an Earthshock Cyberman I could treat anything else as a bonus. With the UNIT set I’m getting close to finishing off my original wishlist. 🙂
I wonder if the Dalek sets will pave the way for other monster sets, like Cybermen, which might mean we could get the more recent Cyber versions?
Looks like the focus is on Companions for these sets rather than Monsters, which makes a refreshing change. It’s always interesting how they manage to eke out so many characters from so few moulds.
Hopefully these sets will fly off the shelf and they might even be tempted to try some more original characters – an Ogron and a Yeti would be decent army builders.
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 10:27amI can’t find the newer pertwee box, went into lockdown before I got it but I do have the 2018 variant so I might just skip it…
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 8:44amI only really want the 13th doctor companion sets. The rest I can live without
Nick r
May 19th, 2020 - 10:34amWell i can live wi5h out the 13th doctor set.
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 11:21amGood for you. My opinion is mine and so is yours.
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 8:40amDuring a pandemic? I’m not trapsing around unnecessarily to get these. Please reconsider.
Dalek Command
May 19th, 2020 - 8:57amAgree. I think these should go onto the Web Site. I don’t think anyone should be trapsing around stores to find these or anything else not necessary at the moment. Just got to be sensible.
Maybe we should all contact B and M’s Managing Director to express our concerns.
I also fear a lot of these will go onto EBay at the usual inflated prices.
Lee Moone
May 19th, 2020 - 8:17amHeres hoping we get more companion sets in the future a Ben, Polly and Jamie set then a Jamie, Victoria & Zoe set. Jamie could be with polo neck in one set and then in his shirt, neckachief and sleeveless jacket in another!
I’d also like to see Inferno figures with The Brigade Leader & the two Liz Shaws in one set, plus a 3rd Dr in his Season 7 clothes, which could also be used for 12th Dr from Mummy on the Orient Express!
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 10:53amSome 3 packs I think character could find some way of doing would be:
Susan, Ian and Barbara
Vicki, Steven and Meddling Monk or Celestial Toymaker
Bradley 1st doctor, normal Ben and Polly
Jamie, Zoe and Victoria
Liz, shop window auton with wig and primord using a doctor Constantine or bracewell body
Adric, 4th doctor in time lord robes, meglos 4th doctor or horns of nimon romana using same body sculpt of her destiny costume (inaccurate obviously but these are budget sets)
Nyssa, Tegan and Turlough
Solemn hatred 7, ace and mel
Attack cybercontroller, valeyard and varl for an enemies of the sixth doctor set, if they can’t do a 6th doctor himself
Clara, Bill and Nardole
Martha, Donna and Wilf
Whisperman, Dr Simeon and Vastra
2017 mondasian cybermen, half face man, ghost prentis/doctor
Anonymous
May 21st, 2020 - 7:32am*solemn hatted*
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2020 - 8:19pmWhoops, damn autocorrect
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 7:27amThis might be the first year that I actually want all of them!
Doctor…Who?
May 19th, 2020 - 7:24amThe UNIT family is complete!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 8:12amApart from Liz Shaw
Doctor…Who?
May 19th, 2020 - 8:26amOh yeah… come on B&M! Do your stuff next year!
Bob James
May 19th, 2020 - 3:24pmYes, let’s not forget Liz!
Lee Moone
May 19th, 2020 - 6:56amWow, great new. Have to say that the head sculps are very good. Shame they didnt do a new smiley varient for Pat though!
Talking of the 2and Dr… if Character had nipped to my blog page the zeroroom they could have seen all my research on the 2nd Dr and added the correct Sonic and Hankie pattern for the figure too! No excuse now for not having a 2nd Dr Sonic Toy
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 3:38amBooboo / Anyone, Do you know where we can write to (email or physical address) to let B&M and/or CO know that we are not happy with the decision to release these in June? I know they need to make money, but they are simply acting irresponsibly releasing these at a time when surely we will still be in a Pandemic. How can we ask them to postpone the release by atleast a few months, to see if the situation is any better/ more appropriate to allow vulnerable people a fair chance at getting these sets, at the reasonable RRP. If they go ahead with this planned month, they clearly do not take ‘Doctor Who’ fans/ their customers health seriously…
Dalek Command
May 19th, 2020 - 9:02amJust posted similar message. I did not see your post originally. I agree. It is very simple B and M put them on the web site. We should somehow contact B and M’s Managing Director.
booboo
May 19th, 2020 - 9:13amCant see them setting up a mail order department just for a few Doctor Who sets, click and collect with minimal contact is probably the best option but still goes against their business model (ie getting people in stores)
They could use Amazon or Ebay as ready made stores but they take a fair % in costs so may reduce the sets viability. (although i’m guessing most would be prepared to pay a small premium to cover those costs)
I doubt they will do anything put would love to proved wrong.
JJ
May 19th, 2020 - 7:30pmIt is irresponsible, they should wait until until this virus is more manageable and lockdown is eased which is when people will be flocking to the shops. Otherwise it’ll just be scalpers going and then £20 a set which was already unaffordable to many will be quadruple the price. It’s the kids wanting these sets I feel most sorry for tbh.
Steven bird
May 22nd, 2020 - 6:59pmBut then there are people who do their shopping at B&M bargains who will think that it’s brilliant that they can pick up a TOY while they are out doing their shopping. If you wanted them that desperately, you’d go and get them straight away or hope that everyone avoids B&M like you will and you’ll be able to pick them up easily once lockdown and social distancing officially ends…
Bob James
May 19th, 2020 - 2:48amPlease the moment anyone gets any word on US availability (like an actual link, maybe?) on these, post it here.
Fitz
May 19th, 2020 - 3:09amYes please! (Or Australian availability, come to that.)
Bob James
May 19th, 2020 - 3:11pmAnd despite my past ire with Character over other issues, I could not be more grateful that these are coming. These are the figures of the characters I was hoping all along we would have seen back in the Character action figure heyday. In this day and age when I really feel “my” Doctor Who has been lost, this is just the right kind kind of celebration and spot on nostalgia. Now, on to Tegan! Nyssa! Turlough! And yes, even Adric!
Bob James
May 19th, 2020 - 3:18pmAnd not forget Susan, Barbara, and Ian! And Zoe, Jaime, Victoria, Polly and Ben! But now I AM dreaming.
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 5:34pmWhy does everyone always forget Mel, Steven, Vicki, Dodo and Liz Shaw?
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 12:50amDo the invasion Dale’s have the dish on the backs?
And do the unit soldiers have weapons?
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 2:22amYes and yes
Andrew Lewis
May 18th, 2020 - 11:27pmDo we have any idea of numbers, is it a limited run or can we expect a flood of them so availability will be fine? If they turn up on amazon I don’t want to be extortionate. Also here’s hoping that the proceeds from these goes to a bigger budget next year, dare I say we could something bigger like Bessie? Or even a TARDIS console? That would be icing in the cake.
john hogg
May 19th, 2020 - 12:35am1) they only use older bodies form older Dr who figures and some form torch-wood, only thing new is the heads,
2) they do not make new Dr who merchandise from scratch to costly
3) usual run is about 5000, per set on the first run followed up by another 5-7,000 sets
Anonymous
May 19th, 2020 - 10:38amThey have never used Torchwood bodies as they were made by a different company. They use Primeval bodies. I think that is what you mean?
Tom
May 18th, 2020 - 11:26pmAny chance we could get a distributor for Australia and New Zealand? Or will Amazon AU be carrying these?