Greetings, Ringers! New York Comic Con 2024 is in full swing, and TheOneRing.net is excited to be part of the Middle-earth magic once again. With the revitalized interest in our favorite author’s legendarium, this year’s convention is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for Tolkien fans – and we’ve got a lot to share!
First, if you are at NYCC, get yourself to Geek Orthodox, Booth 1570. You won’t want to miss the incredible stained glass art and t-shirts on sale there. AND that’s where you can pick up TheOneRing.net’s Gollum/Smeagol 2024 T-shirt. This original TORn design features everyone’s favorite dual-natured (former) Hobbit, with the slogan: “We Wantsss Your Vote, Precious”. It’s the perfect tongue-in-cheek nod to this year’s presidential race – show your allegiance! And here’s the thing: this shirt is leaving now and never coming back… That’s right— NYCC is your last chance to get your hands on it! Once the convention ends, this exclusive edition disappears forever. (Sorry, we are not selling the shirt online).
Beyond the merch, we’re excited for everyone to experience Warner Brothers’ showcase of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, the epic animated movie releasing in the US on December 13th. The good news is that the Friday 11 am panel will will be live-streamed! Make sure to tune into YouTube and official channels to watch along.
And speaking of The War of the Rohirrim, our party celebrating the movie is sold out! We can’t wait to see those lucky Ringers who snagged a ticket for tonight. We’ve got some great swag for attendees, and some exclusive opportunities to walk away with great stuff from MetalBird, Oscha, Syzyrgy Forge, Shire Post Mint, Sideshow, and The Lord of the Rings in Concert.
Whether you’re at the convention or following along online, keep an eye out for all the LOTR fun. And don’t forget to stop by Booth 1570 to grab your exclusive shirt—you’ll wantsss it!
The Hornburg — a mighty fortress that win later come to be known as Helm’s Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Hera, the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their total destruction. Product Features:
– Incredibly detailed 4″ scale playset based on The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
– Over 7ft in length
– The ultimate set to build out The Hornburg Castle
– Figures not included. Sold separately.
– Collect all McFarlane Toys The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim figures
In a separate announcement, WB Pictures announce that Friday’s Rohirrim panel from NYCC will be livestreamed at 11am PT, potentially on X / Twitter and YouTube.
Join thousands of LOTR fans in conversation about The War of the Rohirrim in the TORN Discord.
McFarlane Toys is set to bring Rohirrim figures soon to major retailers. The news comes via toy figure site 118archive which yesterday revealed images for figures for Helm Hammerhand, his daughter Héra, and the anime’s antagonist, Wulf.
Each figure will also, apparently, include includes one of four pieces that when combined with the rest will assemble a Snow Troll (which seems to have been accorded the name, Shank).
Reports indicate that the figures will be priced at $19.99 USD apiece. Some 118archive commentors reported that they had seen images of the figures on Walmart, but a search by TheOneRing.net was unable to turn up anything so they may have been subsequently removed.
HELM HAMMERHAND
HERA
WULF
Weapons can be swapped from one hand to the other.
According to the product blurb, the “detailed 4” scale figure based on The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim feature 6 points of articulation for maximum play value.” Some commenters seem to indicate that six points of articulation is not maximum play value, but others said that the headsculpt looks good.
We’ll keep you updated with any official announcements. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim debuts in theatres in the USA on December 13 2024.
New York ComicCon reminders
Be sure to catch the official The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim panel at 11am on Friday October 18th, at the Javits Convention Center. Whet your appetite for this epic-anime feature (coming to theaters this December) at the panel, and then come celebrate with us (TORn) in the evening.
The War of the Rohirrim Panel
TheOneRing.netParty
It’s TheOneRing.net’s annual party at New York Comic Con; and this year we are thrilled to celebrate the upcoming movie The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim! Come eat, drink and party like a warrior of Rohan – just leave your horse at home…
We’ll be back at our favourite venue, the Joyce Public House (formerly Tir na Nog) in Times Square (W 39th St). The party will be on FRIDAY 18 October, 7.30-10.30pm. (All welcome – no NYCC pass required to attend.)
Thanks to our sponsor Warner Bros. Pictures, tickets are just $30, which includes your first drink, a buffet (including dessert later in the evening), three tickets for the raffle which will be drawn on the night, AND a special goodie bag!
Earlier this year, toy manufacturer Funko released a series of The Lord of the Rings figures in its ‘Bitty POP!’ format. Today they announced the expansion of this line to create a ‘Bittyverse’. The manufacturers say, ‘A refreshing extension of the core Bitty POP! line, Bittyverse focuses on enhancing the playability of the miniature Funko products by inviting fans to mix and match with new, IP-driven Rides, Towns and Displays.’ In The Lord of the Rings line, this means their Frodo Baggins figure gets his own Hobbit hole.
Part of the ‘Bitty POP Town’ range, the Hobbit hole is released today and retails for $9.99. Official details:
Your favorite The Lord of the Rings POP! collectibles have been shrunk into Bitty POP! collectibles. Expand your collection with Bitty POP! Town Frodo Baggins™ with the Ring and the Shire! Bitty POP! figure is packaged in a hard acrylic display case with a detachable bottom lid. The detachable bottom lid doubles as an acrylic base, to which the Bitty POP! figure is adhered. Remove this exclusive Bitty POP! Frodo Baggins™ from his display case so he can step inside the Bitty POP! Town The Shire! Vinyl figures are approximately 0.9 and 2-inches tall.
A bit more information about the Bittyverse, from Funko’s press release:
Taking the tiny figures to the next level of play, Bitty POP! Rides let fans take new Bittys on the “open” road with IP-specific Rides. Fans can also utilize new releases to drive into Bitty POP! Towns, which offer a variety of iconic IP-inspired buildings and locations. Each Town comes with a related Bitty POP! and case that can be placed within the Town. The latest releases allow fans to create endless combinations and run wild with their imaginations as they have the opportunity to place any Bitty POP! in a Bitty Ride or Town!
Funko POP! collectors will be delighted by these adorable additions to the Bittyverse. We wonder if eventually Frodo will get his own Bill the Pony ‘Bitty POP! Ride’…?
Toy manufacturer Funko is set to release a new The Lord of the Rings series of its distinctive vinyl figures in “Bitty Pop!” format. The teeny, 22.225mm-tall figures (that’s 7/8in) will come in four different series of four and are currently listed as “notify me” on the Funko site.
Series 1:Frodo Baggins, Gandalf, Gollum, plus a mystery figure.
Series 2: Galadriel, Legolas, Gimli, plus a mystery figure.
Series 3: Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, plus a mystery figure.
Series 4:Witch King, Dunharrow King, Lurtz, plus a mystery figure.
The mystery Bitty Pops! included in each box are Aragorn, and Nazgul (listed as “Rare (1/3)”), and Boromir, and Saruman (listed as “Hyper Rare (1/6)”). Yes, that opens up the possibility of getting a duplicate figure. Just so you know.
Bitty Pops! come packaged in hard acrylic cases with detachable bottom lids. The bottom lids double as acrylic bases, to which the Bitty Pop! figures are adhered. You can also sort and arrange Bitty Pops! with a display case that’s included in the box.
It has been fifty years since the Professor sailed into the West, and the Tolkienverse is still thriving. Which is great news for any who wish to pass along the passion as part of their holiday gift-giving, or perhaps pass along that personal hint to your favorite Father Christmas. It’s time for the OneRing staff to gather our collective guidance and bring you our annual Holiday Gift-Giving Guide: the Middle-earth Edition! We’ve pored over a lengthy lineup, narrowing our recommendations down to twelve, one for each day that you and your true love may be mingling under the proverbial pear tree. May you find your Arkenstone somewhere on the list!
For book lovers
Let’s start with something to warm every book purist’s heart: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded Edition. This is probably the consensus number one pick across all of our TORn staff Fellowship. Just released on November 14, and available broadly from your favorite source for books, this updated edition sees Humphrey Carpenter going back to his original typescripts and notes, restoring more than 150 letters that were excised from the 1981 edition to achieve what was then deemed a “publishable length.” Fortunately our appetite continues to grow for more content on Tolkien and his world in general, and especially commentary on his writings. Anyone for an expanded “Letter 131”, hearing more about a plot summary of the entirety of The Lord of the Rings, or getting Tolkien’s vision for publishing his “Tales of the Three Ages”?
2. Our senior staff member greendragon tends to split her time between America and her home in Scotland, which also boasts one of her favorite sources for unique and beautiful Tolkien-themed gifts: Oscha Slings. And Oscha has just released a number of new items on their website. greendragon enthuses: “In past years, I’ve picked one of their shawls and a throw as gifts; this year, however, I’m excited because their clothing line is back! The Oscha Wear range includes t-shirts, hoodies, and more, in a variety of sizes and styles – and there is even a range of baby grows! Oscha’s woven pieces are incredible, and are an investment; but now you can add some of their stunning designs to your wardrobe at a lower price point. T-shirts for all the Middle-earth fans in your life this holiday season! (If you ARE up for splurging, to treat yourself or that special someone, check out Oscha’s new Imladris design. I still haven’t picked my jaw up off the floor, after seeing this…)” And don’t forget to check out their Middle-earth Mug collection!
Collectibles
3. It’s the 20th anniversary of TheReturn of the King! We’ve even got some staffers – such as deej and Madeye Gamgee – heading to the Land of the Long White Cloud next month in search of Kiwi celebrations. But those are a bit tough to fit into a stocking. No fear! New Zealand Post has once again got you covered. Having already marked the last two years with commemorative collectibles celebrating The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, they’re now ready to help you complete the set! Check out some amazing RotK pieces – coins, stamps and pins – that will put you in the mood to celebrate the Days of the King! Beautiful stamps show images from the final movie in the trilogy, complete with ‘hidden messages’ – an iconic line from the film hidden in each design. Or along with some of us staffers, you might prefer to receive for the holiday season a set of the stunning coins. There are four in total, depicting Meduseld, Gondor, the Beacons, and Gandalf crowning Aragorn. They tie together beautifully as a set, and would be a wonderful addition to any collection.
4. Staffer Justin has been enthusing lately about Wizards of the Coast’s entry into Middle-earth through its massively popular Magic: the Gathering line. Last June the Wizards released a highly anticipated The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set. For gamers, the “Universes Beyond” card set has integrated Magic’s deep and strategic game-play with settings from Middle-earth (and not just the movies). With the holidays upon us, November 3 saw a new release to expand the set, including a special collection of four Scene Boxes that portray iconic LotR moments, each scene combining six borderless cards that together create a large scene that you can display on the included easel. New booster packs offer the chance to score alternative art, courtesy of the classic 70’s era Hildebrandt brothers, or some very funky “poster art” cards that have some of us humming The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins as we open our boosters. Fun!
5. The OneRing’s “Collecting the Precious” champion, Elessar, has passed along a couple of favorite gift-giving treasure troves, starting with our friends at Weta Workshop. Weta has been prolific with a host of new offerings aligned with the 20th anniversary of the PJ films, and you can find an array of figures, environments, prop replicas, t-shirts, art posters, etc. on their site. Elessar has highlighted a collection of them designed to fit many budgets, from new entries in Weta’s mini-epic and mini-statue lines like the King of the Dead, Sauron and Treebeard; to additions to their classic figures like a stunning Gondorian Fountain Guard; all the way to the threatening new environment, The Black Gate. Plus, Weta typically offers some great Black Friday promotions, so keep an eye out!
Toys
6. Elessar has also had his eye on a growing list of companies offering new Lord of the Rings lines, like Diamond Select Toys. You’ll find dioramas (like Aragorn), a collection of blind box mini-figures, and action figures galore (like a Nazgûl) on their site. Plus they have some terrific new offerings that you can pre-order now for delivery in early 2024. (I would be remiss should I fail to mention my man Sam in that lineup.)
7. Judging from our social media feeds as well as our own obsessions on the OneRing staff, Rivendell has been a glorious new addition to the LegoLord of the Rings universe. Boasting 3 stunning sections, 15 mini-figures, and over 6,000 pieces, you’ll need (and want) to find a generous space in your home to keep Elrond and company on permanent display. Bonus points for any who add on one of the special lighting kits available from multiple vendors like Lighttailing and Light My Bricks.
8. It’s back to the books for Madeye Gamgee, this time with a glorious new edition of The Hobbit. Published in September, the book features over 50 sketches, drawings, paintings and maps by J.R.R. Tolkien himself and with the complete text printed in two colors. The additional art pieces from the author – although exhibited and published elsewhere – have never appeared within the pages of the book itself. You can find the hardback edition broadly, or for a book this beautiful, you may want to splurge on the special deluxe boxed edition, which comes with two poster-size, fold-out maps revealing all the detail of Thror’s Map and Wilderland, an illustrated 88-page booklet, and a printed art card reproducing Tolkien’s original dust jacket painting.
9. Staffer Mithril has some kingly gifts to suggest. First up is the Lord of the Rings Tarot Deck from Insight Editions. Written by Casey Gilly and illustrated by Tomás Hijo, Mithril describes this as “like getting a mini gallery of art and a Palantír in a box.” It’s available at HerUniverse.com and on Amazon. If you’re in the mood for some Middle-earth inspired ornamentation on a more standard card deck, take a spin over to the King’s Wild Project or Theory11 for some amazing embellishments for poker night.
Jewelry
10. Our friends at Badali Jewelry have expanded their licensed offerings to a multiverse of fandoms, but their Middle-earth collection has always been like the Three-Farthing Stone in the Shire: right at the center. Check out their array of offerings like the Arkenstone, Shieldmaiden earrings, or their Palantir Locket. Staffer Mithril is a particular fan of their latest line of the Nine “Rings of Men”, with notable affection for the Ring of Númenor. Pick out your own Ring of Power! Captivate your friends! Watch out for shieldmaidens with swords!
Clothing
11. Staffer Tanya keeps an eye out for sources of attire fit for hobbits, elves, Rohirrim, and other Middle-earth denizens. Three in particular have caught her eye and heart this year. She writes of Linennaiveas offering “several options for Hobbit costuming, focusing on creating dresses using natural fibers. It currently has a Black Friday sale at its website, which assists with the slightly higher pricing for quality work.” Next up is Holy Clothing, a regular shopping spot for my own Rosie. Tanya writes that they’re “an ethical clothing brand out of Asia that pays their tailors fair wages, and gives 15% of their profits to charities. They have dresses named ‘Arwen,’ ‘Eowyn,’ and ‘Tauriel,’ and I admit I am eyeing up this excellent cloak for my own Christmas list.” The final entry on Tanya’s shopping list is Scarlet Darkness: “they have a variety of extremely affordable outfit options that are still perfectly acceptable at, say, a congregation of Elves at DragonCon, or your local renfest. (I might have used this site for DragonCon myself!) The pricing is very fair, and the quality holds up through all your Hobbit parties or journeys into the west.” Another clothing site option you may want to check out comes from Mithril: Her Universe, which has a new line of Middle-earth fashion. “Their clothes have great details and are always high quality and comfy to wear. Check out this Fellowship Cardigan. With both front and back filled with LotR graphics, it would be great for cozying up by the hearth in style.”
Her Universe Galadriel dress
12. Rounding out our “Durin’s Dozen” in this Holiday treasure trove is a unique gift spotted by one of our OneRing founders, Calisuri: a set of four pewter shot glasses each attired as one of our favorite hobbits! From Nemesis Now, and available from a number of sources, including Walmart and Amazon, the glasses come in an attractive gift box. And while they won’t hold a full pint, you still might consider getting one!
13. Ok fine. How about a “Barliman’s Dozen” then. We’ll add one more bonus entry to this year’s list, particularly fit for any fan with knitting needle facility: The Fellowship of the Knits book. Who couldn’t use a handy set of “Watchful Eye” mittens this winter? Or a “You Shawl Not Pass”? Thanks again to Mithril for the suggestion – it might be worth learning to knit!
We’re just skimming the surface, folks. You can also check out an array of additional options for the Silmarillion-smitten loved ones in your life, from next year’s classic Tolkien calendars to art prints by TORn’s good friends Jay Johnstone, Donato Giancola, Justin Gerard, Jerry Vandersteldt, Jenny Dolfen, and the CaveGeek. The Shire Post Mint has a whimsical collection of coins from all across Middle-earth, and the Hero’s Armory is your source for some very stylish Middle-earth fashion, from socks to neckties to cufflinks and tie clips. You may just want to soak in the bath with a rubber duck version of your favorite LotR hero (or villain) from TUBBZ. Our friends at Sideshow and Asmus boast some terrific Middle-earth offerings, and you can even find some versions for your littlest Tolkien fans-in-training from the Fisher-Price Little People Collection. Or why not launch out into the artist and maker world of Etsy – who knows what you might discover? Maybe a set of silverware with engraved LotR quotes? Or a One Fire Ring to Rule them All?
Happy hunting, and happiest of holidays from all your friends at TheOneRing.net!
