2012 Hallmark Ornaments
Sure it's after Christmas, but for us fans of Hallmark ornaments it's a fun or frustrating time (depending on how successful you are in hunting) for bargains as genre-based ornaments go on sale for half off or more.
As we're busy gobbling up 2011's ornaments, let's look ahead to this year's ornaments. Most of them will go on sale sometime in July with the rest coming out in October. Incidentally, the full lineup of Hallmark ornaments won't be officially revealed until this spring. But for now here are the known 2012 ornaments based on cool stuff we like. In other words, this ain't about fuzzy elves or reindeer!
Star Trek
U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Hallmark is releasing this replica of Captain Picard's Enterprise. Collectors will know that this ship was produced in 1993. The difference between these two is that this one can be displayed on a stand (similar to Hallmark's 2006 version of the original Enterprise) and is battery operated. Presumably it will feature lights and sounds; hopefully Jerry Goldsmith's majestic score will play when a button is pushed.
Dr. McCoy
The third in the Legends of Star Trek series. This figure of everyone's favorite Starfleet doctor is a companion piece to the other entries in the series, Kirk and Spock.
Two Spocks Meet
This diorama is titled An Extraordinary Meeting. It's a recreation of sorts (without the Star Trek delta shield logo in the background) of that scene near the end of the 2009 Star Trek film where the old Spock from the real universe meets his younger alternate self.
Star Wars
If you're a Star Wars fan then this is your year. Without contemplating any convention exclusives, a total of five ornaments will be released by Hallmark. They include:
TIE Interceptor
Barely glimpsed in Return of the Jedi (but that's nothing new when it comes to Star Wars merchandise), nonetheless it will be beautifully detailed as are most Hallmark ship ornaments.
Han Solo on a Tauntaun
From The Empire Strikes Back, Han sports his winter duds on his soon-to-be doomed riding animal. It looks neat!
General Grievous
As a fan of this character from Revenge of the Sith, I've been hoping they would release this Jedi slayer, which if you're into the villains of the movies, make a great addition to that collection or on your tree. The cape and lightsabre are a nice touch.
Darth Maul
This is Maul's second ornament, the first one was released in 2000 a year after The Phantom Menace came out. Fortunately, the pose is different in this year's model and not a re-issue.
Lego Stormtrooper
Hot on the heels of the successful Lego Darth Vader ornament comes this one of the white-clad cannon fodder. Perhaps Lego droids or Yoda are up for 2013.
Darth Vader
There will be another Vader as a Lego figurine ornament this year, but Hallmark will release in October another called Darth Vader Peekbuster. This one has the Dark Lord dressed in a more holiday theme and a special sensor built into the ornament will warn away anyone coming close to it (and nearby presents).
Super Heroes
AFAIK, this year's ornaments based on Marvel and DC super heroes will include Spider-Man (based on how he looks in the upcoming film The Amazing Spider-Man), Batman (also based on his new film), Catwoman (ditto), Green Lantern (unlike 2011's comic book-based look, this one of him recharging his ring is based on the way he looked in last year's Green Lantern film), and the most interesting super hero ornament (s) is a triptych of the Avengers from this summer's film. From what was shown in trade shows, there are three separate ornaments of film versions of Captain America, Thor and Iron Man on bases. You can attach the bases together to make the trio into a team. It's a good concept, you can get all three or if you just like one or two of the characters, you can just stick with your favorites. But why wasn't the Hulk included?
Miscellaneous
Hallmark at times throws fans curveballs and produce genre-based ornaments that aren't part of a series and with little notice. Examples include Robby the Robot, Gizmo and The Twilight Zone. With that, here are the known 2012 releases of ornaments based on films and shows we like.
Gandalf
From the Lord of the Rings film trilogy and meant to coincide with the new prequel The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
The Stay Puff Marshmallow Man
From the first Ghostbusters movie and a favorite for many fans of the franchise.
E. T.
Helping to celebrate '80s sci-fi nostalgia and its 30th anniversary is this ornament of the friendliest alien visitor seen on film. A tree light can be attached to the figurine for an optional heart glow effect.
Harry Potter Vs. Voldemort
Even though the Harry Potter film series ended, the character's popularity continues resulting in Hallmark's latest Potter ornament.
The DeLorean Time Machine
This is my personal favorite from the list and a must-have. From the picture at the previews it's a stunning replica of the DeLorean car decked out with Mr. Fusion and the time travel attachments seen in the Back to the Future trilogy. It would be perfect if it comes with lights or some other feature. Think I might get two of them, y'know, in case one breaks. :D
Waldermann Rivera