We posted the first batch of Minimates yesterday, but here is a new group. This lot features 3 Frost Giants, a S.H.I.E.L.D agent and another Asgardian character that looks a lot like Thor's hall brother Balder The Brave..
To date Balder has not been revealed to be a part of Kenneth Branagh's Thor. Will he have a surprise cameo? Of course this toy may just represent a nameless warrior who's wardrobe took some influences from Balder. What do you think?
Here is some history on the character..
One of the Norse Gods of Asgard, Balder is a close friend of the Thunder God Thor, the Warriors Three and a loyal follower and son of Odin, ruler of the gods. Balder has aided Thor against many of his foes, such as Skagg the Storm Giant and the fire demon Surtur when he warned Thor about them being released by Loki who planned for them to kill Odin after being told by Hemidall, Thor's adopted brother Loki, the Executioner and Enchantress, the Enchanters Three, the Wrecker, and Mangog. Balder is also briefly named ruler of Asgard during Thor's quest to find a then missing Odin. Like the mythological version, the Marvel version of Balder is the catalyst that will trigger Ragnarök and end Asgard. To prevent this, Odin cast spells to keep Balder invulnerable. This almost happens when Loki had the blind god Hoder accidentally kill Balder with a mistletoe arrow, but is averted by the planning of Odin, who creates a shield around Balder's pyre, and later restores Balder to life. On the second occasion, however, Balder is traumatized by the experience as he saw the souls of all those he had slain in battle and renounces killing. Balder also has a love-hate relationship with Karnilla, the Queen of the Norns, who has aided both Loki and Asgard at times; on one occasion Karnilla forces Balder to renounce Odin and serve her, whilst on another she joins forces with Asgard against Surtur at Balder's request. Karnilla's lust for Balder inadvertently causes the death of Balder's love, Nanna - an act that Balder has never forgotten.