Friday, July 31, 2015

A New Batgirl Review: Batgirl from from DC Comics Retro Sofubi Collection by Medicom


     One of the interesting things about collecting merchandise featuring a specific character is that you often end up venturing outside of your collecting norms. By and large I tend to purchase (and review) the same kinds of things: 6-7 inch action figures, 1/18th scale faux retro figures, and minifigures. Collecting a variety Batgirl stuff not gives me a chance to pick up various interpretations of a character I love but also the opportunity to experience many different types of collectibles. Today I'm looking at a Sofubi, or Japanese soft vinyl, version of Batgirl from Medicom. I remember seeing plenty of Medicom's offerings years ago in the back of Lee's Action Figure New and Toy Review but I don't believe I've ever owned anything from the company until now. Batgirl comes from their DC Comics Retro Sofubi Collection, a line that seems to blend the vintage Mego styles of DC Characters with the Sofubi form. I wasn't at all familiar with this style of figure but, after watching this video review from Daring Doodads, I decided to snag her. Want to see more? Then join me after the break...

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Action Figure Review: Quint from Jaws ReAction by Funko

    
Coinciding with the films 40th anniversary, Funko's Jaws ReAction line has quite possibly been one of the most anticipated new toylines of the year. What can I say? People love Jaws! It's one of those seminal film classics that continues to hold up well over time but which has never had that much merchandise attached to it. There have been various Jaws themed trinkets sold over the years at Universal Studios and of course there is McFarlane's Movie Maniacs boxed diorama of the Orca being attacked by Jaws, but that's about it. Considering Jaws hit theaters less than two years before Star Wars and, in many ways, paved the way for Star Wars to become a blockbuster hit, releasing these characters as vintage styled action figures feels like it makes a lot of sense. Today I'm looking at Quint, the salty fishermen and captain of the Orca played by the late Robert Shaw. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Action Figure Review: Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver ReAction by Funko

"You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? Then who the hell else are you talkin' to? You talkin' to me? Well I'm the only one here. Who the &*@! do you think you're talking to?"

     As I mentioned yesterday in my review of Tony Montana from the Scarface ReAction line, I'm absolutely loving how Funko is giving so many cult classic characters a shot at having an action figure again. It's been around 8 years since lines like Cult Classics, Now Playing, and Movie Maniacs graced toy shelves. Heck, I think we can largely attribute the deaths of those toylines to the decline of media focused stores such as Sam Goody, Suncoast, Tower Records, and Media Play. Whilebookstores like Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million are carrying more action figures, most collectors are ordering their figures directly from online retailers, so the whims of traditional retailers no longer need to be as heavily catered to. I'm a big fan of Martin Scorsese's 1976 film Taxi Driver and while I've never really felt there was a need for a Travis Bickle action figure, the fact that he exists in the delightful faux-Kenner style is just too hilarious. Imagine these guys sitting on shelves back in the late 1970s for kids to buy? Anyways, here's a closer look at Travis Bickle, after the break...


Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Action Figure Review: Tony Montana from Scarface ReAction by Funko





     It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the ReAction style as I've reviewed around two dozen of these little buggers on the site and own a few more that I've never gotten around to reviewing. Besides just liking the style and characters, though, I love the diversity of licenses and characters offered under one banner. You know what it reminds me of? Movie Maniacs, Cult Classics, Now Playing, and other similar action figure lines from the late 90's and early 2000's that features the gimmick of multiple iconic characters who couldn't stand on their own but worked great as a set. The first series of McFarlane's Movie Maniacs brought about an extremely exciting time for the hobby of action figure collecting as it seemed to open the floodgates to companies trying to release the most outrageous, obscure, cult favorite toys that they could. While that period saw many new companies appear on the scene (and disappear, too), it didn't last forever. What Funko is doing with their ReAction line simultaneously makes me nostalgic for the 1980s and for the early 2000s. Bizarre huh? Anyways, today I'm looking at Tony Montana from Scarface. Is there anyone who isn't aware of Scarface? This figure of Tony is the only figure in the line but I thought he'd be an interesting guy to add to the shelf. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...


Monday, July 27, 2015

Action Figure Review: Jack Skellington (evil smile) from The Nightmare Before Christmas ReActon by Funko


I've been a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas since it came out in theaters in 1993. I'm not trying to sound like a hipster or anything but I remember a time when not everyone loved the movie. Heck, until it hit VHS I remember most of my friends not even knowing what the movie was. My parents took me to see it it, however, as I've always loved Halloween and this movie was a perfect Halloween treat for 11 year old me. When the movie hit theaters I had purchased a number of the toys (many from Suncoast!) and still have a number of my originals. My wife is also a huge fan, so our house if filled with a number of Nightmare Before Christmas themed trinkets: Salt and pepper shakers, pillows, jewelry, storage boxes, framed pictures, and plenty of toys! While I have a very decent sized collection of the beautiful (but fragile) NECA Nightmare Before Christmas and haven't really felt the need to pick up any new figure series since their release, I was interested in owning a Jack to go with my ReAction collection. During a buy 2 get one free sale at Toys 'R Us a few weeks ago I finally saw the opportunity and added the Pumpkin King to my collection. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the beak...


Friday, July 24, 2015

Action Figure Review: Clayface from Batman: Arkham City by DC Collectibles


     I think it's extremely probable that DC Collectibles' work on the Batman: Arkham-verse games has created the fullest, most robust action figure line of Batman heroes and villains in one fairly consistent style. Even though the game has almost been out for 4 years, DC Collectibles saw it fit to release what I believe is the largest 7-inch scaled figure they've ever produced: Clayface! While Clayface had a cameo appearance in Batman: Arkham Asylum, his role in Batman: Arkham City was far more substantial. Considering the game has been out for a few years and has had both a sequel and a prequel, I don't imagine anyone who cares isn't already aware of the game's plot but just be forewarned that this Clayface figure really does give away a major plot twist from the game. This is your warning!

I knew this figure was coming out and had been paying attention to it, but it was actually this review from Phantom Troublemaker at Needless Things that finally gave me the confidence to jump in and purchase this big guy. I'm happy to report that the quality is much better than some of the previous oversized DC Collectibles figures. Anyways, ready to look at an absolutely massive Clayface action figure (seriously this guy would look suitable monstrous next to most 1/6th scale figures)? Then join me after the break...


Thursday, July 23, 2015

Minifigure Review: Z.O.M.B.I.E. Series 1- Red Edition by October Toys

   
  Today I'm recycling a bit! In early June I showed off the first series of October Toys' Z.O.M.B.I.E. figures that I found while on a road trip. I liked them quite a bit and noticed that October Toys was still advertising that an airsoft gun shop, Tsunami Tactical, was supposedly still carrying the Red Edition of series 1. I clicked the link and quickly purchased my set. It took a few weeks but my set finally arrived and I'm just not getting around to showing it off. These are the exact same figures as the "Flesh" colored series 1 figures but now cast in a cool red plastic. My descriptions for these figures are the same but the pictures are knew! You get something to read today and I have less work to do! Everyone wins! Ready for a closer look at these? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Action Figure Review: Starfire from Red Hood and the Outlaws by DC Collectibles

 
  Last year I was absolutely thrilled when DC Collectibles released Red Hood/ Jason Todd in their Red Hood and the Outlaws action figure set. He was a prominent character and a member of the Bat Family so receiving him, the New 52 Batgirl, and Red Robin around the same time was a real treat (when are we going to get an updated Batwoman figure, though?). I didn't initially pick up the other two figures in the Red Hood and the Outlaws series but now that they've gone on sale at a number of E-tailers I've jumped on board. Today I'm looking at Starfire, a powerful hero who has had many ties to the Bat Family and the Justice league as well as prominent roles in the Teen Titans. The Tamaranean princess Koriand'r is know for being incredibly attractive and having a different way of seeing things than your average human. Mattel released a version of Starfire in a MattyCollector exclusive two-pack alongside Adam Strange a few years back but it was kind of a dud. Is this version of Starfire better? Find out for yourself after the break...

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Collectible Review: Loot Crate Exclusive 1/2 Scale Endo Skull from Terminator Genisys by Chronicle Collectibles

 A few months ago I did a six month subscription to Loot Crate. It's a neat service and I definitely enjoyed getting each crate but at the end of the day I realized that there were many things in each crate that I just didn't intend to keep.  June's crate was my last in the sub and pretty much the crate that caused me to decide not to re-up my sub. Still, there was something in the crate that I thought was pretty nifty: This 1/2 Scale Endo Skull from Terminator Genisys. It seems that I was one of the few people who really enjoyed the movie (largely thanks to Emilia Clarke) but I imagine any Terminator fan would be intrigued to have an Endoskeleton skull sitting on their desk. This came in the Loot Crate packaged in it's own separate window box and was manufactured by a company called Chronicle Collectibles. It's made from rotocast plastic and while it doesn't weigh very much, it also it quite sturdy and won't break if you drop it. Ready for a quick look? Then join me after the break...


Monday, July 20, 2015

Action Figure Review: Desert Ops Trooper from Marauder Task Force by Marauders, Inc.

 
  I've been buying the amazingly detailed 1/18th scaled figures from Marauders, Inc. since 2007 and I've really enjoyed watching the company grow. They continue to offer more and more detailed weapons and accessories for 1/18th scaled toylines such as G.I. Joe and Star Wars. Finally, however, Marauders, Inc. has taken the plunge and created their own action figure line. Last year through Kickstarter they launched a campaign to help fund their new extremely customizable action figure line, Marauder Task Force. I jumped in and supported the line at the level that got me three different figures and over the next few days I'm going to show those figures off. One thing to keep in mind is that these figures are very much sold by the piece. On their website you actually order the body, the head, and the various pieces and accessories separately, essentially building your figure. It's kind of like Build a Bear for military enthusiasts. For the Kickstarter campaign Marausers, Inc. through in stands, weapons, and some extra pieces, so your buying experience will differ a bit. Today I'm looking at the first figure I received from the campaign, the Desert Ops Trooper. More details after the break...

Friday, July 17, 2015

A New Batgirl Review: Batgirl from The New Batman Adventures Bendables by NJ Croce


     In the fall of 1997, fresh on the heels of the turd that was Batman & Robin, Batman: The Animated Series gave way to its spiritual successor The New Batman Adventures. With a greater focus on Batman's crime-fighting partners, The New Batman Adventures revamped the designs of the characters, including Batgirl. With a more stylized appearance, a new costume reflecting the Carmine Infantino cover of Detective Comics #359, and a new voice actress in Tara Strong, Barbara Gordon's Batgirl experienced a resurgence in popularity. Today I'm looking at the Batgirl bendable figure from NJ Croce's The New Batman Adventures Bendable line. I've already looked at a few of the Batman Classic TV Series bendable figures from NJ Croce and I've had mixed feelings on them. Ready to see how this Batgirl stands up to other figures? Then join me after the break...


Thursday, July 16, 2015

Action Figure Review: Batgirl from Batman Classic TV Series Bendables by NJ Croce

     When the rights and licensing issues with the 1966 Batman TV series were worked out a few years back companies were racing to be the first to put out merchandise based on Adam West's and Burt Ward's depictions of the Dynamic Duo and their gallery of fiendish foes. Oddly enough, however, the initial licensing issues resolved did not involve the likeness rights for Yvonne Craig's portrayal of Batgirl. Fortunately, those were resolved in September of 2013 and now we're beginning to see a variety of products featuring Ms. Craig's portrayal of the Dominoed Daredoll. Diamond Select, Tweeterhead, and Tonner all have high end collectible dolls and statues coming out over the next 6-8 months while Mattel has an SDCC exclusive Batgirl figure hitting this week. Prior to this figure, the only new Batgirl collectible from the 1966 series I own is the plush Batgirl from Bleacher Creature, so it's kind of exciting to add another to the collection! I first found about this line when a friend bought me Batman for Christmas. I had hoped that they would produce Batgirl and, sure enough, they did! Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...


Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Action Figure Review: Harley Quinn (Injustice Version) from S.H. Figuarts Injustice: Gods Among Us by Bandai

     I'm just going to say it: Harley here might just be the figure to beat this year for the title of best action figure. As far as I am aware this is the first figure from Bandai's S.H. Figuarts brand that I own and, I must say, I am beyond impressed. I was really interested in this figure because it's based on the videogame Injustice: Gods Among Us, of which I was a fan. The game's been out for over two years now and there have only been a few Mattel figures and a handful of 1/18th scale two-packs from DC Collectibles. Harley Quinn + Unique look + Injustice: Gods Among Us + 6 inch scale equals a purchase from me. Harley has a few different looks in the game and this one actually isn't her default look. Instead, it's her insurgency look. I'd probably by the other one if they released it, too, especially considering how great this figure is. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

A New Batgirl Review: Batgirl from Batman Dorbz by Vinyl Sugar

    
     There's a new vinyl collectible series out that's taking a variety of pop culture characters and making them adorable: Dorbz! Dorbz are a new take on the mass produced vinyl collectible figures in a similar vein to Funko POPs or any of the minis from Kid Robot. I haven't paid too much attention to these but I did have to get a Batgirl for my Batgirl collection. The figures in the Batman series of Dorbz sell for between $8-$12 dollars each and offer a wide variety of characters to choose from: Two versions of Batman, Robin, Joker, Harley Quinn, Penguin, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Riddler, Scarecrow, Killer Croc, and Batgirl of course! The name Dorbz seems to be derived from the slang term "dorb" meaning adorable. Ready for a quick look at this totally dorb Batgirl? Then join me after the break...


Monday, July 13, 2015

Action Figure Review: Vina from Star Trek Reaction by Funko

     Want to know what Star Wars and Star Trek both have in common? Green dancing women. That's what, and it's actually one of the few areas where I think Star Trek beats out Star Wars. Oola is cool and all but not only did Star Trek have Susan Oliver as Vina, who I'm reviewing today, but they also had Yvonne Craig as Marta in the season 3 episode "Whom Gods Destroy." Vina was featured in the original pilot episode, "The Cage," and the first season episode "The Menagerie" which reused a great deal of footage from the pilot. Need an Orion to spice up your retro action shelf? Then join me after the break...


Friday, July 10, 2015

Action Figure Review: Gorn from Star Trek ReAction by Funko

     I'm not a huge Star Trek overall; My love is restricted to the original series and most of their films and the . Actually, I'd wager I'm a bigger fan of the retro action figures being produced by companies like Funko than I am of Star Trek in general which is why I ended up buying this Gorn. The Gorn is part of the second series of Star Trek ReAction figures from Funko. To be honest, regardless of how you feel about Gorns, this is a striking looking retro styled action figure. The Gorn only appeared in one episode of the original Star Trek series, season 1's "The Arena." Ready for a closer look at the Gorn? Then join me after the break...


Thursday, July 9, 2015

Action Figure Review: Scarecrow from Batman: Arkham Knight by DC Collectibles

     As of this writing I have completed the main story in Arkham Knight and have a total overall completion percentage of 93%. I'm going to try to avoid spoiling any plot points in this review so you shouldn't have to worry too much if you haven't played the game yet or are still playing through. Mostly I'll be talking about the toy although I have to reference Scarecrow's role in the game. Scarecrow was a supporting villain in Arkham Asylum, the subject of an Easter egg in Arkham City, made a cameo appearance (as Dr. Jonathan Crane) in Arkham Origins, and now, in Arkham Knight, he's graduated to being a primary antagonist. Yup, Scarecrow's the big baddie this time around and he looks and sounds fantastic in the game (he's voiced by John Noble). I've been extremely impressed by DC Collectible's Batman: Arkham Knight offerings and I knew that I'd have to pick up a Scarecrow for my collection. My wife and daughter picked him up for me as a Father's Day gift at Heroes Con last month. Want to see how does he stack up compared to the other figures in this line? Then join me after the break...


Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Action Figure Review: Van Helsing from Universal Monsters Select by Diamond Select Toys

    
     Van Helsing is one of those figures that I really should have bought last year, but I had to wait until I saw him in person for some reason. He's the second of my three Heroes Con 2015 acquisitions and probably my favorite item that I picked up at the show. This is such a cool reinterpretation of the character of Abraham Van Helsing! The character of Van Helsing has been portrayed many different ways since his first appearance in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula, but Diamond Select went and did something cool by creating a representation of the character that takes his fame as a vampire hunter more literally. Sculpted by Jean St. John, Van Helsing is ready to slay the legions of the undead that line your toy shelves. Considering how many horror toys I own, the good professor is going to have a hell of a time. Darn, today I saw some candy apple M&Ms and now this figure? I'm ready for Halloween (which starts for me on August 1st by the way). Ready for a closer look at this figure? Then join me after the break...

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Action Figure Review: Ra's Al Ghul from DC Comics Signature Collection by Mattel


     Today I'm looking at one of the three action figures I picked up this year while at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC. I usually end up buying more but this year a combination of what felt like fewer vendors and higher prices caused me to cut back a good bit. I did pick up this Ra's Al Ghul figure from Mattel's DC Comics Signature Collection, however. When DC Universe Classics began ending at retail, Mattel attempted to keep the line going online by offering a monthly subscription, Club Infinite Earths, similar to their Masters of the Universe Classics sub. Unfortunately, the DC figures offered through this sub were not as interesting to me. I stopped being a completest on DC Universe Classics shortly after the second Wal-Mart wave and the Gleek/ Wonder Twins SDCC fiasco and only continued to pick up Batman characters. I never bothered with the DC Signature Series figures due to the price and the fact that I had to pay extra shipping. Ra's was the November 2013 release and the penultimate figure in the subscription's lifespan. When I found this guy at a booth at Heroes Con for $20 bucks, though, I jumped on it. Is this Ra's Al Ghul worth tracking down to add to your collection? Find out after the break...

Monday, July 6, 2015

Action Figure Review: Multi-Bot from Masters of the Universe Classics by Mattel

   
     Multi-Bot is character who first appeared in the vintage line that I've never owned before. To be honest, he wasn't a character that ever really appealed to me that much. I wasn't a huge fan of Modulok until the MOTUC version came around and Multi-Bot has always just seemed less interesting to me. Still, I'm a subscriber to the line and I want to complete the entire vintage collection so Multi-Bot was a must have. Like Modulok, Mattel and the 4 Horsemen really showed how good of a job designing and producing these figures they can do when everyone is working together. While this line has had some difficulties in the past with handling unique elements and action features (I'm thinking the cracking translucent plastic of characters like the Goddess and Roboto, Hurricane Hordak's chipping vac metal armor, and Snout Spout's disintegrating trunk) Modulok and Multi-Bot fire on all cylinders and are masterpieces of toy design. Ready for a closer look at this guy (these guys)? Then join me after the break...

Friday, July 3, 2015

Action Figure Review: Sssqueeze from Masters of the Universe Classics by Mattel

  
  Folks, the release of Sssqueeze is a huge deal! With the arrival of Sssqueeze, the Snake Men are the first faction that we've completed! That's huge! This line has been going since July of 2008 (I jumped in with Moss Man in early 2010) and we've finally completed our first faction. Of course, with this year focused on completing the vintage toyline, we should see the vintage rosters of the Evil Warriors, Heroic Warriors, Great Rebellion, and the Evil Horde all completed by the end of the year. Still, the Snake Men did it first! Woohoo! Sssqueeze first appeared in the 1987 series of the vintage Masters of the Universe toyline but I've never owned that figure. He also had "staction" figure in NECA's 5th series of Masters of the Universe mini statues, but again I've never owned one. This is my first Sssqueeze figure ever! Ready for a closer look at this Evil Long Armed Viper who surely has to tell everyone he meets that his name is Sssqueeze with three S's? Then join me after the break...

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Action Figure Review: Warrior Queen from Imaginext Collectible Figures Series 5 by Fisher-Price

     Well, here's the last (but certainly not the least) figure from Imaginext series 5: Warrior Queen! Who is the Warrior Queen? As I've been looking at her for the past few days I keep seeing elements of different characters who perhaps inspired this figure. While she looks like the archetypal fantasy female warrior, I'm seeing shades of Eowyn from The Lord of the Rings and perhaps even elements of Daenerys Targaryen (the hair). If someone sees more direct inspiration, please let me know! Anyways, the Warrior Queen is the only female figure in series 5 (well, the Crash Test Dummy could go either way, I imagine) and makes a excellent addition to the other fantasy or medieval Imaginext figures. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Action Figure Review: Wolfman from Imaginext Collectible Figures Series 5 by Fisher-Price

     Finally! The Wolfman is here! Since the Mummy appeared in series 1 of the Imaginext Collectible Figure the dream has been to be able to assemble the core Universal Monsters in this line. Series 2 added Frankenstein's Monster into the mix while series 3 gave us Dracula and the very cool Gillman. Series 4 didn't have the Wolfman figure that we all expected, so we were left without the Monster Squad crew for a bit longer (although the Witch was still an nice addition). Finally, though, we have the Wolfman. Arooo! Ready for a look at this guy? Grab yourself some wolfsbane and a silver bullet and join me after the break...


Action Figure Review: Crash Test Dummy from Imaginext Collectible Figures Series 5 by Fisher-Price

     Looking for the lyrics to the song "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" perhaps? Sorry, you might be in the wrong place. How about information about Tyco's The Incredible Crash Dummies action figure line? Well, nope, not right now. Automobile safety? Note even close! Today I'm looking at the Crash Test Dummy from Fisher-Price's Imaginext Collectible Figures Series 5. So far I've raved about this series: Both the Chinese Warrior and the Genie have been cool while the Ghost, Fly, and Ogre have been fan-freaking-tastic. When I first saw this set online I thought that there wasn't a weak figure in the bunch. It turns out that I was wrong, thanks to the Crash Test Dummy. Want to find out why? Then join me after the break...