Sunday, July 31, 2016

Action Figure Review: Batman and Mutant Leader from One:12 Collective DC Universe by Mattel

  After picking up the PX Previews exclusive Dark Knight Returns Batman from Mezco's One:12 Collective line, I had to jump in and grab another figure. I managed to find this set, Mezco's convention exclusive from 2015, for about the original retail price simply because the original owner had removed the set from the box for display. It was perfect when it arrived and I was amazed to be able to add such a cool piece to the collection. For more details about this series head to the link above and check out my first look at a figure from this series. I'm amazed by these toys and the only thing I can compare them to is 1/12th scale Hot Toys. That's just what they remind me of with the mixture of amazing sculpts and actual fabric outfits. This review is going to be a beast so let's jump right in and check out the Dark Knight Returns Batman and Mutant Leader set from One:12 Collective, shall we? More fun after the break...

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Shelby Comic Con 2016 Haul: Ant-Man from Marvel Legends Infinite Series: Ant-Man by Hasbro

A few weeks ago I traveled to a smaller convention in Shelby, NC: The Shelby Comic Con! It was a pretty great smaller comic show that seems to have plenty of potential to grow in the future. While there weren't a ton of vendors there I did still make one purchase that brought a smile to my face. I was browsing a table with a friend when I noticed someone had the Marvel Legends Infinite Series Ant-Man figure from last summer. I loved the film Ant-Man and have really been wanting to pick this guy up but his price has jumped over the past few year. I asked the dealer how much for this and was shocked when he told me $10. $10?! That's less than the retail price and this guy was full blown mint on card! I was pleasantly surprised and bought this faster than you can say "Baskin Robbins always finds out." Ready for a look at the action figure based on Paul Rudd's portrayal of Scott Lang, AKA Ant-Man? Then join me after the break...

Friday, July 29, 2016

Action Figure Review: Boba Fett #102 from POP! Star Wars by Funko

 I've been subscribed to the Smuggler's Bounty since the first box back in November 2015 (before The Force Awakens was even released!) but I unfortunately had to change a debit card number at some point and missed out on the first shipping of the Bounty Hunter themed box. I managed to get things rectified, though, and now I have some really cool Bounty Hunter themed swag along with two cool exclusive Star Wars POP!s from Funko. Today I'm looking at the POP! Boba Fett #102 which is exclusive to this box and features Boba Fett flying around with his jet-pack in his more colorful Jedi outfit. Funko has released at one other Boba Fett figure (and a white Prototype Armor variant) but it's in a more neutral pose. This guy is rocking, though. Seriously, if you asked me to pick my five favorite Star Wars characters, Boba Fett is easily going to be in the upper part of that short list (so is Admiral Ackbar, BTW) so this guy was a pretty sweet surprise. Ready for a closer look at the Smuggler's Bounty Exclusive Boba Fett #102? Then join me after the break...

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Action Figure Review: Rick Flag from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel

 Today's review is a look at the second of two Wal-Mart exclusive figures from Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse Suicide Squad subset: Rick Flag. Played by Joel Kinnaman (Alex Murphy/ RoboCop in the remake), Flag is the guy who is put in charge of the on the ground supervision of the Suicide Squad. Originally Tom Hardy was cast in this role but he had to bow out due to filming conflicts with The Revenant, so Kinnaman is in playing a character who has had a pretty long history in DC Comics with little recognition. I found this figure in a bunker display at my local Wal-Mart around July 11th and he seemed pretty plentiful at the time. Since then I haven't seen any of the Suicide Squad figures at any other Wal-Mart stores, though, which is kind of odd. Hopefully you're having good luck in your area finding these guys! Let's take a look at Rick Flag, a figure I'm pretty glad I found so early. Wal-Mart exclusives can be insanely hard to find due to their haphazard stocking practices!

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Action Figure Review: Harley Quinn from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel

 Last week I reviewed the 12 inch Harley Quinn from the DC Comics Multiverse series and today, as part of a big run of Suicide Squad coverage, I'm reviewing the first 6 inch Harley Quinn from the basic series. The closer we get to Suicide Squad the more excited I'm getting! I really think this movie has some incredible potential and it's definitely a film I'm going to see as early as possible (the last film that warranted an opening viewing for me was Civil War). Mattel seems to have a nice selection of Suicide Squad product being released including exclusives with three retailers (Amazon, Toys R Us, and Wal-Mart) but thus far I'm finding it very hit or miss as to if retailers are stocking their stuff yet. Toys R Us seems to be the most consistent but Target and Wal-Mart seem to be really lacking. Fortunately I found a Wal-Mart that had one of the end-cap displays with the Suicide Squad merchandise and I picked up all of series one and both exclusives in one go. Harley here was part of that epic score and I'm excited to finally be reviewing her. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Action Figure Review: Diablo from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel

Today I'm looking at the first of two Wal-Mart exclusive Suicide Squad action figures from Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse line: Diablo. Well, it's actually El Diablo, I believe, but the package actually does just refer to the character as Diablo. Played by Jay Hernandez, El Diablo is a former criminal named Chato Santana who was given mysterious powers that manifest themselves in a vengeful pyrokinesis. Hernandez's costume looks really accurate to the comic source material and I'm pretty excited to see this guy on the screen. If you're a fan of El Diablo you can try to hunt him down at Wal-Mart currently where he seems to be kind of short-packed compared to the other exclusive figure, Rick Flagg. Wal-Mart exclusives can be notoriously difficult to find! Let's take a closer look at El Diablo after the break, shall we?

Monday, July 25, 2016

Action Figure Review: Deadshot from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel

  Today my coverage of Mattel's Suicide Squad action figure line continues with a look at Deadshot. Deadshot, AKA Floyd Lawton, is an assassin and marksman who is typically the backbone of the Suicide Squad. Will Smith is playing Deadshot in the movie and surprisingly, in a film with Jared Leto's Joker and Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, I think he's kind of the wildcard; how is Smith going to play Deadshot? Is he going to be a classic Smith character cutting wisecracks or something different? While the trailers have given us more of a feeling for Harley and Joker, Deadshot's personality is still a bit mysterious. I'm excited to see how Will Smith handles the role. Let's take a closer look at the action figure, shall we? Join me after the break for a closer look at Deadshot...

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Micro Review: Endor Forest Battle from Micro Machines: Star Wars by Hasbro

 Today I'm doing a micro review of one of the Micro Machines three packs from last year. While I've been really harsh on Hasbro's playsets (which are terrible) their vehicles have been quite nice. They've offered a ton of variety. The paint applications could be improved but the sculpts are rather good. I was out at the store and stumbled upon the Endor Forest Battle which includes an AT-ST and two Speederbikes: One with Luke Skywalker and one with a Biker Scout. Read for a short look at some tiny toys? Then join me after the break...

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Action Figure Review: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (PX Previews Exclusive) from One:12 Collective DC Universe by Mezco

 Yeah, I'm about a year late but I finally decided to pick up a One:12 Collective action figure from Mezco. Over the past few months me and the Reel Brad Bell have been talking about the influx of "high end" 1/12th scale action figures in the market lately and it got me interested in looking into One:12 Collective more closely. If you're not familiar with the concept behind the line, these are high end 1/12th scale action figures with alternate hands and portraits, an abundance of accessories, extremely well thought out articulation, and actual cloth outfits. Think of more modern Megos or smaller scaled Hot Toys. While the One:12 Collective branding now covers a diverse array of properties including Marvel Comics, Star Trek, Universal Monsters, Judge Dredd, and even Hanna-Barbera, the first figure released in the line was Batman from Frank Miller's classic The Dark Knight Returns. Mezco released a few different costume variations but I've decided on the PX Previews Exclusive that's a modified version of the classic silver age Batsuit. It's the first outfit Bruce wears in the book and is on of my favorites. I found a heck of a deal on this and probably paid a bit less than I would have originally factoring in shipping. Ready for a closer look at an incredible action figure from last year? Then join me after the break...

Friday, July 22, 2016

Action Figure Review: Batman from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel

 I have high hopes for Suicide Squad and the fact that we're going to get another appearance from Ben Affleck's Batman has me pretty pumped. While I definitely anticipate (and hope) that the movie focuses on the Squad themselves, it will be pretty insanely cool to have Batman show up for a scene or two to do his thing. Who know what we'll be doing? All I know is that A. It'll be cool to see him, and B. Mattel was thrilled because it gave them a chance to release another Batman figure. Well, not a new Batman figure: This guy is basically the same as the Batman V. Superman Batman figure released earlier this year. The only differences are some new headsculpts, a slew of new accessories, and a piece to the Killer Croc build-a-figure. Is this guy worth picking up or is this a simple double dip on Mattel's part? Read on and find out after the break...

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Action Figure Review: The Joker (Toys R Us Exclusive) from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel

 While I looked at the 12 inch Harley Quinn from Mattel yesterday, today my coverage of Mattel's Suicide Squad tie-in line begins earnest with a look at the Toys R Us exclusive figure of the Joker. Played by Jared Leto, who already has added quite a bit to the mythic status of the character, the Joker seems to truly be a wild card in this film. While there are plenty of people already criticizing Leto's performance (who haven't even seen the film yet) I think we can all agree that Leto seems to be unique take on the character and, despite how it may turn out, I think there's no possible way this will be boring. Boring villains are the worst and fortunately I can't think of any Batman film with a boring villain. Over the top and ridiculous, possibly. But boring? Nope. I'm really preparing myself to be astounded by Leto's performance; the Joker is one of those characters who is not only larger than life but who also has so many facets to him that there is plenty of room for unique interpretations. Enough about the film, though: Let's talk about the figure! While the Joker is scheduled to be released in the second wave of the series, this Joker is out now as an exclusive to Toys R Us. While Mattel didn't do a specific Suicide Squad line targeted at kids (probably rightly so) they have released a number of figures that are part of the DC Comics Multiverse line. Ready for a closer look at this new version of the Clown Prince of Crime? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Action Figure Review: Harley Quinn (12 inch) from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel


  As a big DC fan, primarily of anything related to Batman, I'm insanely excited for Suicide Sqaud. Not only are we going to get a new interpretation of the Joker and more of Ben Affleck's excellent Batman but we're getting a ton of new characters who have never made it to the screen before. Most significantly, I'm talking about Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn. While I'm hoping that Suicide Squad manages to take the attitude, fun, and irreverent tone of Guardians of the Galaxy and mix it with the DC film universe's darker characterization for a really unique treat, at this point I think the movie could be just 2 hours of Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn reading wikiHow entries and I'd still enjoy it. Harley Quinn is one of those characters that I'm proud to say was created for Batman: The Animated Series during my childhood who has become truly an A-list character. That's amazing to me and I'm excited to see Harley get the recognition she deserves. I have the feeling that Margot Robbie is going to knock this thing out of the park and I can't wait to see her do that! This leads into today's review of the DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad 12 inch Harley Quinn. Yes, while Suicide Squad doesn't have a kid friendly tie-in line (can't really blame Mattel for that)  they do have a robust offering of figures in the 6 inch Multiverse and a few 12 inch figures. The 12 inch stuff was never even on my radar but last week I was coming home from vacation and disappointed that I hadn't yet found any Suicide Squad figures yet. At a stop at a Toys R Us on my way home I found the Toys R Us exclusive Joker (probably reviewing him tomorrow) and this Harley Quinn. I picked her up and I'll go ahead and say that I'm glad I did. I'm not too interested in the rest of the series but the fact that I could buy a 12 inch Harley at a Toys R Us was a pretty thrilling experience. Let's check this figure out a little more closely after the break...

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Prop Replica Review: Batman's Grapnel Blaster from DC Comics Multiverse: Batman V. Superman by Mattel

Today I'm looking at something pretty unique: Batman's Grapnel Blaster from Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse: Batman v. Superman line. Rather than being sold by itself, this prop replica was actually a Collect & Connect item for the series. Rather than each figure coming with the limbs and body parts of a build-a-figure, each figure came with a part of the Grapnel Blaster. Batman's Grapnel Blaster, or the Grapple Gun, probably seems like it's always been part of Batman's arsenal but it was actually an element of the character created for the 1989 Tim Burton film. Ben Affleck makes use of this tool in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice in a way that makes seems to me inspired by the Arkham-verse video games. Prop replicas can be expensive pieces to obtain and now, interestingly give you the option of building one alongside of your action figure collecting. Ready for a closer look at this interesting Collect & Connect piece? Then join me after the break...

Monday, July 18, 2016

Action Figure Review: Wonder Woman from DC Comics Multiverse: Batman v. Superman by Mattel

 Today I'm looking at Wonder Woman from Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse: Batman v. Superman line. That's a mouthful, am I right? Anyways, if you've been keeping up with my reviews you'll know that Princess Diana here is the last figure I needed to complete my Collect & Connect model of Batman's Grapnel Blaster, so I needed her not only because Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman was amazing but also to complete the line. Wonder Woman has been really hard to find. I saw her back on January 1st when I picked up my Armored Batman (I wasn't sure if I was going to collect the line at that point) and then never saw her again. Thanks to my parents who actually kept an eye out for this one for me. It's insane that Mattel made both Wonder Woman and Superman so hard to find in this line, isn't it? Let's jump right in and check out this Amazonian Warrior princess, shall we?

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Micro Review: Collection VIII from Micro Machines: Star Wars Episode I by Galoob

 Today we're going back 17 years again to the summer of 1999 for some Star Wars Episode I Micro Machines goodness! While store shelves got loaded with the earliest Episode I product, some of the later product was much more difficult to find. That holds true for the Micro Machines sets as well. Today I'm looking at Collection VIII from the Episode I Micro Machines figure and vehicle sets. Continuing with what was offered earlier in most of this series, Galoob included two figures and two vehicles in the pack. Ready for a closer look at this set which includes two separate versions of Darth Maul? Then join me after the break...

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Action Figure Review: Wasp from Marvel Legends Infinite Series: Ant-Man by Hasbro

 Today I'm checking out another Marvel Legends figure from last year that I just recently picked up for a heavily discounted price: Wasp from the Ant-Man themed series of Marvel Legends Infinite Series. Released to coincide with last year's excellent Ant-Man film, Wasp was part of a series which included parts to build the movie version of Ultron. You know, the guy who wasn't the main villain in Ant-Man. While I initially thought that Wasp would be short-packed and super difficult to find she ended up being kind of a pegwarmer in this series. She's an awesome figure, though, and, while this is a comic inspired version of Janet van Dyne as Wasp, when Evangeline Lilly's Hope van Dyne takes up her mother's mantle in 2018's Ant-Man & Wasp, I imagine more than a few fans will want to track this hero down to add to their shelves. Let's take a closer look at Wasp!

Friday, July 15, 2016

Action Figure Review: R-Truth (Series 59) from WWE by Mattel

 Today I'm looking at R-Truth from Mattel's WWE series 59. R-Truth has had a number of figures in the past but this is the first one I've been able to pick up. Currently R-Truth has a pretty good tag team partnership with Goldust as the Golden Truth that works just because of how entertaining those two guys are. R-Truth has been a former tag team champ with Xavier Woods, a United States champion, and a two time Hardcore champ. Will the Golden Truth once again propel him into the title scene? Probably not but I still can't help but love R-Truth. Let's check out his newest figure after the break...

Thursday, July 14, 2016

A New Batgirl Review: Batgirl & Cycle from DC Super Friends Imaginext by Fisher-Price

   Today I've got a new Batgirl review for you and this time it's Batgirl from Fisher-Price's insanely popular DC Super Friends Imaginext sub-line! This figure first was shown off shortly before Toy Fair 2016 and soon made it's way to retailers. Well, some retailers anyways, as this has been a pretty tough toy to find! Imaginext seems to be really popular with both kids and parents as well as general toy collectors so they can be rather difficult to find. I've been looking for Batgirl for months and just found her about two weeks ago on Fisher-Price's online store. I actually ordered two of her: One for my Batgirl collection and one for my two year old who loves Imaginext, too! She was really excited that we both have Batgirl figures! Fisher-Price has been slowly releasing a variety of DC characters and, given their focus on Batman, Batgirl definitely seemed  like a long overdue character. Ready to look at this great toy a bit more closely? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Micro Review: Star Destroyer/ Space Fortress Transforming Action Set from Micro Machines: Star Wars by Galoob

   Today I'm doing a very special review from one of my favorite toylines of all time: Galoob's Micro Machines Star Wars! Not counting the vintage figures that made their way into my G.I. Joe collection when I was quite young, Galoob's Star Wars Micro Machines were the first Star Wars toys I ever collected (even before the POTF2 line). I started collecting them in early fall of 1995 and continued pretty strongly throughout the line's life until the Episode I Micro Machines hit. While I didn't have every vehicle or figure set, I did have most playsets that were released. Well, all except this one which I didn't own until just recently. While the Millennium Falcon playset was a pretty popular item, later in the line's life (around late 1997 and early 1998) Galoob began releasing more transforming sets that resembled various vehicles. Most fans remember the Double Takes Death Star but fewer remember the Slave 1 that transformed into a Special Editions inspired Tatooine or the Rebel Transport. I'd be willing to argue that this Star Destroyer playset is quite possibly the rarest playset in the line and is definitely not something many fans will remember. While the packaging says it turns into a Space Fortress, I think the interior still feels very much like the interior of a Star Destroyer and makes a great playset. Ready for a super cool look at this great playset that is now almost 20 years old? Then join me after the break.

Oh, and that box in the picture above? Yes, I did buy this thing sealed only to open it up, apply stickers, and play with it like I was in Middle School all over again. And yes, I totally sat around and played with Micro Machines all through Middle School. I'd do it again, too.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Heroes-Con Haul 2016: White Tiger from Marvel Legends Infinite Series by Hasbro

   Today's the last day of coverage for my Heroes-Con Haul 2016 and it's another one of last year's Marvel Legends figures: White Tiger from Hasbro's Marvel Legends Infinite Series. White Tiger is a character I wasn't all that familiar with until we bought my 2 year old one of the Marvel encyclopedias last year (she's definitely more into Marvel than DC at this point, a trait she doesn't get from me) and I got the chance to see some of the more recent heroes. White Tiger is a very cool looking legacy character (Ava Ayala is the fifth person to wear the mantle of the White Tiger) and a pretty cool addition to the Marvel Legends collection. I picked her up in a bin at Heroes-Con 2016 for $10 bucks without the build-a-figure piece (Rhino) since I knew I wouldn't be building it anyways. Ready for a closer look at the White Tiger? Then join me after the break...

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Heroes-Con Haul 2016: Thor from Marvel Legends Infinite Series: Avengers by Hasbro

  My Heroes-Con 2016 Haul continues with another Marvel Legends figure I picked up: Thor! Based on the Marvel Now! version of the mightiest Avenger, this version of Thor was included as part of the Marvel Legends Infinite Series assortment which included the parts to build The Allfather. I've reviewed a couple other figures in this same series (the amazing Captain Marvel and Scarlet Witch) but certainly not enough that I plan on attempting the Allfather. That doesn't mean I didn't need a cool Thor for my shelf, though, so let's check out this bad boy, shall we? I haven't owned many Thor figures in my life so it's kind of interesting to be opening one. I have one from a Marvel Universe comic pack (the Enchantress set) and an Ultimate Minimate version, but that's it. As a kid I had the original Toy Biz Thor that came with a lightning bolt and Mjolnir, but I have no idea where he went. I sold off most of my Marvel and X-Men figures from Toy Biz at some point as a kid so I'm definitely not swimming in Thor figures in my collection. Good to have one then, huh?

Friday, July 8, 2016

Heroes-Con Haul 2016: Lord Naga from DC Universe Classics by Mattel

   One of my favorite things about going to a convention or toy show is rummaging through boxes of action figures to pick up items I missed out on previously. In one box of loose figures I managed to find Lord Naga, AKA Kobra, from Mattel's DC Universe Classics line. While the majority of my DC Collection is Batman related characters (actually, the majority of my collection is Batgirl stuff, followed by Batman related stuff), I do have a nice little subset of the many great Jack Kirby created characters from DC Universe Classics. While this isn't a Kirby design for the character, it looks really cool and it was $10 bucks, so I picked it up. While I was a completest on DC Universe Classics for quite some time (from series 1- 12), a number of factors, namely the Wonder Twins and Gleek fiasco and the notoriously hard to find Wal-Mart waves, caused me to drop the line except for the occasional Batman character. Kobra (Lord Naga is an alias of the character, so there must have been some legal reason that name having been used) appeared in series 19, the penultimate series for DC Universe Classics which features the Collect & Connect figure S.T.R.I.P.E. Since I bought this guy loose and cheap the build-a-figure piece wasn't included, but I'm not miffed about that. I'm just interested in scoping this guy out. Ready for a closer look?

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Heroes-Con Haul 2016: Hulk from Marvel Legends Infinite Series: Avengers Age of Ultron by Hasbro

 In the next installment of my Heroes-Con haul I'm checking out Hulk from last year's Marvel Legends Infinite Series: Avengers Age of Ultron sub-line. Not only does Hasbro make some cool Hulk figures but my little one is a serious Hulk fan so I had to pick this one up. You've never met a Hulk fan until you've met my little two year old who loves to wear her Hulk t-shirt with purple pants and her Hulk mask (she has Hulk hands but they're still a bit too large for her; she's tiny!) anytime she can. She also sleeps with a massive stuffed Hulk that is still larger than she is! I picked this guy up for both my collection and to share with her during playtime, so let's give him a good once over, shall we? Join me after the break...

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Heroes-Con Haul 2016: Hellcat (Fierce Fighters) from Marvel Legends Infinite Series by Hasbro

 It's Patsy! Well, kind of. This is Hellcat and she was part of last year's Marvel Legends Infinite Series and was one of Hasbro's bizarre variants, along with Spider-Woman, under the name Fierce Fighters. I certainly recognize the character although I wasn't aware of her complicated background until I began to research her for this review. Long story short, Hellcat was originally a teenage girl named Patsy Walker who appeared in 1944 in a variety of teen romance and comedy comics (think Archie) published by Timely Comics. Eventually, Marvel takes over and turns Patsy into a superhero in the 1970s.  Patsy becomes Hellcat, joins a number of teams such as the Defenders, Avengers, and Lady Liberators. That's a pretty crazy transition. Guess what else? Hellcat is Jessica Jones' best friend Patricia "Trish" Walker on the Netflix series Jessica Jones. The way that Jessica Jones Trish growing up as a teen sitcom star with the show "It's Patsy!": Totally a reference to the fact that the character was originally a teen romance and comedy comic character. Consider my mind blown. That's some incredible work at adapting your material, folks behind Marvel. Now, considering that I have Nuke and Hellcat, and the Purple Man is coming this summer in a SDCC exclusive set, can we please get a Jessica Jones figure, Hasbro? Well, we should probably start talking about Hellcat, so let's get started...

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Heroes-Con Haul 2016: Daredevil from Marvel Legends Infinite Series by Hasbro

  Today is the first installment in a short series that should take up a week or so: My 2016 Heroes-Con Haul! Yeah, I'm perpetually behind so it takes me a bit longer to put up reviews of stuff and today I begin looking at figures I purchased on June 18th at the Heroes Convention in Charlotte, NC. The first figure I'll be looking at is from part of a pretty cool lot of Marvel Legends figures I picked up: Daredevil from Hasbro's Marvel Legends Infinite Series. Released in 2015, Daredevil was part of the Spider-Man themed Hobgoblin build-a-figure series. I maybe saw this guy in stores once or twice last year and I kind of regretted not picking him up since I'm absolutely loving the Netflix series (I really want figures based on that!) and wanted to add ol' Matt Murdock to my Marvel collection. Ready to tangle with the Man Without Fear? Then join me after the break...

Monday, July 4, 2016

Micro Review: Collection V Gungans from Micro Machines: Star Wars Episode I by Galoob

 Here's the last set in my Micro Machines micro review series of the first five collection for the figure and vehicle sets from Star Wars: Episode I. The fifth set is an army builder pack, similar to the sets which Galoob released for their Original Trilogy collection that features small armies such as Stormtroopers, Sand People, Jawas, Ewoks, and Echo Base Troopers. The Gungans were a pretty cool part of Episode I (maybe not Jar Jar himself, but I think the Gungans were pretty awesome overall) and their land battle is still a pretty exciting scene to watch. Ready to interact some crazy Gungan battles out on your coffee table? Then pick up this set. Or, you know, just read about it first so you can make an educated decision. Join me for more Gungan goodness after the break...

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Action Figure Review: Doctor Strange (Marvel Heroes) from Marvel Legends Infinite Series by Hasbro

  While everyone's looking forward to November's Doctor Strange film starring Benedict Cumberbatch, I took a minute to look back at last year's Marvel Legends Infinite Series Doctor Strange action figure. Based on his appearance in the Marvel Now! comics label Dr. Stephen Strange is rocking his cool new outfit that seems a bit more practical for running around and battling evil. Then again, if part of the job is just looking cool and projecting confidence, the old outfit was probably a big help. Anyways, I really wanted to pick this figure up and I managed to find a good online sale on him for just the figure without his build-a-figure piece. Doctor Strange was released as part of the 2015 Hulkbuster series and was originally packaged with one of the Hulkbuster's legs. For less than half the price of retail, I got this guy without the leg that I wasn't going to use. That's a deal, right? Let's jump in and talk about this cool Vincent Price inspired Sorcerer Supreme after the break...

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Micro Review: Collection IV from Micro Machines: Star Wars Episode I by Galoob

 It's time for Micro Review #4 as we're making our way through the Star Wars: Episode I Micro Machines carded sets. Well, the first five anyways (sets VI through XIII are insanely difficult to come by). The Collection #4 is a pretty interesting and desirable set as it includes not only Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, but it also includes Darth Sidious, AKA Sheev Palpatine. Yup, you can get your own Palpatine in a black robe in this set. Considering that Emperor Palpatine was only released as a figure in the Original Trilogy Micro Machines line three times (once permanently attached to his throne and once in an impossibly difficult to come by Epic Collection pack) that makes him a major character that you probably don't own that many of. Let's take a closer look at this nice little set of Micro Machines, shall we? Join me after the break...

Friday, July 1, 2016

Micro Review: Collection III from Micro Machines: Star Wars Episode I by Galoob

 Today is part three of a five part series of reviews of the first five figure/vehicle collections from Galoob's 1999 Star Wars Episode I Micro Machines line. So, why review five of these sets in a row right now? Simple: I won them all as an Ebay lot. It was one of those crazy low Buy-it-now deals that I couldn't. I honestly think that with shipping included I paid less for each set than the original retail prices 17 years ago. Pretty rad, right? Anyways, today I'll be looking at a set that includes Jar Jar Binks, a Fambaa, Gasgano, and Gasgano's podracer, meaning this set combines two of the three biggest merchandising themes of Episode I in one set: Jar Jar Binks and podracing (the third would be Darth Maul). Ready for a blast from the past? Then join me after the break...