The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Pumpkin King from The Nightmare Before Christmas by Diamond Select

 Happy Halloween!  Did you have a great Halloween season thus far? I did! Man, having a four year old had mad this season so much more fun than I ever imagined! While my Halloweens have went from non-stop terrifying horror film, trips to haunted houses, and super scary costumes, to more kid friendly events, the changes have been worth it (now those things still happen, just at different times and less frequently). One of the things that still is a staple of the season for me is the Nightmare Before Christmas. It's been part of Halloween for me since I saw the film in theaters in 1993 and its a favorite of me, my wife, and now my little one, too. I have a deep love for Jack Skellington in his Pumpkin Guise and I knew I wanted to pick up this action figure and review it for Halloween. I've been watching Diamond Select's The Nightmare Before Christmas line and I'm finally convinced that they'e going to go deep enough in the line and release enough characters to make it worth collecting. I collected most of NECA's offerings from their 2002 line and Diamond now seems to be establishing their line as a worthy successor. Let's jump in for some frightful fun with Jack the Pumpkin King after the break...

Unite the League: Batman (DC Rebirth) from DC Comics Multiverse by Mattel

   While I read the trade paperback releases and am always a bit behind, I ca tell you that from everything I've read of Rebirth so far (which is quite a bit) it is excellent. The eponymous Batman series by Tom King and David Finch has been incredible, nicely differentiating itself from Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's very unique run on the series during the New 52. Being that he's Batman, you know that Mattel just had to get a figure of him released in his New 52 costume as soon as possible. Mattel seems to be quite invested in Rebirth which is a good thing as it has been a quality run of books, easily offering up some of the best and most consistent stuff DC has ever done. Let's see if Mattel is also offering up some quality product after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: The Reaper (Batman: Year Two) from DC Comics Multiverse by Mattel

 Tomorrow's Halloween, so I wanted to give you something really cool for today's installment of The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror. How about the Reaper from Batman: Year Two? Perhaps one of the most out of left field offerings in Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse line, the Reaper is a Batman villain from Batman Year Two who has never before been released in action figure form. That's pretty special, right? Also, he's a spooky dude in red leather and a black cloak with a silver skull mask and sickles for hands. I feel like the definitely qualifies his inclusion as part of 31 Days of Toy Terror. Let's check out the Reaper after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Atom (DC's Legends of Tomorrow) from DC Comics Multiverse by Mattel

 While they started showing up in August I just received my case of the "Rookie" series of DC Comics Multiverse figures in the mail this past week. It's largely the perfect series of DC Comics Multiverse figures for me as the Collect & Connect figure and four of the five standard figures are all Batman themed. The fifth figure is who I'm looking at today and you know what? I'm actually kind of excited for him. It's the Atom! Now I do wish that Mattel had went with a Rebirth version of the current Justice League of America Atom, Ryan Choi, but I'm not going to argue with a Ray Palmer version, either. This Atom is based on the TV series DC's Legends of Tomorrow, which I haven't seen, but he still seems like he can easily fit in with a comic based collection. I've largely skipped the TV series based figures in the Multiverse line but I needed an Atom and wanted to build the Rookie, so I bit this time. Let's check out this little guy after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Skeleton Toy Figures from Looking Spooky by Ningbo/ Walgreens

 We're getting closer and closer to Halloween and today I'm checking out a fun little set of skeleton minifigures I found at Walgreens. Sold under Walgreens' seasonal "Looking Spooky" branding the set is simply called Skeleton Toy Figures and consists of 16 skeleton minifigures in four different sculpts. These were a total impulse buy on my part because who in the world could pass up a small army of skeletons for $2 dollars. Let's check out these spooky little guys after the break...

Unite the League: Bombshells Mera from DC Designer Series: Ant Lucia by DC Collectibles

  First, let's get it out of the way: Yes, DC Collectibles has already cancelled the third series of Bombshells action figures. They cancelled them just as series 2 was shipping, which seems like a lame thing to do to retailers. I'm sure some people will change their mind on purchasing these since, essentially, they're a dead line. Now we won't get Black Canary, Zatanna, Supergirl, or Bumblebee. Very sad.

   Second, yes, I'm including Mera in my "Unite the League" subheading because she is indeed going to be in Justice League. Played by Amber Heard, Mera is scheduled to be in both Justice League and next year's Aquaman. That is without a doubt the biggest push the character has ever had! There is am Amazon exclusive Mera coming out next month based on Amber Heard's portrayal of the character but today we're checking out this version that's based on Ant Lucia's artwork for the excellent DC Bombshells property. She's part of the second series along with Katana, Batgirl, and Hawkgirl. More underwater fun after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Woodland Mystic from Imaginext: Collectible Figures Series 8 by Fisher-Price

   For today's installment of The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror I'm looking at the sixth in Imaginext Collectible Figures Series 8: The Woodland Mystic! Imaginext has included a number of mythical and fantasy characters in the blind-bagged line including the Gnome, the Genie, and the Cyclops and the Woodland Mystic is the newest member of this subset. Seemingly inspired by the mythical satyr, the Woodland Mystic features short horns, hooves, and blue skin. He definitely looks like a D&D character and despite him not being terribly terrifying, I definitely think he has a place in 31 Days of Toy Terror, don't you? Let's take a look at the magical Woodland Mystic after the break...

Road to the Last Jedi: Inferno Squad Agent from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

   GameStop has really been putting out the Star Wars: The Black Series exclusives lately, huh? They've already put out the deluxe Supreme Leader Snoke and the Guardians of Evil 4-Pack and now the third exclusive is showing up: The Inferno Squad Agent from the upcoming Star Wars Battlefront II. I really don't play many video games these days, particularly games that require online play or that rely heavily on online multiplayer so I ignored the first Battlefront due to its lack of a story mode. Battlefront II has my attention, however, as it seems to have a pretty impressive story mode based around the new Imperial special forces unit Inferno Squad. The tie-in book Battlefront II: Inferno Squad was pretty good and definitely has me interested to see where the game goes story wise. Action figure wise, I do wish we had received a figure of Iden Version first. As the field commander of Inferno Squad, Iden Versio is easily the main protagonist of the game, so her absence is noted. Of course, this generic Inferno Squad Agent is mostly a simple repaint of the previously released TIE Pilot. Let's see what's new after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Puppet Boy from Imaginext Collectible Figures Series 8 by Fisher-Price

    Today might seem like another head scratcher for The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror but it's a know fact that puppets freak people out. Puppets and dolls: People are terrified of these things! Think about how many movies or stories are about creepy puppets or dolls! As I'm making my way through the 8th series of the Imaginext Collectible Figures I figured this little puppet might just have a place in 31 Days of Toy Terror. What do you think? Let's check him out after the break...

A Spooky Halloween Picture!

   My little one, my wife, and I were taking some pictures of our Jack O' Lanterns. While playing around with my camera and using only the natural light from the candles lighting the pumpkins I got this kind of spooky shot of my daughter. Doesn't it look spooky? Almost like old-timey spirit photography!

Action Figure Review: Welder from Imaginext: Collectible Figures Series 8 by Fisher-Price

  I'm continuing to make my way through reviewing all six figures in series 8 of the Imaginext Collectible Figures and today we're checking out the Welder. Imaginext, like the blind-bagged Lego minifigures, offers up a pretty diverse character selection of figures that aren't always designed to fit in with any of their particular retail themes. Imaginext doesn't even seem to have a current "modern" or "city" theme available in stores at the moment so far as I know, so maybe this guy will just have to help out the DC Superheroes. Or maybe he's a villain! Who knows? It turns out, he's a pretty cool little figure and one of the stronger figures in this series. He definitely makes me think of the old Fisher Price Adventure People which were largely a few years before my time, although I did have the diver. Let's check out the Welder after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Pizza Chef from Imaginext: Collectible Figure Series 8 by Fisher-Price

   One of the best things about horror is that everyone finds different things scary. Today for The Curse of 31 Days of Toy terror we are looking at something that might just be your worst fear. Maybe not YOU, necessarily, but someone out there is absolutely terrified of a monster made of pizza. In the grand tradition of Pizza the Hutt, Pizzaface, and the Calzone Golem, the Imaginext Pizza Chef is ready to turn your love of a pepperoni and cheese pizza pie into a New York Style Nightmare! Yes, series 8 of Fisher-Price's Imaginext Collectible Figure Series includes a maniacal Pizza Chef with a giant pizza cutter. The folks behind the Imaginext character selection are absolutely insane and I love them for it. Some of the character choices for this line are just off the wall bonkers and show some real creativity. The blind-bagged Imaginext figures (which really aren't truly blind-bagged) are some of my favorite toys to collect. Let's check out this Deep Dish Demon after the break...

Action Figure Review: Moto Rider from Imaginext: Collectible Figures Series 8 by Fisher-Price

 I'm making my way through the 8th series of Imaginext figures and I think I'm at my least favorite figure of the group: The Moto Rider. First off, I'm just not a big fan of sports figures in general. They really just don't usually do anything for me. Secondly, I'm just not finding this to be that interesting of a figure. The colors are bright but they don't blend well. To be honest, I'm reviewing this guy out of a devotion to completeness rather than enthusiasm. I'm also watching Jurassic Park while reviewing this, so I'm actually probably going to be more interested in that than the review. Jeff Goldblum just said "What have they got in there? King King?" Darn, this movie is incredible.

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Pumpkin King #233 from The Nightmare Before Christmas Dorbz by Funko

 I am always down for a toy of Jack Skellington in his Pumpkin King guise (I have a whole shelf of pumpkin headed characters) so I made sure to track down the Dorbz version of the character. I haven't picked up many Dorbz as I'm not that big of a fan of them. I made a special exception for Jack, however, since he always looks so darn cool. He makes an exceptionally fine spooky treat for another installment of The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror, doesn't he? If you love Halloween, then join me after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Zatanna from DC Comics Lil Bombshells by Cryptozoic Entertainment

  For day 24 of The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror we're revisiting Zatanna again! We looked at her traditional Bombshells statue earlier this month but now I'm checking out the DC Comics Lil Bombshells version. I reviewed the other figures in this series over the past month or so but I decided to save this one for some point during the Halloween season. I figured we could all use a break from the sheer terror that runs rampant during The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror to enjoy a magic show from a lovely and talented performer. Let's take a look at this very cool Bombshells Zatanna after the break...

Action Figure Review: Future Cop from Imaginext: Collectible Figures Series 8 by Fisher-Price

  While series 9 of the Imaginext Collectible Figures is starting to trickle out, I just managed to get my grubby paws on series 8. It's been about a year since I reviewed Series 7 which was one of my favorites. Series 8 is a mixed bag for me with fewer figures that I'm super jazzed about. Today I'm starting off with the Future Cop, the Space/ Futuristic themed figure of the series. Like so many of the Imaginext Collectible Figures this figure definitely seems to draw its inspiration from a pop culture character. Looking at this guy you can definitely see inspiration coming from both Robo-Cop and Judge Dredd. Even with that kind of cool pedigree, though, the figure manages to not be as interesting as one would hope. Let's check out the Future Cop after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Elvira, Mistress of the Dark from Rock Candy by Funko

   Today for The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror we're getting a visit from the horror hostess with the mostess: The enchanting Elvira, Mistress of the Dark! Elvira is one of my favorites and she's made her way into 31 Days of Toy Terror three times now! This year Elvira comes in the from of a Rock Candy vinyl collectible from Funko. I really like the Rock Candy line although I do only own three other figures. Rock Candy certainly doesn't see as many releases as POP! but it seems to have a decent following. She was just released this October so she's a new release for Elvira collectors. Let's check her out after the break...

Road to The Last Jedi: Supreme Leader Snoke (Throne Room) from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

   I've been waiting for Hasbro to release an action figure of Supreme Leader Snoke since he first appeared in  The Force Awakens in 2005 and it finally happened! Snoke's appearance was quite a surprise in the film (he really was kept a secret quite successfully) and I've absolutely been curious about his true identity. There are quite a few theories floating around but I'm not sure I buy any of them. I'd really like the Darth Plagueis theory to be true, but I'm not sure that Disney would bring something that cool and nuanced from the Prequel Trilogy into the Sequel Trilogy. Regardless of his identity, Snoke has an unusual appearance: He's oddly disturbing yet dressed very regally, almost like a space Hugh Heffner. While Snoke is going to be released in the regular Black Series line, this figure is exclusive to Gamestop and includes Snoke's throne. I can't imagine wanting Snoke but not his throne, can you? Let's check out this new figure of the First Order's Supreme Leader after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Batgirl from First Appearance by DC Direct

 Today for The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror I'm checking out a character with a spooky costume...Batgirl! This isn't Barbara Gordon, however, but Cassandra "Cassie" Cain. Wearing the outfit she wore during her debut in 1999's Batman #567 during the No Man's Storyline, Cassandra Cain is part of the third series of DC Direct's First Appearance line. While this version of Cassie Cain was released in 2005, she continues to be a major player in DC Rebirth, particularly in Detective Comics. Sadly, it's been almost 10 years since her last action figure (Mattel released Cassie in this costume in the DC Superheroes line) and yet she continues to be a popular character. What gives Mattel and DC Collectibles? Maybe Mattel and DC Collectible's reluctance to release action figures of so many of the current Bat-family members might be the real subject of today's 31 Days of Toy Terror installment, huh? I actually just found this figure new in the box at my local comic shop for $9.99. That's a spooky good deal, don't you think? Do to her black and yellow color scheme and kind of creepy mask, I figures she'd make a nice addition to the countdown. More after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: The Cryptkeeper (Tuxedo) from Tales from the Cryptkeeper by Ace Novelty

   For today's installment of The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror we're receiving a visit from an old friend: The Cryptkeeper! Distributed by Ace Novelty in 1994 as a tie-in for the 1993-1997 animated cartoon Tales from the Cryptkeeper, this line was very much a flash in the pan (though the cartoon lasted longer than I remember). It honestly feels like the true intention was to release a couple toys of the Cryptkeeper due to his popularity based on the HBO series rather than to do a toyline that was really related to the cartoon. I originally reviewed the robed version of the Cryptkeeper a few years back and now I'm finally getting around to this version of the character in his snazzy tuxedo. Like the robe wearing version, this guy also resembles the live action television version rather than the cartoon version. I definitely think Ace Novelty made the right choice there as I still keep this guy around 23 years later as no one, so far as I know, has released better action figures of the Cryptkeeper. The guy is arguably one of the greatest horror icons of the 1990s (with roots in 1950's EC comics) and he probably deserves more attention than he gets these days. Let's pay him tribute on this spooky October day, shall we? Enter the crypt after the break for more horrific fun!

Unite the League: Mother Boxes from DC Comics Multiverse: Justice League by Mattel

  Today I'm reviewing a rather interesting Connect & Connect accessory from the DC Comics Multiverse line: A set of three Mother Boxes. Apparently the Mother Boxes play a significant role in Justice League as they're being sought after by Steppenwolf, thus bringing the general and his minions to Earth. I'm pretty excited that a number of Jack Kirby originated characters and concepts are making their way into the DCEU. The Mother Boxes come packaged in the Wal-Mart exclusive miniseries that consists of a standard Batman and Cyborg in his supercharged suit. Each figure includes three half cubes. I've already reviewed the figures but since I always review Build-a-Figures/ Collect & Connects separately, I figured I'd take a look at these as well. More Fourth World craziness after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Witch from Monster in My Pocket by Matchbox

  It;s time for another Monster in My Pocket review for The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror. Today I'm looking at another of the Monster in My Pocket figures I've owned since my childhood: The spooky Witch! The Witch is one of the most common symbols of Halloween and this is a great representation of what most people probably conjure to mind when they think of one. Warty nose? Check. Broomstick? Check. Non-talking Sorting Hat? Double check. Let's stir up something scary after the break...

Action Figure Review: Cyborg (Wal-Mart Exclusive) from DC Comics Multiverse: Justice League by Mattel

    Yesterday I reviewed the Wal-Mart exclusive Justice League Batman and today I'm reviewing his counterpart, Cyborg.  I reviewed the standard Cyborg but this Cyborg seems to be an enhanced version of the character. He's a bit bulkier with a fully covered head, so that means none of Vic Stone's face is visible. It's an interesting design and I'm curious as to how it will be implemented into the film. Like Batman, Cyborg is part of a 2-figure miniseries that includes the pieces to three Mother Boxes. I'll be reviewing the Mother Boxes on their own since they're technically Collect & Connect accessories, so today I'm just going to be checking out Cyborg. More cybernetic fun after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas Trading Figures from Jun Planning

 Today for The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror I'm looking at another toy of one of my favorite characters from one of my favorite movies: Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas! It's still one of my favorites and it always manages to have some representation on 31 Days of Toy Terror. Today I'm looking at one of the buildable "Trading Figures" from Jun Planning. Released in 2010 as part of the first series (I think there were two), these figures were sold disassembled in small labeled boxes (not blind-boxed). They were pretty easy to snap together, resulting in something more like a small model kit versus a traditional toy or minifigure. I remember reading about these on MWCToys.com back in 2010 and convincing my wife that we needed to drive out to Target that night and hunt these down. We had success and picked up the whole set! Oh the crazy things we did when we were younger and didn't have a child! Of course, now my little one loves Halloween and the Nightmare Before Christmas, so she goes along on the hunt with me! You could say that she's the Lock, Shock, and Barrel to my Oogie Boogie! Speaking of the big, bad Boogie man, let's check this guy out after the break...

Unite the League: Batman (Wal-Mart Exclusive) from DC Comics Multiverse: Justice League by Mattel

   Guess what I'm reviewing today? If your answer was "Another Batman action figure!" then you are correct! Today I'm reviewing the Justice League Batman figure that is part of a Wal-Mart exclusive two figure series (the other figure is a powered up version of Cyborg). I found these at my local Wal-Mart a week or two ago which surprised me as I typically have terrible luck in finding exclusives. I walked right in, however, and found Batman and Cyborg just sitting on the shelves. While the standard six figures in the Multiverse: Justice League series include pieces for the "Collect & Connect" figure Steppenwolf, Batman and Cyborg each includes the halves of three separate Mother Boxes. That's an interesting idea for a build-a-figure item, isn't it? Let's check out this Batman figure after the break and see how he stacks up...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Creature from the Closet from Monster in My Pocket by Matchbox

   Another one of my childhood Monster in My Pocket figures gets to be the star of The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror today and it's the Creature from the Closet. While Monster in Pocket specialized at creating figures based off of actual world legends and folklore elements, they also occasionally offered up some more "generic" figures. One of the more interesting ones is the Creature from the Closet from the Super Scary series. Based on the common childhood (and sometimes adult) fear of something lurking in your closet, the Creature from the Closet is a stereotypical monster with a broken piece of closet frame wrapped around the neck. You think this guy works for Monsters, Inc.? Let's take a closer look at this Super Scary MIMP after the break...

Road to The Last Jedi: Elite Praetorian Guard from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

 Earlier this month I reviewed the Elite Praetorian Guard with the double bladed weapon that is part of the GameStop and Barnes & Noble exclusive Guardians of Evil 4-pack. My guess, however, is that most collectors will encounter this single packed version of the Elite Praetorian Guard first. Seemingly an evolution of the Emperor's Royal Guards, the Praetorian Elite Guards are Supreme Leader Snoke's red armored masters of disaster. Apparently there are eight of them, although some of them may share helmet styles and weapons. This single packed guard is distinct from the version in the Guardians of Evil 4-pack and utilizes a different weapon while also sporting a different helmet. Let's check him out after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Steppenwolf from DC Comics Multiverse: Justice League by Mattel

 Today for The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror I'm looking at an intergalactic evil from the world of Apokolips: Steppenwolf! It took me around two months but I have finally been able to complete Steppenwolf, the "Collect & Connect" figure for Mattel's Justice League inspired series of their DC Comics Multiverse line. While thus far only appearing in a scene in the Batman v. Superman Ultimate Edition, Steppenwolf is slated to be the main villain in the upcoming film. As a huge fan of Jack Kirby's DC work, particularly the Fourth World storyline, I'm pretty excited to see one of the New Gods get a chance to rock the silver screen. While Steppenwolf looks rather different from his classic Kirby designs (he looks more in line with his modern appearances), there is definitely something about him I like that seems a bit unusual. Of course, seeing him in motion and context will be the real determining factor as to how successful of a villain he is for the DCEU. While we'll have to wait a month to judge that, we can take a look at this figure right now! Let's check out Steppenwolf after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Gillman from Big Bucket of Monsters

   Today it's time for a visit from one of the classic monsters: The Gillman! Often referred to as the Creature from the Black Lagoon, too, the Gillman has definitely stepped to become one of the classic Universal Monsters. Of course, this isn't an official Universal Monsters product but just a generic Gillman. Still, we know who he is, don't we? He's another minifigure from the Big Bucket of Monsters and another worthy addition to this years festivities during the 31 Days of Toy Terror. Let's dive in and check him out after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Mummy from Big Bucket of Monsters

  Who is your mummy and what does she do? Today for the The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror I'm checking out yet another cool minifigure from the Big Bucket of Monsters! Between the Goosebumps movie, Abbot & Costello Meet the Mummy, and the Three Stooges short We Want Our Mummy, mummies are a pretty big deal at our house right now. My daughter loves those movies and they get a lot of playtime in our DVD/Blu-Ray player. Today this spooky mummy minifigure stalks the labyrinthine halls of Action Figure Barbecue. Check out the full scoop on this undead wonder after the break...

A New Batgirl Review: Batgirl #168 from DC Comics Bombshells from POP! Heroes by Funko

 A few weeks ago I received a very cool birthday present from a friend: The Bombshells Batgirl POP! from Funko! Being a fan of Batgirl, Funko POP! vinyls, and DC Comics Bombshells, this figure is a pretty amazing blend of stuff I like. While I wasn't a huge fan of the Batgirl Bombshells statue due to the face sculpt, I like the overall character design and I've been a much bigger fan of the various other products released based on the character. Let's take a closer look at this very cool POP! vinyl after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Chucky from Child's Play 2 from POP! Pocket Keychain by Funko

 A few weeks ago I actually sat down and watched Child's Play. Strangely enough, I had never seen it before and I definitely think it was pretty good. I remember watching one of the Chucky movies at some point as a young teenager (Bride of Chucky, probably) but it didn't leave a big impression on me. The original Child's Play is a really good movie! I enjoyed it so much that I decided to go out and track down Child's Play 2. While at Wal-Mart "grocery shopping" I stumbled upon a DVD set called Chuck: The Killer DVD Collection that includes Child's Play 2, Child's Play 3, Bride of Chucky, Seed of Chucky, and this little POP! Pocket Keychain that I'm reviewing today. The set only cost $15 dollars which isn't bad for four movies and a POP! keychain. Let's take a closer look at the reigning king of killer dolls after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Jack Torrance #456 from the Shining from POP! Movies by Funko

 Inspired by the new film adaptation of It, I've been revisiting a number of films based off of Stephen King books this year. So far I've watched both version if It, Misery, and both versions of The Shining. The 1997 TV movie version of The Shining was one of the first horror films I ever saw and the first Stephen King based film I ever watched, quickly leading me to start reading King's novels as well.  The Shining (1997) and Night of the Living Dead (1968) are quite possibly the two films that really got me interested in watching horror movies. Of course, shortly after watching the TV version of The Shining I wanted to check out Stanley Kubrick's 1970 version of the film. I like the 1997 version due to its length, themes, faithfulness of the book, and likeability of the characters. I like Kubrick's version because of its menace. It is absolutely a terrifying, unsettling movie that is filled with bizarre imagery yet still manages to only show you a little bit of what is happening. I just watched it again on Sunday afternoon and it is as good as it always is. I knew that Funko was releasing some POP! vinyl figures based on the film and I absolutely wanted to own a Jack Torrance based on Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the character. Let's check this figure out after the break...

Unite the League: The Flash from DC Comics Multiverse: Justice League by Mattel

   Finally! I have the Flash! It's been a few months since I first picked up most of the Justice League series of Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse line so it's taken me around 2 months to find the Flash. He definitely seems to be the most popular and most difficult figure to find in this series which is made all the more difficult by the seemingly poor distribution for this series. I have hardly seen these action figures in stores. Today is a day for celebration though and, with the recent release of the new Justice League trailer, I'm pretty excited to see how Ezra Miller's The Flash fits in alongside the other members of the Justice League. Let's take a closer look at this figure and see how his figure fits in alongside of the toy versions of his teammates, too. More fast fun after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Norman Bates #466 from Psycho from POP! Movies by Funko

 Norman Bates is pretty much the original film slasher. He's been a part of 31 Days of Toy Terror in the past (the first year, 2013) and now makes his return in the form of a POP! vinyl figure. Outside of the Star Wars POP! figures that come with the Smuggler's Bounty crate, I haven't picked up any POP! figures since the Resident Evil series back in January. I was actually looking for a Jack Torrance from The Shining at Books-A-Million a week or two ago and happened to stumble upon this very cool Norman Bates. Considering it's October and I'm a fan of the horror themed POP! vinyls, I figured I couldn't go wrong. Let's take a closer look at this spooky fine vinyl after the break...

Action Figure Review: Starfire from DC Super Hero Girls by Mattel

  My four year old has owned the 12-inch Starfire from DC Super Hero Girls for quite a few months now but I only just managed to find the 6 inch Starfire from the line. I really like this line and what Mattel is doing with it; while they aren't the best action figures available at mass market retail stores, they're definitely a lot cooler than many of the toylines offered to kids. It's nice to see the character selection starting to improve in the 6-inch linen although it would be cool to see some more villains in the line (I know Mattel has released Harley Quinn but she's not really considered a villain in this series). Honestly, it's nice to see that Mattel is releasing a fairly diverse roster of female characters in this line. Let's check out this pretty cool Starfire after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Godzilla from Big Bucket of Monsters

 Today we're going big with another minifigure review from the Big Bucket of Monsters! It's Godzilla! Fun Fact: The name Godzilla, or Gojira, comes from a mixture of the Japanese words for whale and gorilla. The creature has been around since 1954 and has appeared in 29 official Toho Studios films. That's a lot of film appearances! Godzilla is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable characters ever and tends to have lots of unlicensed merchandise floating around. You know, like this minifigure. Let's take a closer look at this very cool "totally not Godzilla for legal purposes but definitely meant to be Godzilla" minifigure after the break...

Hokey Halloween Horror: We Made Pillsbury Ghost Cookies!

Pillsbury releases these "Ready to Bake" Ghost sugar cookies every year and I'm always down for them. I look forward to them because despite the fact that my wife is a world class master of baking, I like to throw some pre-made cookies with little ghosts on them in my oven and chow down. I'm glad my little one is taking after me because all I had to do last Friday when picking her up from pre-school was say "Tonight we're baking super spooky ghost cookies" and she was hooked. These cookies were a huge hit. Read more about ghost cookies than you ever imagined possible after the break...

 Here's what they're supposed to look like. The ghost and cookie are very pale (almost white) while the ghost is silhouetted with purple. The ghost also has an orange mouth and orange and purple eyes. These are pretty complex for ghost cookies. I'm pretty excited that these look the same (so far as I can remember) for as far back as I can remember.

  This year the Pillsbury Doughboy is dressed up like a ghost. It's pretty spooky.

 Here's the cookies straight out of the package. They look good enough to ear right here, but the package warns against that. Since Action Figure Barbecue is all about food safety, we wisely waited to cook these before eating them. They do look cool, though. Like little ghost tokens.

  Here's the cooked batch. It's kind of tough to tell when they're done as they really don't change shape much at all. They definitely do still look like ghosts though. I'm impressed that they didn't warp or anything. Ignore that one on the back, by the way; that was an accident on my part from trying to test a cookie that wasn't quite done yet.

Hope you get a chance to bake some cookies, too!

Minifigure Review: Wonder Woman (Series 2) from DC Comics LIl Bombshells by Cryptozoic Entertainment

 Series 2 of DC Comics Lil Bombshells has two resculpts of characters who also appeared in series 1: Harley Quinn, who I reviewed a week or so ago, and Wonder Woman. Kind of tells you who DC's two most prominent are, doesn't it? I reviewed the first series Wonder Woman figure last year and today I'm checking out this second version. Ready for a new minifigure of the first lady of DC Comics? Then join me after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Zero from The Nightmare Before Christmas by Applause

 Do ghost dogs have a place in The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror? You bet your Kibbles & Bits they do! Today I'm looking at one of my all time favorite ghost dogs: Zero from The Nightmare Before Christmas! As a kid I was typically kind of reluctant to blend toylines together, typically only doing so to fill in "gaps" in a toyline. One of the biggest gaps that I remember from a toyline I loves was the lack of Zero in Hasbro's 1993 The Nightmare Before Christmas line. I was in grade-school when the movie came out and I eagerly snapped up the action figures and whatever memorabilia I could find (which wasn't much in 1993- now Walgreens has more Nightmare Before Christmas stuff on one seasonal endcap than every store combined offered when the film came out). While the Hasbro action figures could be found at most places that sold toys, a chain of stores called Suncoast (that were typically located in shopping malls) carried lots of The Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise released by the toy company Applause, who crafted the cool Zero figure I'm reviewing today. While Applause is no more, they definitely were a mainstay of gift shops and entertainment retailers in the 1990s releasing lots of licensed merchandise for properties like Star Wars, Batman, the California Raisins, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. I've had this Zero since 1993 and he has always had a home on display in my wife and I's Nightmare Before Christmas collection. Let's check him out as our "terrifying" toy of the day, shall we?

Hokey Halloween Horror: Do you paint your pumpkins or carve them?

This is a Halloween picture from probably 1990. That year we had a mixture of painted pumpkins and carved pumpkins. I'm more of a carver, though, and always carve my pumpkins now. What do you do? Carve? Paint? Something really cool I've never heard of? Share it with us!

Action Figure Review: Hawkgirl from DC Super Hero Girls by Mattel

   Admittedly, I am not the core demographic for the DC Super Hero Girls line. As a huge DC Comics fan who collects as many 6 inch DC Comics figures as I can afford, I definitely pay attention to the line and have certainly grabbed a number of the figures that interest me. My 4 year old daughter loves the 12-inch figures and that line seems to have a much more diverse roster of characters than the 6-inch line, although both lines seem to have characters not yet released in the other. Hawkgirl is a new figure in the 6-inch line that doesn't seem to have yet been released in the 12-inch line. I've never seen any of the show but I have been able to learn that the DC Super Hero Girls version of the character is the Kendra Saunders version and is a hall monitor. Let's take a closer look at Hawkgirl after the break...

The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Sunigator Shotai #153 from M.U.S.C.L.E. by Mattel

   The Curse of 31 Days of Toy Terror is going to some strange places this year and perhaps it gets no stranger than Sunigator Shotail from M.U.S.C.L.E. Typically known affectionately as The Claw, Sunigator Shotai is probably one of the most recognizable and popular of Mattel's M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. Based on the Japanese anime and manga Kinnikuman, M.U.S.C.L.E. only gave these figures numbers but they actually have names and pretty impressive backstories as well. It took a bit of Google-fu, but I did find that this guy's name is also transliterated as Sneagator. Sneagator/ Sunigator is a Choujin (a super powered being) from the Republic of the Congo who is one of the Akuma Knights, a team of six individuals who sold their souls and serve Satan as a group of powerful, wrestling warriors. Sneagator/ Sunigator is a reptilian shape-shifter who could take a multitude of forms, including the giant claw from that we're checking out today. A shotai is a Japanese military unit, similar to a platoon, so I'm wondering if this refers to the fact that this version of Sunigator/ Sneagator has multiple fingers at his disposal to aid him in battle? Who knows! Heck, who knew, the Claw was such a complex and nuanced character? Let's check this cool guy out after the break...

Ghoulish Gallery: "A Haunted Place" LED Picture

   I'm really excited to show off this amazing picture that I received for my birthday last month. It's called "A Haunted Place" and it is available through Kirklands. It's a beautiful painting that has LED lights built in that, with the flip of a switch, lights up the pumpkins, the windows, and the moon. To top things off I added some bat garland to the top and behold: Halloween splendor!

Action Figure Review: Superhero Harley Quinn from DC Designer Series: Amanda Conner by DC Collectibles

   I'm going to state two things that sound contradictory, but that are not! First, the Amanda Conner subset of the DC Designer Series has been one of the most disappointing lines of 2017. Second, Superhero Harley Quinn is one of the best looking figures of the year. I think the issue here is that DC Collectibles couldn't decide what this line was supposed to be and mixed too many concepts together. For years, DC Direct did release plenty of beautiful (and often fragile) figures that looked amazing, functioning more like small statues than traditional action figures. Over the past few years, though, DC Collectibles has been releasing some excellent "action figures" that featured cool accessories, and solid, sturdy articulation. This series seems to be DC Collectibles trying to find the middle road between those two approaches and it just doesn't work. I'm so conflicted by that, too, because this is an incredibly sculpted figure! It seems like it should have been impossible for DC Collectibles not to have made this Harley Quinn focused series anything less than incredible. Let's see what went wrong and what went right after the break...