Saturday, July 27, 2019

Action Figure Review: Hordak from Masters of the Universe ReAction by Super7

   Who's ready for some more Hordak? The Evil Horde gets some major credit because right now they are the only faction of Masters of the Universe villains who are part of active, ongoing media. Yup, Hordak and some of the Evil Horde are part of the Netflix show "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power." Hordak doesn't get as much screen time in the new show as he did on the Filmation series but he's still there, darn it! This version of Hordak is indeed based on Filmation's "She-Ra: Princess of Power" and was actually released last year as an SDCC 2018 exclusive alongside of She-Ra. I don't own that set so this was a welcome release for me. So far as I can tell, the figures are exactly the same with the packaging being the only difference. Let's check out this Filmation inspired Hordak after the break...

Friday, July 26, 2019

Action Figure Review: Battle Armor Skeletor from Masters of the Universe Action Vinyls by The Loyal Subjects

   A little under two weeks ago I reviewed The Loyal Subjects' Battle Armor He-Man figure and now I'm checking out his counterpart, the Evil Lord of Destruction Skeletor, now clad in his Battle Armor as well. Hot Topic had an exclusive version of this figure released at the end of 2018 which featured battle damage on the chest plate of his armor, but this version is the standard option of Eternia's chief villain. Like with He-Man, Skeletor has a 2/12 rarity, meaning there are typically 2 of these guys in a case. Has anyone actually seen these in stores anywhere, though? I ordered a case online but I haven't heard about any of these showing up anywhere. You might have to head to Snake Mountain to find this guy! Let's check him out after the break...

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Action Figure Review: Grizzlor from Masters of the Universe ReAction by Super7

    SDCC 2019 has come and gone and interesting things are afoot for Masters of the Universe. While Super7 hasn't said much it does appear that the ReAction line could very well continue with more MOTU figures in the future. Today I'm checking out one of the figures from the newest series of Masters of the Universe ReAction figures and it's a guy who has always been one of my favorites: Grizzlor! One of the original members of the Evil Horde, Grizzlor appeared fairly often in the Filmation She-Ra series and was a regular in the later MOTU minicomics. As a kid I loved this furry guy simply because of his action figure that kind of made him look like a Crite from the movie Critters. This guy isn't furry but he still looks fairly savage. Let's check out Grizzlor after the break...

Monday, July 22, 2019

Action Figure Review: Rabbit Raider from Fortnite: Legendary Series by Jazwares

   One of the cool things about the Fortnite designs is that they seem to be full of little pop culture references. Take the Rabbit Raider here: This is clearly an action figure of Ralphie from A Christmas Story as a maladjusted adult. That's why I bought him, anyways. The Fortnite: Legendary Series has been a huge surprise and considering they're sold at mass retail for the average going rate for 6 inch scaled figures, you get a ton of value. The Rabbit Raider definitely stands out on the shelf! Large pink bunnies just tend to do that, though, don't they? Apparently is was sold as an alternate costume in April 2018. Of course, there seems to be a Joney head included with this set to capture a version of the character's appearance in Save the World. I've never played that, though, and I've probably only played Fortnite 5 or 6 times. What can I say? I'm just a sucker for cool toys. Let's check out the Rabbit Raider after the break...

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Action Figure Review: Havoc from Fortnite Legendary Series by Jazwares

  About two weeks ago I did my first review from Jazwares' 6 inch scaled Fortnite Legendary Series and today I'm checking out another figure from the line: Havoc. Now, to be completely honest, Havoc is the figure that got me interested in this line. I'm not a Fortnite player though I have admired the 1/18th scale figures from afar. Havoc appealed to me, though, because he looks just like Firefly from G.I. Joe. Sometimes all you gotta do is look cool and you've already grabbed my attention! I don't know much about Havoc. Fortnite doesn't really seem to have characters as much as they have "skins" as the most I can tell is that Havoc is an outfit players could get if they linked a Twitch Prime account with their Fortnite account before 5/9/2018. He's a cool looking tactical guy who would go well as a Marvel Legends villain or even another player in the old Special Forces line by Plan B. Heck, that might be who my figure gets displayed with in my hobby room. Let's check out Firef..err. Havoc after the break...

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Action Figure Review: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Padawan) from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

    Today I'm checking out the sixth figure from the most recent series of Star Wars: The Black Series figures: Obi-Wan Kenobi from Episode 1. 2019 has finally been the year that we've gotten a decent collection of characters from the Prequels, possibly thanks to the fact that it is the 20th anniversary of The Phantom Menace. This isn't actually the first release of this version of Obi-Wan Kenobi, though; he was actually released as a Celebration exclusive in Episode I throwback packaging. I missed that one but I didn't fret too much because I knew this one was coming. Obi-Wan makes a great companion piece to hang alongside of Qui-Gon Jinn or to face off against Darth Maul, a figure released way back in the first series of figures from 2013. While largely the same figure as the Celebration exclusive, this figure is lacking the two interchangeable hands that figure came with. Picking up this figure reminds me a lot of getting the Episode I Jedi Duel Obi-Wan Kenobi back in 1999. Gosh, that was an exciting time back then, wasn't it? Let's check this figure out after the break...

Monday, July 15, 2019

Action Figure Review: Battle Armor He-Man from Masters of the Universe Action Vinyls by The Loyal Subjcts

 While I've reviewed Panthor and two different versions of Battle Cat, I haven't actually reviewed any of the standard figures released by The Loyal Subjects in their Masters of the Universe Action Vinyls line of miniature action figures. The second series of figures just started showing up a month or so ago, although they did have early variant releases through Hot Topic at the end of 2018. Today I'm checking out the first of the standard Series 2 releases: Battle Armor He-Man! I've always loved Battle Armor He-Man ever since I was a child and I'm always down for a version for the figure. Battle Armor He-Man shouldn't be a tough figure to find as his rarity is 2/12, or about two per case. While the series 1 figures were all blind boxed, series 2 has moved towards window boxes and window boxed with blacked out windows. Most of the standard 2/12 figures can easily be found in a visible window box, so at least getting the basic figures in a set should be easier.  Let's take a look at Battle Armor He-Man after the break...

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Action Figure Review: Chopper (C1-10P) from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

    Every time I review a Rebels figure I go on and on about my love for the series. Rebels was fantastic and it's been fun to see the characters show up in other areas of the Star Wars universe. Most exciting for me was seeing Chopper show up at the Rebel Base on Yavin 4 in Rogue One. While Chopper is an animated character, Hasbro's aesthetic goal with the Black Series is to depict all characters from animated and comic media in a more realistic style so we're kind of getting a version of Chopped appearing as he looked in Rogue One. This guy is loaded with features and definitely makes for one of the most feature intensive figures in the newest series of Star Wars figures. Interestingly, this series has consisted of 50% droids. Crazy, huh? Let's check out Chopper/ C1-10P after the break...

Saturday, July 13, 2019

Action Figure Review: Panthor (Flocked) Masters of the Universe Action Vinyls by The Loyal Subjects

   Recently I got my hands on the Hot Topic exclusive flocked Panthor from The Loyal Subjects' Masters of the Universe Acton Vinyl line so today I'm going to be checking him out. I reviewed the flocked Battle Cat from the Action Vinyls earlier this month and, if you remember, I had some problems with him due to the flocking covering the paint. I obviously love all things MOTU, especially the big cats, and I'm thrilled that The Loyal Subjects released flocked variants of these guys. While Battle Cat has never been flocked before, most releases of Panthor have been (outside of the MOTUC version). Unfortunately, these versions of the big cats have flocking that covers over the eyes, claws, and teeth. Weird, huh? I'm guessing this really was a production error as I'm not sure why any company would intentionally cover all of the painted detail. Let's take a look at the flocked Panthor after the break...

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Action Figure Review: Ofelia from The Guillermo del Toro Signature Collection by NECA

   One of the coolest lines in recent memory is NECA's The Guillermo del Toro Signature Collection. It really is a very unique, very special action figure line. Not only do I love how NECA has selected characters from across three different del Toro films thus (Pan's Labyrinth, the Devil's Backbone, and The Shape of Water) but they've also been willing to give each figure multiple unique accessories. Ofelia is the protagonist of Pan's Labyrinth, so fans of the film will want her for that reason alone, but she also comes with an incredible statue of one of the ruins from the film. I believe it's actually made from polystone. It's amazing to see such an accessory come with a 6-7 inch scaled figure and it really makes this line feel like a signature, special event. Played by Ivana Baquero, Ofelia is a young girl who deals with the grim reality of the world she lives by embracing fantasy, believing that she may truly be the reincarnated Princess Moanna, the daughter of the king of the underworld. Let's delve in and explore the magic NECA has crafted with this figure after the break...

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Toy Review: Castle Grayskull from Masters of the Universe: Mega Construx by Mattel

   Back in 2014 I reviewed the Masters of the Universe Classics Castle Grayskull and, man, it's still one of my favorite pieces I own. It was also one of my favorite reviews to write. While my little daughter was only 1 at the time the MOTUC Grayskull was released, she totally helped me build the new Mega Construx Castle Grayskull. We actually received ours back in May but it's taken me quite a bit to get around to taking pictures of it and writing a review. This thing is huge and loaded with parts. The package proclaims 3508 parts (though I had lots of leftover pieces; others seem to have them as well) and it will take you quite some time to build it. While Lego is still the gold standard of building bricks, Mega Construx has radically improved themselves over the past few years and Castle Grayskull might be the most impressive set they've released yet. Scratch that: It is the most impressive set they've released. Hands down. Game. Set. Match. The Mega Construx line has released Masters of the Universe figures slowly and quietly over the past few years but this year they've cranked things up to 11 with the Wind Raider, more figure releases, Castle Grayskull, and the upcoming SDCC exclusive Battle Bones. Let's delve into the ancient fortress of mystery and power after the break...

Action Figure Review: Ezra Bridger from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

   Behind the now-assembled ESB bounty hunters, my next most anticipated subset in the Black Series has been the crew of the Ghost, also know as the Spectres. I love Star Wars: Rebels; it's not only one of my favorite Star Wars things since Disney's take over of Star Wars but probably one of my favorite Star Wars things in general. The crew of the Ghost managed to not only be incredible characters but also had some of the most visually appealing character designs ever seen in Star Wars. The Rebels crew managed to have classic Star Wars looks while also having very colorful, appealing color schemes, a balance that the Sequel Trilogy has really struggled with finding in costume designs. Ezra changed and matured a lot during the Rebels, though this figure depicts him during the earlier seasons of the show. Let's take a look at young Ezra Bridger, aka Spectre 6, after the break...

Monday, July 8, 2019

Action Figure Review: Reinhardt from Overwatch Ultimates by Hasbro

    Today I'm finishing up my reviews of series 1 of Hasbro's Overwatch Ultimates with a look at the deluxe figure Reinhardt. While the standard Overwatch figures are closer in size to a regular Marvel Legends or Star Wars: The Black Series figure, Reinhardt is closer in size to an average Marvel Legends Build-a-Figure. Reinhardt comes in a much, much larger box however, so why exactly does he come in such a large package? It's because Reinhardt has perhaps the largest actual accessory I've ever seen with a 6 inch scaled action figure: An enormous energy shield! Hasbro has done an excellent job of including energy effect pieces with the figures in the Overwatch Ultimates line to replicate the in-game abilities of the characters and Reinhardt's is pretty darn impressive. This 61 year old German crusader can actually tote around his massive barrier field or set it out to protect the rest of the team. Let's check out this deluxe Reinhardt figure and see how he compares to the standard releases after the break...

Sunday, July 7, 2019

Action Figure Review: Skull Trooper (Purple Glow) from Fortnite Legendary Series by Jazwares

    Guess what? Today I'm reviewing another action figure from a game I'm barely familiar with! This time it's the Skull Trooper (Purple Glow) from Jazwares' Fortnite Legendary Series line. Fortnite is a pop culture phenomenon and both Jazwares and McFarlane Toys have been putting out lots of action figure for it. Jazwares started off with 4 inch figures which, while very cool, are just in a scale I don't really collect anymore. McFarlane's figures are kind of cool too, and definitely a big leap forward for the company. I skipped them, though, as they just didn't grab my attention. When I heard about Jazwares Legendary Series of 6 inch scaled highly articulated figures, I decided to check it out. I haven't seen these anywhere yet except GameStop and on Amazon. I picked up this Skull Trooper a day or two ago from GameStop and, man, am I thrilled with him. Jazwares has really come out of nowhere with a figure that, quality wise and articulation wise, rivals what Hasbro is currently doing in this scale. To the best of my knowledge Fortnite doesn't have "characters." Instead, you just put different "skins" on for cosmetic purposes. Thus, this is simply a figure of a random guy in a tactical suit emblazoned with purple bones. It turns out that sometimes that's all you need for a compelling design! Let's check out the Purple Glow Skull Trooper after the break...

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Action Figure Review: Lucio from Overwatch Ultimates by Hasbro

    Today I'm checking out he last of the standard figures for Hasbro's Overwatch Ultimates line and this time it's the good-natured Brazilian DJ and freedom fighter Lucio! When I first started checking this line out and delving into Overwatch's lore a bit, Lucio was the character I was the familiar with. He's a support character in the game and utilizes his musical abilities to buff his teammates during battle. It was Lucio's eye-catching bright green and blue color scheme that caught my attention, though. Well, that and the fact that he's wearing rollerblades. Actually, they're called hard-light skates. Something about Lucio's design totally makes me think of an early 90s design, particularly the Jeremy Baker figure from Zen: Intergalactic Ninja. Check out the colors and the rollerblades! Anyways, Lucio is a much better figure, though it's been nearly 30 years so that's expected. Seriously, though, Hasbro is doing some incredibly cool stuff with this line and it looks like even more is coming. Let's check out Lucio after the break...

Friday, July 5, 2019

Action Figure Review: Luke Skywalker (Death Star Escape) from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

   For Father's Day 2019 Target actually advertised a few exclusive Star Wars figures that they were carrying including figures from the Kenner inspired Retro Collection, a Vintage Collection Han Solo in Stromtrooper Disguise, and, the subject of today's review, Luke Skywalker (Death Star Escape). Interestingly, rather than having these figures in the regular toy aisle, Target had then in the men's clothing section. Of course, immediately after Father's Day Target began clearing them out. What? Yup, it seems that Target had these coded as holiday merchandise and began offering them on clearance. Currently you can find these on Ebay at some great prices (below original retail) so if you want this guy jump on him now and get a deal. While he's largely a rerelease of the Phase II Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper Disguise) with a new portrait and some additional paint applications, he is quite nicely done. Let's check out Luke Skywalker (Death Star Escape) after the break...

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Action Figure Review: Tracer from Overwatch Ultimates by Hasbro

   Even if you've never played Overwatch, perhaps even if you're barely aware that it exists, you're probably at least familiar with Tracer. While many of the characters from Overwatch have proven to be rather popular, inspiring loyalty among their fans, Tracer is pretty much the de facto face of the brand. She's sort of a staple of gaming pop culture at this point so it makes sense that Hasbro would include her in the first series of Overwatch Ultimates figures. In fact, it appears that she's going to appear in a series 2 in a white outfit along with a repainted McCree as well. This is definitely the most popular version of Tracer, the 26 year old British time traveler and adventurer, and I imagine that she'll prove to be the most popular figure from series one. Let's check Tracer out after the break...

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Action Figure Review: Doctor Aphra from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

   I'm making my way through the newest series of Star Wars: The Black Series figures and next in line for review, joining BT-1 and 0-0-0, is Doctor Aphra. Hasbro was very smart to release Doctor Aphra with the Droids as the presence of all three figures automatically makes each of the individual figures more desirable. I've felt that the Black Series would benefit from more themed waves and this seems like a small step in the right direction. I love Doctor Aphra, so much so that I actually purchased the 1/18th scale Doctor Aphra figure from the Vintage Collection last Fall. We knew a Black Series version was coming, however, and here she is. What's really interesting about this figure, besides the fact that she's one of the first figures from the New Canon in the Black Series line, is that she features a lot of reuse. We've seen droids and armored troopers rely on reuse but Doctor Chelli Lona Aphra might be the first regularly clothed human figure to take advantage of clever reuse to craft a completely new figure. Yes, while you may not realize it right off the bat, Doctor Aphra reuses quite a bit from...wait for it... Jaina Solo. Yup! Who would have thought, huh? While I applaud Hasbro's commitment to using unique sculpts and accuracy for movie characters, I'm A-OK with clever reuse to offer us more characters from books and videogames. Let's see how Doctor Aphra turned out after the break...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Confirmed Epic Podcast Bonus Episode: Spider-Man Far From Home




The Reel Brad Bell is proud to Welcome you back to The Confirmed Epic Podcast with a very special bonus episode as we give our thoughts on the latest MCU entry: Jon Watt's Spider-Man Far From Home.


You can always contact the show directly via email at thepicreview@gmail.com or on twitter @thereelbradbell

Minifigure Review: Cyclist Bike Racer from Imagnext Series 12 by Fisher-Price

   Today I'm finishing up my reviews of all of the figures for Series 12 of the Imaginext Collectible figures series and I'm wrapping things up with the Cyclist Bike Racer. I'm just going to call him the Cyclist for short, as he is clearly supposed to be a hardcore professional bicyclist. I'm not usually a huge fan of the sports based figures but I kind of like this guy. His textured suit and cool helmet definitely add a bit more pizazz to him than your average sports figure has, plus he also has a fairly intricate bicycle with spinning wheels. Imaginext usually throws a sports figure in the mix, so they must have some level of demand. Let's check out the Cyclist Bike Racer after the break...

Monday, July 1, 2019

Confirmed Epic Podcast #106: Does SDCC still matter?





The Reel Brad Bell is proud to Welcome you back to The Confirmed Epic Podcast with episode #106.

In episode #106 we discuss:

-The Over/Unders of the MCU's future. (Epic Games)

-Tim Burton's Dumbo, Pet Sematery 2019, Jason Aaron's Avengers The Final Host (What we have been Checking Out)

-Should FUNKO be making Political/Historical Pops? (Collecting)

-Does SDCC still matter? (FILM)

-Is Cable/Satellite getting ready to make a comeback? (TV)

-What didn't Marvel have Sina Grace and Iceman's back? (COMICS)


-We also have some random tweets, and our weekly CONFIRMED CRAP & CONFIRMED EPIC ratings of the week

You can always contact the show directly via email at thepicreview@gmail.com or on twitter @thereelbradbell

Action Figure Review: Battle Cat (Flocked) from Masters of the Universe Action Vinyls by The Loyal Subjects

   In early June I checked out the Masters of the Universe Action Vinyls Battle Cat and today I'm going to be checking out the Hot Topic exclusive variant of the figure. This time Battle Cat is flocked! While Masters of the Universe has a history of flocked figures (Panthor, Moss Man, and Kowl) this is the first time that I can recall that Battle Cat is flocked. I'm down with it, though, as it makes for an interesting variant. I ordered mine from Hot Topic online but these have been popping up in stores too, although these seem to have sold through quite thoroughly. Let's check out Battle Cat after the break...