Monday, September 30, 2019

Halloween 2019: The Scream of 31 Days of Toy Terror Begins...

  Hello Halloween lovers!

Yes, it's almost midnight and you know what that means...

October 1st is almost here! The Halloween Season is nearly upon us.

It's time for.... 31 Days of Toy Terror!

This year's countdown is the seventh and I've named it The Scream of 31 Days of Toy Terror!

For every day in October I'll be reviewing a toy, action figure, minifigure, POP!, or possibly even a bobblehead based on some character from horror cinema? Are you excited? Me too!

Let's get ready to get spooky!

Action Figure Review: KGBeast from DC Comics Multiverse by Mattel

    Over the last month or so the last series of Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse figures have been hitting stores. It's a Batman focused series featuring multiple characters that fans have been asking for since...well, since at least the DC Universe Classics years. It's nice to have these figures as Mattel's work on the DC license has been declining over the past few years and it will largely end at the end of 2019, when the main action figure license is turned over to McFarlane Toys and the general boys products will go to Spin Master (Mattel apparently still has the rights for toddler toys, like Imaginext, and girls products, like DC Super Hero girls). Mattel has been releasing 6 inch scaled DC figures since 2003, when they took the license over from Hasbro, and overall I've been pleased. The last few years have been rough, though, and it seems like most license holders for the DC brand can never get things right. Heck, even DC Collectibles themselves hasn't ever been consistent. Mattel has a stellar run during the DC Superheroes and DC Universe Classics years, really rounding out some key corners of the DC Universe. Today I'm checking out the first figure from this newest, and last series, which features one of the few most significant Batman villains to have never had an action figure: KGBeast. While KGBeast first appeared back in 1988, this version of the character is from DC Rebirth and actually just goes by The Beast. He's a pretty cool Batman villain who's still relevant in the comics, so it's nice to see Mattel offer him up as part of the send-off series. Let's check out Anatoli Knyazev, AKA KGBeast, AKA The Beast, after the break...

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Toy Review: Battle Bones from Masters of the Universe by Mega Construx

 Masters of the Universe had some pretty incredible exclusives at SDCC 2019! First up was the incredible Masters of the Universe Origins 2-pack that's kicking off a new line which should be available at retail in late 2020. Next up was the very nicely done She-Ra vs Shadow Weaver 2-pack which celebrated the release of the doll line based on the new Netflix She-Ra series. And now, today, I'm checking out the third SDCC2019 exclusive: The Mega Contrux Battle Bones. Yup! Battle Bones! I loved Battle Bones as a kid but, sadly, he was a part of my childhood collection that got sold off at some point and I haven't yet replaced him. While this Mega Construx Battle Bones is no substitute for the real thing, he is a darn cool item. Plus, he comes with four figures (including my beloved Moss Man), a Moss Man air freshener, and a ton of weapons. Mattel seems to have big plans for Mega Construx and this was definitely the most exciting SDCC exclusive in my eyes this year. Let's check out this set after the break and see why it's so incredibly fantastic. Well, I will go ahead and say that it has Moss Man, so there is that. I actually had a Moss Man birthday cake for my birthday this year, so you can say I'm all about that Moss Man. Anyways, Battle Bones and Moss Man after the break...

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Action Figure Review: Genji and Hanzo from Overwatch Ultimates by Hasbro

    Ready for another review from Hasbro's Overwatch Ultimates line? Of course you are! This has definitely become one of my favorite lines of 2019 and today I'm checking out another fantastic 2-pack, this time featuring brothers Genji and Hanzo. While Genji was released previously in his Chrome outfit as an Amazon exclusive (and is also part of the recently released Carbon series 4-pack) this is Hanzo's first figure in the line. These guys are part of the second series of figures and they've been showing up in stores at GameStop, which is where I found mine. Let's take a look at the Shimada brothers after the break...

Friday, September 27, 2019

Action Figure Review: She-Ra vs Shadow Weaver from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power by Mattel

    I just finished reviewing all of the standard releases from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power so I guess it's about time that I got around to checking out the very cool SDCC 2019 set of She-Ra vs Shadow Weaver, huh? I didn't get this set until after I already had the standard figures and I guess I'm kind of glad, as this set is much nicer than those figures. The packaging is very attractive (but not collector friendly!) and it features not only a very cool Shadow Weaver, who is extremely creepy and cool in the new show, but also an upgraded She-Ra. Seriously, she's quite a bit nicer than the standard She-Ra, even though they have the same body and headsculpt. If you're looking for just one item from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power for your collection, this is what I'd recommend. Mattel definitely goes all out on their SDCC offerings and this one is a real beauty. Let's check out this set after the break...

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Action Figure Review: Soldier: 76 (Golden) from Overwatch Ultimates by Hasbro

   Over the past month or so this Golden variant of Soldier: 76 has been showing up through various international sellers and I decided to go ahead and order one. I'm not sure who this figure is going to be exclusive to when (if?) he makes his way to the United States but he definitely seems like an exclusive for this line. So far the exclusives have mostly been variants of previously released figures (Chrome Genji, Bitrate Lucio, Bundeswehr Reinhardt), so releasing Soldier: 76 in this color scheme fits the pattern. He was previously released in a 2-pack alongside Ana in her Shrike outfit, so this is the first time you can pick him up individually. He definitely is just a repaint with no new accessories or sculpted parts, so this review will be a bit briefer than most. Let's check out the Golden Soldier: 76 and see how he fares after the break...

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Action Figure Review: Lucio (Bitrate) from Overwatch Ultimates by Hasbro

   Back in July I reviewed the standard Lucio figure from the first series of Overwatch Ultimates and I ended up giving him an Epic rating: He's a really good figure! Today I'm checking out the GameStop exclusive version of Lucio in his Bitrate costume. This is a simple repaint (no new sculpting) and it just started making it's way to GameStop stores over the past month. This is one of the reviews where I'm mostly showing off what the repaint looks like since I've already reviewed the main figure. Is Bitrate Lucio as good as standard Lucio? Not quite, but he's not bad either. Read on and learn more after the break...

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Action Figure Review: DJ Yonder from Fortnite: Legendary Series by Jazwares

    Jazwares Fortnite: Legendary series has been one of the best surprises of 2019 and guess what? They're following up the incredible first series with a second series filled with cool, crazy characters. Series 2 includes the fish-headed Leviathan, the artists known as Abstrakt, main guy Jonesy, the fierce warrior Valkyrie, and the funky fresh DJ Yonder, who I'm checking out today. Rather oddly, however, only some figures from series 2 have shown up so far, and they seem to be showing up individually rather than in a full grouping. Literally all I can find out about DJ Yonder is that he's a DJ, his name is Yonder, and he is an Epic level outfit from the Season 6 Battle Pass. That's it! He's darn cool, though, and comes with a ton of cool stuff. Seriously, these are just solid toys with cool designs. Let's groove with DJ Yonder after the break...

Monday, September 23, 2019

Action Figure Review: Skeletor (Leo) from Masters of the Universe ReAction by Super7

    Today I'm doing a super quick review of the recent Leo Toys variant of Skeletor from Super7's Masters of the Universe ReAction. Like the Leo Toys Faker I reviewed last week, Skeletor is also based off an interesting color variant released in India in 1987 by Leo Toys. Super7 really seems to dig releasing unusual color variants, but that works since the fans seem to like them too. Honestly, this is a really cool looking version of Skeletor due to the darker colors. I've reviewed a few different ReAction Skeletors already, so there's not a ton of new stuff to say, but it's still worth a peek and a few pictures. Let's check out the Leo Toys Skeletor after the break...

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Action Figure Review: Zarya from Overwatch Ultimates by Hasbro

    One of my favorite toylines of 2019 is without a doubt Hasbro's Overwatch Ultimates and I'm getting ready to review a whole mess of new figures. Zarya is the third new single packed figure from series 2, alongside of Junkrat and McCree, and she's been showing up in stores and on-line for at least a month or so now. I've heard a few folks comment that the Overwatch Ultimates line kind of reminds them of what a modern day G.I. Joe line like might be like, and I can agree with that. It's fun, with unique characters, cool weapons, and a lot of style. It's kind of like a smaller version of G.I. Joe: Sigma 6, isn't it? Zarya is a heroic Russian soldier who kind of reminds me of Zarana from G.I. Joe. Maybe it's because there names are similar (Zarya's name apparently means "dawn" in Russian), they have short, funky pink hair cuts, and they both wield some really cool weaponry. Zarya, however, is definitely a hero, not a villain, though. She's a very cool figure, so let's check her out after the break...

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Action Figure Review: Glimmer from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power by Mattel

   Today I'm checking out Glimmer, the last of the new She-Ra and the Princesses of Power dolls from Mattel's new series. Yes, there is an SDCC exclusive 2-pack and, yes, I'll be reviewing it soon, but this is the last figure of the standard first series currently available at Target. Glimmer definitely had quite a few changes from her Filmation appearance that most folks recognize, but I do like her in the show. Most of the characters in the show are quite likeable, which is definitely one of the strengths of the Netflix She-Ra series. I also like Glimmer's powers in the show and how they're sometimes a bit unpredictable and actually take a toll on her. I imagine that if the show continues, we'll get to see her grow into a more power and confident warrior as she masters them. I picked all of these up for my daughter for her birthday last month but, of course, I had to get a set for me as well. Let's check out Glimmer, the Princess of Brightmoon, after the break...

Friday, September 20, 2019

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

    Today I'm checking out Super7's Masters of the Universe ReAction Stinkor, a figure that was delayed for a few months but who has finally made it into our collections! Stinkor was originally intended to ship alongside the Variant Variables series back in April 2019 but ended up shipping with the Leo series back in August.  While he's pretty close to being 100% faithful to the vintage Stinkor, this guys does have two unusual design elements that differentiate him from the original toy: He has a blue Zodac pistol instead of his classic shield and he doesn't have gloves. Is this either a very obscure variant based on a German comic book or did Super7 offer Zodac's pistol in blue as an homage to the MOTUC figure's blue weapon? Who knows? What I can tell you, however, is that Stinkor is completely unscented, which kind of bugs me. A Stinkor that doesn't stink? Now that's disgusting! Anyways, let's check out Stinkor after the break...

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Action Figure Review: Force Captain Adora from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power by Mattel

   I'm still working my way through reviewing all of the figures from Mattel's new She-Ra and the Princesses of Power line based on the 2018 Netflix cartoon and today I'm checking out Princess Adora herself! Well, actually just Adora here. Force Captain Adora, actually. Thus far the 2018 Netflix series hasn't made a connection to Adora's family on Eternia, and who knows if they'll ever do so? The series seems to be forging a path all of its own and while it is a good show, I'd love to at least have a story arc connecting Adora back to her family at some point. Anyways, Adora is still the main character and her character design is one of my favorites from the new series. I like her outfit as it definitely has a military cadet vibe while still looking like it belongs in the fantasy setting of Etheria. Force Captain Adora comes packaged one per case, alongside of Bow, Catra, and Glimmer, meaning that tracking these figures down can be a bit of a chore. I managed to get one for me and one for my daughter (whose name is Adora!), though, so hopefully you'll have good luck like me. Let's check out Force Captain Adora after the break...

Monday, September 16, 2019

Action Figure Review: Faker (Leo) from Masters of the Universe ReAction by Super7

   A month or so ago Super 7 released a series of Masters of the Universe ReAction figures that mostly focused on variants inspired by the vintage Indian releases from Leo Toys. Leo Toys had some interesting variants that have become quite desirable over the years and one of the most popular variants is Leo's Faker. It was released in 1987 and features some interesting differences from the standard vintage Faker. I've already reviewed the standard Faker who came out earlier this year, so this review's going to be a bit brief since this is largely a repaint with Skeletor's torso. Let's check out the Leo Faker after the break and see what all the rage is about...

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Action Figure Review: Catra from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power by Mattel

    Catra is one of the characters from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power who differs the most from earlier depictions of the character, but you know what? It works! Catra is easily one of my favorite characters in the new cartoon, so it's only fitting that she's also one of my favorite figures in this new line. It turns out that Catra seems to be the hardest of the dolls to find as well. Considering she's She-Ra's primary antagonist in this series, packing her just one to a case seems like a bit of a misstep (She-Ra comes by herself 4 to a case while Catra, Bow, Glimmer, and Adora all come packed 1 to a case). Still, that doesn't change the fact that she's a pretty cool toy and a very unique interpretation of the character. She honestly reminds me of a character design from the 2011 ThunderCats. It really works for the character, though, and makes her quite unique. She's a great, conflicted villain. Let's check her out after the break...

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Action Figure Review: He-Man and Prince Adam from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

   SDCC 2019 had a few really cool Masters of the Universe exclusive toys this year and today I'm getting ready to check out the first of them: The He-Man and Prince Adam 2-pack from Mattel's upcoming Masters of the Universe Origins. With the movie reportedly on the horizon and the upcoming Masters of the Universe: Revelations Netflix series, Mattel is getting ready to give He-Man another shot at retail. This time they're going back to the earliest days of MOTU by developing a line based on minicomic depictions of the crew with the aesthetics and size of the vintage line augmented with more modern articulation and features (extra hands, swappable heads). It's an interesting strategy for a mass market line but perhaps Mattel is hoping that collectors and nostalgic fans will keep it alive. While the Origins line isn't supposed to hit retail until sometime next fall, Mattel decided to give fans a taste of things to come by offering this really cool 2-pack. Ready for a very minicomics inspired He-Man and Prince Adam? Then join me after the break...

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Action Figure Review: Bow from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power by Mattel

   Slowly but surely I will be making my way through reviewing most of the She-Ra and the Princesses of Power dolls. I picked up most of these for my daughter for her birthday, so now the Great Rebellion has taken up residence in the giant Frozen frozen dollhouse in her room. Her She-Ra figures have it better than mine: They get to lounge in a castle with nice beds, a fireplace, and a chaise lounge while mine are lined up in my Masters of the Universe collection with hundreds of enemies to fight. Today I'm checking out Bow, one of She-Ra's besties in the newish Netflix series. I'm not all the way through Season 3 yet but so far I'm liking the show. I've been liking it a bit more with every season as it seems to be finding its footing while getting deeper over time. While Bow is still an archer with a heart of gold who is fiercely loyal to the Great Rebellion, the Netflix version of Bow definitely seems a lot younger and more immature than the Filmation Bow (though that's true of most of the Netflix She-Ra characters). Mattel's toyline definitely captures the look of the new show but it also does it's own thing a bit, converting the designs into more traditional doll designs. Let's see if Bow hits the mark after the break...

Monday, September 9, 2019

Action Figure Review: Slamurai and Snake Troopers from Masters of the Universe Classics by Mattel

    PowerCon 2019 was just a couple of weeks ago and, like every year it has been held, there was a nice assortment of Masters of the Universe exclusives from various lines. This year Masters of the Universe Classics had two exclusives: A single packed Horde Zombie He-Man and the Slamurai versus Snake Troopers three pack. I'm reviewing the three pack today as it arrived in the mail first (I'm still waiting on my He-Man!). Looking at Slamurai and the Snake Troopers, you might ask yourself "Who are these guys? They look familiar but I don't remember owning them as a kid."
 
   You'd be correct. These guys are the last figures from a proposed 1988 series of figures that never happened. While Mattel was planning to release the figures from The Powers of Grayskull line, it seems that at one point they also wanted some new MOTU figures out that used existing parts. We actually have Errol McCarthy's proposed drawings for the figures from the series, though the names are mostly recent inventions except for Strobo. The series would have consisted of Terroar, Plasmar, and Lord Gr'asp (who were a 3-pack exclusive for PowerCon 2017), Strobo (who was the 2013 traveling convention exclusive), and Slamurai and a Snake Trooper, who we're checking out today. Man, is MOTUC a crazy toyline or what? We actually for an entire series of figures based on toys that were never even made? Know what else is interesting? These are actually made by Mattel, and not Super7. Odd, huh? We know now that Mattel has aggressively been taking back control of the property so Mattel must have jumped in and made these themselves. Being a convention exclusive with a very, very limited run, this set is definitely pricier than your standard exclusive, so keep that in mind. Let's check this set out after the break...

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Action Figure Review: Skeletor from Masters of the Universe by Mondo

    Skeletor is evil. He's a seriously evil being intent on taking over Eternia and, later, the entire galaxy. He's attempted to kill members of his own family, razed helpless villages to the ground, and even eradicated his own henchmen. But Skeletor was no match for two things... The Christmas Spirit and the love of a puppy named Relay! Guess what? I'm back with another review from Mondo's excellent line of Masters of the Universe 1/6th scale action figures and today I'm checking out the Evil Lord of Destruction, Skeletor! Skeletor has been making his way out over the past couple of months and I'm finally getting the chance to review mine! He's already found a play of honor in my MOTU collection next to the Sideshow statues of He-Man and She-Ra and the Mondo He-Man and he's even had a few battles against my daughter's new She-Ra dolls (he lost, by the way). Today, though, Skeletor is getting the full review treatment here at Action Figure Barbecue and I'm going to preempt this review by going ahead and stating that Skeletor is easily one of the best MOTU toys I've ever owned. Let me tell you, folks, I own a lot of MOTU toys, too. That's high praise! I love how Mondo manages to capture so many different facets of the MOTU brand and meld them all into one killer toy. Let's check out Skeletor after the break and see what all the fuss is about!

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Action Figure Review: McCree from Overwatch Ultimates by Hasbro

   Yesterday I reviewed Junkrat and today I'm checking out another figure from series 2 of Hasbro's Overwatch Ultimates: McCree! Yes, if you remember correctly, I have actually already reviewed McCree, but that was the White Hat costumed McCree from the recently released 2-pack with Posh Tracer.  Except for the color scheme, the two figures are identical, thus this is one of those interviews where I rely heavily on the previous review and just point out the details of what the figure includes and the new/ different elements. Reuse is a pretty important of the action figure industry these days since it allows companies of all sizes (from the smallest of the small to the biggest of the big) to get more usage out of expensive mold tooling. Companies just don't sell as many of each figure these days, so maximizing mold usage matters. That's why Overwatch Ultimates is such an interesting line: While each figure character is a unique sculpt with no reuse, Hasbro uses the in-game color schemes to craft variants. It's a good idea and so far I've liked most of their choices. While McCree (White Hat) has more of a sci-fi cowboy/ BraveStarr feel, the regular ol' McCree definitely has more of a Man With No Name feel. Let's buckle up, buckaroos, and check out McCree after the break...

Friday, September 6, 2019

Action Figure Review: Junkrat from Overwatch Ultimates by Hasbro



    I've been working on getting things ready for this year's 31 Days of Toy Terror, so reviews are coming out a bit slower than usual! Sorry! I've actually got 6 more new Overwatch figures on hand that I haven't even gotten around to reviewing yet, as well as lots of Masters of the Universe SDCC 2019 and PowerCon 2019 exclusives. Today, though, I'm finally getting around to reviewing Junkrat, a Mad Max-inspired criminal and anarchist from Junkertown, Australia. Junkrat definitely has a very different look to him than most other figures in the line, who tend to have a futuristic, somewhat cyber-punk look to them. Junkrat looks more like he belongs in Borderlands. He is an insanely fun figure with lots of weapons. I mean lots. This guy is loaded! He's one of three new figures from the standard single packed series 2 case, so let's check him out after the break and see how he fits into the line! Hooray for new toys!

Random Overwatch Pics: Review Coming Soon!

 I just picked up the Hanzo and Genji two-pack from GameStop last night. A review is coming but here are some quick pics to show off this cool set!

Monday, September 2, 2019

Action Figure Review: Enforcer from Fortnite: Legendary Series by Jazwares

   Today I'm checking out Enforcer, the final figure in Jazwares' first series of Fortnite: Legendary Series and I'm pleased to say that it's another very, very solid action figure. I reviewed the first figure I picked up from this series back in July and I ended up picking up the rest of the figures here and there. A second series has been announced and so far we know that Leviathan, Valkyrie, and DJ Yonder are on the way. Hopefully the line has a good long run as it's turned out to be one of the most fun I've picked up this year. For the $20 asking price (which, let's be honest, is the standard going rate for articulated, 6 inch scaled action figures), you're getting a lot. Multiple face plates, excellent articulation, and quite a few accessories. The quality is definitely here and these are some of the most playable action figures in recent memory. I'm curious how many collectors are like me and are picking these up with little to no knowledge about Fortnite. Good toys are just good toys, y'know? Let's check out Enforcer after the break...

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Action Figure Review: Beastman with Weapons Pack from Masters of the Universe ReAction by Super7

    A few weeks ago Super7 released a surprise set of Masters of the Universe Reaction figures. Three of the figures are Leo variants, based on the MOTU releases from the Indian company Leo, but this variant is actually a tribute to the vintage 1984 Masters of the Universe Weapons Pak accessory set. The Weapons Pack included multiple accessories already included with figures in the toyline, most of them recolored slightly. While the standard Beastman sports a red furry collar and cuffs, this version is decked out in the yellow collar from the Weapons Pak. He also comes with enough extra weapons to stock a small armory! Ready to check out this cool Beastman with Weapons Pack? Then join me after the break...