Action Figure Review: Gabriel " Barbecue" Kelly from G.I. Joe Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   This is it folks: The last review of 2021. Yeah, yeah, I'll be wrapping up 2021 releases well into January but, still, this is the last review for the calendar year and we're going out with a bang. Yes, folks, it's Barbecue from Hasbro's G.I. Joe Classified Series. Hasbro has once again immortalized me in plastic form though, oddly, they left off the 17 from my name and for some reason added the name Gabriel Kelly in there. Who the heck is that, right? It should say Barbecue "Barbecue17" 17. Yeah, that would be more correct. I've had Barbecue for two months now (he showed up during the week of Re-Halloween) and I've had lots of time to go mess around with him. He's really quite cool though, sort of like the Funko POP! Dr. Ian Malcom, he does tend to get himself into all kinds of crazy situations. Barbecue is part of the Target Exclusive "Cobra Island" series but he's been a bit easier to find than most figures. That's because Hasbro didn't underestimate the popularity of this guy. They knew he'd be both a hit with collectors and the ladies. I've also heard he was the most popular toy this Christmas and is expected to become the must have accessory for Spring 2022 fashion. Let's take a look at what might be the greatest action figure ever made, the G.I. Joe Classified Series Barbecue (17), after the break...

Action Figure Review: Alvin "Breaker" Kibbey with RAM Cycle from G.I. Joe Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   October, November, and December were crazy months for action figures this year and I'm woefully behind. Like usual, January is going to be my wrap up month but before the end of 2021 I want to get around to checking out the last few figures from Hasbro's G.I. Joe: Classified Series, which is one of my favorite lines currently out there. The Alley Viper and B.A.T. are actually showing up in stores right now but I haven't managed to get my hands on them yet. Still, I've got lots of new cool stuff to show off, starting with Alvin "Breaker" Kibbey with the RAM Cycle, a Target Special Mission: Cobra Island exclusive figure and vehicle set. Over the last year there has been an interesting in the Classified Series with figures looking less futuristic like the earlier figures in the line and instead looking more like updated versions of the vintage figures. Breaker definitely seems more like an update of the vintage toy (he was one of the Original 13, after all) and while he's "modern" he doesn't have that many futuristic flourishes. In fact, he's rather plain. I managed to walk into a Target back in October and stumble upon this guy which was a real treat. Let's take a look at Alvin "Breaker" Kibbey and the RAM Cycle after the break...

Action Figure Review: Stinkor from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation by Mattel

 

   Today I'm checking out the last figure from series 3 of Mattel's Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation line and it's Stinkor, the Evil Master of Odors! I love Stinkor and while he didn't play a massive part in Revelation his appearance in the second episode was pretty impressive and memorable. It was enough to get Stinkor a slot in this line, too. This is a very traditional, very classic looking Stinkor with just a few embellishments inspired by his appearance in the 200x series/ Staction line. This is really an amazing Stinkor figure and even those fans who didn't enjoy MOTU: Revelation ought to give him a look: If you're not wanting to pay over $100 bucks for the excellent Masters of the Universe Classics Stinkor this guy might make a nice consolation prize. Let's take a look at Stinkor after the break...

Action Figure Review: Scare Glow from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation by Mattel

 

   "You will be haunted… by Three Spirits… Without their visits,” said the Ghost, “you cannot hope to shun the path I tread. Expect the first tomorrow, when the bell tolls One."

 

   He's not Jacob Marley but the Masterverse Scare Glow is paying you a visit this Christmas season! OK, I intended for this for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but ended up not getting around to it. Oh well! He's still spooky, it's still the Christmas season, and you're still here. Let's do this! Anyways, Scare Glow has already been released in Masterverse as a Mattel Creations exclusive. He was sold on July 22nd and shipped in September. I even used him as my special Halloween review. This version is not an exclusive, however, and is part of the third series of Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation figures. He's not quite as cool as the Mattel Creations exclusive Scare Glow but if you missed out on that one this version of the Evil Ghost of Skeletor isn't a bad consolation prize. Let's take a look at Scare Glow and see how this ghost with the most compares to the previous one after the break...

Action Figure Review: Savage He-Man from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation by Mattel

 

Merry Christmas Eve! How about a big guy and his little helper to kick things off?

   OK, so this isn't exactly what you probably had in mind but I'm pretty excited to be checking out this set so soon after its release. One of the biggest surprises of Masters of the Universe: Revelation part 2 was Adam calling on the Power of Grayskull without the Power Sword and turning into the Savage He-Man, a version of the character that hearkens back to the earliest minicomic where He-Man is a loincloth clad warrior who comes out of the jungle. In the bios for Masters of the Universe Classics, a line that used the idea of multiple He-Man/ guardians of the Power Sword throughout history, this incarnation of the character was called Oo-Lar. Here, though, he's simply Savage He-Man. I'll admit that I didn't love the completely wild and unhinged way Revelation depicted Savage He-Man but I do like the concept (I would have probably toned things down a bit, making him more Tarzan and less a dark and gritty Mr. Peepers). I'm also thrilled Mattel got him out so quickly. The figure is quite a bit smaller and now as crazy as in the show but I'm actually kind of OK with this as it simply makes for a great Oo-Lar/ Jungle He-Man/ Savage He-Man. I'm also loving the inclusion of Orko who was an amazing part of the show, even going toe to toe with Scare Glow. Orko, you are the man and are worthy of all of our love and respect! Let's check out this great set after the break...

Action Figure Review: Fisto from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation by Mattel

 

   The Masterverse marathon continues with another figure from series 3: Fisto! Fisto had very limited screen time in part one of MOTU: Revelation and had a small but memorable role in part 2. Sadly, Fisto didn't live as he and Clamp Champ were turned into zombie-like creatures and then quickly killed. I'll be honest: I wasn't thrilled with those two being killed off like that. I'm OK with a story killing well established characters off, particularly if there death serves a purpose, but Fisto and Clamp Champ's death seemed to happen for shock value and kind of left me aggravated. Remember how the early issues of the DC comic from a few years back randomly and violently killed off characters for shock value? Yeah, that's what this felt like. It's a shame, too, because both of those guys always seemed destined for greatness. Anyways, we do get a really nice Fisto figure out of it. I love Fisto and I really like this figure but mine does have a few annoying quality control issues that sour the experience a bit. Let's check out Fisto after the break and see what's going on with this punchy guy...

Action Figure Review: Andra from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation by Mattel

 

   This mini marathon of Masterverse figures isn't so mini anymore now that we're moving into series 3! That's right, kids, ol' St. Nick came a little early and delivered your boy Barbecue17 some new MOTU toys right before Christmas. Series 3 is a pretty exciting set and I thought I'd kick things off with a look at Andra, a character who has never before been released in toy form. If there's a part of MOTU lore I'm most unfamiliar with it's the Marvel/ Star Comics stories which is actually where Andra first appeared (issue #9). She also was mentioned in the Masters of the Universe Classics bios and appeared in the modern DC comics briefly as well but at this point MOTU: Revelation is clearly her biggest role in the franchise. Andra's a little different in Revelation (the character was originally Caucasian with short blonde hair) but there is a lot of stuff that is also in line with the previous depiction of the character such as her being a friend of Teela's who joins up with Randor's forces and is quickly promoted. I liked Andra in Revelation and I'm really glad that Mattel got her into the line so soon. It's always fun to get a brand new character! Let's take a look at Andra after the break...

Action Figure Review: Teela from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation by Mattel

 

   Today I'm checking out the last figure of series 2 from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation and this time it's Teela in her "Modern" outfit (that's how the character sheet refers to this particular costume). Do I even dare talk about Teela and Masters of the Universe: Revelation? Yes, I do. I liked it. It was fun, unique, different while still being familiar, and it had lots of great Easter eggs and nods to the wealth of MOTU lore from the past 40 years. Would I have changed some things if I had been telling the story? Of course, but overall I'm satisfied with what we got. Poor Teela, however, has really drawn a lot of criticism due to her outfits, her character arc, and the fact that the show focuses heavily on her. Hey, if I had written the show it would have been all about the adventures of Moss Man and Cringer as they cruise around in the Land Shark, so be happy with what you got. I'm going to give my review of the figure after the break but I'm also going to talk a heck of a lot about Teela in Revelation, too....

Action Figure Review: Spikor from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe by Mattel

 

   Today is the third day of this Masterverse mini marathon and it's time for the third figure from Masterverse series 2: Spikor! I'm always excited when we get figures of some of the B and C list characetrs and Spikor definitely meets that criteria. The guy didn't even get a Staction in NECA's continuation of the 200x series. In fact, in the first half of Revelation Spikor was actually just Skeletor in disguise, transformed by the Shaping Staff. He did show up in the second half of the series, though, and was in a few battle scenes, which was a welcome treat. I like Spikor's look and while he's very traditional here he still looks cool in this slightly sleeker appearance. Let's check out Spikor, the untouchable Master of Evil Combat, after the break...

Action Figure Review: Man-At-Arms from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation by Mattel

 

   How about another Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation review to make the wait for Christmas just a bit easier? Today's installment of this Masterverse mini marathon is Man-At-Arms in his classic look from before the disappearance of magic from Eternia. Man-At-Arms doesn't have this look for too long in the show and I'm a little disappointed that Mattel went with the classic appearance before his much cooler "Most Dangerous Man on Eternia" appearance but hopefully we'll get that version at some point in the future. Man-At-Arms, as always, is a huge part of Revelation and Mattel crafted a figure that feels like a mixture of a Masters of the Universe Classics figure and a 200x figure. Ready for another cool action figure of Duncan? Then let's jump in after the break...

 

Action Figure Review: Beast Man from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation by Matttel

 

   Your old pal Barbecue was down for a few days with a sinus infection but just like George Costanza after eating that mango, "I'm back, baby!" Today's I'm getting ready to start another mini marathon of reviews and this time I'm checking out some of the new releases from the Masters of the Universe: Revelation inspired Masterverse. To kick off looking at series 2 we've got Beast Man in the house. In MOTU: Revelation most of the characters have (at least) two looks: One from before the disappearance of magic from Eternia and another from afterwards. Mattel has been mixing up which looks they offer and Beast Man gets his look from after the death of Skeletor when he's off roaming around on his own for years. It's really cool to see Beast Man with a very unique sculpt like this as it makes him extremely menacing and feral looking, kind of like the 200x version of the character. Let's take a look at Beast Man after the break and see if he's truly as fierce as he looks....

Toy Review: Tung Lashor from Vinyl SODA by Funko

 

   We're now at the fifth and final review of this Masters of the Universe Vinyl SODA Mini Marathon! That didn't take too long, did it? Today we're checking out Tung Lashor, the Evil Tongue-Shooting Snake Men Creature! Rather than looking like a snake Tung Lashor appears to be based on a poisonous frog. He's apparently from the dimension of Etheria, leaving the Evil Horde to join King Hiss and the Snake Men. Tung Lashor is a standard release not tied to any convention and, like so many other Vinyl SODAs lately, I got him second hand for less than retail since this is the common version. The variant has a metallic paintjob. Ready to leap into this review of the Vinyl SODA Tung Lashor? Then join me after the break...

Toy Review: Beast Man from Vinyl SODA by Funko

 

   Time for the fourth stop on this Vinyl SODA Masters of the Universe Mini Marathon and it's Skeletor's right hand man: Beast Man! Biff Beast Man appears in pretty much every MOTU thing ever (well, except for New Adventures) and is usually one of the first characters made in any toyline. It took over a year to get to hm this time but now he's here. He's also a standard release rather than an exclusive, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting your paws on him. There's a variant (flocked) and the standard release out there but it's just the standard release I'm checking out today. Like some of the other recent Vinyl SODA figures I picked up Beast Man "opened" for less than retail price. That's not bad at all in my book. I wouldn't mind a flocked Beast Man but for what I paid I'm very satisfied just to have this furry orange guy chilling on my shelf. Let's check out Beast Man after the break...

Toy Review: Snake Face from Vinyl SODA by Funko

   It's part 3 of my Vinyl SODA Masters of the Universe Mini Marathon and this time we're checking out one of the Snake Men: Snake Face! Interestingly Funko releases Snake Face as a NYCC 2021 exclusive as both a POP! vinyl and as a Vinyl SODA figure. I reviewed the POP! version of Snake Face just a week or two ago so let's move on to the Vinyl SODA figure. It's cool seeing the Snake Men get some attention lately as they often don't get the attention that the other MOTU factions do. Unless you count Kobra Khan (which is iffy), Snake Face and Tung Lashor (he's coming soon, too) are the first of the Snake Men released in Vinyl SODA. We're only missing representation from the Evil Horde now, right? I'm sure we'll seem them soon. For now, let's begin our study of the Snake Men after the break...

Toy Review: Roboto from Vinyl SODA by Funko

 

   Part 2 of the Vinyl SODA Masters of the Universe Mini Marathon continues and this time I'm checking out Roboto! Roboto was a NYCC 2021 exclusive that was also shared with Toy Tokyo but I couldn't get him from any official source. I ended up buying him on Ebay for... less than retail price? Yes, that's correct! It turns out that lots of folks by these, sell the chase variants for pretty high prices, and then sell the commons for retail or less. If you're just concerned with getting the basic characters you can get some fantastic deals! Roboto does have a metallic variant (800 of the 5,000 figure run) but the standard figure looks great to me. Roboto has gotten a lot of love lately and it's time for another version of him. Let's check him out after the break...

Toy Review: Webstor from Vinyl SODA by Funko

 

   Today I'm going to start another review mini marathon, this time covering five of the recent releases from Funko's Vinyl SODA line. Vinyl SODA ended up being one of my top 10 favorite toylines of 2020 and, with lots of MOTU releases for 2021, they look like they're on track to make the list again. The first of the five Masters of the Universe in sleek, SODA form I'm checking out is Webstor, the Evil Master of Escape. I remember getting Webstor for Christmas as a kid one year when I was quite young (probably 1987 or 1988) and while he's never been one of my top favorites I'm still always glad to see him. Webstor is one of those Evil Warriors that just doesn't pop up all of the time. Released as part of Funkon 2021 he was also a shared exclusive with Toy Tokyo, which is where I got mine. He was part of a big bundle along with the POP! Roboto, POP! Whiplash, and some other stuff I've tried to sell off. There's a glow in the dark variant released as well (only 800 of them) but I ended up with the standard Webstor. Ready to check out Webstor (AKA Araneus, son of Raknus) after the break?

Action Figure Review: Mosquitor from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

   Masters of the Universe Origins has been a very strong line in 2021 and some of the best releases have been the deluxe figures. For only about $5 dollar more the deluxe releases have included alternate heads and hands, more weapons and/ or energy effects, and working action features. You get quite a bit of bang for you buck with these guys. Today I'm very excited to check out the newest of the deluxe figures: Mosquitor, the "Evil Energy-draining Insectoid." Mosquitor is a Kribleen insectoid vampire who has allied with the Evil Horde. Released in 1987, Mosquitor was one of the last figures in the line. Since I'm on the younger side of MOTU collectors and was just getting into the line around 1986 and 1987 I actually remember purchasing this guy and he's one of the vintage characters I still have from childhood. Of course, the Origins Mosquitor is a slightly more modern redo that feels very similar to the vintage figure, though with the updated modern articulation. Let's check out Mosquitor after the break...

Action Figure Review: Maniacal Mimics from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

   It's been a few days since the last review in my Masters of the Universe Origins mini marathon of exclusives but today I'm finally getting around to the third and final of the 2021 PowerCon exclusives: The Maniacal Maniacs two-pack with Faker and Dupli-Cat. While Faker was just released in the standard Origins line, this version is designed to look like the Leo Toys Faker variant, released in India in 1987. That's cool, but it's not the selling point of the set. That would be Dupli-Cat, a new robotic feline mount for Faker. Dupli-Cat is another cool example of the new ideas that have been springing up in Origins in 2021 which have been radically improving the line overall. This set was created for PowerCon 2021 and was sold through their site as well as through Big Bad Toy Store and Mattel Creations. It was the first of the exclusives to sell out on Mattel Creations when the PowerCon sets were released and I ended up getting mine through BBTS. Funny story: A week or so ago my daugher and I were discussing the symmetry of MOTU characters (Fisto and Jitsu, Tri-Klops and Man-E-Faces, etc.) and my daughter Adora said: "They should give Faker a blue and orange cat." I was very excited to tell her that her idea was in fact a reality and was on the way as we spoke. Ready for some fantastic mechanical menace? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Mysteries of Grayskull from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

   Are you ready for the Mysteries of Grayskull to be revealed? I sure am! Today I'm super excited to check out Mysteries of Grayskull, the second of the PowerCon 2021 exclusive Masters of the Universe Origins sets. The set was available directly through PowerCon as well as through Big Bad Toy Store and Mattel Creations. I ordered mine through Mattel Creations and just received this in the mail Thursday so this thing is fresh and hot. Mattel released the Origins Castle Grayskull earlier this year and I was very impressed with it. It's a fantastic playset at a very affordable price and while it came with some great stuff it was missing a few things that fans may have been, such as the classic space suit that stands on the second floor. The Mysteries of Grayskull set is designed to add to your Origins Castle Grayskull (or, heck, you could add these to the vintage or Classics Grayskull, too) and thus it's an accessory pack with some very substantial pieces. This is one of my favorite toys released this year as it's so versatile and well done and really captures the feel of the early years of Masters of the Universe. Let's take a look at the Mysteries of Grayskull after the break and see what is revealed inside the Ancient Fortress of Mystery and Power...

Action Figure Review: The Evil Horde from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

   Today's review is a big one: The entire Evil Horde! OK, well not the entire Evil Horde but the PowerCon exclusive four pack titled The Evil Horde from Masters of the Universe Origins. This set was one of the three MOTU Origins exclusives for PowerCon 2021 and it was available through directly through PowerCon or through BBTS and Mattel Creations. I picked mine up directly through Mattel Creations during their sale on September 13th (the same day I ordered the minicomic Tri-Klops) and it arrived in early November. This is a really cool set that features a Filmation inspired Hordak, two color variant Horde Troopers, and a "dark" variant of Grizzlor. We've already received a standard Hordak and "Buzz Saw" Hordak in Origins but the Horde Troopers and Grizzlor are new figures and we'll surely see them released in their standard looks in Origins in the near future. This set has one of the most impressive boxes I've seen on a MOTU item and it really surprised me how large it was. On one hand, it's really, really cool and helps to somewhat justify the elevated price of these exclusives. On the other, if a standard, no frills window box would have made these cheaper it might have been worth it. Still, the packaging is cool and something you'll want to have around. This set really appealed to my 8 year old daughter, Adora, so she jumped in to help with pictures and some commentary for this review as well. Let's check out The Evil Horde after the break...

Action Figure Review: Tri-Klops ("The Terror of Tri-Klops") from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

      The marathon of Masters of the Universe Origins reviews rolls on into December and today we're beginning to look at a few exclusive figures that have been released. For today's installment I'm checking out the Mattel Creations exclusive Tri-Klops based on his appearance in the vintage minicomic "The Terror of Tri-Klops!" In 2020 Mattel held a fan vote, offering up four characters fans could choose from to appear in MOTU origins. The other choices were Anti-Eternia Man-At-Arms, Masters of the Multiverse Keldor, and Wun-Dar, but this minicomic version of Tri-Klops beat them all out. This version of Tri-Klops was often requested in Masters of the Universe Classics (AKA the greatest toyline of all time) but he was never included there so for fans of the minicomic looks of the characters this is a pretty big deal. Tri-Klops went up for sale on September 13th alongside the Power-Con exclusives and Sun-Man. That was an expensive Monday, I can tell you that! While Tri-Klops was my third choice from the figures offered, I'm still glad to get him as he does offer up a neat variant for a character who hasn't had many different looks over the years. Let's check out Tri-Klops from "The Terror of Tri-Klops!" after the break....

Action Figure Review: Mer-Man (Lords of Power) from Masters of the Universe: Origins by Mattel

 

   The mini marathon of Masters of the Universe Origins reviews continues with the final figure from series 5: The Lords of Power Mer-Man variant. A classic toy version of Mer-Man was released in series 3 this year but last year Mer-Man was also included as part of the PowerCon 2020 exclusive Lords of Power set. The Lords of Power collection were essentially the prototype versions of some of the earliest Masters of the Universe characters and while they were included in last year's PowerCon exclusive set Mattel seems intent on releasing them in the mainline as ways to continue to refresh main characters like Mer-Man and Beast Man. Mer-Man's Lords of Power/ prototype looks closer to the cross-sell art on the back of the vintage packaging which seems to be more popular for modern depictions of the character. While this is the same sculpt as the exclusive from last year this version of Mer-man does have a slightly different paint job and fewer paint applications, differentiating him from the rarer and far more expensive exclusive. The Lords of Power set was definitely for the most hardcore fans so its nice that Mattel is giving everyone a chance to own a much cooler version of Mer-Man. Let's take a look at the Lords of Power Mer-Man after the break...

Flick or Treat Episode #1: Halloween Kills

 

   Hey everyone! My and my friend The Reel Brad have just posted the first episode of our new podcast Flick or Treat! What's Flick or Treat? It's a podcast dedicated solely to movies that take place at Halloween. There are plenty of horror movie podcasts out there but ours is strictly about movies set during the Halloween season so we're going to work really hard to keep up the Halloween vibe all year long. 

In this episode we chat about Halloween Kills, Spawn toy and comics, the Dark Horse EC Comics collections, me coming in third place in a Halloween Haiku contest at HalloweenHorrorHaiku, and the 1962 Halloween Massacre urban legend. 

   You'll also get to hear Brad's impersonation of Todd McFarlane, me doing a terrible Donald Pleasance, and us butchering the names of half of the cast of Halloween Kills. It's a spooky good way to spend 1 hour and 54 minutes! Check it out and let me know what you think! 

Action Figure Review: Fisto from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

 

     I guess it's time I finished reviewing series 5 of Masters of the Universe Origins, huh? If I were giving out an award for the most improved toyline of 2021 I think I would choose Masters of the Universe Origins. Last year the line felt like a standard "retro" line with little character of its own. This year Origins has really grown on me, however, and it's become a very fun and rather unique toyline. Series 6 and Series 7 are hitting stores now which means this line has had a bunch of figures released. Figures, vehicles, and even a playset make for a really fun toyline sold at mass retail for a pretty decent price. Today I'm checking out Fisto who was always one of my vintage favorites. Let's check out this power punching warrior after the break...

Action Figure Review: Snake Face #95 from POP! Retro Toys: Masters of the Universe by Funko

 

    Lately it feels like Mattel and most folks making licenses merchandise have been neglecting the Snake Men. Mattel hasn't released any Snake Men since Masters of the Universe Classics and Super7 never made any of the Snake Men in the M.U.S.C.L.E. or ReAction lines. Neither has anyone else. Funko is currently the only company giving the Snake Men any attention, thus it's very cool to be getting one of the later Snake Men like Snake Face here. Snake Face was an exclusive for NYCC 2021 that is shared with GameStop and you can still find him there in store if you shop around. With some similarities to the mythical Medusa such as the ability to turn heroes to stone, Snake Face is known as the "Most Gruesome of the Snake Men Warrors." I never had him as a kid which is surprising as I loved the Snake Men and I was really into MOTU around 1986 and 1987. It's great to get some of the underappreciated characters from Funko as POP! vinyls and today Snake Face is getting some attention. Join me after the break as we check out Snake Face....

Action Figure Review: Zodac #94 from POP! Retro Toys: Masters of the Universe by Funko

 

   

   The set of the original eight Masters of the Universe figures is one of the most recognizable action figure casts of all time and in most Masters of the Universe toylines they're the first ones to get made. Funko has oddly spaced out the original eight, however, and they still haven't made Teela. That's crazy to me! She has to be coming soon, right? Anyways, as I was saying, the original eight figures usually are the first toys to make it into new MOTU lines but if there's an outlier there, it's typically Zodac. He's a fantastically cool character and maybe it's the fact that he's been portrayed as a bounty hunter, an Evil Warrior, a heroic ally, and a neutral Cosmic Enforcer that has made him an odd character to get a handle on who hasn't been as predominant in as much media as the other original seven characters. The POP! vinyl Zodac is fantastic, though. Released as a NYCC 2021 shared exclusive (he was also sold through Toy Tokyo) Zodac is yet another exclusive. Let's check him out after the break...

 

Action Figure Review: Mer-Man #91 from POP! Retro Toys: Masters of the Universe by Funko

 

   Now that Funko has placed the Masters of the Universe license under the POP! Retro Toys banner they've been going back and redoing some previously released characters in the style of the vintage toys rather than their Filmation looks. Today I'm checking out the Funko Shop exclusive Mer-Man #91 which is a variant of the standard release Mer-Man #88 that I reviewed back in early October. This guy is mostly a blue-green repaint of the previous Mer-Man with a new weapon. It's not a terrible variant as Mer-Man being depicted as blue has a long history in MOTU art and advertising, plus he has the spear from the 200x line to further spice things up. The last time I checked he was on sale for Black Friday as well, so you ca now pick him up for about $9 bucks instead of the usual exclusive price. Let's dive in and check out Mer-Man after the break...

Action Figure Review: Whiplash #82 from POP! Retro Toys: Masters of the Universe by Funko

 

   There were two Masters of the Universe POP! vinyls released for Funkon 2021: Roboto and Whiplash. Since I've already reviewed Roboto it's now Whiplash's turn in the spotlight at Action Figure Barbecue. Whiplash was part of the third series of vintage MOTU toys (from 1984) and is a really common vintage figure to find. He's very recognizable, has a great name, and is well know but he doesn't tend to show up in MOTU merchandising that often. That's why it's so cool to see that Funko seems to be trying to make everyone. Well, except for Teela. Clearly I'm going to have to summon the power of my big ol' boot and go to Funko headquarters to explain why Teela needs to be made in POP! form ASAP. Anyways, we're talking about Whiplash today, the evil tail-lashing warrior who assist Skeletor and the Evil Warriors. Let's take a look at the Funko POP! Whiplash #82 after the break...

Action Figure Review: Roboto #81 from POP! Retro Toys: Masters of the Universe by Funko

 

   November has been filled with mini review marathons as I catch up on my reviews and today I'm starting another one! This time I'm going to be checking out a bunch of Masters of the Universe POP! vinyls. Between Funkon 2021 and NYCC 2021 there have been quite a few new MOTU POP! vinyls released and many of them are characters we don't see all the time. Today I'm checking out Roboto #81, an exclusive to Funkon 2021 who was also shared with Toy Tokyo. I had to buy the Toy Tokyo bundle to get him so if anyone wants the Tokidoko POP! vinyls that came with the set let me know. I still am stuck with them. I really wish Funko would stop giving Toy Tokyo shared exclusives as they take forever to ship and always put them in bundles with other properties that no one seems to care about. Anyways, Roboto is a very cool character from the fourth year of the vintage line and while he definitely tends to make it into most MOTU lines and such he's not a character we see all the time so it's cool to finally have him in the POP! vinyl line. Let's boot up for Roboto after the break...

Action Figure Review: Doctor Strange Supreme from Marvel Legends Series: What If? by Hasbro

 

   I thought all of the episodes of What If? were pretty good but the Doctor Strange episode "What If...Doctor Strange Lost his Heart Instead of his Hands?" was one of the best. It was a dark, creepy, well made episode that was in some ways stronger than the actual Doctor Strange film. I wasn't planning on picking this guy up at first but when I stumbled upon him at a GameStop during a sale (ended up getting him for 20% off) I decided to snag him. Currently the Doctor Strange in my display is the Marvel Now! version from 2015 (I'm really waiting for the Walmart exclusive classic Doctor Strange coming next year) but this guy makes a great alternate figure who I can find a place for on my shelves. Let's take a look at Doctor Strange Supreme after the break...

Action Figure Review: Heist Nebula from Marvel Legends Series: What If? by Hasbro

 

   Ready for another Marvel Legends review in this mini marathon? My second pick up from this series was the What If? inspired Heist Nebula from the episode "What if? ...T'Challa became a Star-Lord?" Why is she called Heist Nebula? I'm assuming it's a reference to the plot to steal the Embers of Genesis from the Collector, Taneleer Tivan. It's kind of a weird name for the figure, especially since Hasbro hasn't released a Nebula figure since 2017 as far as I'm aware, so it's not like it'd be confusing due to having multiple figures of the character on the shelf. Anyways, I picked this figure up for a couple reason. One, it's a figure based on a Karen Gillan character, so there's that. Number two, though, I think she makes a decent comic based Nebula for my shelf. No, she doesn't look exactly like any of the comic versions of Nebula but the style of the figure really does blend nicely with the standard comic based Marvel Legends figures, more so than the excellent MCU version from 2017. Is she worth picking up? Let's take a look and find out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Captain Carter from Marvel Legends Series: What If? by Hasbro

 

   Not too long ago I found the three figures I was looking for in the newest series of Marvel Legends figures based on the Disney+ series What If? and I'm going to review all three of them over the next day or two. Let's start off with the figure I most wanted from this series: Captain Carter! What If? was a very fun show that ended up being a pretty impressive piece of MCU entertainment despite also kind of being its own thing, too, and while there were lots of great characters in it Captain Carter still stands out as my favorite "new" element of the show. Hayley Atwell returned to voice a Peggy Carter who ends up taking the super-soldier serum after Steve Rogers is shot by a Hydra agent and becomes the Union Jack wearing Captain Carter. She's a pretty incredible looking figure and due to the somewhat animated style of the line I think she'll fit right in with my Marvel Legends collection that is mostly comic based. Let's take a look at Captain Carter after the break...

Action Figure Review: Ursa Major from Marvel Legends Series by Hasbro

 

   I finished reviewing the Iron Man/ Ursa Major series of figures over a month ago and due to a number of reasons (31 Days of Toy Terror, lots of new He-Man and the Masters of the Universe releases, etc.) it's taken me until now to finally get around to looking at Ursa Major, the Build-a-Figure from that series. As I've said in most of my reviews from the series, originally I wasn't planning on picking up that many figures from the set; probably just Ultron and Ironheart. Ursa Major was too temping, though. I mean, c'mon: He's a giant bear! Yes, in Marvel he's Mikhail Ursus, a Russian mutant who is part of the Soviet Super-Soldiers and the Winter Guard who had a cameo in the film Black Widow but as a toy he's a massive killer bear. I love giant bears! This is one of those instances where the build-a-figure caused me to purchase some figures I wouldn't have otherwise picked up. Let's take a look at Ursa Major, the big, bad bear, after the break...

Action Figure Review: Moff Gideon from Star Wars: Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   It's time for he last figure in this mini marathon of Mandalorian reviews: Moff Gideon! We need a good villain here and Moff Gideon certainly fills the bill there. Giancarlo Esposito is fantastic as Gideon and definitely helps to build the bridge between the more traditional military might of the Empire and the new era of Imperial remnants and warlords. This figure definitely will remind you of Kenner's Darth Vader and TIE Fighter Pilot figures but there is a great headsculpt and some cool accessories to add some uniqueness here, too. Let's take a look at Moff Gideon after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Mandalorian from Star Wars: Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   This mini marathon of Star Wars: Retro Collection figures from The Mandalorian just has to include the titular Mandalorian himself, right? Of course! Din Djarin has quickly become one of the most popular Star Wars characters out there and Hasbro of course included him in this set wearing his outfit from very early in the first season. Had this been an actual vintage release you just know he would be almost everyone's favorite figure! He's just a fantastically cool character. Is anyone else getting a little tired of Hasbro just calling this figure "The Mandalorian" on packaging? OK, maybe it makes sense here but I'd really like to see everything start calling him Din Djarin since that's his actual name and we've known it for nearly around years now. Let's jump in and check out the Retro Collection Din Djarin, better known as Mando or the Mandalorian, after the break...

Action Figure Review: Kuiil from Star Wars: Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   Who doesn't love Kuiil? The Mandalorian had a lot of love for its characters and it's because of that love that fans fell in love with those characters, too. While the show offered up a great mixture of new alien species and beings it also took familiar aliens from the Original Trilogy and the Prequels and presented them in new ways. For most of us, our primary experience with Ugnaughts is their appearance in Empire where they're troublesome, loud, and seem to just be going along with whatever the Empire is asking them to do. Kuiil is the complete opposite of that depiction. He's quiet; a teacher and philosopher with a strong moral compass. Kuiil's death in Chapter 7: The Reckoning hurt, adding yet another life to those who sacrificed to protect Grogu. While he doesn't have a blurrg to ride on Kuiil is part of the Star Wars: Retro Collection. Let's check out this remarkable Ugnaught after the break...

 

Action Figure Review: Cara Dune from Star Wars: Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   Cara Dune is reporting for duty for the third installment of this mini marathon of Star Wars: Retro Collection reviews. If you're coming in late what's the deal with these? Simple: These are action figures designed in the style of the vintage Kenner Star Wars toy line of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Hasbro has both rereleased replicas of the vintage figures in retro Collection as well as created new figures from characters who never received figures in the vintage line and now they're releasing characters from The Mandalorian. I feel like collectors have been asking Hasbro to make vintage styled figures for years now and it's nice to see they're finally doing it. I'm not even going to wade into the controversy of actress Gina Carano being released from Disney/ Lucasfilm but I will say that I'm not sure how true early reports that this figure was being limited are. She certainly wasn't cancelled as early reports suggested. I didn't even have any trouble finding her quite a few months after her release and you should still be able to pick one up for not much above retail. Will she be released? That's doubtful. It's a shame, too, because I really like this character. Let's take a look at Cara Dune after the break...

Action Figure Review: Greef Karga from Star Wars: Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   It's time for the second review in my mini marathon of Star Wars: Retro Collection reviews and this time we're checking out Greef Karga played by the national treasure that is Carl Weathers. Not only was Carl Weathers nominated for an Emmy for the role but he even directed Chapter 12: The Siege. Interestingly, the Black Series release of Greef Karga is based on the character's first season appearance while this is his second season outfit. It's a bit more eye-catching and I hope we do get it in the Black Series someday. Greef Karga looks like he stepped right out of the vintage Kenner Star Wars line and he's ready to give your bounty hunters some jobs. Let's check him out after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Child from Star Wars: Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   I don't have a very large collection of vintage Kenner Star Wars figures. I have some of my favorites and sentimental pieces on display and some other random pieces in storage and while I like the line and I appreciate it, the vintage toys were a little before my time. I do like the retro action figure aesthetic, though, and that combined with my love for The Mandalorian prompted me to pick up some of the Star Wars: Retro Collection figures based on the show. These typically retail for around $10 bucks but with some shopping around on the Amazon warehouse deals I found many of the figures for closer to $6 or $7 bucks. I'm an opener who doesn't need a pristine card, anyways. I'm getting ready to start another mini review marathon of these figures and today I'm starting off with the figure everyone probably wants from this line, Grogu, better known in merchandising as the Child or Baby Yoda. Grogu is a tiny little guy. Since he's part of the same species as Yoda he ages differently and hopefully will live a long, long full life. Interestingly he was born the same year as Anakin Skywalker (41 BBY). That's kind of weird, isn't it? Could that be significant at some point? Anyways, let's take a look at the Kenner inspired the Child after the break...

Minifigure Review: Zodak from Masters of the Universe: Eternia Minis by Mattel

 

   The third and final review in my mini Masters of the Universe: Eternia Minis marathon is Zodac, the neutral Cosmic Enforcer. While Zodac did appear in the 2014 Matty Collector exclusive Masters of the Universe Minis line (packaged alongside "Biff" Beast Man) this figure is a completely new sculpt that seems to represent a more Filmation inspired version of Zodac. Zodac was never one of my favorites as a kid but as I've gotten older I've really come to appreciate the unusual role he plays in Masters of the Universe. Think he'll show up in part 2 of Masters of the Universe: Revelation this week? Only a few more days until we find out. In the meantime let's check out the Eternia Minis Zodac after the break...

Minifigure Review: Anti-Eternia He-Man from Masters of the Universe: Eternia Minis by Mattel

 

   

   Wait, isn't there already an evil He-Man repaint?

   As part of my mini Masters of the Universe: Eternia Minis marathon I'm checking out the second figure from the set I have setting around and waiting to be reviewed: Anti-Eternia He-Man! Originating from a 1980s German story on tape, Anti-Eternia He-Man (or just Anti-He-Man) has become a relatively popular variant in the modern MOTU period. He's appeared in Masters of the Universe Classics and was the primary antagonist of DC's He-Man and the Masters of the Multiverse comic series. Mattel has released some other Anti-Eternia variants in Eternia Minis but this is the main guy. He's He-Man in red and black. Let's check him out after the break...

Minifigure Review: He-Man and Ground Ripper from Masters of the Universe: Eternia Minis by Mattel

 

   

   As we're approaching the end of the year I'm dedicated to not having a bunch of wrap up reviews in early 2022 like I did last year so I'm spending November going through mini review marathons to wrap up some toylines that I'm behind on reviewing. Today I'm beginning a very short look at some short figures from Mattel's Masters of the Universe: Eternia Minis and I'm going to start by looking at He-Man with the Ground Ripper. Ground Ripper is apparently the new name for the Road Ripper as Mattel also used that name in the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe line, possibly due to some sort of issue with trademarks or something. The vintage vehicle, called Road Ripper, was released in 1984 and was a simple ripcord powered vehicle inspired by the classic Evel Knievel stunt cycle. It had only minor appearances in the minicomics and the Filmation animated series but since it was such an inexpensive and durable vehicle, many kids had these and you can still find them pretty easily. The Road Ripper surprisingly never made an appearance in the 200x line nor Masters of the Universe Classics where it seemed like an ideal fit as a recognizable but simple vehicle. It's cool Mattel is revisiting it here in Eternia Minis. Let's check this 2-pack out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Crosshair from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

  

 I've been looking for Crosshair since the release of the series he came in back in late spring/ early summer and I finally ended up paying a couple dollars more to get him. Now that I'm reviewing the fourth Bad Batch figure of this year I have to say that all four of these guys are probably in the top 10 Black Series releases of 2021 and are one of the strongest teams/ subsets in the line. While Crosshair was part of Clone Force 99 in season 7 of The Clone Wars, he ended up remaining loyal to the Empire in The Bad Batch and betraying his team. He just looks like an evil guy, right? Crosshair, AKA CT-9904, is an incredible figure and I'm excited to finally have him in hand. Let's check out the supreme marksman of Clone Force 99 after the break...

Action Figure Review: Tech from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

   The members of Clone Force 99, better known as the Bad Batch, have been some of the best Black Series releases this year and I'm excited to checkout another one from the most recent series of figures. It's time to check out Tech, the science and technology expert for the team. I'm impressed that Hasbro has been cranking these guys out so fast although that's likely because they first appeared in season 7 of The Clone Wars back in 2020. In fact, the team was designed around 2011 and appeared in some unfinished animatics back in 2012. I love the concept of the Bad Batch and while I'm still making my way through the show, I'm eager for more of them. Tech is a very fun, very interactive action feature that feels like he could fit in with the G.I. Joe Classified Series because of all of his cool gear and how he can tote it around. Let's check out Tech after the break...

Action Figure Review: Q9-0 (Zero) from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

He's quicker than organics. And smarter, too!

   You know The Mandalorian is a hit when Hasbro is really starting to roll out more side characters from the series. While we're not getting figures like we did in the past for the Prequel Trilogy releases, it's pretty cool that the Black Series is starting to flesh out the world of The Mandalorian with figures like Q9-0, AKA Zero. Voiced by Richard Ayoade, Zero has thus far only appeared in two episodes of The Mandalorian, most prominently in Chapter 6: The Prisoner where he was part of the squad of scoundrels tasked with rescuing a prisoner from a New Republic prisoner transport ship. The Mandalorian has had some great droids so far and while Zero isn't as memorable as IG-11 he definitely feels like a figure that would have been released if Kenner had been producing toys for the show back in the day. He's very reminiscent of 4-LOM, too, so here's another killer droid for your collection. Let's check out Q9-0 after the break...

Action Figure Review: Aurra Sing from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

   I'm continuing my review miniseries of Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV figures and today I'm checking out Aurra Sing, the Palliduvan bounty hunter who first appeared in Episode I (briefly!) and later made a name for herself in The Clone Wars. Aurra Sing is one of those characters who initially was just popular due to her unique appearance but over time she became an interesting character who was sort of a mentor and a maternal figure to young Boba Fett. Bounty hunters, especially alien bounty hunters, almost always make fantastic action figures and it's pretty cool to see Aurra Sing make her way into the Black Series. She's part of the most recent series of figures released alongside of General Lando Calrissian, Tech, Q9-0, and Koska Reeves which is a pretty strong series of figures. Interestingly, Hasbro sourced her to The Clone Wars instead of Episode I. While she did appear in both, and actually had dialogue and such in The Clone Wars, I still kind of wanted to see her as an Episode I figure since that was her first appearance. Oh, well. Let's check out Aurra Sing after the break...

Action Figure Review: Wrecker from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

      At a recent online event a few weeks ago Hasbro showed off upcoming figures for Omega and Echo which still haven't gone up for preorder. Hasbro did manage to get out the original four members of the Bad Batch in 2021, though, which was quite welcome. I've now acquired all four members of the original Clone Force 99 and I'll be reviewing them (along with a few other Star Wars: The Black Series releases) in the next few days. I reviewed Hunter back in July, so now let's move on to Wrecker, the muscle of the group. Whether talking about physical power or explosive power, this demolitions expert is your guy. I love Wrecker. He's just such a lovable guy and his relationship with Omega adds a lot of heart to the show. Wrecker is one of Hasbro "deluxe" figures which are getting to be a bit of contention with collectors. Wrecker might be a bit taller and bulkier than his squadmates but is he really so huge that he deserves to be a deluxe release? That doesn't seem to hurt his sales, though, as I saw him when he first came out a few times and then he was gone, unlike the previously released deluxe Jar Jar Binks who his clearance a few months back. Clones and armored characters are almost always popular, though, and Wrecker is a pretty impressive figure. Let's check him out after the break...

Toy Review: Trap Jaw, Havoc Staff Skeletor, and Tri-Klops from Masters of the Universe: Figural Bag Clips by Monogram International

 

   I received both of the Walmart exclusive Monogram International Masters of the Universe: Figural bag Clips for my birthday back in September but I only reviewed the first set back in October. Let's take a look at the second set today which features some more Evil Warriors to pester the heroes. It turns out that Monogram International has a second set of bag clips out which features four of the figures from these exclusives (Trap Jaw, Tri-Klops, Man-At-Arms, and Battle Cat) along with the She-Ra that was released as an SDCC exclusive a few years back and six all new clips (Teela, Moss Man, Panthor, Hordak, and new versions of He-Man and Skeletor). I'm going to have to start looking for those! I love the design of these little guys and they're fun to hang up and display. This set is another cool little MOTU collectible and now that these seem to be showing up on clearance you can probably snag a deal. Let's check out these three villains after the break...

Action Figure Review: Skeletor from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe by Mattel

 

   I'm really enjoying Skeletor in the Netflix series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and I'm really liking this new design, too. It's still clearly Skeletor but there are some new ideas mixed with details from other Skeletor media interpretations (he reminds me of some of the depictions of Skeletor in the modern DC Comics MOTU series). So far though, I haven't been overly thrilled with the toys of Skeletor from this line. The sculpts are pretty good but the paint work has left a lot to be desired. Today I'm checking out the 8.5 inch Skeletor with some optimism that the larger scale might fix the problems of his smaller line mates. Will this be a hit or a miss? Let's find out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Man-At-Arms from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe by Mattel

 

   8.5 inches isn't a common action figure scale but since this is a line targeted at kids it seems Mattel wanted to have multiple SKUs on shelves and pegs to encourage retailers to order lots of product, thus the line has two scales. Man-At-Arms is a pretty cool looking figure who manages to look more like he should belong in Centurions or G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 than Masters of the Universe. You can see elements of the classic Man-At-Arms here, though. Let's take a closer look at this 8.5 inch version of Duncan after the break...