Friday, December 31, 2021

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...

Thursday, December 30, 2021

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...

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

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...

Sunday, December 26, 2021

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...

Friday, December 24, 2021

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...

Thursday, December 23, 2021

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...

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

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....

Monday, December 20, 2021

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...

Sunday, December 19, 2021

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...
 

Saturday, December 18, 2021

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....

Sunday, December 12, 2021

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...

Saturday, December 11, 2021

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?

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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...

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

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...

Saturday, December 4, 2021

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...

Thursday, December 2, 2021

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...

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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....