Monday, October 31, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Headless Horseman from Figura Obscura by Four Horsemen Studios

 

   Happy Halloween 2022! I always like to save something really special for my October 31st review and this year I have something pretty special indeed... The Headless Horseman! OK, so I did review the McFarlane Toys Headless Horseman figure from the film Sleepy Hollow yesterday, but today I'm looking at a brand new figure of the Headless Horseman and his horse from Four Horsemen Studios. This guy was a surprise drop at the beginning of the month and arrived in time for Halloween! He's part of the Figure Obscura line started last year with a surprise Krampus figure and continues this year with the infamous specter from one of the most famous stories in American literature. Ready for a frightening fiend of myth and legend for this, the most spookiest of days? Then join me after the break...



Sunday, October 30, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: The Headless Horseman from Sleepy Hollow by McFarlane Toys

 


   Halloween is right around the corner so today I've got a special review from one of my favorite horror movies: The Headless Horseman from Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow. I've loved the movie since I saw it in the theater back in 1999 with my dad and I owned two of the accompanying McFarlane Toys action figures back in the day. I purchased Ichabod Crane and the deluxe Headless Horseman with horse (the diorama for which appears in the background of most of my 31 Days of Toy Terror reviews) back when the movie came out but I didn't complete the line until the mid-late 2000s. Well, by complete I mean pick up the other two figures. There were only four figures in the line which isn't that surprising as there aren't that many characters that would make great action figures, but I'm still not over the fact that they didn't make Christina Ricci as Katrina Van Tassel. This version of the Headless Horseman doesn't come with his horse or his sword but he does have a head. Four of them. For being known as "Headless," he has more heads than most action figures. Kind of weird, right? Well, technically two of them aren't his. Two of them are, though. I love almost anything to do with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and I'm still glad these figures exist. Let's take a look at the standard release of the Headless Horseman after the break...




Saturday, October 29, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Strahd (With D20) #782 from POP! Games: Dungeons & Dragons by Funko

 

   I don't think we've had any vampires as part of 31 Days of Toy Terror X yet, have we? We've had a Slebetor Slug-man who drains energy, but no vampires. Let's fix that. How about we take a look at the Funko POP! vinyl of Count Strahd von Zarovich, one of the most well known villains in Dungeons & Dragons. The lord of Barovia, Count Strah rules from the ancient and haunted Castle Ravenloft. I've long been wanting to play the 5th Edition Curse of Strahd module and having this POP! version of Strahd in hand gets me even more excited to do so. Maybe I need to plan a nice January/ February D&D series with some friends. Strahd was released last year as a GameStop exclusive and I actually managed to pick him up last month on sale. There have been a handful of Dungeons and Dragons POP! vinyls released over the past few years and some of them have managed to become quite popular. Will Strahd's popularity surge as well? Will the 5th season of Stranger Things have a character called Strahd? Who knows? What I do know is that we've got this cool POP! to check out, so let's kick off a look at this bloodsucker after the break...


Friday, October 28, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Future Spawn from Spawn by McFarlane Toys

 



   For today's installment of 31 Days of Toy Terror X we're taking a look to the past at a futuristic Spawn: 1995's Future Spawn. Future Spawn came out at the very end of 1995 as a "Special Edition" figure packaged in an oversized window box and is usually lumped in as part of Series 3, though he shipped separately. So... who (or what) exactly is Future Spawn, the mysterious character who is part machine, part human, and all Spawn? Well, the packaging states: "Just as Spawns have existed in the past, this Spawn exists sometime in the distant future. As his enemies have evolved over the centuries, so has Spawn and his hardware. Having no arms or legs, Spawn's costume has replaced the void with cybernetics versions of his limbs. Even his main cannon is cybernetically fused through his chest, making him a walking arsenal."

   So, apparently this is Spawn from the future who has been cybernetically modified but is it Al Simmons as Spawn or another Spawn we don't know about? Your guess is as good as mine. It's definitely a Spawn, though, and he's a great mixture of a terrifying machine and a grotesque living corpse. The packaging blurb clearly seems to be a play on RoboCop and the overall figure looks a little like ED-209.; surely that's not a coincidence, right? Let's explore things further and see what lies underneath that dome after the break...


Thursday, October 27, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Lizard from Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Spider-Man by Hasbro

 

   For today's installment of 31 Days of Toy Terror X I've got a lizard man for you. The Lizard, to be precise. Lizard is part of the Marvel Legends Spider-Man Retro Collection, so he comes packaged in the classic Toy Biz inspired packaging from the 1990s. I actually owned the vintage Toy Biz figure of the Lizard from that line and I distinctly remember picking him and Peter Parker out from the store. I think the Lizard, Peter Parker, and some version of Carnage were the only figures from Toy Biz's Spider-Man line I owned (most of my other Spider-Man figures were from the Marvel Superheroes series). I've been wanting a classic styled Lizard for quite awhile as I haven't been overly impressed by any of the more modern looking versions over the years, and this one works perfectly in my collection. Ready for a look at Dr. Curt Connors, AKA the Lizard? Then join me after the break...




Wednesday, October 26, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Electronic Dilophosaurus from Jurassic Park by Kenner

 

   The Jurassic Park franchise got it's sixth installment this year with Jurassic Word: Dominion. It was OK. Not fantastic but not completely awful. The best part of the film was seeing the original cast again which made me nostalgic for the original Jurassic Park. While Mattel seems to be doing a nice job with the basic toyline (I think their collector targeted figures are too allover the place), for today's installment of 31 Days of Toy Terror X we're heading back to 1993 to take a look at the Electronic Dilophosaurus from the original Kenner Jurassic Park toyline. I really loved the Dilophosaurus, AKA Spitter, from the original film. The original movie made each dinosaur feel so unique and memorable, even making the three carnivorous dinosaurs horrifying in completely different ways. Dennis Nedry's encounter with the Dilophosaurus is still a pretty terrifying scene and still better than the Spitter scenes in Dominion. I had the standard Kenner Dilophosaurus but I ended up wanting this one as a kid, too. It was probably because of the frill that was included with this one. I have also recently learned that this figure was used by id Software in modeling the demon/ pinky enemy, so that's pretty cool, too. Let's take a look at a creepy creature I've had in my collection for nearly 30 years after the break...



Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Action Figure Review: Nalan Cheel (The Modal Nones) from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

      Last week I reviewed the Black Series Figrin D'an figure and today I'm following up with the deluxe Nalan Cheel (The Modal Nones). Since Figrin D'an and the Modal Nones all look alike there's really no difference between the two figures themselves. It's the instruments that differentiate the bandmembers so Nalan Cheel comes with his bandfill, the drums for Sun'il Ei'de, and the ommni box for Tech Mo'r. Want to build all seven members of the Modal Nones? Technically, you just have to purchase 1 deluxe Nalan Cheel figure and 6 Figrin D'an figures. I'm not planning on building a full band but I'm fairly satisfied with how Hasbro released the band. I'm sure at some point they could release a deluxe exclusive set, though I'd rather they release some Bith musicians in a barebones package that could be ordered for a bit less so we don't have to have so many leftover instruments. Let's take a look at Nalan Cheel and some of the larger instruments for the Modal Nones after the break...




31 Days of Toy Terror X: Liceplant from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

 

   I try to review at least one Trash Bag Bunch figure a year and the Halloween season is always a good opportunity to check out one of the monstrous Trashors from this line. Today I'm checking out Liceplant, another one of my childhood Trash Bag Bunch figures who I actually watched appear from a magical, alien trash bag in the sink in my bathroom. I've always loved this guy but while taking pictures of him for this review I finally realized that the weird yellow pattern on his head isn't just some part of his fibrous plant body; those are his teeth! His mouth opens from the top, like a Venus fly trap if it were like 15 times more metal. How freaking cool! I can't believe I never saw that as a kid during the untold hours I spent playing with these guys. Let's take a look at the freak nasty Liceplant after the break...

Monday, October 24, 2022

Action Figure Review: Zodac from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: New Eternia by Mattel


   There have been quite a few new Masterverse releases lately and I've been loving the Masters of the Universe New Eternia branded figures. They're similar in construction to the other Masterverse brands (MOTU: Revelation, Princess of Power) but they have a great design aesthetic that takes the classic looks of the characters and augments them just enough breathe some new life into the classic designs. Since so many of the new design elements are removable on most New Eternia figures, you usually can make an almost straight up vintage version of the figure, too. Today I'm checking out Zodac, the Cosmic Enforcer. Due to originally being a neutral Cosmic Enforcer, Zodac was always kind of an enigma in the vintage line. What is a Cosmic Enforcer and what do they do? It seems like Mark taylor's original role for Zodac, the last series one figure developed, was the technological, futuristic ally of He-Man. He-Man was strong and primitive, Man-At-Arms was armored, Teela was magical, and Zodac used technology.  Eventually he was marketed as a bounty hunter (probably due to how popular bounty hunters were in Star Wars), and then as more of a Metron-like observer. In MOTUC the Cosmic Enforcers became more like the Green lantern Corps, with Zodac (and Zodak) both part of the team. In New Eternia, Zodac seems to once again return to the role of a neutral observer who balances the forces of good and evil in the multiverse. He's depicted as being incredibly powerful and even omnipotent, so I think it's fair to say that Zodac has gotten quite a power upgrade. Let's take a look at the New Eternia Zodac after the break and see what he brings new to the table. 

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Muckman & Joe Eyeball from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Playmates

 

   I always have a lot of fun incorporating both the newest goodies and old favorites into 31 Days of Toy Terror. Sometimes it's fun to stray outside of your typical "horror" toys and check out something a bit different. Today's installment is the duo of Muckman & Joe Eyeball from Playmates' vintage Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line. The packaging for this pair refers to them as "The garbage-gathering ghoul and his parasitic pal," both things which seem like descriptions of toys suitable for the Halloween season. Muckman is a former sewer worked who has been mutated into a living heap of ooze and various pieces of trash and debris. He's one heck of a figure and features one of the most detailed sculpts of any figure from the vintage TMNT toyline. Ready for a look at Muckman & Joe Eyeball? Then join me after the break...





Sunday, October 23, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Mothman from Cryptkins Unleashed by Cryptozoic

 



   I love the Mothman. H'es always been my favorite cryptid as far back as I can remember and while as a kid I was terrified of him and didn't like to sleep with my window open. Now I'm just utterly fascinated and have even made a few trips to Point Pleasant, West Virginia to take in all things Mothman related. I'm always down for something cool and Mothman related and I was very glad to stumble upon this Cryptkins Unleashed figure of the Mothman at Time Tunnel Comics in Hickory, NC. I have the previous Cryptkins minis Mothman figures from a couple years back but this guy is much larger, at least twice the size of the previous figures, and he's pretty solid, too. He's also adorable. Mothman is part of Cryptozoic's second series of Cryptkins Unleashed figures, all of which seem easily available on their website. Ready for a close encounter of the cute kind? Then let's check out the Cryptkins Unleashed Mothman after the break...




Saturday, October 22, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Spawn II from Spawn by McFarlane Toys

 

   Spawn II (Spawn version 2) was released in the third series of classic Spawn figures back in 1995 and, rather than sporting a variant costume like Commando Spawn or Ninja Spawn, was instead a second version of the standard Spawn figure. This version of Spawn looks a little bulkier and more muscular than the original release, perhaps inspired by the rivalry of McFarlane, Kenner and Toy Biz that caused a trend of bigger figures with more pre-posed and dynamic bodies. I picked up Spawn II this summer at Retro Toys and Collectibles in Cherryville, NC and while I was really excited to add this one to the collection, in hand there are definitely a few things that leave me a bit cold. He's a really cool looking figure with lots of skulls and spikes, though, so he's still perfect for the Halloween season. Let's take a look at Spawn II after the break...

Friday, October 21, 2022

Action Figure Review: Garrison Cavalry from Action Force by Valaverse

 




   I received four Action Force figures for my birthday last month and the Garrion Cavalry is the third of them. The Garrison Cavalry is a troop builder, one of the troops under Kerak's command. Like Kerak, with his medieval styled helmet, the Garrison Cavalry figure has a medieval styled visor attached to his modern combat helmet. The Action Force line, like so many other modern toylines, definitely takes advantage of the "library of parts" philosophy of action figure design, but the addition of new elements, new color schemes, and new headsculpts still keeps things fresh and exciting. There's just something I love about this figure. I think the fantastic maroon and grey color scheme plays a huge part in it. He just looks so cool! Let's take a look at the Garrison Cavalry trooper after the break...




31 Days of Toy Terror X: Chuckles #1244 from POP! Movies: Trick 'r Treat by Funko

 

   Over the past few years Spirit stores have hosted many exclusive Funko POP! vinyls and this year they have a rather interesting one: Chuckles, one of the unfortunate victims of the Halloween School Bus Massacre in the film Trick 'r Treat. Trick 'r Treat has really gone from being a bit of a cult film to a full blown Halloween classic. While obviously the film is absolutely fantastic and worthy of watching every year, the very cool character of Sam seems to be popular even to folks who aren't familiar with the film. There has been lots of Sam merchandise released over the years but now we're starting to see some of the other characters in the film, which brings is to Chuckles. Who is Chuckles? As mentioned above, Chuckles is one of the victims of the Halloween School Bus Massacre, an insidious plot by the parents of a group of children with disabilities to have their children killed by the school bus driver. In Trick 'r Treat it's told as an old urban legend but, later in the film, we learn there's some truth to the story. The film never calls the character Chuckles (the actress, Karen Worrod, is even uncredited), as are most of the other children, so this seems to be a newer name used for the character. In 2020 Spirit stores also released masks of some of the Halloween School Bus Massacre victims, including Chuckles, but it was simply called "Clown Mask." I'm quite shocked we got Chuckles before Rhonda, Laurie, Maria, Charlie, Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Kreeg, or pretty much any other character in the film, but I won't turn such an obscure reference for my horror shelf. Plus, there's a great spookiness to the fact that Chuckles is just an old fashioned trick 'r treater. Let's take a look at Chuckles after the break...

Thursday, October 20, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Mighty Max Battles Skull Warrior from Mighty Max by Bluebird/ Mattel

 

      It's been a couple years since I last reviewed a Mighty Max playset so here's another original set from my original childhood collection: Mighty Max Battles Skull Warrior! This is one of the smaller sets (called Horror Heads) and they were some of the first sets I remember finding as a kid. If I recall correctly these came out first, followed by the Doom Zones and then Skull Mountain. I remember getting this for Christmas the year it came out with a few other Horror Heads and Skull Mountain. While the Doom Zones and larger playsets were the best in the series, the smaller sets, like the Horror Heads, were more memorable because of the memorable character depicted when the playset is closed and the micro villains included. Skull Warrior is my second favorite of the series 1 Horror Heads and has a fantastic villain and a neat vehicle, the Space Surfer, which both the villain and Max can ride. Let's flip our caps and check out this spooky set for today's installment of 31 Days of Toy Terror X after the break...




Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Action Figure Review: He-Man: 40th Anniversary 4-Pack from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel



   2022 is the 40th Anniversary of He-Man and Masters of the Universe and Mattel has really been pushing out the product in celebration of the milestone. It's kind of funny to think back to the Masters of the Universe Classics years when Mattel was treating Masters of the Universe like a really small, niche brand. We were told that having characters presented in different styles was impossible because it would confuse the consumer or that various styles were "retired." We were told that larger items or MOTU toys at retail would only be possible in a "movie year." Now, MOTU seems like one of the most prominent 1980s brands out there with multiple shows, multiple retail toylines, and product lines from at least a dozen different companies. It's really quite crazy how the brand has reemerged as a powerhouse over the past decade or so. Mattel is even offering a Mattel Creations crowdfunded MOTU Origins Eternia. That's crazy! There's so much MOTU stuff out there these days that I'm really having to pick and choose, especially when it comes to big ticket items like Mondo's Battle Cat and Tweeterhead's Trap Jaw statue (which I both sadly had to pass on) and Mattel's Eternia (which I'm still on the fence about). Today I'm checking out one of the 40th Anniversary items I did pick out, though: The He-Man 40th Anniversary 4-Pack. This set features four Masters of the Universe Origins figures of He-Man from his four major cartoon appearances: Filmation's He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Jetlag's The New Adventures of He-Man, Mike Young Production's He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, and the Netflix He-Man and the Masters of the Universe series. Oddly enough, Masters of the Universe Revelation is not included. I guess you could argue that it's supposed to be a continuation of the Filmation series though I don't believe most fans view it that way and instead see it as a unique take on the MOTU mythos. Maybe including five figures, including a He-Man that would be pretty similar to the 200x and Filmation versions, would have made things too expensive or the the packaging too large? This was sold exclusively through Mattel Creations and it's still available as of today. Let's check out this set after the break and see if it's a powerful and worthwhile addition to your collection...

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Kobra Khan from Masters of the Universe Classics by Mattel

 

  There were four Masters of the Universe Classics figures during the first year of 31 Days of Toy Terror (way back in 2013) so it only seems right to include one for this year. Today I'm checking out something that really freaks me out: A snake! I hate snakes probably even more than Indiana Jones, but I've always liked the Snake Men. Weird, huh? Kobra Khan initially started as one of the Evil Warriors but he soon became part of the Snake Men faction (this was the basis for the Snake Men storyline in Mike Young Productions series). Next year the Snake Men are going to invade the Masters of the Universe Origins line but right now we're taking a look 10 years back to the MOTUC Kobra Khan. Kobra Khan was the March 2012 release on MattyCollector.com (the mention of which might send a shiver down the spine of those of you who remember those days!). Kobra Khan is a well loved villain and the Four Horsemen and Mattel did him justice. Let's take a look at Kobra Khan after the break...




Tuesday, October 18, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Spawn (Curse of Apocalypse) from Mortal Kombat XI by McFarlane Toys

 
   
   Look! Even Spawn's getting in the Halloween spirit! Oh, wait. That's yellow and black; not orange and back. Eh, close enough.

   OK, so yeah, this version of Spawn is subtitled "Curse of Apocalypse" since that's the name of this costume from Mortal Kombat. McFarlane Toys has been making Mortal Kombat figures since 2019 and he's definitely made more figures of Spawn than of any other character from the game. That's kind of crazy but, hey, Spawn sells. This version of Spawn was one of the Gold Label edition figures but I've never really seen him being that hard to get a hold of. I picked mine up a few months ago at Back in Time Collectibles in Gastonia, NC in anticipation of this season's events. Ready to check out bumblebee Spawn? Then join me after the break...


Monday, October 17, 2022

Action Figure Review: Figrin D'an from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

 
  I received a few Star Wars: The Black Series figures for my birthday last month but since I've been so busy with 31 Days of Toy Terror it's taken me longer to get around to reviewing them! Today I'm starting things off with a look at Figrin D'an, the leader of the Modal Tones. Being one of the most rocking jizz bands around, "Fiery" Figrin D'an and the Modal Tones are well known throughout the galaxy for their music, particularly their hit single "Mad About Me." The Cantina Band has always been well loved but, oddly, Kenner never included them in the vintage Star Wars toyline. They didn't appear as an action figure until the Power of the Force 2 line in 1997 where they were sold as a Star Wars Insider mail-away. That figure came with five different instruments, so you could build most any member of the band or purchase a group of figures to add in all seven different members. Or eight. There seems to be a discrepancy of how many band members there are based on some Expanded Universe references, particularly from the Star Wars trading card game. Theres also a seated Bith band member wearing a rober. Anyways, creating multiple members from one release is actually kind of the approach that Hasbro is taking with the Black Series version of the Cantina Band. Figrin D'an includes three instruments, allowing him to serve as four or five different musicians (two musicians play the fanfar and the seated Bith might also be a kloo hornplayer) while the deluxe Nalan Cheel figure includes the three other larger instruments. Let's take a look at Figrin D'an, or Tedn Dahai, or Ickabel G'ont, or Doikk Na'ts, after the break...




31 Days of Toy Terror X: Dr. Mindbender from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero: Battle Corps by Hasbro

 

   It's fun to mix in some random stuff during 31 Days of Toy Terror and Dr. Mindbender seems like a great inclusion. This version of Dr. Mindbender is from 1993 and is the second version of the character released. Dr. Mindbender was actually killed off in the Marvel Comics series but this figure tells a story of him rebuilding himself with cybernetic parts to cheat death. By 1993 Hasbro was using brighter colors for G.I. Joe figures and outfitting them with multiple weapons, especially in the Battle Corps subline. While I had (and still have) the classic Dr. Mindbender, this one was actually my favorite as a kid. He seemed more ready for battle and looked less like a weird professional wrestling gimmick. Let's take a look at this mad scientist who is back from the dead after the break...





Sunday, October 16, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Skeletor (200x) from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel



    It's no secret that I collect Masters of the Universe stuff, right? I try to mix a lot of newly released product into 31 Days of Toy Terror and this year Skeletor is definitely showing up a few times. Today I'm checking out the 200x inspired Skeletor figure from series 9 of Mattel's Masters of the Universe Origins. Based on the Skeletor action figure from the 2002 Masters of the Universe revival, this guy still maintains the Masters of the Universe Origins aesthetic but features a new portrait and some new accessories which capture the unique style of that era. I reviewed the 200x He-Man back in August so now it's time to give the most powerful man in the universe his fearsome foe. Let's check out Skeletor after the break...

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Action Figure Review: Quake from Marvel Legends Series by Hasbro



   So technically this figure is billed as Quake, the Inhuman SH.I.E.L.D. agent who's pretty skilled at everything and with the powerful of vibration manipulation. That's pretty cool as Quake, AKA Daisy Johnson, is a "newer" character (you know, from the last 20 years "newer") who has appeared in a number of prominent stories, appeared in the television show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and has not had a Marvel Legends figure yet. Plus, it's always fun to get more S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. This figure also includes some extra hands and a second portrait which turns her into Maria Hill, so the set technically includes two characters. Maria Hill's another character from the past twenty years who has been in plenty of prominent stories and appeared in the MCU films, but he's has a few figures previously. An MCU version based on Cobie Smulders was included in a three pack with Nick Fury and Phil Coulson in 2015 while the previous comic version was part of Hasbro's early Marvel Legends efforts as part of a 2-pack with Iron Man in 2008. Whether you want Quake, Maria Hill, or both, this set is pretty welcome. Let's take a look at Quake (and Maria Hill) after the break...

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Chapel from Spawn by McFarlane Toys

 

   McFarlane Toys was a great source of horror toys throughout the later half of the 1990s and throughout the 2000s, and not just for figures of Spawn. Take Chapel here, for example. Chapel was created by Rob Liefeld for Youngblood but was introduced into Spawn early on as the person who Jason Wynn ordered to kill Al Simmons. That was later retconned, though, and Chapel disappeared from the Spawn series. He did get an action figure in series 2 of the Spawn line, though, along with Badrock (a handful of other characters were released in the single series of Youngblood figures, also by McFarlane Toys). I've had this figure for years and now that Spawn is all of the rage again it seems like the perfect time to review him. Chapel is a grim professional warrior with a spooky, skull-faced visage. I think he fits the 31 Days of Toy Terror theme perfectly. Let's check him out after the break...


Friday, October 14, 2022

Action Figure Review: Duster from Action Force by Valaverse

 



   I received a few Action Force figures from the second series of releases for my birthday last month and I'm slowly making my way through them. Today I'm checking out Duster, another figure based off of a real individual. Duster is based on Tim Kennedy, a former professional UFC fighter and a current Master Sergeant in the United States Army Special Forces Group. Yes, this guy is a legitimate, literal, actual real American hero. Pretty cool, right? I wasn't familiar with Tim Kennedy before picking up this figure but it's pretty cool that Action Force has branched out like this. Let's take a look at Duster after the break and see what he brings to the line...


31 Days of Toy Terror X: Skeletor from Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks by Mattel

 

   No, this year's 31 Days of Toy Terror theme isn't Skeletober (that was last year's theme), but there are still plenty of Skeletor themed items on the countdown for 31 Days of Toy Terror X and today's is one of the weirdest: A Skeletor monster truck! Last year Mattel put out a Battle Cat truck in their Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks line and this year we've got Skeletor. Pretty crazy, right? I love unique and bizarre stuff like this for Masters of the Universe! Let's get ready to roll with monster truck Skeletor, the bone daddy rolling baddie of the Eternos City coliseum. We'll sell you the entire seat but you'll only need the edge....




Thursday, October 13, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Ultimate Michael Myers (Halloween Kills) from Halloween by NECA





   Halloween Ends comes out today but, since NECA hasn't released a figure from that film yet, the Halloween Kills version of Michael Myers is how we're celebrating today. Halloween Kills. I could probably talk about this movie all day if you'd let me, but since I already recorded a podcast about it last year, I'll mostly focus this review on the figure at hand. If you didn't listen to my ramblings on the podcast about Halloween Kills last year, I loved the first... 1/3 to 1/2 of the movie. I love the idea of the townspeople going on the hunt, accidently killing each other, and causing more chaos. Imagine how crazy things could have been if people thought they were seeing Michael Myers everywhere. Kind of a Ben Tramer from Halloween 2 response I also like the idea that Michael Myer's presence would have driven the other inmates he escaped with to go on killing sprees of their own. Michael's evil would just perpetuate more chaos and insanity. Too bad that about halfway through the film things got ridiculously cheesy with folks cartoonishy chanting and chasing a dude that could hardly walk. OK, rant over! NECA has released some excellent Halloween figures over the last few years since they apparently got the Halloween license back (well, at least the license for the newer films, Halloween 2, and Halloween 3: Season of the Witch) and this is another good one. He's not too different from the Ultimate Michael Myers based on the 2018 film, though since they're based on Michael from the same night it's understandable. This is Michael Myers after he's been burned in the trap Laurie Strode lured him into in her home, so he's definitely a bit more roughed up than we've seen him previously. Ready for another Halloween spent with Michael Myers? Then join me after the break...



Wednesday, October 12, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Leech from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

   You can always rely on Masters of the Universe for lots of creepy and freaky creatures to populate 31 Days of Toy Terror and today we're checking out Leech, the Horde member who is known as the "Evil Master of Power Suction." Masters of the Universe Origins has really turned into an expansive toyline and Leech is one of the newer deluxe releases. I picked mine up at the end of July and have been holding off on him for a few months since he seems like a perfect creature for the Halloween season. While technically he drains life-force from his prey (and not straight up blood), this Slebetor Slug-man definitely delivers the scares. While Mattel seems ready to focus on the Snake Men in 2023, 2022 has seen a fair amount of Horde related releases and Leech adds another major member of the faction's roster to your Origins collection. Let's check out Leech after the break...




Tuesday, October 11, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Mandarin Spawn (Gold Label) from Spawn by McFarlane Toys

 

   It's time for another day of Toy Terror during and today brings another visit from Spawn for the festivities! This time we're checking out the Gold Label edition of Mandarin Spawn from McFarlane Toys' Spawn revival line. I loved Mandarin Spawn when I picked up the original figure back when I was in high school and the modern deluxe version was my first figure from the newer Spawn line. This version was exclusive to Walmart in 2021 but now you can order it from a number of e-tailers at a pretty decent price. I think I paid less than $10 for mine back in May 2022. It's weird why this guy kind of sat on shelves as he's a pretty sweet figure. Mandarin Spawn is Chenglei, better known as the Scarlet Edge. This guy isn't just a repaint of the other Mandarin Spawn figures, though; he actually has lots of unique parts to him. Let's take a look at the Gold Label Mandarin Spawn after the break...





Monday, October 10, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Bomani from Adventure Heroes by Chap Mei

 



   I love digging out some forgotten gems from my collection for 31 Days of Toy Terror and today we're checking out a rather obscure figure from 2008: Bomani from Chap Mei's Adventure Heroes line. Despite being marketed to budget conscious stores like Big Lots, Dollar Tree, and others of the ilk, Chap Mei has put out some rather impressive figures over the years. The difficult thing about collecting Chap Mei stuff is that it's rather difficult to even know what they've released and how to track it down. Back in 2008 they released an explorer series called Adventure Heroes with some wildly cool characters, Egyptian themed monsters, giant snakes and scorpions, and cool, steam-punk inspired vehicles. Unfortunately, the only thing I ever recall seeing in stores were four of the standard figures. Bomani is one of the villains, a scorpion themed warrior whose name means "Strong Soldier" in Malawian and "Warrior" in Egyptian. He's a cool figure that would definitely fit in well in Masters of the Universe if he were a few inches taller. Let's take a look at a spooky scorpion guy after the break...


Sunday, October 9, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: King in Black: Knull and Venom from Marvel Legends Series: Spider-Man by Hasbro

 

   Near the end of last month I picked up the new Marvel Legends Series King in Black 2-pack of Knull and Venom through an Amazon warehouse deal. Since they're new figures and both pretty creepy, I figured why not add them into 31 Days of Toy Terror X. They fit the bill, right? I'm not very familiar with Knull or the King in Black storyline but I've been wanting a Marvel Legends Venom and Knull seemed like a pretty interesting to add to the display, so I figured I'd bite when I found the Amazon warehouse deal. Everything arrived safely and I'm now able to add these two to the Marvel Legends collection. Venom needs no introduction, and in King in Black trying to defend the earth from Knull and his army of Symbiotes/ Klyntar. Apparently Knull is a primordial evil deity who created the Symbiotes and motivated Gorr the God Butcher. He's kind of a big deal in the more recent Marvel Universe, which I'm just not that familiar with. Cool figures are cool figures, though, and I'm excited to finally have a Venom (with wings!). Let's check out the King in Black set after the break...





Saturday, October 8, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Ocean Adventure Ship by FunWhole (Bonus! With Video Review!)

 

   Today for 31 Days of Toy Terror I've got something extra special for you! A review of an LED light up brick set featuring a raging ocean, a full moon, and a terrifying, tentacled sea monster! A few months ago Funwhole reached out to me and offered to send me this set if I'd review it and, of course, I gladly obliged. Funwhole's concept is based on the use of lots of LED bricks and wiring so that your sets look great whether it's day or night, and I think they've definitely succeeded in crafting some rather interesting sets. Today I'm checking out the Ocean Adventure Ship from the Fantasy Series, a buildable brick set focusing on a ship facing the perils of the ocean and what lurks beneath. This review is kind of different from most of my other ones as I actually did a video review supplement with Adora, AKA Umbreon13, who really wanted to help. I hope this video and review help to put you in a spooky mood for the Halloween season. The video is attached below while the written review is after the page break. Enjoy!




   In the video I show off the manual, the box, and the tools that come with this set. I also try to explain the wiring process as well. The production quality on everything included here is really nice, especially the inclusion of the metal tweezers used to help with the wiring and fitting the connections. The brick quality is great as well. I didn't have any missing pieces nor were any pieces deformed. 

Friday, October 7, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Skeletor from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: New Eternia by Mattel

 


   Sometimes I review figures and hold off on posting the review until 31 Days of Toy Terror to make sure that I have some recent stuff during this October festivity as well. While lots of horror toys come out, I don't collect them all and the ones I do don't always come out in that sweet period between late August and Halloween. If I want current stuff, I have to plan ahead a bit. Let's take the star of today's installment of 31 Days of Toy Terror: The New Eternia Skeletor. This guy came out much earlier in the year but I didn't get mine until mid-late June and I'm just now getting around to reviewing him. I'm still really excited about this guy because while it's Skeletor, it's also a new variant of Skeletor based on elements from a few Mark Taylor art pieces created during the birth of Masters of the Universe. The New Eternia figures so far have been a great blend of new concepts and classic details with this version of Skeletor borrowing from the vintage figure and the Mark Taylor pieces "Evil Incarnate," "Skeletor," and the piece that came to be know as Demo-Man. Let's take a look at this New Eternia version of Skeletor after the break...



Thursday, October 6, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Pilot Spawn from Spawn by McFarlane Toys

 


   What's that flying through the cold night air? A witch on her broom? Nope. A banshee?  Nope. The Mothman? Nope. It's Spawn wearing a jetpack. Pilot Spawn was part of the second series of Spawn figures from 1995 and was one of the two Spawn variants in that series (the other was Commando Spawn). In the earlier Spawn comics at least, Al Simmons often relied on his military background and training when going up against heavy hitters, so it wasn't uncommon to see him whipping out some massive firearms and heavy ordinance. I guess it's possible he might put on an experimental jetpack, too. The early Spawn line was targeted at the then newly burgeoning collectors market and kids alike, so you got a mixture of designs to appeal to both. This one's kind of cool and I picked him up in the late spring at Retro Toys and Collectibles in Cherryville, NC in preparation for this year's festivities. Ready to take off with Pilot Spawn? Then join me after the break...




Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Action Figure Review: Blue Ninjas from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 
   
   There were some cool reveals and great updates of upcoming goodies over the weekend for the G.I. Joe Classified Series at Hasbro's Pulsecon, but there are definitely a few releases on shelves (in store and virtually) available right now as well. Today I'm checking out the 2-pack of the Blue Ninjas, an Amazon exclusive set that feature a male and female blue ninja with lots of accessories. While the figures themselves are mostly repaints with reused weapons, the package does contain three new headsculpts, which is quite impressive. There's really a lot to like here as long as you're a fan of ninjas in G.I. Joe. I will admit that the ninja facet of G.I. Joe isn't one of my favorite parts of the property, but I do still usually enjoy it, especially when the figures are well crafted. While blue ninjas did appear in Larry Hama's continuation of the original comic series, they were quite different. Those blue ninjas were cybernetically enhanced ninjas wearing blue camouflage and carrying lots of high tech equipment. These blue ninjas are really just another faction of Cobra ninjas, maybe somewhat akin to the Cobra Ninja Viper. Let's take a look at this set after the break...




31 Days of Toy Terror X: Terror Claws Skeletor from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 


   While this year's 31 Days of Toy Terror isn't devoted to Skeletor like last year's festivities, Old Bonehead is still going to make a couple appearances. First up is a look at the Masters of the Universe Origins deluxe Terror Claws Skeletor figure. Terror Claws Skeletor was released much earlier this year but I didn't get mine until late June or early July. Like in the vintage line, this variant of Skeletor shipped alongside Flying Fists He-Man. While these are definitely my least favorite variants from the vintage line they're still quite fun and it's a nice way to own a toy similar to the vintage figure without paying a crazy amount of money. I have my vintage childhood Skeletor, Battle Armor Skeletor, and Dragon Blaster Skeletor but I've never owned a vintage Terror Claws Skeletor. This figure has two skeletal portraits, massive metal claws, and a bone dragon weapon; it's perfect for the Halloween season, right? Let's take a look at Terror Claws Skeletor after the break...


Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Toy Review: Razor Crest from Star Wars: Micro Galaxy Squadron by Jazwares



   A couple weeks back I reviewed the Star Wars: Micro Galaxy Squadron Outland TIE Fighter and while I liked it, I wasn't really planning on picking up more of these at the moment. That being said, I definitely was eying the Razor Crest every time I saw it at the store. Like so many others, I absolutely love The Mandalorian and I'm a big fan of the ship (even though it's been destroyed) and this version struck a nice middle ground between being really nice looking and affordable. It also doesn't hurt that I found this for $9 bucks at a Bargain Hunt. If you're not familiar with Bargain Hunt, they're a retail store that sells the closeout or returned items of other retailers like Target and Walmart. The packaging on my Razor Crest was a bit beat up but everything was fine with it, so it probably got returned to a retailer and eventually was acquired by Bargain Hunt. Ready to take a look at Din Djarin's original ship? Then let's check this one out after the break...

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Commando Spawn from Mortal Kombat 11 by McFarlane Toys

 


   Once again Spawn makes an appearance in this year's 31 Days of Toy Terror X. At one point in the early summer I almost considered doing a Spawn themed 31 Days of Toy Terror called Spawntober, but I ended up deciding not to. There sure are quite a few Spawn figures covered this year, however, and I believe Commando Spawn is the newest release of all of them. Released just a month or two ago, Commando Spawn is actually part of McFarlane Toys' Mortal Kombat 11 line. Inspired by the original 1995 figure from the vintage Spawn toyline and based on one of Spawn's alternate outfits in Mortal Kombat 11, Commando Spawn is a rather popular Spawn variant that I'm sure many fans have been waiting for since the Spawn figures were relaunched. One of the only downers about this guy, though, is that due to Warner Bros.' ban on guns coming with merchandise as accessories, Commando Spawn doesn't come with any weapons. He's a great figure to pair with the Munitions Pack McFarlane Toys released earlier this year. Funny how that worked out, right? Let's take a look at the ever vengeful Commando Spawn after the break...




Monday, October 3, 2022

Action Figure Review: Madame Hydra from Marvel Legends Series by Hasbro

 


   A week or so ago I received the three figures I preordered from the newest series of Marvel Legends but with so much new stuff showing up on my doorstep at once, it's taken me some time to get to them. This series features a Build-a-Figure of the Controller and is kind of a general mix of characters rather than a themed series. It also seem to be the last non-retro series of Marvel Legends figures with the open display window, so from here on out you're at Hasbro's mercy as to what actually comes in the package. This series may have been delayed or something as it still seems to be retailing for last year's price of $22.99, though with my Amazon preorder I ended up getting these for $17 dollars each due to the lowest pricing guarantee. Today I'm looking at Madame Hydra, a villain I'm familiar enough with to recognize but not familiar enough with to tell a whole lot about on her own. It's been a full decade since Madame Hydra was last released in the Arnim Zola series of Hasbro's "The Return of Marvel Legends" line and she was one of the weird variant figures where the figure was given a generic name ("Marvel's Madames") with one figure being Madame Hydra and the the other being Madame Masque. This one is definitely improved over that release, though she oddly still feels a bit antiquated. Let's take a look at Madame Hydra after the break...





31 Days of Toy Terror X: Leprechaun #1245 from POP! Movies: Leprechaun by Funko

 


   This year's 31 Days of Toy Terror is a putrefied potpourri of random horror toys and while there are a good number of vintage toys included, I've also included some newer stuff I've picked up. Today's terrifying toy is a frightfully fun Funko POP! of Lubdan the Leprechaun from the 1993 Academy Award winning film Leprechaun. Warwick Davis plays the titular leprechaun in the film (and in the first five sequels in the franchise) and he's definitely the reason to watch these movies as he's hilarious. I found this version of Lubdan at Hot Topic back in July and was talking to some other shoppers who were browsing and purchasing POP! vinyls. One guy told me that he was considering picking up the leprechaun because it was the first movie he could recall being terrified of while watching it. I imagine he had to have been pretty young as Leprechaun is a pretty goofy movie. Fun, but incredibly silly, too. Ready to check out this POP! of the little green man who's always looking for his gold? Then join me after the break...

Sunday, October 2, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Ninja Spawn from Spawn by McFarlane Toys

 
  
   I love reviewing toys I remember from childhood, even if it's stuff I didn't have. I've been reviewing more older stuff over the past year or so than I had in some previous years but 31 Days of Toy Terror is always such a fun time to jump in and check out some older figures. Since I've gotten into Spawn a lot more over the past year or so, I'm absolutely going to deliver plenty of Spawn themed reviews, particularly of the figures from the 1990s. At one point I even considered this year having the theme of "Spawntober" but I eventually opted against it. Still, there's lots of Spawn here. Today we're taking a look at Ninja Spawn from 1995's series 3. Ninjas were big news in the 1980s and 1990s (they still are, too) and my guess is that at some point during those years you dressed like a ninja of some sort for Halloween. Regular ninja, undead ninja, Mortal Kombat styled ninja, or a Teenage Mutant Turtle ninja; ninjas just worked their way in anywhere they could. Even the Shadow, a 1930s pulp character, became a ninja in 1994. So, yeah, Spawn became a ninja, although this isn't Al Simmons, the star of the long running Spawn comic series. This is actually an unnamed Japanese man from centuries ago who was also turned into a Spawn. He's showed up in the comics again recently, though, and while I read trades (I'm behind) perhaps he'll have an actual name soon. But he's still a Spawn. A Ninja Spawn. Grab a fun-sized candy bar without being seen and join me after the break...



Saturday, October 1, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Michael Myers with Myers House #25 from POP! Town: Halloween by Funko

 



    I'm kicking off the tenth year of 31 Days of Toy Terror with a bang! Not only am I delivering up a brand new Michael Myers POP! vinyl but this one also comes with a miniature replica of the Myers House. Crazy, right? Michael Myers with Myers House #25 is part of the POP! Town collection and is a brand new release that is exclusive to Spirit. Spirit has offered up some cool exclusive Funko POP! vinyls over the past few years and this one is absolutely one of the best. Nothing says Halloween quite like Halloween, am I right? Michael Myers has been a guest on 31 Days of Toy Terror many times over the past decade. Let's start off 2022's 31 Days of Toy Terror X with a look at Michael Myers and his home, after the break...