Action Figure Review: Angella from Masters of the Universe Classics by Mattel

     Masters of the Universe Classics is still trucking along and I love this line as much as I ever did! What's amazing is that now we're completing factions and vintage release years with almost every release. Today I'm looking at the April 2015 Club Eternia release: Angella! Angella is the queen of Brightmoon, a leader in the Great Rebellion, and Etheria's resident hot mom. She's also the last figure from the first series of Princess of Power figures to be released in MOTUC so her inclusion here means another year of figures has been completed. Congratulations POP Class of 1985!

A New Batgirl Review: Batgirl and Wonder Woman Magnetic Salt & Pepper Shakers by Westland Giftware

     While I collect a number of things (You read the site: You know.) one of my favorite things to collect is Batgirl related stuff. While Batgirl has been seeing a resurgence in popularity (there are multiple high-end statues coming out this year as well as her downloadable content for Arkham Knight) when I decided to start collecting Batgirl stuff in 2007 there just wasn't as much out there. Still, for the most part it's manageable to grab everything I want with Batgirl. That wouldn't be true with Batman, the Joker, or probably even Harley Quinn these days, but with Batgirl it's still manageable and is actually part of the fun. Sometimes I have to actively look for new Batgirl stuff and that's how I stumbled across this salt and pepper shaker set from Westland Giftware. Yes, the set includes a Batgirl salt shaker and a Wonder Woman pepper shaker that connect together via magnets. This is one of those odd things that I stumbled on and just knew that I had to have for my collection. Ready for a look at some super powered salt and pepper shakers? Then join me after the break...

Statue Review: Batwoman from DC Comics Bishoujo by Kotobukiya

     Ever since I picked up their Batgirl statue I have been a big fan of Kotobukiya's DC Comics Bishoujo series of 9 inch statues. They're colorful, durable, fairly inexpensive (so far as statues go), and feature beautiful renditions of DC's terrific cast of female characters. Other than Batgirl related items this is the most "high end" line I collect and I'm always excited for each new release. I was incredibly excited for this release of Batwoman, though. First of all there just isn't much Batwoman merchandise out there. There's only ever been one figure from DC Collectibles back in their "52" line and one from Mattel in their ill-fated 1/18th scale Infinite Heroes line. Secondly, I really like Batwoman. I read trade paperbacks rather than single issues, so I'm a bit behind, but from everything I've read from Batwoman up through volume 4 (volume 5 is sitting on my desk right now waiting to be read), Batwoman was probably the most consistently well done title in the New 52. Only Batman rivals it. Kate Kane is a truly interesting character and it's amazing to me how unique and disturbing her own personal corner of Gotham manages to be. With Batwoman (and many other titles) ending due to the aftermath of Convergence, it'll be interesting to see what happens to Batwoman. Hopefully her story will continue as she's one of the best DC characters in modern history (and yes, I know there was an older Katherine Kane, but they're clearly not the same character). Anyways, I was extremely excited to pick up this new statue of Kate Kane as Batwoman for my shelf. Ready to check her out? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Luigi from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

 
  Jakks is really getting the Nintendo heavy hitters out in this line! While series 1-1 had Mario (real name Mario Mario) series 1-2 has Luigi (real name Luigi Mario). Luigi first appeared in 1983 (just like me!) and has gone from being just a Mario palette swap and sidekick to being his own man. Seriously, Luigi has starred in plenty of games and has developed his own personality. Whether you want your Luigi teaming up with Mario, looking for a missing Mario, or hunting down malevolent ghosts, this figure should make you happy. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Diddy Kong from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

     In the newest series (1-2) from Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo line we get a few sidekicks: Luigi, Toad, and Diddy Kong. It's Diddy who I'm reviewing today! I still remember picking up the amazing Donkey Kong Country shortly after Christmas of 1994. I didn't play many video games when I was in grade school that I can remember (renting a video game was a special and infrequent rare treat) but the Donkey Kong Country series managed to become must buys every year. In all honesty, though, my favorite Diddy Kong game is still Diddy Kong Racing. I'm never been much for racing games but that game was amazing an the adventure elements really appealed to me. I'm thrilled that Donkey Kong already has his little nephew to pal around with as they explore, break bananas, and fight bad guys! Ready for a look at this cheeky little monkey? Then join me after the break...

Toy Bloggers United Contest Part 2: Electric Boogaloo!

   We're back for round 2 of the Toy Bloggers United Contest! Yup, once again a number of toy bloggers have united to give you free stuff that's cluttering our shelves to thank you for your readership! Our host blog this time is The Harvey Mercheum! All you need to do to enter is go over to The Harvey Mercheum and leave a comment on this post. That's it! Leave a comment, pay attention on May 11th when the winner is announced, and you could win a box full of goodies. Here's what our luck winner won last time and I know I added even more bizarre and unusual stuff this time.

Official Rules after the break...

Action Figure Review: Samus from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

     Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo line seems to have a lot going for it: The figures are colorful, durable, inexpensive, and represent the first time we've seen many beloved Nintendo characters in action figure form at regular retail stores. While distribution and retailer support has been a bit sporadic (Wal-Mart doesn't carry the line yet) I can't help but feel that Jakks Pacific has earned a great deal of good will from video game fans due to releasing a Nintendo based toyline that seems to have some real legs to it. Today I'm looking at a new figure from series 1-2: Samus Aran from the long running Metroid series. This isn't the first time that Samus has had an action figure crafted in her likeness but it is the first time that I can recall that one was released at a regular retailer like Target or Toys r' Us for a reasonable price point. Ms. Aran is without a doubt one of the most popular and significant video game protagonists ever and it's great to see her in this line alongside other Nintendo icons like Link, Mario, and Donkey Kong. Ready for a closer look at Samus Aran? Then blow into your computer, smack on the casing, and join me after the break...