Wednesday, December 31, 2014

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

     Mattel ended the 2014 Club Eternia subscription's basic figures with a Princess of Power character that everyone seemed to want: Mermista! Mermista appeared in both the vintage Princess of Power line and the Filmation animated series and is one of the few POP characters that largely shares the same look between the toy and the cartoon. Are mermaids your thing? Do you like aquatic warriors? How about conch shell horns or girls with blue hair? If any of those apply to you then you are in good shape with Mermista. More details after the break...


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Action Figure Review: Batman from Batman Classic TV Series by NJ Croce



 Part 1 of Barbecue17's Christmas Haul!

    Ever since the 1966 Batman TV show's licensing issues got resolved, everyone and their mother has been in a hurry to release toys and memorabilia related to the series. Today I'm looking at a bendable Batman figure from the Batman Classic TV Series line by NJ Croce, a toy company I'd never heard of before looking at the back of this figure's package. They make lots of novelty items like wall clocks, bendable figures, key chains, and mugs. Anyways, the series so far looks to be composed of Batman himself, Robin, the Penguin, the Joker, Catwoman, and the Batmobile. (Since Yvonne Craig's licensing issues got worked out much later than the rest of the cast, let's hope Batgirl makes it into a second series!) I received this gift as a Christmas present from a friend so I'm definitely going to review this figure as part of my Christmas Haul mini series. Ready for a look at Batman, old man? Then join me after the break...

Monday, December 29, 2014

Action Figure Review: Fear from IAmElemental by Rebel Elements

 
  Today I'm looking at the last action figure in the first series of IAmElemental: Fear! I've been spending a lot of time reviewing the IAmElemental line but if you're unfamiliar with it, then check out this review where I discuss in detail this cool new line that launched on Kickstarter in early 2014. There is a lot of reuse in these figures, so some elements of these reviews are a bit short since I've covered the same ground a few times now. Each figure come packaged in a blind bagged style bag but with a checklist on the back. The checklist was marked with the identity of the figure inside so you know who you're getting. I'm not sure if these will be revealed like this at retail, but it certainly seems like a good idea. While the other six figures in this series were all based on more overtly positive elements of courage (Bravery, Energy, Honesty, Industry, Enthusiasm, and Persistence), Fear is listed as an element of Dark Matter. Is Fear a villain? A dark, necessary anti-hero? Just another element of courage? I guess it's up to you to decide. Fear's bio card states: "Fear spreads the impulse to run away and hide. She has the ability to stop a moving object in its tracks." Ready for a closer look at Fear? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Persistence from IAmElemental by Rebel Elements

     Today I'm looking at Persistence, the sixth figure in the first series of IAmElemental
 I've been spending a lot of time reviewing the IAmElemental line but if you're unfamiliar with it, then check out this review where I discuss in detail this cool new line that launched on Kickstarter in early 2014. There is a lot of reuse in these figures, so these last few reviews are a bit more brief (go on and all of them if you want the full scoop). These figures come packaged in blind bagged style bags but they have a checklist on the back with the figure inside marked (with a marker, actually) so you know who you're getting. I'm not sure if these will be marked this way at retail, but it certainly seems like a good idea. Persistence's bio card says: "Persistence finishes what she starts and persists in spite of obstacles. She has the ability to push through any obstacle with super strength." Ready to keep on keeping on with Persistence? Then join me after the break...


Sunday, December 28, 2014

Action Figure Review: Enthusiasm from IAmElemental by Rebel Elements

 I've been spending a lot of time reviewing the IAmElemental line but if you're unfamiliar with it, then check out this review where I discuss in detail this cool new line that launched on Kickstarter in early 2014. There is a lot of reuse in these figures, so these last few reviews are a bit more brief (go on and check out the other reviews if you want the full scoop). Each of the seven figures in this series is based on a characteristic or virtue and now I'm looking at the fifth figure in the Courage series, Enthusiasm. These figures come packaged in blind bagged style bags but they have a checklist on the back with the figure inside marked (with a marker, actually) so you know who you're getting. I'm not sure if these will be marked this way at retail, but it certainly seems like a good idea. Enthusiasm's bio card says: "Enthusiasm cultivates and shares a positive mindset. She has the ability to change the negative emotions of others." Ready for a look at this enthusiastic member of the IAmElemental team? Then join me after the break...


Action Figure Review: Industry from IAmElemental by Rebel Elements


 I've been spending a lot of time reviewing the IAmElemental line but if you're unfamiliar with it, then check out this review where I discuss in detail this cool new line that launched on Kickstarter in early 2014. There is a lot of reuse in these figures, so just know that there is a bit of reuse in each review. That's not a knock on the figures but simply me letting you know why some of the reviews in this series are smaller than others. Each of the seven figures in this series is based on a characteristic or virtue and today I'm looking at the fourth figure in the Courage series, Industry. These come packaged in blind bagged style bags but they have a checklist on the back with the figure inside marked (with a marker, actually) so you know who you're getting. I'm not sure if these will be marked this way at retail, but it certainly seems like a good idea. Industry's bio card says: "Industry works hard at all she does. She has the ability to control physical objects and repair anything that is broken." Ready for a look at this industrious member of the IAmElemental team? Then join me after the break...


Saturday, December 27, 2014

Action Figure Review: Honesty from IAmElemental by Rebel Elements

   Curious as to what IAmElemental is? Then check out this review where I discuss in detail this cool new line that launched on Kickstarter in early 2014. I'm spending a few days here reviewing the whole first series here at Action Figure Barbecue and since there is a lot of reuse in these figures, just know that there is a bit of reuse in each review. That's not a knock on the figures but simply me letting you know why I'm doing a bit of cutting and pasting (which is not something I typically do). Each of the seven figures in this series is based on a characteristic or virtue and today I'm looking at the third of the Courage series figures, Honesty. A day or two ago I reviewed the Kickstarter exclusive Courage Red Honesty but today I'm just looking at the basic version. These come packaged in blind bagged style bags but they have a checklist on the back with the figure inside marked (with a marker, actually) so you know who you're getting. I'm not sure if these will be marked this way at retail, but it certainly seems like a good idea. Honesty's bio card says: "Honesty tells the truth. She has the ability to make others tell the truth."  Ready for a look at Honesty, the winged warrior of the bunch? Then join me after the break...


Action Figure Review: Energy from IAmElemental by Rebel Elements


     Curious as to what IAmElemental is? Then check out this review where I discuss in detail this cool new line that launched on Kickstarter in early 2014. I'm reviewing the whole first series here at Action Figure Barbecue and since there is a lot of reuse in these figures, just know that there is some reuse in each review. That's not a knock on the figures but simply me letting you know why I'm doing a bit of cutting and pasting (which I don't typically do). Each of the seven figures in this series offers up a different design that reflects an element of character and today I'm looking at the second of the Courage series figures, Energy. These come packaged in blind bagged style bags but they have a checklist on the back with the figure inside marked (with a marker, actually) so you know who you're getting. I'm not sure if these will be sold this way at retail, but it certainly seems like a good idea. Energy's bio card says: "Energy approaches life with excitement and does not do things half way. She has the ability to control electrical impulses." Ready for a look at Energy, a figure with flames on her shoulders? Than join me after the break...

Friday, December 26, 2014

Action Figure Review: Bravery from IAmElemental by Rebel Elements


  Curious as to what IAmElemental is? Then check out this review where I discuss in detail this cool new line that launched on Kickstarter in early 2014. Each of the seven figures in this series offers up a different design that reflects an element of character and today I'm looking at the first of the Courage series figures, Bravery. These come packaged in blind bagged style bags but they have a checklist on the back with a figure marked  so you know who you're getting. I'm not sure if these will be marked at retail, but it certainly seems like a good idea. Bravery's bio card says: "Bravery does not shrink from challenges or difficulty. She has the ability to create a protective force-field around herself and others." Ready for a look at Bravery? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Courage Red Honesty from IAmElemental by Rebel Elements




     Curious as to what IAmElemental is? Then check out this review where I discuss in detail this cool new line that launched on Kickstarter in early 2014. Each of the seven figures in this series offers up a different design that reflects an element of character and today I'm looking at the Courage Red Honesty figure which was a Kickstarter exclusive for backers. It's a simple repaint of Honesty but it looks really nice. These aren't characters in the traditional sense of the word; they're more character archetypes that give just a little info about the character, leaving kids to fill in the rest of the details with their imagination. Honesty's card says: "Honesty tells the truth. She has the ability to make others tell the truth." Ready for a look at Honesty? Then join me after the break...

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Action Figure Review: Lunchbox Carry Case from IAmElemental by Rebel Elements

 
     Over the past couple of years we have seen a number of cool toys offered up on Kickstarter but in 2014 we saw this trend go from a simple toy item here and there to a number of full fledged action figure lines being funded through crowd sourcing. In 2014 Marauders, Inc. reached 814% of the funding needed for their Marauder Task Force gaming figures, Boss Fight Studios reached 550% for their Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S. line, Warpo reached 220% for funding their Legends of Cthulhu vintage inspired series, October Toys brought back Skeleton Warriors, and Rebel Elements raised $162,906 (465% of their goal) to create IAmElemental, an action figure line targeted at girls. I pitched in to support most of these campaigns but right now I'm specifically looking at IAmElemental. The first series of action figures consists of seven unique figures and one Kickstarter exclusive paint variant along with a collector's case that was included for buying the entire series. There are two variations of the collector's case: The standard lunchbox case that includes the figure's blind bagged inside or the display case with a foam insert. I went with the lunchbox case 'cause I like to open stuff! Today I want to talk about my thoughts on the project as a whole and the collector's case set (I'll follow up with reviews of all the figures over the next week or so). I'm going to jump in and spend a lot of time talking about this line, right after the break. Come join me!

Merry Christmas!


Merry Christmas to all of my readers! I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed day! I hope you receive some awesome gifts, eat some delicious food, and spend a lot of time with your family, loved ones, and pets. Whatever you do, whether you celebrate the birth of Christ, another holiday, or no holiday, find something that celebrates light during this time of the year when the nights are cold, dark, and long (well, at least in the northern hemisphere)!

Merry Christmas and thanks for reading my toy and action figure reviews!

Your friend,

Barbecue17

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Action Figure Review: The Gentlemen from Buffy the Vampire Slayer ReAction by Funko

 
  I've never seen a single episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer but I am familiar with the Gentlemen from the silent episode "Hush." They're definitely creepy (the tallest Gentleman is played by Doug Jones) and have a really cool aesthetic. Honestly, I might have to watch this episode since Buffy the Vampire Slayer is currently on Netflix. The Gentlemen action figure I'm reviewing today is part of Funko's ReAction brand, so it's designed and engineered to look like a Kenner action figure from the late 70's or early 1980's. I picked him up because with all of my retro based action figures I've been assembling a really cool council of monsters. Taking figures from Funko's Universal Monsters, ReAction Horror Series, Alien, and Predator, Bif Bang Pow!'s The Twilight Zone, the upcoming Legends of Cthulhu from Warpo Toys, and various characters from Kenner's vintage Star Wars line, I've been assembling an awesome council of retro-inspired monsters to cause mischief and mayhem all over the world! So why'd I grab the Gentlemen? Well, he's creepy as all get out and he kind of reminds me of both the Slender Man and the Silence from Doctor Who. He just fits in nicely as the creepy suited baddy. Anyways, more thoughts after the break...

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Action Figure Review: Clone Trooper Sergeant from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase II by Hasbro

    
     When Hasbro's Star Wars: The Black Series is good, it's really good. So far all of the trooper based figures have been just incredible, so it's a shame that earlier this year I neglected to review the Clone Trooper from the fourth series of Phase I figures. While I didn't review that release of the figure, today I'm looking at the Clone Trooper Sergeant, figure #07 in Phase II of The Black Series 6 inch line, and guess what? This is essentially a repaint of the standard Clone Trooper! I really like the Clone Troopers (particularly after watching The Clone Wars) and the Sergeants have some of the best looking standard armor around. Ready for a look at this guy? Then I'll cut the chatter and get right to it...

Monday, December 22, 2014

Action Figure Review: Rocksteady from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Playmates Toys


     I just reviewed Bebop the other day so here comes Rocksteady! Yup, the rampaging rhino is back in toy aisles as part of Playmates Toys' TMNT line based off of the current Nickelodeon animated series. Rocksteady is the same as Bebop in that he's currently a Wal-Mart exclusive, will mutate into his animal form on the show this coming January, and has already appeared in the show in human form. When I was looking at Rocksteady I was really intrigued by his choice of a hammer and sickle for weapons due to their connection to communism and the Soviet Union. A closer study revealed knuckle dusters on his hands that also feature the image of a hammer and a sickle. It turns out that Rocksteady is the mutated form of Ivan Steranko, a Russian weapons dealer who has appeared in the series as an old business associate of Shredder. Interesting stuff and I can't wait to see how it plays out. Of course, right now we'll be looking at the toy. Ready?


Friday, December 19, 2014

Action Figure Review: Bebop from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Playmates Toys


     I think most TMNT fans are pretty excited that Bebop and Rocksteady have made their way into the Nickelodeon based TMNT toyline and will be appearing on the show this coming January. While they've appeared in the IDW comic and are slated to appear in the sequel to this year's Michael Bay produced live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, it really feels like it has been awhile since we've seen these guys. Today I'm looking at Bebop who, along with Rocksteady, are currently Wal-Mart exclusives. My understanding is that these will be time limited exclusives and that they will appear in other stores once the characters mutate on the show. In the new cartoon the pre-mutated Bebop is a professional thief named Anton Zeck who has a history with Ivan Steranko, the Russian arms dealer who will later mutate into Rocksteady. While I'm watching the show as it is released on DVD and am not fully caught up yet, I have to say that it seems like a neat idea to make these guys more serious and specialized criminals who are a cut above your average street criminals. Ready for a look at everyone's favorite half human/ half warthog warrior? Then join me after the break...

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Action Figure Review: She-Ra (Galactic Protector) from Masters of the Universe Classics by Mattel


     I love She-Ra and I've been looking forward to Galactic Protector She-Ra since she was first announced. She-Ra didn't appear in any vintage media related to The New Adventures of He-Man meaning that this is a newly designed figure. In one of the best decisions made in the Masters of the Universe Classics story, She-Ra was depicted in her Galactic Protector outfit in the mini comic that came with The Unnamed One. I have to admit that this is one of the coolest She-Ra variants we've seen; it's an excellent blend of sci-fi and fantasy! Galactic Protector She-Ra is the November figure for the Club Etheria mini subscription and is the fifth of the six figures in the sub-line. Read all about the awesomeness that is Galactic Protector She-Ra after the break...

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

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

     
     One of the most exciting things about Masters of the Universe Classics wrapping up its 6th full year is that we're coming closer and closer to completing the entire vintage line of action figures. With the release of Tung Lashor, who I'm reviewing today, we're only one figure away from completing the Snake Men (we still need Sssqueeze) and two figures away from completing the first five years of figures from the vintage line (we still need Dragstor and Multi Bot from the 1986 series). Besides being able to check off a box, though, Tung Lashor is one of the most exciting action figures to be released in MOTUC this year. I've been ranking every figure this year as I receive them and I'm happy to report that Tung Lashor is in the top three. He's an excellent reminder of what I love about this line. Here's more details about him after the break...

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

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

    
     Whether you subscribe to an action figure line (like Masters of the Universe Classics) or simply make the decision to be a completest, sometimes there are figures that you just can't get excited about. For MOTUC, that's been pretty rare for me. Even figures that I've been slightly less enthusiastic (Nepthu, Sir Laser Lot,The Unnamed One) have still been fun action figures that added a new character or archetype to my display. Today, though, I'm looking at the newest oversized "beast" release from MOTUC: Arrow.  To say things as succinctly as I possibly can, I'm pretty sure Arrow is only in this line because Mattel need to reuse the horse sculpt again that they created for Swiftwind. He's just an absolutely boring figure. Arrow was released in the vintage Princess of Power line, but it is his appearance in the Filmation She-Ra animated series that this figure is derived from. Here's a quick look at Arrow!

Just Some Housekeeping...Fonts and Stuff


     I'm continuing to work on the site to make things a bit better. I've recently changed the font and color of the background text to try and improve the readability of the site. Does it look better to anyone? Worse? If you have any thoughts, let me know.

     Also, I should be finished with attaching the links for all of the action figures in the archive covering everything I've done here, at ThEpicReview.com, and at other sites around the internet!

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Action Figure Review: The Inquisitor from Star Wars: Rebels by Hasbro

    
     I have not yet seen Star Wars: Rebels but I'm getting ready to get the season pass for it through Amazon here in the next week or two. I did just finish the Rebels prequel novel A New Dawn, though, so between that and keeping up with the toyline I've definitely been exposed to the characters. Today I'm looking at the Inquisitor from the Star Wars: Rebels line, a subset of the Saga Legends figures. The Saga Legends figures are the 1/18th scale figures that have minimal articulation (typically 5 points) and non-dynamic poses in order to offer a less expensive action figure alternative. While I prefer my modern Star Wars figures to feel, well, modern, I did pick up the Inquisitor as kind of an impulse grab. He's a neat character (I liked the Pau'ans in Revenge of the Sith) with a cool appearance to him who also was only around $6. For that price I snapped him up. More thoughts on him after the break...

Friday, December 12, 2014

Action Figure Review: Darth Vader from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase II by Hasbro

   
    If there was one figure in Star Wars: The Black Series that should have been done to perfection, it was Darth Vader. While Boba Fett was the figure in The Black Series I was most looking forward to (my second most wanted is Admiral Ackbar), Vader is probably the most significant character for the line. In all honesty, I expected nothing short of perfection. While Vader has four distinct film costumes (there are some subtle differences between his appearance in each of the three original trilogy films as well as the brief appearance in Revenge of the Sith) the differences are fairly minor and I expected that Hasbro could largely create a perfect base body while changing elements such as the head, belt, and chest panel for each release (because you know Hasbro will want to crank out Vaders). Interestingly, while I speculated that Hasbro would start with the A New Hope armor, Hasbro instead based this first release of Vader on his Return of the Jedi appearance. So, how did Darth Vader turn out? Well, join me after the break...

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Action Figure Review: Sir Laser-Lot from Masters of the Universe Classics by Mattel

   
 This is an older figure from 2012, but I'm reviewing it for a purpose that hopefully will become clear within the next week or two! For the 30th Anniversary of Masters of the Universe, Mattel created a 6 figure sub-line for the MOTUC line to introduce some new characters into the line. 1 figure was based on a create-a-character contest from the 80s (Fearless Photog), one figure was based on the winning entry in a new create-a-character contest (Castle Grayskullman), and 4 figures were based on concepts by various Mattel designers, employees, and friends of the company. Sir Laser-lot was created by writer and DC Comics chief creative officer Geoff Johns based upon a childhood drawing. A new character to MOTU lore, Sir Laser-lot has so far only appeared in a downloadable mini comic on Comixology written by Johns himself. Here's a brief look at what has become one of the more forgettable figures in the MOTUC line...

I'm making Sharkleberry Fin Kool-Aid Christmas Punch!



     I'm responsible for making punch for a Christmas party, so I went to store the other night with my default punch recipe (I found it in my church cookbook) to look for the proper flavor of Kool-Aid for the punch. It's a simple punch recipe with all of the basics (pineapple juice and ginger ale) but I like that it uses Kool-Aid to add a unique flavor and color to every batch. I wasn't sure what color to grab for Christmas punch, but when I Sharkleberry Fin was back in production my decision was pretty much made for me. It's a bright pink fruity punch with hints of strawberry, orange, and banana. Some folks have described it as a sherbert flavored Kool-Aid; I think that's a good sign since my mother's Christmas punch uses rainbow sherbert. Anyways, I made the Kool-Aid in advance and will mix everything together in a punch bowl when I'm serving it. So...enjoy these pictures of the Sharkleberry Fin Kool-Aid packet.....


Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Action Figure Review: Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase II by Hasbro


     If you've read a few of my Star Wars: The Black Reviews or have heard me talk about the line on any episode of the Confirmed Epic Podcast, you'll know I'm pretty torn on the line. While I've loved all of the armored characters like the Sandtroopers, Stormtroopers, and Biker Scouts, I've been less then enthused by figures like Obi-Wan and Slave Leia. When this line is good, it's really, really good, but the rest of the time it just seems fairly mediocre. Fortunately, this Boba Fett in his Prototype Armor is quite good. He's a Walgreens exclusive and while he's been difficult to find for the past few months, stores are now starting to stock him in significant numbers. Packaged in The Black Series Phase II packaging (taller box with blue highlights instead of orange), Boba Fett in Prototype Armor is a great exclusive that also manages to be a fun figure. More after the break...

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Toy Review: Rocket Raccoon from Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes by Disney Interactive


     I've already looked at Hulk from the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes series so now I'm taking a look at another additional character I've purchased: Rocket Raccoon. Guardians of the Galaxy is without a doubt my favorite film of the year so far and getting the Guardians in the sleek, animated Pixar style of Disney Infinity was a major selling point for me. In my review of the Hulk I mentioned that I actually like these figures much more than I like the video game that utilizes them. Like Skylanders or Nintendo's Amiibo, Disney Infinity uses these plastic minifigures to allow you to bring new characters and game environments into your video game. In all honesty, I suspect nearly all of that content is already included on the disc and the figures simply "unlock" it. Still, it's a cool idea, particularly if you like the figures. I do, so here's my take on Rocket Raccoon....

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Merry Christmas! I Baked Cookies!

I baked cookies!  Enjoy them!

Toy Review: Hulk from Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes by Disney Interactive


     While I'm definitely more of a DC fan than a Marvel Fan (due to Batgirl, the Batman universe, Vertigo, and Kirby's Fourth World stuff), Marvel has really won me over due to their excellent cinematic universe. Other than Nolan's Batman films, nothing rivals Marvel's films for pure superhero awesomeness. Today I'm looking at one of the most recognizable superheroes out there: The Incredible Hulk! This really isn't an action figure, though; it's actually a swappable game piece for the Disney Infinity 2.0 video game. Like Skylanders or Nintendo's new Amiibo project, Disney Infinity is a video game that uses sculpted minifigures and a special reader hooked up to the video game console to "transport" characters into the game. The figure serves to activate the character and store its stats so that it can be played on other systems (despite the console being used). Honestly, while I've thought it to be a clever concept the games have never appealed to me until now. I just bought my Disney Infinity 2.0 set a few weeks ago and, while the game looked fun, two main things sold me on these. First was the awesome sculpts of the figures. Second is the fact that Star Wars and Indiana Jones are rumored to be getting in on the Disney Infinity action next year. Anyways, here's a look at the Hulk after the break....



Friday, December 5, 2014

What is Action Figure Barbecue17?


     Welcome to Action Figure Barbecue!
 
You might recognize me from my work at ThEpic Review. While I'm still involved with ThEpic Review, I wanted a smaller place of my own, y'know? Well, this is it. This is simply my blog to post my own short reviews, keep everyone (who might care) updated on my toy collection, and to show off my collection. I'll probably do a great deal of cross posting here and at ThEpic Review from time to time, but hopefully this feels just a bit more casual. Anyways, I've also copied all of my reviews on this site and am working to get them all linked in my Action Figure Review Index.  Have fun and help yourself!

Barbecue17

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Action Figure Review: William G-4/ William G-3 from Resident Evil 2 by Toy Biz


      Yes, the official name for this series of action figures is "Video Game Superstars Presents: Capcom's Resident Evil 2." That's too darn long.  I'm simply calling it Resident Evil 2, because that's all you care about, right? Resident Evil is quite possibly my favorite video game franchise of all time and Resident Evil 2 may quite possibly be the best game in the series.  I don't know, there's been so many good ones (and a few bad ones) that it's tough to say. Resident Evil 2 had a deliciously creepy atmosphere, excellent gameplay that smoothed out the flaws of the original, fun puzzles, and an excellent assortment of enemies. One of the big baddies from the game (because there were definitely two; don't forget Mr. X) was William Birkin, a former Umbrella scientist who injected himself with the experimental G-Virus after an assassination attempt by Umbrella left him mortally wounded.  Throughout Resident Evil 2, protagonists Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy attempt to keep the mutated William Birkin away from his daughter, Sherry.  Mutating throughout the game after every defeat, this figure represents William in both his third and fourth incarnations through the usage of a transforming mechanism.  Join me for a look at William G-3/ William G-4 (henceforth just called William) after the loading screen........

Action Figure Review: William Birkin and Sherry from Resident Evil 2 Platinum by Toy Biz


     So, you thought ""Video Game Superstars Presents: Capcom's Resident Evil 2" was too long of a name? How about "Video Game Superstars Presents: Capcom's Resident Evil 2 Platinum?"  In 1999 Toy Biz released a third series of Resident Evil figures that tied in to the success of Resident Evil 2.  The series included four new packs: Hunk and a regular Zombie, Ada and Ivy, Mr. X, and the set I'm looking at today, William Birkin and Sherry.  William Birkin is Sherry's father, and this set represents him in his mutated form, sometimes referred to as his G-2 form.  Sherry Birkin is William's daughter, and she's being pursued through Racoon City by the mutated William because she has a sample of the G-Virus hidden in the locket her father gave her.  Sherry is briefly a playable character in the game if you're playing through as Clarie Redfield.  While she apears when the plot of Resident Evil 2 is retold in Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles and is in Operation Racoon City, her big return is as a government agent and main playable character in Resident Evil 6.  While this set is Sherry's only appearance in action figure form, William has appeared in his G-2 form as both a figure from Moby Dick toys and as a statue from Palisades.  Proving the strength of the bond between a father and daughter, this set might be one of the best Toy Biz ever released. Check for more details after the break....

Action Figure Review: Tyrant/ Mr. X from Resident Evil 2 Platinum by Toy Biz


 
     The T-103, also known as Mr. X, was certainly the more fearsome of the big baddies in Resident Evil 2.  While William Birkin was a larger and more grotesque creature, Mr. X was creepier. He walked slowly and seemed more methodical in his approach to hunting you down throughout the game.  Released in Toy Biz's "Video Game Superstars Presents: Capcom's Resident Evil 2 Platinum", this figure includes snap-on pieces which allow him to change from his trenchcoated Mr. X form into his "Super Tyrant" form.  This isn't the only figure of this character to be released, but it was the first. Palisades did release a version of Mr. X in their second series of Resident Evil figures, and Moby Dick released both Mr.X and the Super Tyrant as two separate releases, but we're looking at Toy Biz's effort today, so here it goes!

Action Figure Review: Leon S. Kennedy & Licker from Resident Evil 2 by Toy Biz

    
     As a kid teenager, I only owned four sets of Toy Biz's Resident Evil figures: The Lab Zombie & Forest Speyer, Chris Redfield & Cerberus, Claire Redfield & Zombie Cop, and the figure I'll be looking at today--Leon S. Kennedy & Licker.  Leon S. Kennedy was a rookie cop who was literally on his first day of the job when the Raccoon City incident happened.  Smart and resourceful, Leon managed to work along with Claire and the mysterious Ada Wong to rescue Sherry Birkin and escape Raccoon City alive.  Since Resident Evil 2, Leon has truly become a fan favorite character, starring in a variety of games like Resident Evil: Gaiden for Game Boy Color, Resident Evil 4, and Resident Evil 6.  This figure reminds us of Leon's humble origins as a simple cop who possibly was "too young for this $#!%."  Ready for a brief look at Leon and the Licker? Then join me after the break....

Action Figure Review: Hunk & Zombie from Resident Evil 2: Platinum by Toy Biz


  Also known as Mr. Death, Hunk was first playable in the secret Resident Evil 2 scenario "The Fourth Survivor". The only remaining survivor of the Umbrella Security Service Unit that attempted to apprehend the G-virus sample from William Birkin, Hunk has to fight his way out of the sewers of Raccoon City in order to make it to a helipad for extraction.  Hunk appeared as a figure in the third series of Resident Evil figures out out by Toy Biz in 1999, the long name for the series being "Video Game Super Stars Presents Capcom's Resident Evil 2: Platinum". Yup, just as long as ever.  Hunk is paired with a regular, average zombie, but that's perfectly fine. Average zombies are the best for hunting!  Ready for a look at the mysterious Hunk and his zombie rival? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Claire Redfield & Zombie Cop from Resident Evil 2 by Toy Biz

 
     This is hands down my favorite figure from Toy Biz's Resident Evil line: Claire Redfield and the Zombie Cop.  In early December of 1998 my cousins came to visit for a few days and brought their Playstation with them. I'm not sure they brought any games, though, so we went to Blockbuster to rent Resident Evil. Unfortunately the game didn't work, so we had to take it back and rented Resident Evil 2 instead. It's still one of my favorite games, and definitely a high point in a series that has had many, many high points.  It was enough to make a Nintendo fanboy (at the time) ask Santa Claus (actually, I asked my grandma) for a Playstation.  I got my Playstation for Christmas in 1998 solely because I was enamored by Resident Evil.  Sure, I wanted to play Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy VII also, but Resident Evil was what I really wanted.  For Christmas I got Resident Evil, Parasite Eve, Medievil, and Metal Gear Solid.  It wasn't long after Christmas that I ended up buying both Resident Evil 2 and this figure.  Released in late 1998/ Early 1999, Claire was part of the second wave of Resident Evil figures produced by Toy Biz, a toy company for their various Marvel action figures.  I'm going to absolutely gush about this figure because I love it so much, and you can join me after the break, if you'd like.

Action Figure Review: Ada Wong and Ivy from Resident Evil 2 by Toy Biz


This is it! The last review from Toy Biz's Resident Evil/Resident Evil 2 line!  How exciting! It also means that I completed my collection of these figures--something I've been meaning to do for some time.  Today I'm looking at one of the sets from the last series of figures: Ada Wong and Ivy.  I've wanted this set for quite a while but only recently acquired it, so I'm really excited to be taking a look at it today.  Ada Wong has definitely become one of the most prominent characters since her appearance in Resident Evil 2,  but has only been immortalized in plastic by NECA for their Resident Evil 4 line, and is soon to be released by Hot Toys as a very cool 1/6th scale figure.  Ivy is another character/creature that has only ever appeared once, in the Biohazard 3 line by Moby Dick toys, and it's always fun to look at something that hasn't been done a million times before.  Ready for a look at this very cool set?  The read on, after the break....

Action Figure Review: Tyrant from Resident Evil by Toy Biz


     Just like a horror franchise, just when you think Resident Evil Week is done, it comes back for more. I'm down to two figures left to review in order to have reviewed every figure from Toy Biz's Resident Evil line, and now I'm going to knock that list down to one by reviewing the big baddie from the original Resident Evil, the Tyrant.  Designed to be a B.O.W. (Bio-Organic Weapon), the original version of the Tyrant turned out to be a bit of a failure.  Still, that's not to say that the guy isn't popular, as he most certainly is.  Tyrants have become some of the most recognizable villains from the Resident Evil universe, each with their own unique traits, such as the methodical and cool demeanor of Mr. X or the "Kool-Aid Man on crack" intensity of the Nemesis.  This guy, however, is the original. He originated the "walk slowly then strike quickly with a giant claw" that all Tyrant's aspire to perfect. Is he a good figure, however? Read ahead and find out!

Action Figure Review: Jill Valentine & Web Spinner from Resident Evil by Toybiz


 Ready for a review of the master of unlocking?  Then it's time to take a look at Jill Valentine, another figure from Toy Biz's Resident Evil action figure series from 1998.  Jill Valentine, one of the protagonists from the first game in the series, comes with a nemesis for her to fight: Web Spinner. It's one of the creepy, over-sized spiders running around the Spencer Mansion.  While I managed to pick this figure up with a lot of various toys a few years back, it didn't have Web Spinner or Jill's weapon with it. Finally I managed to get a complete figure not too long ago, so I'm rearing to go on reviewing this girl.  If you're ready to dive right in, so am I. Grab yourself a Jill Sandwich and get ready for the review, after the break...

Action Figure Review: Hunter & Chimera from Resident Evil by Toy Biz


     Yes, I know Resident Evil week was last week, but I still have a few Resident Evil figures I wanted to review. I'm so close to having reviews of the complete Toy Biz Resident Evil series that I figured I'd go ahead and finish things out. I also just got these guys last month and I'm trying to review every toy I get. Just because, really. Anyway, here's another cool two-pack from the first series of Resident Evil toys from Toy Biz that featured characters from the original video game. In my opinion, this set features the deadliest and most frightening creature in the entire game: the Hunter.  The Hunter doesn't appear until after you've gone to the guest house, defeated Plant 42, and are sent back to the main Mansion by Wesker to investigate further.  As soon as you walk in the door you're greeted with a cut scene of a fairly agile creature making it's way through the gardens and into the door you just entered. Then, unless you're ready with your shotgun and at nearly full health, the Hunter proceeds to cut off your head. Hope you saved recently!  Chimera is a little annoying, but nothing compared to the Hunter.  Ready to check these guys out? All right, well let's go!

Action Figure Review: Forest Speyer & Maggot Zombie from Resident Evil by Toy Biz


This is it, folks. The first Resident Evil figure I ever owned.  In my review of The Real Ghostbusters Zombie I talked about my history with zombies, but ended before I got talking about Resident Evil.  That's what I'll be doing here, as well as reviewing this confirmed Epic action figure set.  I stayed with my grandmother during most of the summer of 1998. Days were spent watching movies, playing Nintendo 64, and spending time with various cousins, all of whom lived near my grandmother.  During an evening spent with one of my cousins, a friend of his brought over a Playstation. I'd never really had the chance to play one before, so this was a pretty big deal.  As I was flipping through his games (mostly sports and wrestling) I did find one game that appealed to me: Resident Evil.  I was not unaware of the game, as I probably had a subscription to the majority of the gaming magazines of the day, but I just hadn't had the chance to play it yet.  I asked could I give it a try.  Tyson (yes, that was his real name as far as I can remember) let me boot the game up and suddenly I was in pure gaming nirvana.
     It began like a horror movie, featured a creepy old mansion, plodding zombies, rabid zombie dogs, and a constantly oppressive atmosphere.  While I soaked up every ounce of my all too brief session with this game, Tyson just sat there and told me that if I didn't run everywhere I'd never beat the game in under three hours and unlock the rocket launcher (I seriously doubt anyone does this on their first play through, anyways).  Up until that point, perhaps the only video game to truly immerse me like Resident Evil did was Goldeneye, and I distinctly remember sitting around at my grandma's house the next day drawing maps of what I could remember of Spencer Mansion from the game.  Just a week or so later I was on a trip to Target with some family members when I found Toy Biz's Resident Evil figures freshly stocked.  I'd seen them previewed in the late, great ToyFare magazine, but now I realized the appeal. I didn't have much money (my parents had given me money at the beginning of the summer which I had to ration) and since it was early August, I was left with just enough to pick one set. I chose the Forest Speyer and Maggot Zombie (who I realize I've been calling Lab Zombie for some reason).  Let's look at them more closely....

Action Figure Review: Chris Redfield & Cerberus from Resident Evil by Toy Biz


 In preparation for Resident Evil week at ThEpic Review (July 22nd through July 26th), here's a review of an oldie, but a goodie: Chris Redfield & Cerberus from Video Game Superstars Presents: Capcom's Resident Evil. Yup, that series of toys had a darn long name.  Released in the late summer of 1998, at that point the original Resident Evil had been out for well over two years and Resident Evil 2 had been out for at least 6-7 months. Still, Toy Biz seemed to know that the series was becoming a franchise and put out a nice mixture of figures from the first two games. Chris Redfield and Cerberus came packaged together in the first series, and as one of the two main protagonists from Resident Evil, Chris was a pretty popular figure. I didn't get this guy until sometime in early 1999 and remember loving him, despite his faults. Let me say that: I love this figure, but boy does it have some faults.  Remember that as you read this review, if you dare....

Action Figure Review: Play Arts Kai Lara Croft from Tomb Raider: Survival Edition by Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix


 
     Over the past few years I really haven't picked up many video games on launch date.  Much to Gamestop's disappointment, rarely do I pre-order video games anymore.  In the past few years, the only games that I can remember picking up at launch were Arkham City, Dead Island, and Skyrim.  Typically, I wait until the games have dropped in price a bit and pick up a few less expensive games all in one swoop.  Tomb Raider, however, was a game that I just couldn't wait for.  While I've always enjoyed the character of Lara Croft, the Tomb Raider games have always felt like they fell a little short of what I wanted from them. This Tomb Raider has, so far, been exactly what I wanted. But I'll get to reviewing the game in a later post, currently I'm here to talk about the Survival Edition and all of the goodies it comes with, after the break......

Action Figure Review: Hunter, Tyrant, Crimson Head, and Licker from Resident Evil 10th Anniversary Collection by NECA



 
  Quite a few years back I reviewed the second series of Resident Evil: 10th Anniversary figures from NECA over at MWCtoys.com.  Check it out.  I looked at the Tyrant, Hunter, and Crimson Head from the Gamecube remake of Resident Evil and the Licker from Resident Evil 2. 

Action Figure Review: Leon S. Kennedy (R.P.D. Outfit-SDCC Exclusive) from Resident Evil 4 by NECA



     Resident Evil 4 changed everything for Resident Evil. The gameplay, puzzles, nature of the "zombies" encountered, and even the fan base were all altered by Resident Evil 4, which saw the return of fan favorite Leon S. Kennedy (the S. stands for 'Scott') and the transition to a more action-based game play through more open areas.  Since companies like Toy Biz, Palisades, and Moby Dick have all taken swings at the earlier games in the Resident Evil series, NECA decided it was their turn and began releasing action figures based on Resident Evil 4.  After two series of figures and two different versions of Leon, NECA decided to release a special SDCC 2006 version of Leon as he appears in one of his unlockable outfits from the game: his R.P.D. outfit from Resident Evil 2.  Ready to take a look at an interesting and fun exclusive? Then join me after the break....

Action Figure Review: Krauser from Resident Evil 4 by NECA

  
 What have we covered so far this year? Ghosts? Check. Backwoods maniacs? Double check. Storytelling corpses? Check. Mutated super-soldiers? Nope. Time to remedy that, then. For day 13 of 31 Days of Toy Terror we'll be looking at Krauser from NECA's Resident Evil 4 action figure line. When Resident Evil 4 came out for the Nintendo Gamecube in January 2005 it was a big deal. While it strayed quite heavily from the series' roots, it offered something fresh and new not just for Resident Evil but for video games in general. To follow up their first series of action figures based on the game, NECA released a second series in mid 2006 that included four variants of the Illuminados monks, Garrador, two versions of the Iron Maiden, a RPD suited Leon Kennedy and, the subject of today's review, Jack Krauser. Krauser is in the process of being mutated (kind of like how he appears in the Mercenaries minigame) and it definitely is a more interesting look for him. Ready for a look at a mutated super-soldier with a funky arm? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Marine from Quake 2 by Resaurus


     Someday, collectors will have to debate the merits of the various action figure time periods.  In my opinion, one of the greatest times to be a collector of action figures was during the late 90's through the early 2000s. It was during that period shortly after the birth of McFarlane Toys and the relaunch of Kenner's Star Wars line that every company was trying to one-up everyone else.  Whether it was better paint and sculpt, more unique accessories, cooler packaging, or more obscure licenses, the years from 1997 to around 2002 or 2003 were truly a period when the action figure industry seemed to be at the top of its game in order to offer the highest quality product to consumers.  While companies like Hasbro, McFarlane, Mattel, and others were all present, this was truly a period that belonged to smaller companies like Mezco, Sideshow, Palisades, Plan B, and the company whose product we're looking at today, Resaurus.  The first Resaurus figure I ever remember owning was their version of Duke Nukem, a figure that still stands proudly on my shelf.  Part of Resaurus' claim to fame was the excellent work they did on video game licenses (they were certainly one of the first companies to seriously tackle video game licenses) and one of the lines that sadly only lasted for one series was Quake 2.  Today I'm looking at the Marine from Quake 2, released in 1999. Join me after the loading screen.....

Action Figure Review: Chell from Portal 2 by NECA






 NECA and Valve have seemed to make a good team up, although I have had a hard time finding any of the figures. Gordon Freeman from Half Life seemed excellent, but I never found him. The same goes for the Left 4 Dead figures and the Team Fortress stuff.  I was excited when I was able to get Chell from Portal 2, the silent protagonist who uses all of her wits and agility to defeat the "tests" of GLADOS.  If you're a gamer, a collector, or simply an innocent passerby wondering if the cake is a lie, then hopefully you're in the right place to learn more about Chell after the break...

Action Figure Review: Psycho Mantis from Metal Gear Solid by McFarlane Toys

   
     There was definitely a period of time when it seems like almost every major line anyone collected was made by McFarlane Toys. From 1999 until around 2001 McFarlane was releasing some of the best Spawn figures ever, Movie Maniacs were amazing everyone, and cool licensed lines like Sleepy Hollow, Austin Powers, and Metal Gear Solid were pretty much the epitome of what action figures could be during that period. Today's review is from one of those McFarlane lines, Metal Gear Solid, based off of the 1998 Playstation video game of the same name. It's Psycho Mantis, the psychic expert for the FOXHOUND unit. Psycho Mantis and his psychic powers made a huge impression on gamers in Metal Gear Solid as he would utilize his unique abilities to read your memory card and cause your controller to move on it's own (via the Dual Shock controller). Metal Gear Solid was the first video game based line from McFarlane Toys and was released in 1999. It featured eight figures, a "fish tank" two-pack of Meryl Silverburgh and Solid Snake, and translucent repaints of many of the characters. Today, though, we're just looking at Psycho Mantis as part of our 31 Days of Toy Terror. Are you prepared? Then "push the action button to drop down" and join me after the break...