Saturday, February 28, 2015

Batgirl Review: Batgirl #6 DC HeroClix 10th Anniversary by Wizkids/ NECA

     Today's going to be a simple, short review of a new Batgirl item I've just recently added to my collection. It's a HeroClix Batgirl from the DC HeroClix 10th Anniversary. Released in 2012, Batgirl is the 6th figure in the set and is a fairly common figure in this line (Oracle is a much more expensive). I only paid a couple of dollars for her shipped from Ebay. Anyways, I've never played HeroClix. I've played Heroscape, Star Wars Miniatures, and a few other similar games, but I've never actually played HeroClix. Of course, I didn't buy this play with; it's part of my ever growing Batgirl collection. Ready for a quick look at a 3 year old HeroClix piece? Of course you do! Come join me after the break...

Friday, February 27, 2015

Action Figure Review: Snake Armor He-Man and Battle Armor King Hsss from Masters of the Universe Classics by Mattel


     Today I'm looking at the newest deluxe quarterly release from the Masters of the Universe Classics line: The Snake Armor He-Man and Battle Armor King Hsss two pack. This was one of the best surprises shown at SDCC 2014 because most collectors did not expect to see much more 200x related product. From everything we were told by former brand manager Scott "Toyguru" Neitlich, Mattel higher ups seemed to have an adversarial relationship with the 200x incarnation of Masters of the Universe and were actively vetoing its inclusion in the line. While elements of the bios were heavily influenced by the Mike Young Productions animated series and certain 200x inspired characters and weapons were included, it began to get frustrating when customers were told repeatedly that the 200x style (referred to as anime hyper detail) was retired. Fortunately, with the introduction of Club 200x and this two pack, it seems that era is once again wide open. These two figures are variants of previously released characters based on appearances from the 200x toyline. Ready for a look at Snake Armor He-Man and Battle Armor King Hsss? Then join me after the break...

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Order Up!: Pictures With the 10-Doh! Zapper

    A week or two ago I reviewed the DRx Who 10-Doh! from Squid Kids Ink's So Analog toyline. It was included with my January Loot Crate and turned out to be a fun little item. The best part of the figure, though, is that it comes with a Nintendo Zapper accessory. In the comments section of that review, Alexx of Toys and Tomfoolery asked: "Alright, I gotta know: Can the NES Zapper look good in anyone else's hands?"

In this first installment of "Order Up!", I'm answering Alexx's question with some pictures. You be the judge, folks! Pictured above is the G.I. Joe Adventure Team Snake Eyes (he's an 8 inch figure) zapping some Cobras. He looks like he's enjoying himself, right? More after the break...


Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Action Figure Review: Ninja Warrior/ Ninjor from Masters of the Universe Classics by Mattel


   Moving us ever closer to a completed 1987 roster of Masters of the Universe figures is...Ninja Warrior! What's that? You don't remember Ninja Warrior? No, not the TV show, the Masters of the Universe character. Still not ringing a bell? Well, what if I said "Ninjor?" Yes, just like Strongarm was renamed Strong-or, Ninjor has been renamed Ninja Warrior. That's because Mattel lost the trademark on the name at some point and Bandai has a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers character named Ninjor. Whatever. Mattel might call this guy Ninja Warrior, but I'll be calling him Ninjor for the rest of this review. Ninjor was a figure that I never had as a kid but who I wanted. He was released rather late in the line and seemed to capitalize on the insane popularity of ninjas in the 1980s. I've been looking forward to this guy for a long time and I'm glad Mattel has finally released him. He's the basic February 2015 Club Eternia release for Masters of the Universe Classics and I'm ready to review him. Are you ready to? Is your body ready? Mine is. Let's do this...


Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Accessory Review: Model 2075 Black Doll Stands for 6 1/2" to 11" Dolls from Kaiser Manufacturing Company

     I'm a big fan of action figure stands. Anytime an action figure comes with a stand I'm much more likely to give that figure a higher rating simply because I like the assistance in displaying my figures. It's comforting to know that my collectible action figures are less likely to fall over, knock other figures over in a domino-like chain reaction, and take a shelf-dive that possibly leads to breakage. Last February I was rearranging my Masters of the Universe Classics display and I decided I really wanted to spread my collection out more with Castle Grayskull as the centerpiece. While for the most part MOTUC figures stand pretty well, I was concerned about the aforementioned chain reaction of one figure falling over and knocking down a whole row of other figures. Many of the earliest MOTUC figures have loose ankles, too, so Mattel's traditional peg based stands just didn't seem like they'd do the trick. After a great deal of searching I came across the stands I'm reviewing today from the Kaiser Manufacturing Company. While Kaiser predominately makes stands for dolls and teddy bears, it turns out these things are great for action figures. After experimenting with a few different models, I settled on the model 2075 Black Doll Stands for 6 1/2" to 11" inch dolls. These work great for action figures that are in the 7" to 9" inch range, particularly Masters of the Universe Classics, many NECA figures, G.I. Joe Sigma 6, and most everything put out by DC Collectibles. Ready for a look at these stands? Then join me after the break...

Monday, February 23, 2015

Toy Bloggers United: Win Free Stuff From Our First Contest!!!

     Ready to win some cool, crazy stuff? Like an awesome box of swag from a group of hard core, dedicated collectors? Then check out this great contest sponsored by Toy Bloggers United. We're kind of like one of those musical supergroups (y'know, the Traveling Wilburys or the Highway Men) except we blog about toys. An awesome prize package has been created from donations given by all of these awesome sites: Cool and Collected, The Harvey Mercheum, The Toy Box, Toyriffic, and me, your old friend Barbecue17 at Action Figure Barbecue. Who knows what you'll get? It's sure to be pretty interesting, though! Details after the break...


Sunday, February 22, 2015

Action Figure Review: Discord from My Little Pony Vinyl Collectibles by Funko


     Just in case of you are wondering, yes, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic does have conflicts and villains. While I'm incredibly partial to Trixie, the antagonist with the most appearances on the show (not counting Princess Luna/ Nightmare Moon) is Discord. The personification of chaos and disharmony, Discord is a scheming draconequus who was inspired by the character Q, played by John de Lancie, from Star Trek: The Next Generation. In fact, he was so inspired by Q that the show's production actually got actor de Lancie to voice Discord. Discord is a fun, irreverent, unpredictable character who has been in some of the best MLP:FIM episodes to date. I was really excited to learn that Funko was releasing him as part of their My Little Pony Vinyl Collectibles line, as he's the first non equestrian character we've received. I've been hunting him for awhile and managed to find him on Amazon the other day for $12 bucks! That's a steal as he's usually quite a bit more. He's apparently been a Hot Topic exclusive (along with a Blue Flu variant) but mine didn't have any kind of exclusive sticker on it. Maybe these are timed exclusives? Anyways, ready for a look at Discord? Then join me after the break..

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Action Figure Review: Rarity from My Little Pony Vinyl Collectibles by Funko

     I know some of you just don't care for the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic reviews but you know what? This is my site and I'll review whatever the heck I want. I'm all about the variety, y'know? Anyways, today I'm looking at another figure from Funko's My Little Pony Vinyl Collectibles line. As with the rest of the figures in this line these are solid vinyl, non-articulated figures that are a bit larger but much more show accurate than what Hasbro produces. I'm a big fan of the cartoon and since my little daughter has a ton of stuffed ponies of her own (she has a MLP themed nursery) I decided last year that I wanted to get in on the fun, too! After receiving Fluttershy for Christmas the only member of the Mane 6 I needed was Rarity but I'd never seen her in a store or at a reasonable price online. Just this past weekend, though, I happened upon her on Amazon for $12 bucks. I snapped her up and now my Mane 6 is complete! Ready for a look at everyone's favorite seamstress and fashion designer? Then give me a brohoof and join me after the break...

Friday, February 20, 2015

Minifigure Review: Goliath from Mystical Warriors of the Ring by Fantastic Plastic Toys

 
 Mystical Warriors of the Ring has been a ton of fun so far. Since I'm only collecting the PVC figures this is only the fourth figure from this series I've picked up but man is this a great minifigure. Paying homage M.U.S.C.L.E. and anthropomorphic wrestling in general, Mystical Warriors of the Ring is an interesting property that seems to keep growing and growing. Today I'm looking at the newest PVC release: Goliath. There's some great background info on the character on the official website. Of course, he's a massive crocodile (or alligator) style warrior that uses the Glyos system to deliver articulated and interchangeable joints, so what more do you really need to know? Join me for a look at this behemoth after the break... 

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Action Figure Review: Mystic Donatelo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Playmates

     With every episode of the Nickelodeon TMNT cartoon I watch I'm loving it more and more. I'm watching it on DVD so I'm a bit behind (I'm on the last third of season 2) so I'm not familiar with how or why the Mystical Turtles come about but I really dig the look. I honestly didn't even know these were coming out and stumbled onto Donatello on a store shelf (I don't get taken unaware like that very often). I was super excited for this guy but some horrible paint issues with this figure have really caused me to question my support of the TMNT line moving forward. Want to learn more about my problems and how conflicted this figure makes me feel? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Action Figure Review: Garazeb "Zeb" Orrelios and Stormtrooper from Star Wars: Rebels Mission Series by Hasbro


     I mentioned in my review of Darth Malgus that I haven't bought many Star Wars figures over the past year or two. Hasbro has been really weird lately; if you want to see how odd things are right now, just read this Q&A session between Hasbro and the folks at Jedi Temple Archives. Not only are fans somewhat disappointed by the type of figures and lack of figures from Hasbro, we can't even find most figures on store shelves. This is particularly strange when you consider that Star Wars Rebels just started airing last fall. You can typically find the bizarre Star Wars Command sets, the role play items, and the lightsabers, but that's about it. Most of the 1/18th scale figures are nowhere to be found. The only single packed Rebels figure I've ever seen in a store thus far was the lone Inquisitor that I scooped up. Thankfully I saw this mission series two-pack which included another of the main Rebels crew, Garazeb "Zeb" Orrelios. I'm really enjoying Rebels and I have to say that Zeb is my favorite character thus far (followed closely by Sabine). He's a great character with a terrific mix of toughness, humor, and heart. Ready for a look at everyone's favorite Lasat and a Stormtrooper for him to throw around? Then join me after the break...

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Episode #37 of the Confirmed Epic Podcast: Toy Fair 2015 and Marvel Studios & Sony Share Spiderman

     

     
     It's a snow day for your friendly neighborhood Barbecue17 and The Reel Brad Bell so we decided to podcast via Skype! In Episode 37 of the Confirmed Epic Podcast me and The Reel Brad Bell come together to discuss the 2015 New York Toy Fair and talk about our favorite products and toy lines from the show.  We also dedicate this episode's entire segment of Epic News to our friendly neighborhood Spiderman and the impact that Sony and Disney sharing the property will have on the character. Check it out over at ThEpic Review!

 
(Remember to email any questions or comments about the podcast to thepicreview@gmail.com and we will read your questions or comments on the next episode. Also feel free to leave a comment about this episode below!) 
(You can also find the Confirmed Epic Podcast on iTunes, just search for "thepicreview", and if you have time we would appreciate it if you could leave us a review on iTunes!)
(Editors Note: If you have any problems with the link either install adobe flash player or if you are listening from a phone simply follow the direct link to our audio here: http://thepicreview.podbean.com/ Thank You!)

Action Figure Review: Batman from The New Batman Adventures by DC Collectibles


*What exactly is this toyline called? The packaging differs slightly between the Batman: The Animated Series releases and The New Batman Adventures releases. Should I list them as two separate lines under the show names or under one name as Batman Animated? Let me know what you think!*

     Ever since Mattel's DC Universe Classics started dying off, DC Collectibles has really been ramping up their efforts in offering a wide range of action figures that interested fans. Of course Batman has been the recipient of the greatest amount of figures but it was still a great surprise last when DC Collectibles showed off their new action figure line based on the two dominant Batman cartoons of the 1990s: Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures. While Kenner released a fairly robust line of action figures from those cartoons during the 1990s, DC Collectibles' new line is in a 6 inch scale with plenty of different characters (and fewer Batman variants). Today I'm looking at the first figure released, Batman. This figure represents Batman as he appeared in The New Batman Adventures, the follow-up series to Batman: The Animated Series which ran from September 1997 to January of 1999 (the B:TAS version will be released at a later date). Ready for a look at this Bruce Timm inspired action figure of everyone's favorite Dark Knight? Then join me after the break...

Monday, February 16, 2015

Action Figure Review: DRx Who 10-Doh! from So Analog by Squid Kids Ink

   
 Last month I started subscribing to Loot Crate both to get an exclusive copy of Marvel's Star Wars #1 and because I love having boxes of random junk showing up at my door. For January 2015 the Loot Crate theme was "Rewind" and the included contents were focused on products that evoked 80s sci-fi and video game nostalgia. The box came with a themed button, a copy of Loot Crate Magazine #18, a fairly nice black and silver tie with little Space Invaders guys on it, the aforementioned copy of Star Wars #1, a Voltron t-shirt, a comic book inspired notebook, "pixelated' 8-bit sunglasses, and, the subject of today's review, a Loot Crate exclusive 10-Doh! from the So Analog line line by Squid Kids Ink. if you've never seen a 10-Doh! before, they're basically parody 8-bit Nintendo cartridges with arms and legs. I was familiar with them because I had seen their successful series 2 Kickstarter campaign a year or two ago  but I've never owned one. Through Loot Crate Squid Kids Ink offered six exclusive cartridges: Korben's Alley, 1 Point 21 Jiggawatz, The Legend of the Future, Alien Attack, Fie Hunt, and, the one I got, DRx Who. While the stickers on the cartridges are different, everything else is the same except that the The Legend of the Future cartridge is molded in gold plastic like the NES The Legend of Zelda game. Ready for a look at this clever mash-up of Doctor Who and Dr. Mario? Then join me after the break...

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Accessory Review: Stackable Stands from Masters of the Universe Classics by Mattel


     Last summer during the subscription period for the 2015 Masters of the Universe Classics Club Eternia subscription Matty Collector offered a special deal: Purchase the subscription sight unseen (before the SDCC 2014 reveals) and receive a free set of stands. While I wasn't particularly interested in the stands (I've been using the metal Kaiser brand doll stands for a few years now and am quite happy with them), I knew I'd be subscribing to the MOTUC line anyways and decided to take the plunge. My stands arrived with Lizard Man in January and since they're sitting around on my shelf I finally wanted to take a look at them. These aren't the first stands Mattel has offered in the MOTUC line but they're the first of Mattel's stands I've owned so I'm interested to see how they work. Unfortunately, they're pretty awful. Ready to check out these Stackable Stands? Then join me after the break...

Friday, February 13, 2015

Action Figure Barbecue: My Top 10 Favorite Individual Action Figures of 2014

 


  Since this weekend is the 2015 New York Toy Fair, I figured it'd be as good of a time as any to look back at some of the great toys that came out in 2014. While I've already released a list of my 10 favorite toylines of 2014, I also like to point out some individual figures from toy lines other than my 10 favorites that I really liked. Sometimes these are action figures and statues that were standouts in otherwise average lines while other times the are simply excellent released that weren't part of more expansive releases. (You can check out my Top 10 Individual Toys of 2013 if you're interested.) I try to offer a good bit of variety here so you'll see a mix of toys from different scales and styles. Enjoy and let me know what you think! What were your favorites last year?


Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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



     I really enjoy the Filmation Masters of the Universe cartoon but it's definitely not my favorite incarnation of MOTU, thus some of the characters with one or two appearances have not always been on my most wanted list. Lizard Man (like Fang Man) is one of those Filmation characters with a limited amount of appearances (three if you count He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special) and an overly cartoonish look that always feels like he should have been part of the vintage line. He's a rather unique looking character (and that's saying something in MOTU) and ends up making a great figure. Lizard Man was the January 2015 Club Eternia subscription figure and he's been a constant companion to me at my desk at work over the past few weeks. He's just so much fun to fiddle around with! Learn more about Lizard Man after the break...


Monday, February 9, 2015

My Top Ten (And Bottom Five) 2014 Masters of the Universe Classics Figures

 

     Since New York Toy Fair 2015 is coming up this weekend I figured it was time to get this article out! Maybe it's because I like the line so much (and also because I end up with nearly everything due to the subscription model) but I can't help ranking my favorite and least favorite Masters of the Universe Classics releases every year (you can find the 2013 list over at ThEpic Review). I actually do this as the figures arrive and I first receive them, so it is an ongoing process throughout the year.
This was an interesting year as it was very heavy on POP figures, featured lots of vintage holdouts, and a number of figures that I was really looking forward to that ended up disappointing me.

     For 2014 I'm counting 29 separate Masters of the Universe Classics releases in the line (30 if you count the Imp chest, which I didn't pick-up). Here are my top 10 favorite figures followed by my five least favorite for the year. Click on the names to head to a review of the figure (either mine or a review from another great site). Enjoy and let me know if you agree, disagree, and why!


Sunday, February 8, 2015

Episode #36 of the Confirmed Epic Podcast: We Review Marvel's Star Wars #2, talk about Ghostbusters 3, and more!




     This past weekend I recorded another episode of the Confirmed Epic Podcast with my besties over at ThEpic Review! We did another Star Wars comic review for Episode 36 of the Confirmed Epic Podcast because we couldn't figure out what movie we all wanted to see. Join me, Barbecue17, the Reel Brad Bell, and Andrew Stokes as we talk about Marvel’s Star Wars #2 by Jason Aaron. I even do a dramatic reading of a few parts and play the Star Wars theme on my harmonica. It's great! We also discussed: Ghostbusters 3, managing Star Wars: The Force Awakens expectations and a potential release push, Netflix’s new DareDevil Trailer, Netflix’s potential live-action Zelda show, David Fincher’s Gone Girl, Star War: Tarkin by James Luceno, Loot Crate, and Hulks Agent of Smash on Netflix. We also delve into overarching conversations about Comic/Film continuity and race/Gender in the modern Comic Book. It's always good to hang out with these guys and talk. Hopefully you'll enjoy it too! Check it out over at ThEpic Review!

Friday, February 6, 2015

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

    
     Hasbro has really been having a tough time with their 1/18th scale Star Wars figures lately. Between poor distribution, terrible case packing ratios, retailer disinterest, and some figures just not even seemingly finding their way to shelves, their just isn't much product out there for fans to even by. With the 1/18th scale The Black Series Hasbro has mixed together a few new figures along with previously canceled items and various repacks. Darth Malgus is one of those repacks and I'm really glad that Hasbro decided to re-release him with minimal changes. A character from the Expanded Universe, Darth Malgus was originally released at the tail end of The Vintage Collection in 2012 and thus was pretty difficult to come by for most collectors. Sometimes Hasbro's decisions as to which figure to repack are a bit baffling but they made the right call here. He's an interesting looking figure and the combination of being a Sith, an Expanded Universe character, and a character from a video game (The Old Republic) has definitely made this guy tough to find. Other than a few of the 5 POA Rebels figures Darth Malgus is the first 1/18th scale Star Wars figure I've purchased in over a year! Yikes! Anyways, more about him after the break...

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Minifigure Review: Zombie Playset by Boley


I can't tell you how many tubs, bags, or tubes of plastic zombie minifigures I've bought over the past few years. Having loved zombies ever since I was pretty young (and believe me, there wasn't an abundance of zombie stuff back in the late 80s and early 90s like there is today) I would have flipped out if given the opportunity to own any of these sets. Anyways, this tube of figures was another recent gift from my mom. She knows that I like minifigures, use little plastic army guys as geocaching swag, and will review pretty much anything that shows up at my house. So once again, as I'm talking about these little plastic minifigures just pretend that you're reading the instruction manual for an old NES game. You know, one that gives elaborate descriptions and character to simple pixelized enemies. Let's pretend that these zombies are from some never produced NES game that's kind of like an earlier version of the classic Zombies Ate My Neighbors. Sound good? You better believe it does!...


Monday, February 2, 2015

Minifigure Review: Defender Military Set by Boley

     What an odd thing for me to review, right? Little plastic army men? Well, there are three reasons I'm reviewing this tube of toys. First: I love little plastic army men and minifigures. I have ever since I was a kid. Second: I like to geocache and little plastic army men are an item I enjoy leaving in caches that are large enough to hold them, so containers of cheap figures like this are perfect to give me more fodder. Third: I had a really fun time pretending I was writing an instruction manual for an old NES game when I reviewed the Monsters bucket by Hing Fat and I want to do that kind of weird thing more often. These were also a gift from my mom and I try to always review gifts (she got me a zombie tube of figures as well, which I'll review later this week). Ready for some plastic army men? Ready for me to pretend these little plastic army men are enemy soldiers in an old NES game that plays kind of like Metal Gear or maybe Code Name: Viper? Then join me after the break....

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Action Figure Review: Deep One from Legends of Cthulhu by Warpo

     Today is my sixth and final review from Warpo's Legends of Cthulhu line: The Deep One. Hinted at in "Dagon" and first appearing in "The Shadow of Innsmouth," these fishy beings are a fairly prevalent part of the mythology of H.P. Lovecraft's world. The Deep One is another army builder for the Legends of Cthulhu line and is ready to torment your other coastal dwelling retro action figures. Ready to find out what lies beneath the surface of this toy? Then join me after the break...