Saturday, December 31, 2016

Christmas Haul 2016: Batman from Batman v Superman:MAFEX by Medicom

 It's time for the next figure on my 2016 Christmas Haul: Batman from Medicom's MAFEX Batman v. Superman series. Regardless of what you think about the film (I'm a much bigger fan of the Ultimate Cut versus the standard movie) I think it's pretty generally accepted that Ben Affleck's Batsuit looked incredible. As someone who reveres both the Burton and Nolan films (and who has willfully forgotten as much as possible about any Batman movies made by Joel Schumacher), I still gotta say that Affleck is Batman when he puts that suit on. I'm pretty much game for anything based on a costume from this film and I wanted to add the MAFEX figures to my collection. They're true plastic action figures, more like higher end versions of what Mattel and Hasbro offer, rather than Mezco's offerings, which are more like smaller Hot Toys. I plan on getting the One:12 Collective version of this suit, but I feel like this one is different enough in it's execution to add to the collection. Let's take a closer look at another Christmas goodie after the break...

Friday, December 30, 2016

Christmas Haul 2016: GCPD Batman from DC Comics Designer Series: Greg Capullo by DC Collectibles

 Today I'm kicking off a look at the various toys and action figures I've received for Christmas 2016 from friends and family. Today I'm kicking things off with the brand new GCPD Batman from DC Collectibles' DC Comics Designer Series: Greg Capullo line! One of the most interesting things that happened in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's run on Batman (which was filled with interesting things) was having Jim Gordon take over as Batman. Funded by Powers International and affiliated with the Gotham City Police Department, Gordon's Batman is a completely different animal from Bruce's vigilante identity. I'm always thrilled when we get specific characters from recent story lines and the fact that this isn't just another Bruce as Batman figure definitely makes it feel a bit more unusual. Technically you're getting one character here, although since the suit can function independently, you're getting two separate action figures. This is a pretty nice boxed set and a great way to kick off my 2016 Christmas haul. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Minifigure Review: Pack D from M.U.S.C.L.E. Alien by Super7

 Pack D is the last of the Alien M.U.S.C.L.E. sets I'll be looking at, since it completes the series. It features Dallas, Lambert, and Kane with Chestburster and completes the crew of the Nostromo. Honestly, I'm not sure there has ever been a toy of Lambert before, so that's pretty cool in and of itself. I really like what Super7 is doing with the M.U.S.C.L.E. line, although I'd love to see more Kinnikuman figures, although a different company owns the rights to that property. Let's take a closer look at these Alien minifigures, shall we? Join me after the break...

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Minifigure Review: Pack C from M.U.S.C.L.E. Alien by Super7

 It's time for a look at Pack C from Super7's Alien themed series of their M.U.S.C.L.E. revival. Pack C includes Brett, Kane with a Facehugger, and the Attack Alien. Let's take a closer look at this set of three minifigures after the break, shall we?

Minifigure Review: Pack B from M.U.S.C.L.E. Alien by Super7

  I was a pretty big Micro Machines fan back in the 1990s and my second favorite Micro Machines property (the first being Star Wars) was their Alien offerings. While they didn't release a lot of product, I still love what did come out. I used stand ins from Action Fleet and the Jonny Quest Micro Machines to fill in for the rest of the Nostromo crew since the only ones Galoob made were Ripley, Kane, and Parker. When Funko released their Alien ReAction line, I thought that we might finally see the entire crew rendered in plastic in the same scale. Well, no such luck. Neca doesn't seem to have much intention (or the ability, due to likeness rights) to do it, either, so I'm giving major props to Super7 for nailing the entire crew of the Nostromo in one go! Today I'm checking out Pack B in the M.U.S.C.L.E. Alien series, which includes Kane in Spacesuit, the Alien Egg, and Parker. Let's check these out after the break, shall we?

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Minifigure Review: Pack A from M.U.S.C.L.E. Alien by Super7

  One of my favorite toylines as a kid that was never, ever in danger of being purged from my collection was M.U.S.C.L.E. There was something so insanely cool about those little, inexpensive guys that I've always been charmed by them. While nothing compares to the originals, it's a pretty darn good time to be a fan of those classic little rubber guys as many smaller companies have been making homage figures to that line while Super7 has managed to get the license to the original M.U.S.C.L.E. name and logo from Mattel. While they're not releasing any figures based on the classic M.U.S.C.L.E. characters (since those were based on a Japanese property, Kinnikuman), Super7 has released M.U.S.C.L.E. figures based on Masters of the Universe and, now, Alien. Today I'm looking at Pack A from the new Alien themed series which includes the titular alien, Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver), and Ash (played by Ian Holm). Let's take a look and see how these little guys fare, shall we?

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Action Figure Review: Victor Zsaz from Gotham by Diamond Select Toys

 Series 3 of Diamond Select's Gotham line has been pretty interesting for dedicated Batman fans as we've received some rather interesting characters in plastic form whom we've never received before or whom we haven't seen very often. Victor Zsasz is definitely a figure that we haven't seen often. In fact, the only other figure that I know of was from DC Direct's Arkham Asylum line. While I think it's safe to classify Zsasz as a C-list Batman villain (which is still higher than the main villains of most other superheroes), the dude definitely does seem to slowly be gaining some traction. Having only ever seen the first few episodes of Gotham (I really do want to start watching it) I picked up this series of figures due to the interesting character choices and the incredible diorama elements included in the set. Not only do you get a Victor Zsasz figure here but you also get an alley diorama and a dumpster. Pretty cool, right? Let's take a closer look at this figure after the break...

Friday, December 23, 2016

Action Figure Review: Scarif Stormtrooper Squad Leader from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

Holy smokes, was Rogue One incredible or what? I haven't reviewed anything since seeing it during the Thursday night early showing but, my gosh, I'm impressed. I really want to go see this one in theaters again and I've been spending the past week looking through the Visual Dictionary to look for all the cool stuff I want to keep an eye out for during the second showing. The battle on Scarif was absolutely fantastic and I imagine the Scarif Stormtroopers (officially called Shoretroopers) will quickly become a troop building favorite. While they didn't have a ton of screen time, they just looked absolutely incredible. I reviewed the standard Shoretrooper a couple of weeks ago, so here's a look at the Squad Leader. More Star Wars goodness after the break...

Warning!!! Minor spoilers after the break!!!

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Action Figure Review: Koopa Troopa from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

 If you're looking for a simple way to classify action figure lines, just look at how they handle reuse. Some lines use a system where the body parts are interchangeable and can be reconfigured to craft new figures with the occasional new pieces thrown in (think Marvel Legends, DC Universe Classics, G.I. Joe: 25th Anniversary collection, WWE, and MOTUC). Others essentially utilize all new sculpts for each figure and rely on repaints or minor variants to help pay for the unique molds (think Star Wars: The Black Series, most NECA lines). World of Nintendo is definitely a line that heavily uses new sculpts for each character, and thus figures that can be repainted are important to balancing the costs out. Series 2-3 has three repaints in it to balance out the two new sculpts: Goron Tunic Link, Star Power Mario, and Koopa Troopa. A repaint of the series 2-1 Para Troopa, the Koopa Troopa is simply the Para Troopa with a green shell and green shoes. Let's take a closer look at this guy after the break...

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Statue Review: Enchantress from DC Comics Rock Candy by Funko

Today I'm looking at the only toy I sought out on Black Friday 2016: The Funko Rock Candy Enchantress from the movie Suicide Squad. Enchantress was part of the 2016 GameStop exclusive Funko Mystery Box and was included alongside one of seven different POP! vinyls and two blind bagged Five Nights at Freddy's Pint Sized Heroes. To be honest, the only thing I was at all interested in was Enchantress so I went ahead and picked up the box. While the Enchantress centered plot was a weaker part of the film, the character design and the way Cara Delevingne portrayed the character was incredible. There has been quite a lack of Enchantress merchandise so I was pretty glad to see Enchantress released in a format other than just as a POP! vinyl. Every mystery box includes Enchantress, so she shouldn't be too difficult to find if you're looking for her. More details on this Rock Candy exclusive after the break...

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Action Figure Review: Bruce Wayne from Gotham by Diamond Select Toys

 There haven't been that many true Bruce Wayne figures released over the years and there certainly haven't been any action figures of young Bruce Wayne that I can remember, so Diamond Select Toys has kind of hit a milestone with this release from their Gotham line. Based on David Mazouz's portrayal of Bruce Wayne in Gotham, this is a pretty cool figure that I doubt we would have ever received in any other Batman themed toyline. Fortunately, Gotham's focus on a younger Bruce Wayne made this one a shoe-in for the line although I'm surprised it took Diamond Select until series three to release this one. Like Barbara Kean, who I reviewed a day or so ago, Bruce also comes with an awesome diorama piece that really adds a lot of value here. Let's take a closer look at the youngest Batman figure we've ever received after the break...

Monday, December 19, 2016

Action Figure Review: Barbara Kean from Gotham by Diamond Select Toys

   Disclosure: As of this writing I've only watched maybe 4 or 5 episodes of Gotham. I like what I've seen (although the concept is still kind of strange to me) but I just have a really difficult time sitting through TV shows for some reason. Still, I'm a sucker for Batman related action figures, especially those based on more obscure characters or characters never before made as action figures. As part of series 3 of their Gotham line, Diamond Select Toys has released some pretty interesting characters: A young Bruce Wayne, Victor Zsaz, and Barbara Kean. Today I'm looking at Barbara Kean, young Jim Gordon's fiancee who apparently ends up doing some time Arkham Asylum. I'll be 100% honest: While it's cool to have a figure of Barbara Kean-Gordon, the biggest reason I picked this figure up is because of the giant Arkham Asylum included in the package. How cool is this, right? A new Batman character and an Arkham Asylum gate? Incredible! Let's check this one out after the break...

Sunday, December 18, 2016

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

 Today I'm looking at another figure from World of Nintendo series 2-3 and it's a figure that completes a team! Yes, indeed! With the arrival of Peppy Hare you can now complete the original Star Fox crew on your shelf. I really consider Jakks' World of Nintendo the little line that could as it kind of started off with hardly any attention given to it at all, only showed up at a few stores until sometime late last year/ early this year, and now seems to be trucking along with an excellent mix of A and B-list Nintendo characters (with possibly even a few C-list figures snuck in there). While there have been more members of the Star Fox crew over the years, Peppy completes the core original team of Fox, Falco, and Slippy. Ready for a closer look at the full team? Then do a barrel roll and join me after the break...

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Action Figure Review: Harley Quinn from Batman: Arkham City by NECA

    Want to hear something pretty crazy? I'm pretty sure that this is the first recent NECA figure that I've reviewed this year. They just haven't released that much stuff that's captured my attention this year. Fortunately, they managed to capture my attention this year with a new Harley Quinn figure. This is actually a scaled down version of their 1/4 scale Harley Quinn from Arkham City (which I really want) but down in a 6-7 inch scale. NECA has released a few Batman figures and a Christopher Reeve Superman in this style but Harley is the first figure from them I've picked up. I managed to find her at my local Toys 'R Us and she was the last one on my shelf. 2016 has absolutely been a huge year for Harley Quinn and it's nice that NECA is paying her some tribute before it's over. Let's check out the first lady of Arkham City after the break, shall we?

Friday, December 16, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Director Krennic from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

 I'm writing this review on the evening of December 13th, but it's going to be scheduled for December 16th which means I saw Rogue One last night. I'm sure I'll jump on here or my Facebook page and offer some thoughts on the film. It's really hard to believe that we're getting another Star Wars film just a few days shy of a year after The Force Awakens! I wish I could have told 1995 me that! Anyways, I have the highest of hopes for Rogue One and today I'm checking out the Imperial who appears to be the film's lead bad guy, Director Orson Krennic. I'm still trying to finish Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel before I see the film, but thus far I'm quite intrigued by Krennic's character. Let's take a closer look at this new figure from series 8 of Hasbro's The Black Series: Phase III after the break...

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Action Figure Review: Link in Goron Tunic from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

 I'm finally breaking into series 2-3 of Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo line and it's with another figure of Link from The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time. I'm actually currently playing the Nintendo 3DS version of this game (I picked it up on Black Friday) and it's been one of my favorites since it's original release. Jakks has given us a few characters from the game so far and this is also their third Link variant from the game. I've not been a huge fan of the past incarnations of this figure for a couple reasons, particularly the off articulation scheme and the difficult to attach shield, and I'll go ahead and let you know that this figure isn't improved at all. Link in Goron Tunic simply features Link in the red Goron tunic that allows him to withstand the extreme heat of the Death Mountain crater. It's a repaint, but at least it's a game accurate repaint. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Road to Rogue One: C-3PO (Resistance Base) from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

 You might not recognize this figure due to the red arm, but this is C-3PO! I'm really not sure why Hasbro didn't make more of a effort to release a mixture of classic characters in their newer looks last year when The Force Awakens was the most popular thing in the universe, but the fact that we now have a new C-3PO begins to rectify things. C-3PO (Resistance Base) is the first C-3PO in the Black Series, meaning it's taken over 3 years between the release of R2-D2 and C-3PO. There is also a Walgreens' exclusive classic C-3PO that's starting to hit shelves now too (review coming in a couple of weeks), so you can have your pick. Or buy both. Whether you call him Goldenrod, the Professor, Threepio, or any other nickname, you'll be glad to have this guy as a permanent resident on your shelf. More details after the break...

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Action Figure Review: Seth Rollins (Series 45) from WWE Elite by Mattel

 Seth Freaking Rollins is one of my favorite WWE superstars right now and I've been wanting an action figure of "The Man" in his snazzy white attire ever since SummerSlam 2015. Mattel has been cranking out their WWE Elite figures over the past few months with plenty of solid releases, but this was the guy who I wanted to track down the most. Let's take a closer look at this WWE Elite series 45 action figure after the break...

Monday, December 12, 2016

Road to Rogue One: 442nd Siege Battalion Clone Trooper, 212th Attack Battalion Utapau Trooper, Coruscant Guard (Phase II), and 501st Legion Clone Trooper from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

 Today I'm reviewing now one, not two, not three, but four Star Wars: The Black Series figures! Like last year, Entertainment Earth is offering an exclusive set of four Star Wars action figures. This time it's a set of Phase II Clone Troopers in a variety of colors. While all four figures are exactly the same so far as sculpts go, the paint work on these troops is some of the best we've seen in the Black Series. These guys started shipping a couple of weeks ago and come packaged in a single box that features a removable slipcase and all four figures in their own trays, although they are connected together. Let's take a closer look at this set of Clones after the break...

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Action Figure Review: Shock from The Nightmare Before Christmas ReAction by Funko

 Series 2 of Funko's The Nightmare Before Christmas ReAction line has been incredible. While Funko is handing the reigns of the line over to Super7 (who have handled most of the design and sculpting, I believe), I'm hoping we see a third series of these come down the pike sooner rather than later. As someone who loves the film and collected the original 1993 toyline back when it was released, I have a lot of nostalgia for this line and I at least need one more series to include Lock (so we can have Lock, Shock, and Barrel), Dr. Finkelstein, Santa Claus, to complete Hasbro's vintage efforts and a few more Halloween Town denizens to round things out. It's cool that we have one more of Halloween Town's favorite Trick 'r Treaters with Shock, and now we have someone to keep series 1's Barrel company. Let's take a closer look at Shock after the break...

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Snowtrooper from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

Today I'm wrapping up my reviews of series 9 of Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III with a look at the Snowtrooper (I didn't review Obi-Wan because he's exactly the same as the SDCC Exclusive Obi-Wan Kenobi from earlier this year). I love the armored Imperial troops and the Snowtrooper has been a figure I've been anticipating for some time. He's always been a cool figure whenever released in any line (no pun intended) and I was excited to see how he turned out in the Black Series. The short answer is that he's quite good but there are some odd problems that mostly have to do with color choices. Let's take a closer look at the Snowtrooper after the break...

Friday, December 9, 2016

Action Figure Review: The Joker from DC Comics Designer Series: Greg Capullo by DC Collectibles

  It's time for another Joker review! This time I'm looking at The Joker from DC Collectible's Geg Capullo inspired DC Comics Designer Series. Capturing Joker as he appeared in the climactic storyline of Batman: Endgame, DC Collectibles has released a figure that Mattel released earlier this year in the first series of their 6 inch DC Comic Multiverse line! Who did the better job, though? Let's find out after the break...

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Scarif Stormtrooper from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

 While the Imperial Death Troopers seem to be the early favorite in the race for coolest costumed characters, I'm actually digging the Scarif Stormtroopers even more. Also called Shoretroopers, the Scarif Stormtroopers patrol the tropical planet of Scarif, home to a number of top secret Imperial installations. I love their mixture of a more traditional military color scheme with some of the standard flare of Imperial Armor. While the Squad Leader is a regular release, this standard Scarif Stormtrooper is actually a Wal-Mart exclusive, like last year's Imperial Shock Trooper. These still haven't hit in mass yet, but they do seem easier to find than the Shock Troopers. Let's take a closer look at these beachfront troopers after the break...

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Action Figure Review: Harley Quinn Impopster #127 from POP! Heroes by Funko

 Today I'm looking at a very unusual POP! from Funko's DC Comics POP! Heroes range of vinyl figures: It's Harley Quinn disguised as Batgirl. Called an Impopster, this is a completely unique concept seems to have created rather than something from a DC Comics storyline. It definitely seems like something Harley might do, though, so it's not utterly ridiculous in concept. It's kind of fun, actually, and definitely appeals to me as I love both Batgirl and Harley. It uses the Batgirl body that was used on the original Batgirl POP! Let's take a look at this rather unusual POP! after the break...

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Sabine Wren from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

 More than any other faction or team in the Star Wars galaxy, I want Hasbro to complete the main Rebels crew. We've already received Kanan Jarrus (and Ahsoka Tano, although she's not part of the Ghost crew) and Sabine Wren makes the second member we've received. Arguably my favorite member of the Ghost crew (probably tied with Zeb and Chopper), Sabine has turned out to be one of the finest figures in The Black Series released to date. Ready for a closer look at this incredible figure? Then join me after the break...

Monday, December 5, 2016

Action Figure Review: Harley Quinn from DC Comics Designer Series: Darwyn Cooke by DC Collectibles

 A few weeks ago I reviewed the Darwyn Cooke Catwoman from this series and now I'm checking out the late Darwyn Cooke's take on Harley Quinn. Based on his artwork for the cover of Harley Quinn #13 from December 2014, this version of Harley is depicted in one of her outfits from her excellent self titled series that launched during the New 52. I love Cooke's style and while I'm a big fan of having a line of DC characters in a unified style, when you have beautiful sculpts based on the work of a good artist, who can resist, am I right? Let's take a closer look at this figure after the break...

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Action Figure Review: Elvira #375 from POP! Television by Funko

 Originally I intended for Elvira to be part of 31 Days of Toy Terror or Re-Halloween 2016 but by the time I finally was able to pick her up it was almost Halloween and the schedule was already completely filled. Now it's December and I'm reviewing Elvira. I've been a fan of Elvira since I was in Middle School but I can't say I've picked up many Elvira collectibles or action figures over the years. I was thrilled to see Funko move the Mistress of the Dark into the POP! line, and I guess the POP! Television range makes the most sense due to her debut in Elvira's Movie Macabre in 1981. Let's get better acquainted with this ravishing horror host, shall we? Join me after the break...

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Princess Leia Organa from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

  I can still tell you where I was in 1995 when I found the Princess Leia figure from Kenner's POTF2 line: I was out with my dad at a K-Mart outside of Memphis, TN. Princess Leia didn't even appear on the earliest card backs in that line and so her appearance was a really big surprise. Of course, being one of the main three heroes, Princess Leia was absolutely necessary to play with Star Wars toys. I remember how excited I was to find her, despite her not having the greatest headsculpt of all time (Remember, the POTF2 line, along with Micro Machines, was largely my introduction into the world of Star Wars, so I cherish those insanely muscular but well made action figures). It's been a little over three years since Hasbro released their first Black Series 6-inch scale figure and while we've had two other Leia releases, this is the first time we've received the classic Leia. I love the Black Series and I'm typically pretty pleased with the figures, but I have to admit that I'm definitely pretty critical when it comes to the original cast in their A New Hope costumes. Today I'm definitely going to be dissecting this release because while I've been eagerly anticipating this, Leia in her white outfit is a figure from Hasbro I expect perfection with. Let's see if Hasbro lives up to those outrageous expectations after the break...

Friday, December 2, 2016

Action Figure Review: Slippy Toad from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

 Today I'm checking out Slippy Toad from Jakks' World of Nintendo series 2-2. Not only does this review complete series 2-2 but it helps to complete the main Star Fox team. Fox McCloud was the first release, Falco Lombardi was the second, and Peppy Hare has appeared in series 2-3 (he's sitting on my shelf, so the review will be coming soon!), so throw Slippy in the mix to have the main four (although Rob 64 and Krystal could make cool additions, too!). How cool to have Jakks already on their way to completing some teams in the Nintendo Universe, right? Let's take a closer look at Slippy after the break...

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Darth Revan from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

 The most recent series of figures from Hasbro's Star Wars: The Black Series has been incredibly diverse in representing a decent number of different Star Wars properties; there are four figures from the films, a television series (Sabine Wren from Rebels), and a figure from a video game. The character from a video game is the subject of today's review, and it's Darth Revan from the Knights of the Old Republic series. While he's no longer canon (as of right now, anyways), Darth Revan did win a fan's choice poll sometime last year and thus gets a place in the line. Let's take a closer look at another Sith Lord, shall we?

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Action Figure Review: Skull Kid from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

 Over the next couple of days I'll be wrapping up my reviews of series 2-2 of Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo line. While I found Princess Zelda, Red Toad and Cat Mario pretty quickly, it took me quite a bit longer to find Skull Kid and Slippy. Today is Skull Kid's chance to shine, though, and I have to say that he was one of my most anticipated releases simply because he's a pretty unique choice. While the packaging bills Skull Kid as hailing from The Wind Waker HD, this guy is totally the Skull Kid from The Legends of Zelda: Majora's Mask. You know, because he's wearing Majora's Mask. Let's take a closer look at this really cool Zelda baddie after the break...

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Road to Rogue One: AT-AT Pilot from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

   Today I'm going to start making my way through the most recent series of Hasbro's Star Wars: The Black Series figures, and yes, I realized I've skipped one; My series which consists of the Scarif Stormtrooper Squad Leader, Director Krennic, and Episode VII C-3PO are currently on their way to me. It's going to be a Star Wars figure packed December here and I love it! Today I'm checking out he AT-AT Pilot from the most recent series and, while I doubt we'll ever see a Black Series AT-AT, it's still cool to have this guy around to chill with the other Imperial troopers. Being an Imperial trooper from the Original Trilogy and having a figure in the vintage Kenner line definitely gives this guy some major street cred, right? Let's take a closer look at the AT-AT Pilot after the break...

Monday, November 28, 2016

Action Figure Review: Armored Batman from One:12 Collective DC Universe by Mezco

 Today I'm looking at the first 2016 release from Mezco's One:12 Collective line that I've picked up: Armored Batman. Billed as a "Convention Exclusive," Armored Batman gives us another depiction of Batman in his distinctive armored outfit from this year's Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice. This is a crowded field, even in just the 6 inch scale, as Mattel has released this figure in their DC Comics Multiverse line, MAFEX has one out, and DC Collectibles is getting ready to release one in their already ill fated DC Films Premium line (seriously, they've already canceled 5 or 6 scheduled figures before the first figure has even been released). Mezco's One:12 Collective line has been building a solid reputation, though, and this guy features some die-cast metal parts, a soft goods cape and bodysuit, and light up eyes. He was pre-ordered for me as a birthday present back in June or July, but Mezco didn't release him until mid October. He got shipped to my parents' address, and not mine, so I had to wait a bit longer to collect him. I've got him now, though, so was he worth the wait? Find out after the break...

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Jyn Erso #148 from POP! Star Wars by Funko

 As Rogue One gets closer and closer, I just keep getting more and more excited! Today to help tide all of us over until the film's release I'll be looking at the Smuggler's Bounty exclusive Jyn Erso POP! from the Rogue One themed crate. This POP! features Jyn geared up for some unknown confrontation on the mysterious planet Eadu and armed with an E-11 Blaster rifle. Ready for a close look at one of the newest heroes of the Star Wars galaxy? Then join me after the break...

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Action Figure Review: Santa Jack from The Nightmare Before Christmas ReAction by Funko

 Recently Funko announced that Super7 will be handling the future design and distribution of the ReAction range of products. Super7 has been heavily involved with the line since it's inception and it doesn't seem like Funko was as ever as thrilled with the concept as Super7 was. I think this is great news, and I'm hoping it means we see more Nightmare Before Christmas action figures from the ReAction line soon. While Jack has been built more like a traditional faux-retro figure, this line doesn't feel like your typical nostalgically antiquated line; it actually just feels like a solid Nightmare Before Christmas toyline. As someone who collected Hasbro's original releases when the film came out, these hold a ton of nostalgia for me just because they're so well done. I still have my original Santa Jack from 1993 and I'm glad to have this newer version, too! Let's take a closer look at this guy after the break...

Friday, November 25, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Imperial Death Trooper #149 from Pop! Star Wars by Funko

 As we inch closer and closer to the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, I'm going to continue to check out more cool Star Wars stuff. Today I'm looking at another item from the most recent Rogue One themed Smuggler's Bounty mystery crate: The Imperial Death Trooper. This version of the Death Trooper (Pop! #149) apparently differs from the standard version of the trooper due to his pose and the explosives strapped to the chest. It's interesting this is the exclusive as it's almost exactly what Hasbro has done with their releases of the Death Trooper; the standard version is pretty basic while the exclusive version has the explosives and chest straps. Which one will be more prominent in the movie? We'll know in under a month! In the meantime, let's check out this cool new POP!

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Darth Vader (Blue) from Hikari Minis: Star Wars by Funko

 Today I'm going to start checking out some of the goodies from the most recent Smuggler's Bounty box from Funko and I figured I'd start with the big guy himself, Darth Vader. This month the Smuggler's Bounty box not only includes two Funko POP! figures but also a Hikari Minis. I've heard of Funko's Hikari line of vinyl figures but I've never owned one before. They're kind of an homage to the Japanese Sofubi styled figures but available more readily in US Markets. I didn't know there was a mini line of these coming out, so Darth Vader is a cool way to kick things off. He's available in five different colors at random in the boxes: Red, Black, Silver, Gold, and Blue. Ready for a closer look at a cute, glittery, vinyl version of the guy everyone is waiting to see in Rogue One? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Sabine [Masked] from Pop! Star Wars by Funko

   I love Star Wars: Rebels and Sabine is definitely one of my favorite characters on the show (although my order of favorites changes all the time), so I was really glad to see that Walgreens' has an exclusive POP! vinyl of Sabine in her colorfully painted Mandalorian helmet. There is a standard version of this figure coming out, too, which features Sabine's unmasked head and colorful hair, but this one has beat that one to retail. Let's take a closer look at Sabine Wren in her initial appearance in the POP! Star Wars line immediately after the break...

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Statue Review: Harley Quinn [New 52 ver.] Limited Edition from DC Comics Bishoujo by Kotobukiya

  I'm a huge fan of Kotobukiya's DC Comics Bishoujo line and while I have a list of characters I still want to see in that line, I'm not opposed to the occasional variant. Just a few days ago I looked at the newest statue in the series which is Harley Quinn in the outfit she wore during the earliest days of the New 52. This is definitely not one of my favorite Harley Quinn looks but it is a colorful and dynamic outfit, perfect for a v2 figure. Today I'm looking at a variant of that figure which Kotobukiya offered at NYCC and through their website. While you might think this is simply a black and red repaint of the standard statue, you'd be mistaken: This figure actually has a new left hand, a pistol instead of a mallet, and a newly sculpted face. Let's take a closer look at this exclusive version of Dr. Quinzel after the break...

Monday, November 21, 2016

Action Figure Review: Zero Year: Survival Batman from DC Comics Designer Series: Greg Capullo by DC Collectibles

  I really love the design for the "Survival Batman" suit from Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman: Zero Year storyline. While the story is definitely over the top, it just works and this suit fits the vibe of the storyline perfectly. It's still 100% Batman, but the somewhat post-apocalyptic elements of it just give it an entirely different vibe. I guess it's kind of like the "Knightmare" outfit from BvS in that sense. Released as part of the DC Comics Designer series line, this figure really does a nice job of capturing Greg Capullo's distinctive artwork. Let's take a closer look at Survival Batman after the break...

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Action Figure Review: The Joker (A Death in the Family) from DC Comics Icons by DC Collectibles

 I've really liked both figures I've purchased from DC Collectibles' DC Comics Icons series so far, and the Joker here makes my third purchase. I pretty much only collect Batman related characters in the 6-7 inch scale DC lines, so there are plenty of other cool figures out there that I've not picked up or reviewed. The aesthetic of this line is that while all of the characters have a similar aesthetic (designed by artist Ivan Reis), they are all based off of different storylines from across DC history. This version of the Joker should look very familiar to comic fans as it's been around for years (it looks very much like the Neal Adams licensing art from throughout the 80s) although this figure is billed as being based on the storyline A Death in the Family by Jim Starlin and artist Jim Aparo. Featuring the death of Jason Todd, A Death in the Family seems like a great choice for a Joker figure. Unfortunately, this outfit is not seen in that story, so I'm not sure what exactly DC Collectibles was thinking. Let's take a look at this figure and see if it's still worth a purchase after the break...

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Statue Review: Harley Quinn [New 52 ver.] from DC Comics Bishoujo by Kotobukiya

 I'm a huge fan of Kotobukiya's DC Comics Bishoujo line and while I have a list of characters I still want to see in that line, I'm not opposed to the occasional variant. Today I'm looking at the newest statue in the series which is Harley Quinn in the outfit she wore during the earliest days of the New 52. This is definitely not one of my favorite Harley Quinn looks but it is a colorful and dynamic outfit, perfect for a v2 figure. Let's take a closer look at this new version of Dr. Quinzel after the break...

Friday, November 18, 2016

Road to Rogue One: General Grievous #129 from POP! Star Wars by Funko

 I've mentioned a few times before that Walgreens' is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to shop for toys. They get great exclusives, tend to do a pretty good job of stocking both their exclusive items and most regular lines, and they're usually conveniently located. I'm currently hunting for Walgreens' exclusive C-3PO from Star Wars: The Black Series, so I'm in one or two stores nearly every weekday on my lunch break. Last week I happened to walk into one of my local Walgreens' stores and found a few of their new exclusive Star Wars POP vinyls. I was originally planning on just grabbing the Rebels' helmeted Sabine POP, but the fact that Walgreens' was having a buy one get one free sale led me to snatch Grievous too. You know, because he was essentially free. General Grievous is a character who seemed really cool prior to Episode III, was kind of underwhelming in the film, and then who was greatly improved by The Clone Wars. Let's check out this new exclusive POP! after the break!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Action Figure Review: The Joker (Series 4) from Batman: Arkham Knight by DC Collectibles

 The Joker really needs no introduction, nor do his controversial (and despicable) actions in The Killing Joke. Today I'm looking at the second figure from series four of DC Collectibles' Batman: Arkham Knight line which depicts the Joker in the vacation outfit he wears in the game's flashback to the horiffic crippling of Barbara Gordon. That's all I want to say about that right now. What I do want to address is that this is a figure that I'm about to give a very, very low rating to for reasons which I'll explain in the review. If you read my reviews regularly, you've probably come to notice that I don't give super low ratings very often. Ever wonder why that is? There's two reasons: One, the simple fact that a figure looks decent and doesn't break already helps it to not receive one of my lowest ratings. Second, since I'm not making any money off of this site nor do I receive review samples, I tend to only buy stuff I'm already pretty sure I will like. I don't buy stuff I'm not interested in, thus my reviews tend to be higher. Of course, sometimes I preorder a figure from a line I like, get it in hand, and am wildly disappointed. That's what is happening today, folks. Jump in and learn more after the break...

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Ahsoka from POP! Star Wars by Funko

  As the release date for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story gets closer and closer, I'm going to continue to check out more great Star Wars stuff. Today I'm reviewing a new Funko Pop! of Ahsoka Tano from her appearance in Star Wars: Rebels. At this point, I think I can say without a doubt that Ahsoka is the most significant and most popular Star Wars character who has never appeared in a live action film. Still, she's managed to have an incredible character arc through the initial film and 6 seasons of Star Wars: Clone Wars, three seasons (thus far) of Star Wars: Rebels, and the new canon book Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston and I'd go absolutely nuts if she ever did appear in a film, played by voice actress Ashley Eckstein. This Ahsoka POP! is an exclusive to Hot Topic and is part of the upcoming Rebels subset which includes the rest of the crew of The Ghost as well as a masked variant of Sabine. Ready for a closer look at Ahsoka? Then join me after the break...

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Imperial Death Trooper, Captain Cassian Andor, and Sergeant Jyn Erso (Jedha) from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

 We're only a little over a month away from the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and I've got a review here of another one of the current store exclusives available from Hasbro's Star Wars: The Black Series. This time it's Target's exclusive three pack which includes an all new Captain Cassian Andor, an Imperial Death Trooper with a new accessory, and the exact same Sergeant Jyn Erso figure Hasbro has sold us twice before already! Yeah, this set is a real mixed bag. Not only is is a three pack but it features two figures you probably already own if you're collecting this line, only one of which has anything different about them. Hasbro has had some poorly chosen case assortments in this line over the past 3 years (my local Walgreens still has a few Obi-Wans for sale if you want them) but this is the first time they've forced collectors to buy a straight repack as part of an exclusive set. It's pretty annoying.  Join me after the break...

Monday, November 14, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Grummgar from Micro Machines: Star Wars Blind Bag Series 4

 I've picked up quite a few of Hasbro's blind bagged Micro Machines (even though I hate the concept!) but this is the first one I've reviewed: Grummgar! Grummgar was one of the insanely cool aliens hanging out in Maz Kanata's palace in The Force Awakens and this is the first time he's being released in toy form. A massive Dowutin who was hooking up with First Order spy Bazine Netal (a character, along with Maz Kanata, we need in the Black Series ASAP!), Grummgar definitely brings to mind some of the older oversized Galoob Micro Machines such as the various Jabba the Hutt microfigures. I found this guy in the wild at a local Target a few weeks ago and it was actually pretty easy to find him as he's a fairly large figure. Check out a few more pics and my thoughts on this guy after the break...

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Action Figure Review: Harley Quinn (Series 4) from Batman: Arkham Knight by DC Collectibles

 Hey look! It's another Harley Quinn review! Who would have thought? This time I'm looking at Harley Quinn in her classic outfit from one of the brief flashback scenes in 2015's Batman: Arkham Knight. Batman: Arkham Knight was a fairly divisive game, but thus far the action figure line has been pretty solid. Featuring a mixture of the usual suspects (Batman, Catwoman) and some more obscure characters (Professor Pyg), DC Collectibles has now been supporting this line for about a year and a half. Things seem to be winding down, though, as series 4 was originally supposed to include Poison Ivy alongside of this flashback Harley and a Killing Joke inspired Joker, along with a boxed set of Batman and two of the Arkham Knight's henchmen. Poison Ivy and the henchmen set have been cancelled, which really stinks as Poison Ivy played a pretty integral role in Arkham Knight. The sheer popularity of Harley and the Joker kept those figures alive, though, and today I'm looking at a figure of Harley in her classic duds. This is a very nice realistic looking Harley and, while we've received this outfit a few times this year already, I'm not sure we've ever seen a version quite like this. Read on after the break...

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Mandalorian Melee from Micro Machines: Star Wars by Hasbro

 I absolutely loved The Force Awakens. And Rogue One? It's looking pretty amazing. Marvel is having an awesome run with their various Star Wars comics and I'm finding myself liking most of the novels in the new canon, too. It's a great time to be a Star Wars fan but, if you had to press me right now for my favorite ongoing Star Wars media, I'd answer you in one word: Rebels. Star Wars Rebels is honestly one of my Star Wars things ever at this point and while I haven't seen any of season 3 yet, Season 2 took an incredibly fun series and elevated it to greatness. I'm glad Hasbro is supporting the series with some great toys and while I think Rebels should have it's own distinct toyline, there is something undeniably cool about seeing these characters alongside the characters from the films. Today I'm looking at Mandalorian Melee, a Micro Machines set that features characters and ships from Rebels season 2. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Friday, November 11, 2016

Road to Rogue One: Fight the Imperial Might from Micro Machines: Star Wars by Hasbro

 It's time for another stop on the Road to Rogue One! Today I'm looking at another set from Hasbro's revival of Star Wars Micro Machines: Fight the Imperial Might! I have to admit that I kind of like the name for this set, even if it's not really that descriptive. It sounds like something Clone Wars narrator might say at the beginning of an episode set during the Rebellion era. One of the interesting things about reviewing Rogue One stuff before the film is even released is that I'm going into these somewhat blind. While Rogue One is not nearly as mysterious as last year's The Force Awakens, there are definitely still some unanswered questions. This is another one of the larger Micro Machines packs which includes 5 vehicles and two microfigures for around $10 bucks. Of course, if you read my review of these the other day then you'll know that I picked these up for around $5 dollars because my local Wal-Mart put these on clearance rather than clearing out any older stock. Brilliant! Let's take a look at this pack after the break...