Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Action Figure Review: Kitty Pryde from Marvel Legends: X-Men by Hasbro

  Today I'm looking at Kitty Pryde, the first figure I picked up from the most recent series of Marvel Legends figures that focuses on the X-Men. While Marvel Legends has really been on a roll over the past couple of years it seems that they're absolutely on fire now! People seem to be going nuts over this current series of X-Men figures and, whether that's because they've been starved for X-Men figures or because every figure in this set is a pretty popular and recognizable character, they're flying off shelves! I've been picking these up as I can find them and Kitty Pryde was the first one I tracked down. While Kitty Pryde has been made into a Marvel Legends figure before, it was 10 years ago by Toy Biz in the 2006 Giant Man series. Now Hasbro gets a crack at her! Kitty Pryde has had a pretty eventful past year or two with her involvement with Star-Lord and the Guardians of the Galaxy so she's an excellent addition to the series. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Action Figure Review: Kylo Ren (SDCC 2016 Exclusive) from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

 Today I'm looking at a figure I've been really excited for and that I'm thrilled to finally own: The unmasked Kylo Ren/ Ben Solo figure from Star Wars: The Black Series. I haven't written a Kylo Ren review since before The Force Awakens was released so let me take a second and say that I absolutely love Kylo Ren. Between him and Rey, I think we have two of the most interesting Star Wars characters to date. There's a ton going on with these two! My little one loves Kylo Ren as well (maybe I should be worried) and wants us both to dress up as Kylo Ren for Halloween. She wants to be little Kylo Ren and I'll be big Kylo Ren. I was Kylo Ren last year for Halloween (along with my wife as Rey and the little one as BB-8. Yes, before The Force Awakens even came out) and I'll happily dress like him again. I really went back and forth on picking this figure up as Hasbro exclusives are notoriously difficult to obtain. Furthermore, this figure is being released in September albeit without most of the extra accessories that make this set so appealing. I finally found one for a price I was comfortable paying and jumped in to capture Kylo Ren/ Ben Solo/ Matt the Radar Technician for my collection. How does he fair? Join me after the break...

Monday, August 29, 2016

Action Figure Review: Harley Quinn (Gold Dress) from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel

 Ready for another Harley Quinn review? Well, that's what you're getting today! As of this writing I have yet to find series 2 and the Toys R Us exclusive Harley Quinn from Mattel's Suicide Squad line but I did manage to get the Amazon exclusive Harley Quinn seen here. I preordered her back in mid-July (preordering action figures is so convenient and any company or retailer who doesn't give collectors the option needs to be forced to eat a Constable Zuvio figure out of spite) and received her in early-mid August. This outfit is from one of Harley's flashback scenes in Suicide Squad and doesn't get a lot of screen time. It figures prominently in advertising, though, and is a pretty unique look for the character, so it's a cool exclusive for an online retailer to offer. Let's take a closer look at Harley Quinn in her fashionable gold dress, shall we?

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Minifigure Review: Wakusei Barukan #009 from M.U.S.C.L.E. by Mattel

 It's time for some more Minfigure Madness with a visit from another awesome choujin from M.U.S.C.L.E.: Wakusei Barukan! Listed as #009 in the series, Wakusei Barukan seems to also be known as Planetman and appeared in both the Kinnikuman anime and manga series. He's apparently a 26 year old wrestler from the South Pole, Antarctica  and is a member of the Six Devil Knights. Again, everything I know about Kinnikuman is from reading M.U.S.C.L.E. blogs and the Kinnikuman wiki, so I'm a total noob to this. Anyone now how a newcomer can experience the Kinnikuman story? If you know, let me know! If you don't you can still enjoy this review of Wakusei Barukan!

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Minifigure Review: Parthenon #212 from M.U.S.C.L.E. by Mattel

 Today I'm looking at another figure from Mattel's M.U.S.C.L.E. line and it's a really cool guy shaped like the Parthenon! His name? Parthenon! Parthenon is a figure I don't recall having ever seen before. I just recently picked him up in a lot of minfigures and I think he's flipping fantastic! Based on the character Parthenon from the Kinnikuman manga and anime series, this guy is a 43 year old choujin from Greece who is the second in command of Team Zebra. Apparently he's also over 9 feet tall, is made entirely of actual sculptures designed to look like the famous Greek structure, and has pillars filled with methane gas. Man, I didn't think M.U.S.C.L.E. could be any crazier but I have to check out Kinnikuman! Let's take a closer look at Parthenon after the break...

Friday, August 26, 2016

Minifigure Review: #1 Masters of the Universe Set (Green) from M.U.S.C.L.E. Masters of the Universe by Super 7

The past year has been huge for Super 7 and the Masters of the Universe license! Last year they began selling their own M.U.S.C.L.E. inspired Masters of the Universe minifigures at SDCC and, from that point on, they've continued to offer more MOTU product for fans. Now we've learned that they're going to be taking over on Masters of the Universe Classics as well. We won't see what they have to offer until next year's SDCC but this year we did get some cool new items in the form of these 24 figure sets of Masters of the Universe M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. Containing the 12 figures from series 1 and the 12 new figures from series 2 in one of two different colorways (green or yellow), this was a pretty popular item for a number of collectors. Today I'm looking at my green set of officially M.U.S.C.L.E. branded Masters of the Universe minifigures!

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Action Figure Review: White Tanooki Mario from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

 White Tanooki Mario is the last figure from World of Nintendo series 2-1 and he's one of the two straight repaints in this series (the other one is Red Yoshi which I reviewed a couple of days ago). Since there are so many uniquely shaped and sculpted characters in this series, the repaints probably help Jakks to recoup some of the money spent on all of those unique molds. While pointless repaints can truly be a bane of action figure collectors, so far Jakks has done a nice job of selecting figures where repaints actually make sense and capture another unique appearance for the character. We've received three differently colored Yoshis, a couple of upgraded Samus armors, Shadow Link, and now a White Tanooki Mario. Ready for a closer look at this invincibility laden costume from New Super Mario Bros. 2? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Action Figure Review: Shadow Link from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

 Today I'm looking at yet another figure from Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo line, but this time is a retailer exclusive: The Spencer's exclusive Shadow Link. Hailing from the Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time (remember this is Shadow Link; Dark Link appeared in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link), this guy confronted you inside of the Water Temple. It's easy to forget he was there, though, as the Water Temple's insanely frustrating layout tends to overshadow everything else about it. Anyways, Shadow Link is a repaint but he also qualifies as a unique character, at least in my mind. Spencer's seems to have a full line of Shadow Link merchandise so this is a pretty cool exclusive from them. World of Nintendo is one of my current favorite lines and, while I'm always fearing that the line will just disappear one day without a trace, the recent number of store exclusives seems to bode well for the line's survival. I was easily able to head to my nearest Spencer's and find this guy sitting on the shelf. Let's jump in and check out Shadow Link, shall we?

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Action Figure Review: Red Yoshi from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

  Today I'm looking at Red Yoshi, one of the two repaints in series 2-1 of Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo line (the other one is White Tanooki Mario). Back when the original Yoshi figure was released in series 1-1 I comment in my review: "Now, we'll wait and see if Jakks tries to release Yoshi in a multitude of colors. I don't know if I'd be into that. But maybe..."
   And then, in my review of the Pink Yoshi figure from last year I stated: "I'm not sure how many Yoshi figures Jakks could release before it seems like we're getting too many Yoshi's but one a year doesn't feel like too many."
   Well, Jakks seems to be doing the one a year thing with Yoshi's and we now have the Red Yoshi. He's one of the original Yoshi colors that appeared in Super Mario World where he had the ability to breathe fire every time he swallowed a shell. Pretty slick, right? A fire breathing Yoshi? Let's take a look and see how this guy stands up to the past Yoshi releases, after the break...

Monday, August 22, 2016

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

 Today I'm looking at the 3rd figure in series 2-1 (the 6th overall) of Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo line: Para Troopa. Yeah, that's what they call him on the packaging. Everything I've ever seen (including the Nintendo Wikia) calls these guys Koopa Paratroopas, so that's probably how I'll refer to him throughout the review. Along with Goombas, the Koopa Troopas and Paratroopas are the most common minions of Bowser's army and thus get plenty of screen time in the Super Mario Bros. series of video games. These guys first appeared in level 1-3 of the original Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System when you come out of your first underground level and began traversing across a series of giant pedestals. Dang, now I'm starting to feel some nostalgia rolling in! Want to join in on the nostalgia train as we take a look at the Para Troopa? Then join me after the break...

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Minifigure Review: White Washer from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

I've always liked the Disposers figures in this line better than the Trashors so I'm thrilled to be adding a new Disposer to my Trash Bag Bunch collection: White Washer. This guy is a pretty decent sized minifigure and has a ton of detail on him. Since this is a minifigure review I'll just jump right in and get started. Learn more about White Washer after the break...

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Minifigure Review: Wastor from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

It's time for another look at a minifigure from Galoob's 1991 blind bagged toyline Trash Bag Bunch: Wastor! A member of the villainous Trashors, Wastor is a really odd looking duck. It's interesting to look at these figures years after the fact and try to wonder what was going on in the designer's mind. More about Wastor after the break...

Friday, August 19, 2016

A New Batgirl Review: Modern Batgirl from DC Comics Rock Candy by Funko

 A week or so ago I reviewed the Classic Batgirl from relatively new Funko's Rock Candy line of vinyl figures and today I'm looking at the second Batgirl from the series: Modern Batgirl! Based on the costume introduced in the Batgirl of Burnside storyline during the end of the New 52, this figure manages to capture the likeness of a Batgirl costume design that seems to be nearly universally loved. I love this costume design, too, and I was thrilled that Funko put her in the first series of these small, vinyl collectibles. So far I haven't heard anything about this line continuing but with a great design aesthetic and low price point of around $10, these seem like they should be pretty popular. Let's check out this cool Modern Batgirl after the break...

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Action Figure Review: Link (The Wind Waker) from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

 When Nintendo first revealed the screenshots of the new cell shaded "Toon Link" from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker back in 2001, people were pissed (remember how everyone was calling it "Celda?"). After the world collectively went nuts over Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, it was hard to wrap one's mind around a version of Link that looked like a Colorform. Of course, when we finally got to play Wind Waker in 2003, it was insanely impressive and fun with some wonderfully unique gameplay elements. I loved the freedom of exploration the game had (even if the sailing segments themselves got a bit old). In the years since Toon Link has become a fairly popular Link variant and now Jakks has included him in series 2-1 of their World of Nintendo line. Ready for a closer look at this colorful, cartoony hero of Hyrule? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Check me out on Episode 51 of the Confirmed Epic Podcast!: Batman V. Superman Ultimate Edition and More!

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Check out Episode 51 of the Confirmed Epic Podcast where me and the Reel Brad Bell talk about the Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition, the newest Rogue One trailer, and more!

It's all over at ThEpic Review!

Action Figure Review: The Joker (Bank Robber Version) from The Dark Knight: MAFEX by Medicom

 Today I'm looking at another release from Medicom's MAFEX range of action figures: The Joker in his bank robbery duds from the opening scene of The Dark Knight. Now, over eight years out, I still absolutely love The Dark Knight and will gladly name the late Heath Ledger as my favorite Joker. Over the years Ledger's unique, disturbing speech pattern has become the dominant Joker voice in my head when reading Batman comics, only replaced by Mark Hamill's exceptional Joker voice in certain situations. I enjoyed Jared Leto's Joker from the recent Suicide Squad and I will gladly go on record in stating that I don't believe we've seen a bad on-screen Joker performance yet. Still, no one has topped Ledger. And, for those of us who were present for the lead-up to the Joker's appearance in The Dark Knight with the stinger at the end of Batman Begins, the casting announcement, teasers, the viral marketing campaign, and, sadly, Ledger's tragic death, I'm not sure anyone ever will. Ledger's presence haunts every frame of that film in which he's immortalized. The opening scene of The Dark Knight is still breathtaking and I'm thrilled that MAFEX is giving us a chance to represent it in our collections with this new figure. Officially listed as figure No. 015 The Joker (Bank Robber Ver) this guy is a neat variant of the standard Joker I reviewed last November. Ready for a look at the latest MAFEX release? Then join me after the break...

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Action Figure Review: Harley Quinn (No Man's Land) from DC Comics Icons by DC Collectibles

 Has Harley Quinn ever been more popular than she is right now? I don't think so and, to celebrate the character, I have yet another review of a Harley Quinn action figure ready for your reading pleasure! Today I'm looking at Harley Quinn from DC Collectibles' DC Comics Icons line. This line was released at the end of last year and is slowly putting out a pretty impressive series of 6 inch action figures that are both incredibly durable and extremely well articulated. These are way different from what you typically expect from DC Collectibles but the fans seem to love them; DC Collectibles showed off quite a few more upcoming releases at SDCC 2016 last month. Each figure in this series is based on a popular or significant comic storyline for the character and Harley is based off of her appearance in No Man's Land, the 1999 Batman crossover event that included Harley Quinn's first appearance in mainstream DC Comics continuity. While I tend to think of Hush when considering the best appearance of Harley in her classic outfit, No Man's Land works too. Ready for a closer look at the Clown Princess of Crime? Then join me after the break...

Monday, August 15, 2016

Action Figure Review: Falco Lombardi from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

 While I did stumble upon a couple of series 2-2 figures at my local Wal-Mart (still looking for Princess Zelda, Skull Kid, and Slippy Toad) I had ordered my series 2-1 figures from BBTS and received them a week or so ago in my pile of loot. I'm going to be reviewing these over the next week or so and the first one I'm looking at is another member of the Star Fox team, Falco Lombardi. When Fox McCloud was released last fall I was really hoping that we'd make it to the point where we received the entire original team in World of Nintendo. Well, it now seems we're getting close: Fox and Falco are out, Slippy is currently shipping as part of series 2-2, and series 2-3 was shown at SDCC to include Peppy Hare! Another team nearly complete! Of course, we're still waiting for everyone to arrive so let's go ahead and check out the Star Fox team's resident bird of prey, Falco Lombardi, after the break...

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Minifigure Review: Trasher from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

 Ready for some more Minifigure Madness? Today I'm looking at another figure from the incredible Trash Bag Bunch toyline from Galoob. Released in 1991 these guys hit during the days of neon colors and environmental awareness and presented an epic battle between the environmentally friendly Disposers and the ozone destroying Trashors. Today I'm looking at Trasher, who is a member of the evil Trashors. Yup, the only difference in his name from the team name is the final vowel. Crazy, right? Let's check out this guy after the break...

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Minifigure Review: Paper Miira #080 from M.U.S.C.L.E. by Mattel

 Reviewing these M.U.S.C.L.E. figures is blowing my freaking mind because I'm learning so much about these simple little guys that I had as a kid. I recently picked up a few new M.U.S.C.L.E.s and it's pretty cool to add some more guys to my collection. Today I'm looking at figure number #080: Paper Miira, or the Toilet Paper Mummy! While checking out the Kinnikuman Wiki I learned that Paper Miira is a 20 year old Egyptian choujin and is a student of King Neptune. Who knew! Honestly, not being familiar with Kinnikuman, that really makes little sense to me, but I'm hoping to fin a way to watch the anime or read the manga, so maybe it will someday soon. Want to take a closer look at Paper Miira? Then join me after the break...

Friday, August 12, 2016

A New Batgirl Review: Classic Batgirl from DC Comics Rock Candy by Funko

   Today I'm checking out a Batgirl figure from a new Funko vinyl line called Rock Candy. Funko calls Rock Candy a "5 inch stylized vinyl figures line" and so far the line encompasses two properties: DC Comics and Barbie. The line reminds me of Vinyl Vixens but in a smaller scale and with more normal proportions. Funko seems to always be putting out something new (and often ditching those new things pretty quickly) and Rock Candy is one of their latest projects. Will it take off like POP! and Dorbz or will it be another flash in the pan like the hideous Vinyl Idols? Only time and the hard earned cash of buyers will tell! That's not going to stop me from giving my opinion, though! Today I'm looking at "Classic Batgirl, the first of two Batgirl figures in this series. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Thursday, August 11, 2016

A New Batgirl Review: Batgirl (Training Outfit) from DC Super Hero Girls by Mattel

 Today I'm looking at a fairly recent release from Mattel's DC Super Hero Girls, a line of superhero action figures and dolls marketed towards girls similar to popular lines like Monster High. These released earlier this year as a time-limited exclusive to Target but have now made their way to stores everywhere. They seem to be doing really well as they offer a great group of fantastic toys at a few different price points. The 6 inch figures are traditional action figures while the 13 inch figures have rooted hair and actual cloth outfits. To sort of create a mid range product and appeal to folks looking for something on a lower budget, Mattel has released some new Super Hero Girls that are built more like traditional action figures but retain the rooted hair and scale of traditional fashion dolls. This range seems to be limited to Batgirl, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman (so far, anyways) and features the ladies in their training outfits. Being a collector of nearly everything Batgirl I just had to snag this one for the collection. Ready for a closer look at Training Outfit Batgirl? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

A New Batgirl Review: Batgirl Bust from Batman: Classic TV Series by Diamond Select Toys

 This has not just been a crazy year for Batgirl collectors but specifically a crazy year for merchandise based on Yvonne Craig's Batgirl in the 1960's Batman Classic TV Series. Over the past 7 months I've reviewed four figures from Figures Toy Company, a maquette from Tweeterhead, and a statue from Diamond Select Toys. Today I'm looking at another representation from Diamond Select Toys of Ms. Craig's portrayal of the character in the form of a bust. I can't believe how much product is being put out on the market for the show! It truly speaks to the love fans have for the series, the characters, and the actors portraying them. This Batgirl statue just started shipping near the end of July and represents yet another way to collect the daring denizens and dastardly deviants of Gotham City. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

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

 Today I'm looking at Red Toad from Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo line. This is going to be a short one today, folks, and that's not at all related to Toad's height. Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo features a lot of completely new and unique character sculpts with little potential for reuse so, to help manage costs, they tend to release quite a few repaints. Overall I'm good with that as they've been great about making these repaints seem significant and actually relate to the games. Red Toad feels the least significant, though, since he's almost exactly the same as Blue Toad who was released in 2015. Red Toad is part of Series 2-2 and has been hitting some retail stores over the past week or two. Let's take a look at one of the most famous denizens of the Mushroom Kingdom after the break...

Monday, August 8, 2016

Minifigure Review: Chain Chomp from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

  Today I'm looking at a figure from Jakks Pacific's 2.5 inch scaled World of Nintendo line: Chain Chomp! Chain Chomp is a baddie who first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 3 back on the good ol' NES and who has become a Mario mainstay. While many of the 2.5 inch figures Jakks puts out are just smaller, non-articulated minifigures, characters like Chain Chomp are actually sized perfectly to work with the regular 4 inch line thus adding to Bowser's minions. I found this guy last week while at my local Wal-Mart and picked him up alongside two figures from Series 2-2. Ready for a look at this hungry, hungry monster who's always looking to take a bite out of the good guys? Then join me after the break...

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Minifigure Review: Stink Buzzard from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

 Recently I've been getting back into working to complete collections of older minifigures again. A few years back I finished my collection of G.U.T.S. and Mattel Mega Heroes (both Cyber Force and Judge Dredd) and recently I've turned my attention to a few other lines like M.U.S.C.L.E., Monster in My Pocket, and Trash Bag Bunch. I loved the Trash Bag Bunch as a kid (I've written about them before) and I'm kind of sold on them again because my little one seems to like them. She'll pull bags of minifigures out of my organizer and ask to take them to her room to set up. The Trash Bag Bunch has been fairly popular with her (she likes Junker, the werewolf like creature) so I've been picking up more. I recently acquired a lot of minifigures and the very cool seller threw in an extra Stink Buzzard for me. I actually have owned one as a kid (I've always called him Vomit Vulture for some reason) but now I have two. I've always thought of him as an army builder, anyways, so let's check this guy out, shall we?

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Minifigure Review: Black Buffalo #179 from M.U.S.C.L.E. by Mattel

 I've probably talked about my love of M.U.S.C.L.E. figures many times in the past but you know what I've never done? Reviewed a M.U.S.C.L.E. figure on this site! I recently acquired a few new pieces and I figured I'd start showing them off to up the minifigure love here on Action Figure Barbecue. Today I'm looking at figure #179, Black Buffalo. I remember back in 2003 one day when I was sitting in my dorm room and somehow started checking out M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. I was completely flabbergasted to learn that not only did each of these characters have names but that they were based on a long running manga and anime series named Kinnikuman. I'm pretty unfamiliar with it but I'm kind of trying to learn a bit more about it. Today I'm looking at Black Buffalo, a character who appeared in the 1984 Kinnikuman TV film Showdown! The 7 Justice Supermen vs. The Space Samurais. Black Buffalo is a member of the Black Emperor's Black Satan Squad who fights Terryman (the M.U.S.C.L.E. guy with "Texas" on his shirt). Now that you know everything I know about Black Buffalo, let's take a look at the figure, shall we? Join me after the break...

Friday, August 5, 2016

Action Figure Review: Cat Mario from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

It's been a few months since I last reviewed some World of Nintendo figures and, man, is Jakks cranking these toys out right now! While my series 2-1 figures just showed up in the mail from my Pile of Loot, I actually stumbled across a few series 2-2 figures at my local Wal-Mart this week. That's actually the first time I've seen these ever stocked at a Wal-Mart which seems really good for the health of this line. This is definitely the toyline right now that seems to be defying the odds: Despite hardly anyone seeming to carry it (although that's changing thanks to some exclusives being released at Target, Spencer's, and Wal-Mart), it being difficult to find, and the characters getting more and more obscure, it just keeps trucking along. Cat Mario is a Mario variant from a few of the newer Nintendo games that I honestly just haven't played. The most recent Nintendo system I own is a 2DS so Mario Maker and Super Mario 3D World just haven't been accessible to me. Still, I'm loving this line and picking everything up. Let's check out Mario dressed like a cat, shall we?

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Action Figure Review: R2-D2 (Jabba's Skiff) #121 from POP! Star Wars by Funko

 My Smuggler's Bounty box just came in the mail last week and I was pretty excited to find another Star Wars POP! exclusive to the subscription. This time the theme is Jabba's Palace and the exclusive POP! is R2-D2 carrying around a tray of drinks on Jabba's sail barge. While I was hoping for an unusual character from Jabba's palace (maybe Oola or Max Rebo) this is definitely a cool variant. R2-D2 is always a hit! Mix in the drink dispenser and the tray and you have a fairly intricate POP! Ready for a closer look at nearly everyone's favorite astromech droid? Then join me after the brea as we look at Bar2-D2...

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

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

What? You've never heard of Despara? Sure you have: You just didn't know of her as Despara. You might recognize her better as Force Captain Adora. Or maybe She-Ra, as she later became known once she broke free of Hordak's control. Yup, Despara is an evil version of She-Ra that was introduced into DC Masters of the Universe comics sometime in the past few years and she's gained a lot of popularity. Rather than have her growing up not knowing that Hordak and the Horde were actually the bad guys, Despara is a reinterpretation of Adora that has her raised by Hordak and Shadow Weaver to be evil. It's a pretty good storyline and I was insanely excited to see that Mattel picked Despara to be the club exclusive figure for Club Eternia (well, I was excited that she was included, not necessarily that she was exclusive or anything). Ready for a closer look at Adora during her days on the other side of the law? Then join me after the break...

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

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

 So, have you heard the big news? Mattel is ending MattyCollector.com at the end of December 2016 and all of the Masters of the Universe product will be released by Super7, the company currently releasing the M.O.T.U.S.C.L.E. and retro styled Masters of the Universe toys. That's pretty wild, right? Super7 kind of reminds me of Funko in that while they're known for their stylized and retro inspired stuff, they can put out some really high quality product when they want to. While it's certainly reasonable to have some concerns and a mixture of excitement and doubt over the line changing hands, I think there is definitely some positive things about this. I kind of feel like no one at Mattel cares about MOTUC right now. For Super7, though, having access to create any MOTU stuff is probably the biggest property they've ever scored.  This gives me hope because after receiving my July 2016 shipment of Mattel's Club Eternia product, I kind of feel like Mattel is now the Senior in high school with all of the credits under their belt just waiting for the end of the school year. Crita has been a figure I've wanted for a long time but, as you'll see, Mattel made some really strange choices on her. Read on and find out more about this member of the Evil Space Mutants after the break...

Monday, August 1, 2016

Action Figure Review: IG-88 #103 from POP! Star Wars by Funko

 Today I'm looking at the second POP! figure from May's Bounty Hunter themed Smuggler's Bounty box that I received belatedly due to not-updating my debit card on file: It's IG-88, one of the six bounty hunters from The Empire Strikes Back. Surprisingly this seems to be the first POP! version of IG-88 that Funko has released and he's an exclusive to the Smuggler's Bounty box. Ready to take a look at one of the most famous Assassin Droids in the galaxy? Then join me after the break...