Friday, September 30, 2016

Toy Bloggers United's October 2016 Contest Starts Tomorrow! Official Rules!

It's September 30th and as a member of Toy Bloggers United I'm incredibly proud to announce our 3rd contest. This one is going to run throughout the entire month of October and it's going to be insane. I'm already sitting on a dragon's horde worth of prizes sent to me from the Harvey Mercheum, Cool & Collected, and some creepy guy who keeps sending me these weird puzzle cubes, and I'm sure others will arrive at some point. I'm still planning on adding to it throughout the month as well, so the pile will grow and grow. It's going to be insane! There's so much Halloween stuff and random junk here that you might not even need to do Christmas shopping for friends and loved ones! You know, if you can part with the glorious items here. Want in on this? Read these rules to now what to do...

So here are the rules:

* There will be five posts on ActionFigureBarbecue.com (on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22th, and 29th) that ask for a comment. Simply write a comment as short or long as you like to any number of the contest posts and you're entered into a drawing to be held on November 7th for some sweet stuff. Make a comment on one of the posts and you get one entry, make a comment on all five and entries.You can probably guess what happens if you comment on two, three, or four entries.
*The contest will close on November 1st at 8am EST and I'll tally up the entries, assign them a number, and place them in a randomizer so the winner can be revealed on November 7th (that's Re-Halloween, by the way!). The winner will be posted on the websites for all of the participating members of Toy Bloggers United and you'll have until the end of the day EST on November 11th to contact me at and claim it!

*Due to shipping, the contest is only open to residents of the United States and Canada. 
Look out for our first contest post to pop up tomorrow and deliver plenty of Halloween fun!



Action Figure Review: Alien from Imaginext: Collectible Figures Series 7 by Fisher-Price

 Thanks to someone over on the Imaginext Generation Facebook group I was able to secure a set of all 6 figures from Imaginext: Collectible Figures Series 7! While I've never seen hide nor hair of the Batman blind bagged Imaginext series, I have been able to collect every single figure from the standard series of figures thus far. Like Series 6, Series 7 only has six figures in it. It's odd that Fisher-Price has continued to decrease the number of figures in each series. Usually a blind bagged series is more appealing if someone knows they have slimmer odds of pulling a duplicate figure. Of course, Fisher-Price wisely (and subtly) numbers these figures so you really aren't buying them blind. That's really nice and something I wish other blind bagged lines would do. Today I'll be looking at the "Alien" from series 7. He's a pretty plain looking guy and, I'll go ahead and tell you, my least favorite figure from the series. Learn more after the break...

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Micro Review: Kylo Ren Playcase from Micro Machines: Star Wars Gold Series by Hasbro

 I'm a huge fan of Star Wars Micro Machines and they were definitely the Episode 7 toys I was initially most looking forward to on Force Friday 2015. Something happened, though: The vehicles were nice but the figures were nearly non-existent and the playsets were weak. I honestly waited until most of them went on clearance to pick them up as they didn't seem to be going anywhere and it made good financial sense. I did the same thing with this relatively new Kylo Ren Playcase. It's a carrying case with a couple of play features that reminds me of some of the carrying cases of the past. I've been reading through the new book Action Figure Carrying Cases by Philip Reed of Battlegrip and I was finally inspired to pick up this case up after being reminded of the prominence of carrying cases in action figure history. I'll just admit right now that I like the concept of this case better than it's design and function, but we'll get into that after the break...

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

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

Back on August 31st I reviewed Kitty Pryde from Hasbro's recent X-Men subset of Marvel Legends, which includes the pieces needed to build an action figure of the Juggernaut. Today I'm finally reviewing the big guy himself, fully assembled and ready to ram his way into your collection. I'm definitely nostalgic for Toy Biz's 1991 X-Men line, Fox's cartoon, and the earliest Jim Lee era issues, so anything from those media usually get a automatic buy from me. Only once before have I ever built a Marvel Legends build-a-figure and that was Iron Monger from the Iron Man 3 tie-in series. While I was really introduced in most figures from this series due to being from the above mentioned X-Men era, the Juggernaut's presence sold me on the entire series. He was just a character I had to own in the Marvel Legends format. Now that I've picked up all seven figures needed to build him (Deadpool doesn't come with a BAF piece) I can review this guy, so let's get to it after the break...

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

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

 Today I'm looking at Iceman, so guess what? That means I have all of the figures needed to build the Juggernaut! Yup, old Juggsy is sitting on my shelf right now just waiting to be reviewed. As of this writing I still haven't picked up Deadpool yet, though. Hasbro really needs to release a refresher case for this series including Deadpool, Rogue, and Wolverine as those figures seem hard as heck to find. Iceman is a fairly easy find, though, but I got stuck initially ordering him back in August from a cruddy Amazon seller who just never shipped the figure. Of course, I couldn't file for a cancellation until some time had passed (first problem like that I ever recall having on Amazon) but now that that has been taken care of I was able to pick up an Iceman. Ready to see how this frosty fellow stacks up against the other figures in the line? Then join me after the break...

Monday, September 26, 2016

Action Figure Review: Demolition Man (Mercenaries of Mayhem) from Marvel Legends: Captain America by Hasbro

 Today I'm looking at a Marvel Legends figure from earlier this year that I finally picked up because he just looks so darn cool. Do you know who it is? No, I'm honestly asking you. The packaging says this is Demolition Man (specifically "Marvel's Demolition Man" so you don't mistakenly believe this is Sylvester Stallone) but when I look up that character I find information on a guy I have no clue about who looks nothing like this guy. To be honest, I'm not that concerned about it, either: I bought this figure because he is freaking cool. He looks like some sort of mercenary or black ops operative who would fit right at home in the Metal Gear or G.I. Joe universe. He was released earlier this year as part of the Captain America inspired "Red Skull as Onslaught" series and was one of Hasbro's weird variant that's not really a variant, as both Demolition Man and Taskmaster are sold as Mercenaries of Mayhem. Ready for a look at this Mercenary of Mayhem? Then join me after the break...

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Minifigure Review: Hawkgirl from DC Comics Lil Bombshells by Cryptozoic Entertainment

 It's time for another review of one of Cryptozoic's DC Comics Lil Bombshells and today it's Hawkgirl! The first time I found these figures my first two choices were Batwoman and Hawkgirl. Someone at the store I purchased had opened all of the cans (there is only a flimsy piece of shrink wrap holding them on) and so I was able to actually select who I purchased. That worked out because had these been truly random I just wouldn't have bought any. I'm OK with the blind bag concept so long as it's not truly random. If I can feel the bag and have a pretty good shot of knowing which figure I'm getting or if there is a code system in place (like the Imaginext Collectible Figures). If it's like this, though, where each figure costs $10 bucks and comes in a metal tin so you can't feel for the figure you want? Absolutely not. I'm glad someone did the dirty work so I could give over my hard earned money with confidence. Anyways, enough blind bag rants: Let's look at toys! More fun after the break...

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Minifigure Review: Batwoman from DC Comics Lil Bombshells by Cryptozoic Entertainment

Today's my first review in Cryptozoic Entertainment's new DC Comics Lil Bombshells series of minature vinyl figures and I'm starting with Batwoman, who is quite possibly my favorite design in the bombshells series (Hawkgirl is my other favorite). I'm a trade paperback reader so I haven't had the chance to delve into her appearances in Rebirth's Detective Comics yet but I absolutely thought Batwoman's self titled series in the New 52 was one of the three strongest titles during that era. The character is incredible and I'm glad to see Kate Kane included in this series of minifigures. She's definitely one of my favorite characters and was the first figure from this series I picked out. I've completed the 10 basic figures in this series already (there are two black & white variants but I'm not too interested in them) and this starts things off. Think of these reviews as little treats from me during the Halloween season, eh? Let's jump in and play ball after the break...

Friday, September 23, 2016

Action Figure Review: Princess Zelda from World of Nintendo by Jakks Pacific

 It's been over a month since I found Red Toad and Cat Mario from series 2-2 of Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo line but I've finally found the third figure in the series: Princess Zelda! Based on her appearance in The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, Zelda adds another character to the growing roster of action figures Jakks has released from that game. While these aren't the most impressive action figures on the market I find that this is one of the action figure lines I look forward to the most. They're colorful, fun, and feature so many characters who have never had action figures made of them before! While I do own a Princess Zelda action figure from 1998, it's still amazing to see a new Zelda figure on toy shelves today. Let's take a closer look at one of the heroes of Hyrule after the break...

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Action Figure Review: Nick Fury from Marvel Legends: Captain America by Hasbro

  Do you think there are action figure buyers and fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe who are confused by the fact that this is a white Nick Fury? Today's figure is the classic Nick Fury from Hasbro's most recent series of Captain America inspired Marvel Legends that are just starting to hit store shelves in reasonable quantities. I anticipate Nick being pretty popular because not only is he a version of the character we haven't seen for years (the first Marvel Legend I ever bought was the Toy Biz Nick Fury from series 5 back in 2004) but he also comes with three portraits, one of them which turns him into an army builder. Ready for a look at the original agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Action Figure Review: Kevin Owens from WWE Elite by Mattel

  I'm not sure anyone had a bigger impact on the WWE in 2015 than Kevin Owens. The guy is a phenomenal talent in the ring, great on the microphone, and sells any storyline or feud he's a part of. He's angry, aggressive, obnoxious, the current WWE Universal Champion (as of my writing this review, and apparently now best friends with Chris Jericho. He's also finally an Elite figure from Mattel. We've had some basic of KO over the past year but we knew an Elite was coming, so I managed to convince myself to wait. Let's take a closer look at the the Prizefighter, Kevin Owens, after the break....

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Action Figure Review: The Joker from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel

Yesterday I reviewed Captain Boomerang and today I'm looking at another figure from Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad line: The Joker! I really liked Jared Leto's portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad and I've been waiting for an action figure that does the character justice. I reviewed the Toys R Us exclusive Joker near the end of July and now, around two months later, I'm finally getting around to reviewing the regular release. This is an outfit that the Joker wears in the film although I don't think it's his most memorable look. Still, any Joker look is pretty interesting, right? Let's take a closer look at the Joker after the break...

Monday, September 19, 2016

Action Figure Review: Boomerang from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel

The second wave of Suicide Squad figures has been slowly making their way out to retail stores and so far I've managed to score a Boomerang and a Joker from Amazon. Tomorrow I'll be looking at the Joker but today I'm checking out the Australian Rogue himself, George "Digger" Harkness, AKA Captain Boomerang. Or just Boomerang, as he's referred to here on the packaging. Let me say that I thought Captain Boomerang was one of the best parts of Suicide Squad (again, I really liked the movie) and I think Jai Courtney did a pretty excellent job with the role. I've never really thought Jai Courtney had much charisma in the films I've seen him in but here he shines. Courtney brought a good bit of levity to the role that makes the inherit silliness of the character's concept make sense in the world of the DC film universe. I just wish this figure came with a pink unicorn (sadly, it doesn't). Let's take a closer look at Captain Boomerang after the break...

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Minifigure Review: Trashblaster from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

I hope you're liking the little theme I got going on with giving you a couple Trash Bag Bunch figure reviews on the weekends. I'm not sure that will continue but I'll see what I can do. Today I'm looking at Trashblaster who is absolutely a figure I owned as a child. He's another toy from my collection that I've had since 1991, so I've now owned him for around 25 years. Crazy, right? Let's take a look at this awesome heroic robot today...

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Minifigure Review: Klutch from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

 I really appreciate the great feedback I'm hearing from a number of you as I'm reviewing the Trash Bag Bunch! I'm going to try and keep doing more reviews of older toys on here but, since I'm currently trying to complete the Trash Bag Bunch, I'm going to keep offering these guys up. Klutch is a mechanical crab-like robot that fights alongside of the heroic Disposers and another figure in this line that I never owned as a kid. It's cool to have him finally as he's a rather unique looking figure and seems to be pretty popular with Trash Bag Bunch collectors (all 9 of us). Let's take a closer look at Klutch!

Friday, September 16, 2016

Action Figure Review: Wolverine from Marvel Legends Series: X-Men by Hasbro

  A few years back did you ever think you'd be this excited for a 6 inch Wolverine action figure? Over the past few years Hasbro has really avoided releasing the X-Men at mass retail in the Marvel Legends line. Diamond has continued to release figures based off of 50% of the population's favorite mutants (the other 50%, myself included, prefer TMNT) and Hasbro certainly released a few exclusives and plenty of figures in the 1/18th scaled Marvel Universe line but the mainstream Legends line just hasn't had a Wolverine figure available in quite a few years. But now, in this pretty awesome X-Men series of Marvel Legends, we now have a pretty impressive Wolverine in his classic orange and brown outfit. He's a slick figure and seems to be the second or third most popular figure in the series. Ready for a closer look at Wolverine? Then join me after the break...

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Check it out! One of My Pictures Was Used in This WhatCulture Wrestling Videos!



Action Figure Review: Dean Ambrose from WWE Zombies by Mattel

  Dean Ambrose is, as of the day I'm writing this review (prior to Backlash 2016), currently the WWE World Champion. He is also a zombie. Well, in this line anyways. Mattel has done something crazy by merging the over the top personalities of the WWE with the still ongoing zombie craze to create the WWE Zombies action figure line. Whether you really like wrestling and get a kick out of seeing a zombified version of your favorite superstar or you're planning to mix these guys in with other zombie action figures, I really think Mattel has released a pretty solid toyline here. I'm not sure what kind of longevity it will have but currently I've purchased 5 of the 8 figures in the series and a sale or a bit of extra spending money could easily convince me to pick up some more. Yesterday I reviewed my first choice pickup, Bray Wyatt, and today I'm looking at my second choice, the Lunatic Fringe himself: Dean Ambrose. You know, they really should have called him Dead Ambrose. Or Dean Inrepose. I don't know. Maybe it's better that they didn't. Let's jump in and see how zombie Dean Ambrose stacks up, eh?

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Action Figure Review: Bray Wyatt from WWE Zombies by Mattel

  Whether you're a wrestling fan or a horror fan, I think it's worth taking a look at Mattel's latest WWE line: WWE Zombies. Yes. WWE Zombies. WWE Superstars recreated as zombies. It sounds really silly when you first hear about it. Believe me, I thought so too. It turns out, though, that these are insanely cool. Mattel took some popular WWE Superstars such as the Rock, Dean Ambrose, and John Cena and zombified them. They're not really done as comical zombies, though: These zombies look really, really good. How often have we had action figure lines filled with good zombies? I stumbled upon these a few weeks ago at my local Wal-Mart and had to pick up two of my favorites. My first choice was Bray Wyatt, one of my favorite WWE Superstars. He already has an incredibly cool horror themed gimmick so the zombie theme works perfectly for him. Let's take a closer look at the Eater of Worlds after the break...

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Action Figure Review: Robin (The Dark Knight Returns) from DC Comics Multiverse by Mattel

 Just four or five years ago, did you ever think that you could walk into a mainstream retail store and pick up figures from Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns? While Mattel did release a DKR Batman in their Batman Unlimited line it's just been this year that the floodgates have opened. Wal-Mart had an exclusive three figure series earlier this year while the newest general Multiverse assortment features Armored Batman, the Mutant Leader, and, the subject of today's review, Robin. In DKR Carrie Kelly, a 13 year old female, takes on the mantle of Robin and joins Bruce in his crusade against crime. DC Direct released a figure of Carrie Kelly as Robin in their Dark Knight Returns back in the early 2000s so it's been well over a decade since she's been released in plastic form. Let's take a look at this newest figure of her after the break...

Monday, September 12, 2016

Action Figure Review: The Punisher from Marvel Legends by Hasbro

  I'll be honest: Currently the store that seems to carry the most toys I'm interested in seems to be Walgreens. Over the past couple of years they've developed an expanded toy selection, lowered toy prices to regular retail levels (as opposed to my local CVS that wants 12.99 for their lone 3+ year old Star Wars figure), and have managed to nab some really nice exclusives. I love swinging by there on my lunch break and seeing what's being offered. Today I'm looking at what is quite possibly my favorite Walgreens exclusive yet: The Punisher. For some reason, I just love the Punisher. Season 2 of Daredevil absolutely reignited my interest in the character and I knew this was a figure I just had to grab. He's starting to show up at more and more stores (Walgreens handles their exclusives much better than most stores, it seems) and with a bit of searching you should be able to snag what is currently one of my favorite figures released this year. Check out this darn near perfect rendition of Mr. Frank Castle after the break...

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Minifigure Review: Incinerator from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

  I'm really excited to review Incinerator today because he's one of the Trash Bag Bunch figures I've never owned before! Heck, he's one I don't even remember seeing pictures of. As I look as the heroic Disposers, I've noticed that there definitely seems to be a subset of heroic robots that wage war against the Trashers. I imagine that Prof. Garboff built these as part of his original goal of trying to save the planet. Dr. Sheen influenced him to weaponize them, though, and thus we end up with a pretty slick robotic army. Let's take a look at Incinerator after the break...

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Minifigure Review: Dr. Sheen from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

 I'm really enjoying getting a chance to talk about the Trash Bag Bunch as I'm seeking to complete my collection (I'm now only in need of 7 figures) and, from the looks of the visits, many of y'all are enjoying these crazy minifigures, too! Dr. Sheen is a figure I've owned since childhood and I figured it was time to give him a closer look. He's always been the leader of my team of Disposers and now, for the first time ever, I explain why I think he's qualified to do that. And, my gosh, yes I do believe I've started writing Trash Bag Bunch fan fiction in these mini-reviews. I just never thought I'd sink that far down the rabbit hole, you know? Anyways, take a look at more words than you would ever believe could be written about this figure after the break...

Friday, September 9, 2016

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

 Today is my fifth review from Hasbro's Marvel Legends: X-Men series and I'm looking at Jean Grey, AKA Phoenix. Jean Grey has had a number of different looks and personas over the years but I would dare say that her most memorable is that of Phoenix. During their run on Marvel Legends, Hasbro has released a Jim Lee era Jean Grey, Black Queen, and a first appearance styled Jean; this is their first take on the character. Toy Biz released Phoenix back in 2004 as part of the sixth series of Marvel Legends and it's taken... 12 years for the figure to get a redo. Wow! That really seems like a long time now, doesn't it? Join me for a closer look at this Omega-level mutant after the break...

Thursday, September 8, 2016

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

    The Marvel Legends reviews just keep rolling along and today I'm looking at the fourth figure from this series I picked up: Havok. Havok is one of the seven figures in this series you need in order to build the Juggernaut and, to be honest, that's why I picked him up. I know who Havok is but he's not that exciting of a figure to me nor is he a character I have much nostalgia for. He's kind of an extra I picked up just to build the Juggernaut. I'm sure there are plenty of Marvel Legends aficionados excited about getting an updated Havok, though; He hasn't appeared in Legends since the 2006 Wal-Mart exclusive Giant Man series. Ready for an updated look at the middle sibling of the Summers brothers? Then join me after the break...

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Action Figure Review: Harley Quinn (Toys R Us Exclusive) from DC Comics Multiverse: Suicide Squad by Mattel

  Today I'll be taking a look at the Toys Us exclusive Harley Quinn from the Suicide Squad subset of Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse toyline. This jacket wearing version of Dr. Harleen Quinzel is only the second Suicide Squad figure I've reviewed since seeing the film so you might be expecting me to offer my thoughts on the film, no? For some in-depth thoughts, check out the podcast where me, my wife, and the Reel Brad Bell discussed this film (and a few other things) for over two hours! I will say that love them or hate them, the DC films feel like they offer more to talk about than the Marvel films (which my reviews of were usually just me saying what I liked about the movies). Of course since this review is about Harley Quinn, arguably the star of the film, I'll just say that Margot Robbie was incredible in bringing this character to life. Ms. Robbie no doubt can carry an entire film on her own as Harley Quinn and I'm excited to see her take this character and make it her own (as she seems to have plans to do so). It's unusual to say that about a villain (though Harley feels like she's already heading towards being an anti-hero in the film) but I think it's true here. For me, it's been a pretty cool year to be a Batman fan (I'm a much bigger "Batman" fan than I am a DC fan, to be honest): While you can debate the quality of the films overall, we've had some pretty strong cinematic performances bringing various Gothamites to life and I've enjoyed it. Anyways, you're here to read about an action figure and I'm here to talk about one. Ready to get started? Let's look a bit more closely at the figure after the break...

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

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

   Cable has a long and stories history but I'm not going to get into that today. I don't have the time and you don't either. Do yourself a favor, though, and catch up on Cable's history over here when you have a few hours. As for this review, I'm simply going to be talking about how amazing Hasbro's Marvel Legends line continues to be. By making better figure choices, improving their sculpts and articulation, and adding in more elements such as alternate portraits and cooler accessories, Hasbro continues to outdo themselves series after series. When is the last time you could say that about a mass market retail line? I've never been a big Marvel Legends collector (I probably owned less than 15 figures prior to the Iron Man 3 line) but my love for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and good action figures continues to suck me deeper and deeper into this line. Now with the X-Men Marvel Legends series, Hasbro is playing into my nostalgia. I was really into X-Men back in the early 1990s (so was everyone else) and the X-Men animated series, arcade game, and Toy Biz toyline. While this isn't a classic Cable (it's a fairly modern look for the character) being released alongside of everyone else in the series definitely helped to sell me on this guy. Plus, while the costume is different and less "extreme" it still looks like Cable. Let's check this guy out after the break...

Monday, September 5, 2016

Action Figure Review: Black Panther from Marvel Legends: Captan America: Civil War by Hasbro

 Thus far this year, I think Captain America: Civil War is the movie to beat. It had a solid plot yet moved along at a brisk pace and a massive roster of character who all still each got a chance to shine. One of the best parts of the film was the true introduction of T'Challa, the Black Panther, to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Played by Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther was freaking incredible and gave off an incredibly cool, almost Batman-like vibe. I left Civil War pumped for the upcoming Black Panther film (2018) and knowing that this was the one figure that I just had to pick up from the film. My word has Black Panther been hard to find! He's finally starting to show up although he's flying off the shelves pretty quickly. Still, Hasbro will probably keep this series in distribution for a while, at least until Civil War comes out on Blu-Ray, so don't give into the scalpers' siren song yet my friends! Do read on, though, and find out why this guy is worth tracking down...

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Minifigure Review: Vac-U-Ator from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

 It's always fun when I get to add a new Trash Bag Bunch figure to my collection and today I'm doing just that: Meet Vac-U-Ator! He's one of the heroic Disposers and a figure I've never owned before. The robotic Vac-A-Tor seems very frog-like and kind of reminds me of either Keroppi or the Sweet Frog frogs at a glance. I picked this guy up used in an E-bay lot and I'm sure glad I did. He seems like a robot that adds a lot of firepower to the Disposers war. Ready for a closer look? Then join me after the break...

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Minifigure Review: Prof. Garboff from Trash Bag Bunch by Galoob

 While I review plenty of toys from the recent lines I'm collecting, I also like to mix in a few figures from some of the older lines I'm currently interested in, too! Right now those seem to be Star Wars Micro Machines, M.U.S.C.L.E., and Trash Bag Bunch. I'm really trying to complete my set from this semi-obscure 1991 Galoob toyline and the subject of today's review, Prof. Garboff, gets me one figure closer to that goal. Right off the bat I'll totally admit that Prof. Garboff isn't the most exciting figure in the line. While I can appreciate his subdued pallette, neither his outfit nor his pose stands out from many of the other Disposers. Being that these characters have no backstories that I'm aware of, they're simply blank slates for whatever crazy ideas you can come up with. Me? I'm about to tell you why Prof. Garboff is the bad guy. Join me for what is quite possibly (hopefully, I guess?) the world's first Trash Bag Bunch fan fiction...

Friday, September 2, 2016

Action Figure Review: Armored Batman (The Dark Knight Returns) from DC Comics Multiverse by Mattel

 Considering that Mattel just began pumping out new 1/12th scale DC Comics figures at the beginning of January, I think they've really been making up for lost time since the end of the DC Comics Signature Series and the various other flash in the pan lines: Factoring in the flagship line, the BvS line, the Suicide Squad line, and the Wal-Mart exclusive DKR line, we've received around 30 figures this year so far with more to come. That's huge! Of course, since he's the big draw, Mattel has managed to crank out plenty of Batman variants. Fortunately, they've all been pretty good. Today I'm looking at the first figure I've picked up from the New 52 Doomsday series of DC Comics Multiverse figures: Armored Batman from The Dark Knight Returns! DKR is an incredibly well loved book and Mattel has really been offering some nice figures from it this year. While DC Collectibles and Mezco have both taken swings at the license, Mattel is the first company to offer up the armored variant of the Caped Crusader from when he takes on Superman in the final book issue of the series. Let's take a look at this new version of Armored Batman after the break...

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Acton Figure Review: Rogue from Marvel Legends: X-Men by Hasbro

 This is the first action figure of Rogue I've ever owned! Crazy, right? I loved the X-Men back in the early 1990s when Toy Biz was releasing X-Men action figures like crazy but somehow I never ended up with Rogue. Many of the female figures didn't come out until much later in the series and they could be crazy hard to find. I never ended up with one. I didn't collect Marvel figures during the mid-late 90's and only ever bought two Wolverine figures from the original X-Men movie toyline. When I picked up Hasbro's Marvel Universe I was trying to complete a Jim Lee era X-Men set for awhile but that line became a disaster and Rogue wasn't released until 2013, long after I stopped caring. Now that Hasbro is (back) on fire with Marvel Legends, I'm pumped to have the chance to add Rogue to my collection. As part of the first mainstream X-Men series Rogue is not only a heavy hitter in a series filled with heavy hitters but she's also a very classic looking figure. Fans of the early 1990s comic and cartoon will absolutely be overcome with nostalgia when you see her. Let's take a closer look at Rogue after the break...