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?