Friday, April 28, 2017

Action Figure Review: Diana of Themyscira from DC Comics Multiverse: Wonder Woman by Mattel

   Care to spend your Friday with Wonder Woman? Yep, I'm back with another review of a figure from Mattel's Wonder Woman inspired DC Comics Multiverse line and this time it's Diana of Themyscira, AKA a pre-Wonder Woman version of Princess of Diana. Diana is the third figure in the series of four (along with a Toys R Us exclusive standard Wonder Woman and an Amazon exclusive Menalippe that just went on pre-order this week) and the second Wonder Woman variant available in the 6 inch line. I'm digging her outfit and this new headsculpt, and it seems like a lot of other folks are, too. I think Mattel definitely made some improvements with this line, especially in regards to the headsculpts, but they still have a ways to go to make Multiverse feel like it's in the same league as other comparable retail lines such as Hasbro's Marvel Legends and Star Wars: The Black series or even Mattel's own WWE Elite Series. Fortunately for Mattel, I'm a pretty serious DC collector and I'm more willing to give these a shot than others might be. Let's take a closer look at the mighty Princess Diana of Themyscira and see how she stacks up to other figures in this line!

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Action Figure Review: Steve Trevor from DC Comics Multiverse: Wonder Woman by Mattel

    Today I'm looking at Steve Trevor from Mattel's Wonder Women themed DC Comics Multiverse line. Not only is Steve a new figure from the upcoming Wonder Woman film but he's also the first Steve Trevor action figure since the 1976 Mego line and the first in the 6-7 inch scale. Played by Chris Pine in the upcoming film, Steve Trevor is a long time secondary player in the DC Universe and it's pretty cool that we're getting an action figure of him in the line. While DC Comics Multiverse has been fairly uneven with some highs, some lows, and lots of just average figures, the selection has been pretty diverse. Though the Wonder Woman line only includes four standard figures (there seems to be one or two retailer exclusives coming, too), it does offer a fairly decent sized Collect & Connect figure across the series. Steve comes with three build-a-figure pieces to help construct Ares which really offers a bit more bang for your buck. That's something, too, because Steve needs a bit of help. read on and find out why after the break...

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Action Figure Review: Wonder Woman from DC Comics Multiverse: Wonder Woman by Mattel

Wonder Woman comes out on June 2nd and, hopefully, it will be a success both critically and financially. I've enjoyed the DC films but they definitely need another movie in their repertoire that doesn't prove to be insanely divisive. Wonder Woman could be that hit as it has a lot going for it. Gal Gadot absolutely owned BvS as Wonder Woman and giving her a whole film to do her thing sounds like a pretty good idea. I'm also always a fan of the fictional history World War II era story lines presented in films like Captain America, The Rocketeer, and the Indiana Jones franchise, so Wonder Woman seems like it could capture the same feeling with a fresh take due to it's 's World War I setting. Today I'm looking at the first figure from Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse: Wonder Woman subset which features four standard figures, along with some upcoming exclusives. Today I'm looking at the main Wonder Woman figure from the line which is a bit odd as she's not a standard looking Wonder Woman (that appears to be a Toys 'r Us exclusive). Let's take a closer look at this figure after the break...

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Action Figure Review: Deathstroke (The Judas Contract) from DC Comics Icons by DC Collectibles

   This could very well be my last DC Icons review for quite a few months, as DC Collectibles seems intent on cancelling nearly every figure that I've had preordered for almost a year. I'm most upset about Etrigan, Deadshot, and the Jim Balent Catwoman, so let's hope this newest series of Icons sell better than previous ones to give DCC some more faith in the line. They've definitely improved over the past year or so and the series, while somewhat oddly scaled, has seen some really good releases. One of the things I really like about this series is that while the characters are typically based on their design in a particular storyline, they're all rendered in a standard style that gives them a cohesive appearance. DC Collectibles and DC Direct before them have never been big on offering action figures in cohesive styles and, while I like artist specific figures, there is absolutely something appealing about building a diverse collection in one unified style. While the design of this figure is clearly Deathstroke from the early 1980s Marv Wolfman and George Perez era of Teen Titans, the style doesn't set him apart from any other DC Icons figure. DC Collectibles must like Deathstroke as they've released multiple figures of Slade Wilson over the past few years.  I own a few of them and, let me say, this one might be the best. More Deathstroke coolness after the break...

Monday, April 24, 2017

Action Figure Review: The Punisher: Fully Loaded from One:12 Collective Marvel Universe by Mezco

 It's been a frustrating road filled with me having multiple preorders cancelled from various e-tailers and shelling out a bit more money than I originally planned but, finally, I have the Previews exclusive One:12 Collective version of The Punisher: Fully Loaded in my hands. And he's pretty darn impressive. While I really haven't been too tempted by any of the Captain America or Daredevil variants, the Punisher is just unreal in terms of how much stuff he comes with. If you count the interchangeable heads and hands, along with the magazines included with each weapon, I count 51 accessories plus the metal storage box and accessory bag. That's insane! If you pick this guy up at the retail price of $129.99, you're still getting your money's worth. I had to pay a bit more, unfortunately, and while I hemmed and hawed over the initial purchase, once the figure arrived I forgot how much I'd spent. This is a pretty amazing package! Let's take a look at this very deluxe version of Frank Castle after the break, shall we?

Friday, April 21, 2017

Action Figure Review: Swamp Thing (Dark Genesis) from DC Comics Icons by DC Collectibles

A week or so ago I read the excellent Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death by Amy Chu and Clay Mann which features an appearance by Swamp Thing near the end of the book. That evening I ended up at my local comic shop and stumbled upon this new Swamp Thing action figure from DC Collectibles' DC Comic Icons line. I decided to pick him up both as I don't own a Swamp Thing action figure and this one seemed pretty cool. I had lots of Swamp Thing action figures from Kenner's cartoon based line when I was a kid, but those ended up getting sold/ traded away during my younger and dumber years. I was glad to see this guy on the shelf, particularly due to the weird place that the DC Icons line is in right now. DC Collectibles has cancelled a number of single cared upcoming figures such as Deadshot and the amazing looking Etrigan with an intention of focusing on multi-packs and diorama like two-packs. Just this past week, however, they have announced single packed releases of Batman and Superman. Does that mean good things to come with this line or does DC Collectibles just know that Supes and Batman will sell? Who knows! We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, let's check out this new figure of Swamp Thing, shall we?

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Action Figure Review: Imperial AT-ACT Driver from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase III by Hasbro

 Hasbro has a great showing for Star Wars: The Black Series last weekend at Celebration, something that was desperately needed as the line has had some fans concerned. While we have some great things to look forward we're currently seeing a mixture of cool stuff and some pretty simple repaints/ repackages. Today's review is one of those simpler repaints that is currently a Target exclusive: The AT-ACT Driver. I haven't picked up Rogue One on Blu-Ray yet, but from everything I've read and everything I can recall from seeing it in theaters, the AT-ACT Driver doesn't actually appear in the film. The AT-ACTs certainly do, but I just don't think the driver was actually shown. There's a small image of the helmet in the Visual Guide, so the character certainly does seem to be something legitimately from the film. He's a creative mixture of two different previously released figures but that seems pretty accurate to the source. He was pretty easy to find, unlike some of the other Black Series exclusives. Let's take a closer look at him after the break...

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Action Figure Review: Bombshells Batwoman from DC Designer Series: Ant Lucia by DC Collectibles

 Today I'm checking out Bombshells Batwoman, the fourth and final figure in the first series of the Ant Lucia inspired action figure from the DC Designer Series. I'll readily say that Batwoman is tied with Hawkgirl as my favorite Bombshell design and statue. It might come off as a bit "punny" but I love the idea of Kate Kane running around as a literal "Batwoman," both as a 1940's era baseball player and a baseball themed vigilante. Kate plays a pretty big role in the Bombshells comic (which is really quite good) and is a just a stunning design, so she's really a figure to not miss. While I'm a bit aggravated that DC has released this figure before a true modern Batwoman action figure (Batwoman probably had the best costume of the New 52 and I'd tie her with the Snyder/ Capullo Batwoman as the most consistently wonderful book), that's totally on DC Collectible's often bizarre practice; this is a solid figure who just oozes moxie. Check her out after the break...

Monday, April 17, 2017

Action Figure Review: Bombshells Poison Ivy from DC Designer Series: Ant Lucia by DC Collectibles

 I'm on a roll looking at the DC Comics Bombshells action figures from the Ant Lucia inspired DC Designer Series! Last week was Wonder Woman, yesterday was Harley Quinn, and today is Poison Ivy! I'm a huge Ivy and I'm loving this take on her. In some ways she's the plainest of the Bombshells as she's just wearing some fancy 1940's styled lingerie. Of course, she's also still Poison Ivy, so the bright red hair, green skin, and intricate vine designs help to add some more excitement. Poison Ivy was the third character released in the DC Comics Bombshells statue line (October 2013). This action figure is incredibly faithful to her statue and art origins, so let's jump in and see how well she translated, shall we? More pin-up Poison Ivy goodness after the break...

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Action Figure Review: Bombshells Harley Quinn from DC Designer Series: Ant Lucia by DC Collectibles

   Ready for another review of a DC Comics Bombshells item? Then how about we move on to the second figure in the series: Harley Quinn! The DC Designer Series has been a pretty solid line but I definitely think the current Ant Lucia inspired subset is the best yet. Wonder Woman was incredible and folks, let me tell you, Harley might be even better. Harley Quinn was the fourth character to appear in the Bombshells statue series and she definitely represented a somewhat different style for the line; while Wonder Woman is very "true" to a classic 1940's pinup style, Harley has more elements that, to my eyes anyway, come across as more rockabilly. She's not sporting the tattoos that some of the characters have but she definitely has more of a modern feel. I'm cool with that, though, as the style and inspiration is still there. I really just dig the Bombshells aesthetic and it seems I'm not alone. Let's take a look at this insanely cool Harley Quinn figure after the break...

Friday, April 14, 2017

Action Figure Review : SDCC 2011 30th Anniversary Set from Indiana Jones by Hasbro

 Recently I acquired something I've wanted for a few years but haven't been able to get my hands on until now: The lost Indiana Jones wave from Hasbro's 2008 action figure line. Released as a SDCC exclusive in 2011 for the 30th anniversary of Raiders of the Lost Ark, the set contains five action figures from Raiders of the Lost Ark that were originally intended to make up the 5th series of figures released by Hasbro (and another basic Indy tossed in for good measure). Unfortunately, the line ended before these ever made it to production (even the fourth series was fairly tough to come by) and thus it seemed like they would be lost to fans. For being as successful and as well loved of a property as it is (Raiders ties with Ghostbusters as my favorite film of all time) it's amazing how few Indiana Jones toys have been released over the years. Hasbro's series is the only toyline cover all four films and feature a wide variety of characters, so it was already streets ahead of the others. While it's far from a perfect toyline with its odd articulation scheme and some questionable likenesses, I absolutely love it. It's one of my favorites and I'm thrilled to finally have a "complete" collection. Let's take a closer look at this 6 pack after the break...

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Action Figure Review: Bombshells Wonder Woman from DC Designer Series: Ant Lucia by DC Collectibles

 As some of you may (or may not know) I went a few weeks without a camera capable of doing solid macro photography. Well, that has changed and I'm now back and better than ever. Well, in my mind, anyways. Yesterday's review of the Mezco One:12 Collective Flash was the first to use my new Canon EOS M10 with a specialized macro lens but today's starts a set of reviews I'm extremely excited to look at and photograph: The DC Bombshells action figures! Technically this series is titled DC Designer Series: Ant Lucia and it's part of the long running series that has featured action figures rendered in the styles of a number of great DC artists. It's no understatement to say that Ant Lucia's DC Bombshells have been one of the most successful DC properties we've ever seen. Starting as only a line of beautiful statues (still ongoing, FYI), Bombshells has evolved into it's own entity with an ongoing comic, merchandise, clothing, costume patterns, Funko POP! vinyls, and now action figures. First up I'm looking at Wonder Woman. Not only is she #1 in this series but she was the subject of the first statue released under the Bombshells banner in September 2013 and she's the first lady of DC Comics. Let's take a closer look at the Bombshells Wonder Woman after the break...

Monday, April 10, 2017

Action Figure Review: The Flash from One:12 Collective DC Universe by Mezco

 I really believe that the Super Powers versions of the Flash and Hawkman were the first two DC Comics action figure I ever owned. Sometime around 1987, when I was probably only around 4, my family attended a church that had a treasure box of goodies you could get for various accomplishments. The goodie box included various action figures (I also ended up with a boxed mail-away version of Emperor Palpatine), so you know I was hooked. Come to think of it, we lived right outside of Cincinnati, Ohio during that time, so it's possibly someone at the church worked for Kenner (headquartered in Cincinnati) and had access to promotional items and such. Anyways, I've always had an affinity for the Flash's costume and used it as an inspiration for the design of the protagonist of my 3rd grade Young Authors entry, Flamefighter! Couple my love for the Flash's costume, my love of the DC Universe, and my affinity for Mezco's One:12 Collective line and getting the Flash was inevitable. He showed up at my house on the same day as Professor Zoom with Zoom arriving a bit earlier through a different shipping company, so in that instance the bad guy won. Who will win the contest of being the better figure? Let's find out after the break...

Saturday, April 1, 2017

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

 I held a little race last month: I ordered the Mezco One:12 Collective Flash and Zoom (AKA Reverse Flash) from two different sellers and waited to see who would arrive first. Guess what? Zoom managed to arrive just a few hours before Flash due to him arriving via one shipping company and Flash another. Still, arriving the same day was pretty close right? Well, guess what else is close? The Flash and Zoom. Zoom is the first Previews Exclusive figure we've received that is actually a completely different character from the standard release, as Zoom is really the variant of Flash. I wasn't planning on picking Zoom up, but then I started thinking about how cool these two would look together on the shelf. Usually I'd review Flash first since he's the default figure, but you know what? I'm going to honor the results of the race and give Professor Thawne the first go. Let's take a closer look at Zoom after the break...