Saturday, December 31, 2022

Action Figure Review: SWARM Trooper from Action Force by Valaverse

   
   Valaverse recently released a Special Deployment Series at the beginning of the December that shipped to me before Christmas. I picked up lots of cool stuff, mostly accessory packs (including the super cool Crimson Shadow Arsenal tin with 98 weapons), but the only full figure I grabbed was the SWARM trooper. I can't completely remember why I skipped this guy the first time around but this reissue was back in stock and I snagged him, along with the SWARM Gear Pack. I received the SCARAB for my birthday a few months back and since I liked the design and color scheme so much, I opted to add the SWARM Trooper to the ranks. Let's take a look at this very cool army builder after the break...


Friday, December 30, 2022

Action Figure Review: B.A.T. (Python Patrol) from G.I. Joe: Cassified Series by Hasbro


   The standard Cobra B.A.T. showed up at the very beginning of 2022 (with a few sneaking out before then) and was a really impressive figure. B.A.T.s are always a hit and the Classified Series version, while adhering closely to the the vintage G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero design, was perfection. As part of Target's newest exclusive theme we have a Python Patrol version of the B.A.T., a variant of the android never released in the vintage line or any of the subsequent 1/18th scaled lines so far as I'm aware. It's a new variant and a pretty cool looking one at that. He's also been fairly easy to find. I've seen him on shelves at Target in droves and scored mine online. Is the distribution of exclusives actually improving? Let's hope so. Let's check out the Python Patrol version of the B.A.T. after the break...



Thursday, December 29, 2022

Action Figure Review: Apocalypse from Marvel Legends Retro Collection: X-Men by Hasbro

 

   My introduction to Marvel was through Toy Biz's Marvel Super Heroes and X-Men action figure lines, so these Marvel Legends Retro Collection release always give me some warm and fuzzy nostalgia. I have a pretty decent Marvel Legends X-Men collection but I never had the Apocalypse Buid-a-Figure and, while I like the Age of Apocalypse version of Apocalypse I have, I really wanted this classic version of the First One. While Apocalypse is an ancient mutant, he was actually a fairly new character when he appeared in Toy Biz's original X-Men line (his first appearance was in X-Factor in the summer of 1986). I'm pretty sure I got the original Apocalypse figure at a KB Toys and I distinctly remember his "extending" action and his weird staff with a hidden jewel inside. This one mirrors the classic colors and packaging of that vintage toy but the accessories are different. He doesn't grow, either. Let's take a look at Apocalypse after the break...


Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Action Figure Review: Serpentor & Air Chariot from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I've had Serpentor in hand for about a month now and while I originally intended to have him posted for Christmas day, well, that didn't happen. You see, I received the vintage Serpentor figure on Christmas back in 1987. I was four years old and it might be the first Christmas I truly remember. Since my dad managed retail, we rarely went away for Christmas but that year we went to visit my relatives in Ohio. We spent Christmas Eve with my maternal grandma and grandpa ( I remember getting the Bionic Six Secret Headquarters) and then went to my aunt's house on Christmas day where my paternal grandma joined us. I remember her buying me lots of G.I. Joe figures, so maybe she thought it was some way to help connect me to my grandpa who passed when I was only two or so (my paternal grandpa, Pappy, was in the Army in World War 2 and the Navy during the Korean War), or maybe they just weren't as weird to her as the Masters of the Universe? Who knows. I remember getting Serpentor at my aunt's house along with Ecto-1. When we got home that night (we lived outside of Cincinnati at the time) I remember getting the Fright Zone, the G.I. Joe Mobile Command Center, and the original Nintendo Entertainment System, though that was more of a gift for my dad at the time I think. Anyways, despite being a key part of the Cobra legions (and a crazy part of the animated movie and the Marvel comics storyline), Serpentor first stands out to me as a Christmas gift. The Classified Series version of Serpentor is another figure with minimal updates; he's a snake themed armor clad warrior. He's not exactly outdated, so it works here. All of the detail is just upgraded. He does have better accessories than the original figure, however, so that's a huge plus. He was sold through Hasbro Pulse during the PulseCon 2022 and started shipping in November. Ready to ride with Serpentor? Then join me after the break...



Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Action Figure Review: Caustic (Geometric Anomaly) from Apex Legends by Jakks Pacific

 


   For most of the late 2010s it seemed like the only makers of traditional action figures on mass market retail shelves were Hasbro and Mattel. Over the past 3-5 years, though, it feels like a number of other companies have shown up, delivering toys to mass retail. NECA has dramatically improved their retail presence, McFarlane has reemerged with their successful DC Multiverse, and smaller companies beginning with the letter "J" like Jazwares, Jada Toys, and Jakks Pacific have been offering lots of solid toys, mostly based on video games. Jazwares has had success with Fortnite and Halo, Wicked Cool Toys with Pokemon, Jada Toys is getting ready to deliver some solid looking Street Fighter figures, and Jakks Pacific has been putting out lots of Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, and figures from Apex Legends. I've seen the Apex Legends figures on shelves for at leas a year and while they've always caught my eye, I've never snagged any. When I stumbled upon Caustic in his Geometric Anomaly skin at GameStop one day when there was a sale going on and I had some Pro rewards bucks, I picked him up. While he certainly looks like the character from the popular video game, I picked him up because he looks like he could make a good Cobra agent. He's straight out of the G.I. Joe Eco Warriors designs of the early 1990s. I'm not very familiar with Apex Legends but I'm always down for a good figure. Let's check out Caustic (Geometric Anomaly) after the break...


Monday, December 26, 2022

Action Figure Review: Camo Khan from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 
   Shortly before Christmas I received my Masters of the Universe Origins version of Camo Khan in the mail from Mattel Creations. I'm still trying to get a standard Kobra Khan but I've got this one to tide me over. Actually, this one is just a bit cooler due to having an extra head based on the Masters of the Universe Classic acid spewing head. The figure itself is based on a variant released by the Argentinian company Top Toys which was called Kobra Khan Camuflado. It's one of the most well known international variants and has a couple different variations, each with a different weapon. Mattel made this a more "deluxe" Origins offering with resealable packaging, two portraits, and two weapons to correspond with the two most well known of the three vintage variants. There's also a cool new story where Skeletor transforms Kobra Khan into Camo Khan and sends him back to Preternia to build an army. Of course, Since Koba/ Camo Khan is really loyal to King Hiss, shenanigans happen and Eternia is faced to deal with the rise of the Snake Men! Let's check out this key part of the Rise of the Snake Men storyline in Origins after the break...


Friday, December 23, 2022

Happy Festivus: Frank Costanza from Seinfeld by Culturefly

 



   Happy Festivus! No matter if you're celebrating this evening by hosting a dinner complete with the Feats of Strength and the Airing of Grievances and dining on meatloaf on a bed of lettuce with a side of peas or just sitting back and watching "The Strike," Festivus is a special day worth celebrating. No tinsel and no gifts, though. Today I'm checking out a very special figure: The father of Festivus himself, Frank Costanza. Culturefly has apparently made quite a few cool Seinfeld collectibles but this year's Frank Costanza (complete with an aluminum Festivus Pole) is a true Festivus miracle. Let's celebrate this Festivus for the rest of us after the break...




Action Figure Review: Ragsy from Fortnite: Victory Royale Series by Hasbro

 

   Last month I was at my local Bargain Hunt and found this Ragsy figure from Hasbro's Fortnite: Victory Royale Series for around $7 dollars, so I scooped her up. I haven't had much interest in any of Hasbro's other Fortnite figures but for $7 bucks Ragsy can make a pretty cool figure. Maybe she can even hang out with the Dreadnoks or be a Marvel Legends goon? I really liked Jazwares' Fortnite: Legendary Series but, to be honest, I just don't have any real attachment to the Fortnite brand. I sold most of my figures, kept the accessories and figures I wanted, and moved on. Ragsy was kind of an impulse pick up for sure, but she does offer me a chance to see what Hasbro is going with the line. Let's check her out after the break...




Thursday, December 22, 2022

Action Figure Review: Koska Reeves from Star Wars: The Vintage Collection by Hasbro

 



  Ready for another review of one of my bin store finds? How about the Star Wars: The Vintage Collection Koska Reeves for a little under $5? While Galoob's Star Wars Micro Machines and Kenner's Power of the Force 2 figures were my gateway into the world of Star Wars, for the past 10 years I've preferred the larger figures of the Black Series. Oddly enough, I do own the Black Series Koska Reeves figure but I didn't review her for some reason. At least I'll have some version of Koska Reeves on the site now, right? This TVC version is apparently a Target exclusive, but the bin store I frequent seems to get a lot of Target overstock, clearance, and returns, so it makes sense that they'd have her, too. The last time I reviewed a figure from The Vintage Collection was Doctor Aphra back in 2018, so I guess there hasn't been much that's caught my eye over the past three years. Koska Reeves sure did, though. Let's check her out after the break...


Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Action Figure Review: Demona from Gargoyles by NECA

 

     Lately I've been finding some real gems at a local bin store and today I'm checking out another great find: Demona from NECA's Gargoyles line. I absolutely remember Gargoyles being on but I don't remember watching it much. I was in fifth grade and definitely still was watching cartoon and playing with action figures (to be honest, I've never really stopped), but I guess I just never got too into it. I remember the toys being in stores and looking quite cool but I was probably more into Spawn, Stargate, Mighty Max, Iron Man, and Batman. I didn't realize until the last year or two what a fanbase Gargoyles still has and it makes me want to go back and watch the show on Disney+. NECA's Gargoyles action figures looked impressive but I didn't have any interest in picking them up. When I stumbled upon Demona for $12 or $15 dollars at a bin store, though, I couldn't resist. She's a very cool looking figure who can fit into multiple different places in my collection. Demona is one of the main villains from the show, she's a gargoyle, she hates humans, she was once partners with Goliath, and had a figure in the vintage Kenner toyline. That's pretty much everything I know about Demona, so let's check her out after the break....


Monday, December 19, 2022

Action Figure Review: Mr. T from WWE Ultimate Edition by Mattel

 


   Who's ready for Mr. T? I am a huge Mr. T fan and I was beyond thrilled to find this figure. It's been a couple years since I last purchased a straight up wrestling figure (though I did grab the Masters of the WWE Universe figures) but when I stumbled upon this WWE Ultimate Edition of Mr. T, I just knew I had to add him to my collection. I'm honestly considering popping his head on a spare G.I. Joe Classified Series body or on an Action Forcer body so Mr. T/ B.A. Baracus can join the Joe team, but wrestling fans should find a lot to like here, too. The WWE Ultimate Editions seem to be Mattel's current deluxe WWE offerings as they come with multiple outfit pieces, alternate heads and hands, and a dew accessories each. The prices seem to be all over the place but, from what I can tell, they retail for around $33 dollars. I didn't pay that much. I paid less than $5 bucks. Seriously, I love this bin store near me. It's like the old KB Toys bargain bins, but better. Less than $5 bucks for Mr. T? I pity the fool who'd pass that deal up! Let's take a look at this version of Mr. T from when he was Hulk Hogan's tag-team partner at the original Wrestlemania in 1985...


Saturday, December 17, 2022

Action Figure Review: Gorr from Marvel Legends Series: Thor by Hasbro

 




   I hadn't even heard of Gorr the God Butcher prior to his appearance in the trailers for Thor: Love and Thunder as I don't keep up much with modern Marvel comics, but from all I've heard he seems like a rather unique villain. Gorr first appeared in Thor: God of Thunder #1 back in 2013 and was created by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic. I liked Christian Bale's portrayal of Gorr in Thor: Love and Thunder quite a bit and I was almost tempted to pick up the movie based figure at some point to have a Gorr on my shelf but, fortunately, Hasbro put this figure up for preorder before I snagged the MCU version. Gorr the God Butcher is an Amazon exclusive and went up for preorder at the end of August. Originally his preorder arrival date was December 2023 but at some point it shifted to December 2022. That's a heck of a decrease in arrival time, right? 2022 was a big year for Gorr, so let's check him out after the break...

Friday, December 16, 2022

Action Figure Review: Mighty Thor from Marvel Legends Series: Thor: Love and Thunder by Hasbro

 


   I don't usually pick up the actual movie based figures (I prefer the comic versions of characters who have appeared in the MCU) but a week or two ago I was at a local bin store and scored Jane Foster as the Mighty Thor for less than $5 bucks. Considering she's a pretty cool figure and it's based on buff Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, I snapper her up. Man, I've been finding some crazy deals at the bin store! I liked Thor: Love and Thunder. Tonally it was odd at times, jumping back and forth between abject silliness and some of the darkest moments in the MCU, but overall I enjoyed the ride. Natalie Portman's turn as Thor (or the Mighty Thor) was definitely one of the strongest parts of the film and a nice next step/ finale for the character. I didn't pick up any of the other Thor: Love and Thunder Legends due to having no interest in them and I passed on the Mighty Thor originally since I already own the previous comic version, but, again, this figure for less than $5 bucks was hard to pass out. Let's check out Jane Foster as the Mighty Thor after the break...



Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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

 

   I was really into Toy Biz's Marvel figures as a kid, particularly the X-Men and X-Force lines. Throughout the 1990s Toy Biz cranked out characters from almost every corner of the Marvel Universe, paving the way for the eventual rise of Marvel Legends, but the X-Men universe definitely was the area of heaviest focus. Toy Biz often has some unusual character selection, so sometimes major characters were never made while characters who had incredibly brief appearances made their way into the line. Bonebreaker was a character I didn't know from much as a kid other than his appearance in the 1992 arcade game, but I thought he was the best. I mean...he's a tank guy. What's not to like about that? Bonebreaker has been one of my most wanted Marvel Legends figures and I was disappointed that he finally made his appearance in a series of figures that I wasn't overly interested in. When I first stumbled upon the complete set of six figures at the store, I couldn't bring myself to drop $150 plus on so many figures I wasn't interested in just to build him. Fortunately with some luck and patience, I ended up snagging Bonebreaker and four of the figures from the series for under $60 bucks. Not bad! I've been eagerly looking forward to reviewing Bonebreaker, so let's take a look at him after the break...



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

 
  
   Havoc is part four of my little epic about how I ended up getting Bonebreaker on the cheap. Part 1 details how I found Maggott, Siryn, Vulcan, and Darwin for $10 bucks each at a bin store. I actually sold the Vulcan and Darwin figures to someone who just wanted the figures, so I scored the first four parts with two figures for $20 bucks. I then picked up Sabretooth for $18 bucks on sale, now netting me 5/6ths of Bonebreaker and 3 figures for $38 bucks total. Lastly, I went after Havok. I have the 2016 Havoc from the Juggernaut BAF series and the blue and yellow Havok from the 2-pack with Polaris, but this one is a much more classic Havok, plus I like his energy effects. I shopped around for his parts of Bonebreaker and ended up grabbing one for $19 bucks on Amazon. Guess what? When it showed up it was the 2016 Havok figure and accessories crammed into the new Havok's box with no BAF parts. Lame! A quick swap and I ended up with my new Havok but, most importantly, the parts to build Bonebreaker. Bonebreaker is coming next but first we have to check out Alex Summers. Join me after the break...



Tuesday, December 13, 2022

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

 

   It's time for part 3 of "How I ended up getting Bonebreaker even though I wasn't terribly interested in this series," so check out part 1 for the full setup. Anyways, after getting four of Bonebreaker's parts and the accompanying figures for cheap (I sold off Darwin and Vulcan) I had to decide whether or not I was going to try to pick up the remaining pieces individually or if I was going to pick up the final two figures. I found a solid deal on Sabretooth which was cheaper than buying the parts separately, so I went ahead and ordered him. I already have the Jim Lee era Sabretooth from the Apocalypse BAF series, but this guy kind of appealed to me and I figured he'd either make a nice companion to the first appearance Wolverine figure (even though they didn't battle then) or I'd just sell or trade him off. This Sabretooth is an interesting figure. He seems to be based on Sabretooth's earliest appearances in comics where he battled Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and Spider-Man, but his head looks more modern, like something from Wolverine: Origins. He's an interesting amalgam of different looks for Victor Creed that some folks will inevitably be frustrated by. He's a recognizable villain, though, so you can't blame Hasbro for using him (long with another Wolverine variation) to help anchor a wave of not as recognizable mutants. Let's take a look at this version of Sabretooth after the break...



Monday, December 12, 2022

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

 

   To get fully up to speed on this review, make sure to check out my review of Maggott! 

   OK, so long story short: I really wanted Bonebreaker from this series of figures but only kind of wanted Siryn and Havok. Everyone else was a pass, especially at the new $25 dollar price point. When I found four of the figures for $10 each at a bin store I jumped in and figured what the heck. I sold off a few of the figures I didn't want, kept the ones I did, and that's how I came to have Siryn in my collection. Thanks to the upcoming Banshee figure next year we'll finally have a great set of this father and daughter duo of super sonic screamers. Ready to take a look at Theresa Maeve Rourke Cassidy as  Siryn? Then join me after the break...




Sunday, December 11, 2022

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

 

   Where to start? Well, while the X-Men is one of the two major themes of my Marvel Legends collecting, I do have to admit that my X-Men fandom is mostly confined to X-Men comics from prior to the mid-late 1990s and characters I know from the films. That being said, the most recent X-Men series didn't really appeal to me that much. Most of the characters were folks I had plenty of (Wolverine and Sabretooth) or characters I wasn't overly familiar with (Maggott, Vulcan, and Darwin). The Build-a-Figure, however, is Bonebreaker, a character I love. Yeah, he's cool in the comics and all, but not a heavy hitter or anything. But that vintage Toy Biz figure? He was one of my favorites an the Legends figure seemed to be incredible. Still, with this series of Legends jumping up to the $24.99 price point and with a cast of figures I mostly didn't want, I skipped over these when they released and just waited, assuming that someday I'd get a Bonebreaker at decent price. One day last month we hit up one of those bin stores near us and I discovered they had some amazing action figures in stock at crazy prices. I walked away with Vulcan, Siryn, Darwin, and Maggott for $10 each. An acquaintance was glad to take  the Darwin and Vulcan figures off my hands for $10 bucks each, so I now had four of the six figures needed to complete Bonebreaker. I was going to sell Maggott but I'll admit that I liked the look of the figure. Honestly, the biggest reason I recognize Maggott is from him being announced as one of the X-Men Flying Fighters figures in ToyFare magazines and other fine action figure publications back in 1998. The series was cancelled, however and folks were pissed at the time. I figures that he looked cool and kind of gave me a nostalgic feeling as a "toy that got away" from back in the day, so I kept him. Here he is now for your review reading pleasure...



Saturday, December 10, 2022

Action Figure Review: Mojo from Marvel Legends Series by Hasbro


   Next up in this marathon of Marvel Legends Series figures is Mojo! Mojo was a hue surprise when he showed up on store shelves a couple months ago as it seemed like the only way to get him was to order the Hasbro Pulse exclusive Mojoworld 4-pack set. Coming at at $131.99, that set contains Mojo, Longshot, Dazzler, and a Wolverine "slug" figure. It definitely seemed overpriced but when it was announced late last spring it seemed like the only way to get Mojo and Longshot. When Mojo started hitting the shelves at Target it seemed like picking him up was a smart move as Longshot would probably be released on his own, too. Sure enough, Longshot is coming to the Retro collection and I already have two other Dazzler figures, so single boxed Mojo was good enough for me. Toy Biz released Mojo as a Build-a-Figure back in 2006 so it's about time that Hasbro revisited the guy. I always wanted the X-Force Mojo as a kid but never got him for some reason. Was he kind of tough to come by, perhaps? Anyways, now Mojo's mine. Let's take a look at Mojo after the break and see if he's a star...


Friday, December 9, 2022

Action Figure Review: Sleepwalker from Marvel Legends Series by Hasbro

 
   I originally picked up Sleepwalker on clearance somewhere thinking that I'd use him for 31 Days of Toy Terror 2022, but that didn't end up happening. I liked the look of the figure when I first saw him as part of the series of figures tied in with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessbut I didn't end up snagging him until I found him on sale somewhere as I wasn't familiar with him at all. He's a Sleepwalker (his real name is unpronounceable to we humans), a member of a race who live in the Mindscape and protect the minds of those who are sleeping from unspeakable horrors. Is he kind of like Sandman? He kind of reminds me of Sandman a bit. His face also looks like a Duros from Star Wars, though that's probably just me. Anyways, I picked him up because he seemed like he'd be a good fit for the Halloween season but in hand I really do like the figure. He hasn't done much in the Marvel Universe for the past 30 years or so, but who knows? He might pop up in the MCU some day and become a household name. You might see little kids dressed like Sleepwalker walking the streets on Halloween and folks at conventions for Sleepwalker art and customs. Anything is possible! Let's take a look at Sleepwalker after the break...

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Action Figure Review: U.S. Agent from Marvel Legends Series by Hasbro

 


   When it comes to Marvel Legends collecting my two main interests are X-Men related characters and comic versions of characters who have appeared in the MCU, so the last few months have added plenty of characters I really wanted to my collection. When John Walker appeared in last year's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier I started checking prices on the last version of U.S. Agent (from 2012) and decided I was going to wait, assuming Hasbro would get around to the Captain again. They did! The last few months have been a crazy time for Marvel Legends figures and while I've reviewed quite a few of them, including a few as part of 31 Days of Toy Terror 2022, but today starts a marvelous Marvel Legends mini marathon. Heck, it might just be a full on marathon. I picked up U.S. Agent back in late September, shortly before I reviewed his fellow series-mates Madame Hydra and Quake, but it's taken me this long to get around to him. Let's take a look at John Walker, U.S. Agent, after the break...



Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Action Figure Review: Whiplash from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 



   Since so many of my vintage Masters of the Universe figures were acquired at such a young age (I wasn't born until 1983), I can't always recall when I received certain figures. I'm pretty confident I received Whiplash for Christmas one year, probably in 1987 or 1988, so after the line was already dead, but I was a kid and I loved them. I received the Fright Zone for Christmas 1988 and I'm pretty sure I received King Randor, Snout Spout, and the Slime Pit for Christmas in 1989, so Whiplash could have been either of those years. Whiplash was never one of my absolutely favorites, though. Despite being a walking crocodile man, he always seemed kind of dull to me. Man, you can tell MOTU is pretty wild when a walking crocodile man is viewed as a bit dull, huh? I love Whiplash's color scheme, though, and I'm thrilled that he's finally made it into Origins. Just counting action figures, all of the vintage series 3 figures have now been released in Origins (though I don't yet personally have Kobra Khan and Mekaneck), so that's kind of a big deal. I've really been hoping for a Masterverse Whiplash with his Motherboard cult outfit, but for now we've got this classic version. Whiplash is currently the last figure in this mini-marathon of Masters of the Universe Origins reviews so let's give this Caligar a few minutes of our time after the break...




Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Action Figure Review: Teela & Zoar from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 


   The Masters of the Universe Origins mini marathon continues today with a look at the Teela and Zoar two-pack. Teela and Zoar were paired together in a gift set in the vintage line, too, so this set pays tribute to that 1983 release. While Teela was originally released in the line in 2020, Zoar is new to MOTU Origins. Teela has a lot of new elements that make her more than just a repaint, however; she comes with new portrait, a new sword, and the updated knees that most of the newer female figures have had. Zoar is surprisingly very vintage to the vintage toy, based on the eagle from the 1970s Big Jim line. I was never a huge fan of the oversized Screeech and Zoar in the vintage line so I wasn't thrilled with Mattel replicating the vintage toy so faithfully here. We'll have to see if having this one in hand and messing around with it a bit changes my mind any. While this set is apparently a shared exclusive between Big Bad Toy Store and Entertainment Earth and thus won't be on a traditional retail shelf, the packaging is incredible and really shows off the toys well. It's very impressive and nostalgic. Ready to check out Teela and Zoar? Then join me after the break...



Monday, December 5, 2022

Action Figure Review: Rattlor from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 


   The Snake Men have finally arrived in Masters of the Universe Origins! Skeletor'ss crew has been very well represented and the Evil Horde has had over half of their vintage crew in the line, so now it's the Snake Men's turn! Series 11 introduces the first two Snake Men to Origins, Kobra Khan (who was first an Evil Warrior then a Snake Man) and Rattlor, and it's Rattlor who I'm checking out today. Rattlor (AKA the General, AKA Slltyo of the Rattlor House) was one of the first Snake Men and was King Hiss's second in command in the MYP animated series. He definitely seems like a pretty serious fellow and I'm happy to say that Mattel did a great job translating the vintage toy into the Origins line. Ready for a quick strike from Rattlor? Then join me after the break...


Friday, December 2, 2022

Action Figure Review: Digitino from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 


   Ready for another Masters of the Universe Origins review? Let's take a look at another member of the Sun-Man and the Rulers of the Sun cast who has been introduced into Eternia: Digitino, the Numerical Genius! I will say that out of all of the Rulers of the Sun characters, Digitino might look the most dull (it's either him or Holographo, but Holographo does have a beard and a giant Nerf looking sword). Other than having some numbers on a glow-in-the-dark vest, there's nothing about Digitino that really seems to convey the idea from his original origin story that he is Dr. Carlos Montanez, a scientist whose brain has been fused together with a computer. Dr. Montanez also receives a vision of Quetzacoatl and is charged with stopping a villain named Subtractus. Of course, in the comic included with this figure, Digitino is now a resident of Trefixa who seems to have a computer-like mind, kind of like how Sherlock Holmes was portrayed in the Robert Downey Jr. films. It's pretty cool in the MOTU Origins minicomic "Mind Over Matter" which is included with Digitino and the other figures in this series. Ready to check out Digitino and see how the figure turned out? Then join me after the break...


Thursday, December 1, 2022

Action Figure Review: Bolt-Man from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

   Today I'm kicking off another mini marathon of action figure reviews and this time I'm taking a look at some of the newest Masters of the Universe Origins figures out there. Let's start with one that's really out of left field: Bolt-Man. Wait... you don't remember Bolt-Man? Well, neither do I. Few will since he was part of the Sun-Man and the Rulers of the Sun action figure line in the 1980s. Masters of the Universe fans largely seem to love figures based on concept artwork, bizarre international variants, unproduced prototypes, and "knock off" lines designed to be compatible to MOTU, so it's pretty neat that Mattel has been officially releasing Olmec Toys' Sun-Man figures as part of Origins. So, who is Bolt-Man? He's listed as a "Molecular Regenerator" but his real name is Joe Red Eagle. He's a Native American/ Indigenous person from the Apache tribe and comes from Iowa, according to a booklet included with the vintage figures. Bolt-Man's power comes the turquoise bandanna, given to him by his mother, and allows him to manipulate molecules, regenerating and restoring them. He's fast and he has the power to change into other great Native Americans that are part of his heritage. Now, looking at Mattel's copy for the version of the character, Bolt-Man is a healer and a warrior who can manipulate molecules. Is he a transplant from Earth like Queen Marlena now that he's a part of MOTU? In the minicomic he identifies himself as Bolt-Man of Trefix, so I doubt the Earth origin of the vintage pack-in will still be used. As part of the "Rise of the Snakemen" minicomic Bolt-Man uses his powers to help heal He-Man of King Hiss' poison, so he has a unique powerset to add to the crew. This guy is a modern recreation of a pretty rare vintage figure and he comes with blue lightning bolt weapons; that makes him kind of unique, right?. He definitely looks like someone who would ally himself with He-Man in the Filmation series, so let's take a look at Bolt-Man after the break and see what he brings to the table...




Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Action Figure Review: Toad from Marvel Legends: 20th Anniversary Series by Hasbro

 

   I have a bunch of Marvel Legends to review to wrap up the year but since Toad is one of the extra special Marvel Legends: 20th Anniversary Series figures, I'll start with him. Yes, the rumors are true: Toad was indeed one of the original four Marvel Legends figures released by Toy Biz back in 2002. He wasn't originally intended for Marvel Legends, and thus he looked and was articulated quite differently from the other three figures in the first series (Cap, Hulk, and Iron Man). Instead, he was supposed to be part of a 2 pack with a movie version of Toad from the X-Men film. Toy Biz definitely moved figures around and reused things a lot, so Toad added an already designed villain figure with a recent bit of gained popularity into the line. Now, 20 years later, Hasbro has gone back and finally introduced a well articulated Toad figure into the line. It's kind of weird that Toad came out a few months later rather than shipping with the other figures, but they didn't exactly all ship together, either. Over the past 8 or so years Hasbro has really been filling in the X-Men roster and Toad has definitely been overdue for a modern release. Ready to see if this one is worth picking up? Then join me for a look at Toad (with no "struck by lightning" jokes after the break...



Monday, November 28, 2022

Minifigure Review: Orko from World's Smallest: Masters of the Universe by Super Impulse

 

   I'm not going to check out all of the figures from series 2 of Super Impulse's World's Smallest Masters of the Universe as there are quite a few repaints (a translucent green Slime Pit He-Man, a Green Goddess Teela, and the dark blue and black Leo Skeletor), but I wanted to hit the new stuff and, after Castle Grayskull, the next most exciting release is Orko. I'm always happy to see Orko show up and he's a cute little addition to this line. He's really small, definitely smaller than the regular figures, but he's nice and colorful and really stands out. Ready to check out a super tiny version of Orko? Then let's check out the World's Smallest Orko after the break...




Sunday, November 27, 2022

Minifigure Review: Castle Grayskull from World's Smallest: Masters of the Universe by Super Impulse

 

   Castle Grayskull is perhaps the most recognizable action figure playset of all time and now it's also one of the smallest. This year Super Impulse toys has released a new series of World's Smallest Masters of the Universe toys and Castle Grayskull is the most interesting of the releases. It's a pretty faithful recreation of the classic 1982 playset that's only a little more than 2 inches tall. The World's Smallest brand has put out some pretty neat stuff but this one definitely is one of the coolest releases they've done. For my next mini marathon of releases I'm going to be checking out series 2 of the World's Smallest Masters of the Universe, beginning with Castle Grayskull. Ready to venture into this ancient fortress of mystery and power? Then join me after the break...




Saturday, November 26, 2022

Action Figure Review: Scarabs from Action Force by Valaverse

 


   Would you believe it's been over two months since I got this Scarabs figure for my birthday? I received four Action Force figures for my birthday (Duster, Desert Rat, the Garrison Cavalry, and the Scarabs) and it's take me over two months to review them all. What can I say? I've been kind of busy. Today I'm taking a look at the Scarabs. Well, the package says Scarabs, but I'm pretty sure the singular troop is referred to as a Scarab, so I'm calling him a Scarab. Anyways, he's the first member of the SWARM, a mysterious and sinister faction that provides security to the states unaffiliated with New Colonia in the Action Force story. While the SWARM troopers strike from the air, the Scarabs are the ground forces for the SWARM. This guy's a pretty interesting figure and I'm excited to have him. He's definitely more futuristic and a bit more fantastical than the other Action Force figures I've reviewed, so how does he compare? Let's find out after the break...



Thursday, November 24, 2022

Toy Review: Remarkable Ancient Machine/ 3 in 1 Medieval Weapon #30001 from Civiization: Medieval Times by JMBricklayer

 
  
   Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today I've got a review of a very cool building brick set that's a veritable buffet of medieval weaponry. The good folks at JMBricklayer sent me this set to review and I have to say that it's a pretty fantastic one. The set is called "Remarkable Ancient Machine/ 3 in 1 Medieval Weapon #30001 and it's a really cool set that features the parts to build any one of three medieval siege weapons: Either a catapult, a bombard, or a ballista. This is a very high quality set that uses a lot of pin and rail pieces to create some interesting brick built devices. They also work, too. The catapult launches and the bombard and ballista fire projectiles, all with the use of clever engineering and various rubber bands. This is a very different set from what I typically build and I had a lot of fun with it. I never got much into the Lego Technic stuff as a kid, so this was a fun introduction to that unique style of building that's a bit more akin to something like an Erector set than a traditional brick built set. The set also scales really with action figures, so I've included a few shots of the set with some G.I. Joe Classified Series figures or Masters of the Universe Origins to give you an idea of the scale.

   If you dig the set, it's actually on sale today through Monday 11/24 for 30% off on Amazon (use discount code VIPJMB30) or on JMBricklayer's own website. You can also order any other sets that aren't already on sale through their at 15 % off store using my special discount code VIPJerry15%. That's good through the end of 2022, so use it for all of your holiday shopping needs. Just tell them your old pal Barbecue17 sent you!

Now, let's check out this Remarkable Ancient Machine after the break...




Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Action Figure Review: Battle Armor He-Man from Masterverse: Masters of the Universe New Eternia by Mattel

 



   Today's the last day of this Masterverse mini marathon and I'm actually wrapping things up with what might be my favorite Masterverse figure of the year: The New Eternia Battle Armor He-Man. I'm a big fan of the New Eternia style, I've always loved Battle Armor He-Man, and I really dig the barbarian/ fantasy aspect of Masters of the Universe, so a bearded, Battle Armor He-Man just checks all of the boxes for me. The pack of the package describes this figure as General Adam in his powerful Battle Armor on a quest to find the Isle of Grayskull and the legendary Power Sword. Once he has the sword, he can finally change into He-Man. Interesting concept. So maybe this really isn't a powered up He-Man, but General Adam armed and ready for battle? Or is this him after finally finding the Power Sword? I'm digging this slightly changed version of the MOTU story and I'm absolutely loving this figure. Let's check out Battle Armor He-Man after the break...



Monday, November 21, 2022

Action Figure Review: Catra from Materverse: Princess of Power by Mattel

 

   I feel like having a new Catra figure in the Masterverse: Princess of Power subset is a fairly big deal. Yeah, it's always great to have She-Ra, and Hordak always gets made, but Catra? That's kind of a big deal. Catra was a star in the vintage Princess of Power line and she also had figures in Mattel's and Super7's "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power" lines, but the only other time Catra was released in a Masters of the Universe line was in MOTU Classics back in 2011. It's about time, right? Here's hoping we continue to get more of the Princess of Power cast! Catra definitely received a huge boost in popularity through the Netflix She-Ra series (where she was an actual cat person) and, while I do hope we see her and some other characters from that show in Masterverse at some point, it's very welcome to have the original Catra back in action. Let's take a look at Catra, the next figure in this Masterverse mini-marathon, after the break...


Friday, November 18, 2022

Action Figure Review: Jitsu from Masterverse: New Eternia by Mattel



    For me, the New Eternia subset has been the most exciting of the Masterverse subsets because it's definitely doing some unique things with the classic Masters if the Universe characters. There haven't been many New Eternia figures released yet but getting Jitsu so early in the subset was a cool surprise. Jitsu's a character figure that everyone remembers due to his figure but that never seems to get any attention in MOTU media. It sounds like New Eternia is going to end up having a comic book tie-in, which should be interesting as there seem to be a number of changes to the mythos. For instance, the back of Jitsu's packaging tells us that he's now allied with He-Man. The packaging states: "Rescued from Point Dread Prison by Prince Adam to aid in the search for the Isle of Grayskull, Jitsu – the mysterious man from Gretori – knows more about the legends than anyone in Eternos. Mistrusted as a thief, the master of Martial Arts shows his true colors, aligning with He-Man in the fight to protect Eternia and the Universe."

   A heroic Jitsu, huh? I can dig it. Fisto actually had some villainous origins in some of his appearances, too, so maybe these guys will swap? This Jitsu figure can still function as a great "vintage" faithful stand in for your collection but he can also be spiced up with some new details to stand out on your shelf. Let's check out Jitsu after the break...

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Action Figure Review: She-Ra from Masterverse: Princess of Power by Mattel

 



   Next up on this Masterverse marathon is the Princess of Power herself, She-Ra! There has been a rather decent stream of She-Ra merchandise over the past few years or so but this deluxe set was one of my most anticipated items. Besides being a 7 inch scaled Masterverse She-Ra figure, this deluxe package seemed like it would nicely allow for some customization in creating a couple different looks for Adora. I was really excited to stumble upon both her and Hordak at a Target at the beginning of October as it's been a while since I found new Masterverse figures in a store (I actually pulled these two out of sealed cases sitting on a cart). Since Princess of Power seems to be getting an ongoing subset in Masterverse, you'll definitely want a She-Ra to rally her allies and lead the charge against her enemies. How did she turn out? Find out after the break...



Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Action Figure Review: Hordak from Masterverse: Princess of Power by Mattel



   My Masterverse miniseries continues with my first look at a figure from the Princess of Power subset in Masterverse: Hordak! While Mattel did release a rather small line of 12 inch dolls/ figures for Netflix's She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and a few one-off convention exclusives, it really hasn't been since the Masters of the Universe Classics era that She-Ra: Princess of Power got much attention. Yeah, Hordak and the Horde almost always make it into MOTU lines, but so far the Princess of Power subset for Princess of Power has She-Ra, Hordak, and Catra available with Frosta and Shadow Weaver coming. That's a decent start towards a respectable PoP line and I'm hoping it carries on. This Hordak, clearly inspired by a few different media sources, is packed with accessories, thus he's sold at a deluxe price. Is he worth picking up? Let's find out after the break...

 

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Action Figure Review: He-Man Vs. Skeletor: 40th Anniversary from Masterverse by Mattel

 

   Since November is going to be groups of reviews (miniseries, if you will), the next stream of reviews will be covering Mattel's Masterverse line. Masterverse has gotten really interesting this year with figures from multiple different areas of Masters of the Universe including MOTU Revelation, Princess of Power, the concept art inspired New Eternia, and some figures celebrating the original vintage line. Today I'm kicking things off with a review of the He-Man Vs. Skeletor 40th Anniversary set, a 2-pack that went up for preorder on Mattel Creations in July during SDCC 2022 and which I received in the mail at the end of September. This two-pack features a classic He-Man and Skeletor in the Masterverse scale and style with diecast metal weapons. It's honestly a pretty impressive set and while there is a single carded 40th Anniversary He-Man out there, I opted for this one since diecast metal weapons for He-Man are pretty darn cool. There have been many 2-packs featuring He-Man and Skeletor, and while Skeletor said "Let this be our final battle!" in the 1987 movie, it absolutely was not; these two are never going to stop battling. It's pretty wild that we're living in a time when MOTU is pretty popular again, and I'd argue the popularity of MOTU right now is second only to its popularity back in it's heyday of 1983-1985. Ready to take a look at one of Mattel's many celebratory tributes to the Most Powerful Man in the Universe and the Evil Lord of Destruction? Then let's check out this He-Man Vs. Skeletor 40th Anniversary set after the break...



Saturday, November 12, 2022

Action Figure Review: Saw Gerrera from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro




   Since I'm using November to do some review miniseries, it's time to look back at another Star Wars: The Black Series action figure I received for my birthday way back in September but just haven't gotten around to reviewing yet: Saw Gerrera. Saw is the only Black Series figure I have sitting in my queue, so he's flying solo instead of being part of a miniseries. While it's been sometime since Hasbro has released any Sequel Trilogy based figures (other than repaints in the Christmas/ Holiday series) they have been slowly yet steadily getting around to Rogue One characters that were missed the first time and redoing the main cast with the photo-real face printing. After last year's release of Bodhi Rook, the next most anticipated figure from Rogue One had to be Saw Gerrera, right? Well, we got him this year (along with Galen Erso and Anton Merrick) Besides being pretty memorable in Rogue One (as played by Forest Whitaker), he's also a beloved Clone Wars character from a very memorable story arc and has continued to show up in shows like Rebels and Andor. Saw Gerrera has one of the most elaborate outfits of any Star Wars character that I can think of and, honestly, he does kind of feel more worthy of the "deluxe" treatment than so many of the other figures Hasbro has been releasing as deluxe releases. I've really been cutting back on my Black Series purchases due to the price hikes and the release of fewer characters I really want, but Saw Gerrera definitely made the cut. Let's take a look at Saw Gerrera after the break...


Friday, November 11, 2022

Action Figure Review: Stuart "Outback" Selkirk from G.I. Joe Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   For the last figure in my G.I. Joe Classified Series miniseries I've got another extremely new release: The Target exclusive Tiger Force Stuart "Outback" Selkirk. It's interesting that we're getting the variant version of Outback before the standard version, but since Target is now focusing on a Tiger Force/ Python Patrol theme it makes sense. Outback is probably recognizable to most G.I. Joe A Real American Hero fans as a red headed, white t-shirt wearing, Chuck Norris looking guy, but this version is based off of the Tiger Force version of Outback that wasn't released in the US but in Europe and Brazil. Tiger Force Outback was released in Europe in 1991 and then in Brazil in 1993 as Forasteiro. He definitely developed a bit of a cult following due to his kind of silly tiger T-shirt, and ended up getting a modern release in the fourth series of the G.I. Joe Collector's Club Figure Subscription Service. Now he's in the Classified Series and, in my opinion, he's never looked better. Let's take a look at the Tiger Force version of Stuard "Outback" Selkirk after the break...




Thursday, November 10, 2022

Action Figure Barbecue: Sgt. Slaughter from G.I. Joe Classified Series by Hasbro


 


   Sgt. Slaughter's appearance as the spokesman for the G.I. Joe brand was a pretty big deal in the 1980s. During that era Sgt. Slaughter was one of the most recognizable wrestlers in the world and his gimmick of a tough as nails drill Marine Corps drill instructor fit in perfectly with G.I. Joe. I'm not going to say I was shocked when Hasbro revealed a Classified Series Sgt. Slaughter but I was a bit surprised, especially coming so closely after the Valaverse Action Force Sgt. Slaughter figures. I tend to feel the two lines complement each other, but when you hop on social media or various forums you'll find there is often a pretty harsh rivalry between the two brands. The release of the Classified Series Sgt. Slaughter definitely really is causing some debate. While both based on Sgt. Slaughter, the two figures are fairly different with the Action Force figure representing a contemporary version of the Sarge and the Classified Series figure representing Sarge in his prime as part of the Joe team. I believe this figure is a Fan Channel exclusive, so look for it from select e-tailers and places like GameStop. Let's take a look and see if Hasbro's Sgt. Slaughter outworks the Action Force Sgt. Slaughter...




Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Action Figure Review: Kamakura from G.I. Joe Classified Series by Hasbro

 



   My G.I. Joe: Classified Series review miniseries continues with a look at another new figure: Kamakura! Kamakura didn't have an action figure in the vintage G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line as his only appearances during the 1980s and 1990s were as a kid in the Marvel comics. Kamakura's real name is Sean and he's the biological son of Fred Broca, the original Cobra Crimson Guardsman. After his death, Fred Broca, was replaced by an identical Crimson Guardsman, Fred II, who stepped into the family. Fred II was actually Wade Collins, an old army buddy of Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow, and Stalker. Fred II/ Wade got out of Cobra and raised Sean as his own. During the Devil's Due G.I. Joe relaunch of comics Sean Collins was reintroduced as Kamakura, an apprentice of Snake Eyes and a new ninja for the Joe team. Kamakura has received a number of figures since his 2003 action figure debut, many from the Sigma 6 line where he was a major part of the team. I'm glad to see Hasbro pulling from multiple eras of G.I. Joe in the Classified Series and Kamakura is a great choice. He's an Amazon exclusive (who's currently not even listed on the site) and, oddly, a deluxe release. Why is he deluxe? Well, he does have two portraits, but it's probably because of the extra weapons Hasbro included with him. They're not unique, though, and he doesn't have storage for most of them (holsters, sheathes, etc.), so it feels like he just has a bunch of extra stuff. Is he worth tracking down? Let's find out after the break...





Monday, November 7, 2022

Action Figure Review: Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

 

   There have been quite a few G.I. Joe Classified Series releases lately, so I'm currently in the middle of a review miniseries. Today I'm checking out the Cobra Viper Officer & Vipers 3-pack, a set of Cobra Vipers with multiple rifles and firing effects. While there were multiple Viper figures released in the vintage A Real American Hero line, the idea of a Viper Officer didn't really appear until 1998 with the release of the Toys R Us exclusive Cobra Infantry Team, a set consisting of two Cobra Troopers and a Cobra Officer. Most of the parts used were from the 1986 Viper figure, so this set seemed more like a set of Cobra Vipers than just standard Cobra Troopers. That's what this set makes me think of though this set is streets ahead of the 1998 set (which I think I still may own). It's also much pricier, though, with a noticeably higher price tag for three figures (almost $30 bucks each). All three figures do have something that sets them apart though; the Cobra Viper Officer obviously has a radically different color scheme but each figure also has a different skin tone, noticeable under their bandanna. It actually took me over a week to realize that! With five different rifles, three pistols, a suppressor, and multiple firing effects, this set really is a lot of fun to play around with. I've been messing with it non-stop since I picked it up. Is it worthy of your attention? Stay tuned and find out after the break...




Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Action Figure Review: Baroness from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   We're approaching the end of 2022 and with lots of new stuff showing up combined with a bit of a back log from the last month or two, I'm going to spend most of November doing some review miniseries, starting with the G.I. Joe Classified Series. I've got a few items to review from the line that have shown up over the last month such as the Cobra Viper 3-pack and Kamakura. but first I'll start things off with a look at the retro version of the Baroness. Exclusive to Walmart, this version of Baroness comes on a classic styled blister card (kind of like the Marvel Legends Retro Collection figures or the Star Wars Black Credit Collection line) and is a repaint of the Cobra Island Baroness that came with the Cobra C.O.I.L. back in 2020. I thought that was a pretty fine "classic" version of the Baroness herself and I was really looking forward to the version shown in promotional art that seemed to have some purple in her hair, but that one never came out. I honestly wasn't planning to pick this one up at first but I ended up running across one in store and decided grab her to, at the least, use with the helmeted portrait from the Cobra Island Baroness. While retro Gung-Ho is pretty much a new figure and the retro Lady Jaye has enough new elements to warrant a second purchase, the Baroness feels like a less interesting version of a solid figure. Let's take a look at this retro version of the Baroness after the break...




Monday, October 31, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Headless Horseman from Figura Obscura by Four Horsemen Studios

 

   Happy Halloween 2022! I always like to save something really special for my October 31st review and this year I have something pretty special indeed... The Headless Horseman! OK, so I did review the McFarlane Toys Headless Horseman figure from the film Sleepy Hollow yesterday, but today I'm looking at a brand new figure of the Headless Horseman and his horse from Four Horsemen Studios. This guy was a surprise drop at the beginning of the month and arrived in time for Halloween! He's part of the Figure Obscura line started last year with a surprise Krampus figure and continues this year with the infamous specter from one of the most famous stories in American literature. Ready for a frightening fiend of myth and legend for this, the most spookiest of days? Then join me after the break...



Sunday, October 30, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: The Headless Horseman from Sleepy Hollow by McFarlane Toys

 


   Halloween is right around the corner so today I've got a special review from one of my favorite horror movies: The Headless Horseman from Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow. I've loved the movie since I saw it in the theater back in 1999 with my dad and I owned two of the accompanying McFarlane Toys action figures back in the day. I purchased Ichabod Crane and the deluxe Headless Horseman with horse (the diorama for which appears in the background of most of my 31 Days of Toy Terror reviews) back when the movie came out but I didn't complete the line until the mid-late 2000s. Well, by complete I mean pick up the other two figures. There were only four figures in the line which isn't that surprising as there aren't that many characters that would make great action figures, but I'm still not over the fact that they didn't make Christina Ricci as Katrina Van Tassel. This version of the Headless Horseman doesn't come with his horse or his sword but he does have a head. Four of them. For being known as "Headless," he has more heads than most action figures. Kind of weird, right? Well, technically two of them aren't his. Two of them are, though. I love almost anything to do with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and I'm still glad these figures exist. Let's take a look at the standard release of the Headless Horseman after the break...




Saturday, October 29, 2022

31 Days of Toy Terror X: Strahd (With D20) #782 from POP! Games: Dungeons & Dragons by Funko

 

   I don't think we've had any vampires as part of 31 Days of Toy Terror X yet, have we? We've had a Slebetor Slug-man who drains energy, but no vampires. Let's fix that. How about we take a look at the Funko POP! vinyl of Count Strahd von Zarovich, one of the most well known villains in Dungeons & Dragons. The lord of Barovia, Count Strah rules from the ancient and haunted Castle Ravenloft. I've long been wanting to play the 5th Edition Curse of Strahd module and having this POP! version of Strahd in hand gets me even more excited to do so. Maybe I need to plan a nice January/ February D&D series with some friends. Strahd was released last year as a GameStop exclusive and I actually managed to pick him up last month on sale. There have been a handful of Dungeons and Dragons POP! vinyls released over the past few years and some of them have managed to become quite popular. Will Strahd's popularity surge as well? Will the 5th season of Stranger Things have a character called Strahd? Who knows? What I do know is that we've got this cool POP! to check out, so let's kick off a look at this bloodsucker after the break...