Action Figure Review: Supergirl (Injustice) from DC Page Punchers by McFarlane Toys/ DC Direct

 

   Today I'm not reviewing a DC Multiverse figure; I'm reviewing a DC Page Punchers figure! A joint effort between McFarlane Toys and DC Direct, the DC Page Punchers figures come in sets as part of a focused series and each figure includes a full size comic book. Supergirl is part of the Injustice series, based on the video game series, and while she seemed to show up last year in pictures and maybe at some international locations, she's just been showing up in the United States within the past month or two. There have been some Injustice figures sprinkled into the DC Multiverse line but this series is all about Injustice. While there is a new version of Supergirl from the upcoming Flash movie available at retail right now, this version of Supergirl beat her to retail by a month or so. Ready to see how this version of Supergirl turned out? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Beast Boy (Titans) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Ready for the Beast Boy build-a-figure from the DC Multiverse Titans series? Well get ready for Beast Boy!  A very beastly version of Beast Boy. This version of Gar Logan is from a more recent storyline in Rebirth where Beast Boy kind of hulks out. It's a really cool looking figure for sure and looks distinctively different from the recent Gold Label Beast Boy figure. Personally, I think this is a pretty impressive build-a-figure and definitely makes buying the set more appealing. The Titans series had a pretty good character selection but 3/4ths of the figures had something just off about them. They're not horrible, just off. Well, Nightwing didn't turn out well, mostly because of his missing escrima sticks and permanent fist hands. Still, since you only need four figures to build Beast Boy, he feels like much more of a value. Ready to check out Beast Boy? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Raven (Titans) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

  

 Today I'm looking at the last figure the recent DC Multiverse Titans series, so that means next time I'll be checking out the massive Beast Boy build-a-figure. Today, though, I'm looking at Raven, the Daughter of Darkness. Raven's had some good costumes and while I'm not sure I like this one as much as her original outfit or her pre-New 52 outfit, this is definitely a very impressive look for her. Raven eventually became part of the Titans in DC Rebirth, so she fits in with this team perfectly. Ready to add some magical power to your DC Multiverse collection? Then let's check out Rachel Roth, better known as Raven, after the break...

Action Figure Review: Nightwing (Titans) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   It's been a bit since a comic based figure of Nightwing was newly available in the DC Multiverse line (there was a Gotham Knights videogame version last year) so his inclusion in this set makes perfect sense: Dick Grayson is a key member of the Titans, he's a popular character, and he's a member of the Bat-Family. He's going to sell for sure. There have been some good Nightwing figures in the line previously (I own a couple of them) but this one has one really weird detail: He doesn't come with his escrima sticks, his signature weapon. Furthermore, he doesn't even have gripping hands, so he can't even hold a set of escrima sticks borrowed from another figure. That's a weird choice, right? Nightwing being available in the line is a solid choice but the figure does suffer from some weird decisions. Let's check out this Titans version of Nightwing after the break...

Action Figure Review: Donna Troy (Titans) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   If there's a character with a more complicated series of backstories and origins than Donna Troy, I'd love to know who they are! OK, yeah, I'm sure there is, but Donna Troy definitely had has multiple conflicting and utterly bizarre origins. Since this series of DC Multiverse figures is based on the Rebirth era Titans, this version of Donna Troy was created out of clay to be a weapon intent on killing Wonder Woman. She was given false memories by the Amazons, however, so she at least believed she had a fairly normal childhood. Well, as normal of a childhood as one could have being an orphan adopted by Wonder Woman. Donna is still around, though, and she's still quite a powerhouse and a skilled Amazon warrior. You'll also have to pick her up if you're wanting to pick up the massive Beast Boy figure from this series. Ready for a look Donna Troy? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark) from The Adventures of Indiana Jones Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   Similar to their Star Wars: Retro Collection, Hasbro is now offering a retro inspired series of figure based on Kenner's vintage The Adventures of Indiana Jones toyline. The Adventures of Indiana Jones Retro Collection currently features remakes of five of the figures from the vintage Kenner line based on Raiders of the Lost Ark and a number of new retro-styled figures based on Temple of Doom and The Last Crusade. While I'm currently holding off on the 6 inch Adventure Series until they announce Mola Ram or I find certain figures on sale, I was interested in this guy because while I do have a vintage Indy, he's never had any accessories and he's not in the best shape. I wasn't even born when Kenner's vintage The Adventure of Indiana Jones line first came out and the only figure I ever purchased firsthand in a store was Toht. Somehow, we were at some store when I was a very young kid that had a selection of older toys and I picked him up. Weird, huh? Anyways, my original vintage Indy was acquired at an antique store near Etna, OH back in 1996 when I was first getting into Star Wars. I remember picking up him, Belloq in his ceremonial robes, Luke Skywalker in Bespin fatigues, and Han Solo in Bespin gear. Back then who knows how much I paid for them? They were all used and worn but I still have them all. Eh.. enough rambing; let's see how Hasbro's Retro Collection version of Indiana Jones from Raiders of the Lost Ark turned out...

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

 

   
   Who's ready for some more Masters of the Universe Origins? If the Snake Men are the KISS of Eternia then Tung Lashor is their Gene Simmons. Think about it! Gene Simmons and Tung Lashor were both elementary school teachers before they found fame, they both formerly dated Cher, and they both guest starred on episodes of Miami Vice. Of course, Gene and Tung are also both most well known for their incredibly long tongues! Tung Lashor might beat Gene's tongue length by at least a foot, but Gene still can breathe fire further. Since the last year or so of Masters of the Universe Origins has focused on the Snake Men, Tung Lashor is the designated member of the faction for this series. I've always liked this guy due to his awesome color scheme and the super cool action feature of his vintage toy. The Origins Tung Lashor doesn't have a true action feature but he still is really, really fun. Let's check out Tung Lashor after the break...

Action Figure Review: Groot/ Cosmo/ Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Epic Heroes by Hasbro

 

   *Warning- Some movie spoilers here!*

   My family went to see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on opening weekend and while both my wife and I were very impressed by it, our daughter... well, I don't think she's going to get over the tragic scene with Rocket's friends anytime soon. She's seen every MCU film except Eternals and most of the shows but, man, that was unexpectedly dark. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 was a great movie, probably the best since Spider-Man: No Way Home, but that was a pretty rough movie for a younger Marvel fan. Usually you get some drama, sure, and some comic book violence and mild expletives, but Guardians pushes the PG-13 rating, particularly with some disturbing animal abuse. I've certainly teared up during a Marvel film, sure, but my daughter was full on sobbing. Seeing some helpless animals get blasted was definitely not something I think any of us were hoping for. Now that being said, I really loved the film. Second only to the tentpole films of the Infinity Saga, Guardians of the Galaxy has been my favorite part of the MCU and the third movie was filled with some really solid payoffs and fitting endings for the cast. I also absolutely adore Cosmo the Spacedog. Cosmo has been hanging around since the original film but I really began to love her after her appearance in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. This film cements her as one of the stars of the MCU. Voiced by Maria Bakalova, Cosmo the Spacedog absolutely steals the show. And, for the record, let me state that Cosmo is absolutely a good dog. The best dog in the MCU!

   It's because of Cosmo that I bought this set, but it also comes with Groot and a minifigure of Baby Rocket. My main Marvel Legends collecting focus is on comic based figures, not MCU figures, and I didn't really want to pick up the GOTGV3 Legends figures just to build Cosmo. She's really expensive on her own, too, and when I discovered this set I figured she'd make a nice stand in. While this set is mainly branded for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol, it's part of Hasbro's Epic Heroes line of 4-inch scaled figures intended for kids. Doesn't it seem like Hasbro keeps jumping to new scales and styles every year or so to try to engage kids, all the while releasing mostly the same characters over and over again? Will Epic Heroes prevail? Honestly, I have no skin in the game. I just wanted Cosmo. Let's check her, Groot, and Baby Rocket out after the break...

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

 

   Masters of the Universe is a crazy property! I mean, in what other toyline do so many unmade concept characters get multiple releases? The Masterverse Vykron/ Roger Sweet trio is getting ready to see release again (it was already produced in Classics), the New Eternia figures routinely draw from vintage concept art, and one of the newest series of MOTU Origins figures includes two figures from an unproduced series of vintage figures based on art from Errol McCarthy. The Origins figures have been releasing sort of sporadically, but I believe the Snake Trooper I'm reviewing today is from series 13, along with Snake Teela, a 200x inspired King Randor, and Slamurai. Mattel released the MOTUC Slamurai and some Snake Troopers as part of a Power-Con 2019 boxed set, but now they're bringing them to Origins. The Snake Trooper is a simple concept, just a repaint with a headswap, but it turned out to be a pretty cool figure. Let's check out the Snake Trooper after the break...

Action Figure Review: Arsenal (Titans) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Today I'm going to start a review miniseries of the recent Titans series of DC Multiverse figures from McFarlane Toys. Collect all four (Arsenal, Raven, Nightwing, and Donna Troy) and you can build a really cool Beast Boy figure. Nifty, right? I really like Roy Harper as a character and while this isn't one of my favorite outfit he has worn (I really liked his Young Justice and New 52 costumes), it's not terrible at all. It's still kind of a "too cool"/ frat boy kind of look, but it makes for a nice figure and fits the Rebirth era of Titans that the other figures in this set come from. Let's take a look at Arsenal after the break...

Action Figure Review: Shadow Weaver from Masterverse: Princess of Power by Mattel

 

   Who is ready for a Mastervers review? Today I'm checking out Shadow Weaver from the Princess of Power subset of Masterverse. When Shadow Weaver finally received her first action figure back in Masters of the Universe Classics it was such a big deal, and, while she's received quite a few figures since then, it's still pretty cool to see her in the line and at mainstream retail. She's actually part of series 8, which I reviewed most of earlier in the year, but it just took me longer to get my hands on her. Let's take a look at the Horde's Evil Mistress of Dark Magic after the break... 

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

 

   It's been over two years since I reviewed the original Masters of the Universe Origins Roboto figure based on the vintage toy but, since that one has become a bit scarce, Mattel has a new repaint out to recirculate the Heroic Mechanical Warrior. This time we've got a version of Roboto painted to look like some of his minicomic appearances where his coloring was different and his heart was more prominent. He's really just a repaint of the previous figure, sure, but he's pretty cool looking and he feels better mad than the previous Roboto. Let's take a look at Roboto after the break...

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

 

   It's been quite a bit since I last reviewed a new Masters of the Universe figure, hasn't it? There's been a lot of new and cool stuff released lately and while I'd love to review it all, to do so would be too overwhelming. Currently I'm focusing my reviewing efforts on figures of new characters or characters who haven't appeared in toy form that often. Today I'm checking out Hypno, one of the Sun-Man and the Rulers of the Sun crew. Hypno isn't just new to Masters of the Universe Origins but he's actually new to Sun-Man. Well, at least in figure form. In the 1980s he only existed as a prototype, so Mattel making him is probably a pretty big deal to the hardcore Sun-Man fans out there. Hypno is a Psychic Hypnotist with lots of powerful gear to supplement his mesmerizing voice. He's one of the good guys and adds some magical power to the Heroic Warriors. Ready to check Hypno out? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Indiana Jones with Adventure Backpack from Indiana Jones: Worlds of Adventure by Hasbro

 

   Raiders of the Lost Ark is probably my favorite movie (it's tied with Ghostbusters) and as a kid I loved all things Indiana Jones that I could my hands on. I had the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles trading cards and books, a book and record set of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and eventually the SNES video game. Unfortunately, I was too young to have picked up any of Kenner's Indiana Jones action figures (though I somehow had a Toht, who I still have) so various G.I. Joe figures had to made do. In 2008, when Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was released I avidly collected the 1/18th scaled line which sadly didn't last as long as I hoped. I'm very excited for the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and while a new movie means new toys from Hasbro, I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed in their offerings as it all feels very half hearted, like toys they have to release to fulfill some kind of contractual obligation with Disney and Lucasfilm. I'd love some modern 1/18th scaled figures to supplement the 2008 line but those aren't in the cards; just some Retro Series figures (which I might actually pick up). Instead, we've got the 6 inch Adventure Series and the 2.5 inch Worlds of Adventure line. I don't currently plan on picking up any of the Adventure Series figures until Hasbro shows Mola Ram and Irina Spalko (unless I find them on clearance), so it might be awhile before I end up reviewing any of them. I did stumble upon this figure at my local bin store a few weeks back and, for $5 bucks, I decided to grab him. These are pretty similar to the Star Wars: Mission Fleet figures which remind me a lot of Mattel/ Fisher Price's Imaginext toys, and are definitely intended for kids. Today I'm checking out Indiana Jones with Adventure Backpack, a version of Indy without his jacket but with plenty of accessories. Let's check him out after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Signal Duke Thomas from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

  

 Back in 2017 I reviewed the We Are Robin version of Duke Thomas from Mattel's DC Comics Multiverse line. He was a cool figure but I was really looking forward to Duke as the Signal. Finally, about 5 1/2 years later, McFarlane Toys has delivered the Signal in DC Multiverse, and he's a stellar figure. It's always really exciting to add a new member of the Batfamily to the shelf as Batman, his allies, and his enemies are my main reasons for collecting this line. McFarlane did release Duke Thomas as Batman from Tales from the Dark Multiverse but that figure isn't recognizable Duke in the same way that this figure is. Ready to check out the Signal? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Mister Freeze (Victor Fries) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Mr. Freeze started as a joke villain (Mr. Zero) in 1959 but he gained popularity due to his appearances in the 1966 Batman TV series and some serious depth and motivation due to his revised backstory in Batman: The Animated Series. Dr. Victor Fries isn't just one of Batman's deepest and most tragic adversaries but he's also ends up with some of the best action figures out there. I love Mr. Freeze toys and this is a great one. There's just something about the guy with his big armored suits, goggles, glass domes, and robotic aesthetic that makes him perfect for translating into plastic. This version of Mr. Freeze/ Mister Freeze doesn't really seem to be sourced from anywhere in particular; he's just a solid, standard comic version of the character. There was a Platinum version based on Freeze's Super Powers look released randomly through the McFarlane online store but that one was pretty much impossible to get. This one is still really nice, though, so let's check him out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Catwoman (Batman: Knightfall) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   So far as DC Multiverse figures go, this one is pretty significant to me as it's the figure that really caused me to start collecting this line. I've been watching McFarlane's DC Multiverse line since it started in 2020 and while I liked it, I didn't want another line that just came and went. Before 2020 McFarlane didn't have a great track record of sticking with licenses properties for too long. Before 2023 I had picked up a figure here or there, but it was when I saw the promotional images for this version of Ms. Selina Kyle, based on Jim Balent's artwork and the character's design through most of the 1990s, I decided that DC Multiverse was a line worth collecting. I love this version of Catwoman (probably my third favorite costume/ design) and I'm excited to finally be reviewing her. I've has her for well over a month but there's been so much cool stuff that it's taken me a bit to get to her. Ready to check out the Batman: Knightfall version of Catwoman? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Beast Boy (Teen Titans) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

"Hey, mama!"

   OK, so to be fair the version of Beast Boy I'm most familiar with is the Teen Titans Go! since my daughter watches it a lot, but I've certainly read my share of his adventures in classics like The Doom Patrol and Teen Titans and in newer books like the Rebirth era Titans. No matter where you're familiar with him or whether you call him Beast Boy, Changeling, Menagerie, Garfield Logan definitely has a lot of personality. While the packaging just sources him to "Teen Titans" and uses a classic image of Beast Boy from the 1980s on the included collectible card, the figure really looks like Beast Boy from his self titled 2000 series. I mean, the hair is just spot on to to the cover of the first issue. Beast Boy is a Gold Label figure exclusive to Walmart and while I saw him in stores a few times when he first started showing up, now he seems to be a bit tougher to find. There's a Beast Boy collect to build figure in the current Titans series of figures, too, but that's a massive, modern version of the character while this version of Gar is definitely a more classic, recognizable take on the character. Let's see how Beast Boy turned out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Bane (The Dark Knight Trilogy) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   "Speak of the devil and he shall appear."

   Today I'm checking out the Bane collect to build figure from McFarlane Toys' The Dark Knight Trilogy series of DC Multiverse figures. Despite looking quite different from pretty much any other depiction of Bane that existed prior to 2012's The Dark Knight Rises, Tom Hardy's take on Bane focused on the intelligence, strength, and sheer will of the character. He also had some incredible quotes throughout the film and a voice that is just really fun to do. Seriously, every time I pick up this figure I start making the Bane voice.

"Do you feel in charge?"

"It would be extremely painful... for you."

"You think darkness is your ally."

Yeah, that's the stuff. I do wish McFarlane had gone with Bane with his coat on, but it seems like he might be destined for a Gold Label figure later this year (it's strongly rumored). Ready for a look at Gotham's reckoning? Pick up the pieces from Batman, the Joker, Scarecrow, and Two-Face, put them together, and join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Two-Face (The Dark Knight Trilogy) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   I'm not planning to review all of the figures from McFarlane's The Dark Knight Trilogy series of figures as I've reviewed so many Batman and Joker figures lately that I don't want to make things stale. I haven't reviewed any Two-Face figures recently, though, so I definitely want to check out this figure based on Aaron Eckhart's portrayal of Harvey Dent in 2008's The Dark Knight. Having watched the film again recently with my daughter (it was her first time seeing it), I was again impressed by how good it is and how wonderful of  job the entire cast does. Harvey Dent's character arc is just so tragic and heartbreaking in the film! Once he becomes Two-Face, he's an excellent villain who just adds another layer to the complexity of the film. This series contains the pieces for a build-a-figure of Bane, so there's a lot here for fans of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. This is also the first Two-Face figure in McFarlane's DC Multiverse line, so that's kind of appeling, too. Let's flip on over to the review, after the break...

Action Figure Review: Scarecrow (The Dark Knight Trilogy) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   A month or two ago my wife and I finally had the chance to show our daughter (shout out to Umbreon 13!) Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. We haven't watched The Dark Knight Rises yet, but she really enjoyed the first two films in the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight Trilogy. Who didn't, right? Yeah, I'm sure there are some folks out there who don't like the movies but, overwhelmingly, the Nolan trilogy, particularly The Dark Knight, has become one of the most revered film franchises of the 2000s thus far. While high end companies like MAFEX and Hot Toys have continued to put out product based on the films, it's been awhile since action figures from those films have been available at regular retail. That's probably part of the reason for the excitement over the release of this series of figures in DC Multiverse. Mattel's DC Movie Masters from the Dark Knight trilogy were quite popular from 2008 to 2012, but it's been at least 10 years since those were available on store shelves. Mattel did a pretty decent job with the character selection, though at the time the figures were criticized for being a bit undersized compared to the DC Universe Classics line and DC Direct's offerings, so they kind of had to exist on their own.
   It's doubtful McFarlane will ever go as deep as Mattel did when the films were new, but we do have a nice set of four figures and one build-a-figure covering Christian Bale's Batman and his main villains, with the exception of Ra's al Ghul. Catwoman is definitely noticeably absent, too, possibly due to the prevalence of Catwoman figures from The Batman still on store shelves. Today I'm starting things off with a look at Scarecrow, AKA Dr. Jonathan Crane. Rewatching the movies again recently, I'm still impressed by how intense the Scarecrow is in the films. My daughter kept stating that she actually though Cillian Murphy as Dr. Crane was creepier than the Scarecrow, which might be true. He played the part really well! Let's take a look at the DC Multiverse version of Scarecrow, based on his outfit worn during the final of the film. Get ready for a scare after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Riddler (Arkham City) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   The Arkham series of videogames presents one of my favorite depictions of the Batman universe and I loved collecting the DC Direct/ DC Collectibles figures based on those games. Unfortunately, those lines haven't aged all that well. They're all still impressive looking figures, though, and it's unlikely we'll ever see characters like Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mad Hatter, and Copperhead again. Still, the figures haven't aged well as the DC Direct figures from earlier in the line are largely static while many of the DC Collectibles figures are prone to breakage due to the clear plastic used for the joints. I've actually been selling off a large number of my DC Direct/ DC Collectibles figures and using the money to build up my DC Multiverse collection, as the McFarlane figures are both really well articulated and extremely durable. The Riddler from Arkham City is one of the newer releases in this line and another figure I scooped up back in March during a crazy GameStop sale. The Riddler's riddles and taunting voice appeared in the original Batman: Arkham Asylum, but it wasn't until 2011's Batman: Arkham City that he first appeared. That's the game this figure is based on, so let's take a look at the Riddler after the break...

Action Figure Review: Kalibak (The Darkseid War) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   I'm a big fan of the New Gods and the appearance of Kalibak has me pretty excited at the prospect of getting more of them in McFarlane Toys' DC Multiverse line. While Mattel never got around to Granny Goodness in DC Universe Classics and the accompanying lines, overall they did a great job of filling out the New Gods roster in that line. DC Direct did a cool set, too, though I only ever owned their version of Orion. The New Gods characters just always look fantastic and even when they're based on an updated version of Jack Kirby's designs, they still just have a look to them that captures  the pure and frenetic energy of Kirby's art. This version of Kalibak is based his appearance from The Darkseid War, a major, year-long Justice League event by Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok. Whether you're a reader of the newer comics or love the classic character of Kalibak (prior to his death in Final Crisis), there's a lot of coolness here. Let's check out this Megafig after the break...

Masters of the Universe Day 2023: Frog Monger from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

   Happy Masters of the Universe Day 2023! Whie I didn't do a month long event this year (since I ended up getting sick right at the end of March and was on vacation for a week or so in April), I still have one or two Masters of the Universe reviews lined up for you today. First up is a look at a mostly all new character in the line: Frog Monger, Dungeon Dweller of Castle Grayskull. I saw mostly all new because an image of this character does appear on the dungeon grate sticker in the vintage Castle Grayskull playset, so while he now has a name and a body, in some ways he's been around since 1982! Interestingly, Frog Monger isn't a villain. He's not a Heroic Warrior either, though. He's a random frog guy who dwells in the depths of Castle Grayskull in his own kingdom of frogs. Normal frogs, not frog people. Originally he was a human. Wealthy and a powerful sorcerer, he sold magic to the both sides of a conflict between the Snake Men and the Eternians. Defeated by the Snake Men, he tried to gain the help of the Eternians (he calls them "Abovers") but they turned him into a frog person and exiled him into the depths of Castle Grayskull. Now, he just hangs out like Gollum, master of his own little world and somewhat out of touch with reality. Frog Monger was sold exclusively through Mattel Creations on January 17th and mine was delivered right at the end of March. Let' take a look at Frog Monger after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Joker (Infinite Frontier) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   The Joker has received quite a few figures in McFarlane's DC Multiverse and there are at least three different versions you can at retail right now. I know, because I've picked up the Heath Ledger Joker, the DC Vs. Vampires version of the Joker, and this Infinite Frontier version of the Joker. This was the first of the three I picked and I've had him for a little over a month now. At first I was planning on skipping him as I already have plenty of Joker figures (including at least six previous DC Multiverse versions) but when I saw this guy in person I decided I really needed to pick him up. It didn't hurt that GameStop was running a 25% off sale the week I found the entire new series of these figures. This Joker is based on the Guillem March cover of The Joker #1 from Infinite Frontier and he's holding an eyeball in his hands. Yikes! That's a crazy detail! Lately I've been reading DC stuff that's kind of it's own thing (White Knight, DC Vs. Vampires, Last Knight on Earth) so I'm not completely familiar with this storyline. I ended up ordering the first trade of this series, so hopefully it's as good as this figure. Let's take a look at the Infinite Frontier version of the Joker after the break...

Action Figure Review: Vincent R. "Falcon" Falcone from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Since I skipped the Crimson B.A.T., at this point the last figure I have to review from the most recent series of G.I. Joe: Classified Series figures is Vincent R. "Falcon" Falcone, better known as just Falcon or Lt. Falcon. He's been out for a couple of months now, so it's likely hat you've heard the memes and seen the negative reviews of this guy. Yes, it's sad to say that Falcon is kind of a dud. Falcon was part of the 1987 series of G.I. Joe figures and appeared in the animated movie (voiced by Don Johnson) where he was Duke's half brother and portrayed as a bit of a slacker. His vintage figure was excellent, though, with a very classic Green Beret outfit. When this figure was first shown I had two problems with it. The first was the lack of interesting updates to the figure to make him feel more modern and the second was the weird headsculpt from the render images. Neither of those issues were fixed, so Falcon definitely is kind of disappointing. How so? Let's take a closer look at him after the break and find out...

Action Figure Review: Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight) from Star Wars: Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   I don't seriously collect Hasbro's Star Wars: Retro Collection but when I stumbled upon Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight) from the Return of the Jedi assortment at GameStop at the beginning of April I just had to pick him up. Back when I started getting into Star Wars when I was in sixth grade (around 1995/ 1996) my dad let me order five or six loose figures from a store that advertised $5 or $6 dollar loose Star Wars figures in Lee's Action Figure News & Toy review. Since Kenner/ Hasbro hadn't yet released a Jedi version of Luke Skywalker in the Power of the Force II line yet, this was my top pick. I have a few complete vintage Star Wars figures but I've never had my vintage Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight) completed. For $12 bucks, this was a nice figure add a Kenner styled Jedi version of Luke to my shelf without breaking the bank. Ready to check out this sight tweak of a vintage Kenner classic? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   I've been really slowly making my way through the most recent series of G.I. Joe: Classified Series figures. Maybe I've been slower because this series is just a real mixed bag? There has also been a lot of stuff coming out lately, so that's slowed me down too. Anyways, this series really has been a mixed bag. 3 out of 5 figures were repaints, the three figures with visible faces had some weird paint and sculpting issues, and this was the first series with the plastic free packaging (which is being done away with now, good riddance). Outback is one of those repaints and his portrait, while not bad, definitely isn't as impressive as the Tiger Force version of Stuart "Outback" Selkirk that came out last year as a Target exclusive. I had Outback as a kid and while I always liked the SURVIVAL logo on his shirt, he was never one of my favorites, but after reading the Marvel comics years later I really came to love his personality and how conflicted he was when he escaped from Borovia, having to leave behind his comrades. Tiger Force Outback was one of my favorite figures of last year overall, so how will this version of Outback fare? Let's find out after the break...

Action Figure Review: ALF (Alien Life Form) from ALF by NECA

 

   I'm back from vacation and ready to rock! I've got a ton of cool stuff piled up to review but today I'm starting with a figure I've been really, really excited for: ALF! I vividly remember watching ALF as a very young child and I even had a stuffed ALF, so I was pretty excited when NECA announced last year that they were releasing an ALF action figure. ALF was a pop culture juggernaut at the time and he's definitely a character who's just so lovable that you can't help but want to have him on your shelf. While NECA will really take a deep dive into lines that sell well, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Predator, and Aliens, I love when NECA offers up these unique characters from pop culture who no one else is going to make. ALF (real name Gordon Shumway) is a fantastic figure loaded with cool accessories. Face it: Before this release you didn't even know that your action figure collection needed a representative from Melmac on your shelf, did you? Let's take a look at the old ALFer after the break and see if he's still got it...

Action Figure Barbecue: Gabriel "Barbecue" Kelly (Mad Marauders) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Back in 2021 I reviewed the standard G.I. Joe: Classified Series Gabriel "Barbecue" Kelly and I had a lot of fun with the review since, yes, my moniker of Barbecue17 was inspired by the character. As a kid my mom and I were visiting my grandma and while out shopping I somehow saw Barbecue listed on the back of a 1985 card and something about the name and the figure appealed to me. Now this would have been in 1986 or 1987, as that was when I was first getting into G.I. Joe. My grandmother's sister was with us on a shopping trip (my mom and grandma would go on day long shopping trips) and she kept making jokes that "we have to find this kid Barbecue." I think at that time the 1985 figures were probably mostly out of stores and it was unsuccessful but at some point my dad and I stumbled upon him at a store. I just always liked him, believing he fought with a little pistol-like flamethrower. Now, skip forward to 1998 when I was in eighth grade and had gotten back into collecting G.I. Joes and just loved my vintage Barbecue again. Around 2000 I made my first AOL instant messenger name and I decided to go with Barbecue17. I started using it as my Halo name in college Halo tournaments and as my name at JoeBattlelines when I started collecting Sigma 6 and the rest is history. Now you know! 

   Anyways, Barbecue was released in 1989 as part of Slaughter's Marauders, a camouflaged subset of repainted figures. I never owned Barbecue but I did get the Slaughter's Marauders Mutt & Junkyard. Hasbro is using the subset, now calling it Mad Marauders, and Barbecue is the first member. This guy is a straight repaint of the 2021 figure but since it's Barbecue I had to have it. Let's take a look at the Mad Marauder version of Gabriel "Barbecue" Kelly after the break...

Action Figure Review: Gladiator Batman (Dark Knights: Metal) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   It's time to jump in to some more new DC Multiverse reviews and today I'm looking at Gladiator Batman from Dark Knights: Metal. It's been a few years since I read Metal but I loved this look for Batman from when he and the rest of the Justice League enter Mongul's arena. Would you be surprised to learn that this isn't the first Gladiator Batman I've reviewed? About 10 years ago I reviewed the 1996 Gladiator Batman from Kenner's Legends of Batman line! This new take on Gladiator Batman is way cooler, though. I love Batman variants and McFarlane keeps releasing some of the best we've ever seen. I don't have all of the Dark Knights yet (I'm missing four of them) but I'd love to complete the set to have an amazing Dark Knights: Metal display. Ready to see if Gladiator Batman is a champ in the arena? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   The recent series of Marvel Legends Retro Collection: X-Men figures has had some real winners in it and today I'm checking out the second figure from the series I picked up: Spiral. Spiral fits in well with recent releases as she's been in love with Longshot, was modified by Mojo, and upgraded the Reavers. She's been a pretty significant player in the comics, was part of some of the Marvel vs Capcom fighting games, and was released in the vintage Toy Biz X-Men line. She was also released back in Hasbro's early Marvel Legends days as part of a Target exclusive series of figures, but this one is a huge improvement, as would be expected fifteen years later. With multiple weapons and six articulated arms, Spiral is a figure that I expected might have received deluxe pricing, but she didn't. She's sold at the regular (still kind of high) retail price of $25, but she definitely seems worth it. Let's take a look at Rita Wayword, better known as "Ricochet" Rita or Spiral, after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Flash Jay Garrick (Jay Garrick: The Flash Age) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   

   I've mentioned before that I've never really kept up with the Flash in comics. I'm always happy to see him show up in team books, crossovers, or in Batman centric stories, but the Flash in all of his various incarnations (because there are so many different versions of the Flash) just isn't a part of the DC Universe I've actively kept up with. Now, that being said, I've always just liked the Flash, particularly due to his costume. I also have a real love of the truly classic looks for most superheroes, so this Golden Age inspired take on Jay Garrick, the original Flash, definitely caught my attention. I'm pretty sure I never picked up Jay Garrick in the DC Universe Classics spin-off DC Universe Signature Collection, so this seemed like a nice way to add this vintage Justice Society of America figure to the shelf. The figure is attributed to "Jay Garrick: The Flash Age" which I assume is part of the ongoing Flash series' vol 14: "The Flash Age" storyline. I think it might specifically be based on a story appearing in issue #750 of The Flash. This is just a great, classic take on the Flash, however, so let's check him out after the break...

Action Figure Review: He-Man from Masterverse/ He-Man by Mattel

 

   Another area of the Masterverse is now opened up with the release of Galactic Protector He-Man from the 1989 He-Man toyline. Recent reveals show that this New Adventures version of He-Man isn't going to have to hang out on his own; he'll have Skeletor and Slush Head to battle against, too. While I'm not overly fond of the Jetlag animated series, I love the 1989 He-Man line and I'm glad Mattel has brought it in to Masterverse. This guy is a Target exclusive and is still available to order online as of this writing. Ready to check out He-Man in space? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Aquaman from DC Page Punchers by McFarlane Toys/ DC Direct

 

   Earlier this week I ran in a Walmart and stumbled upon this lone Aquaman figure from the newest series of DC Page Punchers. I'm not sure where the rest of the case went (did they already sell out?) but I've been wanting an Aquaman for my DC Multiverse Justice League display and this one definitely has been on my radar. I'm really liking the "McFarlane-esque" takes on DC characters found in the Page Punchers series as they're usually kind of their own thing rather than being inspired by a particular, previously existing source. While the previous 7-inch Page Punchers releases have packaged the same comic with all of the figures in the series, this series at least gives each character a unique comic cover. That's kind of a cool middle ground between giving everyone the same cover and making each comic release part of a series. If you just pick up one figure from the series you can still enjoy the story, but if you get them all you've at least got some variant covers. Let's take a look at Aquaman after the break and see if this figure sinks or swims...

Action Figure Review: Sorceress from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: Revelation by Mattel

 

   I love the fact that Mattel is still supporting Masters of the Universe: Revelation. While Masterverse keeps expanding and growing, it's just cool to see Mattel still support a pretty solid piece of Masters of the Universe media, and it looks like the support will continue as Mattel has shown off more Revelation figures like Horde Skeletor, Clamp Champ, and Prince Adam. It doesn't hurt that most of the Revelation designs were pretty faithful to the vintage looks, so this is also a fairly classic looking Sorceress figure. Her outfit is a bit different than previous versions simply because she is wearing a longer robe rather than a one-piece deal with exposed legs, but overall the colors and design are pretty in-line with what you'd expect from the Sorceress. Ready to see if this figure has the magic? Then keep reading after the break...

Action Figure Review: Earth -2 Batman (Batman: Arkham Knight) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Last week I had one of those crazy toy runs that we often only dream about. I was alerted that a GameStop near me was getting in a bunch of new stuff and when I went in as the store opened I was greeted with a bunch of new DC Multiverse figures from McFarlane Toys. Not only did I have first dibs on most of the new releases but GameStop was running a 25% off of McFarlane Toys releases last week, too, so I got a heck of a nice deal. Today I'm going to check out the first of the new figures I picked up on that toy run: Earth-2 Batman from Batman: Arkham Knight. There have been many different incarnations of Earth-2/ Earth-Two/ Earth 2/ Earth Two over the years but this figure is based on the Flashpoint version where Dr. Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the death of a young Bruce at the hands of Joe Chill. And this particular version of Thomas Wayne as Batman? It's based on one of the downloadable alternate costumes for Batman in the 2015 videogame Batman: Arkham Knight. As far as I'm aware, though, this is a unique sculpt; it's definitely not a repaint of the previous McFarlane Batman: Arkham Knight figure. I love Thomas Wayne's batsuit, particularly due to the red highlights that really stand out and give it a unique feel, and this is the version of it that hasn't appeared in the DC Multiverse line yet. Let's take a look at this take on Earth-2 Batman after the break...

Action Figure Review: Pandora from Action Force by Valaverse

 

     Today I'm checking out the third of the Series 3 Action Force figures I picked up and I think this is the one that was the most eagerly anticipated: Pandora. Pandora (real name Miranda Kelly) is a bloodthirsty Irish gangster who looks like she would fit in perfectly with the Dreadnoks. There have been some great villains in Action Force so far and Pandora adds nicely to the colorful roster of characters. There was a blood splattered variant available, too, but I believe that one is long since gone. I opted for the standard version as she just seemed more versatile. Let's take a look at Pandora after the break and see if she's worth adding to the roster...

Action Figure Review: Batman (Hush) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   No one can say that McFarlane hasn't released enough Batman figures in their DC Multiverse line, but they keep putting out awesome figures, people keep buying them, and I keep wanting to add to my collection, so who can blame them, right? Today I'm checking out a recent release in the DC Multiverse line: Batman from Batman: Hush. While one of the major selling points of this line is that most figures feature completely unique sculpts, this figure does borrow the body from last year's Batman Vs Hush 2-pack which used a black and gray suit instead of the blue and gray suit seen here. This one is much more iconic, though, and when I think of Batman: Hush this is this is the suit I think about. Hush is a great story (I'm rereading it right now with my daughter, who has never read it before) but besides that, it's amazing how much of an influence the Jim Lee artwork and the character designs have had on Batman's allies and villains in the years since. I loved DC Direct's Batman: Hush action figure line as it was one of the first times a DC line went so deep in such a short period of time, but those figures definitely are a product of their time and were intended for display rather than play. This version of Batman is absolutely intended for play and posing, though. He's fantastic and one of my favorite Batman action figures ever. Let's check him out after the break...

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

   It's St. Patrick's day, so how about a little luck for you?

   Would you believe that I haven't reviewed a Marvel Legends Series figure since last year? It's true! While Hasbro's Marvel Legends team showed off some cool upcoming things recently, there just hasn't been a lot out there lately that interests me. Pair that with the price increases that have kept me from picking up figures randomly and I've become much more selective with Marvel Legends. I love X-Men characters from the mid 1960 through the mid 1990s, though, and I'm thrilled that Longshot was released as part of the Marvel Legends X-Men Retro Collection. Packaged on a classic Toy Biz inspired card that actually lets you see the product you're buying, Longshot is a slight variant of the figure released last year in the Hasbro Pulse exclusive Mojoworld set. I didn't buy that set as I picked up Mojo separately, already have two versions of Dazzler, and I assumed that Longshot would get rereleased. Ta-da! I never owned the vintage Toy Biz Longshot as a kid, nor any other ones, so this is the first figure of the character I've owned. Let's take a look at Longshot after the break...

Action Figure Review: Grifter (Infinite Frontier) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Today I'm checking out another DC Multiverse figure from last year, but it's one that I just picked up recently (and for a good price, too): Grifter. If you're kind of old, like me, you'll remember seeing Grifter in Wildstorm's WildC.A.T.S. series back in the early 1990s. I never read WildC.A.T.S. myself but Grifter was definitely an "it" character that showed up on lots of comic covers, promotional images, and in Wizard magazine all the time. While Jim Lee sold Wildstorm to DC Comics in 1999, Grifter didn't appear in the DC Universe until The New 52 reboot in 2011. I haven't ready many ongoing DC books lately and I haven't ready anything from the Infinite Frontier yet, which is where this figure of Grifter is sourced. He's now a bodyguard for Lucius Fox and a rival to Batman. Crazy, right? I haven't reviewed a ton of DC Multiverse figures yet but this is the first figure I've reviewed that shows a weakness of this line. What is it? Read on and find out after the break... 

Action Figure Review: Kill-Switch from Action Force by Valaverse

 

   Valaverse continues to put out some amazing stuff and it looks like they have many more cool releases on the way, including some character specific accessory packs and a vehicle. Today I'm looking Kill-Switch, one of the series 3 releases from earlier this year. Series 3 introduced female figures into the Action Force line, so now we can expect a better mix of men and women in future waves. Kill-Switch is a new character created for Valaverse's Action Force. Her real name is Layla Richardson, she's from Bay City, Michigan, and she's an EOD and BUD/S instructor. Well, she was a BUD/S Instructor; now she's member of Action Force. Ready for a look at Kill-Switch? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Nekron (Blackest Night) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Today I'm checking out another DC Multiverse Megafig from last year: Nekron! I honestly probably wouldn't have picked up Nekron on his own even though he's a really cool looking figure, but the only way I could manage to get Bane at retail price was by preordering a set and Nekron was the other figure in the case. On second thought, if I had seen Nekron in person and on sale, I probably would have picked him up. While I'm a huge DC fan (mostly because of Batman and everything/ everyone related to him), I really don't care much for the Green Lantern Corps stuff. I like the Green Lanterns just fine as part of a Justice League story, but it's just my least favorite part of the DC Universe. I'm familiar with Blackest Night, though, and that's the story that this figure is "sourced" to in this line. Nekron, the personification of death and ruler of the Land of the Unliving, is a pretty powerful being in the DC Universe and he's been tackled before as an action figure by Mattel in DC Universe Classics (he was a build-a-figure) and by DC Direct in their Blackest Night series. I've never owned those previous figures, but McFarane's looks the most impressive. Let's see how he measures up after the break...

Action Figure Review: Bane from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

     During the time when I was most into comic books as a child, Knightfall was an absolute juggernaut of a storyline and I'll still argue it's one of the best Batman stories ever, quite possibly the best. It's long but it consistently delivers and really tells a layered story worth telling. I'm a fan of Bane and it took me longer than I expected to pick up this DC Multiverse Bane from McFarlane Toys. I managed to find a retail priced preorder at Entertainment Earth for a case which contained both Bane and Nekron for less than most folks are currently selling Bane, so I jumped on it. There was already a Last Knight on Earth Bane build a figure and now there's a Dark Knight Rises Bane build-a-figure, but this is the most classic, comic looking Bane yet, and he's pretty nice. Let's check out Bane after the break...

"KRAKT!"

Action Figure Review: Cosmic Terror Skeletor from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe by Mattel

 

   It's Skeletor in boss form! Masters of the Universe: Revelation gave us Skelegod and the Netflix CG animated He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has given us Cosmic Terror Skeletor. This is a pretty amazing take on Skeletor, who has a pretty fantastic journey during the show. Yeah, there are some really silly parts of the CG series, but there's also some fantastic storytelling and some very respectable character arcs. Even though it seems like the show is probably over, Mattel seems to still be trickling out releases and while I haven't picked up all of them (yet) I definitely made sure to grab this version of Skeletor depicting him after his ghost form has gained the power of King Grayskull. He's big, he's bad, and he's pretty reasonably price. Let's take a look at Cosmic Terror Skeletor after the break...

Action Figure Review: Doctor Aphra from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

   The Marvel Star Wars comics have been pretty consistently good since 2015, adding a lot to the lore and universe. I really wish Hasbro would do a bit more with characters from the current Marvel series (we really need Sanna Starros, Magna Tolvan, Valance, and an updated Qi'ra), though they have released a few figures here and there. Doctor Chelli Lona Aphra is one of my favorite characters from the Marvel run and she's apparently one of Hasbro's, too, as this is the second Doctor Aphra figure they've released in The Black Series. The first was back in 2019 and was actually based on the 2017 Jaina Solo figure. This one is kind of a rework of that first figure, so she shares a lot with Jaina as well, but the addition of a duster and a new color scheme really helps to make her feel unique. The figure is a solid release, though the fan channel price point definitely stings on her. Let's see if you really need another figure of Doctor Aphra after the break...

Action Figure Review: Courtney "Cover Girl" Krieger from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   For a few years now the G.I. Joe: Classified Series has been my favorite ongoing action figure line with one solid release after another. The most recent series of figures has started showing up, consisting of Cover Girl, Mad Marauders Barbecue, Falcon, Outback, and a Crimson B.A.T. I skipped the B.A.T. for now but I received everyone else in the mail on Thursday. This series is maybe the first that I've felt disappointed in. It's not a terrible series of figures but there are definitely some weak links here. Three of the figures are straight up repaints (Barbecue, B.A.T., and Outback) and the three figures with exposed faces have some weird issues with their headsculpts. It should also be noted that while their have already been a few plastic free packaged releases, this is the first full series to have the plastic free packaging, a fact that makes the flawed faces seem particularly egregious. I'm starting things off with Courtney "Cover Girl" Krieger as she's probably my favorite figure in this series. The vintage Cover Girl was before my time (she was included as the driver of the Wolverine in 1983) and she didn't get another figure until the 2006 comic pack that was part of the DTC releases. That was the first Cover Girl I owned, though she was called Agent Courtney Krieger on the packaging. Obviously a trademark/ licensing issue. I'm glad Hasbro has Cover Girl out in the line and overall I like this figure quite a bit, but there's something just a bit off about the face. Let's take a closer look at Courtney "Cover Girl" Krieger after the break...

Action Figure Review: Batman (DC Vs Vampires) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Batman sells. Batman and anyone related to him. There's no doubt about it. For years I've always said I was a DC guy but, really I was a Batman and Batfamily guy. Oh, and his villains. I really do like the main Justice League, Justice League Dark, and I absolutely love the New Gods and other Kirby creations, but when it comes to DC almost everything I love spins out of Batman. At this point in comics and movies, the Gothamites could make up their own comic universe and cinematic universe. McFarlane Toys knows that Batman sells to, so they release him at every opportunity. I haven't read DC Vs. Vampires yet (I just ordered the first trade before reviewing this figure), but from what I've heard it sounds pretty good. It also doesn't seem like this figure is really based on the series, however. In fact, I believe the design of this figure is based on the Francesco Mattina variant cover for issue #1, which shows a vampire version of Batman, rather than something actually found in the pages of the book. Still, a vampire Batman? It's just cool. Batman's been a vampire before in Elseworlds, so it's not a new concept, but when I found this Gold Label Walmart exclusive figure I had to pick him up. He's creepy and very, very cool. Let's sink our fangs into another DC Multiverse review after the break...