Action Figure Review: The Ghost of Jacob Marley (All-In!) from Figure Obscura by Four Horsemen Studios

 

   I had hoped to have this review up for Christmas Eve, but that clearly didn't happen, did it? Today I'm checking out the latest figure in the Four Horsemen Studios' Figure Obscura line: The Ghost of Jacob Marley! Jacob Marley is one of the most recognizable characters in Victorian literature and a mouthpiece of author Charles Dickens to share the changes and social reform needed in a society that purports to truly observe the celebration of Christmas. I've loved A Christmas Carol for as long as I can remember and I was thrilled when the Four Horsemen sent the teaser email around about this release. This is the first time I've went with an All-In! package for a Figure Obscure, so my version also came with Christmas Card, a mug, and an enamel pin. This is an incredible figure that arrived before Christmas to most collectors, so he really helped get us in the spirit. Ready to be visited by a spirit? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Marley Brothers from POP! Movies by Funko

 

   

   Christmas is almost here and I thought I'd do a very special review of The Marley Brothers, Jacob and Robert Marley, from The Muppet Christmas Carol. I love A Christmas Carol. I've been reading almost annually since I was a kid and I try to watch nearly every version of it I can. Of all of them, I think The Muppet Christmas Carol might be my favorite. It's a very faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens' story (it should be, since Charles Dickens himself is in it), Michael Caine is freaking on fire, and it's just a wonderfully delightful and fun movie with great music. Is it my favorite Christmas movie? Probably. It's tied with Jingle All The Way. One of my favorite parts of the fim is the introduction of the Marley Brothers, Jacob and Robert Marley. To incorporate both Statler and Waldorf, the film created a brother for Jacob Marley, Robert. Robert Marley. Bob. Bob Marley. We see what you did there, Muppets! I was incredibly surprised back in October when I stumbled upon the entire series of Funko POP! vinyls based on the film; I didn't know these were even coming out and they were part of a GameStop sale with 40% off of all POP! vinyls. Ready to celebrate Christmas Eve with a visit from these two cantankerous and crotchety sprits? Then let's join Marley and Marley after the break...

Action Figure Review: Sabine Wren from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

   Star Wars: The Black Series has been pretty dull this year with not too many figures that appealed to me. Thus far I've only picked up the comic series Mara Jade and Doctor Aphra, though I have been looking for the Target exclusive Darth Vader (Duel's End) but haven't found it yet. I'm all about Mandalorians, though, and I was sold on both Sabine Wren from Ahsoka and Pre Vizsla. Today I'm checking out Sabine based on her portrayal by Natasha Liu Bordizzo in Ahsoka. The Ahsoka figures have been pretty nice and did manage to drop fairly close to the release of the show, so that was a real plus. I just really like Sabine and love collecting Mandalorians, so she was an instabuy. Ready to check out a new figure of Sabine Wren? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Wolverine from Marvel Legends Retro Series by Hasbro

 

   Back when I was in third grade we had an assignment shortly before Christmas where we had to draw what we hoped to find in our stocking. While plenty of kids drew goofy, oversized stuff that wouldn't fit in a stocking, there was another kid who drew an orange. I know that's traditional and all but it just boggled my mind that this kid would ask for an orange. What did I draw? The Toy Biz Wolverine figure. I kind of drew an amalgam of Wolverine v2 and Wolverine v3, though with a removable mask. While I would eventually have plenty of Wolverine figures, I'm pretty sure I didn't have one yet, so I was probably adding in bits of the original brown costume Toy Biz Wolverine as well. Wolverine isn't on my Christmas list this year but I did find this guy not too long ago at a bin store near my house. He was only $4 bucks and for that price I snapped him up. The only other figure from the 3 3/4ths inch Marvel Legends Retro Series I have is the Sentinel, which I bought to go with my 6 inch X-Men collection. This smaller scaled line can be found on clearance at most places now and it seems like Hasbro is done with it. ready to look at the Tiger Stripe version of Wolverine? Then join me after the break...

Accessory Review: Pandora Upgrade Gear from Action Force by Valaverse

 

   One of the things that's nice about an online, collector targeted toyline like Action Force is that there's plenty of room to be flexible and offer stuff like accessory packs and basic figures. Valaverse has done a great job of offering plenty of weapon and accessory packs and from time to time they've also released  Upgrade Gear kits targeted towards specific figures. I picked up a few of these recently but I wanted to show off the kit for Pandora as I just think it's a really well executed set. Whether you want to upgrade your basic Pandora figure, turn another base figure into a Pandora v2, create your own custom figure, or just equip other Action Force and non-Action Force) toys, you've got a nice kit to do that at a very affordable price. Ready to check out the Pandora Upgrade Gear? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Boo Berry from General Mills by Jada Toys

 

   I really liked Jada's action figures of Franken Berry and Count Chocula from 2021 and I really had hoped that we'd have all of the General Mills breakfast cereal monsters by now. With no new releases in 2022, 2023 at least has seen Boo Berry, the last of the Big Three of the cereal monsters. Frute Brute is my favorite and I'm really hoping we eventually get him, along with Fruity Yummy Mummy and Carmella Creeper. I really like Jada Toys' offerings but they seem to have a tough time of getting their action figures in regular retail (the same goes for their excellent Street Fighter line and the Universal Monsters figures). Fortunately, Boo Berry was pretty easy to find through online retailers, as are is two companions still, so he wasn't a headache to score or anything. Boo Berry was my favorite cereal and monster as a kid, though now my tastes have matured and I'm more of a Frute Brute fan. Ready to check out the 51 year old mascot of the first blueberry flavored cereal ever available? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Gemini from Action Force by Valaverse

 

   Time for the Action Force!!! Yes, it's time for another Action Force review and this time I'm looking at Gemini, one of the figures from the most recent drop back in October. I also picked up the newest weapons packs and the accessory packs, but since Gemini is a unique character I definitely wanted to review her. Why's she called Gemini? Because she has two rather extreme personalities. Apparently she goes from being a quiet, bookish individual and an absolute powerhouse when in battle. Ready to add Gemini to your team? Then join me after the break and see how she fits in...

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

 

   Ready for another set of figures that I had intended for 31 Days of Toy Terror this year but which I just didn't get around to? Then let's check out the Skeleton Warriors from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel. This is a really cool set of some new troop builders for Skeletor and I think everyone has been excited for these ever since they first appeared in some of the wonderful Masters of the Universe Origins packaging art. They definitely feel like something that could have appeared in the early days of the vintage MOTU line or in the earliest minicomics and I'm quite thrilled to have them. These are sold as an exclusive 2-pack through Big Bad Toy Store and Entertainment Earth in the US (they might be available from other sources internationally). Ready to check out the Skeleton Warriors? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Slush Head from Masterverse: He-Man by Mattel

 

   I really like Mattel's 1989 "He-Man" toyline. It's often referred to as The New Adventures of He-Man, although that was technically just the name of the Jetlag Productions animated series, but it's a good name for the "He-Man in space" era. That's the name I use most of the time for the line and era. While I'm not that big of a fan of the New Adventures animated series, I do love the "He-Man" toyline, it's accompanying minicomics, and anytime it appears in other media. It has some great character designs and I'm thrilled that Masterverse is visiting it.  I'm really hoping that Mattel puts out at least a couple figures from New Adventures in Masterverse of characters didn't make it into Masters of the Universe Classics line. Slush Head (also known as Kalamarr) was one of the series 1 figures from 1989 and a mainstay in the animated series, so it makes sense that he's revisited in the Masterverse line so early with a pretty impressive figure. With the effort that Mattel put into this release you'd never know that he was from the red-headed stepchild of the property. Let's check out Slush Head after the break...

Action Figure Review: Dr. Loomis from John Carpenter's Halloween by Plastic Meatball

 

   I reviewed Annie Brackett from series 2 of Plastic Meatball's retro styled John Carpenter's Halloween collection last week and today I'm checking out the man who is hunting Michael Myers: Dr. Samuel Loomis. Dr. Loomis has had a few action figures made in his likeness before (NECA has released him in their various lines) but he's a vital character to the film and he's an absolute necessity if you're going to have a series of action figures based on the original 1978 film. Ready to track down the evil, soulless Michael Myers? Then Dr. Loomis is your man! Let's check him out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Vincent Price (Ascot) from Vincent Price ReAction by Super7

 

   Today I'm looking at another ReAction figure I had picked up for 31 Days of Toy Terror: Vincent Price! I believe this figure is technically called Vincent Price (Ascot) as there is also a Vincent Price (Grey Scale) figure. Vincent Price has always been a big deal but it seems like he's really getting some attention from action figure makers right now as you have the Super7 ReAction figures of Mr. Price, Egghead from McFarlane's Batman: Classic TV Series line, and NECA's Toony Terrors and Vincent Price Ultimate figures coming out next year. The first real horror movie I ever saw was The House on Haunted Hill when I was in grade school and though I was familiar with Vincent Price from The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo and his narration in Thriller, his role in The House on Haunted Hill really made me a fan. The guy is such an icon that companies can just release a figure of him. Actor, narrator, chef, and art lover, Vincent Price was a multitalented individual. Let's take a look at this cool tribute to a true Renaissance man...

Action Figure Review: Seaweed Monster from Pre-Code Horror ReAction by Super7

 

   It's almost Christmas... so ready for something spooky? This is definitely an "out of season" review but I had a few figures I purchased with the intent of reviewing them for 31 Days of Toy Terror but I didn't have enough days in October. Today I'm checking out the very cool Seaweed Monster from Super7's Pre-Code Horror ReAction line. This is definitely a very deep cut for an action figure and I like the idea behind the line: Pay tribute to some of the great horror comics of the pre- Comics Code Authority era. Looking for some vintage horror comic based figures from prior to 1954? Then this line's for you. The Seawood Monster is the only figure from this line I picked up as I found him the must visually appealing, plus I found him on sale. The Seaweed Monster appeared in 1952 on the cover of issue #7  of Ace Comics' Baffling Mysteries. He's a spooky fellow and I don't know anything about, but when you're this creepy looking does it matter? This guy predates The Creature from the Black Lagoon! Let's check out the Seaweed Monster after the break...

Action Figure Review: Annie Brackett from John Carpenter's Halloween by Plastic Meatball

 

   I'm back to moving through all of the random stuff I've picked up and today I'm checking out Annie Brackett from Plastic Meatball's John Carpenter's Halloween toyline. Plastic Meatball is a company started by some former Mattel employees (the name Plastic Meatball is a reference to an inhouse joke name for the red Mattel logo, looking like a meatball) who are creating vintage inspired action figures. It's an action figure subgenre that's become pretty popular and we've seen an array of companies like Funko, Super7, Amok Time, Warpo, and even Hasbro delve into it. John Carpenter's Halloween is one of my favorite movies. While I love horror, I'm not the biggest fan of slasher films and typically prefer more supernatural horror; I'm a huge John Carpenter fan (he's hands down my favorite director) and the film's plot, pacing, characterization, atmosphere, soundtrack, and the question of whether or not there is a supernatural explanation for Michael Myers just makes it such a well done, classic movie. I originally wanted to cover some of these figures during October but things got hectic. I really like that Plastic Meatball is offering more characters than just Michael, Loomis, and Laurie. Series one had Michael Myers, Laurie Strode, and Lynda Van Der Klok while this year's series 2 has Dr. Loomis, Sheriff Brackett, and Annie Brackett, along with variant figures The Shape (Blood Splatter) and Laurie Strode (Final Girl). Annie Brackett was played by Nancy Kyes/ Nancy Loomis and is Laurie's best friend. She's somewhat of a comic relief character but she is sadly killed by Michael Myers on Halloween night. Plastic Meatball must really love this license and knows that there are plenty of us out there who just adore Halloween as they've really delivered a fun retro inspired toyline with great packaging. ready to check out Annie Brackett? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Joan Rivers (Stand Up! Records Exclusive) from Legends of Laughter by Nacelle

 

   A few weeks ago Stand Up! Records, a source for comedy albums, videos, and other merchandise, reached out to me and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing their exclusive Joan Rivers action figure from Nacelle's Legends of Laughter toyline. Of course, I said yes. I'm easily swayed by toys, you know. Nacelle's Legends of Laughter line is an interesting concept: An action figure line for stand up comedians. It kind of reminds me of some of the more offbeat lines from the early 2000s like X-Toys' Saturday Night Live line. We're definitely in a second golden age of action figures when there really seems to be no limits for who can get an action figure. Stand Up! Records' exclusive Joan Rivers action figure is based on the legendary comedian's various endeavors like being the first female late night host (The Late Show with Joan Rivers) and her stalwart presence on the red carpet. A plastic action figure of Joan Rivers seems like a suitable tribute to the Grammy and Emmy award winning talent as, according to Joan herself, "I've had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware." I'm most familiar with Joan Rivers as the voice of Dot Matrix in Spaceballs, and from her work on E! in the late 90s/ early 2000s, and I'm sure most folks will fondly remember something that she was involved with. Let's take a look at this limited edition figure (only 500 of them) after the break...

Action Figure Review: Tripwire, Aspara, & M.A.C.L.E.O.D. from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Today I'm going to review Tripwire from the G.I. Joe: Classified Series and then I'm going to take a break from reviewing G.I. Joes for a little bit. Don't worry! They'll be back. They'll be back for sure. Tripwire has never been one of my favorite characters or figures but I have long been interested to see how Hasbro's Classified Series team would approach him in this line. The vintage Tripwire is one of those figures who feels a bit antiquated and I really hoped that Hasbro was going to update him with a more modern military aesthetic. That is exactly what they did, giving him a selection parts so you can have a more vintage or a more modern Explosive Ordinance Disposal expert. The package also really sells this as a team as you get Tripwire, Aspara, and M.A.C.L.E.O.D. as part of the deluxe set. Ready to check out Tripwire, Aspara, and M.A.C.L.E.O.D.? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Crimson Strike Team from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I'm as shocked as you are that this G.I. Joe: Classified Series marathon keeps going and going and going! Today I'm checking out the Crimson Strike Team, the 2023 PulseCon exclusive that pairs thematically with Chuckles, the 2023 SDCC exclusive. Chuckles was released first but I actually received the Crimson Strike Team a week or two before I received Chuckles. The Crimson Strike team is based on the 2002 G.I. Joe Convention set of the same name which included the Baroness, Tomax, and Xamot in their Crimson Guard colors along with twelve crimson Vipers! In 2009 the Crimson Strike Team was revisited as a Joe Con set but this time with the 25th Anniversary figures. And yes, 12 Vipers Once Again! Aren't you glad Hasbro is selling the Crimson Vipers separately this time around? Let's check out the Crimson Strike Team after the break and see if it's worth it to revisit these three characters in the Classified Series again so soon. 

Action Figure Review: Vypra (Python Patrol) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Who is Vypra? Great question! Vypra wasn't part of the original vintage G.I. Joe: A Real American hero toyline but was released as the driver of the Rattler 4WD in the 1998 Toys 'r Us exclusive line. There she was a repaint of Jinx in black and blue named Ann A. Conda who came from New Orleans. In 2004, two more figures named Vypra were released in the same set: The Toys 'r Us exclusive Ninja Cobra Strike Team. These two figures were both named Vypra and both used the Jinx mold, but were identified as the twin daughters of Onihashi, a legendary swordsmith who makes swords for the Arashikage clan. In 2015 the G.I. Joe Collector's Club released another version of Vypra who looked more like the 2004 release but now had a classified name, ninja training, and served as a daring courier. That actually seems to be the figure Hasbro is basing this one off of, though the colors are more like the Vypra twins. The Classified Series Vypra is part of the Python Patrol subset and is a Target exclusive. She's quite a cool looking figure, offering up something rather different for Python Patrol. With a nice mixture of parts, Hasbro has definitely released a neat take on a character that's not as well known as most vintage figures. Let's check out Vypra after the break...

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

 

   Today it's time to jump back into the cold with a look at the Snow Serpent, the backbone of Cobra's cold weather operations crew. These guts aren't just your average grunts, though; the Snow Serpents are actually a division of the Cobra E.E.L.S., so they're kind of the best of the best of Cobra's legions. I still remember picking up the vintage figure at a K-Mart with my dad, so it had to have been some older stock as the only two 1985 figures I had were Barbecue and the Snow Serpent. The Snow Serpent has long been a popular figure and Hasbro has revisited the troops on multiple occasions. The Classified Series version also seems to be draw inspiration from the 1991 v2 figure, the 2002 Joe vs. Cobra figure, and the 2008 Snow Serpent from the Extreme Conditions: Arctic Assault Squad. This Classified Series version takes the legendary vintage figure, adds some of the best additions from the variants of the past few decades, and ends up as one impressive toy. Let's check the Snow Serpent out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Steel Corps Troopers from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I've been enjoying lots of time with family and friends over the past week or so as well as playing Nintendo Switch, watching Universal monster movies, and doing some shopping (lots of action figures purchased), so I've been a bit slow in putting out reviews. I've got plenty more coming, though, and today the G.I. Joe: Classified Series marathon returns with a look at the Steel Brigade.... wait; this isn't the Steel Brigade? Nope. While Hasbro originally released the Steel Brigade as a mail-away figure in 1987 (mine was named Shark!) and continued releasing the the troops in different ways through 2014, in 2019 Valaverse picked up the trademark to the name Steel Brigade. So, no, this isn't the Steel Brigade. It's the Steel Corps, now! The Steel Corps Troopers set came out a couple months ago and includes two Steel Corps Troopers; one male and one female. That's a neat idea. These figures are loaded with accessories including alternate heads, multiple weapons and firing effects, and even JUMP jetpacks. Ready to check out the first true army builders for the Joe team in the Classified Series? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Robert "Grunt" Graves" from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Today I'm checking out Grunt, one of the original 13 G.I. Joe team members from the 1982 vintage toy line. This Classified Series version of Grunt (officially names Robert "Grunt" Graves) definitely borrows from the very basic looking vintage figure but still adds some fantastic update to make Grunt fit in with the Classified Series aesthetic. I never had Grunt as a kid as he was a 1982 and 1983 release and it wasn't until reading the comics later and collecting the 1991 Impel trading card that I really came to be familiar with the character. Personally, until this release I'm not sure there's been a great Grunt figure. Yeah, the original figure is classic, but he's also kind of dull. V3 was OK, though quite different from what you'd expect. The comic pack version was also cool, but too issue specific. The Retro release from a year or two ago looks nice but I've long moved on from smaller scale Joes except for my old favorites. This Classified Series Grunt is just awesome, though, plus his alternate helmeted head lets him serve as an army builder, too. I managed to get my Grunts (three of them) when Target was offering for a really low sale price. It was off, but it worked for me. Let's check out Grunt after the break...

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

 

   

   Lately Hasbro has absolutely been releasing some of my favorite vintage Joes into the Classified Series: Low-Light, Shockwave, Chuckles, General Hawk, and now Tunnel Rat. 1986-1988 were my prime G.I. Joe buying years as a kid and when I first got into the lines, so my childhood favorites tend to come from those years. Tunnel Rat was another top tier favorite for me. I loved his outfit and just his general vibe. His flashlight holding backpack and oversized weapon were favorites, too. Based on the likeness of Larry Hama, the vintage Tunnel Rat was an impressive figure and Hasbro has translated him into the Classified Series nicely. I've always liked Tunnel Rat and even cosplayed the Sigma 6 version of Tunnel Rat at HeroesCon one time (maybe HeroesCon 2013 or 2014?). Ready for a look at the G.I. Joe team's E.O.D. and Combat Engineer? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Low-Light from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I looked at a few repaints last week but for this Thanksgiving week there are plenty of new characters two check out. Today is a look at one of my childhood favorites, Low-Light. I had this guy as a kid and have always loved his cool uniform, his red goggles, and his sniper rifle. Low-Light had some great figures over the years in the traditional 1/18th scaled line and he's been a figure I've been looking forward to in the Classified Series. Hasbro did an excellent job with him, drawing inspiration from the vintage figure and the 2011 Pursuit of Cobra figure. Ready to take a look at Low-Light? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   Firefly is the first figure of my second week of G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews during this marathon of reviews and, man, is he another excellent figure. I'm just throwing that out there right from the get go: This guy is an absolute banger. I'm still a fan of the first release of Firefly that was a Target Cobra Island exclusive, too, but this guy manages to be surprisingly different. Really, both figures complement each other nicely. Firefly is a popular character and while Hasbro doesn't go crazy in releasing variants of the saboteur, they definitely put a lot of effort into them. ready to check out Firefly? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   The November G.I. Joe Classified review series isn't a mini-marathon, is it? It's a full blown marathon! Hasbro has been releasing these guys like crazy during the last third of the year and I'm honestly wondering if the Classified Series reviews will last through the rest of the month! Today's review subject is the Range Viper, another Walmart exclusive figure paired with the G.I. Joe: Night Force releases. The Range Viper is another figure I didn't own as a kid though I do remember him being out there. I had the DTC version from 2005 and the 25th Anniversary Range Viper from the Defense of Cobra Island set, but I was a married adult when those ones came out. I've always been curious about the intent behind the Range Viper's design. Older file cards describe the Range Vipers as troops who are survival experts and are simply dropped into the field by Cobra with minimal supplies, as they are expected to survive off of the land and steal or scavenge for everything else they need. What's the deal with the skull-like helmet and the extreme backpack, though. Personally, always wondered if they were intended to be troopers for highlands or more mountainous regions (but not mountain climbers). They seem oddly dressed for long term survival and concealment. Their helmets being so intimidating makes me wonder if they utilize fear to frighten villagers and indigenous peoples in more remote areas to make taking supplies from them easier. However you use them, the Range Vipers are pretty intimidating and armed to the teeth. Ready to check out the Classified Series Range Viper? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Flint (Tiger Force) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro)

 

   It's time to check out another Target exclusive figure released within the last few months and it's one I've really been looking forward to: Tiger Force Flint! I've said many times that I was just starting to get into action figures around 1986 or so and thus I missed out on Flint at retail. Tiger Force Flint was my Flint as a kid (though I did have the shampoo bottle Flint). I loved Tiger Force and I'm really excited that Hasbro is continuing to grow the subset. While Tiger Force Flint is a repaint of the 2021 Flint figure, Hasbro did give him a few accessories and a new sheathe borrowed from Tiger Force Recondo. My biggest complaint with the previous Flint (who is one of my favorite Classified figures still) was that he needed a rifle and a knife. Lo and behold, that's what we get there. Ready to head off into the action figure reviewing jungle with Tiger Force Flint? Then join me after the break...

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

   My November G.I. Joe: Classified Series marathon continues and today I'm looking at a figure I like but that's less exciting than many others since it's just a repaint: The Crimson Viper. Over the years Hasbro has released many crimson painted Cobra troops to supplement the Crimson Guard and I've got reviews of a few of them coming soon, including the Crimson Strike Team set. The Crimson Viper was originally released as a 1/18th scaled figure in the 2002 G.I. Joe Convention exclusive Crimson Strike Team set and has been a popular Viper variant ever since. Now that we've got our Classified Series Crimson Strike sets in hand, we can add as many Crimson Vipers as we want(the 2002 convention set came with 12 Vipers!). Ready to take a look at this new repaint? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: David "Big Ben" Bennett (Night Force) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

      I love the classic G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero characters in the Classified Series (for me, anyone pre-1990) but I get really excited when post 1990 figures and characters from various non-vintage media sources make it into the line. Today I'm checking out David "Big Ben" Bennet in his Night Force gear. Big Ben is a member of the British SAS and was originally a 1991 figure. He was re-released five more times in different color schemes between 1991 and 2003, so someone at Hasbro really liked him. I'm not sure I've ever owned Big Ben but I was definitely looking forward to this guy and, let me tell you, he's an absolute cracker. Big Ben is part of the Wal-Mart exclusive Night Force series which focuses on the Night Force team (so far just Big Ben and Shooter) investing a source of Dark Energon. Big Ben is loaded down with weapons and ready to deliver some serious firepower. Ready to check out Big Ben? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Desert Commando Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Today is day 2 of my G.I. Joe: Classified Series marathon and this time I'm checking out Desert Commando Snake Eyes. Another Snake Eyes variant? Yup. I do have to admit that while Hasbro has done quite a few Snake Eyes variants in the Classified Series thus far, they've definitely been exercising more restraint than they did during the 2000s and early 2010s. They've also been all really good figures. Desert Commando Snake Eyes is noticeably different from his other brethren in that he's wearing brown and tan rather than black and grey. He's a repaint/ kitbash, yeah, but still he's noticeably different. There was a desert version of Snake Eyes released in a 6-pack at Toys 'R Us back in 2004 (that's almost 20 years ago), so it's nice to see ol' Snakes geared up for some arid regions again. Ready to check out Snake Eyes? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   Today begins the first day of a G.I. Joe: Classified Series marathon. This is my favorite ongoing line right now and the amount of figures that Hasbro has squeezed out in the last four months of the year has been insane! Today starts at least 2 weeks of non-stop G.I. Joe reviews.!

   We've had some colder weather here in the Carolinas and it has me in the mood to review Snow Job, another new(er) deluxe figure from Hasbro's G.I. Joe: Classified Series. I didn't have Snow Job as a kid as he was before my time. Instead, I had Iceberg, Blizzard, and Stalker in his tundra gear. While I'm sure we'll get to those two at some point, Snow Job was the original arctic trooper for the Joe team. I had the 25th Anniversary version of Snow Job, which is still a fine figure, but the Pursuit of Cobra Snow Job was downright amazing. This figure may borrow a little from all of those previous releases though he's still fairly faithful to the vintage figure as well. In Hasbro's Star Wars: The Black Series, many of Hasbro's deluxe efforts are laughable as they don't look or feel any more deluxe than a standard figure. Most of the Classified Series deluxe releases have felt worth the extra effort. How about Snow Job? Is St. Harlan W. Moore worthy of being a deluxe figure or is Hasbro trying to pull a Snow Job on us? Zip up, read on, and find out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Blade from Marvel Legends Series: Marvel Knights by Hasbro

 

   Looking back through my 2023 Marvel Legends Reviews, only 1/10th of the figures I reviewed were not X-Men characters. I stuck to my resolution to focus my Marvel Legends collection on X-Men based characters pretty well, didn't I? Today I'm looking at one of the newest figures I've picked up and possibly my last Marvel Legends Series review of the year (barring a good sale on the X-Men '97 releases): Blade! I do remember Blade from Spider-Man: The Animated Series but it was the 1998 Wesley Snipes film Blade that cemented my love for the character. Still, it's the three films in that series that pretty much informs everything I know about Blade, the dhampir and Daywalker with incredible fashion sense. All of their strengths and none of their weaknesses, baby. Other than seeing a few minutes of Howard the Duck, Blade was the first Marvel movie I ever saw. My dad took me to it and I remember being 100% blown away. I loved movies about vampire and monster hunters when I was a young teen and From Dusk till Dawn, Blade, Army of Darkness, and John Carpenter's Vampires were absolutely my jam. I have the previous Marvel Legends Blade (from the Man-Thing Build-a-Figure series) but this one definitely evoke the feel of Wesley Snipes' Blade more, so I absolutely wanted it. I stumbled upon Blade at GameStop last week and was thrilled. Ready to check him out and keep your Morbius figure in line? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Storm from Marvel Legends Series: X-Men '97 by Hasbro

 

   Wow! It's been.... 24 hours since I last reviewed a Storm action figure! Time for another one! Today I'm checking out Storm from Hasbro new Marvel Legends X-Men '97 series based on the upcoming revival of the classic animated series that I am really looking forward to. X-Men '97 is now scheduled to air on Disney+ early next year after being rescheduled from this fall due to the writers' strike and so many of the Marvel film and television projects being shuffled around. I'm quite excited for X-Men '97 as the original animated series was definitely one of my favorite cartoons when I was in grade school and a big part of the earliest days of my X-Men fandom. I was looking forward to the action figures for the show but I'm kind of holding off on buying most of them for the time being due to the current prices on them. I did have to get Storm, though, as I've really wanted a white costume Storm for quite some time and I missed the previous one that Hasbro released. Alison Sealy Smith is returning to voice Ororo Munroe which is really exciting. Her voice is absolutely the voice I hear when I read any comics with Storm in them. Let's take a look at Storm after the break...

Action Figure Review: Forge, Storm, & Jubilee from Marvel Legends Series: X-Men by Hasbro

 

      It's been almost two months since I reviewed the first of the two 3-packs that recreate the X-Men team in their matching uniforms from the cover of X-Men #275 and about a month since I reviewed the Retro Collection Wolverine that goes with the team. As part of a series of mini marathons of figures from the same line which will probably run through the end of the year, I'm excited to check out another Marvel Legends Series release. While the first set was pretty desirable (Banshee was the main draw, Psylocke doesn't have too many different figures out there, and Gambit is just always a favorite), this set seemed a bit less exciting. I have quite a few figures of Storm, Forge isn't all that different from the previous release of the character, and this version of Jubilee seems a bit plain. Still, this is a set of three X-Men heavy hitters on newer pinless bodies, and when I managed to snag them on a GameStop sale they were even more appealing. Let's take a look at the final three members of the X-Men #275 cover depicting the Strike Team. Join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Ch'od from Marvel Legends Series: X-Men by Hasbro

 

   The Marvel Legends marathon continues and today I'm (finally) finishing up this year's Marvel Legends X-Men build-a-figure series by taking a look at the build-a-figure itself. Yes, I skipped the Cyclops figure (he didn't have a BAF piece with him) but I did purchase Corsair, Emma Frost, Chamber, Monet St. Clair, Fang, and yes, even Kid Omega, in order to build Ch'od. I grabbed all of them on sale/ clearance, so I feel pretty good about waiting a few months to pick up the figures to complete this guy. I definitely am familiar with the Starjammers but I know Ch'od best because of his vintage Toy Biz figure. I'm really trying to think if I ever had Ch'od or not. If I did, I got him a bit after his main, probably around 1995 or 1996 from a KB Toys sale. He was everywhere, though, and probably just seeing him hanging around in stores has made me nostalgic for him. Honestly, I'm a sucker for the characters released as vintage Toy Biz figures. Ch'od is a big, tough Saurid, a member of the Starjammers, and is old friends with Rocket Raccoon. Honestly, who would be down for the Starjammers to appear in a fourth Guardians of the Galaxy film? That'd be a great way to continue things. Or make a Starjammers movie with the Guardians being a part of it. Man, I dig it. Let's take a look at a massive green hero who's not the Hulk or She-Hulk, after the break.

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

 

   Today I'm officially beginning a series of review mini marathons as we approach the end of the year and star to wrap up 2023. I'm starting things off with Hasbro's Marvel Legends Series and a bunch of mutants I'm finally getting around to reviewing. Full disclosure: When it comes to Marvel Comics based stuff, I don't know much about the X-Men post 2000. There are definitely major plot points I'm familiar with or characters that stand out, but overall I'm kind of oblivious. Huh. Thinking about that, that's like the last 23 years or so. Wow. OK, anyways, all that's to say that I do not know who Kid Omega is. I wasn't familiar with him when this series hit and from what little I've read about him, well, I only bought this guy to build Ch'od. I kind of hope I can sell him at some point because he is just so darn boring! He also just looks like a doofus. Pink energy glasses with a pink mohawk? And what is he doing with his mouth. Gargling? Is Kid Omega sitting here swishing around mouthwash? What the heck is wrong with him? The worst part is that I had to buy this guy three times (all on discount) before I managed to get one that actually had Ch'od's torso included. I returned the others, don't worry, but it still was a frustrating process. Let's check this goofy looking guy out after the break...

Re-Halloween Special! Mr. Bones (Fluorescent) from Mr. Bones ReAction by Super7

 

Happy Re-Halloween! Today I'm checking out a really cool treat of leftover candy I received during the Halloween season but just didn't get around to reviewing: Mr. Bones! Mr. Bones was a novelty candy released in 1977 by the Fleer Candy. The candy was kind of like PEZ or a SweeTART but was shaped like various bones. It was sold in a little plastic coffin and, in theory, you could build a skeleton with the different pieces as they snapped together like jigsaw puzzle pieces. It was pretty unlikely you'd get all of the pieces needed in one coffin, though, and I don't remember having more than one coffin full of candy at once. I wasn't born until 1983, but I still remember Mr. Bones being around as a kid and I had quite a few of the plastic coffins floating around in different drawers. Apparently the candy was discontinued in the mid 1990s, though plenty of other companies have released similar candies without the great gimmick. Super7 has recreated Mr. Bones as a ReAction figure and has released a few different variants. There's the standard Mr. Bones, Fluorescent, Orange & Black (in a coffin box), and a Glow-in-the-Dark variant. I picked up the Fluorescent Mr. Bones as I really like the brighter colors. Ready for a look at an undersung candy mascot? Then let's check out Mr. Bones after the break...

Action Figure Review: Tele-Viper & Cobra Flight Pod (Trubble Bubble) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   The newest figure and vehicle set for the G.I. Joe: Classified Series has been out for a month or more but now that Halloween (and Re-Halloween) is over, it's time to get back into plowing through the crazy amount of stuff that's showing up at the end of the year. Today I'm looking at the Tele-Viper & Cobra Flight Pod (Trubble Bubble) set, a figure and vehicle combination based on two 1985 releases from the vintage G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline. Since 1986 was really when I got into G.I. Joe I never had the vintage version of either of these figures. The Python Patrol Tele-Viper was my Tele-Viper but I didn't have a Cobra Flight Pod until the 2008 25th Anniversary release. The Tele-Viper was depicted as the pilot of the Trubble Bubble on the vintage package, so it's pretty fitting to have him included here. This Tele-Viper has three portraits, though, but being packaged with a vehicle makes him tougher to army build. Is this a cool set? Let's take a look and find out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Monet St. Croix from Marvel Legends Series: X-Men by Hasbro

 

   Today I'm checking out a figure of another X-Men character I'm not that familiar with: Monet St. Croix. I've said before that I'm not all too familiar with most X-Men characters past the mid-late 1990s, so the time after the earliest years of Generation X is kind of my cut off point. That being said, Monet St. Croix was definitely a huge part of the early years of the book, though her story is a bit confusing. Granted, this is X-Men in the 90s, so that par for the course, isn't it? It turns out that Monet (now known as M) was actually the character Penance and the character we new as Monet St. Croix was actually the real Monet's two younger twin sisters, Claudette and Nicole. When he ruse was discovered, Monet took back her body and Claudette and Nicole became Penance. Right? I haven't read that far in the Epic Collections, but it's on my to do list. Still, is this the real Monet or is this Claudette and Nicole in her body? Tricky! Along with Chamber, this figure adds a second member for the Generation X team. Ready to check her out? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Robin- Tim Drake (Robin: Reborn) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   McFarlane Toys has put out a ton of Batman related product this year and I'm really liking it. I'm perhaps a bit overwhelmed, sure, but I'm still liking it! Today I'm checking out another new Tim Drake s Robin figure (I found him back in September) based on Robin: Reborn, a collection of stories from 1990 through 1991 covering the time when Tim Drake became the third Robin. My daughter and I have been reading through the complete Knightfall collection together (we're in the middle of Prodigal right now) and Tim Drake is a huge part of that series and was a major part of Batman's world in the early to mid 1990s. It's obvious that this is intended to be Tim from that era but it's also clear that this figure is a retool of red and yellow Gold Label Robin from last year. How'd this one fare? Let's check out Tim Drake as Robin after the break...

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

 

    I'm still crawling my way through this year's X-Men themed Marvel Legends Series and today I'm checking out another more obscure character: Fang. Fang is a character I mostly remember from Wolverine wearing is costume but he did have quite a few appearances over the years as a member of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. One of the Lupaks, Fang is actually a title as whichever member of the Lupaks serves in the Shi'ar Imperial Guard at any given time is referred to as fang. He kind of resembles a skinny Sabretooth, doesn't he? I picked up most of this series on discount, so they've been out for quite a few months now. Still, they are 2023 releases so they're relatively new. It's just taking me forever to get to all of them. Let's check out Fang after the break... 

Re-Halloween Special!: Werewolf of London from Universal Monsters ReAction by Super7

 

   I've got another Re-Halloween special for all you spooky people out there: The Werewolf of London. Awooo!! While this figure doesn't come with a Chinese menu in his hand, he does have on a rather nice purple robe and his hair is indeed perfect. While the package simply says Werewolf of London, the figure is Dr. Wilfred Glendon in his werewolf form from the 1935 Universal Pictures horror film Werewolf of London. And, yes, the film (or at least the title) did inspire the song by the late, great Warren Zevon ("Excitable Boy" is easily one of my top 25 albums of all time). Henry Hull played a tortured werewolf in Werewolf of London six years before Lon Chaney Jr. played Larry Talbot in 1941's The Wolf Man, and while it's not the better film, Werewolf of London did come out first and has a unique charm to it. I quite like the movie and I was extremely excited to get this figure for my birthday a couple months back. I originally planned on reviewing this figure for The ABCs of 31 Days of Toy terror but he got bumped back to Re-Halloween. Ready to check out the Werewolf of London? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   If you're a Batman fan and collector like me, then you've probably been very happy with McFarlane Toys' DC Collectibles line. While the DC Universe as a whole is coming together very slowly (a standard comic Wonder Woman was just recently revealed well over 3 years into the line) McFarlane is definitely putting out lots of versions of Batman, the Batfamily, and Batman's rogues gallery. Usually we get figures in very specific appearances or from very specific storylines but this new version of the Riddler is a very classic Silver Age take on Mr. Edward Nygma/ Nashton. We've seen a few Batman villains get this treatment now and it's really quite welcome. While I prefer the look of the Riddler in a suit, the question mark adorned unitard is a pretty classic look for the character. Ready for a riddle from the Riddler? Then join me after the break...

Re-Halloween Special!: Grimsword from Dungeons & Dragons by NECA

 

   
   Welcome to today's Re-Halloween Special! Yes, Re-Halloween. Wait, you've never heard of Re-Halloween? It's the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs. You'd better read up on it, then, as it's on it's 13th year! I don't have a full seven days worth of Re-Halloween stuff this year but I do have a few leftover treats sprinked in. Today I'm checking out Grimsword from NECA's Dungeons & Dragons line based on the vintage 1983 LJN Advanced Dungeons & Dragons line. Grimsword was part of the second series and was released in 1984. I reviewed Zarak as part of 31 Days of Toy Terror so let's check out one of his compatriots, the evil knight who is obsessed with snakes. Grab some left over peanut butter cups and join me after the break...

Happy Halloween 2023: The Masque of the Red Death from Figure Obscura by Four Horsemen Studios

 

   Happy Halloween! Before we delve into today's spooky review, let me thank everyone who has dropped by Action Figure Barbecue for this year's installment of 31 Days of Toy Terror. I know that now most folks are into posting collecting stuff to sites like Instagram and Facebook and doing video reviews on Youtube, but I still love the traditional website and blog format. If you stopped here this year, thank you so much! Your comments, emails, and using me as a reference at any point is what keeps me going. Also a huge thank you to cryptkeepers Michelle and Dex at Countdown to Halloween who have kept the excellent Halloween Countdown running. Your efforts are truly appreciated!

  Now, onto the October 31st review: The Masque of the Red Death from the Four Horsemen Studios' Figure Obscura line. This was a huge surprise dropped by the Four Horsemen at the end of last month and it really delivers up a cool horror legend for fans of horror literature and 19th century Gothic spookiness. Last year the Four Horsemen gave us the Headless Horseman, so its pretty incredible to see them taking on another literary classic. Based on Edgar Allen Poe's 1842 short story "The Masque of the Red Death" (originally published as "The Mask of the Red Death: A Fantasy"), this figure depicts the Red Death, a supernatural personification of the story's titular plague who pays a visit to the masquerade ball held by Prince Prospero. The masquerade (or masque) is intended to be a sort of quarantine, keeping the prince and 1,000 other nobles away from the common folk afflicted with the disease. It's not a long story though it's definitely worth a read if you're not familiar with it. In fact, the figure actually includes a small, illustrated book of the story. Ready to check out the Red Death? Then join me after the break...

The ABCs of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Black Falcon from The Worst Ultimates by Super7

 

   Black Falcon is definitely my least favorite figure from Series 1 of the Worst ReAction figures that I reviewed back in 2016. Let's be honest: When you're going up against a vampire bat, a Mike Mignola-esque armored guy with a gas gun, and a snake headed mummy, an armored skeleton is a bit tame. The Worst typically have really strange designs but Black Falcon comes off as a pretty standard skeletal villain you'd see in Dungeons & Dragons, Lone Wolf, or The Elder Scrolls. As a larger figure, though, Black Falcon is cool. Very cool. He's actually quite impressive, which is nice as I had forgotten I had preordered these figure back in February of 2022 so they surprised me when they showed up at the end of last month. We're just a day from Halloween, so let's celebrate with an evil, undead skeleton! Let's check out Black Falcon after the break...

The ABCs of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Zarak from Dungeons & Dragons by NECA

 

  Since we've made it through all 26 letters of the alphabet I've got a few days to do some random stuff. Today my frightening figure selection is Zarak from NECA's Dungeons & Dragons toyline. 2023 has been a huge year for Dungeons & Dragons toys! Hasbro released has released figures based on the 1980's cartoon series and figures based on the film and various novels and manuals in the Golden Archive collection, Super7 has ReAction figures based on vintage artwork, and NECA has started a line based on the vintage 1983 LJN toyline. The first two figures came out at the beginning of 2023 (Warduke and Grimsword) but I initially skipped them as I don't really have any nostalgia for the LJN toyline. I never owned any except for a Bugbear and an elf I found at a yard sale as a kid and I'm not sure I ever even knew the line existed (I wasn't born until '83). When I saw Zarak, though, I was immediately tempted. The vintage figure is just OK, but NECA's take on this Half-Orc Assassin is incredible. This year for my birthday I went with my family to an incredible toy shop (Needless Toys & Collectibles in Lincolnton, NC) and was given the chance to pick a few things out. Zarak was one of my gifts and, wow, I'm absolutely loving how devious he is! He's cool, sneaky, and really quite creepy, too. Let's check out Zarak after the break...

The ABCs of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Dr. Hyde from Rambo: The Force of Freedom by Coleco

   Wow! Now that we've successfully gone through all of The ABCs of 31 Days of Toy Terror, I guess we can just go home now, right? As if! We've still got a little under a week left and I'm planning to fill it with as many terrifying toys as I can. Today I'm really excited to show off a particularly rare figure from my collection that I've had in my possession since originally procuring it at a Toys 'R Us as a kid: Dr. Hyde from Coleco's Rambo: The Force of Freedom. Military based cartoons and toylines had a surge in popularity thanks to Hasbro's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and Coleco's Rambo toyline was one of the best. If there is still a vintage action figure line that needs to be revived, it's between Rambo and Hasbro's C.O.P.S. for me. I loved both of those lines as a kid and still have them.

   Dr. Hyde is a creepy character who was part of the second series of figures. He even appeared in the accompanying animated series, too. A dishonorably discharged army surgeon convicted of war crimes, Dr. Hyde's face was reconstructed after an undisclosed accident, or possibly just due to him experimenting on himself. Now enclosed in a dome that enhances his vision and toting around oxygen tanks, Dr. Hyde is a cybernetic warrior for the evil S.A.V.A.G.E. and an enemy of Rambo. Let's take a look at Dr. Hyde after the break...

The ABCs of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Zartan (Retro) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   

   Today's the last day of the ABCs of 31 Days of Toy Terror, though there are still a few days till Halloween, so for those I'm just going with some other special stuff I want to review. Today, though, we've got the Retro version of Zartan from Hasbro's G.I. Joe: Classified Series. This figure is based on the standard Classified Series figure from 2021 but has a color scheme closer to the vintage toy and comes on one of the rather sharp looking (but flimsy) retro styled cards. Zartan isn't your typical monster or creature of the knight but he is kind of spooky. Hypnosis. Mystical Powers. Shape shifting. Wears a belly shirt. Man, he's downright terrifying! Let's take a look at the Walmart exclusive Retro Collection Zartan after the break...

The ABCs of 31 Days of Toy Terror: Y is for Bela Lugosi as Ygor from Universal Monsters Reaction by Super7

 

   Today for The ABCs of 31 Days of Toy Terror we've got Ygor for the letter Y! Yes, Ygor. Not Igor, Ygor. That's actually what he's called on the packaging for the figure and in the the material for 1939's Son of Frankenstein. The lab assistant for Dr. Frankenstein in the original film was named Fritz, but Bela Lugosi's character is Ygor, a blacksmith with a broken neck from an unsuccessful hanging attempt who has an axe to grind with the people who attempted to execute him. I love how deep Super7 has gon with their Universal Monsters Reaction line and I hope they keep going! For now, let's check out Bela Lugosi as Ygor after the break...

The ABCs of 31 Days of Toy Terror: X is for Xenomorph Newborn from Alien Reaction by Super7

   Hey, look! It's another Xenomorph on the countdown! I was really struggling with finding something for X and decided to go with a Xenomorph. I didn't want to review another Kenner figure but I have  this Super7 ReAction the Newborn from Alien Resurrection as part of my Aliens collection and decided he'd be a perfect fit. Despite Alien Resurrection being fairly unpopular, I've always thought the Newborn human/ alien hybrid was a creepy creature design. I remember seeing the film at a dollar movie back in early 1998. My mom didn't want to see the movie so she took my friend and I to a dollar theater, bought three tickets, got us in the theater, and went and saw something else. Few toy companies have released merchandise from the film but when they do it usually is this guy. Or girl. The film model had both male and female inspired genitalia, though it was removed in post production. Different sources have referred to the Newborn Xenomorph as being male or female. The Newborn alien is born via livebirth rather than from an egg but I don't remember it being covered in blood like this. It definitely makes for a more gruesome figure, though. Let's check this little tyke out after the break...