Action Figure Review: Dragon Blaster Skeletor from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

   I just received a box of new Masters of the Universe figures in the mail from Mattel, so get ready for a nice sprinkling of MOTU reviews in the week or two ahead. Today I'm checking out one of the two new deluxe releases: Dragon Blaster Skeletor. Dragon Blaster Skeletor is based on the 1985 MOTU variant from the vintage line. Mattel has done a pretty decent job of keeping He-Man and Skeletor available while not completely flooding the shelves with them, so getting another Skeletor variant is surely welcome if you're a fan of ol' bonehead. And, c'mon, who isn't? You have class and taste if you're reading this site, so surely you appreciate the universe's greatest villain toting around a water spewing dragon in his back. The vintage figure can be had incomplete for a decent price but that lock and the chain are crazy expensive vintage accessories (between $80 and $150 for the set) so I could see some folks picking this figure up just to accessorize their vintage piece. Let's take a look at Dragon Blaster Skeletor after the break and see if he knows how to train this dragon...

Action Figure Review: Major Arnold Toht from Indiana Jones: Adventure Series by Hasbro

 

   While Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny officially comes out tomorrow, I'm actually going to a showing this evening. We're pretty excited as it's a new Indiana Jones movie and it's going to be the first Indiana Jones movie my daughter gets to see in a theater. Of course, today's review is of Major Arnold Toht, one of the villains from Raiders of the Last Ark. Raiders is my favorite of the four films thus far and probably my favorite film overall (Ghostbusters is close) and I've always loved Toht. He's just such a creepy, wormy villain with a lot of presence despite not having many lines in the film. I actually still have a vintage Toht figure from Kenner's The Adventures of Indiana Jones line that I've had since I was a kid. Why did I end up with Toht alone? Who knows! I'm still not fully sold on this line, even with yesterday's reveals of figures from The Last Crusade and that excellent Grail Altar build an accessory. Still, despite some very solid looking releases, this line feels like such a hodgepodge of characters and a low effort endeavor on Hasbro's part, though it's possible that it's Lucasfilm/ Disney calling the shots. To be honest, I'm surprised that Toht made the cut considering he's a Nazi Gestapo agent. (Fun fact: Ronald Lacey, who played Arnold Toht, also played Heinrich Himmler in The Last Crusade.) He's a bad guy I love to hate who certainly gets what he deserves and I needed someone for Indy to punch. Ready to check out Toht? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Mantis from Marvel Legends Series: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 by Hasbro

 

   Over the weekend I was at Target and found most of the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Marvel Legends figures on clearance. They only had Drax, Rocket, and Mantis, and since I'm pretty happy with my comic versions of the first two characters I only picked up Mantis. It's possible that we'll someday get a comic inspired Mantis but until then (or in case we don't) the MCU version will fill a gap on my shelf. I never completed the Vol. 2 Build-a-Figure and I sold off the pieces long ago, so this was the best option to get a Mantis figure. Add in the fact that she was on clearance and I couldn't pass her up. Ready to see how the GOTG Vol. 3 Mantis turned out? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Indiana Jones (Professor) from Indiana Jones: Adventure Series by Hasbro

 

  Some of you may have heard that there's a new Indiana Jones film coming out this week and, I don't know about you, but I'm excited. For quite a few years fans of the series have been hoping that Hasbro would return to Indy's adventures to release some new action figures, either as an extension/ upgrade of the 1/18th scale 2008 toyline or as a 1/12th scaled Star Wars: The Black Series styled line. In addition to some Retro Collection releases and the kid friendly Worlds of Adventure line, Indiana Jones: The Adventure Series is part of Hasbro's Indiana Jones offerings this year. A 6-inch scaled line, similar to the previously mentioned Star Wars: The Black Series, the line thus far features a mixture of figures from four of Indiana's adventures (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull isn't represented yet, which is a shame; Indy with a Refrigerator would actually be amazing, as would Irina Spalko) with a mixture of mainline releases and exclusive figures. Thus far I've only seen a random figure here and there so either these are selling really well or the distribution is absolutely atrocious. I've mentioned previously that I wasn't planning on getting into this line, at least not until Mola Ram is announced or I found some figures on sale. I did manage to get this version of Indiana Jones on sale during GameStop's Pro-Week (well, in a buy 2, get 1 free sale) to see how the figures are. Indiana Jones (Professor) represents Dr. Jones in his tweed suit from early scenes in The Last Crusade while he is teaching at Barnett College. Indy in his professor garb is a figure we never received in the 2008 line, so that makes this guy kind of exciting, but also a bit frustrating for those of us who collect that now 15 year old line. Let's take a look at Indiana Jones (Professor) after the break...

Action Figure Review: Okeaetos from Mythic Legions by Four Horsemen Studios

 

   Two weekends ago I went to HeroesCon 2023 in Charlotte, NC, which has become an annual tradition for my family. It's always a really fun time and while I was disappointed that Larry Hama didn't make it this year (I had some G.I. Joe issues in my satchel ready to be signed), I still picked up a lot of great stuff there and met some other cool folks. One of the best discoveries was stumbling upon  Four Horseman Studio's booth! Ever since I was a sixth grader reading issues of ToyFare, Lee's Action Figure News and Toy Review, and Tomart's Action Figure Digest, The Four Horsemen have always been a big deal and getting to meet a few members of their team in person was incredible. They had some cool customs on display and plenty of Mythic Legions figures available, so I picked up the two newest Mythic Legions figures that are Masters of the Universe tributes: Okeaetos and Zenithon. Today I'm checking out Okeaetos, a tribute to MOTU's Webstor. In Mythic Legions, Okeatos is a hybrid of skeleton and flesh who is an Arakkighast assassin with a vampire-like head. Ready to check this cool guy out? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Craig "Rock 'N Roll" McConnel from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   While the last series of figures from the G.I. Joe: Classified Series left a lot to be desired, the upcoming releases all look to be back on track with lots of awesomeness. I don't have any other new figures yet but I did manage to get Craig "Rock 'N Roll" McConnel a bit early as he popped up in stock at BBTS a few weeks back. Rock 'N Roll is one of the Original 13 G.I. Joe figures from A Real American Hero's 1982 lineup and he proved to be a favorite, getting a few variants throughout the vintage line. So far he joins Snake Eyes, Scarlett, Stalker, and Breaker as part of the original team (with Grunt on the way!). A heavy machine gunner, a surfer, and a bass guitarist, Rock 'N Roll is a cool dude who likes to hang out, chill out, and take Cobras out. Let's take a look at him after the break...

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

 

   My wife saw The Flash on Thursday evening and, like most people who went to the film, we saw it because of the return of Michael Keaton as Batman. I'm not going to get into long review here or anything and I'm going to try to avoid spoiling anything, but on the old The Epic Review rating scale I'd give the film somewhere between a Good and a Good and a 1/2. Supergirl was pretty cool, Affleck's brief appearances as Batman and Bruce Wayne were pretty solid, but Keaton dominated. Keaton was in the film far more than I expected which really improved the overall experience for me. Last week we watched Batman and Batman Returns with our daughter and while she didn't want to see go with us to see The Flash, she did really enjoy those two films. I didn't see Batman until it was on TV but I do remember my dad taking me to see Batman Returns on opening weekend, which was insane. That would have been 31 years ago as of earlier this week, so I was 8 at the time. Kenner's action figures were a staple at the time and I remember having quite a few of them. While the movie is titled The Flash, McFarlane Toys is certainly focusing on the Batman side of things for the figures and currently the most popular items all have to do with Michael Keaton's Batman. Today I'm checking out the standard Keaton Batman from The Flash who took me some time to track down. The unmasked Gold Label variant actually seems easier to find, but the unmasked head looks more like the late Ray Liotta than Michael Keaton. This guy really got me pumped and I'm glad to have him. He's by no means a perfect figure, but he's still pretty fun to have. Let's take a closer look at Batman after the break...

Action Figure Review: Cosmo #1207 from POP! Marvel by Funko

 

  

   "I knew you believed I am a good dog!"

   I loved Cosmo so much in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 that I had to pick up a Funko POP! of her as well. She's just too cute not to have her on the shelf. You can never have too many good dogs hanging around, right? I love Cosmo's personality in the movie and how aggrieved she was about being called a bad dog and how adamant she was about getting Kraglin to take it back. Heck, she was less bothered that the Russians launched her into space and expected her to perish than by Kraglin's comment. She's just so lovable! Let's take a quick look at Cosmo, an excellent and very good dog, after the break...

Action Figure Review: Yondu from Marvel Legends Series: Guardians of the Galaxy by Hasbro

 

“He may have been your father, boy, but he wasn’t your daddy.”- Yondu Udonta

   While the new Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Marvel Legends figures look excellent, it's pretty uncommon for me to pick up the MCU based figures these days. I'd rather add to my ever-growing comic based collection that focuses comic based versions of characters from the MCU and 20th century X-Men/ X-Force/ Alpha Flight/ X-Factor/ pretty much any mutants pre-2000. The now defunct 1/18th scaled Marvel figures actually receive this version of Yondu about 7 or 8 years ago but it's taken this long for him to show up in the standard 1/12th scaled Legends line. This isn't a first appearance version of Yondu, but it's not far from it. It's certainly not a more modern version based on Michael Rooker's portrayal from the MCU, though. Yondu is a Target exclusive and doesn't seem to be too difficult to find. Ready to check out Yondu, one of the original Guardians of the Galaxy from Earth-691? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Aquaman (Flashpoint) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Aquaman from Flashpoint is a Gold Label set exclusive to Target with a buildable Cyborg figure and so far they've released Aquaman and Project Superman with the Flash on the way. The fourth figure is still a mystery, so not only is it going to take the better part of a year to build Cyborg but it's highly unlikely all four figures will be on shelves at the same time and you kind of have to jump in without knowing all of the figures you'll be buying Cyborg. Considering his popularity with the Teen Titans and the Justice League, I could definitely see more collectors interested in Cyborg than interested in specifically a Flashpoint series. Aquaman was the first figure released and he's been out for a few months now. In Flashpoint, Aquaman and the people of Atlantis are at war with Wonder Woman and the Amazons, so they're all just messing up the planet for everyone. Let's take a look at this crazy looking Aquaman after the break...

Action Figure Review: Fulcum Abominus (Dark Knights: Metal) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Have you ever wanted a giant mech like Voltron or Megazord, but with more Batman? Then Fulcum Abominus is going to be right up your alley! Popping out of the pages of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Dark Knights: Metal,  Fulcum Abominus was created by Hiro Okamura better known as Toyman. The mech is combination of six machines originally designed to combat the members of the Justice League while on Mongol's War Moon. Originally six separate robots intent on destroying the Justice League, Toyman built-in a fail-safe feature that is discovered by Batman, causing all of the robots to join together into a massive mech of justice. McFarlane Toys seems to love Dark Knights: Metal and all of the spin-off titles which allows us to keep getting cool designs like this. Fulcum Abominus is a megafig, so he's definitely larger than your standard figure. Ready to check out this heroic combination of the separate Justice League hunting robots? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Batcycle (The Flash) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   The Flash comes out today and I'm pretty conflicted about it. One one hand, I'm wildly excited about the return of Michael Keaton as Batman as well as the return of Ben Affleck as Batman, even though his role seems like it will be pretty minor. Like pretty much everyone else my age, I absolutely love the Tim Burton and Michael Keaton films as they have just the right amount of darkness and comic book absurdity to make them incredibly enjoyable, so getting Keaton to don the cowl again is like a dream come true. On the other hand, while I like the character of the Flash and really enjoyed Flashpoint, I've never been too impressed by Ezra Miller's take on the Flash and I'm less than enthused about giving the actor support due to some of the more egregious accusations against him. I feel conflicted, like getting the chance to visit with an old and dearly loved friend but having to also spend time with the person they're currently dating who I just can't stand. Ugh. I'm going to the movie, yeah, but it's for Keaton and Affleck. And Nicholas Cage as Superman. Let's not forget that. Oh, and Zod and Faora are back, so that's pretty cool, too. I'm pretty curious to see how Sasha Calle's Supergirl turns out, too. OK, so I'm excited for about everything in this movie except the Flash himself. 

   So, onto toys! I picked up the Batcycle from this movie a month or so ago as it really looks pretty cool and makes the kind of dull Affleck Batman figure from the film more exciting. This is the first McFarlane Batcycle I've picked up and I have to say that it's a pretty hefty chunk of plastic for $30 bucks. McFarlane has made quite a few Batcycles in the line, so I'm sure some of y'all have a pretty extensive collection. This is my first, so let's check it out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Fearsome Flush from Ghostbusters Kenner Classics by Hasbro

 

   Somehow I missed Hasbro's 2021 release of the 1989 action figure Fearsome Flush from Kenner's The Real Ghostbusters line. I had Fearsome Flush as a kid and loved him. I mean, he's a haunted toilet. How wild is that? As a kid he typically just hung out in the Firehouse and functioned as a normal toilet that would sometimes spring to life. Crazy stuff! Fearsome Flush was released in 1989 as part of the sixth series of The Real Ghostbusters toys and he's definitely memorable. I actually stumbled upon him last weekend at Ollie's and just had to have him. Seeing these figures on those bold, oversized purple cards just gives me a rush of nostalgia. Ready to check out Fearsome Flush? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Yelena Belova from Marvel Legends Series: Avengers by Hasbro

 

   We're almost half way through the year and this is actually the first Marvel Legends Series figure from a Build-a-Figure series that I've picked up. Surprising, right? There haven't been that many releases that have really jumped out at me this year, and some of the ones that have, like the Blob, have just seemed to be overpriced. Yelena Belova really appealed to me, though, as she's a comic version of a MCU character who I really love (I could listen to Florence Pugh speak in her Russian accent all day!), she's a cool, tactical figure with some nice weaponry, I was able to use my GameStop monthly 

$5 Pro credit on her, and, since I'm not planning to build Puff Adder, I was able to sell the piece and recoup most of the price of the figure. Not bad, right? This version of Yelena Belova represents her during the time when she took on the alias of Black Widow, being the second Black Widow after Natasha Romanoff. Ready to check out Yelena Belova? Then let's get to it...

Action Figure Review: Medieval Spawn from Spawn by McFarlane Toys

 

   I didn't own Medieval Spawn as a kid, but I always wanted him. I bought one last year, finally, but I was really waiting for a new version to show up in the modern Spawn line. It seemed inevitable since Medieval Spawn has made a reappearance in the comics and is now part of the Spawn super team, the Scorched. In the current comics Marc Rosen, journalist and ally of Al Simmons, becomes Medieval Spawn when he puts on the helmet that once belonged to the warrior. I think he somehow channels the spirit of Sir John of York when he does as he definitely talks like a knight rather than like a modern dude. I picked up Medieval Spawn during a GameStop Pro-week sale last week. I paid $24.99 for him before a discount (the same price as on McFarlane Toy Shop) but I've been to two other GameStop stores that had him for $29.99. Amazon has him for $29.99, too, so shop around, I guess. Anyways, ready to check out Medieval Spawn? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: King Randor (200x) from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

   I, like so many others, missed out on the vintage styled King Randor in Masters of the Universe Classics that came out at the end of 2022. Fortunately, Mattel is doing another run of a few of the more difficult to find figures, and Randor is one of them. They have been sprinkling in some variants inspired by the 200x toyine and the Mike Young Productions animated series into the line over the past year or two and King Randor is the latest figure to get a 200x inspired variant. While Randor did get a NECA Staction, he didn't make it into the standard 200x toyine nor did he ever get a 200x inspired Masters of the Universe Classics figure. He finally gets one now, though, so aren't you glad this style is no longer retired? Let's take a look at King Randor after the break and see if it's as good to be the king as they say...

Action Figure Review: Impulse (Flash War) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Ready for a quick review? Then let's take a look at the DC Multiverse Impulse from Flash War. Impulse is a Gold Label release exclusive to Target and I found mine back in the latter half of April while my daughter and I were coming back from her school trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. We stopped for dinner on the way home and ended up running into a nearby Target as well, which is where I found Impulse. I'll freely admit that I recognize Impulse but I don't know much about the character other than what the back of the included collectible card says: This is Bart Allen, Barry Allen's grandson from the future, who has been trapped in the Speed Force. He's a time traveler and is from the 31st century, so he's got that going for him, too. Honestly, I just thought he looked cool and that he would display well with the Titans. I guess you could say he was kind of an "impulse" purchase.

Impulse. Purchase. 

Ready to check out Impulse? Then join me after the break...

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...