Attack of the 7-inch 31 Days of Toy Terror: Bride of Frankenstein (Glow-in-the-Dark) from Universal Monsters by NECA

 

   It's a Friday in October so it's time for a larger toy review than the standard fare for The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: How about a visit from the Bride of Frankenstein? NECA released this glow-in-the-dark figure inspired by the classic Remco Mini Monsters as an SDCC 2025 exclusive, so I've had her chilling on the shelf for a good few months waiting for October. NECA has gone beyond the original six figures from the vintage line (Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Phantom of the Opera), offering up their takes on the Invisible Man, Nosferatu, and the Bride of Frankenstein. This figure is largely a repaint of the previously released Bride of Frankenstein but some new touches like the plastic retro inspired cape and the green face really maker her stand out. Ready for a glow in the dark figure that's a real scream? Then let's join the Bride after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Mr. Good and Evil from Lego Minifigures by Lego

 

   

   Back when I did my first ever 31 Days of Toy Terror (back 2013 at The Epic Review), there were definitely a few Lego sets and minifigures that were part of the festivities. I decided to throw another Lego minifigure in this year for old time's sake and today I'm checking out Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Um, I mean Mr. Good and Evil. That's the official name for this guy from Lego, anyway. He was released as part of Series 9 of the blind bagged minifigures back in 2013 and was definitely inspired by  Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Unlike the complete transformation between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as two separate personalities, however, Mr. Good and Evil has both sides of his personality present at once, more like Two-Face. Both sides are constantly trying to sabotage each other as well. What a conundrum! Ready for a look at Mr. Good and Evil? Then join me after the break...

  

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: The Bride of Frankenstein from Tiny Nightmares by Just Play

 

   A few months ago I was at Target and found these really cool little blind-boxed minis, Tiny Nightmares from Just Play, that feature a couple Universal Monsters characters (the Bride of Frankenstein and the Creature from the Black Lagoon) as well as Michael Myers, Pennywise, Chuck and Tiffany, M3GAN, and the Nun. They seemed a bit pricy and I was really only interested in the Universal Monsters, Michael Myers, and maybe M3GAN, so I passed. Just a few weeks ago I was at Five Below and stumbled upon these little guys again, though now for $5 bucks. They were also packaged in foil bags instead of boxes and I thought I might have a better chance of pulling the figures I wanted most. The bagged set has fewer figures (Michael Myers, Tiffany, and Pennywise are absent) but it made it more likely I was going to get the one I want. After a good bit of feeling the packages and probably looking awfully suspicious I decided to check online and see if there was a code on the bags. Sure enough there was! To find the Bride of Frankenstein in the bagged set you'll look for a code "D" on the bag (it's the last letter in a series of numbers); for the boxed set you'll look for "E" for the Bride of Frankenstein. So far as I am aware, the blind bagged and blind boxed figures are the same figures, just with an adjustment to the assortment and codes. I'm glad to be able to pull the ones I wanted without getting duplicates or grabbing a mini I didn't care that much about (*cough* the Nun *cough*). Ready to once again spend some time with the Bride of Frankenstein? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Beach Head & Quick Kick (Night Force) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   As it's getting dark earlier and earlier every day it's probably time to call on Night Force again! I have absolutely loved nearly every Night Force release in Hasbro's G.I. Joe: Classified Series and it's probably my favorite subset in the line at this point. I like Tiger Force (as I had most of them as a kid) but Hasbro has really changed up the figures more for Night Force, giving us some pretty cool variants. Beach Head always seems to have great figures and this one is based on the Retro carded version which, oddly, I didn't review. Quick Kick is incredibly different, though, getting not just a cool new portrait (for him) but also a completely different outfit from the prior release that feels more fitting for an elite military unit. This set is a Walmart exclusive and is still available online as of this review being published. I think this is one of the strongest release/ variant sets in this line to date as both figures are really solid and the accessories are insane. Ready to check out Beach Head and Quick Kick? Then join me after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Male Alien (They Live) from Universal Horror Classics Tiny Mights by CultureFly

 

   Ready for another true minifigure for The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror? Then let's check out another of CultureFly's Universal Horror Classics Tiny Mights from John Carpenter's 1988 classic They Live: The Male Alien. Yes, one of the male versions of the aliens or ghouls who have secretly invaded the earth this time. I reviewed the Female Alien and John Nada not long ago, so look back and check out those reviews for more details. Today I'm interested in talking a bit about how these are labeled as Universal Horror Classics. When I think of Universal horror classics, I think of the films of Universal during the silent period and from 1931 to 1960, but this line is based on films from the 1970s through the late 90s. Interesting. The classic Universal films did eventually lead to elements of a shared universe at times, though they also shared many of the same cast and crew members giving them a more cohesive feel. Do the post 1960s films have the same connective tissue as those classics, though? Apparently CultureFly and someone at Universal Pictures does. Let's take a closer look at this guy after the break...

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

 

   
   If you talk to some fans of G.I. Joe, especially folks who just jumped back in to collect the Classified Series, you'll often find that many really only collected the first few years of the A Real America Hero line. The A Real American Hero brand of G.I. Joe has been around for about 43 years now and, from 1982 through 2018, 1/18th scaled figures were released in every calendar year except for 1995, 1996, and 1999 (though other Joe product was available). There's also been an ever present cycle where the line tried to reintroduce characters and previous concepts and then goes and steps the brand forward. In 1991, G.I. Joe really began to push new takes on the most popular characters including Snake Eyes, who we're checking out today. This version is based on the 1991 "version 4" figure that changed Snake Eyes' traditionally all black look for a lot more grey and blue. I never had this version of Snake Eyes as a kid in the 1/18th scaled line though I did have the 1992 12-inch "Hall of Fame" figure of Snake Eyes in this outfit. This looks for Snake Eyes was used on most G.I. Joe licensing art and merchandise throughout the early 90s including video games and the DIC animated series. While we haven't received a figure based on Snake Eyes v3 yet (which was my Snake Eyes), this look is pretty unique and I was excited to get it in hand. How is he? A bit of a mixed bag, unfortunately, though mostly that has to do with accessories. Ready to check out the Classified Series take on the 1991 Snake Eyes? Then join me after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Gollum the Fisherman from Middle Earth Toys by Toy Vault

   Toy Vault's Middle Earth Toys line only ran from 1998 through 2000 and while they didn't get to many characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, they did release toys in multiple sizes. The line had some pretty good internal scaling and Toy Vault's takes on Gollum (and Smeagol) were suitably smaller than most other figures in the line. They also capture a very creepy depiction of Gollum! Toy Vault released four different versions of Gollum (or Smeagol) and while this one, Gollum the Fisherman, has a quote from The Two Towers on the package, it always makes me think of Gollum when Bilbo meets him in The Hobbit. Toy Vault only had the rights for The Lord of the Rings and not The Hobbit, though, but apparently they didn't realize that at first, so some lineups had to be changed. This past year I was able to accomplish one of the things I've most looked forward to which was reading the The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to my daughter and then watching the films with her, so now the series is even more special to me. It's a shame that Toy Vault never had the chance to really go far with this line as it was just a wonderfully unusual collection that emerged during the time when companies were realizing that collectors could support toylines and the direct market was becoming a legitimate means of distribution. Ready for a look at Gollum the Fisherman? Then keep a sharp look out, hold on to your precious, and join me after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Deadpool as Jacob Marley #1494 from POP! Plus by Funko

 

   

   Ready for a touch of Christmas leading up to Halloween? Then I've got you covered! Today I'm really excited to show off a very unusual Funko POP! that I found near the end of August at GameStop: Deadpool as Jacob Marley! Listen, I like Deadpool as much as the next guy, but I'm pretty sure this is the first Deadpool POP! vinyl that I've purchased. Now Jacob Marley? I've mentioned here before that A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite stories. I try to read Charles Dickens' book once every other year and I watch multiple film versions of it every year. I've also been able to amass a nice collection of action figures and toys based on the Christmas classic and Jacob Marley is my absolute favorite. So Deadpool as Jacob Marley? I'm down for it. A figure as Dead(pool) as a doornail? Sign me up! This is a weird, wacky figure and I'm completely ok with giving it a slot during spooky season. At just a bit over 4 inches, I think it fits our theme as well. Join me after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: John Nada (They Live) from Universal Horror Classics Tiny Mights by CultureFly

"I have come here to chew bubblegum and review minifigures, and I'm all out of bubblegum."

   It's time for not just another minifigure from Culturefly's Universal Horror Classics Tiny Mights but another from John Carpenter's 1988 classic They Live as well: John Nada. Originally intended as a role for frequent Carpenter collaborator Kurt Russell, Russell's unavailability led to "Rowdy" Roddy Piper being cast in the role as the man who exposes an alien invasion to the world. I'm really glad that CultureFly picked They Live as one of the movies this series delivers characters from as it's one of my favorites and their isn't a ton of merchandise from the film. Ready to check out a miniature Nada to protect your desk? Then join me after the break...

Attack of the 11 and a 1/2 inch 31 Days of Toy Terror: Purple Skeleton Bear from Wild Knots by Kong

 

    We never leave out our four legged friends! Our dog, Zoey, has volunteered to write special reviews for the last two years of 31 Days of Toy Terror and she enjoyed all of the kind remarks and praise she got. Zoey absolutely loves her stuffed toys and she carries them all around the house. She carries them, licks them, chews them a bit (though she is rather gentle), throws them around, and uses them like pillows. I once again again bribed her into writing another review by buying her a new Kong Wild Knots bear, which is her favorite type of you. She has seven or eight of these bears in different colors and they really do seem to be her preferred toys. Ready to read a (dog) toy review written by Zoey, our 7-year old Kelpie/ terrier rescue dog? Then read on!

[Editor's Note: Zoey is a very, very good dog, but she has never been the best speller. She also doesn't always use the correct words. While we've tried to work with her on this for the 5+ years we've had her, it seems that Zoey will forever talk the way she talks. 

   Hi. This Zoey. I dog. And I back again because it Howlween. How I know? I know because Krimstin and Girl start putting up fake punkins. Everywhere. Lots of punkins and other things that they tell me are decrations and not snacks or toys. Barbcue seem to think it Howlween all year long. He always wear punkin on head and sit round eating treats and watching movies he say scary. They not scary. Mailbox scary. Cars driving by scary. People other than family, Gram-Gram and Pap-Pap, and Girl's loud friend scary. But movies not scary. Bears not scary, either. They friends. And snacks. Mostly snacks. Bear is my favorite animal. I love bears. Barbecue tell me my dog food made from bear, but I think he make it up. Last month Barbcue sent picture of new purple Howlween to Krimstin and say he find at store. Krimstin say "Zoey spoiled. She have too many toys. She not need more bear." 

   

   But I get on phone and say "Want want. Please give. Thamks. I polite and cute and Barbcue spoil me. He bring home purple bear that look like skelton. He say it spooky, but it not look like mailbox or plastic bag blowing across yard. I think it look yummy. Snack! He hold it up and ask me if I want it. I say "Want want. Please give! Give! Want!" he throw it to me. It amazing! I call this purple bear Bone Bear. While I chewing, Barbcue say I have to write review. I think Bear was bribe. It OK. I telligent and litrate. I write review. Hit button to read more, pleeze. Thamks...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: The Phantom of the Opera from Toony Terrors by NECA

 

   I'm really glad that Lon Chaney's Phantom of the Opera still gets lumped in with the classic Universal Monsters. He's from the silent era, so he predates the classic Universal Horror period of 1931 to 1960, and the film is in the public domain. Still, I think he belongs as he's one of Lon Chaney's strongest creations and he just feels right at home next to the other classics. I like him better than Claude Rain's Phantom from 1943 and I'm glad NECA picked him for the second series of Toony Terrors focused on the Universal Monsters. I'm excited to review the Phanton as he is one of my favorites. So... let's address this figure's height: He's 5 1/2 inches tall. Yes, this year's theme is The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror, so wouldn't you expect a shorter figure? I originally wanted to just do minifigures and shorter stuff, but I really want to work these guys in. Besides, these are shorter than your standard horror action figures, right? Yeah, of course. Let's go ahead and count the Phantom! Join me after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: The Mummy's Tomb from Universal Studios Monsters by Jack in the Box

   Just this past weekend I reviewed the Mummy from the 1999 Jack in the Box "Universal Studios Monsters" promotion and I mentioned that there were actually two sets Jack in the Box Universal Monsters toys included with the kids meals from different years. Today I'm going to check out the Mummy again, but this time it's from the 2002 promotion where it was billed as "The Mummy's Tomb." Now, The Mummy's Tomb is the title of the 1942 film in he Kharis series, but I don't think this figure is really connected to that film. I did hint that I was going to check out something from this second Jack in the Box Universal Monsters promotion in a previous review, so, how about that? I try to always do what I say I'm going to do! This second set seems to be much more uncommon, perhaps even selling out fairly fast and causing many folks heading to Jack in the Box for Monster Tacos and curly fries to come up as empty as Dracula's coffin on a cold, October night. I actually remember being in a Jack in the Box where a friend of mine worked during this promotion and seeing at least one angry customer who was at the drive-thru come inside the store because their didn't get a "monster" with their order. This lady was really aggravated and was threatening to call the police for fraud since the store was advertising the product. She kept demanding that my friend come out from behind the counter and pull down the big cardboard standup or whatever that showed off the toys that were available since it was false advertising. 

   I get aggravated when restaurants don't seem to have availability or any knowledge of their own promotions, too, but this lady was taking it way too far! Anyways, I never expected that 23 years later I'd be writing about those Universal Monsters toys on my own website. While the 1999 promotion accompanied a rerelease of the films on home media, a Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights themed attraction, and the release of the remake of The Mummy, I don't think much happened with classic Universal Horror in 2002 except for a showing of many of the films on AMC's 7-day MonsterFest event. I guess that just shows there's never any event needed to celebrate the Universal Monsters! Let's look at the 2002 fast food offering of the Mummy after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Creature from the Black Lagoon from Vinyl SODA by Funko

 

   Ready for a dive into the murky depths of the Black Lagoon today! I hope so, because that's where we are headed as we look at the Creature from the Black Lagoon from Funko's now defunct Vinyl SODA line. I really liked these little figures in the cool metal soda can containers but apparently they were too much of a hassle for Funko. Besides Funko just releasing too much product over the last few years (remember how they scrapped $30 million worth of merchandise in 2023) and causing a glut, apparently the Vinyl SODA line was particularly problematic as the metal cans were getting more expensive to produce and people would order full cases of these figures, open them until they got the chase figure, and then return the rest, causing many retailers to get stuck with an excess of unsold items. The Gill-man was originally exclusive to Gemini Collectibles with a metallic variant packed at a 1:6 ratio. This is just the standard version, though, because I really liked the style of these. I like the Vinyl SODA designs even better than Funko POP! figures, so I'm sad they disappeared so soon. Ready to take a look at the Creature? Then dive in and join me after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Female Alien (They Live) from Universal Horror Classics Tiny Mights by CultureFly

 

   I think everyone realizes that I usually start working on my 31 day Halloween countdown before October. If I didn't start around July or August like I usually do, I'd spend every day working on toy reviews all through October. Starting early is a nice way to ease myself into the spooky season, too. As of my writing this, it's September 23rd and I have yet to find any more of the Universal Horror Classics Tiny Mights at 5 Below. I originally found five of the figures back in mid-July and that was the last time I've seen any of them. I've been looking, too, as I really want the Michael Myers minis, Laurie Strode, and the An American Werewolf in London Kessler Werewolf. I managed to find all of the They Live minis, though, so let's start checking out that subset by looking at the Female Alien minifigure. That's a generic name for sure (some other products call them Ghouls rather than Aliens and I've seen John Carpenter himself call them both, along with just "creatures"), and this little figure could easily be one of a number of female aliens from the film. I do wonder if she's based on this particular alien, though, as the dresses look similar and NECA also made a figure of the same character, so presumably the figure might be in some sort of licensing guide or something? Let's take a look at the Female Alien minifigure after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Vampire Organist/ Dracula from Haunted Haven by Caldor/ Four Star

 

   This isn't the oldest toy or collectible I'm reviewing for this year's 31 Days of Toy Terror but it might be one of the most unusual and uncommon. It's certainly not a rare or valuable collectible by any means, but it's not something commonly seen in reviews and collections. In fact, I don't even know the official name of the release, so Vampire Organist or Dracula is just my best guess. So what exactly is this guy? He's actually a polyresin collectible figure from a Halloween village collection sold exclusively by the now defunct retailer Caldor (the manufacturer is listed as Four Star) in the early to mid-1990s. Are you familiar with those little ceramic or porcelain Christmas villages (or Dickens Villages) that people set up and decorate with miniature figures, fences, trees, lamp posts and such? Well, Haunted Haven was like that but for Halloween. I was enamored with Dickens Villages as a kid and when I discovered they had Halloween villages as well I was even more thrilled. I've always liked dioramas and little village and town setups, so when I was younger my parents would by these for me around Halloween to make little scenes. I don't recall having any of the houses or buildings but I did have quite a few of the figures and little pieces and such. The best I can find is that this guy was sold in 1994, so I would have been 10 or 11 when I got him. I still have quite a few of my original ones from childhood and they're mixed in with my various horror collections and shelves. Should we take a look at this vampire organist who very well may be Count Dracula? Then join me after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: The Mummy from Universal Studios Monsters by Jack in the Box

   Want some frights with your shakes? Then let's jump in and take a look at some good old fashioned fast food fright with a look at the Mummy from the 1999 Universal Studios Monsters promotional event at Jack in the Box. Yes, you heard me right: Jack in the Box! Most everyone is familiar with the famous Burger King Kid's Club Universal Monsters from 1997 (NECA even did a tribute to them), but you don't hear much about the Jack in the Box Universal Monsters promo. In fact, they did two promos: One in 1999 and another in 2002. I actually have a funny anecdote about that promotion, but I'll save it for later this month (*wink*). So, Jack in the Box with the Universal Monsters in 1999? What's the deal? Did they miss out on the Star Wars: Episode I License? Well, yeah, but 1999 was actually a big year for the classic Universal Horror license as the remake of The Mummy was released (and is still freaking awesome), there was a rerelease of the most prominent films with new documentaries included, and Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights 1999 features two haunted attractions based on the characters: The Mummy, based on the film from that year, and Creature Features, featuring the classic characters. There are six figures in the set (The Mummy, Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolf Man, the Phantom, and the Creature, all of which can be seen at Chris Does Comics) and I do have them all, but I picked the Mummy. He wasn't in the Burger King set and he's a pretty clever little toy. Ready to break an ancient curse and check out the Mummy? Then join me after the break...

Attack of the 7-inch 31 Days of Toy Terror: Van Helsing (Horror of Dracula) from Hammer House of Horror by NECA

 

   While it feels like these figures are only trickling out, NECA's classic horror has been one of my favorite things over the past year and almost every new release is worth celebrating. While the Universal Monsters action figures seem to be their primary focus, NECA has also released a number of public domain and silent film characters in their Classic Monsters line. They've also just started getting into the Hammer films with Christopher Lee's take on Count Dracula released last year. Peter Cushing's Van Helsing is a newer release from the past six months or so, now giving us someone to take on the Count.  I've watched a handful of Hammer horror films over the years but not all of them. My watch marathon of all of the classic Universal horror films is still going (as of my writing this review back in August I'm at 1953's It Came From Outer Space) but when I'm done there I'm still deciding if I want to  make my way through Vincent Price's filmography or the Hammer horror releases. NECA's pair of figures are based on 1958's Dracula, or Horror of Dracula, as it was titled in the United States. Starring Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Melissa Stribling, and Michael Gough (Alfred Pennyworth!), the film was a hit and spawned eight sequels, six with Christopher Lee returning as the Count. I don't know if NECA has plans to go all in on the Hammer House of Horror line or if they're only planning to do Lee and Cushing due to their popularity, but I'd love to see Ingrid Pitt and Madeline Smith from The Vampire Lovers, Raquel Welch from One Million Years B.C., Cushing and Lee as Baron Frankenstein and the Creature, Hammer's take on the Werewolf, and perhaps the Collinson twins from Twins of Evil.  I know there have been other Van Helsing figures made (along with other collectibles based on Cushing's Van Helsing), but this one is great because you can mix him with so many other classic horror icons. Ready to take a look at Peter Cushing's take on the heroic Dr. Van Helsing? Then join me after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Spring-Heeled Jack from Monster in My Pocket by Matchbox

 

   It just wouldn't be 31 Days of Toy Terror without looking at a Monster in My Pocket minifigure, would it? Not only are they one of the best horror toylines from the Golden Age of toys but they're also also perfectly fitting for this year's theme: The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror! Today I'm looking at another of my favorite MIMP minifigures, Spring-Heeled Jack. I love the Victorian Era and Spring-Heeled Jack's period of activity very much followed it as his first appearance was in October of 1837, just a couple months after the beginning of Queen Victoria's reign, and his last noted appearance was in 1904, just a few years after her death in 1901. Was Spring-Heeled Jack a malevolent supernatural entity, a mischievous and ill-willed prankster, an extremely acrobatic pervert, an extraterrestrial being, or the devil himself? Perhaps he was the real-life equivalent of someone who just put all of their RPG stats into agility or acrobatics? He was a pop culture juggernaut during the Victorian Era, eventually even turning into more of a folk hero and precursor to the superheroes that would come about in the early 20th century. I have a shelf or two of various horror icons and other characters from the Victorian Era and that's where this guy likes to hang out. Ready to check out Spring-Heeled Jack? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Christopher "Law" Lavigne & Order from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Another G.I. Joe: Classified Series review? You'd better believe it! This line just keeps giving and giving and giving and today I'm really excited to check out a modern take on another of my childhood favorites: Law & Order. I loved any G.I. Joe figures that came with animals as a kid, especially dogs, and since I didn't get into G.I. Joes until 1986-ish, Law & Order (1987) was my first set of a Joe with a canine companion. Hasbro has released some incredible sets of Joes and Cobras with animal companions (dogs, wolves, crocodiles, eagles, giant scorpions, warthogs, macaques, iguanas) and this one is another good one. They've gone full out with most of these, offering some excellently articulated animal action figures rather than just a solid plastic animal companion like the vintage toys had. Law & Order did appear in the comics and they've had a few action figures over the years, but I think they're probably best known from their appearance in the animated film where they're part of the Rawhides. Ready to check out the team of Order and Law? Order finds the bombs and Law drives the car. They tried it the other way around but it didn't work. Join me after the break...

 

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: B3A5TBOT and Atomic Terrana-Claw from MrBeast Lab Hybrids by Moose Toys

 

   It's always fun to check out something different during 31 Days of Toy Terror so today I'm looking at these fairly new MrBeast Lab Hybrids action figures by Moose Toys. While YouTube personality MrBeast has the most popular channel out there, I'm guessing a lot of collectors aren't terribly familiar with his various toylines produced by Moose Toys. I've seen the various lines like the MrBeast Lab Swarms, MrBeast Lab Mutators, and the various MrBeast Goo Jit Zu releases in stores but I was never really tempted to pick any up until stumbling on the MrBeast Lab Hyrbids back in early August. Remember the vintage Matchbox Con-Nec-Tors  or the various Mashers lines that Hasbro puts out every few years? These remind me of those, though the figures on their own are just quite good, too. Nothing crazy, but they're fun smaller figures (between 4 and 4 1/2 inches) solid in large plastic Erlenmeyer (conical) flasks. The standard figures are in smaller flasks and are blind boxed but the two-packs and the 5 figure Mega pack have set figures (the Mega-Pack does have a chance for a rarer figure, though). I only saw this two-pack the day I grabbed it and it features the B3A5TBOT and Atomic Terrana-Claw. A killer robot and a nuclear dinosaur skeleton? That's 31 Days of Toy Terror material for sure! Let's check out this 2 pack of Lab Hybrids after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Captain Heinous (From Uranus) from Monster 500 by Creata

 

   Today I'm not just checking about a spooky smaller figure; I'm also checking out a spooky smaller vehicle! How about a flying saucer? Yes, it seems we have aliens again but today it's not a threat from Mars. Instead, it's Captain Heinous (From Uranus)! If you don't remember Monster 500 (who eventually became Monsters 500, I believe, due to a legal challenge based on the similarly named energy drink), don't be surprised; they didn't last long and seem to have only been sold at select Toys 'R Us stores. I could go on about the history of the line but there's an incredible fan site with everything I could tell you and more! I reviewed one of these guys over 10 years ago and I guess it's time to get to the other one in my collection. Ready for a slimy little alien in a hot rod that is reminiscent of the fabled Savage Mondo Blitzers that were loved by kids and reviled by teachers and the general public? Captain Heinous (From Uranus) was listed as Super Evil on a scale of "Not That Evil" to "Pure Evil" and is known for his "Craftiness." Get it? Crafty. Space craft. The bios for these guys had puns galore. Ready to roll with this extraterrestial? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Alvin "Breaker" Kibbey from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

    Looking for today's 31 Days of Toy Terror post for October 2025? Just look below this one! I've still got to mix some regular toy reviews in with the spooky stuff!

   I might be posting some newer stuff here, sure, but when it comes to G.I. Joe: Classified Series I'm a few months behind. Hasbro has been absolutely hammering us with stuff lately! In the past week I've received so much Joe stuff with more on the way. Today I'm looking at the current Target exclusive Alvin "Breaker" Kibbey who is a but more of a classic take on the character compared to the Target exclusive from 2021 that included the RAM Cycle. Target's got the monopoly on Braker, apparently. I actually found this guy in July while on vacation at Myrtle Beach, SC, and I ended up grabbing another one online. I rarely buy two of one figure but Breaker's one of my favorites and I wanted to be able to use both of his portraits. Ready to check out the Joe team's original Communications Officer from Gatlinburg, TN? The join me after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: #1 'The Invasion Begins' from Mars Attacks ReAction by Super7

 

   What's the height limit for The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror this year? I'm going to say right around 4 1/2 inches or less. I really thought about strictly doing minifigures, but that was going to be fairly limiting and just not as much fun. Besides, the 7 inch range of action figures has kind of become the default for most horror toys, probably because that's the size of McFarlane Toys' original Movie Maniacs from 1998, and this year I wanted to avoid having the countdown filled with traditional collector focused figures. Let's take a look at today's subject from Super7's Mars Attacks ReAction line: #1 'The Invasion Begins.' Super7 only released three different figures in this series, along with various repacks and recolors (like glow-in-the dark) and each figure is named after a specific card from the original 1962 Topps trading card set. This is pretty much your standard Martian from the property and I did not want the #36 'Destroying a Dog' figure at all. I'm too much of a dog person, so unless the dog is a vicious werewolf or a zombie dog whose on the hunt, I don't want anything to happen to any dogs, including toy dogs. The Martians seem to show up fairly regularly as part of 31 Days of Toy terror so let's welcome them back on their quest to take over the Earth. Ready for an invasion? Then join me after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Muertobear from Deddy Bears Minifigures by Innov8 Creative Academy

 

   I'm back with another Deddy Bears review from the Deddy bears Minifigures line and this time I'm checking out Muertobear, a Day of the Dead/ Dia de los Muertos themed bear. I love the beautiful colors and festive designs during the celebration and this guy really appealed to me. He's one of the rarer bears in the series, packed at a rate of 1 in 24. I found a new case of the series 2 Deddy Bears at a Five Below near me back at the end of July and scooped him up. Muertobear is fun, colorful, and decorated with some really beautiful patterns. He's ready for a celebration as he loves music and dancing! Ready to check out this cute little fellow? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Firefighter (Search & Rescue) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Looking for today's 31 Days of Toy Terror post for October 2025? Just look below this one! I've still got to mix some regular toy reviews in with the spooky stuff!

   Hasbro has done some interesting stuff with the Legacy Collection subset of the G.I. Joe: Classified Series. The first four deluxe figures covered specific troop specialties of the original four vintage 12 inch G.I. Joe types (Action Soldier, Action Sailor, Action Pilot, and Action Marine) but now we're getting some offshoots with the upcoming Emergency Services Unit Police Officer (which seems to now be shipping) and today's subject: The Search & Rescue Firefighter. The first four figures in this subset were pretty cool because they could function as troop builders, new characters, or accessory packs for the line. These two figures have some different uses, though, as I'm sure a number of 1/12th scale collectors will want police officers and firefighters for their collections and displays. G.I. Joe has had a long history of including a variety of first responders in the 12 inch line and this seems to fit in well. It's also a great way to create some new tooling, reuse previous tooling, and give the Joes some help. Barbecue can't fight all the fires on his own, can he? Hasbro gave this figure the specific designation of a Search & Rescue firefighter, meaning these are the folks who head into dangerous situations to locate those in need (search) and get them out (rescue). Burning buildings, car accidents, amusement park mishaps; where ever there's trouble these professionals will be there to get you out. A hearty Yo Joe to all of the firefighters out there! Let's check out the Search & Rescue Firefighter after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Dr. Loomis (Halloween II) from Universal Horror Classics Tiny Mights by CultureFly

 

   CultureFly has released some very cool retro inspired minifigures over the past few years in their Tiny Mights line and I was absolutely shocked to find a new series of them during a trip to Five Below back in mid July. This newest series is called Universal Horror Classics, though it's not based on the Universal Classic Horror/ Universal Monsters films and characters. Instead, these are based on characters from some of Universal's post 1980 films that are largely unrelated to the Universal Classic Horror period which ran from 1923 through 1960. I say largely unrelated because the DNA of The Wolf Man is definitely present in 1981's An American Werewolf in London, which is one of the films represent in these minis. The other are Child's Play 3, Bride of Chuck, They Live, and Halloween II. Today I'm looking specifically at Dr. Loomis from Halloween II. These guys are available in 3-packs that look like little VHS tapes and in single packed capsules. I found the capsules at Five Below and initially snagged what I could find. Each mini can be had in multiple colorways, so there are twelve separate sculpts with at least 10 different colors available. Ready to check out a diminutive Donald Pleasance for your collection? Then join me after the break...

Attack of the 7-inch 31 Days of Toy Terror: Shredder as Dracula from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Universal Monsters by NECA

 

   Wait! Isn't the theme of this year's festivities "The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror?"

   Well, yes, but there are absolutely some larger figures I want to review as well. I can't ignore some of the newest, coolest, spookiest stuff coming out right now, can I? Mixed in are going to be come reviews of larger figures. Deal with it!

   NECA has been slowly building the roster of their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Universal Monsters toyline. Very slowly, actually, as the first figures released were back in 2022 and we've only been getting one or two new figures a year since then. Splinter as Van Helsing was released years ago (back in 2022), which seemed like pretty clear evidence that Shredder as Dracula was coming. Well, he's finally arrived. It's been about three years, but we now have an official Shredder as Dracula action figure, something the vintage line didn't have (Playmates released Don as Dracula in 1993). Instead of going with the Shredder wearing a classic Bela Lugosi inspired costume, James Groman has designed an all new look that captures the aesthetics of both the Shredder and Dracula, but also adds in the look of a feudal Japanese warlord. Dracula as a daimyo? Very cool! Interestingly, there are three variants of this figure, all with different color schemes. I'm looking at the standard red and black version (the mainline release) but there is a red version exclusive to Target and a black and gold version exclusive to Walmart. The figure comes with three portraits and each version is displaying a different portrait on the figure in the package. Let's check out the standard version of Shredder as Dracula after the break...

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror! Frankenbear from Deddy Bears Minifigures by Innov8 Creative Academy

 

   For today's tiny tidbit of terror I'm really excited to check out Frankenbear from Innov8 Creative Academy's Deddy Bears Minifigures. I've been aware of the Deddy Bears for the past year or two but when they released some minifigures that were available at Five Below, they caught my interest. Last year I picked up two or three of the series 1 figures (I know I grabbed the werewolf bear and the Jack o' Lantern bear) and this summer I picked up Frankenbear from series 2. I'm always down for a riff on Frankenstein/ the Frankenstein Monster! These guys seem to be available at many places but I've picked mine up at Five Below for $5 bucks. While there are Deddy Bear plushies, squishies, and larger plastic figures that do have swappable limbs and such, these smaller guys are reminiscent of things like the Funko Mystery Minis, the Cryptozoic figures, or the Monogram International figural keychains, but with a stand. They're cute, creepy, and they're not sold in blind bags/ boxes; you actually can see who you're getting! The Frankenstein monster is one of the all time great characters in horror literature, so who wouldn't want a cute, cuddly version of him? Let's check out Frankenbear after the break...

(For those of you who like behind the scenes facts, this is actually the first 31 Days of Toy Terror review I wrote! I started this year in mid July, and finding yesterday's POP! mini Dracula, this guy and the Universal Horror Classics Tiny Mights in close succession helped me come up with this year's theme.)

The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror: Dracula and Castle from Bitty POP! Towns: Universal Monsters by Dracula

 

"I am... Dracula."

"I bid you welcome."

Hey, didn't I use this same opening last year? 

Ah, who cares? A good intro is a good intro! Welcome to the 2025 installment of 31 Days of Toy Terror! This year's theme is "The Incredible Shrinking 31 Days of Toy Terror" as we're looking at smaller figures based on a wide variety of horror classics. So, how small are we going to go with this year? I'm saying that toys around 4 1/2 inches or less are all welcome. I thought going specifically just covering minifigures, but that seemed like it might get dull after a bit. Besides, I think the standard sizes for most horror based action figures are between 6 and 8 inches, so maybe go with that. Now I do have some special reviews on Fridays that are larger figures since I don't want to ignore some of the great horror figures that have been released lately and which I've added to my collection. This Bitty POP! Towns Dracula and Castle though? It absolutely fits out theme. I discovered this guy a few months ago and I've been just sitting on him to be the introductory review. Minifigures and such are in again these days (just stroll through 5 Below or various stores at your nearest mall) and Funko has even been taking the POP brand to a smaller scale. Ready to check out one of the world's most popular monsters in his most popular portrayal? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Bride of Frankenstein from Toony Terrors by NECA

   During 2025's festivities, 31 Days of Toy Terror Takes the Universe, I featured the Bride of Frankenstein for my Halloween review, though she didn't get as much attention throughout the month like most of the gents. The Bride is absolutely an A-Tier Universal Horror icon despite the fact that she appears in only one film for less than 4 minutes. Still, that four minutes has cemented Elsa Lanchester and the Bride in horror history. Today I'm checking out the first of the fairly new Universal Monsters Toony Terrors, featuring The Invisible Man, the Phantom of the Opera, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Bride of Frankenstein. Today is a bit of a sneak preview for this Halloween season and I was inspired to check out the Bride as I've watched the trailer for Warner-Bros. upcoming 2026 film The Bride! like 3 or 4 times today and I'm pretty excited for it. Maggie Gyllenhaal directs Jessie Buckley as the Bride and Christian Bale as Frankenstein's Monster in a cross between Bride of Frankenstein and Bonnie and Clyde? That's a crazy choice and I'm ready for it. I'm always open for new takes on the classics. Let's check out a stylized version of the classic Bride tonight, though. Play here comes the bride and walk down the aisle after the break...

Action Figure Review: She-Hulk from Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Fantastic Four by Hasbro

 

   Gosh, I've been a way for a couple of days, haven't I? I've been working on reviews for next month's 31 Days of Toy Terror, sure, but your old pal Barbecue has also been under the weather for a couple days and I'm just now finally feeling well enough to sit up and work on a review. How about we take a look at a fairly recent release from Hasbro's Fantastic Four themed Marvel Legends Retro Collection? Yes, it's She-Hulk clad in her Fantastic Four outfit. This is a pretty smart release on Hasbro's part for three reasons: 1. She-Hulk is popular and the majority of her action figures have sold quickly; 2. This is nice brand synergy with the recent release of the Fantastic Four movie as the character is connected to the team; and 3. She-Hulk joined the Fantastic Four at the end of Secret Wars, so this figure can kind of go along with the Secret Wars Retro Collection releases from earlier this year. I actually skipped the Iron Man Retro Collection version of She-Hulk (and now I wish I hadn't) but I do believe this figure is a repaint of that release with a new portrait, new accessories, and more hands. Ready to see if Jennifer Walters' latest release is worth laying down your hard earned green for? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   After reviewing four Cobra agents in a row (and M. Bison, who did show up as a villain in the vintage G.I. Joe line) it's time for a hero. A Real American Hero. Let's take a look at Footloose from the G.I. Joe: Classified Series. Part of the 1985 series of vintage G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero figures, Footloose is currently the second to last 1985 single carded character we need to finish that year in the Classified Series (we just need Airtight now). An infantry trooper, Footloose had a rather basic specialty compared to other Joes. I wonder what led to him being placed on the Joe team, anyway? Footloose had an interesting file card that portrays him as an Eagle Scout and valedictorian who drops out of college, moves to California, and "became quite weird for about three years." Eventually he reaches a point where he questions the meaning of his existence (or lack thereof) and joins the army. Interestingly, Larry Hama originally suggested that figure should have just been an update of Grunt rather than a new character, but Hasbro apparently disagree and we have a somewhat far out, though presumably competent soldier who once told a kid playing football "Nice catch blanco nino, but too bad your ass got saaaacked." And then he tackled the kid after he was down. Seriously, besides the figure and file card, this is the thing I remember most clearly about Footloose. Avoid a similar fate as that kid by joining me after the break...

Action Figure Review: M. Bison (Deluxe Player 2 Exclusive) from Ultra Street Fighter 2: The New Challengers by Jada Toys

 

   A week or two ago I reviewed the Deluxe Player 2 Exclusive Dhalsim that was one of the two Jada Toys SDCC exclusives for the Ultra Street Fighter 2: The New Challengers line and now I'm reviewing the other exclusive: The Deluxe Player 2 Exclusive M. Bison. This is the third version of Bison Jada has released in this line, after the original release and the BBTS exclusive Player 2 M. Bison, and they've all had different colored outfits. This new variant comes with a lot of new extras though, including new portraits for both himself and the original Bison figure, the Psycho Crusher effects, and the blue fiery figure representing when other World Warriors get hit by Bison's Psycho attacks. There's a lot of new stuff here and this is definitely a fully loaded set! Ready to check out another version of the big boss of Shadaloo? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Cobra Viper (Retro) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I'm on a bit of a Cobra spree right now, aren't I? Today I'm checking out a retro take on one of the Cobra troops who has seen the most use and reuse in Hasbro's G.I. Joe: Classified Series: The Cobra Viper. The Cobra Viper first came out in the Classified Series in early 2021 in the Target exclusive Cobra Island subset. That was (and still is) an excellent figure and it's been the basis for a handful of variants over the past five years: The Cobra Viper Officer and Vipers set, the Python Patrol Cobra Viper, and the Crimson Viper. Now we have a Cobra Viper from the nostalgia infused Retro Series line and while you might initially just think this guy is a brighter repaint, it turns out he is almost completely different from the other Vipers. The 1986 Viper was one of my favorite figures as a kid and has always been a top G.I. Joe figure for me. While I usually prefer the designs of the modern, updated Classified Series to Retro releases, the Cobra Viper doesn't really feel much less modern than the Cobra Island Viper. Just different with more accessories. Yes, Hasbro could have just recolored the earlier figure, but they really increased the value of the figure this time as this guy has lots of nice extra including two rifles, six swappable hands, and a display stand. Let's check out a new (old) take on the Cobra Viper after the break...

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

 

   Wild Weasel Incoming! 

   Included with the base package of the Haslab Rattler, Wild Weasel is definitely a figure that I'm guessing most collectors wanted in their collection. His presence actually completes the 1984 Cobra lineup in the Classified Series, which is a pretty impressive feat! The vintage Wild Weasel also came with the Rattler, making him a popular figure, but the first thing I always think about when I think of Wild Weasel is his appearance in G.I. Joe #34 when he went against Ace in a dogfight. It's a good issue and a cool story that shows Wild Weasel as a highly competent enemy worth of some respect. This is the first version of Wild Weasel to come with a removable helmet, so we get a chance to become even a bit more attached to the character. Ready to take to the sky? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Cobra Rattler Gunner from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   It's going to be tough to beat the Rattler pilot version of the Baroness that I just reviewed, but that doesn't mean the Cobra Rattler Gunner isn't still a pretty solid figure and a great addition to the Rattler setup. As I mentioned in the Baroness review, I'm not planning to review the Rattler itself but I do intend to review all three of the figures from the Haslab campaign. The Cobra Rattler Gunner was the second stretch goal (after a set of patches) and was unlocked once the Rattler hit 14,000 backers. There have been Cobra gunners before but I don't recall any specifically for aircraft, so this guy is a new concept for the line. Ready to check out the generic troop builder figure that you won't be able to get any way except with the massive Rattler? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Baroness (Rattler Pilot) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I think I've mentioned in another post or two, but I did pick up the Haslab Cobra Rattler. I didn't actually fund it through Hasbro Pulse, though. Last year I decided to hold off on the Rattler, thinking that maybe I could get a good deal when folks started getting it in hand and realized how large it actually was. I just held onto the money in one of my savings accounts. On the morning of July 4th, shortly after the Rattler started shipping, I found someone on Facebook Marketplace an hour or two away from me who was selling their Rattler for just a bit over cost. I jumped on it, took a little bit of a road (my daughter had friends over from the night before so while my wife stayed home with them I went on a G.I. Joe road trip with my parents. A G.I. Joe road trip with Mom and Dad and a little Geocaching on the side? That was a pretty memorable time and I was home in the late afternoon/ early evening for festivities with my wife and daughter. I also ended up getting my Rattler well over a month before so many others who actually ordered them through Pulse, which was kind of wild. 

   So... what does that have to do with the Baroness? Not much, really. It's just a memorable story of how I acquired last year's Haslab set. The Rattler is massive but I found an excellent, wife-approved spot to display it in the living room on top of our game shelf (I had to move a few other items to my hobby room to make space). It's so big and I'm just not going to be reviewing it at this time. The figures, though? I'm definitely reviewing them as they're some really fine G.I. Joe: Classified Series releases. While Wild Weasel is definitely a popular Cobra operative who most folks will want to complete their Cobra rosters, the Baroness is the clear winner from the set, I think. One: It's the Baroness. Two: It's hard to say if she's ever looked better as an action figure than she does here. We've had four other Baroness figures in the Classified Series so far (the first release with the C.O.I.L., the Retro Series release, the Snake Eyes movie/ Ursula Corbero figure, and the Crimson Strike Team version) and this one tops them all, I think. She's wearing some very cool aviator gear and has multiple display options. Are you in for a version of the Baroness who flies high? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Jean Grey (X-Factor) Marvel Legends Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   Today I'm excited to check out another Jean Grey action figure from Hasbro's Marvel Legends line, this time a Retro Collection Target exclusive: Jean Grey in her X-Factor costume. Jean Grey has one of the greatest storylines in comic history, though also one of the most convoluted. So, who is the X-Factor Jean Grey? This is the original Jean Grey herself who was found by the Avengers and the Fantastic Four in a Phoenix Egg, a cocoon-like life pod, at the bottom of Jamaica Bay. Years prior, Jean was believed to have died and been resurrected by the Phoenix Force. Instead, the Phoenix Force had actually placed Jean in the Phoenix Egg life pod and takes the form of Jean Grey, even coming to believe it is Jean Grey. When the real Jean is located, she has no memories of the Phoenix or of Madeline Pryor, a clone created by Mr. Sinister. She's just classic Jean Grey. Jean joins the other original team members as part of X-Factor, a team that pretends they're mutant hunters but really are working to help identify and support mutants who have gained the attention and (often) the ire of the public. Ready to check out the latest X-Factor team member Hasbro has given us? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Dhalsim (Deluxe Player 2 Exclusive) from Ultra Street Fighter 2: The New Challengers by Jada Toys

 

   Jada Toys is still on a slow but steady pace with their Ultra Street Fighter 2: The New Challengers line and even their deluxe releases of Player 2 variants are well worth your time and cash. For SDCC 2025 Jada had two deluxe exclusive sets available: Dhalsim and M. Bison. Today I'm checking out Dhalsim since I received him in the mail first and he was actually one of the Player 2 variants I was most looking forward to. Most of the World Warrior variants simply have different colored outfits and gear, which makes sense, but Dhalsim stood out as he had different skin tones. Well, a few others had slightly different skin tones, and Blanka changed, too, Dhalsim's P2 variants really seemed different. Why is he purple? It turns out that Dhalsim might have been intended to look like his body was covered in ash, a practice among Sadhus, or Hindu holy men. The ash is called vibhuti can be made from burnt wood, cremated human remains, or even burnt cow dung. That's an interesting detail that makes Dhalsim seem a bit more grounded and less like Street Fighter 2's version of Faker (and not a fakir). Not only is this a variant of Dhalsim, but it also contains some pieces for the standard Dhalsim and a second figure: The fiery sprite used for characters hit by fire attacks (like Dhalsim's Yoga Flame). Let's check out Dhalsim (Deluxe Player 2 Exclusive) after the break...

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

 

   More Cobra troopers incoming! 

   Thanks for those who have checked in on me since I have been absent for a couple weeks now. Nothing's wrong; just a mix of work and church duties, back to school time for my daughter, becoming obsessed with the video game Blue Prince, and spending time with our new rescue dog, Krypto. Oh, and I've been working behind the scenes on reviews for this year's 31 Days of Toy Terror. Can't forget that! 

   Anyways, how about we check out another G.I. Joe: Classified Series review. The line might have been a bit slower during the first half of 2025 but the second half seems to be absolutely loaded with new figures. I've already looked at Blowtorch and Darklon from this series/ wave so now it's time to check out the Frag-Viper. He's another 1989 offering, which is very welcome in my book. I really think 1988 to 1990 might have been the best years for the G.I. Joe: A Real American line in terms of designs, accessories, and engineering. Yeah, the characters might not be as iconic or used as often as the earlier years, but the figures were absolutely just straight fire. The Frag-Vipers were just one of the many excellent Viper specialists from 1989 and the Classified team did an incredible job of updating and expanding them. Ready to check out the new and improved Frag-Viper? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Sagat from Ultra Street Fighter II: The New Challengers by Jada Toys

 

   I'm not sure any character pissed me off when they beat me as much as Sagat. Besides just being way taller than everyone else, the way he just crossed his arms and laughed was infuriating! One of the original "bosses" in Street Fighter II, Sagat also was the final boss of the original 1987 Street Fighter arcade game. He's long been Ryu's rival, a story element carried over into most games in the series. Known as the Emperor of Muay Tahi, Sagat is one of the world's top fighters. Sagat is a big guy (seven feet tall) so it makes sense that he's been released as a deluxe figure in Jada's Ultra Street Fighter II: The New Challengers line. Like with Blanka, I originally preordered him through BBTS when he was listed for $30 dollars but he eventually went up to $35 due to tariffs, inflation, and such. BBTS still honored the original price, which was pretty darn classy. Ready to check out this tribute to the original Tiger King? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   Ready for another G.I. Joe: Classified Series review? Then how about we take a look at Darklon, another member of Destro's Iron Grenadiers. Darklong was released in 1989 in a vehicle and driver set (he was packaged with the Evader), but Hasbro has released him solo. I don't think the Evader is that popular of a vintage vehicle. Darklon usually isn't brought up in a list of anyone's favorites, either, but Hasbro's Joe team has definitely turned Darklon into a figure that you will not want to miss. The 1988 through 1990 years of the Joe line aren't usually cited as the most popular when it comes to character selection, but I think you'd have a hard time arguing that the design and engineering of the line wasn't at it's peak during those years. Darklon, a distant cousin of Destro, is another masked member of the Iron Grenadiers, though one who has only had a few appearances over the years (though he did get a figure in the 2012 convention set and as part of the Figure Subscription Service). He's recently made his way into the Energon Universe, so maybe that's what inspired Hasbro to put him in the Classified Series. Ready to check out Darklon? Then join me after the break...