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...