Action Figure Review: Tri-Klops from Masters of the Universe Origins: Cartoon Collection (200x) by Mattel

 

   Mattel is releasing quite a few figures from the Mike Young Productions/ 200x cartoon in the Masters of the Universe Origins: Cartoon Collection subset and I recently picked up Tri-Klops, so I figured I'd take a look at him. How cool is it that we're getting so much product from that era? Remember when Mattel couldn't say enough that the "Hyper Anime Detail" style was retired? Well, now we're getting figures from both Mattel and Mondo based on that era. I haven't jumped on any of the Mondo figures yet since they're over $100 each for a 1/12th scale figure and it will have to be someone pretty special to get me to jump through their hoops. Maybe Moss Man? I actually reviewed Mattel's MYP/200x Moss Man from this line back in March, but I'm always down for more Moss Man. Ready to take a peek at Tri-Klops? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Count Ironmoon from The Order of the Crimson Moon by Fresh Monkey Fiction & Big Bad Workshop

 

   Today I'm finally starting to check out The Order of the Crimson Moon, the latest collaboration between Fresh Monkey Fiction and Big Bad Workshop. This line shares parts with other Big Bad Workshop lines such as Operation: Monster Force, Soldiers of Fortune, and C.O.P.S. & Crooks but has a unique story set in the 1970s that involves a Transylvanian werewolf cult, the Order of the Crimson Moon. There are heroes mentioned in the story but they haven't been revealed yet. It even seems possible that the story might take place in the same universe as Operation: Monster Force. One of he big selling points of this line, however, is that these guys are somewhat similar to the British Action Force villains by Palitoy. Action Man, released in 1966, was Palitoy's take on the American 12 inch G.I. Joe. After the success of working along with Kenner in releasing smaller scale Star Wars toys in the UK, Palitoy also shrunk Action Man down, releasing the 1/18th scale Action Force toyline in 1982. In 1983 Action Force released an enemy faction, first known as just the Enemy but later referred to as the Red Shadows, and the leader was Baron Ironblood. So.. who is Count Ironmoon? Well, he's awfully similar to Baron Ironblood, though he has a different head and headgear. A head and headgear that's quite similar to another vintage Action Force figure, the Black Major. I'll get to that in a minute, though. This guy is both a fantastic homage to a vintage Action Force design and a rather unique looking villain who mixes the style of a fascist dictator with a James Bond villain. Ready to check out a new villain for your 1/12th scale heroes to fight? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Mekaneck from Masters of the Universe by Mattel

 

   Today I'm checking out another figure from Mattel's "Core" Masters of the Universe movie line: Mekaneck, the Heroic Human Periscope. Like with my review of the Skel-Knight last week, I'm planning on talking about this figure, sure, but I'm also planning to talk about the move a bit. If you haven't seen Masters of the Universe yet, I'd definitely encourage you to go. I really enjoyed the movie and had an amazing time watching it. I plan to see it again sometime this week. I mean, it's not perfect, but I don't think there is any way to make a MOTU film that every fan would 100% be behind that would also appeal to a mass audience. I'm not going to get into too many spoilers and I'm not touching anything from the end-credits and stinger yet, but I will talk a bit about some of the stuff in the film like the combat, the naming of the characters, and Mekaneck himself. This figure of Mekaneck is part of the kid-focused toyline and you can find him on store shelves or from e-tailers for around $10-$12 dollars. That's pretty affordable for a decently articulated action figure these days. Ready to take a peak at what's going with Mekaneck? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   Back near the end of April or early May the two newest World Warriors from Jadas Toys' Ultra Street Fighter 2: The New Challengers arrived on my doorstep: Balrog and E. Honda. I'm going to kick things off with Balrog, the last of the four original "Bosses" from Street Fighter II. Balrog is probably my least favorite character to play as in the classic games since he only throws punches but he's a character whose design I really like. Modeled after Mike Tyson and called M. Bison in the original Japanese game), he ended up getting renamed to Balrog to prevent any lawsuits for the American release of the game. There actually was a character named Mike in the original Street Fighter who was also a boxer modeled after Tyson, but he and Balrog are apparently different guys. Balrog is packaged in a larger box like other deluxe figures such as Blanka and Sagat but he doesn't feel quite as large as those guys. Blanka is far wider and Sagat is much taller. He's still bigger than your average figure, such as Ryu, but but not by much. Ready to check out this boxer who is ready to go head to head against your other World Warriors and Gandalf the Grey? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Skel-Knight from Masters of the Universe by Mattel

 

   The 2026 Masters of the Universe movie is now out and I had the chance to see it on Thursday night. I absolutely loved it! It's an incredibly fun and colorful love letter to the property filled with fun Easter eggs and deep cuts for the fans and I look forward to speaking more about it in the days ahead. This is not a review for the film, though, so I'm not really going to delve into much that I would consider a serious spoiler but I'm definitely going to talk about some things from the film. Instead, this is a review of the Skel-Knight figure from what is being referred to as the Masters of the Universe "Core" series by most collectors and retailers. What's that mean? This is kind of the main movie branded line that's targeted to kids. It's affordable, has an assortment of vehicles, playsets, and role-play items to support it, and it's absolutely tied to the film (whereas MOTU Chronicles and Origins are getting movie figures, but they're already or will probably evolve into more expansive lines). While geared towards kids and coming it at around $11 dollars each, I think most collectors have been surprised at how decent these figures are. Some of the sculpts are really impressive (though Mattel has done Teela dirty) and the figures are quite fun. I've had my eye on the Skel-Knight as one of my first pickups as these army builders are technically a new concept for the movie (though Skeletor has had skeleton troops before). NOTE: What I talk about from the movie here will be related to Skeletor's army and the Skel-Knights. Ready to check this guy out? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Emma Frost (Diamond Form) Marvel Legends Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   So, know, this isn't a Masters of the Universe review, but I've had Emma Frost (Diamond Form) sitting on my desk for a month or two and I decided it's finally time to check her out. Emma Frost has received a few figures over the past five years or so and this one is a Target exclusive that's part of the Marvel Legends Retro Collection. What's that mean? She comes on a classic Toy Biz inspire card with no Build-a-Figure piece. This version of Emma is largely a repaint of the Astonishing X-Men version of Emma Frost from 2023's Ch'od Build-a-Figure series, though now she has different portraits, a couple new accessories, and her skin is showing off her secondary mutation of taking on a diamond form. It's a neat variant and one that I don't believe we've seen for 20 years, since Hasbro's 2006 Toys 'R Us exclusive version of diamond Emma Frost. Ready to check out this version of Emma Frost as part of the X-Men? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Multi-Bot from Masters of the Universe Origins by Mattel

 

   The Masters of the Universe movie is upon us! That's something that seemed like it would never happen, right? My local theater doesn't start showing it until Thursday evening but, from folks who have seen it who love MOTU, I've heard nothing but good things. I'm going to be checking out quite a bit of MOTU stuff this month but first up I'm checking out a new MOTU Origins release from 2026: Multi-Bot! If you asked to me to list all of the vintage MOTU figures with no assistance, there are two I'd likely forget: Multi-Bot and Evil Robot. Both of these guys just don't ever pop up in my memory. I never owned either as a kid (and I don't own vintage versions of either) and Evil Robot didn't even make it into MOTU Classics. Multi-Bot, did, though, and that's the only version of the character I won. That actually kind of made it exciting for me to snag the Origins version of Multi-Bot, the evil robot of a thousand bodies. Based on a Roger Sweet concept and a Ted Mayer design, Multi-Bot was part of the 1986 series and was incredibly similar to 1985's Modulok in build and packaging (both figures shipped in a box rather than on a blister card). The Origins version of Multi-Bot comes in a window box, kind of splitting the difference between the vintage packaging and the modern packaging. An exclusive to Amazon (with some stock allocated to Mattel Creations) Multi-Bot does get us a step closer to the completing the vintage line in the Origins style. Ready to check out the Multi-Bot? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Bullet-Proof from C.O.P.S. 'N Crooks by Big Bad Workshop/ Fresh Monkey Fiction

 

   I am incredibly excited to finally check out Bulletproof, the first release from Big Bad Workshop and Fresh Monkey Fiction's 1/12th scale C.O.P.S. 'n Crooks line. I love Hasbro's C.O.P.S. 'N Crooks line from 1988 and I collected it pretty actively as a kid. Heck, I still have most of my vintage figures, though I have sold off a couple figures and vehicles over the years. While C.O.P.S. 'N Crooks doesn't have the fanbase that many 1980s toylines have, there's still a group of fans who have long wanted Hasbro to revisit the property or incorporate some of the characters into a G.I. Joe toyline. Hasbro has licensed out the property to Fresh Monkey Fiction and they've worked with other companies to release M.U.S.C.L.E. inspired minifigures, 1/18th scaled figures (with Chicken Fried Toys), and now these 1/12th scale figures that will nicely fit in with the various Big Bad Workshop lines, Action Force, and the G.I. Joe: Classified Series. First up is Bullet-Proof (sometimes written as Bulletproof), the Federal Agent who came to Empire City to fight against Big Boss and now leads a special team of the country's best law enforcement specialists against Big Boss and his crime family. Bulletproof is definitely the first character I think of when I think of C.O.P.S. and he was a great choice for the inaugural figure in the line. This guy always seemed like the epitome of cool with his sunglasses and trench coat and I'm excited that Agent Baldwin "Bulletproof" Vess is now able to team up with my other 1/12 scaled action figures. This guy looks awesome working with the Joe team, Operation: Monster Force, and Action Force. Ready to check out Bulletproof? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Rafael "Zap" Melendez from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   It's usually pretty exciting when one of the Original 13 G.I. Joe figures gets made in the Classified Series as those 13 original characters definitely hold a special place in the hearts of many collectors and fans of the comic. I wasn't even born when the first series of A Real American Hero figures was released but I still love that team, particularly due to their excellent characterization by Larry Hama in the early years of the Marvel comics run. Overall, the Classified Series has done a great job of taking that original series of figures, many of whom seemed like they were initially just larger 1/18th scaled articulated versions of the classic little green army men, and turned them into unique modern figures while still maintaining a cohesive feel. It's been rally fun to see how the Original 13 have been updated and modernized while still keeping them recognizable. Unfortunately, Zap doesn't feel different and updated. Maybe it's because Rafael "Zap" Melendez has been released as part of the carded Retro series first rather than in the mainline but he feels like simply a larger version of the vintage figure or the 25th Anniversary version. Unfortunately, that makes him feel a bit generic for this line. He's not a bad figure by any means and I know there are some fans of the line who absolutely want 1/12th scale highly articulated versions of the vintage figures but I'm not usually in that camp. Zap definitely feels outdated to me. Even Short-Fuze, who Zap shares most of his body and belts with, had the modern helmet, updated colors, and a more modern rifle. Let's take a look a Zap after the break...

Action Figure Review: Crimson Guard [Female] (Retro Series) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I found two of newest series of Retro carded G.I. Joe: Classified Series on a store shelf a couple months back and then received the third in the mail directly from Hasbro Pulse. This series includes the female Crimson Guard, Zap, and Crazylegs. Let's start checking these out by taking a look at the female version of the Crimson Guard. The first Classified Series version of the Crimson Guard (based more on the vintage toy) and the Retro carded second version (based more on the comic and cartoon) both came out in 2022. I only have the standard Siegie and never grabbed the original Retro card release. I grabbed this version, though, as now we have a female member of the Crimson Guard. The Crimson Guards are elite operatives who spend most of their time in disguise as ordinary citizens with pre-fabricated families just living in America and finding ways to subtly push Cobra's agenda. Of course, they're also absolutely capable of engaging in warfare and that's what you get here. Ready to check out another addition to Cobra's most elite ranks? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Action Soldier (Special Forces) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Back in 2024 Hasbro released some action figures of "generic" soldiers in the Classified Series to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the original G.I. Joe. Since then they've released four soldiers (an Action Sailor, Action Marine, Action Pilot, and Action Soldier) along with a firefighter and a police officer. Today I'm checking out the newest figure in this subset, the Action Soldier (Special Forces), a new take on the Action Soldier who was previously released in a more desert themed camo pattern as the Action Soldier (Infantry). This definitely isn't just the same figure with a new paintjob, though; this guy has a lot of new parts, different portraits, and a very different feel. Some collectors are turned off by the higher price points on these figures (they're around $42 dollars each), though they do come with a nice assortment of accessories and two portraits, almost making them feel like a figure with an accessory kit. You could have a full figure to display and some leftovers to add some new parts to a couple of your named G.I. Joe characters. Is this guy worth it? Let's check out the Action Soldier (Special Forces) after the break...

Action Figure Review: Jedi Master Dooku from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

   With the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu this week, I am well aware that I don't review many Star Wars: The Black Series figures these days. The main reason is that there just aren't that many releases that interest me. Please bring back some high quality Star Wars Micro Machines and playsets, Hasbro! Still, every now and then a figure comes around like Kyle Katarn or Dash Rendar that captures my attention. That's the case with today's figure, Jedi Master Dooku, a younger version of Count Dooku. I actually haven't watched the 2022 animated series Tales of the Jedi but I'm already sold on the concept of a younger version of Dooku prior to his leaving the Jedi order. I'm a huge Christopher Lee fan, too, so you could also argue use this as a base figure of Lord Summerisle from The Wicker Man or as Francisco Scarmanga. Or, y'know, just a heroic Jedi Master version of Dooku, like the package says. I stumbled upon this guy at GameStop a month or two ago and just picked him up because he looked so cool. Ready to check out Jedi Master Dooku? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Cobra-La Royal Guard from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I don't believe I haven't reviewed a G.I. Joe: Classified Series figure since last month! It's time to remedy that as I have a few more lined up for review, starting with today's Cobra-La Royal Guard. Cobra-La is definitely getting more respect these days with their inclusion in the Energon Universe comic books by Skybound and the excellent redesigns we're seeing in the Classified Series, which is a far cry from how they were perceived in the past. It feels like people used to hate Cobra-La. So far in the Classified Series we've received Nemesis Immortal/ Enforcer and Pythona, both individual characters, but with the Cobra-La Royal Guard we now have a troop builder for this faction. In the vintage line the Cobra-La Roya Guard came packaged in a 3-pack with Nemesis Enforcer and Golobulus but for the Classified Series the Royal Guard is packed individually, allowing for easier army building. Right? Well, yes, technically, but I do think it's wild how much stuff Hasbro included with this figure. If you have an extra body you could likely make two complete figures and have parts left over. I'm going to discuss this in more depth later on but I do want to point out that this feels like a single packaged figure with enough stuff for at least a two-pack. Ready to check out the Cobra-La Royal Guard? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Michael Myers (Halloween: Resurrection) from Halloween by NECA

 

   NECA is slowly but surely working their way through a different version of Michael Myers from each of the Halloween films and today I'm finally checking out the newest NECA Ultimate: Michael Myers from 2002's Halloween: Resurrection. Yes, the one with Katee Sackhoff where Laurie Strode dies in the first few minutes, Tyra Banks and Busta Rhymes host a "reality" show on Halloween at the Myers house, and Busta Rhymes kicks Michael Myers out a window and at one point saying "Trick or Treat, mother%^&*$%." Yes, that one. It isn't the high point of the Halloween series at all. I think it's fair to say that it's a low point for the series in many ways and, yet, I find it one of the most entertaining. At times it almost approaches being a parody of Halloween and a commentary on the revival of classic slashers post Scream. I actually wouldn't put it at the bottom of my ranking of Halloween films; surprisingly, I think I'd put it probably somewhere in the middle as it is a blast to watch even if you're rolling your eyes and cringing at times. Still, NECA seems to be trying to release at least one Michael for all of the films, so we now have this one covered. Ready to check out Michael Myers from Halloween: Resurrection? Then join me and my fellow members of Dangertainment after the break...

Action Figure Review: Tri-Klops from Masters of the Universe Chronicles by Mattel

 

   Today I'm reviewing the first Masters of the Universe Chronicles figure based on the movie that I picked up: Tri-Klops! Yes, I did review the MOTU Chronicles Scare Glow last month, but he doesn't seem to be based on the film and instead feels more reminiscent of the Masterverse New Eternia subset. This version of Tri-Klops is definitely based on the film coming to theaters next month and features the likeness of actor Kojo Attah. Well, what little you can see from underneath his three-eyed visor, anyway. Still, it's pretty exciting to have an action figure from the movie in hand, especially one that looks as cool as Tri-Klops does. This is a very impressive figure! Mattel is really flexing with the Masters of the Universe Chronicles line. Ready to check out Tri-Klops? Then let's take a look at him after the break...

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

   We are getting close to completing the classic Street Fighter II roster and while we're now only two figures away from the main roster of 16 characters (I now have Balrog and E. Honda in hand and they're scheduled to be reviewed) Jada Toys has also added in Akuma. Akuma appeared as a secret character in 1994's Super Street Fighter II Turbo and has been a mainstay of the series since. I actually received Akuma back in February and it's just taken me a bit to get around to checking him out. While I'm familiar with the main sixteen World Warriors from Street Fighter II from playing the games as a kid, collecting the Hasbro action figures, and being an unabashed fan of the 1994 film, my first impressions of Akuma come from the 1998 Electronic Gaming Monthly April Fool's joke where they claimed that 
he was an unlockable character in Resident Evil 2. Through a difficult series of challenges, the prank claimed that Akuma would be unlocked as a playable character who could plow through the hordes of the undead in Raccoon City. It's an infamous prank in gaming history and while it's just a footnote in Akuma's history, I'm sure there are some collectors who want to display him with their various Resident Evil 2 action figures. Ready to check out Akuma? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Man-E-Faces from Masters of the Universe Origins: Sketchbook Series by Mattel

 

   We are less than a month away from the release of the Masters of the Universe movie in the United States (June 5th, 2026!) and I'm trying to work some more MOTU reviews in this month. Obviously you all know I'm a MOTU maniac, both a He-Fan and a She-Raver, but there does come a point where you realize you have likely enough versions of certain characters. If you check out my various archives you can tell that my shelves are loaded with multiples toys, collectibles, and action figure versions of He-Man, She-Ra, Skeletor, Beast Man, Trap Jaw, Man-At-Arms, Orko, Teela, Mer-Man, Faker, Battle Cat, and Hordak. I know there are so many MOTU toys and statues coming out right now but I'm just having to be more selective about what I pickup. Outside of the main ongoing line (for me that was Masterverse and now Chronicles), I'm largely skipping characters I have too many versions of unless there's something really unique. Well, a concept version of Man-E-Faces really jumped out at me. On Masters of the Universe Day last month (April 28th) we lost Roger Sweet, one of the two "creators" of He-Man (that's a very nuanced discussion which I'm not getting into here) and with the passing of Mark Taylor in 2021, both of He-Man's creators are now no longer with us. More than any other property I can think of, fans of MOTU really seem to love the concept art and creative process of the brand and fans have usually jumped at concept and prototype inspired action figures. Man-E-Faces is a Target exclusive and latest release in the Masters of the Universe: Origins Sketchbook Series; he's also the first figure from the line that I've picked up. Based on an early Mark Taylor sketch for a character called Multi-Face (though Mr. Taylor doesn't get any credit on the packaging, unfortunately), this is the first time we've seen this concept art version of Man-E-Faces as an action figure. He's a pretty incredible design that might actually surpass the classic Man-E-Faces in my book. Some elements of his design also make more sense to me when presented like this. Ready to check out Multi-Faces, the man who would become Man-E-Faces? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Agent/ The Spy (Black Tuxedo) from Soldiers of Fortune by Big Bad Workshop

 

   Yesterday I reviewed the Soldiers of Fortune The Agent/ The Enemy (Light Blue) who seems to be the most popular figure in this series since he makes a pretty solid hooded Cobra Commander stand-in. Today I'm checking out the figure that seems to be the second most popular figure: The Agent/ The Spy (Black Tuxedo). The Soldiers of Fortune figures deliver some generic character archetypes that should be pretty useful for multiple 1/12th scale toylines with many of the releases offering multiple heads so you can really mix things up. As a kid I always wanted a James Bond action figure. I had a James Bond Jr. action figure, but that wasn't the same. I just wanted a tuxedo wearing James Bond but, despite Bond's popularity in the 1990s with GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and multiple videogames, we never really got one. The company Exclusive Premiere Collectibles releases multiple James Bond figures but usually they were in unusual outfits rather than a classic Bond Tux (there was a Sean Connery from Goldfinger in a white tuxedo but I never saw him anywhere). Heck, my Tradewinds Toys Ethan Hunt from Mission: Impossible was the closest I got to a tuxedo clad spy. Want to make a James Bond figure? Now you just have to find the right head! These figures can swap heads and hands easily with Operation: Monster Force, C.O.P.S. & Crooks, and The Order of the Crimson Moon, so at some point we'll surely get some heads that will serve as a decent James Bond. Still, we've got two cool portraits with this set, plus plenty of gear. Ready to check out the Agent and the Spy? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Agent/ The Enemy (Light Blue) from Soldiers of Fortune by Big Bad Workshop

 

   One of the companies who I'm most excited to see new releases from is Big Bad Workshop. They're most well known for Operation: Monster Force, their collaboration with Fresh Monkey Fiction, and other lines that are out or coming up such as Order of the Crimson Moon, Agents of Omega, C.O.P.S. & Crooks, more. Today I'm checking out another new project from Big Bad Workshop: Soldiers of Fortune. This is a brilliant line as it's simply an assortment of generic characters that cover a variety of different archetypes that blend well with other 1/12th scaled toylines. You've got secret agents, tactical soldiers, mercenaries, masked terrorists, and more. With swappable heads and hands, these guys can easily be worked in to your other 1/12th scaled toylines to add more hero or enemy troop builders or even to make your own versions of popular characters. I own three so far, receiving the first two figures back in February and the third just last week. Today I'm checking out The Agent/ The Enemy, the blue suited figure that is probably the most popular release from this series. Why's that? He's a blue suited generic agent. Is he a secret agent? A CIA operative? A member of the US Secret Service? An enemy from some secret, shadowy agency? That's up to you. His popularity is due to his versatility, no doubt, and probably not at all related to the fact that he comes with a head sporting a blue hood. I guess that some folks might want a blue hooded maniac for their action figure collections. Right? I mean, we have white hooded Snowtroopers in Star Wars: The Black Series, purple hooded Baron Zemo figures, and red hooded.... Red Hood figures, but it seems like there is some sort of untapped market for blue hooded action figures. I have my top investigative agents on this right now. Could other buyers really all want this guy? Collectors often bypass retail assortments and find ways to purchase action figures and accessories they want to create their favorite characters or characters that major companies ignore, so it seems like BBW is just giving collectors some more tools for their toolboxes. The Agent/ The Enemy offers up a fair assortment of extras to blend in well with G.I. Joe: Classified Series, Action Force, Marvel Legends, and other popular 1/12th scaled lines. Let's check out this guy after the break...

Figure Review: Koby from One Piece: The Shukko by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   It's time for another RossCon pickup! Back in February I was out at my nearest Ross and found this cool statue of Koby from One Piece. I'm not this far in the anime but my wife certainly is and she kind of keeps me up to speed on what's going on. She's pretty much always watching One Piece, so I'm definitely aware of many of the character developments. I know who Koby is and I've enjoyed seeing him grow and change in the series, even if he has joined the Marines. This version of Koby is a new release showing Koby post-timeskip dressed in his long Marine coat after being promoted to captain. Koby is part of a series of figures called The Shukko, means which apparently refers to  act of departure, taking off, or setting sail. It seems that this series of figures depicts characters in motion, as if they are walking, presumably heading out to sea. Interesting, right? It's not a full on action pose like the Battle Record Collection or just a neutral character pose like the Grandline Series; it's the Shukko, baby! Ready to depart to the high seas with Koby? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Kitty Pryde and Colossus from Marvel Legends Series: Astonishing X-Men by Hasbro

 

   I've mentioned during a number of Marvel Legends reviews that most of my familiarity with the X-Men in comics is from books prior to the year 2000. Those years are where I've read most of what was published (largely thanks to Marvel's excellent Epic Collections), though I certainly read bits and pieces of some post 2000s books here and there. While I'm not terribly familiar with the storyline of Astonishing X-Men, I definitely know the specific team-up and have collected them as they were released over the past couple of years. While there are always characters that could be added (like Armor, who is long overdue a figure), with this latest 2-pack of Kitty Pryde and Colossus we now have a complete "main" Astonising X-Men team: Cyclops, Emma Frost, Wolverine, Beast, Kitty Pryde, and Colossus. Oh, and Lockheed, who is included here as well. Ready to check out this new 2-pack? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   1989 might be my favorite year of the vintage G.I. Joe line. In terms of the characters themselves I'm more a fan of the characters between 84-87, when it comes to the quality, design, and engineering of the figures, I find it hard to beat 1988 through 1990. 1986 and 1987 figures were the first years I was collecting G.I. Joe but b7 1988,  was actively picking out figures on my own and I can recall looking for certain figures. The Cobra Night-Viper has always been one of my favorites and I'm thrilled to finally have one in the Classified Series. These guys have such a cool aesthetic; they're loaded with the gear they need to move around undetected at night while being completely aware of their surroundings due to both their extensive training and the image intensification equipment they carry. Is this guy going to be a complete win for me? Let's check him out after the break and find out...

Action Figure Review: X-23 from Marvel Legends Series: Deadpool and Wolverine by Hasbro

 

   I'm not crazy familiar with everything X-Men comic related post 2000 but you'd have to be pretty oblivious to all things Marvel to not recognize how successful X-23, AKA Laura Kinney, has been as a character. Initially introduced in the 2003 X-Men: Evolution animated series as a clone of Wolverine, Laura appeared in the comics within a year and has now become even a recognizable character in the movies. First appearing in the movie Logan, Dafne Keen reprised the role of X-23 in Deadpool and Wolverine as one of "The Others" banished to the Void. Last year Hasbro released an updated version of the X-Force X-23 (packaged with Warpath) so technically they've released two X-23 within 12 months. That's pretty impressive and definitely seems to show that Hasbro sees the popularity and potential in the character. I received X-23 along with Cowboypool as a gift recently and I have to say I've been quite impressed with this series of figures. The unique sculpts and the amount of accessories with most figures is pretty good, definitely more impressive than most comic based Marvel Legends figures. Ready to check out X-23? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Mole Rat [Stage 2] from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I'm over halfway through the last series of G.I. Joe: Classified Series releases (only the Night-Viper remains) and many international fans already have the latest series in hand with Airtight and Overkill. Hey, I'm not the fastest and I'm OK with that. Today I'm checking out a "repaint" from the most recent series, though it's a figure that offers a bit more than the original release did: The Cobra Mole Rat. The Mole Rat was originally released in 2023 as a Walmart exclusive and he was one of the highlights of that year for me. Hasbro has included a Mole Rat [Stage 2] in this series and he's just as impressive as the first figure. Sure, the body is mostly a repaint, but there are some cool new deco designs and a brand new portrait, now giving this troop builder three different head sculpts. I know repaints used to be the bane of many collectors' existences back in the day but it's hard to get too worked up about them in the Classified Series since figures are no longer sold in waves or cases by any e-tailers I'm aware of (in the past you often had to purchase full cases to guarantee a set), they're rarely included with multipacks (ala the 25th Anniversary Joe line and so many multipacks from the late 1990s through the mid 2000s), and Hasbro's Joe team seems to put some solid though into these. The Mole Rat isn't a cheap figure these days, either, so the Stage 2 variant is a pretty welcome addition. What happens when you leave a Mole Rat infected by Dark Energon to fester? He really starts to mutate, turning into something that seems even beyond a zombie. Let's check this spooky fellow out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Cowboypool from Marvel Legends Series: Deadpool & Wolverine by Hasbro

 

   I've been a sucker for Deadpool figures ever since I was a kid and received the original Toy Biz Deadpool figure for Christmas in 1992. I'm not snapping up every figure from Hasbro Marvel Legends Deadpool & Wolverine line but there are definitely a couple that have really intrigued me. I recently received Cowboypool and X-23 as gifts and I'm pretty excited to have them. Cowboypool is a cowboy themed Deadpool; what's cooler than that? Voiced by Matthew McConaughey in the movie, Cowboypool is part of the Deadpool Corp that was formerly banished to the void. Need some more Deadpool figures to battle your standard Deadpool and Wolverine? Here's another one! Let's check out Cowboypool after the break...

Action Figure Review: Edwin "Lifeline" Steen from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

    More G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews? You know it! Today I'm looking at Edwin "Lifeline" Steen, the first rescue trooper for the G.I. Joe team. While Doc was the original medic for the team, I've always seen Doc as the skilled doctor and surgeon while Lifeline is more of a field medic who does have to engage in combat from time to time. With his brightly colored outfit he also seems like someone who may even be used by the Joe team in emergency situations where civilians and other responders are involved. He's definitely not going to be embedded with a covert team all decked out in camouflage. Lifeline is one of my favorite vintage A Real American Hero figures and I had high hopes for this guy. Lifeline had a couple really good figures over the years, especially the 2011 30th Anniversary release, and I was hoping the Classified Series figure would live up to that figures pedigree of excellence. There are some great things about this Lifeline but there are also quite a few elements that are inferior to a now 15 year old figure in a smaller scale. That's a real surprise, right? Let's take a look at Lifeline after the break and see how he measures up...

Action Figure Review: Sanji (Romance Dawn) from S.H. Figuarts: One Piece by Bandai/ Tamashi Nations

 

   Ready for coolness personified in the One Piece universe? Well, the S.H. Figuarts Romance Dawn version of Tony Tony Chopper isn't out yet but I do have the newly released Sanji, so let's check him out today. I actually really like Sanji and he might be my third favorite of the Straw Hats. He's an interesting character; so often cool, composed, and chivalrous, yet he often totally loses it and lays it on too thick around women. A solid fighter with a kind heart and a chef who will never deny anyone a meal. I didn't import Sanji, so he's available right now in the US, though some places seem to be sold out of him already. Bandai has really been delivering the S.H. Figuarts One Piece releases lately and it's nice to see how quickly we're assembling a cohesive team of Straw Hats. I believe Jinbei has been leaked, but who do you think will be the next pre-time skip member of the crew? It surely has to be Nico Robin, right? I wouldn't be surprised to see Nefertari Vivi soon, either, especially with her prominence in season 2 of the live action show. Sanji definitely wants more ladies on the shelf! If you're only a fan of the live action show and don't care for the anime and manga designs, there's a version based on Taz Skylar's Sanji coming out later this year, but I think most folks probably prefer the anime and manga depictions, right? Let's take a look at Sanji, the cook of the Straw Hat pirates. Join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Brent "Hit & Run" Scott from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Wow! I didn't realize that it has been about a month and a 1/2 since I reviewed Big Lob, the first figure I looked at in this most recent series of G.I. Joe: Classified Series action figures. I'm going to be checking out the rest of the lineup over the next week or two and today I've got Hit & Run on my desk. While the characters themselves aren't as memorable, I still hold to the belief that 1988 through 1990 were the best years for A Real American Hero in terms of design and engineering. Hit & Run was one of my favorites from 1988 and still holds up as one of the best G.I. Joe figures from the A Real American Hero era. He's just an incredibly designed figure and it's cool to finally have him in the Classified Series. I've always loved his cool, tactical feel: A guy who gets in quickly, gets out quickly, overcomes any obstacles, and largely does it unseen. He's a nice update of the vintage toy though I do have a couple issues with him. Nothing huge, but they're worth mentioning. Ready to check out Hit & Run? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Juri from Revoltech: Amazing Yamaguchi: Street Fighter 6 by Kaiyodo

 

   Today I'm reviewing the first figure from Kayodo's Revoltech: Amazing Yamaguchi line that've I've ever owned. Well, at least so far as I can recall. I've never reviewed anything from Kaiyodo and I can't recall ever having purchased any Revoltech figures previously. If I have, it's been a long time and I just don't remember it. Today, though, I'm reviewing the first of two Revoltech: Amazing Yamaguchi figures I received recently: Juri from Street Fighter 6. While I really hope Jada Toys eventually gets to later games in the series and widens the cast of characters in their Street Fighter line, I'm not sure how optimistic I am that they'll eventually get to Street Fighter 4 and so on. Who knows? Maybe they'll surprise us? I like Juri Han (apparently she's now the third most popular Street Fighter character) and I was excited to add her to my collection. I picked up the Storm Collectibles Juri from Street Fighter V a couple years ago but she is way larger than the Jada figures. A cool figure but just too large. How's the Revoltech: Amazing Yamaguchi version? She's closer in size, though still smaller, kind of like figures from Figma or Tamashi Nations. She's rather pricey, too, though that's an issue with importing almost everything these days. Ready to check out Juri from Street Fighter 6? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Usopp (Romance Dawn) from S.H. Figuarts: One Piece by Bandai/ Tamashi Nations

 

   

   Who is ready for a review of the brave captain Usopp? Then let's get to it! Bandai/ Tamashi Nations is really doing a nice job with their One Piece S.H. Figuarts line lately and they've been steadily covering the main crew pre-time skip. Sanji is shipping soon, too, but as of right now Usopp is the newest widely available member of the Straw Hat Pirates. I received him back in February from Nin-Nin Game but he's now available in the United States at most retailers who sell S.H. Figuarts release. There is a version based on Jacob Gibson's portrayal of Usopp from the live action show scheduled for release later this year as well, though while I love the live action show and the casting, I prefer to collect the figures inspired by the manga and anime. Ready to set sail with the brave captain Usopp, clearly the greatest and most inspiring action figure to ever grace your shelf? Probably an action figure that has already defeated Darth Vader, Cobra Commander, Skeletor, and Thanos single handedly, no doubt. Then let's check out this brave warrior of the sea (who has absolutely no connection to Sniper King/ Sogeking) after the break....

Action Figure Review: Scare Glow from Masters of the Universe Chronicles by Mattel

 

   While there are some pretty exciting movies coming out this year, I don't think I'm anticipating any of them as much as Masters of the Universe. This movie has seemingly been in the works for nearly 20 years off and on and it's amazing that it's finally happening. And the trailers and such so far? They look good! Yes, like many others I'm not a fan of Jared Leto, but everything else about this film so far has me ecstatic and the hundreds of people (likely over a thousand) working on it seem to be delivering something special. I don't think any MOTU project could ever please all fans but I think this project seems on the right track. You'll probably hear me go on about the movie once it releases, though; for now, let's talk about the first release from the new Masters of the Universe Chronicles line: Scare Glow. If there's a figure that's guaranteed to get MOTU fans and collectors of cool action figures in general all up in a hot tizzy, it's Scare Glow. The guy is a legend just for looking incredible cool. While the MOTU Chronicles line seems to be largely supporting the movie this year, it hasn't been confirmed if Scare Glow will appear in the film or if this is just a new take on the character. Mattel Creations also just announced a King Grayskull for Chronicles who may just be a new take on the character rather than a movie based design, so it seems like Chronicles will be a larger banner for figures from different MOTU media, like Masterverse. I'm going to go in to this guy in more depth here since he's the inaugural release in the line, so get ready. He's a Walmart exclusive, something which usually freaks people out but he seems to be plentiful on store shelves as I've seen him multiple times at different Walmart locations in my area. Ready to check out the MOTU Chronicles Scare Glow? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Barbecue: Dracule Mihawk (Hawkeye) from S.H. Figuarts: One Piece by Bandai/ Tamashi Nations

 

   The second season of Netflix's live action One Piece dropped a few weeks ago and my wife and I are slowly making our way through it (if it were up to her, she'd have binged it in a day or two). I'm really enjoying it so far as it manages to be faithful to the series despite having to condense some aspects of the anime and manga. The showrunners also add some stuff, though, and one addition I really appreciate is showing the character of Dracule Mihawk as a constant presence in Zoro's mine through imagined interactions between the two characters. Mihawk is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the strongest swordsman alive, both a rival to Zoro but also somewhat of a mentor to him later on. I believe Dracule Mihawk (Hawkeye) is some sort of an exclusive to Bandai's online store, though I ordered mine through Nin-Nin Game back in January and he showed up in February. It seems like a good time to check him out! He's a cool character that just oozes coolness and I'm excited to have him on my shelf so Zoro has someone worthy to fight. Ready to check out the S.H. Figuarts Mihawk? Then join me after the break...

Figure Review: Nami (Egghead Style) from Glitter & Glamours: One Piece by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   Ready for another cool RossCon find? Just a couple weeks ago I was in a Ross and found the new Nami (Egghead Style) figure from Bandai Namco/ Banpresto's Glitter & Glamours: One Piece line. Bandai seems to have characters from multiple anime and manga properties in the Glitters & Glamours line, all women, and these figures are designed to be glamorous and eye-catching. They also seem to be a bit taller than most of the Banpresto releases; Nami herself comes in around 9 inches tall. I'm a fan of Nami and the SSG branded outfits for the Straw Hats in the Egghead arc, so finding this figure at Ross at a steep discount made her an instant buy. These usually run around $30 dollars each but I found mine for $20. Not a bad discount for a new figure. If you've ever collected the Kotobukiya Bishoujo figures, these remind me a lot of that line in terms of the scale and style. Ready to check out this new Nami? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   Last week I checked out the Platinum variant of the recent McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Zatanna, so today I'm checking out the standard version. I found the Platinum version first at a Walmart near me  and then found the standard version later in the day at a GameStop. If I had found both at once I likely would have only grabbed the standard version as I like the colors better and the more modern take on Zatanna, though both Zatanna and Detective Chimp have unique portraits between the two versions which can swap easily. Since this is a review of a variant (well, I technically reviewed the variant first), there's going to be a lot of reused text here as most of the sculpt and the accessories haven't changed. 

   Zatanna has been one of my most wanted figures from McFarlane Toys for a few years now. Besides members of the Batfamily and Batman's villains, I'm also a huge fan of DC's array of magical and supernatural heroes, so anyone who fits that bill or who has been a member of Justice League Dark is a character I've been waiting for. Zatanna is a key member of Justice League Dark, a prominent character in the DC Universe, one of the most powerful of mages on any Earth, and it also doesn't hurt that she's pretty easy on the eyes. The character selection on DC Multiverse has definitely improved over the past few years (though we are still getting an insane amount of Batman variants) and besides just getting Zatanna, a character who has had an action figure in multiple DC toylines over the years, we also have Detective Chimp, a character who has not had an action figure previously so far as I can recall. Zatanna and Bobo are part of the McFarlane Collector Edition subset of DC Multiverse, meaning they're a bit pricier than your average figure but come packed with a few more extras than normal. Ready to check out Zatanna and Detective Chimp? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Owl from Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Spider-Man by Hasbro

 

   Before recently, I had no idea who Owl was. Usually I can at least recognize most Marvel and DC characters who get an action figure, but that is not the case with Owl. He's also apparently just Owl and not "the Owl," which is also something I find kind of weird. Anyway, here I am, sitting around typing up a review of Owl from the most recent Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Spider-Man series that showed up at the end of 2025. So, yes, Owl is a Spider-Man villain, although he apparently was a Daredevil villain first. I was actually surprised to learn that he appeared in the Netflix Daredevil series. I would think I would remember this guy, you know? It turns out that he was really just a regular guy in that series, going by his real name of Leland Owlsley and working as Kingpin's accountant. The comic Owl is also in finance, onetime being known as The Owl of Wall Street. After being caught up in corruption charges, Owlsley becomes a crime boss and a figure in the underworld. He can glide and hover a little bit, he has hollow bones, enhanced senses and strength, and he can turn his head 180 degrees. Crazy. I actually wasn't looking for Owl at all but when he came across my path for $7 bucks on a Target clearance sale, I decided he actually could make a cool member of the wierdo group of Cobra agents like Croc Master, Raptor, Crystal Ball, and so on. Ready to check out Owl?  Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Zatanna (DC Classic) [Platinum] from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

 "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls; it's time for the Sorceress Supreme and the Mistress of Magic herself: Zatanna!" 

   Zatanna has been one of my most wanted figures from McFarlane Toys for quite a bit. Besides members of the Batfamily and Batman's villains, I'm also a huge fan of DC's array of magical and supernatural heroes, so anyone who fits that bill or who has been a member of Justice League Dark is someone I've been waiting for. Zatanna is a key member of Justice League Dark, a prominent character in the DC Universe, one of the most powerful of mages on any Earth, and it also doesn't hurt that she's pretty easy on the eyes. The character selection on DC Multiverse has definitely improved over the past few years (though we are still getting an insane amount of Batman variants) and besides just getting Zatanna, a character who has had an action figure in quite a few DC toylines over the years, we also get Detective Chimp, a character who hasn't had an action figure previously so far as I can recall. Zatanna and Bobo are part of the McFarlane Collector Edition subset of DC Multiverse, meaning they're a bit pricier than your average figure but come packed with a few more extras than normal. There are also two versions of the figure: A normal and a Platinum variant. Today I'm looking at the Platinum variant as it's the version I found first. I actually found this one at a Walmart near me last month (locked up in a glass case, so I had to get assistance to have the figure unlocked and had to purchase it at the electronics counter) and then found the standard version that evening at a GameStop. If I had found both at once I likely would have only grabbed the standard version as I like the colors better and the more modern take on Zatanna, but this more Silver Age take isn't a bad figure, either. In fact, you get different portraits for both figures that can swap easily. Ready to check out Zatanna and Detective Chimp? 

   ...kaerb eht retfa em nioj nehT 

Action Figure Review: Kyle Katarn from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

   Without much new coming out from Disney over the past year or two, Hasbro has been having to go back to the OT, the ST, and the Legends canon/ Expanded Universe for inspiration. I'm A-OK with that as I've ended up with quite a few characters in the Black Series who I've wanted since the line started. Dash Rendar? We got him! Now I'm getting the chance to own another character who I've looked forward to in the Black Series for over a decade: Kyle Katarn! Kyle Katarn was originally the protagonist of the 1995 video game Star Wars: Dark Forces but quickly became an incredibly popular character in the Expanded Universe back in the days before it was relegated to "Legends" status. He starred in multiple video games, novels, and comic books and while Kyle hasn't made his return to the current official canon yet, he's still a prominent character for most of us who grew up during the height of the EU (Expanded Universe, not European Union). Star Wars: Dark Forces impressed me so much that it's one of the few PC games I've ever owned. I've always hated gaming on a PC but I wanted it so bad that I added it to my Christmas list when I was in 6th grade. From the beginning of that game, Kyle Katarn impressed me. I loved the idea of this guy who did the sneaky and off the books stuff for the Rebellion (a group who was already all about subterfuge and sabotage) and the game was incredibly fun and far more impressive than Doom on the SNES and Curse of the Catacombs, the only First Person Shooters I had played at that time. While this figure is based on Kyle's appearance in later projects, especially Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II, it's still a figure of the original man who stole the Death Star plans (I will admit, though, that Rogue One is the far better story, however, and one of the best Star Wars films of them all). Ready to check out Kyle Katarn? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   It should be no surprise to DC collectors that we're in the last year of McFarlane's time with the DC license. Well, at least with the main license for collector focused action figures; I think it's still likely that  we'll see some degree of DC merchandise from McFarlane Toys beyond 2026 through the DC Direct brand. The main DC Multiverse line should be going away so this year is really crucial to a lot of DC collectors as we're wanting to fill in particular gaps in our collections. While Mattel does have a collector line coming to stores next year, I think it's likely not going to be what most fans want: A modern take on DC Universe Classics with Marvel Legends styled articulation and character selection. Let's take the subject of today's review, Professor Pyg for example. How likely do you think it will be that Mattel would release a character like Professor Pyg? I'm not saying that Mattel would balk at the though since Professor Pyg is such a disturbing character but simply it doesn't seem likely that Mattel would be giving the DC Universe as much attention and depth as McFarlane has. Now, don't get me wrong, McFarlane started the line out as the Batman/ Superman/ Joker show, but over the past 5+ years the line has really gone deep and has built the most impressive roster of Batman heroes and villains that I can think of from any action figure line yet produced. The figures themselves have improved in some ways (character selection, sculpts) while remaining stagnant in other ways (articulation model, visible pins on joints). There has yet to have been a perfect DC line to date, but this one is a pretty solid one for folks wanting more modern takes on the characters (kudos to Mattel, still, for completing teams like the Metal Men, the Super Powers lineup, and a massive Kirbyverse roster). Professor is part of the most recent collector edition releases and there is a blood spattered Platinum variant available as well. I've seen him once or twice but passed as I just wanted this one for my display. Ready for one of Batman's most twisted and demented villains? With Batman's gallery of villains, that's saying something! Let's check out Lazlo Valentin, AKA Professor Pyg, after the break...

Figure Review: Dorry from One Piece Senzozekkei by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   

   Season 2 of the Netflix live action One Piece comes out this Tuesday so I've got another One Piece review for you: Dorry the Blue Ogre! The Straw Hats meet Brogy and Dorry not long after journeying on the Grand Line, so they're likely to appear pretty early in the new season of the show. After finding Brogy at Ross a couple weeks back, I ended up finding Dorry, too, so now I have the set. If you didn't read my review of Brogy from last week, you should know that like most other Banpresto products, this isn't a traditional action figure but rather a collectible figure. You know, something more like a miniature statue (or staction!) which you quickly and easily assemble out of the box. Bandai Namco/ Banpresto has multiple product ranges for One Piece figures of this type and Dorry is from the One Piece Senkozekkei line. What does Senzozekkei mean? It means "flashy, spectacular scene" and features characters in poses that are more animated and dynamic than the usual figures, often designed to pair with another figure so you can create a battle scene or a diorama. Dorry is one of the Giant Warrior Pirates residing on Little Garden and you can pair him up with his best friend and long term rival, Brogy. Brogy and Dorry are both really new figures that a lot of stores haven't even received in stock and Ross apparently has them already. Crazy! This is definitely evidence that some of Ross' stock isn't just due to clearance or overordering.  Ready to check out this small-scale version of the 74 foot tall giant? (Dorry is taller than Brogy.) Then laugh along with me ("gegyagyagyagya!") and join me after the break...

Figure Review: Pirate Hunter Zoro from One Piece FigLife! by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   Before joining the Straw Hats, Roronoa Zoro was know as Pirate Hunter Zoro. A fearsome bounty hunter an an expert swordsman, Zoro is also a noble and kindhearted man who goes out of his way to rescue a young girl from the vicious pet wolf of Helmeppo, the son of the dishonorable Marine captain, Axe-Hand Morgan. While the Marines plan to execute Zoro (or simply just allow him to die), they lie to him by telling him if he stays tied up to a pole for a month they'll let him go and he'll have earned their respect. It's while tied up that Zoro meets Monkey D. Luffy and is asked to join his pirate crew. Initially Zoro declines but after he learns that the Marines are planning to execute him, the Pirate Hunter changes his mind, is rescued by Luffy and Koby, and joins the crew, getting his revenge. Zoro tied up to a wooden pole is really our first introduction to the character and a pretty memorable image. I was pretty interested in this figure (non-articulated) when I saw him go up for preorder and I picked him up about a month or so ago from my local GameStop. It wasn't until I had him in hand and started taking pictures that I realized that something is missing: The crossbeam that Zoro's arms are tied to. Where is it? It turns out that this figure of Zoro is actually a pencil or pen holder. No, I'm serious! As I've mentioned in previous reviews of the statues from Bandai Namco and Banpresto, they have multiple product lines for these non-articulated figures and this one is called One Piece FigLife! What's that mean? These are figures/ mini-statues that also function as a desk accessory in some way. There are paper clip trays, smartphone stands, and pencil and pen holders. So that's why the crossbeam for Zoro is missing; you place your pencil or pen there! Interesting. Let's check this one out after the break and see how a One Piece office supply turns out...

Figure Review: Brogy from One Piece Senzozekkei by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   Are you ready for another tale of RossCon goodness, toy fans and collectors? Just a weekend or two ago I was at a Ross and found a few new One Piece figures. Not action figures, but collectible figures that are more like miniature statues (or stactions!) which you quickly assemble and put on your shelf. Bandai Namco/ Banpresto has multiple product ranges for this type of figure and today I'm checking out Brogy from the One Piece Senkozekkei line. What does Senzozekkei mean? It apparently means "flashy, spectacular scene" and features characters in much more animated and action-packed poses than the usual figures. They also are usually able to pair with another figure in the line, allowing you to create a battle scene or a diorama. Brogy, one of the Giant Warrior Pirates residing on Little Garden, can pair with his best friend and rival Dorry. Guess what? A couple days after finding Brogy I found Dorry, too. These are really new figures that a lot of stores haven't even received in stock and Ross has them. Crazy! Brogy and Dorry first appear in season 2 of the anime and it looks like they'll appear in season 2 of the live action show as well. Ready to check out this small-scale version of the almost 70 foot tall giant? Then laugh along with me ("gababababa gababababa") and join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Moss Man from Masters of the Universe Origins: Cartoon Collection (200X)

 

   I haven't picked up many Masters of the Universe Origins figures over the past year or two, but when Mattel puts out a new Moss Man? Well, I just have to jump on that. Moss Man is one of my favorites and the 200x / Mike Young Productions era didn't use him much but, when they did, they really made some great changes. Moss Man felt less like a sasquatch or bigfoot type of creature and more like a nature spirit, kind of like the Green Man. Moss Man didn't get an all new figure in Mattel's original 2002 line; instead, he was an exclusive that was, once again, a repainted Beast Man with green flocking. This guy is the first figure that really tries to capture his unqiue look from the MYP animated series. Moss Man only appeared in three episodes during the show's short run but he made an impression for sure. While the MOTU Origins releases based on the vintage line and other toy related concepts have been exclusive to Mattel Creations for at least the past year or so, the Cartoon Collection figures have been available at most retailers who stock MOTU stuff. I picked mine up at Needless Toys and Collectibles in Lincolnton, NC back in early January but he's available at plenty of other places, too. Ready for another look at the Heroic Spy & Master of Camouflage? Then join me after the break...