Review > 12″ Christopher Reeve Superman (Mattel)

January 3, 2011 | Poe

I don’t collect 12″ figures. The main reason for that is my dislike of all soft goods on action figures–no fabric for me–but it’s also a cost and space issue. So when I review the 12″ Christopher Reeve Superman, which Mattel very kindly sent me a sample of, you should know you’re getting the review of a 12″ neophyte. If you want a review by a 12″ connoisseur, you’ll have to wait for Michael Crawford’s review. (There may be other good 12″ reviewers out there, but MWC is the only one I read.)

For most people, Christopher Reeve is the definitive screen Superman. He has yet to be supplanted by a Christian Bale-like performance (though it’s possible the upcoming Chris Nolan-produced, Zack Snyder-directed film might finally do so). And unlike most superhero actors, the spandex works for him. Of the original films, Superman II is my favorite, but both of the first films are pretty good, while the latter two leave quite a bit to be desired (though I must admit some fondness for the ridiculous Nuclear Man).

There hasn’t been a whole lot of Christopher Reeve Superman merchandise until recently, aside from some Mego toys in the late 1970s. But in the past two years, DC Direct has produced a statue, Mattel has this figure and soon, Hot Toys will release their own 12″ version.

The Mattel Superman is currently available for $60 on their Mattycollector website. You can also get a 12″ General Zod, and a Gene Hackman Lex Luthor is coming sometime in 2011. (more…)

Pic of the Day

January 3, 2011 | Poe

McFarlane Military vs NECA Alien II

McFarlane Military vs NECA Alien II by Ed Speir IV

Happy 2011!

January 2, 2011 | Poe

It’s been an interesting year here at PGPoA. On the one hand, my new, busier job has made it harder to keep up with this site. On the other hand, in a lot of ways the site took off this year, with a major spike in daily traffic, guest appearances on podcasts, and brand-new exclusive toys, not to mention adding Bastards of the Universe to the rotation. (more…)

Bastards of the Universe > “339/1”

January 1, 2011 | googum


Our special guest star for the next storyline: Poe’s own 339/1! Poe shipped him out for his guest spot, and thanks!

Quick note: the wizard Travis mentions in the first panel, is his longtime nemesis Deimos; who was the bad guy in the old Remco Warlord line. In the comic, at one point he was down to an undead head on top of a hand. Very Re-Animator. Even more implausibly, Deimos is available today, in a Justice League Unlimited three pack with Supergirl and the Warlord. Would not have bet on that.

Conan, on the other hand, is referring to Caldix, a wizard who ended up stuck in a dog’s body, in the Robert E. Howard story “The Shadow of the Beast.” Not Howard’s best.

I really thought he was taller, before 339/1 showed up on my door. I also thought it would be easier to find figures in that style today, like in dollar stores; the sort-of pseudo-old school not quite Masters of the Universe body mold? Couldn’t find more for the life of me. A shame, since ten or so impossibly buff and squat guys would make a terrifying army. Does anyone else see those anymore, or have they gone the way of the metal lunchbox and the wooden puppets?

New Topless Robot list – Top Ten Toys of 2010

December 31, 2010 | Poe

I spent all of yesterday flying over the continental United States to return home, so I’m a little late with posting this, but yesterday Topless Robot posted my list of the Top Ten Toys of 2010.

The most controversial entry, I know, is the Tron figure, but that’s there because of Spin Master’s ambitious attempt at some new technology. However, the list is ultimately just one man’s opinion (with some input from Rob at TR), so feel free to disagree as much as you like.

Pic of the Day

December 31, 2010 | Poe

NECA Predators - Berserker Predator

NECA Predators – Berserker Predator by Ed Speir IV

Pic of the Day

December 30, 2010 | Poe

Neytiri and Jake Sully (Mattel)

Neytiri and Jake Sully (Mattel) by Clarkent78

New DCUC Rumors

December 29, 2010 | Poe

On the one hand, I don’t like to promote rumor-mongering. But on the other hand, a surprising number of the DCUC rumors released on the Web have proven to be true, or at least partially true. Also, whether they turn out to be true or not, discussing rumored line-ups is a great way to show Mattel what people are and aren’t excited about. (more…)