Doc Thomas Probes > Action Figure Scales

May 22, 2010 | Doc Thomas

Like many contemporary collectors, the action figures that got me into this glorious hobby were the late-90’s McFarlane Toys offerings: Movie Maniacs, Sleepy Hollow, Austin Powers and everything in-between. With the combination of amazing sculpting and detailed paint, Todd McFarlane’s company had upped the game for everyone. But for me, the best thing McFarlane Toys offered was the chance to have my own miniature world of characters I knew and loved, in my own little universe, doing whatever I want.

Along with sculpt, paint and (occasionally) articulation, the other thing that McFarlane upped was the scale of their action figures. In the 1980s and ’90s the vast majority of action figures were either the 3¾”-5″ tall. McFarlane Toys bumped the scale up to 6″, with its appealing proportion of one real-world foot=one toy inch, separating themselves from products aimed at children while allowing for more realistic sculpting. (more…)

Batman: Arkham Asylum figures possibly awesomest things ever made by DCD

May 20, 2010 | Poe

Seriously. OK, so the articulation isn’t great, and Batman really should have black and not blue highlights (and if you don’t think DC Direct will be selling that repaint at some point, have I got a bridge for you). And of course, DCD’s overly-cautious nature has them striking when the iron is red-hot, a good fourteen months after the game’s debut and months or perhaps years before the sequel hits.

But that doesn’t make these figures any less supremely awesome. I’m already thinking this entire set may be worth a pre-order. Thoughts?

Batman: Arkham Asylum figures coming from DC Direct

April 9, 2010 | Poe

OK, so when it comes to videogame-based figures, DC Direct isn’t exactly gaining a reputation for striking when the iron is hot (their Mass Effect 2 figures are due out in August, while their God of War line drops in November). But still, the news that we’re getting an action figure line based on Batman: Arkham Asylum should make many a geek dance around in their vintage Underoos with joy.

From the Previews description for ToyFare #156, due out in June:

Heads up, game boys and virtual girls. The only thing better than toys and video games are toys based on video games, and ToyFare #156 is packed with all three! Get ready for the sequel to the best comic book video game of all time as we go inside DC Direct’s red-hot new toy line based on Batman: Askham Asylum. New figures will make their world debut and Arkham Asylum Batman will appear on one of our covers.

Incidentally, am I just way behind the curve on this? Was this announced at Toy Fair or something and I just spaced? Thanks to ActionFigurePics for the heads-up.

Like, Bat, man

March 16, 2010 | Poe

I try not to shill too often around here, even for my beloved sponsors, but this Detective Comics with Action Figures Boxed Set was too awesome not to pass along to you guys. While I’m usually more a Mattel than DC Direct fan when it comes to superhero figures, I can’t deny the appeal of this set, which comes with a 64-page collection of classic detective comics as well as action figures from the freaky-deaky psychedelic era of the 1950s and 1960s that Grant Morrison can’t stop playing with–including Bat-Mite, the lovable, omniscient scamp!

Guest Review > Solomon Grundy (Brave and the Bold, Mattel)

February 24, 2010 | PrfktTear

Solomon Grundy was born on a Monday, bought on a Thursday.

Throughout various comics and animation, Solomon Grundy has been depicted as an unintelligent monster and in stark contrast, as a criminal mastermind. He sometimes is nothing more than a mindless zombie and is often used merely as a pawn for some other villains scheme. In an episode of Justice League, Grundy became a much more sympathetic character as he helps Doctor Fate save the world from a Thanagarian deity named Ichthultu (based on the H.P. Lovecraftian Cthulhu). Grundy, as he is seen in The Brave and the Bold, is a combination of both versions. He commands a group of thugs, speaks in unintelligible grunts, but has a right-hand man to translate his commands. (more…)

Happy Adora Day!

January 15, 2010 | Poe

Here’s the link to the all-in-one sale page.

I’ll admit it–Adora is the first MOTUC figure I’m pretty lukewarm about. I never watched She-Ra as a kid, so Adora is even less interesting to me than She-Ra. That said, I don’t regret having bought the subscription, and I certainly don’t begrudge She-Ra fans (like Rob of Topless Robot) their long-overdue Adora. And as a completionist on this line (so far), I’m buying her no matter what.

Fortunately, she’ll be followed next month by Battle Cat and Trap Jaw, who look to be the finest examples of MOTUC figure to date. And she also comes at the same time as Battle Armor He-Man. Oddly enough, I’m pretty excited about him. As my friends can tell you, I tend to loathe variations of characters; I just want the iconic version (Trenchcoat Hellboy, Batman minus any ridiculous armor or gear, the regular Ninja Turtles sans gimmicks or costumes, and so forth). But for whatever reason, some of He-Man’s alternate looks really appeal to me, and Battle Armor is one of them. I’ve also got my fingers crossed for an Ice Armor He-Man (on a side note, check out that link…apparently I’ve been saying I “loathe variations” for years).

But don’t forget–there’s also the reissue Beast Man and Movie Masters Harvey Dent. I’m tempted to get a new Beast Man, since my original has very loose knees, but given the odds of ending up with some other QC issue–like weak ankles, which are becoming the Achilles’ heel (HA!) of this line–I figure I’ll just stick with what I’ve got. Besides, Beast Man looks pretty good hunched over.

As for Mr. Dent, I’ll just wait for Two-Face. But for those of you who have anxiously awaited an Aaron Eckhart action figure, this is your time!

(Should I even mention the CARS exclusive? Does anyone here collect those?)

Odds ‘n Ends

September 8, 2009 | Poe

Odds N Ends

  • Apologies for being somewhat MIA over the last week or so…been busy. And by “busy,” I mean I bought Elder Scrolls: Oblivion and got sucked in. And Batman Arkham Asylum arrived today, so things might get worse before they get better. Just a heads-up.
  • Just a heads-up: the plugin I use for the “reply” function in the comments was updated. Now it should appear in the bottom-right corner only when you move your mouse over a comment. I can go back to the previous version if it bugs people, so let me know.
  • Fwoosh posted a two-part interview with Mattel’s Scott Neitlich, a.k.a “Toy Guru.” The interview was done back in July during SDCC, but there’s still some interesting stuff in there. For example, Mattel didn’t ask for the ring that came with Tri-Klops, the Horsemen just made it. Also, Walter Peck will have his own new suit, not the Movie Masters one.  Part 1, Part 2
  • Rambo vs. genetically-engineered werewolves? Yes please. (Via Topless Robot)
  • I know I haven’t posted the information for the He-Ro contest yet–I’m just waiting for confirmation on something. Once I have that, it’ll go right up.
  • I just wanted to mention how pleased and grateful I am to have Paul, formerly of Toy Bender, posting here. Be sure to visit his other blog, The Robot’s Pajamas.

Odds ‘n Ends for 8/11/09

August 11, 2009 | Poe

Odds N Ends

  • As you can see, I’ve brought back the original Odds ‘N Ends picture. The newer version just never grew on me. Further bulletins as events warrant.
  • I noticed in the poll that a good number of people have listed “Other” for toy message boards they visit regularly. Just curious, what are they? What did I miss, or what am I missing?
  • In case you missed it, Mattel’s going to have flight stands for DCUC in early 2010. The post would seem to indicate they’ll work for MOTUC too.
  • As you may have heard, the Walmart DCUC 5-pack is popping up here and there. It retails for about $55, and in case you didn’t know, you can get the de-mulleted Superman and black-and-gray Batman separately.
  • Received my He-Ro. Review forthcoming. In case you’re wondering, I got a green gem, not that it mattered much to me. Although I didn’t really want red.
  • I beat Ghostbusters: The Video Game last night. It’s a great game, with what’s easily the funniest dialogue I’ve ever heard in a video game (slight spoiler: there’s a scene where the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is climbing a building to get at them, and Peter looks over the edge and says, “I’m impressed with his agility, considering his complete lack of bones.” Murray nails the line and I had to pause the game until I stopped laughing). I initially beat it on the easy difficulty, and now that I’m on normal, I see why one reviewer referred to it as a “medic simulator.” The other ‘Busters go down every few seconds in the middle of a tough battle. Still, it’s a blast, and if anyone wants to try some multiplayer ‘busting let me know.
  • I can’t keep up with all the conventions. Seems like SDCC just ended and yet WizardWorld Chicago is already over, and now Joecon starts Thursday. Anyone going? I imagine this will be a pretty momentous one.
  • Is anyone else watching Warehouse 13? Have I asked this before? Well anyway, Dr. Mrs. Ghostal and I have added that and Eureka to our viewing pleasure. We have a lot of catching up to do on the latter, however. Anyway, regarding Warehouse 13, I like the new cast member they added, the computer chick–though is it me, or is that show becoming more about Saul Rubinek than the Scully/Mulder surrogates? Am I talking to myself here?