The Incredible Hulk

June 14, 2008 | Poe

So Mrs. G2B and I saw The Incredible Hulk last night.

I had a great time. Be aware: the film is not nearly as artistically ambitious as the 2003 Ang Lee film, but it doesn’t drag, either. If you went in wanting to see scenes of the Hulk destroying midtown in a battle with another giant beast–which I did–you’re going to enjoy yourself.

I think the best way to look at Incredible Hulk is to see it not so much as an adaptation of the comic (or a sequel to the Lee film) but as a big-screen adaptation of the 1970s television series. (more…)

Red Hulk vs. Red Hulk

June 13, 2008 | Poe

In honor of the release of The Incredible Hulk, I thought I’d toss up a Hulk-related post.

In the aftermath of the popular Planet Hulk and World War Hulk storylines, Marvel needed a way to capitalize on that success while offering something interesting for new fans who picked up the comic after seeing the new movie. The answer, it seems, was the Red Hulk, a villainous, ruby-colored version of the Jade Giant. So far, Marvel has not revealed the Red Hulk’s alter-ego, but he does appear to be as intelligent as the Smart Hulk of the 1990s. He’s also already killed the original Abomination with a giant custom revolver (shades of another big red superhero), so his motivations are as much a mystery as his identity. (more…)

Odds ‘n Ends > Acula Edition

June 10, 2008 | Poe

(For the record, sometimes I just choose random words for the “edition.”)

ODD: Looks like people really dig the Heinz Burger Blaster. Who knew? I’ve got to dig up some other random old toys like that. Can’t think of any off the top of my head right now, though.

END: Had the day off yesterday. I had lots of big plans, but ended up mostly just playing the new Incredible Hulk game for the 360. I just read IGN gave it a rating of 6/10, which I’d say is a bit on the low side for how much fun I’m having playing it, but it’s true it isn’t as fun as Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction from a few years back (despite cribbing from that game). I suspect the new Hulk also suffers from comparisons to the free-roaming city of GTA IV. Anyway, I’m enjoying it. I also got the Simpsons game from my cousin Ed  (a.k.a. Mistah Plow), so I’ll have that when I get sick of Hulk. Speaking of new fan-favorite Mistah Plow (judging from my readers’ comments), check out his review of Mario Kart Wii. (more…)

The Legend of Marvel Figures–Impressions from NYCC 2008

April 20, 2008 | Pete

Legend (n): 1 a: a story coming down from the past; especially : one popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable b: a body of such stories <a place in the legend of the frontier> c: a popular myth of recent origin d: a person or thing that inspires legends e: the subject of a legend <its violence was legend even in its own time — William Broyles Jr.>

With the arrival of the New York Comic Con, news about the long-questionable status of the Marvel Legends toy line has finally come to light, and Hasbro has definitively confirmed that its status is still questionable.

Wait, what? (more…)

Poe’s Figure Hall of Fame > Face-Off Hulk

March 19, 2008 | Poe

Welcome to a brand-new feature I made up about ten seconds ago: Poe’s Action Figure Hall of Fame. These posts, appearing as regularly as I feel like writing them, will honor fine examples of action figure artistry.

The inaugural inductee is: Marvel Legends Face-Off Hulk!

Wouldn't like me when I'm angry...

Name: The Hulk
Line: Marvel Legends (Face-Off)
Year: 2006
Manufacturer: Toy Biz
Sculptor: Sam Greenwell

I prefer to have a nostalgic connection to the character of any action figure I buy. I can remember getting a little rubbery Hulk toy at Building 19 when I was a wee tyke (sadly, I can’t remember at all what it was or who made it). I was familiar with the character–what little kid wasn’t?–but I hadn’t read the comics, and I didn’t until the early 1990s during Peter David’s run. While David was making the Hulk smart by integrating his Bruce Banner and Hulk personalities, I got my second Hulk toy–the classic purple pants-wearing titan, made by the then-fledgling toy company Toy Biz. That first Toy Biz Hulk was shorter than most of other figures in the line, most likely because he was so muscled and the young Toy Biz had to conserve plastic to maintain prices (I’ll discuss this issue in more detail below).
(more…)

Odds ‘n Ends > Impatient Edition

March 18, 2008 | Poe

ODD: DCUC Wave Two is hitting all over the country, but not the online retailer I pre-ordered it from. I don’t blame the retailer for that–nor Mattel, frankly. Wave One arrived at the online retailers before it hit the brick and mortar stores, so there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. And considering the speed and tenacity of the local scalpers, I’m still better off waiting for my full set to ship than wasting gas money driving around to Targets and Wal-Marts to get one or two figures. But still…patience is not one of my more practiced virtues. (more…)

Poe’s Point > Top Five Most Anticipated Movie Toy Lines of 2008

March 13, 2008 | Poe

Yeah, I could write a list of my most anticipated movies this year–and there are quite a few–but to stay more on-topic, I decided to list what I think are the five most anticipated action figure lines based on movies this year among collectors. Note, these aren’t listed in the order I’m anticipating them, but on how much I think the collector community is. (more…)

Mighty Marvel Merchandising! Toy Fair 2008

March 3, 2008 | Pete

Hey folks, Poe here again. While I have my share of Marvel action figures, I tend to cherry-pick just a few favorites, rather than obsessively collecting them. But you deserve obsessiveness! And so, please give a warm welcome to PGPoA’s newest correspondent, Pete! A frequent commenter here on the site and owner of fanwank.net, Pete’s got the skinny on Hasbro’s Marvelicious plans for you this year.

Hasbro-Marvel

Don’t hate Hasbro, Marvel fans…Hasbro loves you! Or, rather, your pocketbook…

Because eating through your bank account with all of the new Star Wars and Transformers offerings isn’t enough, Hasbro has unveiled yet another Marvel merchandising blitz this year, just like last year. Also like last year, they’re trying new things, mixing a bit of the new in with your favorite old standbys. So let’s start with the new! (more…)