Toy review roundup (via Fanmode)

fanmode-copy Michael Crawford reviews the Hot Toys Hellboy II: The Golden Army Hellboy 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “Hot Toys is sort of like Pixar these days – it’s hard to judge them on the same scale as everyone else, because their work is so far above the competition.”

yo go re reviews the Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Scout class Ransack figure. Excerpt: “Forget the rehashed Ironhides, Starscreams or Bumblebees, and go for something new. Or, in this case, something old.”

yo go re reviews the Diamond Select Toys Marvel Minimates X-Men Origins Wolverine Weapon X Wolverine and Silver Fox Toys R’ Us exclusive two-pack. Excerpt: “… a nice value.” (more…)

Toy review roundup (via Fanmode)

fanmode-copy Michael Crawford reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Zodac Mattycollector.com exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… if Mattel could just produce mass market action figures with this level of build quality.”

Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Collect and Connect Giganta figure. Excerpt: “… she’s probably the hottest woman the Horsemen have sculpted so far.”

Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Vigilante figure. Excerpt: “He’s one of my favorite figures in my second-favorite DCUC wave this far …” (more…)

5 Questions With > MisterBigBo

Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many interviews with fellow collectors!

MisterBigBo, who comments here occasionally, is a real-life friend of mine who I’ve actually spent time with in person. He’s taken time out of his busy schedule as a brand-new dad to answer a few questions about his toy collecting.

mbb_avatar

Codename: MisterBigBo
Base of Operations:
The Commiewealth of Taxachusetts
History:
Regular ole suburban lower middle class kid who grew up in the 80s. Star Wars fan first, but like most boys of that generation I had a healthy action figure collection. I have gone on to become a teacher, a dad, and study traditional Japanese martial arts, but the toys are still there.

1.) What were your favorite toys or toy lines as a child?

Though I started with Star Wars, moved with the trends to Transformers and He-Man for a while, GI Joe was my favorite. The designs and the articulation caused me to stay with the line into junior high, after most of my friends had moved on. As a youngster I had a little of everything: a few M.A.S.K. vehicles, and one or two Sky Commanders, Army Antz, Silver Hawks, C.O.P.S., Centurins, Marvel Secret Wars and D.C. Super Powers, Captain Power, Chuck Norris Karate Kommandos, Battle Beasts, Starcom, Eagle Force. . . those are the faves that I can remember right now . I suppose my tendency these days to collect only one or a few of any given line is a continuation of that trend. (more…)

Toy review roundup (via Fanmode)

fanmode-copy NewtonGimmick reviews the Diamond Select Toys Battlestar Galactica Battle Damaged Cylon Pilot Toys R’ Us exclusive figure. Excerpt: “This is the Cylon toy I’ve wanted since I was 8 and it feels great to get him.”

Artemis reviews the DC Direct JLA Classified Classic Wonder Woman figure. Excerpt: “… not what you’d call a definitive Wonder Woman (I’d still give the Dodson-styled one that title) …”

yo go re reviews the Hasbro The Incredible Hulk Ironclad figure. Excerpt: “… as a villain we’ve never had before (and are unlikely to ever see again), Ironclad is worth picking up on the cheap.” (more…)

Toy review roundup (via Fanmode)

fanmode-copy Artemis reviews the DC Direct Justice League International Ice figure. Excerpt: “… a dull, regrettable action figure.”

Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Hawkgirl figure. Excerpt: “It really bugs me when a flying character’s figure can’t look up …”

Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Parademon (red version) figure. Excerpt: “… Mattel: stop putting accessories in figures’ hands in-package.” (more…)

Toy review roundup (via Fanmode)

fanmode-copy Michael Crawford reviews the Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Militaries of Star Wars Republic Clone Trooper (212th Attack Battalion: Utapau version) Sideshow exclusive 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “… this is easily the lamest exclusive ever produced by Sideshow.”

yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars 30th Anniversary Collection Battle-Damaged Darth Vader figure from Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Excerpt: “The attachable armor isn’t the greatest example ever, but the toy is still fun, and there’s never been a Vader like it before.” (See also.)

Corey Tincher reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Parademon (green and yellow version) figure. Excerpt: “… a surprisingly great figure …” (more…)

Pic of the Day

Autobot X (7) by frenzy_rumble

“Autobot X” (or Autobot Spike) was custom built with the parts of about 100 “junker” transformers and other robotic toys. He has over 50 points of articulation/moving parts.

Some cool features
– Eyes light up
– Left Forearm opens for gun attachment
– Left upper arm opens to reveal gears
– Right arm has laser light built in
– Small button on back triggers “Transforming noise”
– 2nd small button on back triggers other sound effects
– Batteries are all easily replaceable
– Head was scratch built (using a Sigma 6 GI Joe for the face)
– Hydraulic on back of right leg really works
– Several parts are die cast and were cut to size and shape
– Over 11″ tall

ToyFare #143

tf143megatron

If you happen to pick up a copy of ToyFare #143, in comic shops today, you shall find therein an article written by yours truly. It’s an interview with the Hasbro Transformers design team, including Aaron Archer, about the new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toys. (more…)

Toy review roundup (via Fanmode)

fanmode-copy Artemis reviews the Playmates Toys Star Trek Warp Collection Cadet McCoy 6-inch figure. Excerpt: “… could pretty much stand for the line as a whole: not bad, but could’ve been plenty better. ”

yo go re reviews the Hasbro Spider-Man Juggernaut figure. Excerpt: “He plays well, give or take a few joints, and he looks very nice.”

NewtonGimmick reviews the Hasbro X-Men Origins Wolverine Cyclops (Comic Series) figure. Excerpt: “I find myself liking Cyclops more because of this figure.” (more…)