I open a toy & post it here... VOL 2!

[Team Jetfire]

102-S
NECA- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronan (Armored)






Full disclosure: I have not read The Last Ronan story, but I do know enough about it to understand the basic premise and how amazing it is. And while I am not super keen on the idea of the 3 brothers dying to make this story a reality, it is a VERY intriguing premise, especially for a franchise that continues to reinvent itself with the same basic parts every few years. At any rate I think there is a video game and a cartoon movie being developed for this series, so if you are on the fence to pick this guy up, I highly recommend it.

Pros: I mean, everything. Everything about this figure is outstanding. NECA is proving once again that they are producing some of the best figures currently on the market. A ton of accessories (including one each of the OG turtles weapons), two heads, a hood, a lot of hands and a lot more accessories and weapons. And to top it all off, MOST fit on the figure which is a massive win.

Cons: Nothing. One of the best figures of the year for me.

[Team Jetfire]

[Team Jetfire]

Halloween-2
Hasbro- Power Rangers Lightning Collection: Pumpkin Rapper




Happy Halloween everyone! Has it been a year already? Crazy how time files. And while I know I’ve been more sporadic with my reviews as of late, I am still very much continuing this action figure review thread as it is a fantastic outlet to increase my enjoyment of these figures that I love so much, but also allows me to get out my thoughts on all things pop-culture. One thing that I still very much enjoy is putting together these holiday editions as I think toys and holidays are somewhat aligned for me. And while I never received any toys as “Halloween Gifts” (if that actually a real thing), I loved the idea of dressing up as a life sized action figure even though it never quite looked how I envisioned, which is likely par for the course for any kid who dresses up at Halloween.


With that in mind, I have about a thousand different things that I’d love to write about, but thought I’d maybe I’d just talk about a particularly strange costume that I just had to have one year: Medieval Executioner. What was that about? I mean, it wasn’t the most traditional costume out there and I can’t imagine that my parents were thrilled that I, a ten year old kid, wanted to dress up as a hooded, axe wielding killer, but if you think about it, it kind of makes sense. First off, an executioner theoretically has a very cool outfit complete with a mask that is not unlike a comic book hero. Secondly, executioners carry razor-sharp axe’s that can be used as hand to hand melee weapons and thirdly, they are technically on the side of justice given that they are only around to carry out the punishment set forth by what I can assume was a VERY fair justice system for the time. Is there a chance of overblown self importance and corruption as the one who administers death? Possibly, but for me I think I just liked wearing a mask and swinging around a plastic double bladed axe.

Pros: Look, I know this is not technically a “Halloween” specific figure, but if this isn’t a toy that encapsulates the looks of Halloween, I’m not sure what would: I mean, he’s a gigantic Jack-o-lantern. In fact, this is just one of these Power Rangers lightning collection monster figures that would easily meet the criteria for a Halloween figure as they are all kind of fantastical/creepy. That said, these figures are really something else in hand. Yes you may not be a fan of PW, or ever know what they are about (like what is the RAPPER part about), but if you are a fan of cool and interesting toys, this is a figure for you. The sculpt is super detailed, the articulation and ability to pose is excellent and as good as any Hasbro collector and the accessories make a lot of sense for the figure. If you can still find him (on sale) I highly recommend it.

Cons: Just look at that melon (or rather GOURD) of a head he has. I mean, I understand why it is important from a design aesthetic, but it makes posing him a massive challenge given how top heavy he is. Also, I love the energy pumpkin effects, but its too soft to hold the pumpkin accessories up right.

[Team Jetfire]

103-S
Spin Master- League of Legend- The Champion Collection: Zed



Look, I'm no industry expert, but I have bought a fair share of toys over the years and may have a theory as to why these Spin Master League of Legends figures did not hit the mark for consumers. What is a ZED? Sure, League of Legends fans might know what his deal is, but for the average toy buyer he just looks kind of boring. Also, there is a mega popular anime style cartoon that was released on Netflix and I gotta say, ZED ain’t anywhere on that. In fact, as far as I understand, Arcane has very little to do with the game in general, but that is a whole different conversation. Who’s idea was that? Cartoons sell toys: make those first and then release the other characters who the mainstream may not know of. To lead with this guy (and Thresh) is a crazy decision and it’s no wonder the line was soon available at Dollarama.

Pros: Well, I will say this: he didn’t cost a lot of money.

Cons: Basically the opposite of Thresh (his line-mate) in every way. Has a basic sculpt, silly accessories and doesn't look great posed. Also has a really dated articulation scheme that is very evident given the sculpt is so basic. I think it could be improved with Marvel Legends type articulation scheme, but as produced, he feels like he belongs at the Dollar Store.

[Team Jetfire]

104-S
Hasbro: Indiana Jones Adventure Series: Rene Belloq



I’m just going to say it: Hasbro is WILD for releasing THIS version of Belloq in a toy line. I suppose one of his wavemates is a literal Nazi officer, but something about this just seems insensitive in the same way that college kids should not wear ponchos and sombreros to a costume party. I mean, kudos to them for staying true to the movie design, but I have to wonder if the executives at Hasbro weren’t paying attention when asked for the rubber stamp on this one. And to be clear, I would not have even questioned it except that they had no plans to produce Mola Ram (villain from Temple of Doom) for what I understand to be chalked up to problematic characterizations of different cultural reasons, which Belloq could very well fit into that category. Ah well, I’m happy to have it on my shelf regardless.

Pros: Another fantastic Indian Jones release of an iconic character doing some very iconic stuff. The sculpt is great, the articulation is solid and I love his staff accessory that he must have been dragging around with him all over the place over the course of that movie.

Cons: Of the options, I’m not certain that I would have picked this version of the character from the movie, but he surely is interesting. I also feel that we were shorted a melting face like his Nazi counterpart had.

[Team Jetfire]

105-S
Hasbro- Transformers- War For Cybertron: Sparkless Seeker






What a crazy and scary time to be a toy collector. On one hand there has never been such a wide selection of different amazing figures from almost any franchise imaginable, but on the other prices are rising seemingly every month, story shelves are empty aside from the same figures that have been there for months (or years) and low cost/discount retailers have a seemingly unending supply of once sought after figures for a FRACTION of retail price. It doesn’t take an economic genius to figure out that all these factors will eventually come to a head and negatively affect the hobby that I have had for almost 30 years. I mean hell, the changes have caused me to change up my habits to a point where I’m being VERY selective with the main line releases and focusing on imports or specialized figures and/or figures that are on deep discount. Does that mean that I’ll never buy another regular price Marvel Legend again? I mean, no; there are still some really cool ones, but I’m not pre-ordering full waves months ahead of time and am completely filled with waiting to see what eventually hits the bargain bins. And while that seems like I am shooting off my nose to spite my face, as someone who wants the industry to thrive and succeed for years to come, it also sends a small message that cost and quality matters. Basically, I’m not ok with spending $43 on yet another Spider-Man re-paint to obtain an arm needed to complete a BAF that I don’t even really care about. And while I seem to be piling on Marvel Legends here, this criticism is across the board for all lines and companies.

Oh, and my wife was able to pick this Netflix exclusive, a figure that was in great demand when initially released given its Wal-Mart exclusive status, for $10 at Ross Dress For Less. And while that is fortuitous for me, I’d much rather see a line of figures on the shelf in good supply for a REASONABLE price, but I guess that is too much to ask for.


Pros: I’m not going to lie, this figure is fantastic and makes me question my decision to cut back on Transformers. I love the robot mode with the familiar design, I love that I finally have a Cybertronian version that my brother and I used to call “tent” mode, I love the overall transformation, I love the included targetmaster/minicons (was there a distinction on these figures) and I love that it didn’t cost an arm and a leg.


Cons: While I understand the idea of being sparkless, I don't really love the look. It’s unique, but I think I would have rather had a Skywarp or Thundercraker version.

[Team Jetfire]

[Team Jetfire]

106-S
Hasbro- Indiana Jones Adventure Series: Marion Ravenwood




By the time that this review is released Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will be forgotten and written off as one of Disney’s greatest financial flops and even as a super fan it is hard to argue with it. Now don’t get me wrong, I loved it, but I’m far from an impartial reviewer and love basically everything Indy and I could see why the movie did not meet expectations. I mean for starters it cost Disney $400 Million and stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the most expensive movies ever made. A big investment to be sure and one that is almost a sure bet given how many people love Indiana Jones right? Right???

Wrong.

Apparently movie goers had limited interest and when the final results were tallied up it was clear that Indy fell way short of expectations and has only earned the infamous title of being one of Disne’s biggest bombs, which as a long time fan kinda stings. I mean, what happened? I liked it. My wife and daughter enjoyed it too, but I think the reality of DOD, much like many other high budget action films, is that the cost of movies is out of control and audiences are fickle with their movie going dollar, if they even go to the movies at all. Couple that with some interesting story choices that may alienate the movie going demographic and you have yourself a problem. Consider that Raiders of the Lost Ark cost $20 Million to make and it is considered to be one of the best movies ever made. Even in today’s dollars that would have only been $66 Million, but still holds up and looks amazing. How is that even possible? ITs a question that is being asked by fans, but also hopefully asked by Hollywood execs who have seemed to literally and figuratively lose the plot.

Pros: Much like the other Adventure Series figures, IF you can still find these figures I IMPLORE you to pick some up. They are likely on sale at this point, but believe me when I say they are so good and Marion is no exception. Great sculpt, solid usable articulation and some fun accessories from the movie including a Nazi sympathizing monkey; how can you go wrong?

Cons: Only issue was that the retail price on these figures was a little steep.

[Team Jetfire]

005-GP
Bandai- Gundam Seed Freedom: HG 1/144 Immortal Justice Gundam




For those not aware, Seed Freedom kits are basically the most recent kits released by Bandai and provide a very big bang for your buck. And while I’m unfamiliar with Seed and the recently released Seed Freedom, the MS have some really great designs and look really great, so when I was looking for a new kit to build, Justice Gundam seemed like a good choice. Thankfully it was a great 5th build given the level of complexity gave it a bit more of a challenge and I think it turned out pretty great. Couple that with some cool features, including the ability to “transform” into a spaceship of some kind. I also really love the design of having a beam saber energy effect that fits between its shin and foot. Not sure how useful it would be to kick an enemy in half, but seems like it would look pretty cool.

Pros: I have a lot of fun with this kit and appreciate all the extra accessories and features. And while I know it is from a less popular Gundam series, I really love the overall aesthetic and design and will apparently never not love a red colored mobile suit.

Cons: Slight issue with the hip flaps and while it could have something to do with the overall bulky design, mine never stayed attached and would always fall off. I used a bit of glue to stiffen the connection, but really don’t love that I had to do that. Also, this kit had more stickers than I’ve ever had to deal with. Not a bad thing per-se, but still a bit lazy on parts that could be separate.

[Team Jetfire]