Ask Matty > October 15 Edition

October 15, 2008 | Poe

POE: Now that Mattycollector.com is here, is there any chance we might see a Halloween or holiday-themed figure or repaint exclusives at some point (DCUC, JLU, MOTUC etc.)?

MATTY: That is a cool idea, but nothing is planned right now to tie into any specific holidays. It is a bit tough to do that since most fans want a traditional version of Superman. If there is enough demand for Batman with a jack-o-lantern and Superman with a Santa hat we could certainly look into it (but honestly, we’d rather spend the tooling dollars on all new characters).

Any new estimate on when the Target-exclusive Movie Masters 6″ Batpod will start showing up? (more…)

Review > Predator (AvP: Requiem, NECA)

October 15, 2008 | Poe

OK, I’m late to this party, but it fits the horror/Halloween theme I’m pushing this month.

Due to the fact that Predators don’t speak English and really don’t have any sort of defined culture or individual character, I can’t do the whole “interview” gag, so this will be a straight review.

There are some action figures I see and must buy. Usually they’re some sort of incredible combination of sculpting and articulation. For instance, I didn’t think twice about buying NECA’s Alien Warrior from the Alien vs. Predator colon Requiem line, because it was well sculpted and had great articulation and actually managed to surpass, in my estimation, the Aoshima Alien. The NECA Ninja Turtles are another good example.

Other times, though, I’ll see a figure and decide to pass on it for some reason. I forget about it and it sells out at retail. Then, a few months or a year or two later, I start looking at it again online. I start doing searches for it on eBay. And finally, at some point, I break down and buy the damned thing. (more…)

Me, Masterpiece Grimlock, KING!

October 14, 2008 | Poe

No pictures yet, but apparently the long-rumored Masterpiece Grimlock is real and will be eating up $150 of my hard-earned cash come next spring. (For those of you who don’t know, G1 Grimlock is my favorite toy of all time.) Here’s hoping this isn’t just the latest round of rumor-mongering.

Now I just have to figure out how to justify the expense to DMG…

Odds ‘n Ends > The New Blood

October 14, 2008 | Poe

ODD: DCUC4 has arrived, and the winner is: James B! His selection of October 9 was right on the money. He’ll be recieving a mint-on-card Batman Beyond. That contest is over, but you can still win some free Z.O.M.B.I.E. toys! I’ll be reviewing DCUC4 over the course of next week, since you people seem to like reviews.

END: Is it just me, or does it seem like this has become a pretty dead period for toys and toy news? Maybe everyone’s holding back for Christmas, or maybe the looming economic recession is weighing heavily on everyone’s minds…I don’t know. Just seems dead lately.

ODD: You may have noticed I’ve added a link to my Twitter feed in the upper right corner. If you’ve ever wondered what random thoughts pass through Poe’s mind  on a daily basis, this link’s for you.

END: Poe’s Patented CSI: Miami mini-review: OK, let me think…what was last night’s episode about? Oh yeah, the Russian mafia. I’m guessing mob boss Ivan (seriously, CSI: Miami? Ivan?) will be a recurring villain this season. The promos for this ep suggested it would be about a cannibal serial killer, and I’m kind of disappointed that wasn’t the case. The Russian Mafia? Having dealt with Italian mobsters and the Mala Noche, I guess Horatio’s going to work his way through all the ethnic gangs. I wonder when the Yakuza will show up.

Yes, this is what I watch instead of Heroes. I should turn in my geek badge and lightsaber.

The Monster Squad

October 13, 2008 | Poe

“Years ago, a group of monsters was chased by torch-bearing villagers for crimes they, admittedly, committed. These monsters promptly escaped to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by angry mobs, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire…the Monster Squad.”

Review > Universal Monsters (Toy Island)

October 13, 2008 | Poe

(Click any picture for a larger version)

Some have called them the Marvel Legends of Universal Monsters. Others have called them crappy.

Michael Crawford wrote a comprehensive review of these figures way back in April ’07, and he sure didn’t like them. Here’s his summary of the review:

With poor sculpts and weak paint, it’s not too likely that you’ll be thrilled with any of these in person. The only thing saving them from an even lower score in the overall is the relatively decent articulation and the inclusion of the BAF. […] While some of the photos might not appear too bad, the cheap feel of the plastic ends up hurting these once you get them in hand. I’m disappointed with them, and it’s unlikely that any other than the Creature or the Frank BAF will end up on the display shelf.

Despite what was definitely a negative review–and I usually agree with MC’s opinions–I really, really wanted these. (more…)

Supe-thulhu

October 10, 2008 | Poe

A couple days ago on his blog, Ethan Kaye highlighted a Super-meme. Well, in honor of my favorite horror writer, here’s my entry.