He-Man (Masters of the Universe Classics)

January 5, 2009 | Poe

heman_beastmanI’ve delved into collector debates surrounding Mattel’s new Masters of the Universe Classics (see here and here). I intend to write up my own thoughts on MOTUC on whether the style was a good business decision, and so forth. But I like the style and concept, so if you don’t, be aware of that when you read the following review.

Due to some manufacturing delays, the inaugural sale of Masters of the Universe Classics (MOTUC) began with not one but two figures. The first is He-Man, the Most Powerful Man in the Universe and an icon of the 1980s on par with Optimus Prime, Cobra Commander and Mr. T. The other is Beast Man, Skeletor’s “savage henchman” and probably one of the best-known bad guys from the line. Available only via Mattycollector.com, the figures cost $20 each, with approximately another $10 for shipping. (more…)

FANtastic Exclusive returns!

January 5, 2009 | Poe

The Four Horsemen are finally gearing up for the next FANtastic Exclusive. The Round 3 exclusive, Scarabus, is a bit behind schedule, so he’ll (hopefully) be available at this year’s San Diego Comic Con. The Round 4 exclusive should be available at the 2010 SDCC. (more…)

Toy review roundup (via Fanmode) 1/2/2009

January 2, 2009 | Poe

fanmode-copy yo go re reviews the Hasbro The Incredible Hulk Bi-Beast figure. Excerpt: “Bi-Beast has some definite flaws (his shins, his action feature, his paint) but the design is good, and it’s not like he’s ever had a figure before.”

Artemis reviews the DC Direct All Star Batgirl figure. Excerpt: “Maybe DC Direct figures don’t grow knees until they’re 16?” (more…)

2008: The Year in Haulage

January 1, 2009 | Poe

Prior to his transformation from miser to geyser (of charity) in A Christmas Carol, Ebeneezer Scrooge refers to the holidays as “a time for balancing your books and having every item in ’em through a round dozen of months presented dead against you.” In that spirit, and inspired by yo go re of OAFE, I decided to keep a running tally of every toy I bought in 2008 to find out exactly how much money I spend on this hobby. The list does not include any toys or figures I received as gifts from friends or family. Shipping costs are included in the price.

This certainly isn’t an attempt to brag. It’s often considered gauche in America to reveal anything about one’s salary or spending habits, but suffice to say DMG and I are by no means rich. Also, keep in mind that this is all spread across twelve months, and that it comes at the cost of a number of DVDs, videogames and other items I might have bought for myself otherwise.

OK, I’m done trying to downplay spending thousands of dollars on toys. Without further ado, I present to you Poe’s Official Toy Tally of 2008. (more…)

Odds ‘n Ends REVEALED!

December 31, 2008 | Poe

Odds N Ends

Now that Newt’s won, here’s the full list:

Toy review roundup (via Fanmode) 12/30/08

December 30, 2008 | Poe

fanmode-copy Corey Tincher reviews the Mezco Toyz Hellboy II: The Golden Army Hellboy (black-shirted version with cat, six-pack and Samaritan) 7-inch- scale figure. Excerpt: “It might be a few dollars overpriced, but he’s just a really well made figure that uses a strong, heavy plastic that feels like $16 in your hands.”

Michael Crawford reviews the Diamond Select Toys Star Wars Ultimate Quarter Scale Darth Maul figure. Excerpt: “I had to actually get THREE of these figures, because the first two broke right out of the package.” (more…)

Odds ‘n Ends

December 30, 2008 | Poe

Odds N Ends

  • To answer the burning question first: yes, I’ve got MOTUC He-Man and Beast Man and I’ll be reviewing them this week. I’m waiting/hoping for a particular birthday present (my family exchange is tonight) before I take the photos. Let’s just say, though, that I can’t wait for Skeletor.
  • I had lunch with fellow toy collector Rustin Parr (who really needs some sort of Facebook page or something I can link to; otherwise people are going to think I’m making a bizarre, obscure reference to The Blair Witch Project) on Saturday. ‘Twas fun. We had pizza and discussed how we would run DCUC were we the brand managers.
  • Word to the wise: if you’re going to order any figures off Mattycollector.com, including Skeletor and the Starfire/Adam Strange two-pack (both on sale Jan. 15), make sure to pick UPS ground shipping, not economy postal. Trust me. UPS will be a bit more expensive but far more reliable.
  • I found a giant pile of DCUC wave 2 at my local Target yesterday. My local Target has been a frickin’ DCUC wasteland for over six months, so I was a bit shocked to see all those figures, particularly the five long-haired, modern Aquamen. I decided to pick him up, only to remember once I got home that DC had already reverted Aquaman back to his classic costume. Bastards.
  • Just a reminder–Toy Bender’s “Joes for Tots” contest is still going on. Enter. Now.
  • This will be the last you’ll see of this particular Odds ‘n Ends pile this year–I’m going to shoot a new one for 2009. Anyone care to try and identify all the stuff in it? I’ll give the first person to post a comment correctly identifying at least five (5) of the 12 items a prize…hmm, let’s see…how about a Satellite Iron Man?