I try to maintain a minimal number of ads on this site, but I still do have to pay the bills to keep it running–and maybe make a little money to keep buying the toys you enjoy reading about. I write this blog out of love, but the truth is writing for free sucks and it’s a lot more satisfying if I can get something out of it. (more…)
Review > Cheetah (DC Universe Classics)
Since we first saw photos of Wave 13 back in October it gave rise to much discussion (as if any reveals don’t) to the characters selected for this wave. Many have said that it is one of the most obscure waves yet, and depending on your love of all things DC this can be either a good or bad thing. People are questioning how this wave will sell, especially with the little known characters, but I’m sure as with most waves of DCUC, it will have one or two peg warmers, but the majority collectors will be spending countless hours trying to locate the rest.
Fans of Wonder Woman can now rejoice as Cheetah has joined the ranks of DCUC. Wonder Woman does not have the most famous rogue’s gallery. Other than Ares and C&C Giganta, she really hasn’t had much to fight in terms of her own villains. Sure, Cheetah may look a little cheesy, especially when standing next to some of the more realistic characters, but not every villain needs to be a deranged psychopath.
Cheetah made her debut in Wonder Woman #6 in 1943. Over the years she has seen many changes as the character has developed. There have been three unique female Cheetahs, Priscilla Rich (Golden Age), Rich’s niece, Deborah Domaine (Silver Age), and Barbara Ann Minerva (modern and current). Priscilla Rich (the figure we are reviewing today) was a socialite with a split personality disorder. After being upstaged by Wonder Woman at a charity event, Priscilla had a breakdown and her inner evil self emerged taking upon the Cheetah mantle. Barbara Ann Minerva, the variant Cheetah, has more of a supernatural origin. As a British archaeologist, Barbara Minerva sought out an African tribe who worshiped a female guardian with the powers of a Cheetah. After the Guardian was murdered by a band of marauders Barbara Minerva volunteered to take her place after being told she would gain immortality. Barbara Minerva then desired for the Lasso of Truth when she learned that Wonder Woman possessed it. (more…)
Action Feature > Retro Action
(Click on the comic for the full version.)
Review > DCUC vs. MOTUC 2-packs (Superman vs. He-Man, Lex Luthor vs. Skeletor)
The following review was previously posted on OAFE.net.
One of the biggest toy-related surprises of the new year was the announcement of Mattel’s DC vs. Masters of the Universe 2-packs, sold not through Mattycollector.com but exclusively through Toys R Us stores. The first pack, Superman vs. He-Man, recreates their famous first meeting in DC Comics Presents #47 and includes a full-sized copy of that comic. The second pack features Skeletor and a reissue of the DC Super Heroes Lex Luthor in his iconic purple-and-green armor, and includes a copy of the second Supes/He-Man meeting, which was a one-shot included in a few different DC comics in 1982 as a preview of DC’s 3-issue MOTU miniseries (one of my personal favorite depictions of the MOTU universe).
Luthor doesn’t appear in either comic (both of which are drawn by legendary Superman artist Curt Swan), but it was a shrewd move to include the DCSH Luthor, who’s still scarce enough that the set will entice both DCUC and MOTUC fans.
To make the pack attractive to fans who already own He-Man and Skeletor from Mattycollector–and also to ensure the versions of He-Man and Skeletor sold on Mattycollector retain their value–both figures are repaints, and He-Man even has a slight sculptural difference.
The Superman and Lex Luthor figures are nearly identical to their previous releases, so I refer you to their respective reviews: Superman, Lex Luthor. The only major difference I’ve noted (aside from Luthor’s lack of a pistol and extra Kryptonite pieces) is that Superman’s hair has more blue in it than usual, presumably to reflect the more “comic book” style of the sets. (more…)
New Dark Knight Movie Masters hitting TRU
Although in their round of Q&As yesterday, Mattel suggested they didn’t know when the new DKMM figures (now exclusive to TRU) would hit, the answer seems to be: last week sometime. Even the as-yet-unreleased-on-Mattycollector Two-Face has popped up. This thread on Fwoosh has the pics and info.
I’ll get a Two-Face if I see him in the store, but frankly, man, if the distribution on these is anything like DCUC it might be easier to just get the guy on Mattycollector. Which I won’t be able to do because I’ll be frantically ordering some MOTUC product, so never mind.
What do you think? Will you get any of these? Is the Dark Knight iron way too cold now? DISCUSS OR PERISH.
Ask Mattel > Answers for Mid-April
We’re back with another round of answers for Ask Mattel. (I didn’t solicit new questions for the May 1 round because I had five questions I wanted to ask myself this time.)
Let’s get to it.
1.) Fengschwing asks: Should DCUC Wave 5 prove popular and sell out, will Mattel consider releasing it yet again, as they do with popular MOTUC products? (more…)
Mattel SDCC Exclusives Thread (updated)
Reveal going on right now on Attack of the Show. Discuss.
All righty. So here are the SDCC exclusives fully revealed tonight. (Part II will be aired on the 15th.) (more…)
Toy Aisle Trolls > One-Face
Toy Aisle Trolls is a feature highlighting acts of vandalism to in-store toy items. If you find a ruined package, a stolen figure, a swapped-out figure, or any other such acts, take a photo (cell phone photos are fine if they’re not blurry) and email them to poe AT poeghostal.com. Also, please note: I’m deliberately being over-the-top with my condemnation of these people–I don’t actually wish bodily harm upon them. Just severe mental anguish.
OK…I hate to admit it, but this one’s kind of funny. (more…)
Ask Mattel > Official April 1 Answers
Fear not, folks–Matty didn’t let you down. Here are the real answers to the April 1 Q&A.
1.) The Flash III asks: This is from a Matty Q&A from June 2009: When asked, “which figure or figures were you most surprised you were actually able to get made?” you answered, “Gentleman Ghost really came out well beyond expectations. We have another obscure figure in Wave 13 next year that is just amazing. One hint: there will be a skull involved.” I’m looking at wave 13 and the only skull-related figure is the Negative Man variant. Is this the figure you were referring to or was that one pushed back?
Yes, it was Negative Man we were referring to.
2.) dayraven asks: We’ve been told “vehicles” are off the table for now in MOTUC. What distinguishes a “beast” from a “vehicle”? Would Stridor be considered a beast or a vehicle? What about Battle Bones? What is the criteria that makes a toy one and not the other? (more…)
Ask Mattel Answers > Early April Edition
The latest round of Ask Mattel answers are in–and before you ask, yes, these are the real answers direct from Mattel. I’m just the messenger, folks.
1.) The Flash III asks: This is from a Matty Q&A from June 2009: When asked, “which figure or figures were you most surprised you were actually able to get made?” you answered, “Gentleman Ghost really came out well beyond expectations. We have another obscure figure in Wave 13 next year that is just amazing. One hint: there will be a skull involved.”
I’m looking at wave 13 and the only skull-related figure is the Negative Man variant. Is this the figure you were referring to or was that one pushed back? (more…)