tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38972870311106032012024-03-14T12:34:25.032-04:00Toy RemixErin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-32491973272045982622014-01-26T22:28:00.000-05:002014-01-27T00:59:52.436-05:00miWorld: Dairy Queen Starter Set<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS3V1AGdWkAnlE4G20Nhstr5IHVkgHlaVSGDfz7DNYEZj7plSQRnVU9f15wMIbMtoWRmzJJsono3xtML4meEsNKiZHK-9cUI_hwuGwEqi_UPhCdJFlvdq-qHsM14nSlXdv75PyBzxW3RN/s1600/Pack1.jpg" height="333" width="400" /></div>
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I came across a display for "miWorld" in Walmart's toy section and was intrigued. These are essentially a modern spin on a doll's house, but instead of building a house, kids are encouraged to build their own miniature malls. To that end, Jakks Pacific has made a bunch of cubes corresponding to actual corporate businesses. Presumably, they're getting a kick-back from these companies (is this the first time we've seen product placement in kids' toys? I'm assuming it isn't, but I can't think of any other examples).<br />
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There are also some 5 inch dolls sold separately in this line, but I couldn't care less about those.<br />
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Before I go on, I'd like to get the obvious part out of the way: these sets are, on multiple levels, disgusting. They're essentially asking parents to shill out money for advertising aimed at kids. And the companies they're promoting aren't exactly healthy. You can check out some of the other sets on the back of the box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK28UM5sqoccBrmTqVZwuGnf2HbrXKsnEPkwzTaa8zzsvyaWdaZInOF3s73ORB3UXzJGGP_Ez20WG2dRHXxv_wZCYezaffBZywxycbSSC6SM9fXmIM6U-S9jnzFS4tMysAAF9UjTKDovuB/s1600/Pack2.jpg"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK28UM5sqoccBrmTqVZwuGnf2HbrXKsnEPkwzTaa8zzsvyaWdaZInOF3s73ORB3UXzJGGP_Ez20WG2dRHXxv_wZCYezaffBZywxycbSSC6SM9fXmIM6U-S9jnzFS4tMysAAF9UjTKDovuB/s1600/Pack2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But I didn't spend $15 on this just to complain about the moral failings of Jakks. As you've probably guessed, I'm not an 8-year old girl. Instead, I'm a member of a demographic that might actually be interested in these things: adult toy collectors.<br />
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Because, for whatever reason, these displays are actually scaled pretty close to 1:12, which means they're compatible with six-inch action figures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwunvxgGdx1taol6aIzuvHfYlCdiipyrILRcbVklAgl3hz_tZ3pK1Hf4RkRHdOlZqSHK67g0DOHB_T_yM45AE4YXiQTx460psO4ZVVLmoOil-d0q3Jkx6hrE-p3sJT0UHiJlk7ODQWhSg/s1600/Master+Bruce.jpg"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwunvxgGdx1taol6aIzuvHfYlCdiipyrILRcbVklAgl3hz_tZ3pK1Hf4RkRHdOlZqSHK67g0DOHB_T_yM45AE4YXiQTx460psO4ZVVLmoOil-d0q3Jkx6hrE-p3sJT0UHiJlk7ODQWhSg/s1600/Master+Bruce.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The set includes the pieces you need to build the diorama, as well as a few pieces of furniture and some accessories. The floor is composed of a cardboard piece covering plastic: the plastic is pretty sturdy, but the cardboard is a bit warped. Even so, I didn't have much trouble getting figures to stand.</div>
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The packaging claims this includes 24 pieces, but that's using a very liberal definition for the word, "piece." To get to 24, they're counting the hot dog bun, roll, and cardboard package as separate pieces. Even so, this is a fairly impressive collection of fast-food-related accessories for the price (I guess it helps that DQ is almost certainly subsidizing their production).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2GxQqV6AROjdzVN8Sf8u_WSeOL_fLU_yqLJoEgSdmYWHkm5H93kDvTDzq6B0CWtMBLbCVsmBTrQRk7UHtGZoy8r9uakzIkeIN0L0HN37hBeHVISu8bGip9-j4WEcYj7cL9kaIRLjwOQB/s1600/Stuff1.jpg"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2GxQqV6AROjdzVN8Sf8u_WSeOL_fLU_yqLJoEgSdmYWHkm5H93kDvTDzq6B0CWtMBLbCVsmBTrQRk7UHtGZoy8r9uakzIkeIN0L0HN37hBeHVISu8bGip9-j4WEcYj7cL9kaIRLjwOQB/s1600/Stuff1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The small accessories are pretty good overall. They do use some cardboard, but only where it's used in real life (the aforementioned hot dog holder, the fries container, and a standing poster).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTwnpaIbg0qEWXAafqI_DeHJ23qLUOYq0DGXM7XQFf7r7or7LtWvaxgBWtQVkp8g232hl0eiQtDAg3NS33ywH8co-V-CSwdVa4z4NjNIDjpAmOpNGJ3OgERAegYV2fJzyFiW8zteXV-9x/s1600/Cardboard.jpg"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTwnpaIbg0qEWXAafqI_DeHJ23qLUOYq0DGXM7XQFf7r7or7LtWvaxgBWtQVkp8g232hl0eiQtDAg3NS33ywH8co-V-CSwdVa4z4NjNIDjpAmOpNGJ3OgERAegYV2fJzyFiW8zteXV-9x/s1600/Cardboard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The ice cream cones and sundaes are pretty great, though the cones won't stand on their own. Fortunately, they'll fit in a lot of figures' grasp.</div>
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The chair, table, and counter are all decent, though I'd have liked to get a second chair. </div>
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<br />I should probably mention that these came with some additional stickers. I applied the giant "DQ" to the register, since it'd look pretty dumb without it. I didn't use all the smaller ones, though, in case I want to use the pieces for other purposes. Besides, there's no point in helping DQ's marketing department any more than necessary. <br /><br />Ultimately, these are pretty awful from a moral standpoint, but really awesome as unusual displays for action figures. Hopefully parents will agree with me on the first point, and I'll be able to grab some of the other sets on clearance. <br /><br /> <br />
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When the first series of Hasbro's new Star Wars Black line of six inch figures came out, I dusted off my first toy review site, <a href="http://theclearancebin.weebly.com/star-wars-the-black-series-1.html">The Clearance Bin, and put together a full review</a>. Seeing as that took about four hours, I'm disinclined to do the same for the second wave, particularly since my overall impression of the line hasn't changed much.<br />
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However, I have a handful of thoughts I'd like to share, starting with....<br />
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Leia. I understand why Mattel had to release a Slave Leia toy (a little something called "economics"), but I'm disappointed they made it the first version of the Princess (not to mention the first female character) in the line.<br />
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The "Slave Leia" costume is polarizing. It's popular to a lot of men, of course. Personally, I generally dislike "fan service," particularly when it feels out of place or detrimental to the property. The scenes around Leia being put in this suit are at best problematic and debatably misogynistic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXG6ZyFrJorNcQEhX9cvK-j6M3xAZYACD1XB87apkgSKCewsXohyTGS5OxRzHQTjjusLvi_QCj9bQ70fFP4_oMADN6E0-ia1Qtd7y2dTgFvvOmuLs2oioYuQR4yO_5LN8jQbOKk4Fbf_M/s1600/Leia5.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXG6ZyFrJorNcQEhX9cvK-j6M3xAZYACD1XB87apkgSKCewsXohyTGS5OxRzHQTjjusLvi_QCj9bQ70fFP4_oMADN6E0-ia1Qtd7y2dTgFvvOmuLs2oioYuQR4yO_5LN8jQbOKk4Fbf_M/s400/Leia5.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm almost happy to see the figure didn't come out quite right. The paint ops on her face are either a bit off or they're trying to make her look irritated. It's more or less the right expression for when she was held prisoner, but not after she's escaped. And since the chain she's wearing doesn't connect to Jabba, I'm assuming this is after she's killed the big slug and gotten away.<br />
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They didn't give Lei much in the way of accessories, at least compared to others in this line. She comes with a couple of the weapons/tools she picked up during her escape. In addition, the chain is removable if you pop her head off, so I suppose that kind of counts, too. Maybe I'm spoiled from series one, but that seems a little light to me. Come on, Hasbro: throw in a Salacious B. Crumb.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NXBfWmnet5FRZv49x82eNSFg5b3bRaVtw4mN0yvbtQOrrhqB-9uAr1tTco2OHfh7AeXsynP9LA1IUuJJYF78o2VwF7TV1jo25BWUh-0E7AwMHqrZ7z6OkAEQhXpYbBtXPhYP_PuI27r5/s1600/Leia2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NXBfWmnet5FRZv49x82eNSFg5b3bRaVtw4mN0yvbtQOrrhqB-9uAr1tTco2OHfh7AeXsynP9LA1IUuJJYF78o2VwF7TV1jo25BWUh-0E7AwMHqrZ7z6OkAEQhXpYbBtXPhYP_PuI27r5/s400/Leia2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Like it or not, the outfit is probably her second most iconic in the trilogy after the white dress she wore in A New Hope, so there's certainly justification for producing it. But, like I said before... did it have to be the first version of Leia they made?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-pOb5v98WApu8V9FCGAMcO5bPJit4TU6RNoSytOXl-k6SPCbyatOBPEbo-UdDaf2Nx5aqOQC_uB-Re-t2GX_ti_YkUL5UkMkATPNMihR-GejcemzuaAVi_bqgT63oMPcnxYnqdykZigB/s1600/Leia3.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-pOb5v98WApu8V9FCGAMcO5bPJit4TU6RNoSytOXl-k6SPCbyatOBPEbo-UdDaf2Nx5aqOQC_uB-Re-t2GX_ti_YkUL5UkMkATPNMihR-GejcemzuaAVi_bqgT63oMPcnxYnqdykZigB/s400/Leia3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up, Han Solo is produced in his classic space-cowboy outfit. It's a good figure, but - once again - they could have done better with the face. In addition, his neck articulation makes his head look like it's connected wrong in most poses. At times, he can almost look like a bobble-head.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZvp7YsXQhg0INA-ncbEWC4_5nEicN_FBrPolAizCw91X3VIrA5qJe4bcoCSp1VVQOCmH3UGcQy5gHfP9dDRNW694Ctx2awmeaBez1RpI6M7X89zew0Gw3Y1I0p4wfffxtp_P8VmHURd1/s1600/Han2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZvp7YsXQhg0INA-ncbEWC4_5nEicN_FBrPolAizCw91X3VIrA5qJe4bcoCSp1VVQOCmH3UGcQy5gHfP9dDRNW694Ctx2awmeaBez1RpI6M7X89zew0Gw3Y1I0p4wfffxtp_P8VmHURd1/s320/Han2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Nevertheless, the overall toy is awesome, and from a few feet back, the flaws disappear.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfMtBpvosABCvGm5MfJIBu3Kt-CNDh7wHjU6qMgp7fpTA76G4R-L6rFUXxc0hUFcxMvRlPVikYk7ZC8Awvk_PQ1NjS-uoao6i8iJ7OR-JXs29u-ZDB1GjxqkxMnNUc78rsfRb2sInrvL9/s1600/Han4.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfMtBpvosABCvGm5MfJIBu3Kt-CNDh7wHjU6qMgp7fpTA76G4R-L6rFUXxc0hUFcxMvRlPVikYk7ZC8Awvk_PQ1NjS-uoao6i8iJ7OR-JXs29u-ZDB1GjxqkxMnNUc78rsfRb2sInrvL9/s320/Han4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Han comes with a better assortment of extras: a second set of gloved hands, two blasters, and a belt/holster. All of these look great, and while I have some lingering reservations about the figure, I definitely got my money's worth. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVP3B6hUFm8f7Ord0wXk-EwNFH95yavpClyVYxpHpep5jJTF-Xby6iJ-DCZbcwnsBribESSDODXtOsNbN9nwN7V7RM0eTlH9AutulNzK1vS_oAjs3F0q4Vpq4WbTI1WMe0MaSFBF2xvVw/s1600/Han3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVP3B6hUFm8f7Ord0wXk-EwNFH95yavpClyVYxpHpep5jJTF-Xby6iJ-DCZbcwnsBribESSDODXtOsNbN9nwN7V7RM0eTlH9AutulNzK1vS_oAjs3F0q4Vpq4WbTI1WMe0MaSFBF2xvVw/s400/Han3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Hey, Luke! Buddy! You drop this?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Greedo is next, and - setting aside his accessories - he's my second favorite in the series. His head is absolutely perfect: this is as good a representation of the character as we're ever likely to get in this scale.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeCTYNu2tLgjTW6mQuoTuidFu2WHD1eYmpiS6XsY9v2NQ_umj2cO3Kxfdk4k5ILt5AL1nq1oYEARoIGthNZgFQC44Fve-P7paPGYgiZc9xn9mODXZDkGuyf-zDIyuBlz8j2QuLuqCgyHR/s1600/Greedo2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeCTYNu2tLgjTW6mQuoTuidFu2WHD1eYmpiS6XsY9v2NQ_umj2cO3Kxfdk4k5ILt5AL1nq1oYEARoIGthNZgFQC44Fve-P7paPGYgiZc9xn9mODXZDkGuyf-zDIyuBlz8j2QuLuqCgyHR/s400/Greedo2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Where he fares less well is the extras. He's got his tiny blaster and.... uh... I still like the packaging, if that counts for anything (it doesn't).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7H-lsfpL-IjqHD11oac3MNKMr-XXcfw0gM_eezhsIYLdM0fEU7jE5UJ6ya-cXs9XB3lJisJSO8q7kGTuowRzSBdsQj1uJrKOfV5_Sd_bfZzD2lRCcgRBj80LdDOH1_I8Jb-IlJ4uns8a/s1600/Greedo1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7H-lsfpL-IjqHD11oac3MNKMr-XXcfw0gM_eezhsIYLdM0fEU7jE5UJ6ya-cXs9XB3lJisJSO8q7kGTuowRzSBdsQj1uJrKOfV5_Sd_bfZzD2lRCcgRBj80LdDOH1_I8Jb-IlJ4uns8a/s400/Greedo1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I do feel like we're getting cheated here, though it's hard to think of things they could have included. His chair would have been awesome, of course.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEPe0r0NaMWzCTSYRMu-yxEGsYRp0YnEvvnro64PRcYUb_UnMN4A-5Fn95oZ5Rp0rroljeYhumJRpODgSiHfLR2BebonzgiIbbuS8qewWTPGGaJEl3-7OPXVlc1bLZYO9hYHOV3IJMfhA/s1600/whosonfirst.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEPe0r0NaMWzCTSYRMu-yxEGsYRp0YnEvvnro64PRcYUb_UnMN4A-5Fn95oZ5Rp0rroljeYhumJRpODgSiHfLR2BebonzgiIbbuS8qewWTPGGaJEl3-7OPXVlc1bLZYO9hYHOV3IJMfhA/s400/whosonfirst.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">The special edition Lucas doesn't want you to see.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last is Boba Fett. This is the same figure Hasbro released as a SDCC exclusive, minus the (amazing) Han-in-carbonite accessory. I won't lie - I wish I'd been able to get that version, but this is a damn good consolation prize.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ4_SnD0YfkJ6zZcxMyoYMf9pJyehvYFEoHfD9ObKWBRL0FNzvYk30RxWEGk003DPjztndEKtQ2edmXe8BBEpSvlyjqCReQnk_qgNbQfg2q2yleyh8IGsZSqTkEY5oUT3z_DjxzjRn1bW/s1600/Fett1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ4_SnD0YfkJ6zZcxMyoYMf9pJyehvYFEoHfD9ObKWBRL0FNzvYk30RxWEGk003DPjztndEKtQ2edmXe8BBEpSvlyjqCReQnk_qgNbQfg2q2yleyh8IGsZSqTkEY5oUT3z_DjxzjRn1bW/s400/Fett1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The figure is as close to perfect as any action figure I've seen in this scale. The sculpt is flawless, the paint is fantastic, and his cape looks awesome. Even without Han in a block of Carbonite, he's got a fair number of accessories. He comes with two guns and a jet pack, all of which look... yeah, you guessed it. Amazing.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlSB6-OMupJkW_xg4OQ7emxJTnzj3euuq6YSmOJvMgZb2UBsYJghkaqwteEZqpDRM5OmWpNd4nfVtF87uuQASWXBryUkpF1WlpODBW7m31wtyTOAmSferbZtKbHOXgsigsfBjIg2uRSZz/s1600/Fett3.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlSB6-OMupJkW_xg4OQ7emxJTnzj3euuq6YSmOJvMgZb2UBsYJghkaqwteEZqpDRM5OmWpNd4nfVtF87uuQASWXBryUkpF1WlpODBW7m31wtyTOAmSferbZtKbHOXgsigsfBjIg2uRSZz/s400/Fett3.jpg" /></a></div>
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The only complaints I can find are that his pouches (which look great) limit his articulation, and he has a little trouble holding the larger of his guns.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH7oAneehfc7aorMfWVySQRvRJo1jEbI7A7K7iaVx_VevOdFuQi37SY3870G6PyGKo7V8bhT_9ZKQQIpt8Vo_nn-Vv1XnGZY86jQ_rSWt4YTZhTEkqIt7fPHK8SAuTRqfKb0Fw9JHKoW9/s1600/Fett2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH7oAneehfc7aorMfWVySQRvRJo1jEbI7A7K7iaVx_VevOdFuQi37SY3870G6PyGKo7V8bhT_9ZKQQIpt8Vo_nn-Vv1XnGZY86jQ_rSWt4YTZhTEkqIt7fPHK8SAuTRqfKb0Fw9JHKoW9/s400/Fett2.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you're only buying one figure from this series, this is the one to get.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIml869lshxTiWGLVKjJn_CG6ercdNYN4nvU7mC0JyLUcJBvHIZUypmJ-Xw8gOPs-mb_k2ZXBiBewsTqNAwC2bYqKWkJYqRcYIJzNlT16_dv5wg-IMkSE4N0bLzplGaEjnsdKkXI2-N_1/s1600/Pack1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIml869lshxTiWGLVKjJn_CG6ercdNYN4nvU7mC0JyLUcJBvHIZUypmJ-Xw8gOPs-mb_k2ZXBiBewsTqNAwC2bYqKWkJYqRcYIJzNlT16_dv5wg-IMkSE4N0bLzplGaEjnsdKkXI2-N_1/s400/Pack1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was surprised to see some collectors dislike the packaging. Personally, I think these are the best looking toy boxes I've ever seen at mass market. They're simple, elegant, and attractive to look at.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9ecPB6UJjSKYSqAsWgHvUjnQEaU6BmZdx08DclCr4ZorPYlyafp8ty5ldIOB1NYa5_dILatZSbOcl6ai_ZlTZmeCH3hkZ3daD73nZewrGxzPlvLtFPhevi-wIa2XwQ7xj7sVBFQ8Ohcm/s1600/Pack2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9ecPB6UJjSKYSqAsWgHvUjnQEaU6BmZdx08DclCr4ZorPYlyafp8ty5ldIOB1NYa5_dILatZSbOcl6ai_ZlTZmeCH3hkZ3daD73nZewrGxzPlvLtFPhevi-wIa2XwQ7xj7sVBFQ8Ohcm/s400/Pack2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The text on the back is also pretty simple, and at a glance, the artwork blends together. I appreciate how understated these are. Hasbro knows they don't need bright colors to sell these: people will find and buy them regardless.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtE7g3X8rBDUbinSQ4iVbDGnJtZORN20FlSF84BDHXOhsOxfnITfZ7DYV52xgxaRP1O55VfcJtgldcpDA2PAabQEisEwurRUh3FcU13ILkAboRIP_zcb7Fr34X7nCFdnA3_p3YGHcMx93/s1600/Fett4.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtE7g3X8rBDUbinSQ4iVbDGnJtZORN20FlSF84BDHXOhsOxfnITfZ7DYV52xgxaRP1O55VfcJtgldcpDA2PAabQEisEwurRUh3FcU13ILkAboRIP_zcb7Fr34X7nCFdnA3_p3YGHcMx93/s400/Fett4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
These ran me $20 each, plush shipping. It's not cheap, but it's close enough to average these days. So far, the aliens and figures wearing helmets have been near-perfect, but they're still not as good as Mattel at human faces. Hopefully, they'll get better as they go. I'm loving this line, and eagerly awaiting the next series.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTXAJdqzo9CiQ0arBN9DWrC6-RXQgSyPdcG7fnrHnr3qnJ03IAnvBYXewsaY6iQiNmmBw0pELJRidIvSp47QRBHEKppVbZjIwAZBKJyHaAn3Ij5tfUMiy06zoWeeJF0ZrPCc2FlAMVhB2/s1600/Trinity.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTXAJdqzo9CiQ0arBN9DWrC6-RXQgSyPdcG7fnrHnr3qnJ03IAnvBYXewsaY6iQiNmmBw0pELJRidIvSp47QRBHEKppVbZjIwAZBKJyHaAn3Ij5tfUMiy06zoWeeJF0ZrPCc2FlAMVhB2/s400/Trinity.jpg" /></a></div>
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Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-89998603900629736732013-10-03T00:00:00.004-04:002013-10-03T00:00:54.026-04:00Disney Store Exclusive Peter Pan Minimates and Pirate Ship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8T7mCINj8PSZo9A_a1pUbxYiwyJ9VVfvXt7M0dkoWS6VG9wDKJlLLDOy-0icdsabHXjJ0d0gtsE4Wy8WK0oIzJSywuqnrYfm3pMkKTrxooWFyv8rxBPsbfrcZAfXWJptXOmQjJj4DVWf/s1600/Fight_Ship1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8T7mCINj8PSZo9A_a1pUbxYiwyJ9VVfvXt7M0dkoWS6VG9wDKJlLLDOy-0icdsabHXjJ0d0gtsE4Wy8WK0oIzJSywuqnrYfm3pMkKTrxooWFyv8rxBPsbfrcZAfXWJptXOmQjJj4DVWf/s400/Fight_Ship1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I posted a review of a bunch of <a href="http://theclearancebin.weebly.com/minimates-disneys-peter-pan.html">Disney Peter Pan Minimates at The Clearance Bin</a>. Check it out, if you're interested.Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-5532340614274064572013-09-21T00:51:00.002-04:002013-09-21T00:52:04.786-04:00Huntress (Helena Bertinelli)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4Nc1cBooCDQeMsGMI87QVqujf3tQ8yRrKlGYnd__bbgcikHNjflx7hgGMQuryQVZ8g7wBnnGJLUza8bkNQzB7eYw-VKkdTU9XXZZKskuC-qfmOTUJ7xEaFjt3upqQDOQwdLkt1RV1A17/s1600/Huntress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4Nc1cBooCDQeMsGMI87QVqujf3tQ8yRrKlGYnd__bbgcikHNjflx7hgGMQuryQVZ8g7wBnnGJLUza8bkNQzB7eYw-VKkdTU9XXZZKskuC-qfmOTUJ7xEaFjt3upqQDOQwdLkt1RV1A17/s400/Huntress1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm going to be brief, because once you've reviewed one Mattel DC Universe Classics figure, you've reviewed them all. And I've reviewed dozens over the years.</div>
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Technically, this <i>isn't</i> a DC Universe Classics figure, but rather part of the "Signature Collection," which is just the name Mattel slapped onto the box when they moved the line from stores to their website. They have a few other lines in stores now, mainly focusing on Batman figures and characters from video games.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQB_9Vuluagp5fZLcFPNPN5BUxikhZDmdzzcJbNPEgRrTbJS-t8zK8rdk0JOf2LuNA3he68SLPNosj49aTJHBC2PqywRoesgOKdCD-VohdjxQIDhXUeWAoA3EbVUJtS7AHAerpMAvaYIp/s1600/Pack1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQB_9Vuluagp5fZLcFPNPN5BUxikhZDmdzzcJbNPEgRrTbJS-t8zK8rdk0JOf2LuNA3he68SLPNosj49aTJHBC2PqywRoesgOKdCD-VohdjxQIDhXUeWAoA3EbVUJtS7AHAerpMAvaYIp/s400/Pack1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I generally try to stay away from Matty Collector. It's not so much the horror stories about Digital River (I've actually had good luck with my purchases) - it's the price. Sure, this is just $20, the same I'd pay at most toy stores, but that's before shipping. When all was said and done, I dropped more than thirty bucks getting this figure. Ouch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1489cqnu89qFzTUy41wlYLT21cEPiw6C7Gax7FXsywAjW9Ir75IlOw5CmOpZcte41wWs_FFdOjqrU6Gu-rJCHLxVfFQRXUSnsNYGFqBf2dAIGsFoun0KjBId21iuLp31exGI_Sidl9QT/s1600/Pack2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1489cqnu89qFzTUy41wlYLT21cEPiw6C7Gax7FXsywAjW9Ir75IlOw5CmOpZcte41wWs_FFdOjqrU6Gu-rJCHLxVfFQRXUSnsNYGFqBf2dAIGsFoun0KjBId21iuLp31exGI_Sidl9QT/s400/Pack2.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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The package is pretty standard for this line. The design is fine, though the art is a bit too fan-servicey for my tastes. </div>
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The figure is pretty standard for the line. They've moved the leg articulation around - there's a cut just above the knee that's concealed by her costume, and the standard cuts on the upper leg and boot are gone. The belt also restricts her cut waist and legs a bit. For what it's worth, I got more range out of the neck joint than I expected.</div>
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The only accessory she comes with is a crossbow, which feels a little light at this price point. It doesn't even fit that well in her hand. I can work it into her grip, but it falls out with the slightest nudge. Plus, it seems like Mattel could have sprung for some paint. The purple is a decent color for the weapon, but I'd rather something more realistic looking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFBANhnXvShZH9ymJM7zkGYLrcsV7ReysjSzbQlEJChUjs-CcLgCnIojIKFk1D6AHsqUkgyKqo-N_MZ85reADFdb6TJyzmvWTbT3TdKN6NAWiNFPsceRVEvZw1H7JYOgRRAXYZcFR0iLs/s1600/Huntress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFBANhnXvShZH9ymJM7zkGYLrcsV7ReysjSzbQlEJChUjs-CcLgCnIojIKFk1D6AHsqUkgyKqo-N_MZ85reADFdb6TJyzmvWTbT3TdKN6NAWiNFPsceRVEvZw1H7JYOgRRAXYZcFR0iLs/s400/Huntress2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'd also have appreciated a stand - even the crappy ones Mattel made for DCUC (pictured above) - but they didn't see fit to include one.<br />
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I'm not crazy about the head sculpt. It's not awful, but I expect better. Compare this to some of the older sculpts and you'll see what I mean - this just doesn't hold up.<br />
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The outfit tooling is good, especially the detail work on the boots and gloves. The cape looks good, too.<br />
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Overall, this is a pretty mediocre figure. However, it's almost certainly the last Helena Bertinelli figure anyone will be making in the near future, seeing as the character has been retconned out of existence in the New 52.</div>
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Hopefully, Mattel will give us a decent Oracle someday, so we can assemble the Birds of Prey. I don't know how likely that is, but there's always hope.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrlUeQVnZ6KOOozCLYod7sY36fK0mNThomyVK_oNKRcNihaCCT6zHJAm1xo6GFiw3qKAlpLQcJwyMLnaqRBXt95Lg7Jbn3MJu-FIFX6xh3RhazE0jnSdimpeb6a-_LrqTR_GoAcmCqbQX/s1600/Huntress6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrlUeQVnZ6KOOozCLYod7sY36fK0mNThomyVK_oNKRcNihaCCT6zHJAm1xo6GFiw3qKAlpLQcJwyMLnaqRBXt95Lg7Jbn3MJu-FIFX6xh3RhazE0jnSdimpeb6a-_LrqTR_GoAcmCqbQX/s400/Huntress6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-32273854922080209402013-08-06T23:32:00.001-04:002013-08-06T23:32:54.115-04:00Star Wars: The Black Series 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I reviewed the first wave of the <a href="http://theclearancebin.weebly.com/star-wars-the-black-series-1.html">Star Wars Black Series over at The Clearance Bin</a>. Check it out!<br />
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<br />Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-52493926149179179802013-07-18T00:09:00.000-04:002013-07-18T00:09:55.330-04:00Batman Classic TV Series: Batman & Robin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I guess Mattel realized that when you wait nearly fifty years to produce action figures for a show, expectations are going to be awfully high, and they'd better step up. Fortunately, they appear to be taking this property extremely seriously: the first set of Adam West Batman figures has been released, and I'm extremely pleased with how they came out.<br />
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First, let's take a minute to appreciate the packaging. These are packaged standing on their side, which shows Mattel trusted in the premise of this set - a gag likely lost on anyone not familiar with the show. In addition, they went out of their way to deliver some great box art.<br />
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Let's move on to the figures. The sculpt and paint are stellar for mass market. These definitely look like their onscreen counterparts.<br />
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I can't overstate how happy I am that Mattel didn't impose their normal hero bodies on these. Adam West and Burt Ward were in fine shape, but they weren't bodybuilders. These figures are realistic, and it's appreciated.<br />
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The figures sport fabric capes, which I have mixed feelings about. On one hand, they certainly seem more appropriate here than on more modern interpretations of the characters. In addition, there are wires embedded in the fabric, providing some extra articulation.<br />
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The wires are ostensibly present to allow the figures to pose upright with the capes extended behind them, but this doesn't quite work. There's a separate wire running down each side of the cape, which limits the posing (but of course looks better than the alternative).<br />
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You'll want to cut the tags off the fabric, obviously: they're extremely obtrusive.<br />
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Still, you can get some good flare effects, so it's not all bad. Nevertheless, I can't help but think this particular set would have been better with sculpted, outstretched capes.<br />
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Let's talk accessories. This set comes with Batman, Robin, the base, and a batarang. I'm not counting the "rope", since it's just made of paper. Odd they didn't include a piece of actual string or a sculpted version.<br />
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The base is a lot of fun. It recreates the famous wall scaling scenes from the show. In theory, it can be displayed hanging on a wall or on a flat surface, depending on whether you want it to look like it did on screen or when it was filmed. It's always great to see a decent sized base. In addition, the windows open: nice touch.<br />
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The problem with hanging it is that there's not enough holding the figures up. I was able to get them to remain in place for a few pictures, but I wouldn't expect them to remain that way indefinitely. You'll probably have to get creative with rope or wire if you want to display these vertically.<br />
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On the table's probably a better option, but you will run into issues getting the capes to look right. I think I prefer the figures better on their own, though the base is a great extra.<br />
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The batarang isn't much, though it's one of the better ones. It's made from relatively stiff plastic, it's a good shape and color (at least for this Batman), and it fits into Batman's hand. I'm a little irritated they didn't give us a second one for Robin, but I'll let that slide.<br />
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The figure's in scale with the Movie Masters line, in case you want to build a display where Christian Bale is beating up Adam West. That does mean he's quite a bit smaller than the 7 inch DC Universe Classics and related lines, but that actually seems right to me.<br />
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Finally, if you bought one of the Hotwheels 1:12th scale Batcycles a few years ago, now is the time to pull it out: it works great with West.<br />
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I picked up this set from Big Bad Toy Store for $33, plus shipping. That seems surprisingly reasonable for a starting price: I half expected these would be going for $40 or more.<br />
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I'm extremely happy with how this figure came out. It's great to finally have action figures from this show. I guess Mattel's designers agreed, since they put some effort into this set. I just hope the other figures in this line turn out as good.Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-72152753859343796712013-07-12T18:23:00.000-04:002013-07-12T19:50:59.701-04:00"Real" Barbie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://nickolaylamm.com/art-for-clients/what-would-barbie-look-like-as-an-average-woman/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y97tjWZJQ6v2uyQYQN8xUBCTvK6ifjMOUayi6ugKcU8ybnJ-rO7eNH1AqmB7KQ_E4ny5lx5R3B0IO_8FeBLagXkYs9rSPplT948wyatY8Xl1_H4VXoh9ui2woszXXc83Qar9Am46Ykfv/s320/Barbie-1-768x1024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I saw this on a few news sites, and it caught my attention. The short version is that an artist, Nickolay Lamm, has <a href="http://nickolaylamm.com/art-for-clients/what-would-barbie-look-like-as-an-average-woman/">made a prototype of what Barbie would look like with proportions matching an average woman's</a>.<br />
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By and large, I'm generally a defender of Mattel's when it comes to Barbie's design (more on that in a minute), but that doesn't mean I don't love what Lamm's created here. His doll is awesome - I'd love to see this (or something like it) appear in toy stores. It'd be great to have a realistic option along with the more stylized Barbie.<br />
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In addition, as many will no doubt notice, the doll looks far more realistic in a bikini than her official counterpart. But therein lies the defense for Mattel's doll: Lamm's version wouldn't work as well in most other outfits.<br />
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Mattel takes a lot of heat for making Barbie in unrealistic proportions. It's important to keep in mind that the clothes Barbie wears are also in unrealistic proportions. Namely, the fabric is about six times thicker than what humans wear - it has to be, since it's generally real fabric tailored to fit a twelve inch figure.<br />
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If you want a fashion doll to look normal (or at least close to normal) in a flowing ball gown, you actually want to skew the doll's proportions and make her inhumanly skinny. If you put a 1:12 scale dress on Lamm's doll, it wouldn't look right (unless the dress was carefully tailored using extremely thin fabric, but that would introduce several issues in a production run).<br />
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Of course, Barbies aren't solely packaged wearing dresses: they're also produced wearing swimsuits like the ones above. In those cases, I think the above image makes it perfectly clear a realistic proportioned doll would result in a far better product. Speaking as a toy collector, I'd far rather have the one on the right standing on a shelve than Mattel's.<br />
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I understand that Mattel has a lot a factors to consider when designing dolls (including trying to maintain a small number of body molds to keep costs down), but there are a lot of people out there who boycott Barbies due to the body shape who might be interested in another option. In addition, there are quite a few collectors - young and old - who'd like some diversity in their collection.<br />
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I sincerely hope Mattel - or one of its competitors - takes a good long look at Lamm's mock-up. It's extremely cool, and I'd love to see something like it available for purchase.Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-626585767370285332013-02-20T21:10:00.001-05:002013-02-20T21:10:21.798-05:00Disney Store: Phineas and Ferb Figurine Playset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEmzoZXze3Hp0MViS51ovPuUml_Dr8MbeddpY6jRNtwtfHqJea8KHV5g2u3kTvDt3m_Xhno0e4lTqUz2tLYScYXyGpGTL8Nj-0fWuBdu57ZG5jX2aQSea4-_1QT0Aa6oazGnPD6NItqak/s1600/Pack3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEmzoZXze3Hp0MViS51ovPuUml_Dr8MbeddpY6jRNtwtfHqJea8KHV5g2u3kTvDt3m_Xhno0e4lTqUz2tLYScYXyGpGTL8Nj-0fWuBdu57ZG5jX2aQSea4-_1QT0Aa6oazGnPD6NItqak/s320/Pack3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hey, I know what I'm going to review today.</div>
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Six months ago, I had no idea what Phineas and Ferb was. Now, I can't stop watching it on Netflix. Phineas and Ferb is difficult to describe to the uninitiated. It's an animated show about two brothers who spend their summer vacation constructing and inventing impossibly elaborate contraptions while their sister attempts to expose their dangerous behavior to their mother. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to any of them, their pet platypus is a secret agent battling Dr. Doofenshmirtz, a mad scientist obsessed with ruling the entire <strike>world</strike> tri-state area.</div>
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On the surface, it sounds incredibly derivative of Dexter's Laboratory... and it probably is. But I'm willing to let that slide, because this is actually better.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbAYD4ke1NHTXiBZGHpKKdEn2PsyosqKksS_8_xnntyBtJbcpquyYB1vS_bGt6HqNse4i04kbzPu3VyKCRQ2k8L0UuTfNfI1Kq-x_1EV0g6yT3ok8AyaQ2u6-vxMdpxw7UtgBf19Ty29t/s1600/WheresPerry3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbAYD4ke1NHTXiBZGHpKKdEn2PsyosqKksS_8_xnntyBtJbcpquyYB1vS_bGt6HqNse4i04kbzPu3VyKCRQ2k8L0UuTfNfI1Kq-x_1EV0g6yT3ok8AyaQ2u6-vxMdpxw7UtgBf19Ty29t/s320/WheresPerry3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The stuff above isn't the plot to one episode: it's the plot of pretty much every episode. Almost every story follows the same basic pattern: the boys build something, their sister tries to bust them, Perry the Platypus confronts Doofenshmirtz, who captures him and explains that he's invented an evil device to resolve some bizarre element of his back story, then Perry breaks free, battles Doofenshmirtz, and destroys the device in a manner that incidentally destroys the boys' invention before their mother can see it. Perry gets home, and everyone is invited in for snacks while Candace laments not being believed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3de3Vc0lR8wKZCvh84uIYW9INFLekVjpS57f2n5zcuWEv47FlVN8CXxPdCa7Q2eaYzZhGME0-38wN_BnTbkrRGBAFftCzmKev5QEDOFv5AfpXm8n6duNebHW6z8HLNwBMBWX3dMvNqA6b/s1600/WheresPerry4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3de3Vc0lR8wKZCvh84uIYW9INFLekVjpS57f2n5zcuWEv47FlVN8CXxPdCa7Q2eaYzZhGME0-38wN_BnTbkrRGBAFftCzmKev5QEDOFv5AfpXm8n6duNebHW6z8HLNwBMBWX3dMvNqA6b/s320/WheresPerry4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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There are two such stories told in most half-hour episodes.</div>
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Sounds like it should get old fast, doesn't it? I'm sure it would if the writing was anything less than exceptional. But the writers work within this format and explore it in ways I've never seen before. The characters quickly become conscious of the rules governing their world and - in some cases - begin to explore the philosophical ramifications of this. Meanwhile, despite the episodic nature of the series, there's a stunning complexity to the continuity of relationships.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJM-Pu7uHWVOOyAlwWsT8seTD-rMqKeZK6RAs31KlViwgFwaxiLrukaR0Ibn_V40mRKqDM5ROmii8A2s-8cRc5CC_ErGcyjHoq61fR1dVh49Pwqp6ladPR9P3QfUBVpCAy_jUomkXalDr1/s1600/Phineas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJM-Pu7uHWVOOyAlwWsT8seTD-rMqKeZK6RAs31KlViwgFwaxiLrukaR0Ibn_V40mRKqDM5ROmii8A2s-8cRc5CC_ErGcyjHoq61fR1dVh49Pwqp6ladPR9P3QfUBVpCAy_jUomkXalDr1/s320/Phineas2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Most importantly, several key characters are incredibly well-developed, starting with Candace. It would have been easy to use her as a generic antagonist, but that's not her role (at least not after the first few installments). Instead, the show delves into her psychological reaction to her predicament. Her brothers' inventions are impossibly complex, and her mother won't believe her. It's a maddening predicament, and the writers explore that angle. She's not a villain, nor is Doofenshmirtz ultimately: they're cogs in the formula's clockwork fulfilling necessary roles and ultimately leading to positive ends. Including for them: Candace's relationship with her boyfriend and Doofenshmirtz's relationship with his daughter progress as the show develops.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tJsDc8SJCni44JOKkFxIHleh5E0qqWlrxn8R39H6AUQgBnFD7HFlwy_hm2Zf0-hI0rsdeiCa64RW79UqrXjAjQEIFv3Nc2kgbM0V8Q5WvZ2qyW57sIASRdwitU-qsSQ2vU8u2wmfckS-/s1600/Whatchadoin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tJsDc8SJCni44JOKkFxIHleh5E0qqWlrxn8R39H6AUQgBnFD7HFlwy_hm2Zf0-hI0rsdeiCa64RW79UqrXjAjQEIFv3Nc2kgbM0V8Q5WvZ2qyW57sIASRdwitU-qsSQ2vU8u2wmfckS-/s320/Whatchadoin4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ultimately, the show winds up feeling like some sort of science-fiction fable in the vein of Stanislaw Lem. It's incredibly good, and - as I often do in such situations - I found myself wanting collectibles. Toys R Us has a handful of toys, but none that really spoke to me. The last time I was in the Disney Store, I came across this figurine playset, which I found much more intriguing. Disney sells a lot of these, mostly tied to their movies, for $12.50 each. Technically, this was on sale for 2 for $20, but I couldn't find another I wanted, so I wound up paying the full $12.50.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBAaQRO9eM54menkkESxBEZsF1M2SHJT_IdHCA85sbEN9Qlg-iwD0_ww_UiiaZsCm9fMzwtka-LqG3XY3JnmNP-XQCVYlhU1Xj-czNxEmwi59pd0EyqTTmebwArt3EnhQmxaD3XX53Mb1/s1600/WheresPerry2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBAaQRO9eM54menkkESxBEZsF1M2SHJT_IdHCA85sbEN9Qlg-iwD0_ww_UiiaZsCm9fMzwtka-LqG3XY3JnmNP-XQCVYlhU1Xj-czNxEmwi59pd0EyqTTmebwArt3EnhQmxaD3XX53Mb1/s320/WheresPerry2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall, I have mixed feelings about these figures. I love the colors and this is a good selection of core characters, but as a fan of the show, there's a lot to nitpick. While I appreciate it's difficult to transition from two to three dimensions, most of these characters are a least a little off model. The exceptions are Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Agent P.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDavVW9T0-jn0T6xDTfI8IgqkZwYqS8ekSLGLYiLRO6rLnRpo02Pav5jUg84Y-UQyDpEiOtp2_ICVIPwD5Hz99iXXx1B7GKyufe9h4KEy-5uBreu3uo8lxwXaPFEQ8sBUOJF9EqNmUGLj/s1600/Doof1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDavVW9T0-jn0T6xDTfI8IgqkZwYqS8ekSLGLYiLRO6rLnRpo02Pav5jUg84Y-UQyDpEiOtp2_ICVIPwD5Hz99iXXx1B7GKyufe9h4KEy-5uBreu3uo8lxwXaPFEQ8sBUOJF9EqNmUGLj/s320/Doof1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is a fantastic likeness for Doof, though the pose makes him look a tad more menacing than he usually comes off. Still, it's a good representation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOZEzrnBhQtTdUm0bRj8N4gm_wLgckOw-L6EegfDOW-Qn6dwxVHFWfrPVFU9apxiWNwJcKlwzX5hLM7EjJtqqvUqUXSgI9vXuzzS-9v35dCls_SqBGHhQ43PCl3aHdt3XpJPxHZ_GIAbB/s1600/WheresPerry5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOZEzrnBhQtTdUm0bRj8N4gm_wLgckOw-L6EegfDOW-Qn6dwxVHFWfrPVFU9apxiWNwJcKlwzX5hLM7EjJtqqvUqUXSgI9vXuzzS-9v35dCls_SqBGHhQ43PCl3aHdt3XpJPxHZ_GIAbB/s320/WheresPerry5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Agent P (posed beside Papa Smurf for scale) is likewise extremely accurate to his on-screen appearance, though his feet are a little small.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeOqhzji6M-XCVw4Czdjzfmfbb65uLl_HdKn0tMW_4BKcc8yScN7AHNYGqN8RVKldqqHq54UfblZzTU_ZZQUsSQwJ2UZcxlGSBT0kF6CZVg0isK34sPh6MOo8HstUD3sljgzce0BNlRzF/s1600/Phineas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeOqhzji6M-XCVw4Czdjzfmfbb65uLl_HdKn0tMW_4BKcc8yScN7AHNYGqN8RVKldqqHq54UfblZzTU_ZZQUsSQwJ2UZcxlGSBT0kF6CZVg0isK34sPh6MOo8HstUD3sljgzce0BNlRzF/s320/Phineas1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's something wrong with the shape of Phineas's smile, and it throws him off. He almost looks maniacal here, which is about as far from the character as you can get. It's shame, because, with the exception of that one detail, the character's pretty well represented.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjbc8SpHBEtfhjI5niZhxj_7rnh1ozAybVJFzpakl04sp3jU4PozNfjpP5gGrhVKH-KZR6wp9vrirCde9N59iYT495PcxjNt08GEo2JCQ4R0U10D3V-M2kVnAji0saw7vkqSbzsoJaeIj/s1600/Ferb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjbc8SpHBEtfhjI5niZhxj_7rnh1ozAybVJFzpakl04sp3jU4PozNfjpP5gGrhVKH-KZR6wp9vrirCde9N59iYT495PcxjNt08GEo2JCQ4R0U10D3V-M2kVnAji0saw7vkqSbzsoJaeIj/s320/Ferb2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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In Ferb's case, they got the mouth right but made the nose a little too square. There's an argument to be made that this is how it appears in the show (it depends on the angle, of course), but I think the overall look of the character would be better represented if his nose was less pig-like. Either way, It's nowhere near as big of a deal as Phineas's freakish grin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjMPT5yHyX1QWd2ZqfVQ917zCmt7Sr-vwNMVIpkT_q8MX83fp_DaDhg44XiRb5wRsC8TuEC6YVGCnpUxrJaQ2DI67SZq7wLbumsmEIcETrSqM4XQj6oYUdIC45xmoxYMOS8KZEWET5Bz4/s1600/Whatchadoin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjMPT5yHyX1QWd2ZqfVQ917zCmt7Sr-vwNMVIpkT_q8MX83fp_DaDhg44XiRb5wRsC8TuEC6YVGCnpUxrJaQ2DI67SZq7wLbumsmEIcETrSqM4XQj6oYUdIC45xmoxYMOS8KZEWET5Bz4/s320/Whatchadoin3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Whatchadoin? Getting ready to discuss my favorite character on the show, Isabella. She's Phineas's next neighbor, and she has a crush on him. Also, she leads a group of scouts called "Fireside Girls." She's probably the most competent character on the show. Plus, she's really good in a fight against an inter-dimensional army of invading robots.<br />
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Once again, they came close but messed up a crucial detail. This time it's the eyes: they're too small, not the right shape, and her eyelashes are awful. It throws off the look of the character, which is a shame.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZPIfUdX3VnwIPS0FvQQVft-YqatxTToDn2YMAeOKrvDuFe1_Zr7qv4VocOJBuZ9UZeVNHRuLjx81_tM86XOAs7Kp34phX-70ifqKGqbCUT_iJnISWU4F201UBMr0hvnA1TS6GCYPQRC0/s1600/Busted1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZPIfUdX3VnwIPS0FvQQVft-YqatxTToDn2YMAeOKrvDuFe1_Zr7qv4VocOJBuZ9UZeVNHRuLjx81_tM86XOAs7Kp34phX-70ifqKGqbCUT_iJnISWU4F201UBMr0hvnA1TS6GCYPQRC0/s320/Busted1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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With Candace, it's the cheekbones. Again, it's not the end of the world, but it's certainly noticeable. The rest of the character is spot-on. Like Ferb, there's an argument to be made that this is actually accurate from certain angles, but I don't think it really captures her look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l3SVjFwcOvbTfHe07rw-khduO9iMIBQMn6pF3n-DOcC8phbXpanW52tBvesu6dK3PuHjVIit81M3hcio__Vk204mhIuCBka4d6s611CW4oeBtqMElfbphgCZsFB-3xWOud7C3K5Bk4p1/s1600/WheresPerry6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l3SVjFwcOvbTfHe07rw-khduO9iMIBQMn6pF3n-DOcC8phbXpanW52tBvesu6dK3PuHjVIit81M3hcio__Vk204mhIuCBka4d6s611CW4oeBtqMElfbphgCZsFB-3xWOud7C3K5Bk4p1/s320/WheresPerry6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, we have undercover Perry. This is a pretty good approximation of how he looks on the show, so no complaints.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzCPgWQNOZtkdzbJNEMUqUvbukRSjpVhIH5a54-YvGxo71vrMr2VaJvRH379ieY57OIp6LIH6xCvHE6fd9C0Tt88tlTbp8ohf4rD1wbT80DjOkSidohoL5L0YB55drvxLDk2ZZ5KLvQkm/s1600/Whatchadoin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzCPgWQNOZtkdzbJNEMUqUvbukRSjpVhIH5a54-YvGxo71vrMr2VaJvRH379ieY57OIp6LIH6xCvHE6fd9C0Tt88tlTbp8ohf4rD1wbT80DjOkSidohoL5L0YB55drvxLDk2ZZ5KLvQkm/s320/Whatchadoin5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I feel bad putting these under a magnifying glass and picking apart the imperfections: I'm sure it gives the impression I don't like them, when that couldn't be farther from the truth. These are really neat little figurines, and at this price point, I'm thrilled with the quality. I just wish the sculptor had taken a little more time getting the details right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9InCoKg3-u_AZEqlsK0RqZHzBfpvgf5YMujG_yLt8DMlcqih-QiJJKsusClnvND1CYJM66kEb-MSH3wG628V32IO1x4y0cFQ_-Na262p5TuwpiZlhNrmlByYV30eDOIWRM7DMghJgG8D5/s1600/Whatchadoin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9InCoKg3-u_AZEqlsK0RqZHzBfpvgf5YMujG_yLt8DMlcqih-QiJJKsusClnvND1CYJM66kEb-MSH3wG628V32IO1x4y0cFQ_-Na262p5TuwpiZlhNrmlByYV30eDOIWRM7DMghJgG8D5/s320/Whatchadoin1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are figurines, so there's no articulation or accessories. That said, the bubble covering the toy pops off cleanly, leaving you with a handsome looking display if you've got the space:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVjchOkvdujka3eTzBvmoAQPeG5rgcvzwS1QX7UjD2Oul4s7LRVUVBEQUhlTpKAi7J3i9Zl5Y5Ru74TsgjVJc_bA7F0yIMewF04XeC2or5BLYhp_sRSeeQcCjP1lTBr5P5NlY6aFWaV4m/s1600/Pack2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVjchOkvdujka3eTzBvmoAQPeG5rgcvzwS1QX7UjD2Oul4s7LRVUVBEQUhlTpKAi7J3i9Zl5Y5Ru74TsgjVJc_bA7F0yIMewF04XeC2or5BLYhp_sRSeeQcCjP1lTBr5P5NlY6aFWaV4m/s320/Pack2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Disney markets this as a playset, which it isn't. It's actually more like a set of PVC figures, like the ones that used to go for $50. I, for one, appreciate the markdown. Like I said, there are numerous other sets out there, but most aren't this good. Hopefully, this means Disney is upping their game: I'd certainly like more like this. There's plenty here to nitpick over, but the bright colors, great poses, and low price-point make up for the details.<br />
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If you're a fan of the show, head into the Disney Store the next time you're around. And, if you're not, you owe it to yourself to check it out: the whole thing is streaming on Netflix.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLzCQBBKymYizJndx8L56lcyH4-_2BPkYZCgfisnNuuYsAOvOvOojGIckijskeE8Wl4vnMnG2xKBd1ZxtwSigah-4_4ajSlGWHgjvYaRobqZqegw_jgXIs9tfLRLsPho66TD_PGEQJckz/s1600/WheresPerry8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLzCQBBKymYizJndx8L56lcyH4-_2BPkYZCgfisnNuuYsAOvOvOojGIckijskeE8Wl4vnMnG2xKBd1ZxtwSigah-4_4ajSlGWHgjvYaRobqZqegw_jgXIs9tfLRLsPho66TD_PGEQJckz/s320/WheresPerry8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There you are, Perry.Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-10127199697398755612013-02-18T00:07:00.000-05:002013-02-20T21:10:37.642-05:00Disney Store Mother Gothel, Evil Queen, and Maleficent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnp6RuLuF4DifI3gRG5XTwpG40nLz-p6sFB_DwQ5u8QyOr4ExVLqMkdpSd03nNvxZNcg8VF6taktQCCz5MUv6ShMhyphenhyphenWlRzk_2D73bx09bu5Zjpzy20EIDT8vOBB9X3o7h98_6KraU5lkh2/s1600/Queen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnp6RuLuF4DifI3gRG5XTwpG40nLz-p6sFB_DwQ5u8QyOr4ExVLqMkdpSd03nNvxZNcg8VF6taktQCCz5MUv6ShMhyphenhyphenWlRzk_2D73bx09bu5Zjpzy20EIDT8vOBB9X3o7h98_6KraU5lkh2/s320/Queen2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's been almost a year since I last updated, and a hectic year at that. After seven years in Queens, my wife and I packed up and moved across the country to Seattle.</div>
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In addition to that, there are a few other reasons this blog fell to the side. The first is that I've been concentrating on my fiction: I wrote a <a href="http://www.mainliningchristmas.com/p/blog-page.html">huge number of short stories over on Mainlining Christmas</a>, and I'm working on a new novel. In addition, my collecting habits last year became less focused. While I've never been a completist, DC Universe Classics has clearly been the centerpiece of my collection for years. With that wrapping up, I'd moved away from collecting lines and towards picking up the odd figure here and there. I didn't feel like I had as much to add to the discussion around most of those.</div>
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It was a visit to The Disney Store that got me typing again. My wife picked up the Mother Gothel figure last year, and we've been waiting ever since to see if Disney would expand the line of villains. Today, I wandered in to find Maleficent and the Evil Queen sitting on the shelves. I haven't heard about them until today, so I wanted to spread the word.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kvOe_EIHoKTejtYGZk2zqeAhEXQN7gcVanEVAPbPnLkUBbcbcAJD1xZdsCWZ9TJTtief3xJsIkTUdlluSsuKDkMSTm_XUd7N0sPROFZ7Z04BTbIov2sOVearwkD01L849stCUlm1wpMm/s1600/Queen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kvOe_EIHoKTejtYGZk2zqeAhEXQN7gcVanEVAPbPnLkUBbcbcAJD1xZdsCWZ9TJTtief3xJsIkTUdlluSsuKDkMSTm_XUd7N0sPROFZ7Z04BTbIov2sOVearwkD01L849stCUlm1wpMm/s320/Queen3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are 12 inch dolls, in scale with Barbie. Needless to say, you can pick up the princesses and princes, too, as well as accessories, additional costumes, and even some supporting characters. Overall, the princesses are pretty good, while the princes still look like decade-old Kens. I keep hoping that Disney catches up with modern conventions and brings their male characters up to the quality of the females.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCO3UdzssoT-tM234wk3HP3QxEjTR9UYQy7JocosO1wQ4pj3HVY-_esKB8R60x-eXgC1LifQNRAzJYV34JgSrPAV2Q4XERnwVYRfO5w174ScznoUEo5cpZZCbpooYelspzVEPn5lP0neY/s1600/Queen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCO3UdzssoT-tM234wk3HP3QxEjTR9UYQy7JocosO1wQ4pj3HVY-_esKB8R60x-eXgC1LifQNRAzJYV34JgSrPAV2Q4XERnwVYRfO5w174ScznoUEo5cpZZCbpooYelspzVEPn5lP0neY/s320/Queen4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These dolls are more like the princesses, minus the vapid expressions protagonists have as a default. There's also a Jafar in this line, but - like the princes - he just doesn't compare. Each villain features a unique head sculpt and - for the price - a nice costume. I'd have loved to see some accessories - say a staff or raven for Maleficent and an apple or even a mirror for the Evil Queen - but that's probably a lot to ask.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gQ5vdLAuJ6l9yHFWvMRqyc3_1opJTRbPs2yQsVopd1RGKbM8LieTylrQymMn17QXWcxQ9njNggBkY-fFukrK1ITN5MaoQ6eWPFNPcm3Lp_3CzvqEu7yhthMB-N0PM62gEu-ALATnQKsH/s1600/Queen5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gQ5vdLAuJ6l9yHFWvMRqyc3_1opJTRbPs2yQsVopd1RGKbM8LieTylrQymMn17QXWcxQ9njNggBkY-fFukrK1ITN5MaoQ6eWPFNPcm3Lp_3CzvqEu7yhthMB-N0PM62gEu-ALATnQKsH/s320/Queen5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The clear winner of these three is Mother Gothel, with the Evil Queen coming in second. Maleficent is still a good figure, but the skin tone doesn't quite work.<br />
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The best part of these is the price: they retail for $14.50, less than I'm used to paying for a six-inch action figure. Plus, they seem to be on sale more often than not. I picked these up for 2 for $20 today, though I was so excited to find them, I didn't even notice they were on sale until I was at the register.<br />
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These are obviously low-end dolls, but I'd argue they hold up pretty well as collectibles. In the current market, these seem almost comically under priced. I suspect some collectors dismiss The Disney Store as being too kid-oriented, but it's become a fantastic source of reasonably priced dolls and action figures.Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-77306656387070283092012-03-18T20:51:00.000-04:002012-03-18T20:51:42.586-04:00Crazeracers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBYPXYnpvd4mG_xmyfgmODhX1Gi7c9HGdNhNPWq71xWfGpAD6jf_Mg5OGStot1BIRkhDzDjyDtfu4hzK-PiaHiq2lLXalKQle0RjbWy9jTZF6EqzlboHGSxcbcD7QDq2JnW_Umk9w_C12/s1600/Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBYPXYnpvd4mG_xmyfgmODhX1Gi7c9HGdNhNPWq71xWfGpAD6jf_Mg5OGStot1BIRkhDzDjyDtfu4hzK-PiaHiq2lLXalKQle0RjbWy9jTZF6EqzlboHGSxcbcD7QDq2JnW_Umk9w_C12/s400/Pack.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
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My wife knows me pretty well. She found this set of collectible erasers and gave them to me as part of my birthday present. Collectible erasers have been around for years in Japan, and they seem to be becoming popular around here now. Personally, I love them. In addition to the fact they're adorable, they're close enough in scale to fit in with six-inch figures. I've got some similar ones, but these might be the first that aren't imports.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u7RuERFKxpasP-Of58TEywq8ZwJYHEH82YMJZutzTa_o1EbplhiG9qw58nyjqksZrm2AKaJqOVj_ZBjiCswoOnZw_uQ8rxVkS_tGp5O8AcT7_MoRwvNb4Oob-Gt2VXL7eKra38YDy5d2/s1600/Caze1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u7RuERFKxpasP-Of58TEywq8ZwJYHEH82YMJZutzTa_o1EbplhiG9qw58nyjqksZrm2AKaJqOVj_ZBjiCswoOnZw_uQ8rxVkS_tGp5O8AcT7_MoRwvNb4Oob-Gt2VXL7eKra38YDy5d2/s400/Caze1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are interesting for a few reasons. First, they're labeled "puzzle erasers," but that's a stretch. The number of pieces is extremely limited, and there doesn't seem much point in disassembling them. In addition, I've got a few puzzle erasers, and these are the first I've seen with decals. I'm no expert, but I get the feeling that kind of defeats the point. Not that I care, mind you: as far as I'm concerned, decals as good as these make these more useful, not less.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09um3_2WyTGd-_kquw-5ZmnVPeV6ixtSOUeKiHxCAxK2uvd8K86G01Kcz1vHr6YsXe6P-9zX8gczBj6GE8pyDsOrQkABtZYs2Ey2Ir3V_h9M75Xe7SXn655ofPgXYFbte2NxRP8wJPd8n/s1600/Caze2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09um3_2WyTGd-_kquw-5ZmnVPeV6ixtSOUeKiHxCAxK2uvd8K86G01Kcz1vHr6YsXe6P-9zX8gczBj6GE8pyDsOrQkABtZYs2Ey2Ir3V_h9M75Xe7SXn655ofPgXYFbte2NxRP8wJPd8n/s400/Caze2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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All four are cool, but the clear standouts are the cereal box and milk. The milk cap pops off, in case you want to display it open. As far as I can figure, this is the only useful removable part, at least for my purposes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LV2U4DmZ4OOSFh8BNDil94VtUgDgDm49L35Tebs5HFtIxgn864Co5D10gEaPGklCqVcZpF6KydfNrF_3ec-KiuMnbCUgNm106XwjD4bLWDxetlDlowPsHZx3hRPFm6jz4IgYLQTS69rk/s1600/Caze3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LV2U4DmZ4OOSFh8BNDil94VtUgDgDm49L35Tebs5HFtIxgn864Co5D10gEaPGklCqVcZpF6KydfNrF_3ec-KiuMnbCUgNm106XwjD4bLWDxetlDlowPsHZx3hRPFm6jz4IgYLQTS69rk/s400/Caze3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My least favorite is the toast. In addition to being too big for six inch figures, it's got an image of grapes sculpted over the jam, presumably so you know what flavor it's supposed to be. Unfortunately, that kind of breaks the illusion.<br />
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The set's great overall, though. When you've been collecting action figures as long as I have, you're never lacking for guns, knives, and explosives, but unique and unexpected twelfth-scale accessories like a jug of milk are a godsend.Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-68226981870933013092012-03-04T21:48:00.000-05:002012-03-04T21:51:10.623-05:00DC Universe Classics: Captain Boomerang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE40NaxUsmpl9ZNiad-_HGonKvHIcGAA7XVs7EoAcQOVvl-BqaeKynl1-IO5X1CXtEZEclEriGCdAjfQcTf75WFyVFmgNp0aAe8xHgm-sVMJKKkUFAZUliYWPshRqm0-aEnyVpcV7NEpFo/s1600/Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE40NaxUsmpl9ZNiad-_HGonKvHIcGAA7XVs7EoAcQOVvl-BqaeKynl1-IO5X1CXtEZEclEriGCdAjfQcTf75WFyVFmgNp0aAe8xHgm-sVMJKKkUFAZUliYWPshRqm0-aEnyVpcV7NEpFo/s400/Pack.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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Captain Boomerang is a fairly straightforward villain included in a very bizarre wave of DCUC figures. Overall, Wave 18 is defined by its assortment of figures from the 80's show, Superfriends. That series was a little before my time, to be honest, and while I find the concept amusing, I have a hard time sitting through episodes. So while I appreciate the much needed diversity this wave offers, I can't bring myself to drop twenty bucks a figure for a bunch of characters I have no attachment to. If they ever hit clearance, I might rethink that, but for the time being, this is the only character I was really interested in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cYH1LvQ4Z1ok6czwsKes8D-FU5KJF71MKE1duX2RUHIAafOVpQx9H-s6ISBfqPoN5NWLjAumNai_4VnI5UHvZZ2Uc9BlP51cdPgRc6EKGaqI0uFIu_astFGbG7APMABg-PgvoXY_-kQp/s1600/Capt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cYH1LvQ4Z1ok6czwsKes8D-FU5KJF71MKE1duX2RUHIAafOVpQx9H-s6ISBfqPoN5NWLjAumNai_4VnI5UHvZZ2Uc9BlP51cdPgRc6EKGaqI0uFIu_astFGbG7APMABg-PgvoXY_-kQp/s400/Capt1.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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Captain Boomerang is the only figure from this wave who's a villain, not a hero. He's one of the Rogues, the team of criminals who are usually battling Flash. In addition, this is a modern version of the character, making him clash even more with other figures in this wave.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_mjlQ-IgokJC62vzw7jAGmeFW6BtPF8SWKQqPrtA4-P6yDf6pa-bM2SEgFxvHaqDK5hKtcCsTctAg87F39wRa5ZKfnrL3DA4-IJ0dPG3yVS-4eem3US054nM3FdmitydyCfl6ILjmCDo/s1600/Capt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_mjlQ-IgokJC62vzw7jAGmeFW6BtPF8SWKQqPrtA4-P6yDf6pa-bM2SEgFxvHaqDK5hKtcCsTctAg87F39wRa5ZKfnrL3DA4-IJ0dPG3yVS-4eem3US054nM3FdmitydyCfl6ILjmCDo/s320/Capt2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is nice work. The sculpt is strong, and the paint is clean. Further, Mattel's included some "extra" joints: you get double-pins in the elbows and knees, in addition to all the other DCUC joints. Plus, the scarf's a loose piece, meaning it can face any way you want it to.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbCPua9dNL_Wax9W2MwwlC17Aj0-thuf86-GVUQfzUy2maong9zscJ5cZwt0axGRyhAyIHozrMrUM9AFsbFMoQo7rGCGPeLuMuMTNHFBggxVfTyYDdyN4VKVFyVV5LdU9-CmDogTo8AuP/s1600/Extras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbCPua9dNL_Wax9W2MwwlC17Aj0-thuf86-GVUQfzUy2maong9zscJ5cZwt0axGRyhAyIHozrMrUM9AFsbFMoQo7rGCGPeLuMuMTNHFBggxVfTyYDdyN4VKVFyVV5LdU9-CmDogTo8AuP/s320/Extras.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The accessories are a bit light. Other than the boomerang (which is required in this case), the only things you're getting are the head and crotch of Apache Chief, the Collect & Connect figure from this wave. Honestly, even if I were a bigger fan of the show, the head seems relatively weak.<br />
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I was expecting to be similarly underwhelmed by his boomerang - it's made of a very soft rubber - but I was pleasantly surprised. While it is flimsy, it works well in his hand and looks pretty nice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySqM1zoDPMJz0f1gAsyjnGfZhEUTcFkQ5f2-ixMAefoxyJzzMLErYjmUato-lncHD3Fjey2y-7EufL0aYdXHv9ch-xkyGA2vdwORdg2I7MARJyBHZdMDUgwE4T6ZiLr0DCQWoO0_4VT8Z/s1600/Capt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySqM1zoDPMJz0f1gAsyjnGfZhEUTcFkQ5f2-ixMAefoxyJzzMLErYjmUato-lncHD3Fjey2y-7EufL0aYdXHv9ch-xkyGA2vdwORdg2I7MARJyBHZdMDUgwE4T6ZiLr0DCQWoO0_4VT8Z/s320/Capt3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was surprised to find Captain Boomerang marked down to ten bucks at Forbidden Planet. For a relatively new figure, that's a good deal. Especially since he actually seems like the least obscure character from this wave (which is saying a lot, when you think about it).Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-77131692527422870862012-02-29T21:33:00.000-05:002012-02-29T21:33:49.894-05:00Picture: Justice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFC95A93Qpc01wt63Uz46PgbfPS3tFYJNyQ6ul0aW1sCeWbg1yZ3BW_SAVPaQYAImSB0BiA2r4X0NEIUaHQrAVhDKeIeb0dfTFZ7goK1Z38LQY53Mv2BI3czfXpM8qHYwdS-ej1-VLmAxg/s1600/Justice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFC95A93Qpc01wt63Uz46PgbfPS3tFYJNyQ6ul0aW1sCeWbg1yZ3BW_SAVPaQYAImSB0BiA2r4X0NEIUaHQrAVhDKeIeb0dfTFZ7goK1Z38LQY53Mv2BI3czfXpM8qHYwdS-ej1-VLmAxg/s400/Justice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-18771562309216139232012-02-28T19:49:00.001-05:002012-02-28T19:49:28.471-05:00Action League: Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Aquaman Vs. Black Manta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXwTQKNcyKYD0AB9b8avY0WGKytdjnWsVk9Sl_zGXwXCDqdu1bYXPAYHQ0aY8bpMtmO9rgdNxmA_dvfhM8_NrkvKpgkqBDQX9US_OZHbdWvTUWQdFnfQsnJWJFVaw2T_GOgcaWDWRjGxv/s1600/Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXwTQKNcyKYD0AB9b8avY0WGKytdjnWsVk9Sl_zGXwXCDqdu1bYXPAYHQ0aY8bpMtmO9rgdNxmA_dvfhM8_NrkvKpgkqBDQX9US_OZHbdWvTUWQdFnfQsnJWJFVaw2T_GOgcaWDWRjGxv/s400/Pack.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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So, a while back I noticed that I owned every founding member of the Justice League in this scale except Aquaman. I knew there were two versions of the character Mattel's produced: the Brave and the Bold version from the early days of the line, and the newly released Flashpoint version. The Flashpoint one has a far superior sculpt and paint work. Unfortunately, he sort of looks like a Nazi general, since that's more or less what his character was. So I decided to keep my eyes open for the Brave and the Bold one.</div>
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I expected it to take longer than it did: I found this set in a convenience store near the Bronx Zoo. It was going for eight bucks, which is about what I'd expect to pay at retail these days, so I picked it up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6hEh2ZfjjxfMo08TKAE43Z4i9i9QIVuyaK0hxNXUnYKHnyp6Uwy7P9Ap1FM6HHewg_jz2KrurVBp0DntkNBxbKutxtnwWMm65OoY6Zx1c56b7ONxBehoeMrA-XBoFXyUMoexv8KkqfeX/s1600/Aquaman1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6hEh2ZfjjxfMo08TKAE43Z4i9i9QIVuyaK0hxNXUnYKHnyp6Uwy7P9Ap1FM6HHewg_jz2KrurVBp0DntkNBxbKutxtnwWMm65OoY6Zx1c56b7ONxBehoeMrA-XBoFXyUMoexv8KkqfeX/s400/Aquaman1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Aquaman is good, though I'm sure he'd be a lot better if they did him now. The skin tone is too orange for my tastes, and I'd like to see more detail or shading in the costume. Still, he's a decent figure, all things considered.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQuBWAQ55e2UhXmc5xTIoJtWOr7t2ZbbYSUkRAcNWE5CPGtO7AyFRtAKZCJwEPAmpOOpuXvEs02Eik6d2Sua0Q9fiJQQj3MEaO9V-MRKPmkh7JJ-BKiyDAr8dtmE9eslP0ITj-nGqu-75/s1600/Manta1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQuBWAQ55e2UhXmc5xTIoJtWOr7t2ZbbYSUkRAcNWE5CPGtO7AyFRtAKZCJwEPAmpOOpuXvEs02Eik6d2Sua0Q9fiJQQj3MEaO9V-MRKPmkh7JJ-BKiyDAr8dtmE9eslP0ITj-nGqu-75/s400/Manta1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In some ways, Black Manta's the better figure. I like the head quite a bit. Granted, it's comically undersized given the style, but the style supposed to be comical so it all works out somehow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWQYD8U6VB72ujYfgcEHrll7Ai6hF7PSflBcbTB5hyphenhypheneQuFLCdxK4GdINqjdSlFQFBw8el82qMoeBbUuRLs5GxWENY9JvLqbfdtA-NXd5ZOcnSJS2jZDdgMeCjoKO_ezUkGf8RlsltFoXY/s1600/Aquaman2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWQYD8U6VB72ujYfgcEHrll7Ai6hF7PSflBcbTB5hyphenhypheneQuFLCdxK4GdINqjdSlFQFBw8el82qMoeBbUuRLs5GxWENY9JvLqbfdtA-NXd5ZOcnSJS2jZDdgMeCjoKO_ezUkGf8RlsltFoXY/s400/Aquaman2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The articulation here is the same as later waves: cut shoulders, waist, and neck. I'd like more, but that's life. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Black Manta retains at least some of his neck articulation, despite those tubes on his helmet. It's limited, of course, but I'd half expected it to be stuck in place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv1fXUe3ckAcv1YqpB_S79q6-U21t7X1JTzeKhTgp44uzeSfT2YEnvYNyUWUyX20a3wfdt5-CN-EOKAN0YoUfFCqNkEpTQg9MhN5mrWOTCKEq0HTlJpS_EoHWRFBkp5rEXPlk85_PFmT5/s1600/Toys1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv1fXUe3ckAcv1YqpB_S79q6-U21t7X1JTzeKhTgp44uzeSfT2YEnvYNyUWUyX20a3wfdt5-CN-EOKAN0YoUfFCqNkEpTQg9MhN5mrWOTCKEq0HTlJpS_EoHWRFBkp5rEXPlk85_PFmT5/s400/Toys1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mattel's made far better Action League figures, but ultimately I'm just happy I finally have the entire Justice League.Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-89939514991739157792012-02-27T07:05:00.000-05:002012-02-27T07:05:08.752-05:00DC Universe Classics: Azrael Batman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd05ZBoMvtv8Ji0wkwMkCXuqx1LhVLYQ0QxVZWPWZEtNkq2hKQHphWhLhbnZJFcaO8PP7AvBVXI-olDdTN3lG6NHQeeqoA7fFV4Br9jtw-qmkYukGJ2TQGJx6i43qkKTHyHlmOKSO3J6uI/s1600/Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd05ZBoMvtv8Ji0wkwMkCXuqx1LhVLYQ0QxVZWPWZEtNkq2hKQHphWhLhbnZJFcaO8PP7AvBVXI-olDdTN3lG6NHQeeqoA7fFV4Br9jtw-qmkYukGJ2TQGJx6i43qkKTHyHlmOKSO3J6uI/s400/Pack.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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The nineties were a strange time from comics. Actually, the 90's were a strange time, period, but their effect on superheroes is particularly relevant to this review. The decade was an extreme one, or at least it pretended to be so. In reality, the years were probably more melodramatic and angst-ridden than anything else, but, in hindsight, they're good for a few laughs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXAv9k2DZ8DErUXN05MG5yWEj0MMTh7MRf64mlwN-uUP6ggce6DfkS7KznGrL2d3KbBrPl_nEjkIKIkA1HD2bvS_3GORirAFXWOavB6Y2GBgU2VQjoC1VX_-qUOM2WjWoGmDfKvpl8ImG/s1600/JPV1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXAv9k2DZ8DErUXN05MG5yWEj0MMTh7MRf64mlwN-uUP6ggce6DfkS7KznGrL2d3KbBrPl_nEjkIKIkA1HD2bvS_3GORirAFXWOavB6Y2GBgU2VQjoC1VX_-qUOM2WjWoGmDfKvpl8ImG/s400/JPV1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In fact, this guy might be good for a lot of laughs. Yes, Azrael, the assassin turned crime-fighter who took on the mantle of Batman when Bruce Wayne was crippled by Bane: is there anyone more extreme?</div>
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Well, probably.</div>
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Mattel has made at least one version of Azrael previously, but I think this is their first Batman-Azrael (or Bazrael, for short).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32GOKS7wUGQ5sCbAuWsADN5wuFBwO7OBQKhjPKaYbsFDE_FdcnB6ZeL7q6ykIcForBaCReV6rBnofU60BSAgHOa9f4CJrRRLAhQSvt2GPS9C79a6JolCDGzcgATy3d_WLTDbmLQtjEas8/s1600/JPV4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32GOKS7wUGQ5sCbAuWsADN5wuFBwO7OBQKhjPKaYbsFDE_FdcnB6ZeL7q6ykIcForBaCReV6rBnofU60BSAgHOa9f4CJrRRLAhQSvt2GPS9C79a6JolCDGzcgATy3d_WLTDbmLQtjEas8/s400/JPV4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Truth be told, I've never had much interest in this guy. He's ridiculous, absurd, and - well - stupid. But, looking back, he's also kind of fun. There was an unintentional campiness about him and his era that wasn't really evident at the time, but now it's impossible to miss.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJd1v5jnUp96FxNZXG5lwx6rXM1MJmaIX2WzikiBMCXsCihvpXQze-C0u9-JCdGrwtf3gy3g6M0IhJkHVreRp4vuSoJab7t9ZNw3l6UN5HQPJrofG1RPo3DEioQBni4XhtkQVc8A8ngSz/s1600/JPV3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJd1v5jnUp96FxNZXG5lwx6rXM1MJmaIX2WzikiBMCXsCihvpXQze-C0u9-JCdGrwtf3gy3g6M0IhJkHVreRp4vuSoJab7t9ZNw3l6UN5HQPJrofG1RPo3DEioQBni4XhtkQVc8A8ngSz/s400/JPV3.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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Of course, it doesn't hurt that this is an absolutely fantastic action figure. The sculpt and paint work is top notch (though the legs are a bit bland). The added bits of armor, along with the utterly ridiculous number of spikes and pointy bits, add to the overall impression. Sure, Azrael's trying too hard, but you don't name yourself Azrael if you have a healthy sense of self.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_fgUIp6WdKroZMH0GT6Ah9nAhEJPAF0BliQDewyKqHYhO508F0mWIjVTcuwBHSIf1j6tn88R2J2u6mbji_qGZ4ZY-_3KCYzRR-fF-_K7qiTUZ9LqM5m-S13_sHegQ4melSD6ZPPJf5hu/s1600/JPV5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_fgUIp6WdKroZMH0GT6Ah9nAhEJPAF0BliQDewyKqHYhO508F0mWIjVTcuwBHSIf1j6tn88R2J2u6mbji_qGZ4ZY-_3KCYzRR-fF-_K7qiTUZ9LqM5m-S13_sHegQ4melSD6ZPPJf5hu/s400/JPV5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I don't think I need many reminders of the 1990's (living through it was enough, thank you), but I'll happily take this one. That cape/wings/apple slicer on his back's a great example: what the hell is that supposed to be? What's it's purpose? And, frankly, who cares? It's a hell of a lot of fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnE9groOCBK937vgF0hG32i4bDB5smLzb_kvDXnG9sVTg5irtUBmWr8cOM5lUxamusFLxKbupS2yn6OaSIgHg9O0MiqQfuK_hcnRw4mOatQE49PAXutQZ7Vs_r-t1Cskj1UlmQHVI8cQhp/s1600/JPV6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnE9groOCBK937vgF0hG32i4bDB5smLzb_kvDXnG9sVTg5irtUBmWr8cOM5lUxamusFLxKbupS2yn6OaSIgHg9O0MiqQfuK_hcnRw4mOatQE49PAXutQZ7Vs_r-t1Cskj1UlmQHVI8cQhp/s320/JPV6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Articulation is unusual this time. From the abs down, he's a normal DC Universe Classics (other than having double-pins on his knees, but even that's pretty common these days). But the top part of his body is a whole new game. His elbows and wrists are ball-jointed to take advantage of his gauntlets. His head's technically still a ball joint, but won't get much movement at all due to his suit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM44ESYmjqQ65JdUVLpNhgRAH1DMEijHQJ-Oyq9ZVC2o6A-LuNEVaLE-vGKaZcFTySDTzwkyaRGf8MOmxWX6nhHhzXmD9sLObwGAOayLuo9eDwXigbz_ewKHhKp00-tRie43kBX-zZhqoy/s1600/JPV7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM44ESYmjqQ65JdUVLpNhgRAH1DMEijHQJ-Oyq9ZVC2o6A-LuNEVaLE-vGKaZcFTySDTzwkyaRGf8MOmxWX6nhHhzXmD9sLObwGAOayLuo9eDwXigbz_ewKHhKp00-tRie43kBX-zZhqoy/s320/JPV7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The only accessory Bazrael comes with is one of Bane's legs. Jeeze, I know Bazrael got violent towards the end, but that's a little dark, isn't it?</div>
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I'm kicking myself, because I once passed this guy up for something like $12 or $13. I wound up paying twenty at a shop here in Queens and calling myself lucky: he's going for $40 and up online. In part, I bought him for the leg - I do want to finish Bane - but I'm also loving the figure. He's not a part of DC history I'm fond of, but I really dig the toy.</div>Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-68426423063970750222012-02-20T21:16:00.000-05:002012-02-20T21:16:08.963-05:00Robin, Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VdlBCo8ytHt5YB6Dx-_zEFmzNYKbcX_WjloJnl7Oh7MMc-eL-Ag_MxJ10oOsk_eQBJtp2pvJxS8bIUnXZII6_haKMIoLYZmHaswzYpYKBAHDiwCoFRcsfnhZASr7UpCTRi5yKrxZR5BV/s1600/Robin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VdlBCo8ytHt5YB6Dx-_zEFmzNYKbcX_WjloJnl7Oh7MMc-eL-Ag_MxJ10oOsk_eQBJtp2pvJxS8bIUnXZII6_haKMIoLYZmHaswzYpYKBAHDiwCoFRcsfnhZASr7UpCTRi5yKrxZR5BV/s400/Robin4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been dishing out quite a bit of cash over the past year on new Robin figures. First, I bought the Young Justice version, <a href="http://toyremix.blogspot.com/2011/07/young-justice-robin.html">which I reviewed here</a>. Then, in order to complete Bane, I bought the <a href="http://toyremix.blogspot.com/2012/02/dc-universe-classics-robin.html">Wave 16 Robin</a>. In both cases, I bought the figures for their accessories.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu4e4aAYGZOS5c1i9D9kPio9Fm6lrYitpnvclYWsoOBljy2UQr5mE7rsNqoePzK4DNclEjrhH2dl4DFa2W_gn0ulyrgjgYEHt6p4Mfmdg8SCjYzelZYiSXP8ByxYg_Q3uw-H8rE_nGofY/s1600/Robin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu4e4aAYGZOS5c1i9D9kPio9Fm6lrYitpnvclYWsoOBljy2UQr5mE7rsNqoePzK4DNclEjrhH2dl4DFa2W_gn0ulyrgjgYEHt6p4Mfmdg8SCjYzelZYiSXP8ByxYg_Q3uw-H8rE_nGofY/s400/Robin2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The thing is, I actually did want another Robin to display: I've got a general DC shelf and a separate Batcave, and I wanted the Boy Wonder represented in each. But the Golden Age-costumed Robin, while having a good head sculpt, just didn't work for me: the outfit just didn't work with either display. The Young Justice Robin, on the other hand, had a great body but an awful head.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VyfMfyeLr-1pOcwIhK3s3RtlnfE_DTJTJAR88-QLpF-AzQhlVfHg9Wdc23A1d7cajykMI9ZVrSdHfdvDmSgg9e3ITjZ7-plS4kvJhvsdIzCG84ISn0lnIqpph4YhjwVb1ZajY9hFz67E/s1600/Robin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VyfMfyeLr-1pOcwIhK3s3RtlnfE_DTJTJAR88-QLpF-AzQhlVfHg9Wdc23A1d7cajykMI9ZVrSdHfdvDmSgg9e3ITjZ7-plS4kvJhvsdIzCG84ISn0lnIqpph4YhjwVb1ZajY9hFz67E/s400/Robin3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The solution, of course, was to swap their heads. I ran into a snag when I tried removing the head of the Wave 16 Robin. I should have immersed him in hot water first, but I skipped that step. As a result, the peg snapped, leaving half in the head and half in the body. Getting it out the body wasn't too hard: I just used a Leatherman to pry open the neck and yank it out. But if I wanted to use the head, that half had to come off as well. That required a Dremel and some assistance from my wife (while I could probably manage myself, she's far more experienced with the tool, and I don't want to take chances with something like this).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyYJWGElZpnBAn99_m0QdTevCr48ML9Zq8o8uEfmCXuutZU32G81XqkGXMH8Di0Jh7L0mBWIB104glOGL_OE4iJ8sfUSHi86Vh4bxM5LteWzsNCgHnb8ouqzYCQHiunP4TZRzc-rvAJnX/s1600/Robin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyYJWGElZpnBAn99_m0QdTevCr48ML9Zq8o8uEfmCXuutZU32G81XqkGXMH8Di0Jh7L0mBWIB104glOGL_OE4iJ8sfUSHi86Vh4bxM5LteWzsNCgHnb8ouqzYCQHiunP4TZRzc-rvAJnX/s400/Robin1.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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She drilled into Robin's head and removed what was left of the peg. In the process, she also wound up increasing the size of the hole. This turned out being quite a boon: Robin's head now functions like an actual ball-joint. There's a gap between the back of his neck and head now, but frankly it's worth it for the added articulation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc08Ef-IABoeDuaJOzMEmCJZONO5iqIIDWKuHbE6VUsw42kCU71wP1_rEN7rRSeEhThSl3vWo_s1A-ZBcfbYc-Gi-Zx-mJpX_h49JKPMyEkmaoO-ocE-tlefl23pJcYiHqtiXscuyGSxz/s1600/Robin6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc08Ef-IABoeDuaJOzMEmCJZONO5iqIIDWKuHbE6VUsw42kCU71wP1_rEN7rRSeEhThSl3vWo_s1A-ZBcfbYc-Gi-Zx-mJpX_h49JKPMyEkmaoO-ocE-tlefl23pJcYiHqtiXscuyGSxz/s400/Robin6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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At some point, I should probably paint over his arms and neck: the flesh color doesn't quite match up. It's not really essential, though. If I ever want to go the other way and put the Young Justice head on the Wave 16 body, I'll definitely need to break out the paint: a darker face on a pale body works far better than the reverse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhtK7nyCN9zmoZKLK506H_22yr4WNBfgnOGMt7g55elY4RQOMp2ny5wLot25Xd74di-S-_11qEekAAFy73hc7CacXYlVr12EFS3M-wUWM2RZh9ysBjwiTIq5dV3hVxGqh6W86HBnrBkK-/s1600/Robin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhtK7nyCN9zmoZKLK506H_22yr4WNBfgnOGMt7g55elY4RQOMp2ny5wLot25Xd74di-S-_11qEekAAFy73hc7CacXYlVr12EFS3M-wUWM2RZh9ysBjwiTIq5dV3hVxGqh6W86HBnrBkK-/s400/Robin5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm considering doing so, by the way. The Wave 16 Robin body was extremely cartoonish, and actually looks like it could work pretty well with that head. The fact the YJ head is oversized works, too: it actually seems to fit in with the larger Robin body. I'm in no hurry, though: this is the Robin I needed to pose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiAmg9MNAlSswdY8tgIQHY3Bh1nGJDiJD_7bfQOybF2J90mFeCY81UVaiwyhT-5xSZkOHONH96Jm0-rhc8CDoKZV0OYEyKSMvVw0CbIWC8UWL5_NhAgCYrTBHReSndnmePfyIBF-_H5CC/s1600/Robin7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiAmg9MNAlSswdY8tgIQHY3Bh1nGJDiJD_7bfQOybF2J90mFeCY81UVaiwyhT-5xSZkOHONH96Jm0-rhc8CDoKZV0OYEyKSMvVw0CbIWC8UWL5_NhAgCYrTBHReSndnmePfyIBF-_H5CC/s400/Robin7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Interestingly enough, this wound up similar to the Robin Mattel released back in Wave 3. I still prefer that one, by the way, but this is a close second.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoqqSbFVhAR2BG_vfs1aGr-xJSZLhg2rzN4sQm_8b6k5ley-gXn3pnqH48U6OGL68CLJUIarJPkEKw3DVp3Offz-k-2jYNKw_KNgDuJ_aw9tYlxtMRzNM0VXtb-88ICYqnbPXdCwt5INZ/s1600/Robin8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoqqSbFVhAR2BG_vfs1aGr-xJSZLhg2rzN4sQm_8b6k5ley-gXn3pnqH48U6OGL68CLJUIarJPkEKw3DVp3Offz-k-2jYNKw_KNgDuJ_aw9tYlxtMRzNM0VXtb-88ICYqnbPXdCwt5INZ/s400/Robin8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-27037620253638680642012-02-17T10:16:00.000-05:002012-02-17T10:16:09.862-05:00DC Universe Classics: Big Barda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlzsCEJhr0qH8x1Bucp66CHieaFo3n0nwKJhnZvf1GPt_zkGky7RwwML7zmoOuziiurJsm7cY4yw5gSyDmPuISntBs9v5D81AsCTNblOBxHraSaVQIovswgBSEtzN7uRs3S1GQ-7MzDwO/s1600/Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlzsCEJhr0qH8x1Bucp66CHieaFo3n0nwKJhnZvf1GPt_zkGky7RwwML7zmoOuziiurJsm7cY4yw5gSyDmPuISntBs9v5D81AsCTNblOBxHraSaVQIovswgBSEtzN7uRs3S1GQ-7MzDwO/s400/Pack.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
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Wow - Wave 7. Where did the time go? We're on Wave 20 now. At any rate, I recently picked up Big Barda's husband, <a href="http://toyremix.blogspot.com/2012/01/dc-universe-classics-mr-miracle.html">Mr. Miracle</a>, and realized he was kind of boring on his own. So I ordered Barda, a former warrioress of Apokolips, now superheroine. I've actually come close to buying Barda numerous times in the past - I really like her outfit - but always hesitated due to price.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTLq_ANZGnTaTY7UbYrGg-vSQPBoyCg3dg2SSjZ3MQqOY_YmC3vmbKFO_3eWYuSr4BGdJVWxWR20v1_sjtAlV9u6eR_-DcUtQc4oYLBZyhjDVafNfkhaQxD8oc75E3RpLNU8-MfoWTJnl/s1600/Barda3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTLq_ANZGnTaTY7UbYrGg-vSQPBoyCg3dg2SSjZ3MQqOY_YmC3vmbKFO_3eWYuSr4BGdJVWxWR20v1_sjtAlV9u6eR_-DcUtQc4oYLBZyhjDVafNfkhaQxD8oc75E3RpLNU8-MfoWTJnl/s400/Barda3.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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There are actually two versions of the character available: one with her helmet and one without. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, I like the other a little better. I went with this one mainly because she was cheaper. However, now that I have the figure in hand, I'm glad I went with this one. I'll explain why in a minute.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLYWMBtbVSi3xq_R4KnbOxEVkUq5WXOIfXBd73v3Lvq_2vSWrCQgIDK3xl_aWU9ZgMGZ4VCzufOHot1OXxkUmnHrcjBafZ3-4li0qViL-N7FO5b66MTLxjJ91LEQu922Z8iedniMFgE9C/s1600/Barda2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLYWMBtbVSi3xq_R4KnbOxEVkUq5WXOIfXBd73v3Lvq_2vSWrCQgIDK3xl_aWU9ZgMGZ4VCzufOHot1OXxkUmnHrcjBafZ3-4li0qViL-N7FO5b66MTLxjJ91LEQu922Z8iedniMFgE9C/s400/Barda2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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First, let's talk sculpt and paint. Overall, I think this figure looks fantastic. The scale armor is gorgeous, and the face looks good. I do think they could have done a little better on her helmet, however: say, by using metallic paint instead of primary yellow. In addition, there are gaps in her forearms around the cut joints, which is a bit disappointing.</div>
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Her articulation leaves a bit to be desired, due to her shorts and helmet, but that's to be expected. For accessories, she comes with a cosmic rod and one of Atom Smasher's arms. Not much, but I'm used to that. The accessory I'd have loved, of course, is the alternate head sculpt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4whJkBaK8BpwzSbVDJNwEY5Bh6_iXQVyiRbok1Sd0NgprqJqkHNcSYKDnwCNT4nIZsxznCUFDrza0IU7YZ3JUjparwrD2j7XUXaO37iKhSdES5myMM1vMuzcrjR-NA0JCV162pXl4O5nq/s1600/Barda1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4whJkBaK8BpwzSbVDJNwEY5Bh6_iXQVyiRbok1Sd0NgprqJqkHNcSYKDnwCNT4nIZsxznCUFDrza0IU7YZ3JUjparwrD2j7XUXaO37iKhSdES5myMM1vMuzcrjR-NA0JCV162pXl4O5nq/s320/Barda1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now then. Let's discuss my real issue with this figure: scale. Look at the picture above: Barda's shorter than her husband. You know how her name's Big Barda? It's not supposed to be ironic.<br />
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Remember when I said I was glad I got the version with a helmet? It's because the other version would look even smaller.<br />
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I appreciate that this really comes down to money. Mattel doesn't have a slightly larger female body on hand, and they weren't about to invest the cash to create one. Consequently, Barda's the same size and shape as Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and every other woman they'd released. That's a shame, since her size is something of a defining character trait.<br />
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I know DC Direct also produced a version of the character and that theirs is more accurate in scale. But, despite this issue, I wanted the DC Universe Classics version. I like the articulation (even when limited) and the overall balance between toy and statue better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF-vF7RFOoAjwZWwqb0dsKNvm7G8u_O_9zn3Z7CWC1WKbiSNF3CptOvEyH39w_juaUo9do8sXREpJFbyW_ZtiGDXEn-QabUfAsCP7WaGKm1PbdD_0vnEvIOPD2t8HCDTXv4li04okMZLE/s1600/Barda4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF-vF7RFOoAjwZWwqb0dsKNvm7G8u_O_9zn3Z7CWC1WKbiSNF3CptOvEyH39w_juaUo9do8sXREpJFbyW_ZtiGDXEn-QabUfAsCP7WaGKm1PbdD_0vnEvIOPD2t8HCDTXv4li04okMZLE/s400/Barda4.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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Regardless of her faults, she's a cool figure. The outfit looks great, and she's a great addition to the DC shelf. Ultimately, now that I've got Orion, Mr. Miracle, and Big Barda, I'm pretty content with my collection of New Gods (at least as far as the good guys are concerned - I'd still love to have a Granny Goodness, but Mattel hasn't made one yet).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX38yXSOVGM-vcmZ4woHzPCsn1cFVwBV-ke766TFXX4jxVwm26DTMXrzwWrAPT36azLqZl-9yzllg5v11l-sg-VpM5R61eBcfctp7UkaDni92c3USIDLDwQ1CSj1VMIQXYvt4TjzU65Olu/s1600/Barda5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX38yXSOVGM-vcmZ4woHzPCsn1cFVwBV-ke766TFXX4jxVwm26DTMXrzwWrAPT36azLqZl-9yzllg5v11l-sg-VpM5R61eBcfctp7UkaDni92c3USIDLDwQ1CSj1VMIQXYvt4TjzU65Olu/s400/Barda5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-48152097955106048722012-02-15T07:00:00.000-05:002012-02-15T07:00:06.018-05:00DC Universe Classics: Robin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeWv0rh6iSqp3rqtCIZVFC_46eI3Obj4IfOofGYE7Nz4bOiQALXFTfJtN-w4cX1P394Fw0wbzlbfsNOXylMbKJF-5xBrkvpxM7TgWGQqTyXLXSJXOS8FwRN-vg7w6ncmLfpPcKdwsQc0h/s1600/Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeWv0rh6iSqp3rqtCIZVFC_46eI3Obj4IfOofGYE7Nz4bOiQALXFTfJtN-w4cX1P394Fw0wbzlbfsNOXylMbKJF-5xBrkvpxM7TgWGQqTyXLXSJXOS8FwRN-vg7w6ncmLfpPcKdwsQc0h/s400/Pack.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This isn't the first <span id="goog_1949568136"></span>DC Universe Classics Robin I've reviewed<span id="goog_1949568137"></span>. Thirteen waves and one toy review site ago, I looked at <a href="http://theclearancebin.weebly.com/review-dcu-classics-robbin.html">Mattel's attempt at a Tim Drake Robin</a>. That's still my favorite version of the character, by the way. Since then, I also bought the <a href="http://toyremix.blogspot.com/2011/07/young-justice-robin.html">Young Justice version of Dick Grayson in the same scale</a>.</div>
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Today, I'm looking at a figure that's kind of in the middle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-kNLqu-O4RTVm9Z-aSzJP9mdI7xq9MvwYkg7ugNE4rlKK2IKD8zrxWIdo2GsIY-02i2wGx8zp-_1yRAudFxsWh9XZkBds8Kx4LWtG1WNErpZjUZmb5-vSC2E4UqHiiv6Edzeff_79XhC/s1600/DG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-kNLqu-O4RTVm9Z-aSzJP9mdI7xq9MvwYkg7ugNE4rlKK2IKD8zrxWIdo2GsIY-02i2wGx8zp-_1yRAudFxsWh9XZkBds8Kx4LWtG1WNErpZjUZmb5-vSC2E4UqHiiv6Edzeff_79XhC/s400/DG1.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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This is one of two versions Mattel released in Wave 16. The other has a more "Golden Age" expression. I chose this one because... well, honestly, I didn't "choose" him at all: he was the only one left in the store.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIWbopmgqpWaotZU05ZbxOUhIoZgTWI7cmJXrshyphenhyphen3suUoXijm0fhSGsTy8B4TJUqm4mylYrAwYTIIELi50EyXLb-pjjLrWwJTb-bKV8LzculpUREmIOwNAltmPLd_QMLb9CKuKE9d-kXq/s1600/DG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIWbopmgqpWaotZU05ZbxOUhIoZgTWI7cmJXrshyphenhyphen3suUoXijm0fhSGsTy8B4TJUqm4mylYrAwYTIIELi50EyXLb-pjjLrWwJTb-bKV8LzculpUREmIOwNAltmPLd_QMLb9CKuKE9d-kXq/s400/DG2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For a while, I thought his face was awful. But the more I look at him, the more convinced I am that his face is fine (well, other than those paint smudges): it's his costume that sucks.<br />
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Yes, this is the character's Golden and Silver Age outfit, and yes, it's accurately represented. But it still looks bad. The yellow/red/green combination clashes, and he really shouldn't be fighting crime without pants. Also, those shoes looked stupid in the forties, and the decades haven't changed a thing.<br />
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The articulation is good. Actually, the articulation is really good. He's got double-pin joints on his elbows and knees, pin-and-post joints on his wrists and shoes, and a neck joint that actually works. This is as good as Mattel gets.<br />
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On top of that, you get a fair assortment of extras this time. First off, you get the head and lower waist of Bane, parts you'll need if you want to complete him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJdpNY57VQyN6noSwLd5xkIaF2ZkwljZTZBb6j48RTdkTP5nj3CWHr1tBEkz1y8zaNMJ_F1sKq64088ECJVP54KZh_Clg7tXVRs54RVe31VRs7rEEXR5f4zrEx7DuIo8X7CGiOrqKx_T_/s1600/Extras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJdpNY57VQyN6noSwLd5xkIaF2ZkwljZTZBb6j48RTdkTP5nj3CWHr1tBEkz1y8zaNMJ_F1sKq64088ECJVP54KZh_Clg7tXVRs54RVe31VRs7rEEXR5f4zrEx7DuIo8X7CGiOrqKx_T_/s400/Extras.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You also get two or three (depending on how you're counting) accessories. First, you get a bat-a-rang; generic, but always appreciated. Next, you get a grappling gun and hook. The string came undone on mine, making me realize the hook and rope would actually work pretty well on their own.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieihUohchmh_76NIwRebgdjJ7VQzbFnH6bkZQ3GW7ktimZrji5TDZGdXV_BK4YouQyedVmj9bgG36gRyFLc9uR23oR-urknjqfk7Cg65cnS6tlR9R6qETPNsXNKIill0Pdu932y_-TPH4K/s1600/DG5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieihUohchmh_76NIwRebgdjJ7VQzbFnH6bkZQ3GW7ktimZrji5TDZGdXV_BK4YouQyedVmj9bgG36gRyFLc9uR23oR-urknjqfk7Cg65cnS6tlR9R6qETPNsXNKIill0Pdu932y_-TPH4K/s400/DG5.jpg" width="241" /></a><br />
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I bought this for $20, mainly so I'll be able to finish Bane, but I'm also happy adding another Robin to my collection. I am considering swapping out his head with another one of my Robins, since this combination just isn't working for me. While I like the articulation, there's something seriously wrong with a Robin this old school being so close in size to Batman.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRqRiPEXNKyJQK2kyoQp_tvQbYcaevt2CN6ymmMQprxiq0NRKyf93jq4CaHxyk9UdXHJfQ-gPcsWeUE635HvORmJl7YC5Sn-u6laO8edQMeiU8Q90AoAQVnh4kYqSFAURgVB0V3am_Uqn/s1600/Needs+Pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRqRiPEXNKyJQK2kyoQp_tvQbYcaevt2CN6ymmMQprxiq0NRKyf93jq4CaHxyk9UdXHJfQ-gPcsWeUE635HvORmJl7YC5Sn-u6laO8edQMeiU8Q90AoAQVnh4kYqSFAURgVB0V3am_Uqn/s320/Needs+Pants.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-68540690674269523662012-02-14T07:05:00.000-05:002012-02-14T07:05:08.497-05:00Happy Valentines Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YDYmHAmX5xEmi9GU6NleQTTdNjtgjch8oFyaJmiG8HNkZjWCF4kh9v1H6mG95PtfUuUdjqV0qHrN8yO3wuPpQ4D0ipZN-F0Y877SOsutWm98EycFlOX5Da0muyWoEeQGpbQpJvdmofQC/s1600/It+Would+Never+Work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YDYmHAmX5xEmi9GU6NleQTTdNjtgjch8oFyaJmiG8HNkZjWCF4kh9v1H6mG95PtfUuUdjqV0qHrN8yO3wuPpQ4D0ipZN-F0Y877SOsutWm98EycFlOX5Da0muyWoEeQGpbQpJvdmofQC/s400/It+Would+Never+Work.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy Valentines Day, from Toy Remix</div>Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-78329664992080159812012-02-12T18:56:00.000-05:002012-02-12T18:56:21.327-05:00Minimates Monsters: Frankenstein's Monster and Dracula (B&W)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlPf1wV11cy49qNm0JkoFEotinBccROCenDQgCSRBzq0cMrHwbph3PM0hbr2qeDq6ov8JGpyAaRKnG9bXUAVWOCJoV9sJ1-r_EeDse_RaAm6FxSOlPzs3OQcVE86rhjw7_z9jlmUPIDk8/s1600/pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlPf1wV11cy49qNm0JkoFEotinBccROCenDQgCSRBzq0cMrHwbph3PM0hbr2qeDq6ov8JGpyAaRKnG9bXUAVWOCJoV9sJ1-r_EeDse_RaAm6FxSOlPzs3OQcVE86rhjw7_z9jlmUPIDk8/s400/pack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't generally collect Minimates, but not because I don't like them. Actually, I like the style quite a bit, and I'm really impressed with the sheer number of different franchises represented. But I'm less impressed with the price: while I've come to terms with paying $8 for a pair of Action League or Superhero Squad figures, I just can't justify that kind of cash for what amounts to modified Lego mini-figs (price, incidentally, is why you don't see many Lego mini-figs reviewed here, either).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbCUgSoxn5PpXIcpRG9hZQMmoXcwvl3z2I0GM91pC-abwcAq6n4oMFD6Fgbjjnz0OYRhCtDzK3XI-FBdcUkQ8LWBoaddJEzKPgNGysO49OXvXF9v4ZLqx0AA-KxX6Z3SLeUhrhm0knW_R/s1600/Toys1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbCUgSoxn5PpXIcpRG9hZQMmoXcwvl3z2I0GM91pC-abwcAq6n4oMFD6Fgbjjnz0OYRhCtDzK3XI-FBdcUkQ8LWBoaddJEzKPgNGysO49OXvXF9v4ZLqx0AA-KxX6Z3SLeUhrhm0knW_R/s400/Toys1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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However, when I last visited Toys R Us, I found most of their Minimates marked down to five bucks a pack. That still feels pricey, but it was enough of a cut for me to justify picking up one pack. I looked through their selection of Marvel and Ghostbusters, but ultimately went with these guys. While I'm far more a fan of those properties, there's just not much display value in a pair of superhero mini-figures: you really need a substantial collection or there's not much point. But Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster? They're simple and iconic enough to work on their own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sTekdZjPhofTazyt5RhL8q-lSIV-YodSat1AHn5D9iQ0HBPPqbUjw0Zmum6pYDZoQ9TNf0IpIy8R8HYt5m3roas6T8Hkgwhx1xq1YYb2PF12LbZRgAPQOUMjkRyws33z3JvslbwMVUzl/s1600/Toys2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sTekdZjPhofTazyt5RhL8q-lSIV-YodSat1AHn5D9iQ0HBPPqbUjw0Zmum6pYDZoQ9TNf0IpIy8R8HYt5m3roas6T8Hkgwhx1xq1YYb2PF12LbZRgAPQOUMjkRyws33z3JvslbwMVUzl/s400/Toys2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The pack I chose was a Toys R Us exclusive containing black and white versions of the characters. There was a color version with Dracula and Van Helsing I liked, too, and I almost bought both. In the end, I decided one was enough and went with this one.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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Dracula's cool, though the lack of color hurts the costume. I appreciate the point behind mimicking the old films - and I like the sentiment - but the version from the other set just looked better. If it weren't for his pal, I'd have gone with that pack instead.<br />
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The head on Frankenstein's Monster is really impressive. He's got a sculpted brow, which adds a remarkable amount of depth to the figure. On the other hand, his costume's relatively dull.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuiHQBkfh9gywG1g3ocNykHjcXYTfM2m4TuIkBtf4cIxQWJyl1oGeK9lbOf_BP-jnixbHVkM7vIHm4UjyEba5JTC76YeE06ZTtrN-y5bJ-zjMYdFb-eyQsZ2PuKlJ_cNJwjZwHai4Jx8H/s1600/Toys5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuiHQBkfh9gywG1g3ocNykHjcXYTfM2m4TuIkBtf4cIxQWJyl1oGeK9lbOf_BP-jnixbHVkM7vIHm4UjyEba5JTC76YeE06ZTtrN-y5bJ-zjMYdFb-eyQsZ2PuKlJ_cNJwjZwHai4Jx8H/s400/Toys5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In addition, mine seems to have an issue. One of the feet is extremely loose, and it falls out if the figure's lifted. While these are of course meant to come apart (all pieces are interchangeable), they're also suppose to stay together. I might experiment with some superglue at some point to reduce the chances I'll lose that foot for good (I've had a few close calls already).<br />
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I like these figures, but at the same time I'm glad I don't collect them. Considering their size, these are way overpriced.Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-62782377662178045612012-02-09T20:27:00.000-05:002012-02-09T20:27:55.921-05:00Picture: Payback's a Bitch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCXYZNgGDr6hkv9uwwBs-zN2NMAaHIxml8-l1DL3XzmXmm7EMEbQ1qtlxX44Cfrelmtd7dzp2UO3HZFgPAuo0qZREN8AUpdOFnbljFk_pKC2mqRbHneowzhOaKhCW-br-iRk6xlDi0mwP/s1600/Payback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCXYZNgGDr6hkv9uwwBs-zN2NMAaHIxml8-l1DL3XzmXmm7EMEbQ1qtlxX44Cfrelmtd7dzp2UO3HZFgPAuo0qZREN8AUpdOFnbljFk_pKC2mqRbHneowzhOaKhCW-br-iRk6xlDi0mwP/s400/Payback.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-8823624519859355192012-02-08T21:23:00.000-05:002012-02-08T22:23:03.575-05:00DC Universe Classics: Collect & Connect Bane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bane's a polarizing character. He's an artifact of the 90's, and he certainly looks the part, particularly in the mask. Likewise, his dependance on venom, a fluorescent green drug he pumps into the back of his head, isn't exactly subtle. And if there's a single antonym describing comics of that decade, it's subtlety.<br />
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The character's claim to fame comes from the story arc he was written for: the Breaking of the Bat. He managed to defeat Batman and break his spine, forever crippling Bruce Wayne. Of course, by "forever" I mean "for about six months." Since then, Bane's oscillated between hero and villain. These days, he's generally played as being a completely insane villain who really thinks he's a good guy. Recently, he was used in Gail Simone's Secret Six. I've only read one trade from that series, but it was fantastic: I really need to track the rest down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hyFN9im6jpMXd1dSMF2SGI6Bw61yookUaz8WJZfuUVNmBSuJ3hotv2rHXkoIWC7BBfQ7dNBZ-YGKsmrP-FeA41mWFOt1ZP9fSG1NqZl7WcauLMlC3-AQSyi5wjZ_CizEKfxBVtyE01VE/s1600/Bane3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hyFN9im6jpMXd1dSMF2SGI6Bw61yookUaz8WJZfuUVNmBSuJ3hotv2rHXkoIWC7BBfQ7dNBZ-YGKsmrP-FeA41mWFOt1ZP9fSG1NqZl7WcauLMlC3-AQSyi5wjZ_CizEKfxBVtyE01VE/s400/Bane3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This isn't the first version of Bane Mattel's made that was (at least theoretically) in this scale. Back when they just held the license to make Batman and Superman characters, they released a Bane, but I passed at the time. Apparently, a lot of folks weren't happy with the size of that figure (he was a little bigger than Batman, but not much), so Mattel re-did him as a Collect & Connect figure. Now, he towers over Batman... probably more so than he should, but I don't mind.<br />
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The sculpt's good, though: for better or worse it's a pretty accurate adaptation of his mask.<br />
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The body's well done, though I'm a little disappointed he doesn't have any green veins popping out of his arms. It's almost like this is the "powered down" Bane, which is an odd choice given his size.</div>
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I really like the green tube and the wrist control, though. The tube is a nice, bright, toxic green, and it really pops. Likewise, the jumpsuit and belt look good.<br />
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Yeah, he's ridiculous, but I can always use another villain with some muscle to add to the DC shelf. Most major DC villains spend their time plotting, not fighting, so it's nice getting someone who seems threatening. Plus, he's extremely photogenic, which is certainly a plus for those of us with blogs to run.<br />
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Value's always a tricky subject when it comes to these. I'd already picked up half the set before deciding to complete Bane, and when all was said and done, I actually only bought two figures I had no interest in at all (Mercury and the Creeper). Neither were particularly expensive, unlike Azrael and Robin, who set me back twenty bucks each (pity I passed them up when they were going for $13). Is Bane - or the whole wave, for that matter - really worth what I paid? Probably not. But, then again, these are a hell of a lot of fun, so I'm not exactly regretting the expense.</div>Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-54134942312487413212012-02-07T08:35:00.000-05:002012-02-07T08:35:20.059-05:00Picture: A Little Privacy Here?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEign77jx4mST3d2hHcB09OsVj1bUgVv6DMlnRKNco3J8FTHLOTAcllJ202vdXLIXrSCEGG04nLWv9q9D3eH2eDHR2NkExedanXoWVCltTAIivQGSmwDCSH24qDCSsWM6L4O-K1EV39ypGqX/s1600/Little+Privacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEign77jx4mST3d2hHcB09OsVj1bUgVv6DMlnRKNco3J8FTHLOTAcllJ202vdXLIXrSCEGG04nLWv9q9D3eH2eDHR2NkExedanXoWVCltTAIivQGSmwDCSH24qDCSsWM6L4O-K1EV39ypGqX/s400/Little+Privacy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-19373283812280861302012-02-06T07:12:00.002-05:002012-02-06T07:12:54.040-05:00DC Universe Classics: The Creeper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__uKKjA4d1Zws25W4BpgVD5g0iWmtQYj8_j1cCWRk6inw01D3HPtS92yxz73d3sWEeUt0sXDMYW6jL38n63H8IUdNp9xx49HIqyrHWzsa52avC2NILmnwK7NS534adWQB_TGEBG1TVMwD/s1600/Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__uKKjA4d1Zws25W4BpgVD5g0iWmtQYj8_j1cCWRk6inw01D3HPtS92yxz73d3sWEeUt0sXDMYW6jL38n63H8IUdNp9xx49HIqyrHWzsa52avC2NILmnwK7NS534adWQB_TGEBG1TVMwD/s400/Pack.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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Maybe Mattel should just have marketed this as "Custom Joker body": they might have sold more figures. But, despite appearances, this is not, in fact, the Joker. In fact, this isn't even a villain: Jack Ryder's sort of a superhero, albeit one who operates in Gotham City, looks maniacally evil, and has a supernatural laugh.</div>
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Yeah, when he made an appearance on Batman the Animated Series they retconned his origin to connect it with the Joker. I almost think they should do the same in the comics, though I'd be just as happy if he never showed up again. The Creeper's one of those characters I can do without. I'm sure there are fantastic stories out there, and I can appreciate the influence he probably had on later properties like The Mask, but he just doesn't interest me.</div>
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The sculpt work on the face is pretty fantastic, but I'm underwhelmed by the gloves and boots. Likewise the mane of back hair just doesn't seem all that impressive. From a design standpoint, I suppose it's pretty accurate to how the character's drawn, but it just doesn't look like it's part of his body.</div>
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Besides the face, the area this figure stands out is in articulation. Mattel's thrown in all the extra joints: pin-and-hinge wrists, double-pinned knees and elbows, and a ball jointed head that actually works. It all makes sense for the character, since he's supposed to be limber, but it almost feels like a waste on a character this obscure. In addition, that mane on his back throws his balance off, so it's not like he can hold most poses (though it does allow him limbo, as pictured above. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdef-vOc9ock5aOShJUJEORpvXt-Qgf3g1RwU_3C1qwWBzbuTzfLlbmL6jrO7yryCCSEIG9Vz9jYK3q1jzhDTG4e2V67KC19xGT_hKT5nzPfKxjCu3OupGCBfEMj-_OCyd9XVfIZS8eMo/s1600/Creep1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdef-vOc9ock5aOShJUJEORpvXt-Qgf3g1RwU_3C1qwWBzbuTzfLlbmL6jrO7yryCCSEIG9Vz9jYK3q1jzhDTG4e2V67KC19xGT_hKT5nzPfKxjCu3OupGCBfEMj-_OCyd9XVfIZS8eMo/s400/Creep1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Accessories are pretty light: the only thing he comes with is Bane's right arm. I mean, that's not even the interesting arm with the venom tube. I'm sure there's something this character could have, though since I don't really care about the character, I have no idea what that is. But I'm betting the three fans The Creeper has were probably disappointed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vbuKUaNRmKcok-B9D5uESrlVcpCeIf6Z6rgXfnb2nMl6hhSpbKuC8MsFGIblDrd0FCuZwArbWYQ3vfYx2UQ3u-5v0YGlTdheJEP8vjb2f_3VLTYtV1NHoQe2xCav18jItc8NoQt9DamJ/s1600/Creep4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vbuKUaNRmKcok-B9D5uESrlVcpCeIf6Z6rgXfnb2nMl6hhSpbKuC8MsFGIblDrd0FCuZwArbWYQ3vfYx2UQ3u-5v0YGlTdheJEP8vjb2f_3VLTYtV1NHoQe2xCav18jItc8NoQt9DamJ/s400/Creep4.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
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Needless to say, I really just bought this for the Collect and Connect piece - it was all I was missing on Bane, so I shelled out the fifteen bucks he was going for on Amazon. He's a decent figure, but nothing special.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxI3lvNJbKnpyslRGihD7JD5ZB9KblhVBhF6YL2rkAcRVz0AL1k8iFi7A2unjaGELfH7QYzAR1V8dIPidETUnHHRod-UJEpMC8XVG6Wuo44SXUwUpGAimsc_oYOFqGht_vrYZVr6fsP9b/s1600/Creep6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxI3lvNJbKnpyslRGihD7JD5ZB9KblhVBhF6YL2rkAcRVz0AL1k8iFi7A2unjaGELfH7QYzAR1V8dIPidETUnHHRod-UJEpMC8XVG6Wuo44SXUwUpGAimsc_oYOFqGht_vrYZVr6fsP9b/s320/Creep6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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He's actually more interest to me as a custom base. Like I said at the top, this is clearly a sculpt that would work for the Joker. Be aware that the hair piece is attached to a peg sticking out of the Creeper's back. Most DCUC figures with capes and the like have a hole in their backs which the piece plugs into. This is reversed, which is going to require extra work.<br />
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Still, I'm intrigued by the head sculpt's potential. Mattel never put out a modern Joker in the scale, other than the "Mad Love" 2-pack (and even that was really the Silver Age version with a repaint). The Creeper's head is just some paint away from being the Joker: I'm a little surprised Mattel hasn't repurposed it themselves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6IFt5TbkimcQwdmDkUlC_G7PN9AF18dFBm2rZmwjINSD39FH00_RVjuyvZxP2aDVdO8u7siqekoUlycQXfNU2WGikS1bEvl5-4M92lhsJCII0vrgKQu1nSTONSfEXkZjProFn6YLZ54u/s1600/Creep7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6IFt5TbkimcQwdmDkUlC_G7PN9AF18dFBm2rZmwjINSD39FH00_RVjuyvZxP2aDVdO8u7siqekoUlycQXfNU2WGikS1bEvl5-4M92lhsJCII0vrgKQu1nSTONSfEXkZjProFn6YLZ54u/s400/Creep7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-39392576571401184912012-02-04T01:08:00.000-05:002012-02-04T01:08:00.887-05:00Picture: Unnecessary Violence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1uOtO0UwE113gC6AUBAkYd8oQghlFxx34oQYfMvKRjOqTh5Fx5JGlglFosmXhsNYJcrKHQJaNgJm6ctCpiYfN0G-pWTyPkyDdpnAbUl3U2_MnJ6UAwcumgnrQ4J9M6oWYEo5ZEhN6AHr/s1600/Violence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1uOtO0UwE113gC6AUBAkYd8oQghlFxx34oQYfMvKRjOqTh5Fx5JGlglFosmXhsNYJcrKHQJaNgJm6ctCpiYfN0G-pWTyPkyDdpnAbUl3U2_MnJ6UAwcumgnrQ4J9M6oWYEo5ZEhN6AHr/s400/Violence.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
<br />Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897287031110603201.post-22106496469454647422012-02-02T20:18:00.000-05:002012-02-02T20:18:14.321-05:00DC Universe Classics Collect & Connect Validus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Originally, I wasn't going to finish this figure. Validus is one of the Fatal Five, a team of villains who battle Superboy and Legion of Superheroes in the 30th Century. Since I don't own Superboy or any of the Legion (and, no, I'm not picking up the $200 set from Matty Collector), it's not like he's got a spot waiting for him on the shelf. But, due to various sales, I slowly picked up all but two of the figures in Wave 15. Then I saw the last two on clearance and figured, "What the Hell?"</div>
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And here we are.</div>
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It's a cool figure, at least in the arms and head. I like the brain and the fingers quite a bit: even if you don't know who this is, it's certainly a neat generic monster. The feet seem a bit dull, though, and he shares a common issue with many other Collect & Connect figures: a simplistic midsection lacking detail or distinction.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyptge-B7aCYW3EeHNAfCgkpMtoj8JoI_xiVVkSNKGKSqIjqAPEqxLWnIw1toWhPzaHRkbesyxd26Qv_vpwF1dzQ4XCVsgnFjic5ZXzBT0xva04kTsnWHNuE2h4DbMr5k2JfThA4tsrYs/s1600/Val2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyptge-B7aCYW3EeHNAfCgkpMtoj8JoI_xiVVkSNKGKSqIjqAPEqxLWnIw1toWhPzaHRkbesyxd26Qv_vpwF1dzQ4XCVsgnFjic5ZXzBT0xva04kTsnWHNuE2h4DbMr5k2JfThA4tsrYs/s320/Val2.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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Even so, he's still pretty cool. I surprised myself when I put him up on the DC Universe shelf rather than in one of the bins. His mass helps counterbalance the large number of heroes I've gathered, making the battle seem more fair.Erin Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00894781339191061541noreply@blogger.com3