Monsters of Metal

I previously blogged about my classic DCUC Brainiac figure, an excellent goofy supervillain design and probably the most iconic look for the 12th level intellectual. But before DCUC hit the scene there was DC Superheroes, the 6" line that focused solely on Batman and Superman (and their pals and villains,) the line that eventually morphed into DC Universe Classics.

Although the license for DC Superheroes initially limited their character selection, they did squeeze in a few gems, among them the 1980s Kenner Super Powers inspired Brainiac.

The thing I love most about the side-by-side comparison of these guys (guy? It's the same dude, after all) is that they are really reflective of their times. First appearing in 1958, Brainiac's design originally reflected the "green martian invader" concept of the era's sci-fi and B movie scene. Jump forward to the eighties, and the "new" Brainiac is reflective of films like Terminator, where the threat is no longer from "out there" but from our own future and egotistical attempts at control over forces larger than ourselves.

"Move over, greeny. This is my show now! Why don't you go buy yourself some pants. My treat."

The figure itself is a ton of fun. He has all the articulation of the current DCUC figures, but since he's a robot it blends in perfectly and seamlessly with his design.

Brainiac's sculpt is full of little details, including transparent shoulders and skull...

...that reveal red and yellow painted circuitry components - the only real color on an otherwise mono-toned figure.


"I'll be back! Hahaha I always wanted to say that!"

Small Wonder

This is the DC Universe Classics Wonder Woman, released way back in wave 4.

The first lady of superheoism is a must have for any DC Universe Classics collector. In addition to her Wave 4 release, I think she has also been re-released in one of the "All Star" waves. That doesn't mean she's been easy to find, DCUC distribution is legendary in it's failings, but at least collectors have had a couple shots at her so far.

Wonder Woman has her iconic look, complete with her lasso of truth (non removable) and as a bonus she came with a battle-axe and shield. Nice extras that give her a little more gravitas on your toy shelf.

Of course she looks just fine without them, and is ready to hand anyone their ass who says otherwise.



Having recently blogged about Black Canary, Power Girl and Hawkgirl, I realized in all this time I hadn't blogged about the one who started it all; the greatest female superhero of all time!

Sing it with me, kids:

Wonder Woman!
Wonder Woman!

All the world's waiting for you,
and the power you possess.

In your satin tights,
Fighting for your rights
And the old Red, White and Blue.

Wonder Woman!
Wonder Woman!

Now the world is ready for you,
and the wonders you can do.

Make a hawk a dove,
Stop a war with love,
Make a liar tell the truth.

Wonder Woman!
Get us out from under, Wonder Woman!

All our hopes are pinned upon you.
And the magic that you do.

Stop a bullet cold,
Make the Axis fold,
Change their minds, and change the world.

Wonder Woman! Wonder Woman!
You're a wonder, Wonder Woman!

It's a Trap...

...Jaw!

Masters of the Universe Classics Trap-Jaw to be precise.

I didn't have the original Trap-Jaw as a kid. My cousin did, and I always thought he was an awesome figure. I did finally get the commemorative reissue in the early 2000s, so when I heard MOTUC was releasing an updated (but classically designed) Trappy, I knew he had to be mine!

Trap-Jaw epitomizes everything that was (and still is) cool about Masters of the Universe. He's a pirate/cyborg/wrestler/alien/barbarian/...football player?... hybrid creature with cybernetic arm components that can be switched out on a whim. And not only that, those components can be hooked to his belt when not in use (just like the original!)

And also just like with the original, MOTUC's Trap-Jaw has a hinged jaw!

Unlike the original, this version of Trap Jaw has an elbow on his robotic arm. This is a nice update, and works seamlessly with the design to the point that you swear this is the toy you were playing with as a kid. Even his helmet loop is there so Trap-Jaw can swing down "hands free" onto unsuspecting Eternians!

Although anyone who did that as a kid will attest to the fact that string + friction = a cut helmet loop. So I wouldn't suggest you recreate the move with this guy.

Trap Jaw comes with all the same arm attachments as his original - the clamp, the laser gun, and the hook. In the case of the MOTUC Trap-Jaw, the clamp even opens and closes!

And as if all that wasn't enough to sell die-hard MOTU fans on this figure, Trap-Jaw even comes with an extra arm and an extra head, so you can recreate Kronis - or as I like to call him, Pre-op-Jaw!

"I came to Thailand for a hooker..."

"...and left with a hook! And my wallet is missing too! Dammit!!!!"

And now a word from our sponsor

This is my friend. His name is Smaller. He says "Hi!"

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths

I took my lunch break today and ran down to Best Buy to get the Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths DVD on the day of it's release. I have been loving all the DC/WB direct to DVD animated movies, and although some have been stronger than others the fan-boy in me has never been disappointed. While I don't always run right out to buy them on day one, the exclusive mini Owlman offered with the Best Buy release, in addition to all I had heard and seen regarding this newest feature (Spectre short, people!) had me waiting in breathless anticipation for it's release today.

Let me start at the beginning. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is the first DC/WB animated feature to include a short "Showcase" cartoon. I imagine this is going to be a common occurrence now, and damned if they didn't blow the concept completely out of the water with their Spectre short.

Holleee Hanna!

I had tears in my eyes this thing was so good! Set in Los Angeles in the seventies, Jim Corrigan is a detective on the case of a murdered Hollywood mogul. The storytelling style is very old-school horror flick with an era relevant cop movie flavor, with a lot of homages to the genres mixed in. If you've ever read a good Spectre story, THIS is a damn good Spectre story!

After such a power packed opening act, I wasn't sure the main feature could live up to the adrenaline charge. My fears were put to rest about two seconds into the title sequence, and the fun didn't end until the credits rolled.

The story for Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths was originally envisioned as a bridge between the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited series, and fans will immediately feel the vibe. But those who did not follow the two series won't be lost or left behind, it hits all the right notes and doesn't leave anyone feeling like they "missed an issue."

The story is deep, the characterizations are spot-on, and the fight sequences are choreographed to near perfection. There's real gravitas to the threat hovering over our heroes, and real victory in their achievements. Cameos abound for the geeks, but again (and I can't emphasize enough the value of this component) the casual viewer will enjoy it without feeling like they aren't "in on the joke." For instance, my daughter enjoyed the film immensely without having to know that Superwoman's minions are Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr. and Uncle Marvel (in evil form, of course.) But I knew it. And I squeed a little on the inside.

So here's my recommendation. Buy it. Rent it. Borrow it. Steal it. Do whatever you gotta do to SEE IT!

I personally set out for the Best Buy release because of the Owlman figurine, which I recommend if you're into that sort of thing. It's smaller than DC Infinite Heroes figures, so it doesn't really fit into any current DC toyline, and it isn't really an action figure anyways as only the arms and head have articulation (and the arms are pretty useless with that massive cape.) But it's a nice add-in and the 2 disc DVD set with him included is only $19.99 right now at Best Buy, so it's worth it if you can get it.

The second disc includes a featurette with the DC editorial/creative team that came up with the recent Crisis comics storylines and two episodes of the Justice League animated series (appropriately enough: A Better World parts 1 and 2.)

Also included is a "First Look" at the next DC/WB animated offering: Batman Under the Red Hood. Man oh man, I am SO looking forward to that one!

Blue Monday

Guess who!

It's blue!

About a month ago Darius Whiteplume of Adventures in Nerdliness held an online scavenger hunt. The prize? His original Sears Cantina Playset exclusive Blue Snaggletooth! I'll cut to the chase real quick and point out the obvious...I WON!

It wasn't an easy scavenger hunt, a big component of it felt like the challenge was reading Darius' mind to figure out what he was looking for. But the chance to win a Blue Snaggletooth, one of the holy grails of original Kenner Star Wars figures, was impossible to pass up.

Or was it?

Unbelievably, only two people even entered the contest; myself and Reis of Geek Orthodox. Sadly for Reis, he lost. Even sadder, he lost to me. Because I've been sure to remind him on several occasions.

Like now ;)

The Blue Snaggletooth was released immediately following the movie, and is terribly off-model. Yes, even moreso than all the other Kenner figures that immediately followed the release of Star Wars. Therefore this Snaggletooth never saw release outside the initial Sears exclusive Cantina set release. For a toy series that has seen about 438 different releases of even the most obscure background character in the last 30 years, that is no small feat and makes this guy a rather tough find. In fact, until now I had never seen one in person before. That too is no small feat, as I am obsessed with toys to the point of it being a bona-fide affliction.

My "main stream" Snaggletooth has appeared on Toyriffic once before but is currently stored away. I'll have to dig him out for the side-to-side reunion soon. But as you can see, Blue Snaggletooth is unnaturally tall for an...um...Snaggletooth.

He is also shod. By Ace Frehley*

I can't thank Darius enough for this epic add to my collection. Rest assured, good sir Whiteplume, he is in good hands.

"Hi Reis!"




*thanks Brian A. for the spell-check!

Mr. Queen, your car is ready.

"Does it come in green?"

The DeltaWing Concept looks like it could pass as a full sized Arrowcar. Read more about the vehicle and it's possible future on the Indy circuit here.

To Victor Goes the Spoils

I've made a couple posts already highlighting my Imaginext Bat-folks by Fisher Price, but haven't yet focused on any of them individually. Until now.

This one is (obviously) Mr. Freeze.

I have a fondness for Mr. Freeze, (dare I say, a warm spot in my heart? Nah) so even though this wasn't the first Imaginext Gothamite I ever bought (I found the Joker at the swap meet first) he is the one that had me staring at teh lien every time I went into Toys R Us or Target. What held me back were all the accessories this guy originally came with. An ice cave is cool and all, but I am an adult, I only have need for a tiny Mr. Freeze, thank you very much. So when Target released the figures sans (the bulk of their) accessories, I jumped in head first and bought them all. Well not all of them. Sorry, Mr. Cobblepot!

Mr. Freeze isn't completely without accessories. He has his ice-gun which attaches to his..ice-backpack!

"Revenge is a dish best served...as leftovers."

The backpack/gun are a single unit and can be removed for more playtime fun. These Fisher Price Bat-clan really are the best. Small, cute, and well designed to last through whatever adventures your preschooler (or self) can dish out. I hope the line continues to flourish for a long time and we get a lot more characters real soon!

Like a Bat Outta' Hell

I didn't collect TMNT figures when they first hit the scene back in the late 80s and early 90s. The only one I ever bought "new" was Slash, (who ironically I have since lost and no longer have in my possession.)

I have, however, picked up quite a few over the years from secondary sources, and my collection has recently grown by leaps and bounds. Since I get so many from garage sales or the swap meet, they are usually incomplete - missing weapons or a belt here and there, and I am generally fine with that fact as long as the figure itself is in good shape.

But one specific character has tempted me for a while, and an incomplete version just wouldn't do. So I went to eBay recently and for a very good price (cheaper than most current toys on shelves now) I grabbed him mint-on-card and immediately tore him open when he arrived!

Who is this mystery TMNT I speak of? Without further ado...I present...Wingnut!

A face only a mother could love.

Wingnut is so freaking cool! Get a good look at this crazy not-Batman! Wingnut came in under my radar (ha ha) when released in 1990; a time when my collecting jones was focused full-force on toys from the recently released Batman movie. But Wingnut is a Batman parody! How did it take me so long to discover him?!?!

When I did recently start looking at TMNT characters and learned about Wingnut's existence, finding him wasn't too difficult. He pops up all the time at the swap meet. However he always, and I mean always, appears sans wings.

Now, a belt, or a gun, or even his sidekick I can miss, but a bat ain't shat without his wings!

So I finally went the eBay route and got one complete, and I am stoked at my newest not-Batman figure!

Speaking of his sidekick, here's the mosquito Screwloose. Wingnut and Screwloose are, according to their bio, previous residents of the planet Huanu. Huanu was destroyed by Krang. Wingnut and Screwloose somehow escaped the destruction and ended up on Earth to fight the good fight.

I've even stumbled onto a loose Screwloose (ha ha) at the swap meet before, but passed on him at the time, not having a winged Wingnut (the wordplay just writes itself.) That's the type of collector I am.

But now, thanks to eBay, I can finally stop looking (which means I will probably find a complete Wingnut as early as this weekend.)

A complete Wingnut comes with two removable "Plasma-Propelled Bat Wings," a "Utility Bat Belt," a "Blood-Burstin' Bat Bomb," a "Bat Gun," and his sidekick Screwloose.

I see a Manta and I want it painted Black

This is Black Manta as he is currently depicted in the Batman: The Brave and the Bold cartoon.

Black Manta was one of the first figures released in the Brave and the Bold toyline by Mattel. I have been wanting to pick up a few more of the core characters like Aquaman, Green Arrow and the Joker for a while now, but most stores I go to are still not fully reset after Christmas, so their basic Brave and the Bold pegs are full of Batmen of many colors and lack most of the supporting players I still want or need. Even Black Manta here is nowhere to be found...

...except of course at the swap meet, where two bits got me this near pristine example of underwater evil!

The more of these figures I get, the more I like them. The Brave and the Bold style doesn't disappoint here and makes for a really great looking Black Manta figure. More streamlined than JLU's Devil Ray and more stylish than the relatively plain DCUC Black Manta, B:TB&TB's BM is the bomb! (Say that five times fast!)

His breathing tubes are connected to his head and to a small scuba apparatus on his back, so his helmet doesn't really turn, but the red paint on the "tubes" adds a nice contrast to his relatively monotone coloration.

As with all B:TB&TB figures, Black Manta comes with an accessory that attaches to various holes across his body. Manta's accessory is actually pretty cool and affords a lot of creative play; it looks a little like a robot manta-ray so it can be played with as a side-kick, it clicks to his back and can serve as an underwater propulsion pack...

...or the blade-like tail can serve as a weapon when attached to Black Manta's arm!

Manta is one of the best B:TB&TB figures so far from both a design and a playability perspective. I don't know how this series is going to handle older releases and/or re-releases yet, so I recommend you grab him while you still can; if you can still find him on the toy aisles that is!

Old toys never die, they just become retro

I was browsing SuperHeroHype.com and came across a couple more must haves from Toy Fair 2010.

First up is an Autobot based on an old school Hot Rod. I have always felt that cool Kustom cars from throughout Hot Rodding history were a major untapped market for Transformers. GoBots had it nailed, but rarely have Transformers ventured out of the "modern vehicle" comfort zone.


I don't know what his name is or even what scale he's in, but he looks super cool and will be mine in every livery, ESPECIALLY if they release him with flames!

Next up, these S.O.B.s who wobble but never fall down. No, not your drunk Uncle Ted...

Really?!?! Real honest to god Weebles? YES! Not the lame safety-first recent debacles...honest real and true Weebles...based on G1 Transformers and Marvel superheroes!!!! They've got to be larger than their predecessors, I just can't imagine those things passing 2010 safety standards. Regardless, they are designed exactly like the Weebles I knew and loved as a kid*, so these will be mine!

*(I wonder if their inside print will shrink when left in the sun, just like the old days!)

If Barbie lived in Gotham City...

Aw crap. I think I need some dollies. Can't wait to dress and undress old Brucie. He's gonna bring the hurt on old Ken for sure!

These fine dolls are going to be available at Toys R Us around July. I am going to try to stay manly until then, because after they hit shelves, it's tea-party time!

(pic obviously swiped from legionsofgotham.org)

I know why the caged bird sings...

...it's because I finally got a DCUC Black Canary!

Black Canary is from DC Universe Classics wave 9 - a wave that somehow completely avoided landing anywhere near me. With reports coming in that people are already finding wave 12, I figured my chances of getting any wave 9 figures was pretty much nil. Not surprisingly it is also a wave with an abundance of characters I want: Wildcat, Deadshot, Guardian, Green Arrow and of course, Dinah Lance. Fortunately I was able to make a trade with a friend of mine and I just got Dinah in the mail today!

Black Canary's fishnets are real cloth, which is a nice touch and really stands out in person. Her leg articulation is more limited than most DCUC female characters in order to allow for actual fishnets, but I feel that the aesthetic trade-off is well worth it.

Black Canary really is a stand-out DCUC figure. Her head sculpt is exceptional, and her design is straight out of the comic books.

She has all the articulation and sculpting pros and cons of all DC Universe Classics figures, so you should all know what you are getting in that department by now. At this point if you are still with DCUC as a collector, it merely comes down to character selection and availability. Who do you like, and who can you find?

It's a real shame that distribution is an unmitigated mess for these figures. If it were otherwise, I would glady give Mattel a lot more money. For instance, not counting the cool characters in wave 9, Dinah's Collect and Connect piece is for Chemo, a fun looking character who would be really neat to build. But the pickings are ridiculously slim for DC Universe Classics in my locale, so I don't have the luxury of "team" or "C-n-C" building without adding a level of collector strain to my already heart-disease-prone ticker that just isn't worth it. Thank goodness I have been able to build a decent community of fellow collectors who can help each other out on occasion! Now that is a REAL Collect-and-Connect!