Solomon Grundy (by Imaginext), Found on a Monday (at Target).

The Target exclusive Imaginext Solomon Grundy by Fisher-Price is hitting store shelves now! And as the title of the post says, I found mine Monday. Convenient, no?

This is a really great version of Solomon Grundy. He is very nicely detailed - almost moreso than one expects from Imaginext - and I think he'd fit in well with other in-scale toylines, especially with the JLU action figure line if you, like me, were unable to get your hands on the SDCC exclusive Solomon Grundy. At around $7.99 this guy is a nice inexpensive alternative to that exclusive figure which is surely fetching high prices on the secondary market to this day.

Grundy's articulation is basic - his shoulders, hips, wrists and neck rotate. He also has an action feature which allows him to slap his opponents together Moe Howard style when you push a relatively unobtrusive button on his back. My figure's right wrist doesn't swivel properly, and I'm worried that if I force it I might rip his hand off, so be aware and be careful when you find yours. The good thing is you can test the articulation in package at the store, the bad thing is that you might only find one on the shelf, and at this point I wouldn't recommend passing on him until another day. I don't anticipate this guy being a peg-warmer, at least where collectors are concerned, but I could be wrong. Kids might snub him because they don't know who he is, or wonder when the Incredible Hulk went goth.

"Grundy remind Batman slow down. This school zone and speed limit twenty five when school in session. Also, use blinker, a-hole!"

The character of Solomon Grundy, like Clayface before him, is the perfect candidate for the 'big-fig' treatment Fisher-Price gave him. But I have to admit he is a surprising addition to the line. I think it helps that he appeared in the Arkham City video game, and it also helps that he was a member of the classic Superfriends cartoon's Legion of Doom, both of which seem to greatly inspire the Fisher-Price Imaginext line. Speaking of the Legion of Doom, Imaginext has just released the Hall of Doom, and there are only four Superfriends Legion of Doom characters yet to make it to the Imaginext line: Giganta, Toyman, Sinestro and Cheetah. Here's hoping we get them all - and that Giganta is also released as a big-fig!

Grundy comes with a lead pipe accessory, so you can pretend he murdered Professor Plum in the Observatory. Here he is with Killer Croc, who had to borrow a piece of Playmobil chain for his weapon.

Robin's Mech Suit makes for great GrundyBuster Iron-Robin play scenarios! Take THAT Age of Ultron!

If you are collecting DC Superhero themed Imaginext figures, you pretty much have to get this guy. So far there's no Target DPCI to report as he wasn't in the Target system when I purchased him. But, like Clayface, he hangs on the pegs with the other figure two-packs and should be priced accordingly. If you find him and he's not in the system, just bring over another figure from the pegs and they should ring him up for you at that price (that's what they did for me!)

Harley Qwednesday :: Harley Quinn Cosplay by Kinju

Toyriffic reader 'Kinju' just sent me some wonderful pics and video links of her Harley Quinn cosplay (and a couple of her boyfriend as The Joker too!) so today we devote Harley Qwednesday to her!

Kinju says "My boyfriend knew absolutely nothing about Batman until we started dating last year and he really enjoyed the character as much as I enjoy being Harley!"

I'm glad you were able to educate the poor man, Kinju! His life is definitely more complete now that he knows about Batman!

"I choreographed a parody skit to "Do you wanna kill the Batman" during AnimeUSA 2014..."

"... and we won best in show! I sang the song and choreographed the steps for a broadway-esq look!"

"My one photographer also made a short for us!"

"Cosplay has been my life since 2005! I hand made both costumes and am very super proud of what they turned into!"

"I've been cosplaying Harley since Katsucon 2014! It only turned into something very special and more entertaining than I thought it would be!"

"She's a bundle of joy and I love making kids laugh and smile at my silliness during cons!"

Thanks a ton for the awesome pics and videos, Kinju!

See more of Kinju and her boyfriend at their RachniQueen Cosplay and  Legacy Cosplay Facebook pages!

Happy MOTU Day!

Apparently today, April 28th, is MOTU day. Why? I don't know, perhaps I should look around the 'net and find out. But I've been so busy lately! In fact, I have been so busy my planned 'MOTU Day' post never happened, and I'm pulling an '80's sitcom' over here and doing a flashback episode.

Lame I know, but hey, if you never saw these posts, they're new to you!

So follow the links, look at the pictures, and enjoy the last couple of hours of MOTU Day!

Extendar, Master of reaching stuff off the top shelf!

Horde Trooper - he's sooper dooooper!

Hey laaadiiiieeeees!!!

And of course the slice-du-resistance...I once owned a Wonder-Bread He-Man! But I don't any more. Waaaah!


Check out the rest of today's MOTU Day blog participants...

The Toy Box 1138
BattleGrip
Hoardworld
Nerditis
Needless Things
Action Figure Barbecue
Action Figure Adventures
Diary of a Dorkette

...and tune in soon for actual new content. Yay!

Ant-Man Bootleg LEGO Minifigure by Sheng Yuan

I picked up another batch of Sheng Yuan brand bootleg LEGO minifigures recently and included in the set is this comicbook version of Ant-Man!

Not technically a bootleg, this minifigure is not a direct rip-off from any existing LEGO set. The design may have been pulled from a video game or a custom, but I am not sure. Regardless, you won't find this guy in physical form from any other source than those crazy Chinese BootLEGOers!

And while I'm no Ant-Man afficionado, I'm pretty sure if LEGO ever does make Ant-Man they won't go with this comic version and instead will go with the upcoming movie version. That being the case, I am glad to have the goofy comicbook version, which may very well be the only version we ever see!

I just LOVE this little helmet. I also love toys of comicbook characters who are technically in scale. Ant-Man can make himself the size of a LEGO minifigure, which makes this guy 1:1 scale if you really think about it. Neat!

Ant-Man came with a base and two spiders. I don't know if this spider design is a LEGO rip-off or not. I have personally not encountered LEGO spiders who look like this, but then again I never studied LEGO Spiderology.

Nailed it!

One hilarious design choice many bootleg minifigures suffer from is a massive case of wall-eye. This has been done in lieu of the white bandanna LEGO incorporates on the heads for characters like Batman. The bootleggers do it in order to make their minifigure pupils match up with the dimensions of their helmet eye holes. It looks good with the helmet on but ridiculous with the helmet off. But let's face it, no one is going to display their Ant-Man minifigure without his helmet, and even if you were inclined to do so, any flesh colored male LEGO head would do as a replacement.

As for quality, I've said it before and I'll say it again: Sheng Yuan stuff is all pretty great. Ant-Man is one step under official LEGO, which isn't to say he has any real flaws at all. Just that LEGO set the bar pretty high.

His helmet is incredible, his torso has design on both front and back, and he's a great representation of the classic comic Ant-Man. His face only has one (wall-eyed) expression, but that's enough since the helmet covers most of it anyways. The two spider friends are a fun addition too. All that for less than a buck (when you buy him as part of a set of eight figures) with free shipping from eBay - how can anyone go wrong adding this diminutive dude to their collection?

Cassandra Cain Batgirl Action Figure :: Mattel 2007

Back in 2007, before the DC Superheroes action figure line ventured out of the Batman/Superman character-centric territory into the all-encompassing DC Universe Classics, well, universe, Mattel surprisingly released the Cassandra Cain version of Batgirl.

I suppose it shouldn't have been a big surprise, as Mattel was able to re-use about 92% of the parts from the Barbara Gordon figure they had released previously in the same line. But still, she was an unexpected (and hard to find) character.

In typical Four-Horsemen female head-sculpt fashion, Cassandra looks great from straight-on, but flat-faced from the side. She came with a batarang or two but I don't have them within easy reach, so you'll just have to take my word for it.

The Babs Gordon body re-use may have made Cassandra look a little too blossomed-to-womanhood for her teenaged characterization, but if you want to get nerd-touchy about that you can just imagine that this action figure is the Huntress. Fun Fact: When this costume debuted during the No Man's Land storyline it was worn by the Huntress (Helena Bertinelli).

The headsculpt and sweet massive-pouched belt are the only unique parts to this figure, and the only paint apps are the bat symbol and some silver trim (some of which is completely unnecessary, but you gotta admit the silver stitches on the mask are pretty sweet!)

During the No Man's Land story, Gotham City was cut off from the rest of the world after a massive Earthquake, and Batman was who-knows-where. Helena felt that the city needed a human Bat symbol so she became Batgirl for a short time. Basically until Batman returned and got mad at her for, well, doing his job. And then a new kid shows up and hey here's a spare costume we'll save Alfred some time.

Comic book logic at it's finest.

Anyways, the figure is pretty cool, especially considering the unlikelyhood of the pretty well forgotten Cassanda Batgirl making new waves in action figure circles (unless that whole DC Convergence thing has brought her up again. I don't know, I'm not following it.)

Cassandra Batgirl was pretty tough to find at retail, so I consider myself lucky to have her. She's a cool and unique addition to my plastic Bat-family

"Mattel to Launch Company’s First Action Figures for Girls" :: Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Harley Quinn and MORE!

Press Release

WARNER BROS. AND DC ENTERTAINMENT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MATTEL LAUNCH DC SUPER HERO GIRLS, A NEW SUPER HERO UNIVERSE DESIGNED JUST FOR GIRLS, SLATED FOR FALL 2015

Mattel to Launch Company’s First Action Figures for Girls

Unprecedented Initiative to Include Digital Content, TV Specials, Made-For-Videos, Publishing, Toys, Apparel and Other Products

Random House Children’s Books to be Master Publishing Partner
The LEGO Group to be Exclusive Construction Partner

Burbank, Calif. – April 22, 2015 – Beginning in Fall 2015, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Mattel join forces to launch DC Super Hero Girls, an exciting new universe of Super Heroic storytelling that helps build character and confidence, and empowers girls to discover their true potential.  Featuring DC Comics’ most powerful and diverse line-up of female characters as relatable teens, DC Super Hero Girls will play out across multiple entertainment content platforms and product categories to create an immersive world.

Developed for girls aged 6-12, DC Super Hero Girls centers on the female Super Heroes and Super-Villains of the DC Comics universe during their formative years—prior to discovering their full super power potential. Featuring a completely new artistic style and aesthetic, DC Comics’ icons such as Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Bumble Bee, Poison Ivy, Katana and many more make their unprecedented teenaged introduction. Each character has her own storyline that explores what teen life is like as a Super Hero, including discovering her unique abilities, nurturing her remarkable powers and mastering the fundamentals of being a hero.

“DC Entertainment is home to the most iconic and well-known Super Heroes including Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl,” said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. “DC Super Hero Girls represents the embodiment of our long-term strategy to harness the power of our diverse female characters.  I am so pleased that we are able to offer relatable and strong role models in a unique way, just for girls.”

The initial launch of DC Super Hero Girls in Fall 2015 will include an immersive digital experience, original digital content and digital publishing—providing opportunities for girls to interact with characters, learn about the storylines, and engage in customizable play.  TV specials, made-for-videos, toys, apparel, books and other product categories will begin to rollout in 2016.

“Developing a Super Hero franchise exclusively for girls that includes all of the key components of a comprehensive entertainment experience—from content to consumer products—is something we are excited to be doing in conjunction with our great partners,” said Brad Globe, President of Warner Bros. Consumer Products.   “It’s really an honor to be part of this cultural moment and to be delivering a concept so rooted in a relatable and empowered theme that the characters of DC Comics are uniquely able to present.”

As master toy licensee, Mattel is collaborating with DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Consumer Products on DC Super Hero Girls’narrative creation, interactive digital activations and ultimately a toy line launching in 2016.  Mattel category-leading firsts include a line of characters for the action figure category, an area of the industry that has been primarily developed with boys in mind, and fashion dolls featuring strong, athletic bodies that stand on their own in heroic poses.

“Partnering with the best and being the best partner is of paramount importance,” said Richard Dickson, President, Chief Operating Officer, Mattel.  “Together with Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, the DC Super Hero Girls franchise will further expand our already powerful girls portfolio. We know Super Hero is a culturally relevant theme and the DC Super Hero Girls franchise will engage and inspire girls, providing cues to explore heroic acts through play and into real life.”

The Random House Books for Young Readers imprint of Random House Children’s Books has been appointed the master publishing partner for the franchise and will be creating a portfolio of books that will bring the DC Super Hero Girls world to life, beginning in Spring 2016.  Random House’s publishing program will be complemented by a series of original graphic novels from DC Entertainment.

The LEGO Group will also be key to building the DC Super Hero Girls franchise, leveraging their experience and success engaging girls in creative construction play to bolster this universe through an array of LEGO® building sets designed to inspire girls' imaginations.

Additionally, consumer products partners around the world will be engaged in creating a merchandise line dedicated to DC Super Hero Girls across all key categories.

File this one under "I can't wait!" or perhaps "It's about time!" - and while it would be far preferable to be 'all inclusive' rather than 'separate but equal' this news shows an incredible step forward in toy corporation thinking, and it is very heartening in a time when Disney/Marvel is intentionally excluding characters like Black Widow and Gamora from their marketing endeavors.

Not to mention an all new take on Harley Quinn!!!

You can bet with two young daughters in my house, as well as my own personal fandom for DC heroines and villainesses, there will be a LOT of this stuff making it's way into our collections. So stay tuned for more info as we move ever too slowly towards this beautiful future!

Miss Kiss Harley Quinn Latex Cosplay :: Harley Qwednesday

It's been quite some time since we've had the pleasure of the incredible Miss Kiss gracing the illustrious halls of Harley Qwednesday, and she's just slightly perturbed by that fact...

But today she's back and more latex than ever today in this sweet shiny little number by Shhh! Couture with custom latex gloves by Jenni of Deadly Couture  and custom ruffles by August Wiled (One of Miss Kiss' Partners in Crime)

This photoset was taken by POW! Photography at Vancouver FanExpo 2015.

Miss Kiss looks criminally stunning in her latest Harley Quinn incarnation!

Long-time readers will remember Miss Kiss' first appearance here at Toyriffic with her 2012 photoshoot posing alongside the '66 Batmobile.

Has it really been three years since we first featured Miss Kiss on a Harley Qwednesday post?

Three years?!?! Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't appear to age at all!

Thanks again to Miss Kiss for gracing us with her Quinntastic presence once again! Canada is a warmer place with you around I'm sure.

Be sure to check out all those involved in the creation of this costume and photoshoot at the links above.

And Miss Kiss herself can be found at her Facebook Page. Go check her out!

LEGO Greedo Minifigure (via Wald)

A few years back my step-son got the LEGO Podrace set 7962: Anakin's and Sebulba's Podracers. The podracers are a ridiculous component of a ridiculous movie, but they made for a pretty fun LEGO build. The set included Anakin's buddy Wald, who is about as useless as, well Greedo. But Greedo is cooler, so I stole Wald's head and put together a close approximation of Greedo's body.

Now I have the one-shot-wonder in all his Rodian minifigure glory! Oonta gooonta, Solo!

Imaginext Gorilla Grodd (Stand-In Edition)

When not picking up Imaginext superheroes for myself, I like to grab up whatever piece-meal figures and accessories I can from garage sales and the flea market (especially when it's cheap) for my intern. A couple years ago I found the Gorilla Mountain playset and a bunch of jungle animals for her, and whenever we play I like to imagine this Gorilla is the Flash rogue Gorilla Grodd.

Fisher-Price released an official Gorilla Grodd, but in my mind it pales in comparison to this basic Gorilla, which, other than his mind control helmet, is all Gorilla Grodd is!

"I've got a monkey on my back!"

He's stamped '2006', and I believe he was sold alone or with a monkey or bird or something, and not as part of the Gorilla Mountain playset. Because, you know, that would have just made too much sense!

When you push down on his head, depending on the positioning of his arms, you can approximate the stereotypical chest-pounding action of great apes. Ook oook oook!

He stands upright well, leans into the four-on-the-floor pose well, and has a surprising amount of arm movement due to ball jointed shoulders and elbow articulation, even with the silly action feature.

A simple, solid Gorilla with a great sculpt that makes for a fun toy, especially when you imagine him plotting the overthrow of man's world from his secret base behind Gorilla Mountain!

Harley Quinn by Miramay Cosplay :: Harley Qwednesday

Get an eyeload of these awesome Harley Quinn cosplay pics from Miramay Cosplay!

And dig that MASSIVE mallet!

These pics were sent in by Miramay's boyfriend Charles, the cosplaying Joker to her cosplaying Harley!

Charles said 'My girlfriend does a fantastic Harley and I think she would really love to be surprised with a post on your blog.'

SURPRIIIISSSSE!!!!

Miramay makes a fantastic Harley Quinn indeed. Your Joker ain't half-bad either, Charles.

It ain't half good, but it ain't half bad!

HAW HAW HAW! (Just kidding Charles. Don't shoot!)

Charles also added that they met at a convention and '...both really love the characters but had never cosplayed them because so many do. We went way out of our way to build things we had never seen done, including her hammer, which is 4" around, 5" long, and 7" tall.'

These cosplay pics were taken at Magfest and Katsucon.

Charles and Miramay are from the DC area and according to Charles they are working on other related costumes.

I'm pretty sure the collaboration process looks exactly like the pic above!

Thanks to Charles for sending along these pics for today's Harley Qwednesday.

And be sure to check out more of Miramay at her Facebook page.