Playmobil Catwoman 2.0

Until the official unofficial Playmobil Catwoman comes out in Fi?ures Series 9 I have to be content with my custom Playmobil Catwoman creations. But never content, I had to update my Catwoman from her previous version to this new version upon obtaining a few new pieces I borrowed from the Fi?ures Series 8 burgler.

I changed out her hair with a piece which (along with her legs) came from Aeon Flux. Her torso is from Lara Croft, and her head is the same as the one that came with the burgler (although this one came from a previous release - some sort of space superhero somesuch. I don't remember, but I try to nab domino masked Playmobil headed figures whenever I can for my Harley Quinn customs, which is why I nabbed this one) and I gave her the burgler's jacket and bag of stolen goods/robber tools. I also gave her the lasso from a recent Cowgirl to emulate her whip. Not sure which random figure the arms or gloves come from, but who can keep track anyways?

Although I still haven't solved the riddle of how to give her cat-ears, I haven't really given it much effort either. I'm sure construction paper or something like that would work just fine if I tried. As it stands, she's a solid kitbash custom, and with the addition of the official Catwoman mask when it's released along with Series 9 (painted black of course) she'll be phenomenal!

Imaginext Robin...and friend!

This Imaginext Robin was recently released with the latest incarnation Imaginext Batcave. I already have one Robin with this sculpt, which was released in Tim Drake red and black with the Toys R Us exclusive Robin Mech Suit. This Robin is most likely meant to be Tim Drake too, but since I already have Tim (and Dick as Nightwing) I will consider this Robin to be Jason Todd.

The bat originally came with the Gorilla Mountain jungle set I do believe, but we didn't already have him so I couldn't pass up the chance to add him to my Imaginext Batman stuff.

I'll never shut up about how much I hate the 'no capes' rule Imaginext has for their Robins. But this is a beautiful sculpt. The more traditional colors here don't do it as much justice as the black/red version, but they still look great.

The bat is just plain cute. I love him!

'Cape envy!'

I did mention this was Jason Todd, right?

Joker is wielding a crowbar that came with a Playmobil Fi?ures series 8 burgler. Man I love Playmobil accessories! Jason Todd doesn't agree.

Flea Market Finds

I don't usually go to the flea market on Sundays. I prefer the smaller scale, less pressure Saturday trips. But I found myself completely on my own yesterday and decided 'what the heck.' It was crowded, and vendors tend to be less fond of making deals on Sundays, but it turned out to be totally worth it!

I'm apparently on a roll with the 2007 CGI TMNT animated movie action figures, having found Karai to add to the Casey, April and Foot Ninja from a couple weeks back. Still no sign of the Turtles themselves though! I also found 'Gen' who's action figure is from the 2004 TMNT cartoon, but the character is from the Usagi Yojimbo comics (which I absolutely love!) The figure has a terrible action feature (more on that later) but I have wanted this figure ever since I read Usagi Yojimbo and learned of this figures existence (long after he had been on the toy store shelves.)

I bought the Imaginext parrot and toucan because they were bagged with the Imaginext bat. My intern will have to absorb those into her Imaginext jungle collection (even though she already has them) and the bat will hang out (haha get it?) with the Batman themed Imaginext stuff we have all over the place. I also found one half of the Teen Titans team 'Mas and Menos.' I found Mas. Now I will forever be on the hunt for Menos, but had I passed on Mas I would probably find ten Menoses in the next three days. That's how things go.

Then there's this newer Imaginext Robin. I already have this sculpt which came with his Mech Suit, but their costumes are colored differently, so this one can be Jason Todd. I still hate the fact that he doesn't have a cape, but I do like this sculpt.

Finally, a toddler Donatello staff. I already have one of these (what I need are toddler Leo and toddler Raph's weapons) but you don't see this stuff often so I grabbed it. And then there's Cyborg's robot hand from Teen Titans. This must have been an accessory or perhaps part of a figurine set. Whichever the case, it's pretty awesome.

Playmobil Fi?ures Series 8 Gladiatrix

I found a box of Playmobil Fi?ures Series 8 at my local Toys R Us - a historically unreliable Playmobil source - and was able to squeeze (there is no 'code' or secret way to decipher what's inside) my way to the one figure I truly wanted: The Gladiatrix (or possibly Amazonian Warrior):

I would have originally argued that she's a Gladiatrix, but now that I have her in hand I have to lean more towards Amazonian Warrior. She just comes across as more of a seasoned battle veteran than an indentured fighter. But honestly she could go either way. She comes with that massive shield (I am pretty sure she's holding it correctly, that is how she's shown holding it in the packaging insert.) the style of which I have never seen in Playmobil form. Any weapons experts out there care to educate us as to this shield style's origins?

She also comes with a long sword and her Roman style helmet which reminds me of Marvin the Martian. Isn't that delightful, hmmm?

And in case things get real ugly, she comes with a dagger holstered to the back of her loin cloth.

Everything about this Amazonian Warrior is awesome - especially her tattoo and angry expression. This is not a woman you want to mess with!

Ultraman Zero

I know little about Ultraman and other Japanese characters but I do know I love me some Japanese characters.

When I was in early Elementary School, I had a couple neighbor friends whose mother was Japanese, and their family would mail them so many cool vinyl action figures. They were essentially as basic as the then standard Star Wars 5-POA but were a little bit larger and represented so manny weird and wonderful looking aliens and robots. At the time I knew...Godzilla. And that was about it (besides other giant monsters appearing in Godzilla flicks.)

Anyways, now I am an adult but any time I see a toy that represents that basic Japanese vinyl aesthetic I flip and want it - especially when it costs less than a buck!

Other than some Japanese script, on the foot of this guy is written 'Bandai 2009' so I was able to discover he is 'Ultraman Zero.' I don't know what that means in the Ultraman universe and I don't care. He's awesome.

That's it.

Imaginext Zod and Robin Motorcycle

Two different thrift/consignment store trips last weekend yielded this Imaginext Robin Motorcycle and an Imaginext General Zod!

Zod came with a Superman playset which I was never going to purchase as I generally don't get the playsets and am not collecting Superman specific Imaginext stuff. But getting General Zod for a buck was something I couldn't say 'no' to!

General Zod is based on the Man of Steel movie, and his costume (which is just sloppin' over with detail!) reflects Michael Shannon's Zod costume (once he was on Earth) nicely, yet the face doesn't really look anything like Michael Shannon. He really needs some facial hair.

Otherwise it's cool to have an Imaginext General Zod as he is one of the primary and most iconic Superman villains, and any (cheap) Imaginext badguy is always welcome in my collection!

At a later stop I found the Robin-cycle for fifty cents. This cycle was repainted multiple times throughout it's Imaginext history, this time reflecting the red and green of Robin's classic costume.

I only have one Imaginext Robin and he's already piloting his Mech Suit, but I am sure I will end up with another Imaginext Robin someday, so I couldn't walk away from this sweet ride!

1966 Batmobile Kiddie Ride

I recently spotted this 1966 Batmobile coin operated Kiddie Ride outside a K-Mart in Salinas, California. I am pretty sure this is the same machine I spotted a couple years ago outside a K-Mart in Watsonville California. What is it about K-Marts and these silly coin-op kiddie rides? They seem to go together like, well, K-Mart and aisles that look like they were hit by a tornado. But K-Marts have always had these kiddie rides in front of them for as long as I can remember - ever since I was a wee lad riding on them myself.

Anyways, I don't make it to either K-Mart location very often, but when I saw this Batmobile ride in Watsonville I had hoped I could get my intern over to ride on it. Sadly by the time I got back that way again it was gone.

Now it's in Salinas, and again I did not have my intern with me. I did however have a camera.

I also lucked out, because while I was getting ready to take the pictures a couple with a baby stopped at it and plunked in the fifty cents so junior could take it for a spin. I was nearly as excited as the kid (ok, I was more excited) when I discovered that when the ride kicks in it also plays the Batman TV theme song!

Holy two-bits, Batman!

I want this thing in my living room.

Imaginext Patrick and Spongebob

A recent trip to the flea market resulted in a couple residents of Bikini Bottom coming home with me. Patrick Star...

And Spongebob Squarepants.

I'm not generally a fan of the Spongebob cartoon, but I do love me some Imaginext and these guys are pretty cute and fun, especially when they aren't speaking.

And besides, my Intern likes them. Here they are joining April O'Neil and a LEGO policeman for ADVENTURES!

Mysterious Rocket J. Squirrel Figure

The other day I picked up this Rocket J. Squirrel figure from the flea market, pulling him out of a pile of random toys with no context as to his origins, and I have yet to discover where he came from. He's clearly old - pre 80s at least, but he has no markings on him whatsoever so tracking him down online has thus far proven fruitless.

Here he is next to a LEGO figure for scale. He's made of a soft rubber or vinyl as if he were a squeaky toy, but he doesn't have a squeaker.

My best guess is that he was broken off from a larger set - perhaps broken off a base that included Bullwinkle, like an electric toothbrush set or an alarm clock or some other goofy kitsch from the 60s or 70s.

Anyone have a clue?

2007 TMNT Foot Ninja

When I spotted this guy lying in a box at the flea market I thought at first that he was some sort of Snake-Eyes action figure. Upon closer examination you can tell he isn't Snake-Eyes, but I still might not have known who he was had he not been lying on top of Casey and April.

But the association made it clear he's a Foot Ninja from the 2007 cgi animated TMNT movie.

I found the Foot Ninja with his sheath attached and the hockey stick looking weapon (now arming Casey) jammed in it. It took a lot of patience (and hot water) to get the weapon dislodged, but since it probably would have been lost otherwise I won't complain. April had one of his swords in her sheath when I found her, so they will have to share.

Sadly there were no other weapons in the pile of toys, but finding these three characters and getting them all for less than three bucks was a pretty sweet score.

I really like the alien aesthetic of this Foot Ninja, and I think he's my favorite of the three.

Casey Jones :: 2007 TMNT Movie Action Figure

Along with April and the Foot Ninja, I found the 2007 TMNT Casey Jones at the flea market last weekend. He was completely accessory-less, but the Foot Ninja had this blade thing that looks looks a bit like a hockey stick, so Casey swiped it from him.

Casey pales in comparison to his original counterpart in all points but his height (why did they make this line so darn tall?!?!)

I hope to track down his mask someday, but until then I'll just consider him an unmasked variant.

Geek Fun Fact: Casey was voiced in the 2007 movie by Captain America himself, Chris Evans!

April (O'Neil) in July

Man, the 2007 TMNT cgi animated movie April O'Neil action figure is one tall drink of water!

April is decently articulated: shoulders, neck, hips, and upper arm swivels. She originally came with a handful of weapons, but this one was found with only her sheath and one sword (that originally came with the Foot Ninja.)

April was voiced by Sarah Michelle Geller in the 2007 cgi movie, which is actually pretty darn entertaining. I'm not as impressed with the character designs as I am with most other TMNT designs, but it beats the recent movie by miles!

I don't see this series of TMNT action figures very often in my second hand toy hunts, but I plan on keeping my eyes peeled for a turtle or two now that I have April (and Casey and a Foot Ninja) which I found at the flea market last weekend.

Bootleg LEGO Cyborg and Batzarro

Rounding out the six Bootleg LEGO minifigures I just picked up is this modern take on Cyborg.

this latest bootleg Cyborg comes with a gun that shoots single LEGO disc pieces. I have yet to see one of these in their offcial LEGO version but I know they have recently been popping up in some Star Wars sets.

I already own a bootleg LEGO Cyborg, but the previous one is a more classic take on Cyborg. I kind of prefer the older version as he's a bit more cartoony, but both are pretty awesome.

I also already own the official LEGO Batzarro, but this set included a bootleg LEGO Batzarro and who am I to say 'no thanks' to any version of Batzarro.

Both minifigures have two faces, and Batzarro comes with a batarang (Batzarrorang?) which is more than his official version came with!

Flea Market Haul!

I didn't make it to SDCC this year, so instead I went to my local flea market (yeah, small consolation!)

But hey, I did at least come away with a handful of fun toys to be reviewed more closely (or not) in the coming weeks.

Starting from the top:

Battle Cat. He's a little scuffed up but isn't broken or chipped, and for a dollar I can't pass up a Battle Cat even if he's sans armor.

Middle row:

Spongebob and Patrick Imaginext figures. I hate the Spongebob cartoon - mostly because his voice makes me want to kick puppies. But I like the character designs and the Imaginext aesthetic, and for a quarter each, I couldn't say 'no.' They will either be absorbed into my intern's collection or be traded off anyways.

April O'Neil, Foot Ninja and Casey Jones from the 2007 TMNT CGI animated flick. It's funny that exactly one week ago John of Robot Monster Space Superhero posted his score of a complete TMNT Casey Jones and today I find three figures from the line, including Casey! Sadly mine is missing his hockey mask, but I will just consider him an unmasked variant until I can get my hands on his mask.

Bottom row:

A rubbery (possibly squeak toy) Rocket J. Squirrel. I need to do some digging to find out the details on this guy, what he is and when he's from, but he's old (at least from the 70s I reckon) and I do love me some Rocky the Flying Squirrel!

Next are three LEGO minifigures. Obi Wan (sans hair, but that's ok, I have a grey hairpiece somewhere) and a couple random characters, one with a female head which are always a plus.

And last nut not least, Minnie Mouse as Princess Leia. My intern was way less interested in this figure than I expected her to be, but then again she had just gotten herself a Cinderella doll when I spotted this one.

Not a bad haul - and I got it (and my intern's Cinderella doll) all for less than ten bucks!

But still, I'd rather be at SDCC. Oh well, maybe next year!

Bootleg LEGO Hawkman

Another bootleg figure included in my recent bootleg LEGO minifigure acquisition is Hawkman! Like the official LEGO version, Hawkman comes with two set of thin plastic wings. 'Wings in' and...

...'wings out.' The material in the bootleg's case at least is very thin and tends to curl up and not hold a flat form. I doubt official LEGO Hawkman wings do that but I have yet to experience them in person to confirm. Regardless, bootleg Hawkman is pretty nice for the price. Hawkman has two faces: angry and normal, and also comes with a morningstar.

Harley Qwednesday :: Happy Birthday Margot Robbie!

Upcoming live-action 'Harley Quinn' Margot Robbie celebrated her 25th birthday on July 2nd, and she was surprised with a 'Suicide Squad' on-set celebration which included a Harley Quinn themed cake!

No word on whether or not the candles exploded when lit.

Happy Birthday Margot!

via Margot Robbie on Instagram.

Bootleg LEGO Supergirl, Superman and Brainiac

I picked up another batch of Bootleg LEGO minifigures off eBay in order to get my hands on a Supergirl minifigure. Supergirl is currently officially available from LEGO in a set along with Superman and Brainiac (and Brainiac's spaceship.) It's an awesome looking set that I'd love to own, but for the 'pennies on the dollar' cost of these bootlegs I couldn't resist grabbing them now even if I someday have the real thing.

Of note on this latest wave of bootlegs: Supergirl's torso is sculpted with 'hips.' Something the bootleggers have taken it upon themselves to add. This type of design decision fascinates me, because the bootleggers could just straight across rip-off LEGO (and do,) yet every now and then they throw something in that they thought of entirely on their own. Those sillies!

The bootleggers also included those new jumping bases that LEGO has introduced this year. They're kind of lame but for flying figures they do give you a nice little 'invisible' base to pose them on.

Both Supergirl and Superman have two faces, 'normal' and 'heat-vision.'

And then there's Brainiac. Bootleg Brainiac comes with a cool Kryptonite gun.

Brainiac does not have dual faces but they did print those...USB ports?...on the back of his head.

As always the cape quality is lower than regulation LEGO, and the plastic is slightly lighter. But if your not playing with these things too heavily you just can't go wrong for the price.

Tim Mee Summer 2015 Reissues

The fine folks at VictoryBuy just sent over some packs of their latest Tim Mee reissues, so let's take a gander at all the retro plastic goodness!

TimMee Toy Tanks for Plastic Army Men: Tan WW2 3pc - Made in USA

Tank Command Desert Division. Three sweet tan tanks - I swear I had dozens of these when I was a kid. These things pair perfectly with Little Green Army Men, Hot Wheels, LEGO etc. I had hundreds of sandbox battles with similar tanks when I was a wee lad.

TimMee Combat Patrol: Green 4 Piece Playset - Made in USA

Combat Patrol Army Vehicles and Artillery. Two Jeeps with towable cannons. Oh man, these Jeeps were always my favorite go-to battle vehicles. They may not have been heavily armed (although the cannon makes up for that) but they were always fast and maneuverable.

Tim Mee People Play Figures: Green and Putty Color 24pc Playset - Made in USA

People at Play Atomic Family Figurines. These have nothing to do with the military theme of the other two sets, but sometimes civilians need rescuing, or are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. BOOM!

When I first opened the box from VictoryBuy I assumed my intern would take to the family figurines. But she was way more into the tanks.

You think you know someone.

Of course Batman had to bring in his friends to stop the evil tanks, not to mention his own anti-tank Batmobile (ala the Arkham Knight video game.)

The tanks come with a simple sticker sheet with serial numbers and stars to add a bit of detail to their monocolored bodies.

There are no actual wheels, but of course the turrets rotate.

The tanks look great alongside LEGO (and BootLEGO) minifigures!

Supergirl says "The party's over!"

The Jeeps/cannons also come with the same sticker sheet to add stars and serial numbers. They look better against the green plastic than against the tan. The Jeeps roll beautifully and I really love these little military vehicles. Like their real world counterparts, they are so versatile and unstoppable!

The artillery cannon links to the Jeep easily and stays attached while hauling ass across the carpet or couch.

The seats are the perfect size for LEGO minifigures, although there's nothing to keep them from flying out of their seat when maneuvering.

But you could easily rectify that by using tape or improvising a seatbelt or something.

"What my cousin said!"

The People at Play set comes with a whole mid-century family in green and tan, and is a lot of retro kitsch fun. First up is Dad with his pipe and hammer. Or maybe this is a homicidal maniac. Your call.

Next up is little brother playing fetch with the family dog. Unless the dog can throw it back, the catcher's mitt is overkill.

Cheerleader sister. Or some gal super excited to have gotten a pair of afro wigs for Christmas.

Older brother with football. He's a good sport.

Jump roping little sister with stereotypical cat getting too close for his own safety.

And finally, Mom with trowel and pot. Moms love gardening!

Thanks again to VictoryBuy for these great review samples. You can pick up any or all of these brand new sets at the links below:

Tim Mee People Play Figures: Green and Putty Color 24pc Playset - Made in USA
TimMee Combat Patrol: Green 4 Piece Playset - Made in USA
TimMee Toy Tanks for Plastic Army Men: Tan WW2 3pc - Made in USA