Categories
Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

BLUE BEETLE/TED KORD (2009 DC UNIVERSE CLASSICS/MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

In 2009, Mattel released Ted Kord’s Blue Beetle in 6-inch form for Wave 7 of its DC Universe Classics series.  His costume is completely painted on, though his partially transparent plastic yellow goggles are securely attached.  The figure’s articulation points are: 1. His head nods and swivels a full 360-degrees.  2.  With surprisingly good mobility, his arms bend well, as his wrists can do 360-degree rotations.  3. His torso allows him to bend forward and backwards.  He can also spin his upper body or lower body a full 360-degrees at the torso.  4. His nimble legs can spread out and will bend at the knees and ankles.  His lower legs swivel a full 360-degrees from a spot between the quads and kneecaps.  5.  The bottom of his feet have peg holes for any display stands he might fit on, though none are included with the figure.  Also, if properly positioned, this Blue Beetle can indefinitely retain a standing display pose.      

Notes: While the Blue Beetle dates back to the early Golden Age, Ted Kord’s Silver Age Beetle was created in 1966 at Charlton Comics by artist Steve Ditko (Spider-Man’s co-creator). Having eventually acquired several of Charlton’s assets, DC Comics re-introduced Kord’s Beetle (along with Captain Atom, Nightshade, and the Question) to modern readers as belonging to its ‘Earth-4’ in the epic 1985-86 series, Crisis on Infinite Earths.        

REVIEW:

Considering the complexity of his costume, Mattel does a solid job with this Blue Beetle, down to his trademark yellow goggles.  This surprisingly durable Blue Beetle makes a perfect fit for either play time punching out imaginary crooks or for the display case.  Almost everything a collector (including a top-caliber paint job) could want with this figure is here.  The sole downside is that his generic buff molding doesn’t match Ted Kord’s everyman comic book physique.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Although it’s not shown below, his weapon-of-choice is a sophisticated blaster gun that resembles a glorified blow dryer.  For the ‘Build-an Atom Smasher’ figure, Blue Beetle comes with one of its various components. 

PACKAGING:

Mattel does a commendable job packaging Blue Beetle.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:            8 Stars

Categories
DC-Related Party Games & Playing Cards Toys & Games

BATMAN ‘HEROES’ PLAYING CARDS (by Aquarius)

SUMMARY:

Produced by Aquarius, this licensed standard-size deck of playing cards celebrates Batman and his closest allies: four different Robins (Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, & Carrie Kelley); Huntress; Catwoman; Batgirl (Barbara Gordon); Nightwing; & Batwoman (the original Kathy Kane & the contemporary Kate Kane).  However, the ever-loyal Alfred isn’t included.  The cards depict these Bat-heroes in various poses (the majority are close-ups) in a combination of contemporary visuals and nostalgic imagery dating back various eras to the Golden Age.  Pursuant to the ‘Heroes’ theme, none of Batman’s villains crash this party. 

Note: Aquarius also offers other Batman decks.

REVIEW:

For Bat-aficionados, it’s a terrific gimmick.  Still, it’s odd seeing Batman represent both Joker cards instead of his arch-nemesis or even in a shared pose with the Clown Prince of Crime.  The only potential downside is that these glossy cards can be a bit slippery to grasp, making their long-term durability questionable.  Re: kid-friendliness, a risqué image lifted from the New 52’s Catwoman # 1 cover may raise parental eyebrows re: Catwoman’s sultry pose.  Slickly reproducing images of Batman and his Bat-friends, this novelty card deck, otherwise, is a treat for contemporary Batman fans.     

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            8 Stars

Categories
Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

FRANK GORSHIN AS 1966 RIDDLER (2013 MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

Produced by Mattel, this limited-edition figure was released in approximately 2013 — prior to the 1966-68 TV series’ fiftieth anniversary.  This 6-inch baddier represents Frank Gorshin’s likeness as the quirky and conniving Riddler.  All the trademark costume details are present, down to the black question marks adorning his light green bodysuit. 

In terms of articulation: 1. Riddler can turn his head only slightly left or right.  2. The arms have 360-degree rotations, as do his wrists.  3. His sash-covered waist also turns his upper body or lower-body a full 360-degrees.  4. His torso slightly bends, which creates the effect of the Riddler staring down or hunched over.  5.  The elbows, knees, and ankles are jointed for additional mobility.  6. The arms and legs are relatively nimble to simulate running (even the splits), swimming, sitting, or escaping the Caped Crusaders.  7. For display stands it might fit, this Riddler has the necessary peg holes in the bottom of his skinny olive green slippers.    

REVIEW:

Among this figure’s welcome assets are the flexible elbow and knee joints (though still consistent with the figure’s slim physique) that prove pretty sturdy.  A bonus is that this Riddler matches Gorshin’s classic look, as there are so few Riddler action figures available.  With that in mind, this Riddler can easily stand up in long-term display poses.  For nostalgia collectors, it’s been a long wait re: quality Batman 1966 merchandise, and this novelty figure’s faithful look justifies its place in any Bat-collection.  All that is missing is Gorshin’s playful Riddler cackling.         

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

An extra is a collector’s trading card.  Research indicates that the figure also evidently comes packed with an exclusive display stand, though this reviewer doesn’t recall seeing one in its box. 

PACKAGING:

The well-manufactured box is adorned by the TV series’ colorful imagery.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars

Categories
Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

ADAM WEST AS 1966 BATMAN (2013 MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

Produced by Mattel, this limited-edition figure was released in approximately 2013 — prior to the 1966-68 TV series’ fiftieth anniversary.  This 6-inch figure represents Adam West’s distinctive likeness as the iconic Caped Crusader.  All the trademark costume details are present, down to the squiggly light blue eyebrows on the darker blue mask.  A matching dark blue fabric cape attached to his neck can be adjusted as necessary. 

In terms of articulation: 1. Batman can nod and turn his head slightly left or right.  2. The arms have 360-degree rotations, as do his wrists.  His waist also turns 360-degrees below the utility belt.  3. His torso slightly bends, which creates the effect of Batman staring down or hunched over.  4.  The elbows, knees, and ankles are jointed for additional mobility.  5. The arms and legs are relatively nimble to simulate running (even the splits), swimming, sitting, or even some Bat-climbing action.  6. For display stands it might fit, this Batman has the necessary peg holes in the bottom of his skinny feet.    

Trivia Note: West’s TV series popularized Batman’s yellow-and-black bat insignia, which had recently been introduced by DC Comics. 

REVIEW:

As impressive as this figure is (at first glance), the obvious concern are its flimsy elbow and knee joints, which matches the figure’s disappointingly lightweight frame.  If this Batman’s easily-breakable joints had been made even a little thicker, the odds of long-term durability would improve before it’s time for super-glue.  Otherwise, as its packaging states, this figure isn’t built for kiddie playtime.  At least, this Batman can easily stand up in long-term display poses.  For nostalgia collectors, it’s been a long wait re: quality Batman 1966 merchandise, and this novelty figure’s faithful look justifies its place in any Bat-collection.       

Note: A fun variant exists — it’s the wacky ‘Surf’s Up’ Batman sporting a pair of colorful yellow-and-white Bermuda shorts over his Bat-costume, along with a surfboard accessory to go catch some Bat-waves.  Further, this Batman and Burt Ward’s Robin were also released as a hard-to-find deluxe set with a Mattel Batmobile.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

An extra is a collector’s trading card.  Research indicates that the figure also evidently comes packed with an exclusive display stand, though this reviewer doesn’t recall seeing one in its box. 

PACKAGING:

The well-manufactured box includes an image of the Dynamic Duo in their familiar Bat-climbing pose upside a Gotham City skyscraper.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars

Categories
Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS’ BATMAN (2006 DC DIRECT ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Direct in 2006, this Batman appeared as a Wave 3 entry in its action figure line commemorating 1985-86’s twelve-issue Crisis on Infinite Earths series. 

Including a blue rubber Bat-cape and yellow rubber utility belt (both firmly attached), this approximately 7.5-inch Batman recreates his classic mid-1980’s look.  The figure has limited articulation.  Specifically: 1. His head swivels a full 360-degrees.  2. The arms and elbow joints have decent mobility, but his gloved forearms will rotate the full 360.  3.  His upper body bends slightly.  4. Despite slightly stiff knee joints, his legs can simulate some walking, running, and kicking poses.  5. There is a single peg in his right boot heel to attach the figure to a display stand (which is included).  Even so, the figure stands up easily enough without this base.     

Note: In a twist of irony, Batman has a shockingly minor role in Crisis on Infinite Earths, in comparison to other characters represented in this action figure series.

REVIEW:

Including a flawless paint job, DC Direct’s production values are high-caliber rendering this Batman.  However, for  practical purposes, this figure is a slightly bendable statue vs. an actual toy.  Its limbs are just far too stiff for a child to get much, if any, enjoyment out of it during playtime.  Accordingly, the figure best serves as a cool display option for Bat-fans. The Crisis-titled display stand provided is adequate, but, due to its small size/shape, it doesn’t stop the figure from being toppled over easily enough.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In the original packaging, Batman comes with the aforementioned display stand, as well as a black batarang. 

PACKAGING:

DC Direct’s compact packaging is effective by neatly conveying the retro-Crisis theme.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:          6½ Stars

Categories
DC-Related Party Games & Playing Cards Toys & Games

GREEN LANTERN RETRO PLAYING CARDS (by Aquarius)

SUMMARY:

Produced by Aquarius, this licensed standard-size deck of playing cards celebrates Green Lantern.  The vast majority of the cards depict Hal Jordan’s classic Green Lantern in various poses or close-ups.  Images of several of Hal’s best-known covers (including vintage appearances for Justice League of America and the original Brave and the Bold) appear.  Golden Age cover images of Alan Scott’s Green Lantern stand in on five cards for Hal.  Alan Scott and Hal Jordan also share a 1960’s Justice League cover image.  One cover image features Green Lantern John Stewart from the 1970’s.  Otherwise, the Green Lantern Corps (i.e. Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner, Jade, Kilowog, and Abin Sur) isn’t represented in this deck.  The two ‘joker’ cards depict Hal Jordan vs. his arch-nemesis, Sinestro.

Note: Aquarius also offers a separate Green Lantern deck starring a 21st Century Hal Jordan.

REVIEW:

Assuming one isn’t distracted by all the emerald imagery, this kid-friendly deck works fine for any ordinary game of cards.  The downside is that these glossy cards are a bit slippery to handle and will likely wear down faster from repetitive use.  Slickly reproducing images of Hal Jordan, Alan Scott, and John Stewart, this novelty card deck proves a classic Green Lantern fan’s delight.     

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             7½ Stars

Categories
DC-Related Decorations Plushies Toys & Games

HAL JORDAN/GREEN LANTERN (FUNKO PLUSHIE)

SUMMARY:

From Funko comes this 7-inch plushie of Hal Jordan as Green Lantern.  His lantern insignia and power ring are tightly-secured adhesives.  His white Funko-style button eyes are also tightly-secured.   

REVIEW:

Its likeness of Green Lantern is terrific.  This well-manufactured plushie’s stitchery at the neck, back, wrists, fingers, and ankles is virtually invisible, as it blends into Green Lantern’s costume.  It appears that the plushie could be gently hand-washed with a damp rag.  However, its fabric noticeably attracts lint fast.  Still, this relatively durable Green Lantern makes a wonderful shelf or desk decoration.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8½ Stars

Categories
DC-Related Dolls, Statues, & Busts Toys & Games

SIDESHOW’S ZATANNA ZATARA (STATUE)

SUMMARY:

Released by Sideshow Collectibles in 2018, this limited-edition Zatanna Zatara statue (including a circular stage-like base) is approximately two feet tall and weighs twelve pounds.  Tipping her top hat, the Justice League’s Mistress of Magic slyly conceals a wand and a trio of playing cards behind her back. 

Please note that Zatanna’s statue must be semi-assembled.  Specifically, her head and her separate hands are carefully packaged in the box and require attachment to the statue (at least, it’s easy to do).  The statue (along with its deluxe upgrade: a white rabbit) must be inserted onto the sturdy support base.  

REVIEW:

Minus her excessive ‘eye shadow,’ this Zatanna statue’s production qualities are superb.  The product exactly matches its promotional photo. 

Specifically, in addition to the spot-on facial features, her attire’s painted portions (her black top hat and knicker shorts, as well as her gleaming black patent leather pumps) seamlessly blend with her shimmery, real black fabric tailcoat; a white fabric vest; and actual black fishnet stockings.  Complete with a deluxe packing box (as seen below), it meets all expectations for a Sideshow Collectibles statue. 

One should still keep in mind that this towering statue won’t fit on an average shelf with similar collectibles.  Considering the hazards of accidental damage, an ideal display location may be either an encased cabinet or atop a tall bookcase that is out of reach from children and pets.  Ultimately, Sideshow’s Zatanna Zatara proves a dazzling gem for her fans and/or statue collectors.        

BONUS FEATURES:

As mentioned, this statue’s ‘exclusive’ upgrade is a magician’s white rabbit.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      10 Stars

Note: Seen below in Photo # 3 is a height comparison between this two-foot Zatanna statue standing on its base and Tonner’s 16-inch Zatanna doll to demonstrate the potential display location dilemma. 

Categories
DC-Related Dolls, Statues, & Busts Toys & Games

TONNER’S ZATANNA ZATARA (DOLL)

SUMMARY:

The Tonner Company produces high-end, limited edition porcelain dolls.  Among the DC Comics characters it has depicted is the Justice League’s sultry, backwards spell-casting sorceress, Zatanna Zatara. 

REVIEW:

Tonner’s 16-inch tall Zatanna is impressively elegant!  Exactly matching its promotional photo, this doll has attractively faint blue eyes; shimmery, faux long jet black hair (that can be brushed like a Barbie); and a pleasant facial expression.

Her stage magician’s black-and-white ensemble is spot-on.  The black items consist of a felt-like top hat (with a clear elastic chinstrap); a shimmery tuxedo tailcoat (with white interior); and silky knicker shorts.  Further included are real black fishnet stockings; and a pair of gleaming faux black patent leather pumps.  The silky white clothing includes a button-up corset; gloves; and an over-sized bowtie. 

As her clothing accessories are carefully packaged in twist-tied plastic bags, please note that this doll must be partially dressed once received.  Still, her stylish packaging box is well-designed to protect its contents.   

In terms of posing options, this doll possesses minimal articulation points.  However, they are sufficient to set up some basic display poses.  Though the fingers are inseparable, her wrists can be tilted slightly.  Her arms and legs don’t bend much, but there is some flexibility to provide the doll wider stances. 

One should also keep in mind that this towering doll won’t fit on an average shelf with other dolls or action figures.  Considering the hazards of accidental damage, an ideal display location may be an encased cabinet or atop a tall bookcase that is out of reach from children and pets.  To the company’s credit, Tonner’s Zatanna is a masterpiece for fans and/or doll collectors.        

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The well-designed display base’s pole utilizes a thin, metallic C-shaped hook that unobtrusively latches on to Zatanna’s waist, firmly holding the doll in place.  Otherwise, this doll isn’t issued with any stage props. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  10 Stars

Categories
Art & History Collector's Magazines DC-Related Movies & Television (Books)

SUPERMAN: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE MOVIES, TV SHOWS, COMICS, & MORE (2018)

SUMMARY:

Released in mid-2018 by Centennial Legends’ Hollywood Spotlight series, this 98-page collector’s edition extravaganza celebrates the Man of Steel’s 80th Anniversary.  Illustrated by images from the films, TV shows, and cartoons, this homage reviews the following:

  • Superman’s existence as the first and greatest super-hero;
  • The concept and development of the character;
  • The co-creators: writer Jerry Siegel & artist Joe Shuster;
  • Comics;
  • Cartoons;
  • Superman’s supporting cast (and its revolving door of actors);
  • Evolution of Superman’s costume;
  • Villains;
  • The Fortress of Solitude;
  • Superman’s history on television (including Lois & Clark and Smallville)
  • Various actors;
  • Superman’s movies;
  • Merchandising;
  • Other Projects (radio shows, books, the musical, etc.)
  • Cultural impact; and
  • An eighty-year timeline.  

REVIEW:

The writers wisely don’t bog the audience down with either serious depth or analyzing Superman’s often-convoluted comic storylines.  Instead, it works best as a solid overview for new fans or even a welcome recap for long-time Super-fans. 

Its few factual missteps (i.e. claiming there wasn’t a Superman cartoon series between the canceled Super Friends of the mid-80’s to the mid-90’s Superman: The Animated Series) are frankly easy to miss.  For what this one-shot issue is meant for, it’s a classy tribute to the Superman phenomenon. 

Note: The cartoon series not recognized is the short-lived 1988 Ruby-Spears version for CBS Saturday morning television, as it was timed to capitalize on the Man of Steel’s then-50th Anniversary. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to a helpful table of contents, this magazine’s assortment of photo stills is mighty impressive  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars