Category: Marvel Comics

SPIDER-MAN AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS’ FIRESTAR (Toy Biz Action Figure)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in either 1996 or 1998 by Toy Biz, this 5-inch Firestar figure is likely the first toy representing the mutant heroine from the early 1980’s Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends animated TV series. The figure was evidently a prize for a contest held through the now-defunct Wizard Magazine.

Recreating the character’s TV look, the figure’s articulation consists of 360-degree rotation of the arms, and the ability to move the arms and legs back and forth. However, due to her molded hair, Firestar’s head doesn’t turn. Small silver screws seen on its shoulder, elbow, and knee joints add some extra bending flexibility. When positioned straight, the figure will stand for display poses.

REVIEW:

Re: Angelica “Firestar” Jones, this sturdy figure makes a solid compromise between the small 3.75-inch Marvel figures and the standard 6-inch Marvel Legends. Her paint job (including the flame-accented gloves and boots) is undemanding but effective. Short of the excellent 2021 Marvel Legends Firestar (in her original costume, no less), this Toy Biz version is the next best thing for her fans. At the very least, this first Firestar figure retains a nostalgic charm beyond its Happy Meal toy look.

Note: Firestar, again in her original costume, has been released in 3.75 inch form with Spider-Man & Iceman in a Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends three-pack.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Unknown. Firestar’s feet have large peg holes, but there isn’t any indication that the figure came with a display base.

PACKAGING:

When purchased via auction, the figure came only in a sealed transparent plastic baggie. Otherwise, whatever packaging Toy Biz may have included is unknown.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

BULLSEYE (2005 MARVEL LEGENDS/TOY BIZ ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in Toy Biz’s 2005 “Build-A-Galactus” Marvel Legends series, this 6-inch Bullseye figure likely represents the villainous assassin’s first incarnation as a toy.

His white utility belt and leg holster are tightly-secured rubber attachments. Its articulation points include: 1. The head nods and can swivel a full 360-degree rotation. 2. Bending at the elbows, the arms can rotate a full 360-degrees. 3. The lower arms can also do a full 360-degree swivel. 4. The wrists and hands (minus his thumbs) have remarkable flexibility. 5. His upper body does a full 360-degree swivel and can bend slightly backwards and forwards at the torso. 6. The legs can also swivel a full 360-degrees. 7. The knees bend, as do the upper portion of his boots. 8. When properly positioned, the figure can stand indefinitely in display poses. The bottom of his feet include peg holes for display stands he will fit on, though none are included for the figure.

Note: Bullseye’s variant figure is menacingly sneering, with his eerie white teeth visible.

REVIEW:

Depicting Daredevil’s most dangerous adversary, Toy Biz’s solid effort is complete, down to his corpulent-looking sneer. Beyond the stellar black (or dark, dark blue)-and-white paint job and a spot-on face, what’s remarkable about the figure is its flexibility. Still, Bulleye’s elbow and knee joints are also the figure’s potential weak spots. These joints aren’t so much flimsy, as they are the most likely parts to someday require some super-glue. Provided Bullseye is handled with reasonable care, this Marvel Legend is a worthwhile addition to the villains’ gallery of any figure collection.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

No weapon accessories (i.e. playing cards) are included. Instead, a full-length (32 pages) reprint of Daredevil # 132 featuring one of the Man Without Fear’s pivotal showdowns vs. Bullseye is enclosed in a sealed plastic bag. For the “Build-Your-Own-Galactus” figure, Bullseye comes packaged with the left leg component.

PACKAGING:

Toy Biz does an excellent job promoting the figure in its nicely-manufactured box.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

FANTASTIC FOUR’S THING (2007 HASBRO ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2007 for Hasbro’s short-lived Fantastic Four spin-off line from Marvel Legends, this 6-inch Ben “The Thing” Grimm comes wearing his blue boxer (with white waistband) trunks.

REVIEW:

Due to its bulky wide frame, this super-sturdy, bright orange Thing is heavier than an average 6-inch figure. Its limited articulation isn’t surprising, but some of the articulation points are unique. 1. The tortoise-like head can only turn slightly right and left. 2. The arms have 360-degree rotations, and can extend horizontally and vertically. However, there aren’t any elbow joints to bend. Although his thumbs don’t bend, his individual three fingers on both hands oddly have mobility. 3. His waist rotates a full 360-degrees. 4. His legs also rotates a full 360-degrees. Though there aren’t any knee joints to bend, his four toes on each feet bend together.

With some effort, this Thing can manage a standing pose (recommendation: turn his legs so his feet are slightly sideways), though he will appear slightly hunched over. As a reasonable bonus, the figure has display base peg holes in the bottom of his feet for bases it might fit on. Though this cartoon-style Thing won’t surpass its Marvel Legend counterpart’s production quality, Hasbro’s version is still a good choice for fans seeking Ben Grimm as an action figure. Further, it’s something of a redemption, as compared to Hasbro’s awful Invisible Woman figure from this same series.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

It’s packaged with a head and helmet component as part of the 1-of-8 Build-a-Ronan the Accuser figure.

PACKAGING:

The packaging solidly protects the figure, but Hasbro’s Marvel decorations are hardly remarkable.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

FANTASTIC FOUR’S INVISIBLE WOMAN (2007 HASBRO ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2007 for Hasbro’s short-lived Fantastic Four spin-off line from Marvel Legends, this 6-inch Susan Storm Richards (aka “The Invisible Woman”) comes wearing a sleeveless, blue-and-white Fantastic Four outfit.

REVIEW:

It’s an obvious disappointment, as compared to her far more appealing appearances in the Marvel Legends series (especially, a recent one wearing her Silver Age light blue Fantastic Four costume that is packaged with HERBIE the robot). Though her painted costume and dark blonde hair are competently rendered, this Invisible Woman’s facial features are a dismal afterthought. From either side profile, the figure looks okay. If seen straight forward, her crummy face is readily apparent, making it the figure’s worst element.

Its limited articulation isn’t surprising, either. 1. The head can barely nod and turns slightly right and left. 2. Aided by flexible elbow joints, the arms possess 360-degree rotations. They also can extend horizontally and vertically. 3. Her wrists and forearms individually swivel a full 360-degrees. 4. Her torso twists slightly and bends forward. The torso also swivels the entire body below it. 5. Her legs can split and simulate walking. 6. The knee joints inexplicably won’t bend — with some effort, they will, but the joints look ready to snap off. 7. Her lower legs, however, can complete a full 360-degree rotation at the knee joints. 8. The flexible ankle joints actually swivel a full 360-degrees. The figure has large peg holes at the bottom of her feet for any display stands she might fit. With a little effort, this Invisible Woman can be positioned into a standing pose.

If a Marvel Legends rendition of Susan Richards isn’t readily available, then this forgettable figure might serve as a last resort.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

It’s packaged with a chest component as part of the 1-of-8 Build-a-Ronan the Accuser figure.

PACKAGING:

The packaging solidly protects the figure, but Hasbro’s Marvel decorations are hardly remarkable.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3½ Stars

Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

X-MEN’S PSYLOCKE (2006 MARVEL LEGENDS/TOY BIZ ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 25, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in Toy Biz’s 2006 “Build-A-Mojo” Marvel Legends series, this 6-inch Psylocke likely represents Elisabeth “Betsy” Braddock’s first toy incarnation. Psylocke’s navy blue costume is completely painted on except for her red sash, which is a tightly-secured rubber attachment. The articulation points include: 1. The head nods and can swivel slightly in both directions. The head rotation may be encumbered by her hair. 2. Bending at the elbows, the arms can rotate a full 360-degrees. 3. The lower arms can also do a full 360-degree swivel. 4. The wrists have decent flexibility. 5. Her upper body does a full 360-degree swivel and can bend slightly backwards and forwards at the torso. 6. The legs can also swivel a full 360-degrees. 7. The knees and ankles bend. 8. When positioned, the figure can stand indefinitely in display poses.

Underneath her hair, there is a large peg hole hollowed into Psylocke’s back, suggesting that a display stand support or perhaps an accessory can be attached there. The soles of her feet include peg holes for display stands she will fit on, though none are included.

REVIEW:

Though this Psylocke figure has relatively sturdy articulation, it’s the amateurish paint job that ruins her. Though the purplish-black hair and the costume appear spot-on at a glance, her costume’s dark blue paint will likely smudge on to her skin tone in various spots (i.e. the legs). Far worse is the sloppy facial features. Half-heartedly applied, her crummy-looking face has two squiggly black eyebrows, blue eyes, and red lipstick. The effect is that of a cheapo Barbie. It’s unfortunate that this Psylocke’s disappointing reality falls far short of its neat promo image (with the far better face).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

No weaponry is included. If in her original box, there’s a full-length (32 pages) reprint of Uncanny X-Men # 258 featuring a new Acts of Vengeance cover showcasing Psylocke enclosed in a sealed plastic bag. For the 1-of-6 “Build-Your-Own-Mojo” figure, she comes packaged with his back-lower torso-stomach component.

PACKAGING:

Toy Biz does an excellent job promoting the figure in its nicely-manufactured box.

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING: 3 Stars

Note: The Marvel Legends series has since released a newer Psylocke (through Hasbro), but this reviewer hasn’t personally seen it for comparison purposes.

Books & Novels DC-Related MARVEL-Related Reference & Science

SCIENCE OF SUPER-HEROES

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 19, 2020

Written by Lois Gresh & Robert Weinberg

SUMMARY:

Published John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in 2002, this 200-page hardcover explores the general physics and scientific reality behind the super-powers for Spider-Man; Superman; Batman; the X-Men; and several others. Playing along with acknowledged comic book explanations for their super-powers, co-authors Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg put these dubious origins under a critical microscope. In Superman’s case, the authors spell out why his powers don’t make sense, and how the Man of Steel is really a fantasy based on ‘pseudo-science.’ Following a preface and a brief review on frequently-discussed concepts, such relativity and the speed-of-light, the authors designate certain heroes to specific topics:

Re: Superman – The section discusses the supposed quasi-science justifying Superman’s vast powers; the possibility of alien visitors reaching Earth, including a history of ‘The Drake Equation;’ the possibility of Earth-like worlds; and why neither gravity nor a yellow sun could generate Superman’s powers.

Re: The Fantastic Four and the Incredible Hulk – It’s explained how cosmic rays, gamma rays, and nuclear radiation would actually ravage human beings. Included is a section describing how a ‘GFP Hulk” might hypothetically exist.

Re: Batman – The technological realities of his utility belt is analyzed, as is a well-known storyline from his comic book series: the Gotham City Earthquake.

Re: Aquaman & Sub-Mariner – This section primarily examines the possibility of humans living underwater and aquatic communication.

Re: Spider-Man – His supposedly spider-like powers are analyzed, as is the scientific possibility of cloning humans.

Re: Green Lantern – Potential sources for his power ring are examined, including black holes and white holes. It’s also revealed why yellow light really isn’t a logical reason for neutralizing his power ring.

Re: the Atom and Ant-Man / Giant Man – The realities of humans shrinking to microscopic size and expanding into giants are examined.

Re: the Flash – The numerous problems with super-speed are analyzed.

Re: the X-Men – Examining the potential for human mutation and whether or not if ‘real’ X-Men could be created is discussed.

Re: Sci-Fi Heroes (i.e. Adam Strange) – The possibilities for time travel, Earth’s destruction, and alternate realities (including ‘The Grandfather Paradox’) is analyzed.

Re: Donald Duck – How much correct science did writer Carl Barks deploy penning a quarter-century of Donald Duck comics? The answer is surprising.

REVIEW:

Though the lengthy analysis of debunking Superman is complex, this intriguing book is still a real treat for super-hero enthusiasts. It isn’t a shocker that most of the included heroes are deemed impossible (with the exception of Batman, of course). However, there are occasional lapses – i.e. re: the Flash, where the authors don’t address basic human limitations (i.e. fatigue; getting one’s body burned or ripped to shreds by friction; or the likelihood of suffering a massive heart attack), as to the impracticalities of super-speed. One can only presume the absence of stating such obvious restrictions is to make clear that, even without them, such super-powers are still pure fantasy.

Exploring other vaguely hypothetical possibilities re: Green Lantern, Aquaman, and the X-Men is certainly worth the read. The section pertaining to a possible ‘Incredible Hulk,’ for instance, is really a great ‘what-if.’ Their ‘GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) Hulk’ originates through a case of severe anabolic mega-steroid abuse and rage-induced adrenaline, with a GFP gene siphoned from a species of jellyfish. Curiously, the authors don’t mention that this wild concept really isn’t that far off from Lou Ferrigno’s TV Incredible Hulk (at least, as a less toxic substitute for gamma radiation).

For comic book aficionados and armchair physicists alike, the well-written Science of Super-Heroes is a thoughtful and very readable means of crossing the bridge between comic books and real science.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Sci-fi-horror author Dean Koontz provides an introduction. Appendix ‘A’ explains why various types of characters (i.e. magicians) weren’t selected for this book. Appendix ‘B’ is an insightful interview-discussion with writers Len Wein, Mark Wheatley, Brett Booth, Buddy Scalera, Mort Castle, and Max Allan Collins, linking real science’s importance (or lack thereof) to comic book storytelling. An index, reading list, and bibliography are all included. Mini-biographies of the authors and their acknowledgments are provided.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Art & History Books & Novels Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics Marvel Comics

THE SUPERHERO BOOK: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Comic-Book Heroes and Hollywood Heroes, 2nd Ed.

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 9, 2020

Written by Gina Misiroglu (editor); Michael Eury; Andy Mangels; Michael A. Martin; Adam McGovern; Frank Plowright; David Roach; & Peter Sanderson

SUMMARY:

Released by Visible Ink Press in 2012, this 263-page paperback offers a wide historical perspective on notable super-hero properties from the comic book industry, as well as Hollywood. In addition to expected entries on high-profile characters such as Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, The Incredibles, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Wolverine, the text examines some of Marvel and DC’s lesser-known competitors, as many of them no longer exist. Twenty letters are represented with a limited number of entries, but there aren’t any entries for “K,” “O,” “Q,” “U,” “Y,” and “Z.” Photos of vintage comic book covers and various film stills decorate this easy-to-read resource guide.

REVIEW:

A super-competent writing squad (identified by their initials per each entry) offers balanced analysis of a variety of characters and their often-convoluted histories. The concise backstories of other publishers like America’s Best Comics, Image Comics, Charlton Comics, Eclipse Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and even Archie Comics’ forays into super-heroes offer a glimpse into DC and Marvel’s various rivals.

For instance, who knew that the original Blue Beetle (courtesy of the first of his numerous independent publishers) actually bested Batman by becoming the second super-hero to score his own monthly comic after Superman? How about Lee Falk’s Phantom predating Superman as the first costumed hero? Or that DC’s gas mask-clad Sandman followed Batman as the fourth super-hero with a solo monthly title? Or, in a nod to more likely common knowledge, that the Golden Age Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner were simultaneously Marvel’s first heroes?

Considering that so many letters are skipped, one might conclude that this kid-friendly and well-decorated guidebook neglects quite a bit. Closer inspection indicates that the writers take a streamlined approach by referencing topic-related characters (i.e. second-tier members of the Avengers and the Justice League) within entries attributed to a particular super-team or with the publishing company itself. Still, Marvel’s Hawkeye, Power Man, and Iron Fist receive individual entries – yet, other major industry names (i.e. Firestorm, Zatanna, Harley Quinn, Cyborg, and Witchblade) don’t make this book’s cut. The book’s front cover hype of being an “ultimate” reference, as a result, isn’t as accurate as one might hope for.

Beyond omitting an index, the book’s only other flaw is that it is already outdated. For instance, handy information pertaining to DC’s recent slew of TV programming (i.e. Arrow; The Flash; Supergirl; and Legends of Tomorrow) and Marvel’s more current box office hits (i.e. Spider-Man: Homecoming; Ant-Man; and Doctor Strange) will have to wait for another update. For what it offers, The Superhero Book is a solidly entertaining read that would make a nifty gem for teenage comic book fans.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The contributors share a two-page biographical section. The book’s last page is for photo credits.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Note: For an ideal companion piece, there is Ron Goulart’s 2004 full-blown Comic Book Encyclopedia hardcover, which sports 378 pages re: the history of the comic book medium.

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

EXCALIBUR {2004-2005 Series}, VOLUME 1: FORGING THE SWORD (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date September 30, 2020

Written by Chris Claremont

Art by Aaron Lopresti; Greg Adams; Andrew Pepoy; Liquid! Graphics;

& Tom Orzechowski

Cover Art by Andy Park

SUMMARY:

Rebooting its X-Men spin-off franchise, Excalibur, in name only, Marvel Comics published this short-lived series (fourteen issues total) from 2004-2005. Released in 2004, Forging the Sword is a 96-page reprint of Issues # 1-4 published earlier that year.

In the immediate aftermath of Genosha’s devastation by a Mega-Sentinel, Professor Charles Xavier has reached the quarantined island nation to search for survivors. Aided by Eric/Magneto and the ‘ghost’ of Moira MacTaggart, Xavier recruits young mutants Wicked and Freakshow, along with the Morlocks’ Callisto. Opposing them is a defiant Unus the Untouchable and his own young faction of survivors.

Seeking to recover two mysterious coffins from Genosha, the tyrannical Magistrates are willing to terminate any mutant resistance. Caught in the middle, Xavier & Eric reach out to find whoever is in held captive in the coffins.

Note: The remaining ten issues are collected in two additional volumes released in 2005.

REVIEW:

Consider it a noble yet failed X-periment. Curiously, did Marvel assign Chris Claremont this umpteenth X-Men spin-off, or was Claremont pursuing his own tangent, with the company’s blessing? Either way, Forging the Sword would have sufficed as a four-issue mini-series vs. a tired Xavier-and-Magneto-doing-humanitarian-relief ongoing monthly.

In terms of the visuals, this art squad generally does excellent work – few panels fail to maintain consistency. The same compliment applies to cover artist Andy Park. Yet, it’s a mixed bag as to famed X-Men writer Chris Claremont’s faintly optimistic vision for this new series.

Case in point: is the metaphorical title “Forging the Sword” deceptive? In terms of franchise name recognition, then it’s a bait-and-switch. Captain Britain’s X-group is nowhere near Xavier & Magneto co-mentoring an inexperienced band of raw recruits. Even so, Claremont’s scripting sufficiently introduces some new faces, but it’s unsurprising that none of them have reached mainstream X-Men fame fifteen plus years later.

Aside from the book’s minimal length, the peripheral nature of “Forging the Sword” struggles to keep even faithful X-readers motivated. Sporting only a single dubious gag (pardon the expression — i.e. Freakshow vomiting up Unus after swallowing him) and lots of grim inferences about Genosha’s ruins, there isn’t enough storytelling fabric being woven here.

For hardcore advocates of Xavier & Magneto’s friendship, then “Forging the Sword” could be construed as a minor revelation. Otherwise, this book is a forgettable one-and-done for most readers. Keeping this book would be more about the well-crafted artwork than its limited-appeal storyline.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The four covers appear as full-page reprints.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars