Category: Toys & Games

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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
Christmas Decorations Movies & Television (Videos) Plushies Toys & Games

SANTA GRINCH & MAX (PLUSHIE TWO-PACK)

SUMMARY:

Released in late 2018 by The Manhattan Toy Company as merchandise tying into The Grinch animated film is this holiday dynamic duo.  At 1.5 feet tall (to the tip of his Santa hat), the Grinch is accompanied by a 7-inch Max (to the tip of his single yellow felt antler).  The Santa Grinch is made of polyester fiber with polyethylene pellets inside while the attached Max is also made from polyester fiber.  

REVIEW:

With both sporting excellent likenesses, this two-for-one plushie is mostly all good.  Grinch’s Santa hat and Max’s red ribbon-tied antler add an extra classy touch.  Unlike the Santa Grinch’s stitched grin, Max is curiously missing a mouth.  One would have to peer closely to even see Max’s stitched smile, as it blends far too much into his brown ‘fur.’  Perhaps this adorable duo’s best element is how the Grinch’s arm is lovingly wrapped around his faithful pooch.  As a light-hearted yuletide treat for Grinch fans, this pairing make for a fun Christmas decoration.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                  9 Stars

Categories
Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

STING & LEX LUGER (WCW/FUNKO STATUETTE TWO-PACK)

SUMMARY:

Released in 2017, this power-packed tag team recreates their dominance of the long-defunct World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from the late 80’s through the late 90’s.  Sting colorfully sports a vintage look, as a golden scorpion adorns his light green tights.  Luger’s Funko corresponds to his mid-90’s appearance when he started pairing black boots with his non-distinctive trunks upon returning to WCW.  Capable of 360-degree head turns, both mini-statues are the standard size (about 3.75 inches tall).  They easily stand up for display options.

Note: Luger’s Funko is slightly shorter than Sting’s, though the real Luger is actually two or three inches taller than Sting.

REVIEW:

Including spot-on paint jobs, Funko’s rendition of WCW’s two premier ‘super-heroes’ is both flawless and impressively durable.  Case in point: Sting’s light green-and-black face paint is immaculate.  For that matter, both Sting’s spiky peroxide-blond crewcut and Luger’s dirty blond mullet are rendered exactly the way fans would remember them.  Hypothetically, the only item missing is a pair of WCW World Tag Team Championship belts.  Considering all factors (especially, their wacky potential as a desk/shelf decoration), this Funko two-pack is a wonderful homage to that other wrestling league that held its own vs. the WWE.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                               9 Stars

Categories
Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

“MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE (WWE/FUNKO STATUETTE)

SUMMARY:

Released in 2014, this variant (specifically, the purple & white wrestling trunks) of Randy “Macho Man” Savage is a faithful vinyl rendition of the two-time WWE World Champion.  As to his attire, this Funko is a homage to his late 1980’s Macho Madness prime.  Savage is the standard Funko size (about 3.75 inches tall).  His wrestling ensemble consists of: a familiar orange bandanna with his name spelled out; his wide yellow-framed shades; white triple-starred purple wrestling trunks; white wrist and knuckle tape; yellow knee pads; and white-laced yellow wrestling boots.  Easily standing up for display options, this Funko Randy Savage statue can also swivel his head a full 360-degrees.

REVIEW:

As the “Macho Man” was fond of saying … Oooooh, yeaaaah!  Including a spot-on paint job, Funko’s rendition of Savage (including his trademark shades) is near-flawless.  A mild disappointment is that the triple-star pattern on his trunks is repeated slightly bigger on the backside rather than replicating the gaudier look of placing his name there in white surrounded by white stars.  As to what else is missing, it’s really more wish fulfillment.  Pairing this colorful Funko with one of his classy manager and then-wife, Miss Elizabeth, as a nostalgic two-pack would have made sense – at a minimum, even just placing the eagle-themed WWE Championship title belt around his waist would have wonderfully complimented this vintage look.

Considering all factors (particularly, its wacky potential as a desk/shelf decoration), this Funko Randy Savage still makes an awesome gift for any Macho Madness fan.  Long live Macho Madness!    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       9 Stars

Categories
Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts History & Biographies (Videos) Movies & Television (Videos) Toys & Games Westerns

KURT RUSSELL AS TOMBSTONE’S ‘WYATT EARP’ (FUNKO STATUETTE)

SUMMARY:

Released in early 2020, it’s a 3¾-inch hard plastic/vinyl homage to Kurt Russell’s Wyatt Earp from the 1993 film, Tombstone. Underneath a black wide-rim hat, this Wyatt sports a confident ‘what, me worried?’ smirk.  Rather than flashing a trusty pistol, Wyatt’s pocket watch is prominently on display.  Easily standing up for display options, this Funko statuette can also swivel his head a full 360-degrees.

Notes: Wyatt Earp is Funko # 851.  Available separately in this Tombstone series are his brothers : Sam Elliott’s Virgil (Funko # 853) and Bill Paxton’s Morgan (Funko # 854).  Val Kilmer’s ‘Doc’ Holliday is Funko # 852; ‘Doc’ has a pair of variants (# 855 and # 856).  Wyatt’s fictional present-day descendant, Wynonna Earp, appears as Funko # 918.            

REVIEW:

Including a spot-on paint job, Funko’s rendition of Kurt Russell-as-Wyatt Earp is a gem.  Considering its fun potential as a desk/shelf decoration, this Funko Wyatt Earp makes a nifty gift for any Tombstone fan.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         9 Stars

Categories
Die-Cast Cars Movies & Television (Videos) Toys & Games

HARDCASTLE AND MCCORMICK’S CODY COYOTE (DIE-CAST MINIATURE CAR)

SUMMARY:

Released by ERTL in approximately 2002, this die-cast Hot Wheels-size car (2.75 inches long x 1.1 inches wide) is a faithful recreation of the Coyote sports car from the 1983-86 ABC TV series, Hardcastle and McCormick.   

REVIEW:

It’s perfect for what it is.  The white hood emblem, the white-and-red ‘Coyote’ door panels, and gray door handles are all painted on to ensure that the car’s look remains pristine.  The transparent windows and windshield are made of durable clear plastic.  Its wheels work great for some play time racing or even simulating the TV series’ speed-happy stunt work.  As an obscure novelty item, this miniature Coyote makes a nifty gift for fans of Hardcastle and McCormick and/or pop culture Hot Wheels collectors. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           10 Stars

Categories
Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts Movies & Television (Videos) Toys & Games

CADDYSHACK’S DANCING GOPHER (ANIMATRONIC STATUE)

SUMMARY:

Produced by Gemmy Industries, Inc., this lightweight, plush 6” x 14” animatronic gopher has a built-in plastic base where its red button will play the 1980 comedy’s laid-back “I’m Alright” theme.  For about thirty-five seconds, swiveling its heads, paws, hips, and knees, the ‘Dancing Gopher’ makes with the shimmy and performs its memorable boogie from the movie’s closing credits. 

For when the time comes: open its battery hatch with a screwdriver where your ‘Gopher’ buddy will require four AA batteries.  

REVIEW:

It’s a wonderful office decoration that delivers some chuckles, as long as the batteries last.  Otherwise, it’s just a plushie on a pedestal.  Based on prior experience, there are evidently two different versions, though the gopher itself remains identical.  When initially released, the ‘Dancing Gopher’ clearly played Kenny Loggins’ rendition of “I’m Alright.”  Yet, when it eventually came time to replace the initial batteries, the ‘Kenny Loggins’ gopher’s electronics didn’t work again.  Though it may have been a fluke, this reviewer’s first ‘Dancing Gopher’ was literally a one-hit wonder.       

Years later, another ‘Gopher’ was found (presumably, a re-release), which now plays a generic cover of “I’m Alright.”  Chancing whether or not replacing the batteries is really a fool’s errand, this reviewer found that battery replacement works on this second ‘Gopher.’   Assuming all goes well, Caddyshack’s Dancing Gopher is a fun stress reliever, particularly on tough workdays, or, as this reviewer can attest, to liven up staff meetings.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                               8 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