Category: Toys & Games

X-MEN’S JEAN GREY/PHOENIX (1995 MARVEL/TOY BIZ ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 13, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 1995 by Toy Biz, this approximately 5-inch Jean Grey (Phoenix) figure may be the first to represent the character in her familiar green-yellow-and-black costume.

Her eyes and hair are cast in orange semi-transparent plastic to simulate its added feature: a red light (activated by a push button in her back) that partially lights up her eyes and hair. As such, the character’s appearance is faithfully rendered. Though her head doesn’t move, the articulation consists of: 1. A 360-degree rotation of the left arm, as the mostly mobile right arm is blocked by her hair for a full rotation. 2. The figure bends at the waist. 3. Small silver screws seen on its elbow and knee joints add some extra flexibility. 4. If positioned straight, the figure stands for display poses.

REVIEW:

Though it doesn’t equal the production quality of a contemporary Marvel Legend, this figure is still exceptional (including a solid paint job). The inspired touch is her semitransparent eyes and hair for the red light-up effect (amazingly, this feature still works!). For fans of Jean Grey’s Phoenix, this figure makes a nice gem to put on display

Note: As seen below, an earlier version of her husband, Cyclops, is available separately. His red light-up feature simulates his ruby-colored optic blasts. However, this 1991 Cyclops figure is noticeably shorter.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Accessible by a screwed-in plate in her back, a battery powers the red light in her semitransparent orange eyes and hair. Amazingly, after all these years, the battery stills works. The bottom of the figure’s small feet have peg holes, but there isn’t any indication that the figure came with a display stand.

PACKAGING:

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

BRIAN’S ODD-MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

WILDCAT (2010 DC UNIVERSE CLASSICS/MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 12, 2020

SUMMARY:

In 2010, Mattel released the Justice Society’s Ted “Wildcat” Grant for Wave 9 of its DC Universe Classics series. His figure is in 6-inch form. His dark blue and gray costume is completely painted on (including his trademark boxer-style wrapped fists). His articulation points are: 1. His head swivels slightly both directions. 2. With surprisingly good mobility, his arms and wrists can also both do complete 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, Wildcat can indefinitely retain a standing display pose.

REVIEW:

Kudos to Mattel for crafting such an impressively-built figure, including the well-articulated cat mask. Quite simply, there isn’t a fault with this surprisingly limber Wildcat. He’s a perfect fit for either play time punching out cheap hoodlums or for the display case. Everything a collector (including a top-caliber paint job) could want with this figure is here.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

For the ‘Build-a-Chemo’ figure, Wildcat comes packed with the head-chest component.

PACKAGING:

Mattel does a terrific job packaging Wildcat.

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING: 9 Stars

Action Figures INDEPENDENT-Related (Comic Books & Graphic Novels) MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

SUPER-PATRIOT (IMAGE COMICS/MARVEL’S LEGENDARY SUPER-HEROES ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released through Marvel in 2007 for Image Comics “Legendary Super-Heroes” action figure line, this 6-inch Super Patriot cyborg likely represents the character’s first incarnation as a toy.

Its articulation points include: 1. With some effort, the head can swivel a full 360-degree rotation. 2. Bending slightly at the left elbow only, the arms can rotate a full 360-degrees and can fully extend outwardly. 3. The left wrist swivels his left forearm in a full 360-degree rotation. 4. Four fingers on his left hand can bend. 5. His upper body can turn a full 360-degree swivel and can bend backwards and forwards at the torso. 6. Above his utility belt, the lower body can also swivel a full 360-degrees. 7. The boots spin a full 360-degrees. 8. The upper portion of his boots bend. 9. When positioned, the figure can indefinitely stand for display poses.

The bottom of his feet include peg holes for display stands he will fit on, though none are included for the figure. He also has a large peg hole hollowed into his back, suggesting that some sort of backpack accessory is available. His flag-themed shoulder pads are removable.

Note: This figure’s variant depicts Super Patriot without his mask.

REVIEW:

Sporting a spot-on paint job (the red-white-and-blue colors are stellar), this figure’s metallic cyborg arms and legs give him a distinctive look. His trademark mask (with an attached long white ponytail) is also sturdily constructed. Yet, the figure has some distinguishing flaws. First, as the right elbow joint bends only inwardly, the right arm’s pose options are strictly limited. The left arm is more maneuverable, but its elbow joint is still stiff. The other weak spot pertains to his knee joints-knee pads (which aren’t too flimsy), but their articulation is practically non-existent. Hence, if one pushes their luck too often, these inflexible elbow and knee joints might require some carefully-applied super-glue.

Despite its various limitations, this Super Patriot rates fairly close in quality to the Marvel Legends of that era.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

No accessories are included, so the huge peg hole in his back is a mystery. As part of the 1-of 6 “Build-Your-Own-Pitt” figure, Super Patriot does come with its left arm component.

PACKAGING:

On Image Comics’ behalf, Marvel does an excellent job promoting the figure in its nicely-manufactured box.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

WWE MEGA-BUCKS: ANDRE THE GIANT & “MILLION DOLLAR MAN” TED DIBIASE (WWE/MATTEL ACTION FIGURES TWO-PACK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this WWE “Megabucks” two-pack consists of a 6¾-inch “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and an approximately 8-inch Andre the Giant. One may recall their villainous antics amidst the WWE World Title Tournament at March 1988’s WrestleMania IV, at Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Their other major team-up occurred five months later – now dubbed the “Megabucks,” they appeared at New York City’s Madison Square Garden for the first SummerSlam’s main event in August 1988.

Sculpted mid-cackle, DiBiase’s simple black ensemble and white wrist tape are painted on, though his black rubber knee pads are tightly-attached. His black trunks bear his golden dollar sign insignia on both hips. His black boots also bear the golden dollar sign and white lacing. Far more simply dressed, his enormous “Megabucks” partner is wearing a mono-strapped navy blue singlet with black wrestling boots.

To accurately define their articulation points: they include: 1. The heads slightly nod and turn sideways in both directions. 2. The elbows and wrists bend to comfortably create a classic curled-bicep pose. 3. Flexible rotation of the wrists and hands for both of them, though Andre’s hands are far looser. 4. There is a 360-degree swiveling of the waist. 5. The figures can bow, but their abdomens don’t bend. 6. The calves allow a 360-degree rotation of the lower legs. 7. The knees and ankles bend. 8. The figures easily stand, as long as their feet are properly positioned. The bottom of the feet have display base peg holes, but a base isn’t included with this set.

Notes: RE: SummerSlam 1988, in 2020, WWE/Mattel released a Ms. Elizabeth figure in her yellow-and-red dress ensemble from that main event. Curiously, as of this writing, a Mega-Powers (Hulk Hogan & “Macho Man” Randy Savage) two-pack in matching ‘Mega-Powers’- printed trunks for SummerSlam 1988 hasn’t been produced.

REVIEW:

The only element conspicuously absent is a figure of DiBiase’s ever-present bodyguard, Virgil (a WWE/Mattel ‘elite’ figure sold separately). Still, in terms of sculpting and the paint jobs, the likenesses of these two “Megabucks” are top-caliber. What’s even more life-like is the considerable height difference. Impressively, this duo is sturdily built for playtime, but one should watch out for the vulnerable hands. DiBiase’s hands evidently can be re-attached by popping them back in. However, Andre’s flexible hands might need super-glue if they ever break off. Otherwise, the “Megabucks” make superb display choices, as they’re well-balanced for indefinite standing poses.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective. Predictably, its theme reflects Andre & DiBiase’s nefarious partnership.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Action Figures Marvel Comics MARVEL-Related Movies & Television (Videos) Toys & Games

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY’S STAR-LORD & GAMORA ACTION FIGURES TWO-PACK (with bonus comic book)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

Comic Book Written by Tim Seeley. Art by Reilly Brown; Iban Coello; Jacopo Camagni; Jim Charalampidis; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Deodato & Frank Martin

SUMMARY:

Released through Marvel Comics in 2015, this action figure pack consists of Star-Lord and Gamora in 3.75-inch form. Star-Lord has a pair of laser pistols while Gamora packs a sword and laser pistol. A glossy 24-page ‘custom edition’ comic book is included. Entitled “Best Story Ever,” its humorous tone is meant for fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy film franchise.

Tagged with Marvel’s Secret Wars banner, prison guards are incredulous hearing a jailed Peter Quill and Rocket Raccoon bicker over a mega-adventure they had re: thwarting Nebula’s effort to free Thanos. Gamora, Drax, and Groot fight the prison facility’s security forces to retrieve Quill and Rocket. As the guards roll their eyes over Quill & Rocket’s dubious efforts at ‘can you top this?’ storytelling, Gamora reveals what actually transpired at the battle vs. Nebula’s forces.

REVIEW:

It’s a fun package. As one might suspect, the production flaw re: these figures is that their elbow and knee joints are flimsy. For instance, Star-Lord’s right knee joint may be a future casualty. Despite the necessary holes in their feet, display bases curiously aren’t provided. The figures, otherwise, sport impressive paint jobs. Sporting top-tier artwork (including its cover), the comic’s storyline is hilarious, including some ‘potty’ humor that isn’t actually naughty. Overall, this action figure / comic book combo makes an amusing gift for any Guardians fan.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The comic book concludes with three full-page pin-ups: two of Star-Lord and one of Gamora, as they resemble their action figures. Produced by Frank Cho; Jason Keith; and Nic Klein, these pin-ups are of stellar quality.

PACKAGING:

It’s well-designed. The figures are solidly displayed, and the comic book has a protective plastic sheath.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars