Category: Toys & Games

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

‘CLASSIC’ STING (WWE/MATTEL BASIC ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 1, 2020

SUMMARY:

From Mattel in 2013, this ‘basic’ six-inch WWE figure presents WCW legend Sting from his late ‘80s – early ‘90s prime. To define WWE ‘basic’ figures, it means: 1. This figure’s limited articulation doesn’t allow his abdomen & ribs to bend; 2. The legs can bend at the knees, but they can’t extend into splits; and 3. His calves don’t rotate.

REVIEW:

Its resemblance to the ‘Stinger’ is mostly there. Yet, the body is inexplicably short for someone who is 6’2” or 6’3” in real life. Like other ‘basic’ figures, his ripped physique is somewhat embellished. His famous peroxide blonde long crewcut, of course, is immaculately molded (including the distinctive short ponytail). The limited articulation includes the ability to nod his head; bend his elbows; swivel his waist; rotate and bend the wrists and lower legs; and expand his arms just barely for a classic curled bicep pose.

In terms of production quality, the figure is nicely sculpted and sturdily built. The paint quality is high-caliber, as the entire light green, lime green, and black outfit and facial make-up is painted on. His white wrist tape is also painted. Posing options are disappointingly limited, but the figure stands up well when his feet are properly positioned. There are holes in the bottom of the feet for display base pegs, though a base isn’t included. Whether for playing, posing, or intimidating pro wrestling’s villains, this middle-of-the-pack Sting figure is a solid buy for fans at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There aren’t any props. A WCW World Title belt or a flashy ring jacket would have been appreciated.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective. Its generic theme celebrates Sting’s energetic look for that era.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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

STING, “THE TOTAL PACKAGE” LEX LUGER, & “MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE (WWE/MATTEL: WCW 1996 BASH AT THE BEACH ACTION FIGURES THREE-PACK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 1, 2020

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this ‘elite’ WWE three-pack of approximately 6” to 6½” figures consists of: Sting; “Macho Man” Randy Savage; and “The Total Package” Lex Luger, all wearing their wrestling attire from July 1996’s pivotal WCW Bash at the Beach event. This trio clashed with Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and, shockingly, Hulk Hogan, as this six-man tag match would controversially unleash WCW’s ‘NWO’ (New World Order) heel faction. These wrestling heroes’ gear (including their wrist tape) and facial art are painted-on, though Savage has tightly-secured, yellow rubber boot tassels.

To accurately define a WWE ‘elite figure, it includes: 1. The figure can nod and turn his head 180-degrees both ways. 2. The elbows and wrists bend to comfortably create a classic curled-bicep pose. 3. 360-degree rotation of the wrists and hands are easy. 4. 360-degree swiveling of the waist is also easy. 5. Bending his upper body/chest is workable. 6. The calves allow a 360-degree rotation of the legs. 7. The knees and ankles bend. 8. The figure easily stands, as long as his feet are properly positioned. The bottom of the feet have peg holes for any display base the figure may fit, but display bases aren’t included for these figures.

Note: This Sting, Luger, and Savage, are exclusive to this set, particularly for Savage & Luger’s use of Sting-like face paint.

REVIEW:

Starting with “The Total Package,” his figure’s likeness (even the facial expression), ripped muscular frame, and paint job are all spot-on. Luger’s imposing, real-life 6’5” height is recreated next to the Savage and Sting figures (who mimic their approximate 6’1”-6’2” real heights). Despite the black knee pads, Luger’s loose mobility is excellent. The same applies to Sting, as everything about this Stinger figure is top-caliber. In a subtle way, Sting’s physique isn’t overly embellished, which nicely adds to its realism. Perhaps the figure’s most life-like visual element is the neat wide-eye stare. Another plus is that his tights are garnished by his colorful scorpion logo on one leg and a multi-colored “Stinger” on the opposite leg.

The Savage figure borders on near-perfection (in terms of its sturdy construction; a spot-on likeness, etc.). This Sting-inspired “Macho Man” is only marred by the generously ripped portrayal of his upper body. Still, the figure’s ‘agility’ is remarkably on a par with the real Savage’s legendary high-flying antics. Posing options are surprisingly good, though the lack of a display base is a disappointment. Whether for posing or battling the sleazy NWO, this awesome three-pack proves an exceptional buy for WCW fans at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Savage’s black bandanna is detachable. Oddly enough, so is Luger’s ponytail.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective. Its theme predictably reflects the 1996 Bash at the Beach.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Action Figures DISNEY/PIXAR-Related MARVEL-Related Movies & Television (Videos) Toys & Games

EVANGELINE LILLY AS ANT-MAN’S HOPE VAN DYNE/WASP (MARVEL LEGENDS/HASBRO ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in Hasbro’s 2018 “Build-A-Cull Obsidian” Marvel Legends series, this approximately 6-inch Hope Van Dyne’s Wasp (in actress Evangeline Lilly’s likeness) celebrates the live-action Ant-Man and The Wasp film released the same year. Sporting her metallic gold, blue, and red costume with silver wristbands, Marvel’s Wasp also wears a silver helmet with antennas and yellow plastic safety goggles.

On her back, she can wear a detachable silver hard plastic wing-pack with four clear plastic scissor-like wings that are individually attachable. Her immaculate costume is completely painted on, including the sculpted (and non-removable) wristbands & knee pads, as well as the silver shoulder straps for the wing-pack.

Note: The other figures in this particular series are: Thor; Black Widow (blonde); Ant-Man; Malekith; and the Black Knight.

REVIEW:

The sculpted look of this Hope Van Dyne / Wasp figure is superb, including a flawless paint job. Sporting a detailed metallic helmet, her eyes and eyebrows are easily visible through the helmet’s googles. The alternate head (an unmasked Hope Van Dyne) is also top-caliber. The wing-pack is easily workable, as are the four wings.

The articulation points include: 1. The head nods and turns slightly in both directions. 2. Slightly bending at the frail elbow joints, her arms can rotate a full 360-degrees. 3. The wrists have full rotation capability. 4. Her upper torso swivels the full 360-degrees swivel. 5. The Wasp can slightly bend into a bowing pose. 5. The knee joints are surprisingly limber. 6. The legs provide excellent flexibility. 7. When properly positioned, the figure can stand indefinitely in display poses. For playtime, the sky’s the limit, so to speak re: flying poses. Her boot heels include peg holes for display stands she will fit on, though none are included.

In terms of her articulation points, this figure enjoys the advantage of being both a display item and a solid play toy (though her tiny elbow joints might be a future problem). As a welcome addition to any super-hero collection, this Marvel’s Wasp is a wonderful homage to actress Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne’s Wasp.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Included are a matching extra set of two slender gloved hands; a variant of Hope’s silver wing-pack; and an unmasked alternate head featuring an excellent likeness of Evangeline Lilly. It’s a shame that the Wasp’s wrist-firing “stingers” couldn’t have been thrown in as an extra. The Build-A-Cull Obsidian piece is his head.

PACKAGING:

Hasbro does an excellent job promoting the Wasp in its nicely-secured box.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

WONDER MAN (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 Wonder Man figure is likely the first toy to represent this perennial Avenger/West Coast Avenger from Marvel Comics. The figure was evidently an exclusive prize in a write-in contest held through the now-defunct Wizard Magazine. Matching the character’s late 80’s to early ‘90s look (i.e. the black-and-red tank-top costume), the figure has the character’s distinct red eyes and a wavy black mullet perm. The articulation consists of 360-degree rotation of the arms, and the ability to move the arms and legs back and forth. With a little effort, his head turns 180-degrees left and right. Small silver screws seen on its elbow and knee joints add some extra flexibility. When positioned straight, the figure will stand for display poses.

REVIEW:

This sturdy figure is a decent precursor to his subsequent appearances in the Marvel Legends 6-inch action figure series. Let it be noted that this Toy Biz figure’s unique size stands between the small 3.75-inch Marvel figures and the standard 6-inch Marvel Legends. His paint job is reasonably well-done, though his bodybuilder-style tank-top’s shoulder straps look too skinny. Otherwise, this first Wonder Man figure retains some nostalgic charm.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Unknown. In this figure’s back ‘W,’ there are two slots (with two holes between them), which suggests some accessory (maybe a jet pack) can be attached. The bottom of the figure’s feet have standard peg holes, but there isn’t any indication that the figure came with a display stand.

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 TV Series

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 Movies & Television (Videos) STAR WARS-Related Toys & Games

BESPIN HAN SOLO (Kenner/Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Action Figure)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 1980 to capitalize on the film’s release, this approximately 4-inch Kenner action figure represents the first Han Solo toy in his Bespin (Cloud City) gear.

REVIEW:

Sporting a surprisingly good paint job (that holds up decades later), this Bespin Han Solo has decent articulation. Specifically: 1. His head turns a full 360-degrees. 2. His arms also rotate 360-degrees. 3. Though his knees weren’t designed to bend, the legs are still remarkably spry to simulate walking; running; and sitting. It’s also easy to position Han in a standing display pose. Though a display base isn’t included, the figure has peg holes in the bottom of his feet for related Kenner play sets. Even if its design style is long antiquated, this figure’s nostalgic/retro value remains timeless. More significantly, after forty years, this figure’s durability is simply flat-out impressive.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Though this reviewer can’t be absolutely certain, it’s likely that this figure originally came with a handheld laser blaster. His right hand does appear sculpted to grip such an accessory.

PACKAGING:

Like most original Kenner figures now being collected, this loose figure didn’t come with any packaging or a laser blaster. Still, this reviewer’s film childhood recollection is that the Empire-adorned Kenner box was well-manufactured. Kenner boxes were really the industry precursor for how action figure boxes are presented now. Quite frankly, coming across the original Kenner box from that era in good shape may be just as rare as finding this figure itself in mint condition.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars