Category: Toys & Games

ADAM WEST AS 1966 BATMAN (2013 MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

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

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

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

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

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

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.

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

MARRIED WITH CHILDREN’S AL BUNDY (FUNKO STATUETTE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 25, 2020

SUMMARY:

Meant to resemble actor Ed O’Neill as downtrodden Al Bundy from the 1987-1997 Fox TV series, this vinyl Funko was released in 2018. It is the standard Funko size (about 3.75 inches tall). Al is depicted wearing his standard shoe salesman work attire, with the right hand gripping his beloved TV remote and the left hand is relaxing, well, uh, somewhere else. Let’s just call it a vintage Al Bundy pose.

Note: Al Bundy is Funko # 688. Also available separately is his ‘beloved’ family: wife Peggy Bundy (Funko # 689); daughter Kelly Bundy (Funko # 690); and son Bud Bundy (Funko # 691).

REVIEW:

Funko definitely captures the vintage Al Bundy look, even down to the minute details of stripes on his tie. The paint job is terrific but not flawless. There may be some minor paint bleeds in various places (i.e. on Al’s left sideburn), which can be spotted upon close inspection. Still, considering all factors (particularly, its amusing potential as a desk or shelf decoration), this Funko Al Bundy makes a fine gag gift to any Married With Children fan.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE (WCW BOBBLEHEAD STATUE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 25, 2020

SUMMARY:

At eight inches tall (including its 1¼-inch display base), this hand-painted bobblehead statue depicts pro wrestling icon Diamond Dallas Page in his ‘Bang’ taunting pose. The “Bang! Diamond Dallas Page” wording is written/engraved in black pen. This bobblehead was evidently released sometime in the later nineties (maybe 1997 or 1998) as official WCW (World Championship Wrestling)/NWO (New World Order) merchandise. However, it can’t be confirmed whether or not Page’s autograph is legitimate.

The smooth and rock-hard texture of the wrestling ring display base suggests that it is perhaps made with a resin.

Note: This loose statue was purchased as is, without packaging and missing the fourth ring post.

REVIEW:

Despite so little info available about its manufacturer, this bobblehead is still impressive. Re: his ceramic head, its spot-on paint job and detailing (including Page’s molded dirty blondish-brown hair and beard) are superb, right down to his mocking sneer. Attached to a most likely ceramic body (which even replicates his upper arm tattoos), this bobblehead makes for a mini-masterpiece. The hardened support base is plenty durable, as its thin black fabric-covered band effectively acts as the ring ropes. Whoever sculpted this statue deserves kudos for a top-tier homage to Diamond Dallas Page.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Movies & Television (Videos) Party Games & Playing Cards THREE STOOGES-Related Toys & Games

THREE STOOGES TRIVIA GAME (by Go! Games)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 25, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released by Go! Games is this officially-licensed boxed trivia game featuring two card decks (each with 100 cards) for 2+ players (recommended age: 12 and up). The trivia categories consist of: The Shorts; Sights & Sounds (visual references & sound effects); Cast & Crew; Feature Films; and personal info re: The Three Stooges. The game’s object is for the first player to correctly answer two questions in all five categories (or, if need be, just one question per category). Supposedly, the oldest player receives the opportunity for the first question and can select the category. The player asking the question shall be on the opposing player’s right. After the card goes to the bottom of the deck, game play continues in a clockwise fashion until a winner is declared.

No scorecards are provided, so players are advised to supply a sheet of paper.

REVIEW:

It’s a given that casual fans of Moe, Larry, Curly, Shemp, Joe Besser, and Curly-Joe DeRita will be at a distinct disadvantage. The vast majority of answers pertain to obscure Stooge historical details that only hardcore fans might possibly know. In fairness, the question writers retain a sense of humor and will throw in a rare clue or hint whenever they deem appropriate. Sporadically, answers will double up or may appear inconsistent. In far fewer instances, the supposed answer is incorrect. Case in point: The Stooges appeared in two Scooby-Doo cartoon episodes in the early 1970’s, not just one per what the card says.

Still, as a solo activity, the question cards offer fun tidbits for Stooge fans to peruse on a snow day, road trip, or just dazzle a buddy with. With 200 cards, that’s worth the price of admission to play catch up with the Stooges.

Note: Speaking of trivia, for whatever reason, Hanna-Barbera opted for in-house voice actors imitating the Stooges in their Scooby-Doo team-ups, despite paying the real Stooges to rent their likenesses.

BONUS FEATURES:

Included is a small sheet of game instructions.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

Decorations Plushies Toys & Games

BASSET HOUND/HUSH PUPPY (PLUSH BEANBAG)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 24, 2020

SUMMARY:

Celebrating ‘Hush Puppies,’ this 4¾-inch tall, 6¾-inch long basset hound beanbag is from Applause, Inc. consisting of synthetic fiber; plastic pellets; a rubbery fake leather nose; and black marble-like eyes. Its tag indicates that its ‘fur’ can be surface-washed and air-dried.

REVIEW:

Sporting an adorable likeness to real basset hounds (including a doleful facial expression), this pocket-sized beanbag is solidly manufactured. It even possesses the same doughy/sagging physique that bassets tend to have. As a low-key desk or shelf decoration, this beanbag makes a great gift for Basset Hound aficionados.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars