Category: Action Figures

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

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

KILLER BEES: B. BRIAN BLAIR & “JUMPING” JIM BRUNZELL (WWE/JAKKS PACIFIC ACTION FIGURES TWO-PACK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

From JAKKS Pacific in 2003, this two-pack consists of a prominent WWE tag team of the mid-80’s: B. Brian Blair (with the moustache) and drop-kick specialist: “Jumping” Jim Brunzell, both in 6¾-inch form. Their attire consists of: yellow-and-black vertical striped trunks with matching wristbands for Blair (and white wrist tape on Brunzell); firmly attached black rubber knee-pads; and each with a variation of yellow-and-black wrestling boots. Blair also has white knuckle tape on his right hand. These Bees wouldn’t be complete without their yellow-and-black fabric masks to bewilder evil opponents and, whenever necessary, the referee.

Their limited mobility and ripped sculpting is a precursor to that of current WWE-Mattel ‘basic’ figures. Specifically, each figure’s articulation points allow or won’t allow: 1. Their heads turns both ways, though Brunzell’s head appears more flexible. However, Brunzell’s head is in a permanent nodding position. 2. 360-degree rotations are possible with the arms. The arms also bend at the wrists and elbows, so a classic bicep curl pose is possible. 3. The upper body will bow, but the waist & abdomen don’t move. 4. Sporting okay flexibility, the legs can bend at the knees and ankles, but they can’t extend into splits. Walking and kicking poses are workable. 5. Neither the legs nor the calves rotate.

REVIEW:

In terms of their resemblance to Blair & Brunzell, the likenesses are close, aside from the embellished physiques. Even Blair’s brown mullet and moustache are spot-on. In terms of production quality, these figures are well-sculpted and sturdily built. The paint quality is high-caliber. Their faithfully-rendered masks will tend to sag because the nose hole is slightly too big. For posing, the Bees stand up well when their feet are properly positioned. However, there aren’t peg holes in the bottom of the feet for display bases. Their elongated feet are instead protected by a ring at the bottom of each boot sole to provide balance for standing poses. For those remember Blair & Brunzell’s high-flying antics, seeing this fan-friendly duo again makes a welcome treat.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The sole extra is their detachable yellow-and-black masks. The masks are baggy enough to easily put on and take off.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic but effective. It offers some cool nostalgia re: the Bees’ wrestling legacy.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

STAR WARS – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK’S BESPIN HAN SOLO (HASBRO ‘BLACK SERIES’ — SDCC 2018)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

It was initially released by Hasbro as a “Star Wars – Black Series” exclusive at the 2018 San Diego Comic Con (SDCC). This six-inch Bespin Han Solo recaptures actor Harrison Ford’s look from 1980’s Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. It’s barely distinguishable from the figure’s subsequent mass-market release; specifically, there’s a subtle change made to Han’s left hand.

This SDCC version allows Han to grip his blaster with either hand. The mass release version allows him to grip the blaster accessory with his right hand only, with his left hand changed to more of a finger-posing pose. Either rendition is the first-ever Bespin Han Solo action figure with a close resemblance to Ford’s likeness.

REVIEW:

Including a commendable paint job, this figure’s sculpting faithfully recreates Harrison Ford’s Empire look. The distinctive part down the middle of his sculpted brown hair and even a few creases in his forehead add welcome touches of realism. This sturdily-built Han Solo figure has better-than-expected articulation. Specifically: 1. His head nods and turns a full 360-degrees. 2. His arms rotate 360-degrees and bend at the elbows and the full-rotating wrists. 3. The figure can bend into a bowing position. 4. Though his knees bend, the articulation itself is minimal. 5. His booted ankles bend and move the feet more than expected. 6. Han’s legs are remarkably spry to simulate walking; running; kicking; and action-pose shooting. Even better, it’s easy to position Han in a standing display pose without a base.

To Hasbro’s credit, this Han Solo figure (along with its “Black Series” Star Wars IV: A New Hope counterpart) presents Han’s finest-ever depiction in six-inch form. All that’s missing is a carbonite-encased version.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

While his air mask and/or some extra hands would have been appreciated, Han’s trusty blaster is the sole extra. This pistol snugly fits in his right-leg holster. Despite foot pegs in his boot heels, a display base isn’t included.

PACKAGING:

Hasbro does a superb job displaying the figure. Everything inside the product box a consumer needs to see is readily visible.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Notes: In 2020, Kenner has re-released the mass-market figure as part of its own six-inch Star Wars merchandise. Its packaging features a photo image of Ford posed as Solo in The Empire Strikes Back. Also, a six-inch ‘Han Solo in Carbonite’ figure exists, but this reviewer hasn’t seen it in person.

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

STAR WARS – THE FORCE AWAKENS’ FINN ON JAKKU (2015 HASBRO ‘BLACK SERIES’)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2015 by Hasbro as part of its ongoing 6-inch ‘Black Series,’ this action figure closely resembles actor John Boyega as Finn.

REVIEW:

Sporting a top-caliber paint job, this Finn ’s costume faithfully recreates his incognito post-Stormtrooper attire he wears on planet Jakku. Curiously, unlike his molded sleeves, Finn’s jacket can be removed from the figure (with some effort), making it into a vest. In terms of articulation, this Finn is solid. Specifically: 1. His head turns slightly in both directions. 2. His arms move only fairly well, but both the forearms and hands have full 360-degree mobility. 3. The figure’s upper body can bend down into a bowing pose. 4. The legs are surprisingly nimble, as they can also rotate the full 360-degrees. 5. Due to flexible knee and ankle joints, Finn’s pose options (running, walking, kicking) are certainly available. 6. Though a display stand isn’t included, there are peg holes in the bottom of his feet for bases that will fit him.

Considering all its practical advantages (including an impressive likeness to John Boyega), this sturdy Finn action figure is ideal for either playtime or as a display item.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Although not seen below, this figure comes packed with a gold-and-silver-plated blaster, which frankly looks like a glorified power tool.

PACKAGING:

The figure is well-protected by Hasbro’s product box, which is decorated by Boyega’s image as Finn.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

DR. MID-NITE (2010 DC UNIVERSE CLASSICS/MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

The Justice Society’s Dr. Mid-Nite appears in 6-inch form Wave 12 of Mattel’s DC Universe Classics series in approximately 2010.

Excluding his attached green rubber cloak, his costume is completely painted on (including his trademark goggles). 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 a little). 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. Yet, if properly positioned, Dr. Mid-Nite can indefinitely retain a standing display pose.

REVIEW:

Kudos to Mattel for crafting such an impressively-built figure. Quite simply, there’s hardly a fault with this durable Dr. Mid-Nite. Everything a collector (including a top-caliber paint job) could want with this figure is here.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

His crime-fighting owl, ‘Hooty’ is included, as is a small Justice Society commemorative button marking DC Comics’ 75^th Anniversary. For the ‘Build-a-Darkseid’ figure, Dr. Mid-Nite comes packed with the left arm component.

PACKAGING:

Mattel does a terrific job packaging Dr. Mid-Nite.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 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