Category: MARVEL-Related

Books & Novels Comic Books & Graphic Novels Fantasy, Horror, & Science Fiction Marvel Comics MARVEL-Related

FANTASTIC FOUR: TO FREE ATLANTIS (by Nancy A. Collins & Illustrated by Paul Ryan)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 6, 2020

Written by Nancy A. Collins & Illustrated by Paul Ryan

SUMMARY:

This original 305-page paperback was published by Boulevard Books in 1995. Once an insidious royal coup imperils Atlantis, a poisoned Namor the Sub-Mariner is forced to seek help from his trusted allies: the Fantastic Four. Saving Namor from a synthetic virus, the team deduces that Doctor Doom has evidently orchestrated this attempted assassination. It’s up to Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), the Invisible Woman (Sue Storm-Richards), the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), and the Thing (Ben Grimm) to reach Atlantis in time to help Namor thwart Doom’s scheme to seize an ancient undersea weapon capable of devastating Earth.

REVIEW:

Author Nancy A. Collins’ continuity-faithful storyline is solid, as are her character depictions. For instance, the Thing’s indignance early on being mistaken by onlookers for the Hulk is a nice touch. Yet, with the exception of Ben Grimm and a regal Namor, the plot becomes bogged down in pure formula because the other characters aren’t compelling.

Johnny Storm’s exuberant antics and Sue’s old feelings re: Namor merely play out as one might expect, as do Mr. Fantastic’s scientific deductions. Though the Thing scores some fun underwater action in the climax, there isn’t anything new or some unexpected twists in To Free Atlantis to generate fresh interest. If this story had existed in graphic novel form, perhaps it would make for a more compelling read (at least, visually). Though artist Paul Ryan’s black-and-white chapter illustrations are an asset, they only stoke a casual reader’s imagination so much.

Fantastic Four fans will likely enjoy this adventure, but anyone else may find it too bland to finish.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Depicting an imminent scene, each chapter leads off with a Ryan illustration. The author acknowledges that her storytelling is meant in the spirit of comic book legends Jack Kirby and Bill Everett. She also indicates what three source books that she sought background material re: Atlantis. Specifically, those works are Robert Graves’ Cladius the God; The Who’s Who of Ancient Greek and Roman Mythology; and Suetonius’ The Twelve Caesars. An excerpt from poet John Milton’s “A Mask Presented at Ludlow Castle [Comus]” leads off the story.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 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 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

LEGO MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

LEGO 76129 SPIDER-MAN: HYDRO-MAN ATTACK (LEGO Set)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

This Marvel set was released in the Spring wave of LEGO sets in 2019. The set contains 471 pieces, four mini-figures, and an instruction booklet. It’s recommended for ages 7+

REVIEW:

Starting with the mini-figures, this one comes with Peter Parker, Mary Jane, Mysterio, and Hydro-Man. While he’s not Spider-Man, Peter Parker has a pretty generic look beyond an open jacket revealing his Spider-Man suit. He wears a cap that acts as a pulled-up version of his mask. For Mary Jane, her exclusive piece is her head, which looks on point — with two faces to choose from.

Mysterio is the most common, but he is also the most detailed figure of them. Specifically, it’s the amazing printing on the torso, legs, and feet. His cape is the newer fabric material, and his bowl piece is removable, leaving a silver head. Hydro-Man is actually a great figure, too, with a mix of different blues to imagine that he is living water. He also comes with a brick-built base that he can just stand in to make it look as if he is riding a wave. Overall, these are great figures, with Peter, MJ, and Hydro-Man all being exclusive to this set and coming with exclusive pieces.

As for the main build, it’s littered with detail and play features to appease both older and younger builders. Starting with the bridge, it is a study design with a great look and holes to pop Spidey’s webs into. Under the bridge is space to fit a black gondola, which comes with an oar. The boat has lots of space to move, and both the bridge and gondola don’t feel crammed.

As for the other section of this build, there are more holes to put webs into. The tower uses great build techniques, but it doesn’t have any real play features. There is also a coffee shop, which can be accessed from the side of the build. Inside there is a basic interior to accommodate a mini-figure and a coffee dispenser. There’s not lots of space to play, but it’s a nice touch. The table and chairs have a lever off to the side that can be pushed to send someone overboard!

For LEGO Spider-Man fans, this package works as a playset and for display purposes.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

X-MEN’S POLARIS (MARVEL LEGENDS/HASBRO ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 1, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in Hasbro’s 2017 “Build-A-Warlock (New Mutants)” Marvel Legends series, this 6-inch Lorna “Polaris” Dane of the X-Men appears in her classic green costume.

Aside from a detachable green rubber cloak, her costume is completely painted on, including the gauntlets and tiara. The articulation points include: 1. The head nods and comfortably swivels in both directions. Yet, the head rotation is encumbered by her hair. 2. Bending at the elbows, her arms can rotate a full 360-degrees. 3. The wrists have minimal flexibility. 4. Her upper body doesn’t swivel but can slightly bend into a bowing pose. 5. The knee joints allow slight bending. 6. The legs sport decent flexibility. 7. When properly positioned, the figure can stand indefinitely in display poses.

In her back is a peg hole for the dark green cloak. Her ‘magnetic powers’ are represented by two light green energy rubber props that her hands can grip. The bottom of her feet include peg holes for display stands she will fit on, though none are included.

Note: Other figures in this particular series are: Colossus; Shatterstar; Dazzler (classic ‘70s look); Cyclops (90’s uniform); Sunfire; and Old Man Logan (Wolverine).

REVIEW:

The look of this Polaris figure is superb, including a flawless paint job. Sporting a wonderfully sculpted face, her green eyes, eyebrows, and lipstick are top-caliber. In terms of her articulation points (or more its lack thereof), this figure should really be construed more as a display choice than an actual toy. The well-constructed ‘magnetic powers’ certainly help for various posing angles. However, the detachable cloak is problematic — trying to re-attach and keep it firmly in place by maneuvering around her hair is harder than it should be. Still, as an addition to any action figure collection, this Marvel Legends’ Polaris is a stellar homage to this long-time X-Men member.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The ‘magnetic powers’ are a cool prop that easily attach to her hands. The Build-A-Warlock piece included is his left leg.

PACKAGING:

Hasbro does an excellent job promoting the figure in its nicely-manufactured box.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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

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

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 1, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released through Marvel in 2007 for Image Comics “Legendary Super-Heroes” action figure line, this 7-inch Savage Dragon likely represents the character’s first incarnation as a toy.

Its articulation points include: 1. The head nods and can swivel a full 360-degree rotation. 2. Despite not bending at the elbows, the arms can rotate a full 360-degrees and fully extend outwardly. 3. The wrists can also do a full 360-degree swivel. 4. All five fingers on both hands have remarkable flexibility. 5. His upper body can turn a full 360-degree swivel and can bend slightly backwards and forwards at the torso. 6. The legs and lower body can also swivel a full 360-degrees. 7. The knees bend, as do the upper portion of his shoes. 8. When properly positioned, the figure can indefinitely stand for display poses. The bottom of his feet include display base peg holes, though a base isn’t included for the figure.

Note: This figure’s subsequent version adds a white, tank-top t-shirt (otherwise known as the Savage Dragon II figure).

REVIEW:

Sporting a spot-on paint job (even the green eyes are well-done), this remarkable figure even has Savage Dragon’s black chest and arm hair faithfully recreated. His trademark head fin is also sturdily constructed. Yet, the figure has two distinguishing flaws. First, as the elbow joints don’t bend, posing action re: his rigid arms is quite limited. The other weak spot are his knee joints, as they seem the most likely to accidently break. Otherwise, this Savage Dragon’s manufacturing rates with the caliber as the Marvel Legends of that era.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

No props are included. As part of the 1-of 6 “Build-Your-Own-Pitt” figure, Savage Dragon comes with its left leg component.

PACKAGING:

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

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars