toy collectwhore: Nightwing

The two sickest figs that rock my shelf porn is Deathstroke and his archnemesis Nightwing-- who I have yet to bust a rev on. Of all the DC New 52 redesigns, its gotta be Dick Grayson that was the most disappointing with the change from blue to red accents that just reaks of Chris O'Donnell.  Blegh.  Let's talk on the Nightwing we all know and love in his plastic form.

Nightwing

Artistic Integrity:   This Mattel cast is tops cause first off it replicates his doo in a non-corny way, sports his modernized insignia with the colorway leading to his fingertips and best of all, a handy spot for his fresh Kali sticks on his back. 

Though it changes depending on the artist I prefer the black over blue color for his mask and so was happy that the Four Horseman painted it that way.

One of the complaints I see on random forums on this piece versus the DC Direct Hush figure is that the bodyform should have been less bulky.  I disagree being that his sculpt is just about the same as Atom and Blue Beetle who are similar in physique (being non-meta but in top physical form).

And of course it ranges stylistically depending on the illustrator thats imagining Nightwing from pencil to the pages.



5 out of 5 shakas

Fun Factor: For this pose I immediately thought of Jock's unforgettable covers, but for the sake of referencing this pic to an artists work-- I went with the artwork to Don Kramer's final issue of pre-New 52 Nightwing.

As you can see he is in his classic, acrobatic, kinda crazy action pose--especially for one that can't fly and jumps into battle without the wires (or Bat-hooks).  But that is what makes Nightwing even that more heroic and popular with the ladies of the DCU.  Yeah the guy has a hit-list that probably is only topped by his mentor, Bruce Wayne.

Unlike the DC Direct fig, this Nightwing sculpt is not constrained by limited articulation of less than 10 movable joints and no worries on the fig getting loose from a few pose variations.  Mattel is choice when it comes to durability and posability everytime.

5 out of 5 shakas

Fo-reals brah:

As an ode to the living legend Marv Wolfman-- I went with this Vigilante vs. Nightwing cover to recreate in articulated three-dimensional theater.  Sure its the classic version but thats the one I got yo!!  Yo gotta appreciate how on point this turned out though yeah?! 

Sure, I am like a cheesy, low-budget flick in comparison to the toy-heads at Fwoosh or Toy Fare when it comes to actionfigure theatre but that's just how I roll.  When I think of Nightwing it is always in this stylee and never in the horrendous late 70's-80's disco-version that made Dick look like such a flaming douchebag.  Hey DC, bring back the blue!!!    
 5 out of 5 shakas

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toy collectwhore: Owlman

Owlman

Artistic Integrity:   DC Universe Classics may soon be a thing of the past (replaced by a yet to be named DC/Mattel line and the Infinite Earths Club) but damn they are going out with a ba-ba-bang releasing the crazy-ambitious double duty of first The Crime Syndicate of Amerika 5-pack and later the massive Legion of Super Heroes 12-pack.  The obvious hands down centerpiece of the CSA collection is Owlman.


Thankfully the Four Horsemen went with the modernized design that was popularized by Frank Quitely in the JLA Earth 2 book and further exposed to the masses in last years' Crisis on Two Earths animated hit.  

Even the most skilled customs out there can't touch this nearly flawless rendition of Batman's twisted doppelganger.  Though the cape is the most obvious badass feature-- look closer and you will see the color match in the paint and OCD detailing in the utility belt are straight stupid in how well Owlman is captured in this sculpt.
5 out of 5 shakas

Fun Factor:  Any DC reader out there is lying through their teeth if they claim in never wanting to see Bruce and Diana get their mack on like Owlman and Superwoman do.  And now you creepers can live out that kinda shelfporn!  LOL.      

With a fully packaged Power Ring, Johnny Quick, Ultraman and the two pictured left-- you bring instant cred to your collection in having a nice mix of classic and modernized iterations of the evil Justice League.  Though it would have been nice to have the modernized Quitely iterations of Power Ring and especially a drugged-out Johnny Quick. 

I can't hate on anything regarding this fig and the rest of the collection, besides it being a Walmart-exclusive.  We all know this 5-pack would have been scooped up regardless if it was sent out to all the Target and Toys R Us shops across the states.  

No dust collectors here Matty!

5 out of 5 shakas

Fo-reals brah:

Owlman has taken the crown of most coveted Mattel piece from the pictured DC Superheroes Batman, that according to many toy forums is the greatest Batman action-figure ever made.  You can see side by side it is mad close-- but everyone will have their own personal fave.

DC Universe Classics has made me a true believer in their utter mastery of this articulated artform and if you haven't grabbed yourself an Owlman yet-- go do it now!!!   
5 out of 5 shakas

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big O

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SDCC 2011: DC Universe Classics and Beyond

Always a regular first stop for me on Preview Night is the Mattel/DC Universe Classics Booth. Everything that was shown in the main showcase was either the show exclusives or connected to the Wave 19 line which I am not the biggest fan of. What I was pumped to check out though was the final boxed packaging of the Crime Syndicate 5-pack and the figs in all of their 6" glory.  This must have Walmart exclusive will be hitting shelves in the next few weeks.

I walked around the corner to see the Batman Legacy line and instantly went right to the Catman fig that has been long rumored.  The detailing on the fig from its color-match to details of including his claw gauntlets and 5 hour shadow are on point.  Though not really into many of the Legacy line minus Batmite & Catman (both in Wave 2- avail in late October) will be definite buys to round out the Suicide Squad.  Had to get a shot of the completed C&C Parallax that is one big mutha indeed.

At the Mattel x DC panel, they made some very news worthy announcements like the end of the DC Universe Classics line (at least in name) with Wave 20.  The purpose of this is to align with the look and feel
of what they are doing in The New 52, which is a bit of a delay being the comics kick off next month, but I suppose there is always a delay in the toys.  Following Wave 19, that was primarily a JSA homage-- Mattel picks up where they left off with the Blackest Night (Rainbow Lanterns) line and bring the focus

around characters that were part of the event to follow- Brightest Day.

Sure, I understand many of the hardcore Fourhorseman/Mattel followers don't really pickup DC Direct pieces but I do and whatevs, guess I will be just holding out for these instead of some of the DC Direct counterparts.

DCUC Wave 20 includes 7 pieces- Green Arrow, Red Arrow, Reverse Flash, Hawk, Dove and two others that will be presented in October at NYCC-- White Lantern Flash and

Sinestro (in Sinestro Corps gear).  The C&C figure will be Nekron.  All of the figs looks fabulous but the standouts for me are Reverse Flash with his Lightning Rod, Red Arrow (though I would have appreciated him more as Arsenal with his metal arm and syringes-J/K on that) and Dove.

But this Nekron looks like a seriously badass sculpt so guess I may have to bust the whole enchilada of this wave to enjoy Mr. Death of the DCU in January.

Had some pics of my own but if you don't know, nobody really rivals Action Figure Pics and The Fwoosh when it comes to high quality res shots.  Major props to both sites that bring the posers what we need.

The sickest news of the panel was the announcement of the DC Universe Infinite Earths subscription, no different from the very popular MotU and Ghostbusters toy clubs.  Mattel has it opened for enrollment at their site from the 22nd of this month to the 5th of August but the big catch is they need to fulfill a certain amount of subscriptions to make it work-- which they are only at 20% as of today and have only 9 days left to secure.

So spread the good word!!  There will be 9 6" figs a year and 3 oversized figs that wouldn't be possible to be packaged as a C&C or sold in stores...how sick is that?!!  The total subscription price is around $250.00 which isn't bad for uber exclusive figs at around $21 a pop. 

The first of the line will be Starman, Jay Garrick Flash and Atrocitus, starting to be shipped out straight to you in April-- so go get that DCU Infinite Earths subscription and tell all the posers you know to make it happen!!  Out!

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big O

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toy collectwhore: Mister Terrific

Felt compelled to keep some more diversity ala DC in their Fall change-up and why not follow suit with a Mister Terrific highlight in light of his first own book!!

Mister Terrific

Artistic Integrity:   This piece came out of the DCU Classics wave 8 line that is most known for the uber-rare Gentlemen Ghost that came packaged with a mini Atom and the illusive Gigangta head and torso (that has still not made it's way into my hands).  Okay, back to Mr. T...

Michael Holt, ex-White King for Checkmate & past Chairman for The Justice Society of America is not only a genius, but invisible to technology.  Especially these days that would be pretty damn terrific!  The sculpt resembles a Dale Eaglesham drawing to the T. 

It's so G that the Horseman went all out in making sure his jacket was authentic with "Fairplay" down each arm and of course the very Fonz. like Mr. Terrific in script on his back.  Like The Joker and Black Canary in the Mattel line-- their costumes stylistically work like other heroes capes.  But where Mister Terrific's fig goes on other level detail with is the zipper and buttons looking like they are nearly functional.  

 5 out of 5 shakas

Fun Factor:  Booster Gold has Skeets and Mister Terrific has his T-Spheres.  Yeah they may not be as entertaining but Mr.T does some crazy, fly McGuyver stuffs with em.  Imagine Batman's batarangs.  Yes and Mattel included em as the accessory which is ill.

Over 20 points of movement as you would expect from this kickass toy.

When I think of the coolest moment for Mr. Terrific I think back to how he and his BFF - Dr. Midnight helped to figure out that it wasn't Dr. Light that was the main baddie in Identity Crisis.  Of course I gotta try and recreate that dope Van Sciver cover!

4 out of 5 shakas

Fo-reals brah:

DC Direct rocked the first ever piece of the second coming of Mr. T and it was sick but as usual, Mattel wins out in the finer deets and simply more movement.  With DC Wave 19 being a purely JSA theme-- its a good time to go back and make some room for the shelves to bust the original Mystery Men of the DCU.

4 out of 5 shakas







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toy collectwhore: Thaal Sinestro and GL Hal Jordan

So after grinding on some 5 Guys Burger this week I meandered across the lot to Toys R Us thinking it would be good walking off some of my fatbastardness.  Cruised down the big-kid aisle said whaddup to some of the regular toyheads and in a trance picked up this incredible exclusive 2-pack that totally went under the radar in all my extensive intel. 

Thaal Sinestro & GL Hal Jordan

Artistic Integrity:   For me this was a must buy not only for the fact that I have yet to own either of these Mattel molds of GL Hal or Sinestro-- that were originally released back in DCU Classics Wave 3 and have since been re-issued as re-paints and with vital changes like increasing Sinestro's height to scale-- but the boxart and packaging was off the chain!

A lot was put into making this jump off the shelf visually as it coincided with the 75th anniversary of DC by reenacting the classic Gil Kane cover of Hal vs. Sinestro that has since been re-imagned by Frank Quitely.  Both of these beautiful comic covers were also on the front and back of the boxart.  Loved how they even made the lantern split in color between will and fear along with the figs each grasping it as if they were fighting over it. 

Green Lantern Hal is the same shiny re-paint that was released earlier in the year and it looks great, though the actual GL logo on the chest is thinner than usual.  Also like how it actually shows his eyes which gives the piece an added amount of detail to match the fantastic work put into Thaal Sinestro.

5 out of 5 shakas

Fun Factor:  I am not quite the purest when it comes to selecting and displaying figs depending on whether it is crafted by Mattel, DC Direct or whatevs-- but the more and more I get my hand on the Four Horseman sculpts-- I seem to sway farther away from DC Direct, though in their defense they have made strides in higher articulation points.  The kicker and cherry on the top of this mighty fine pickup were the included accessories.  On the side of each box was 3 constructs of Will and Fear.

My jaw dropped.  And it made me recall the Mattel Green Lantern display at Wondercon that had each GLC with a different construct in hand.  Sick!

5 out of 5 shakas

Fo-reals brah:

It took no time at all for me to find use of those badass accessories that no doubt makes the shelf porn of my Lantern Corps section go from fly to bananas!!  The included constructs of fear are a spiked mace (in Sinestro's hand), a pick axe (Romat-Ru) and a monkey wrench that actually has an adjusting jaw (Maash.)

The Green Lantern constructs of will are a ball & chain that I so appropriately fitted on Salaak, a rifle-cannon that we have seen before included with GL Stewart (also on Arisia) and the crazy saw that had to be equipped to the resident cray-cray Guy Gardner.  As you can see more shelf space is needed.  Ah the toy-whoring will never end will it?!

5 out of 5 shakas






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Wondercon 2011 Edition: Four Horseman and Mattel

Attended Mattel’s “Methods & Materials: Sculpting with the Four Horsemen" panel and was unsure what to really expect from what I believe was the lone toy panel of the show. 

The house was jam-packed with pretty much a butt connected to every damn seat.  All of the panelists from Mattel were super knowledgeable, friendly and the nature of the information flow from start to finish of a sculpted figure seemed almost conversational-- primarily handled by the Four Horsemen’s Jim Preziosi.

In the opening introductions every member of the team stated their name and the lines of projects that they are working on, be it Masters of the Universe, DC Universe Classics, WWE and etc.   I was surprised to hear that the just announced DC Retroactive line was mentioned a few times so I called Mattel to see if this was a press release that we just missed and low and behold, not the case.  Looks like we will be getting some news on the new DC Retroactive toys by Mattel at Comic-con this Summer.  With the buzz going around on some of the Batman Legacy figs, especially the Golden Age versions of Batman and Joker-- I could see why Mattel would want to get those more artist and

time-inspired figs out to the fans.  Love it.  WonderCon was also the premiere of their 1st ever Collect-and-Connect Swap!  Which I unfortunately missed the boat on, but will definitely jump on this Summer.

All you need is a CNC piece and you can look through their bucket of CNC pieces to find your treasure.  Can anyone say Giganta??

Being a space / design guy by trade, I truly appreciated the booth layout that had a comfy basement-lounge feel and was appropriately urban spohisticated.




Enough airspace to walk around in-- though I am sure that if this is replicated in SDCC, it will be much more open.  These toy guys really did an awesome job showing what Wondercon was all about...Green Lantern!!!

 
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toy collectwhore: Bane

With all the excitement of Bane getting another shot at redemption on the big-screen which shouldn't be too hard a task with the talented Tom Hardy on deck in next year's Dark Knight Rises and of course the continued evolution of his character in the pages of Gail Simone's Secret Six-- a felt compelled to grab him off the shelves for a write up.  

Bane

Artistic Integrity:   You can't hate on the Four Horseman in going with the classic, 90's version of Bane in wave 16 being it was kinda themed that way coming with a Knightfall Batman and all...but I was a bit turned off that they couldn't have modernized his look a bit more by making his jumpsuit top go higher above his chest and refreshing his mask to reflect more of the luchadore mask with an open mouth and eyes.

Especially with the general look of this figure already being sculpted in 2007 for the DC Superheroes line by Mattel.  Don't get it twisted-- this is a major refresh, upgrade and overall incredible figure four years later-- it's just that you are talking to a  major fan of the more, modernized and less venom-junkie 2.0 version of Bane.

The sickest aspect to Bane besides his sheer size, is his uber detailed hands and gloves.  It is pretty damn ridiculous how identical the mold looks like the illustration by Ariel Olivetti below, yeah?

4 out of 5 shakas

Fun Factor:  Hands down a far superior figure design surpassing the humble 14 points of articulation reached by the earlier cast and not being constricted by that lame squatted position the earlier toy was stuck in.

Also, appreciate how the figure's look is less juiced up with the nasty-roided veins popping out everywhere but from a visual standpoint, the venom pump and gauntlet does add a bit of fun.

Though again, I would have preferred maybe another head option with his mask off ala Deathstroke variant style-- showcasing his tight mohawk.  Come on Mattel...I know you guys were contemplating this!! (Especially with Bane most likely not even wearing a mask in the upcoming sequel).

5 out of 5 shakas

Fo-reals brah:

As you can see, his size is on par with his proportion to other DCUC figs-- meaning he is one of the largest figs on the shelves.  Just praying to Buddha that Mattel will add some more of the Six to their future waves-- though their have been hints at a Catman fig coming up in 2012. 

4 out of 5 shakas








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big O

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