It doesn’t get better than this

Asheville Pizza and Brew mural by nosepilot
A Creative Commons-licensed photo by nosepilot.

Toy review roundup

Michael Crawford reviews the Four Horsemen FANtastic Exclusive Gothitropolis Timekeeper Baraeth, Nybbaz and Aestorath San Diego Comic Con exclusive figures. Excerpt: “… these guys fall apart like you would not believe.”

Scott Rubin reviews the Four Horsemen FANtastic Exclusive Gothitropolis Timekeeper Baraeth, Nybbaz and Aestorath (part 2) San Diego Comic Con exclusive figures. Excerpt: “For little guys they have a great level of detail.”

Michael Crawford reviews the Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Order of the Jedi Aayla Secura: Jedi Master San Diego Comic Con Attendee Edition exclusive 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “The three biggest problems I had with this figure were the red eyes, cheap tunic, and slightly oversized head.”

yo go re reviews the DC Direct Green Lantern Cyborg Superman figure. Excerpt: “DC Direct’s predilection for strange articulation is in full effect here.”

Artemis reviews the DC Direct Green Lantern Star Sapphire figure. Excerpt: “… at some point you just have to admit that something about gaining superpowers makes women in comic books dress like strippers.”

Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformer Universe Classic Deluxe class Sunstreaker, Prowl and Tankor figures. Excerpt: “(Re: Prowl) The paint job causes some appearance issues in vehicle mode … But robot mode is quite good.” (See also: 1, 2, 3.)

Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Leader class Bulkhead and Megatron figures. Excerpt: “Feels properly Megatronny in both modes, definitely better than either Cybertronian Mode Megatron.” (See also.)

Artemis reviews the Character Options Doctor Who Daleks in Manhattan set. Excerpt: “… there are a couple of minor issues, but overall you get a satisfying product for a reasonable price, and Doctor Who fans should have no reason not to be content.” (See also.)

yo go re reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Firefly figure. Excerpt: “Nice stuff!” (See also.)

Dan Eardley reviews the NECA Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mouser San Diego Comic Con exclusive three-pack. Excerpt: “Despite my few minor gripes about the articulation, I really love these figures.”

Josh Bernard reviews the Bandai Soul of Chogokin (SOC) GX-07I Iron Z Mazinger Z Angels manga limited figure. Excerpt: “This SOC was really refreshing – simple, clean and fun to play with.” (See also.)

Josh Bernard reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Johannes Krauser II, Alexander Jagi and Camus figures from the Detroit Metal City anime. Excerpt: “Out of context, they are pretty weird.” (See also: 1, 2, 3.)

mechanical_wunder reviews the Takara Tomy Zoids Graphics Sea Panther kit. Excerpt: “… there are some differences between the OJR and the new reissue version.” (See also.)

Retro reviews

Mike reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Ambush figure. Excerpt: “The line is full of high quality molds painted in realistic colors that included great accessories but are characters about whom no one cares. Ambush is one such figure.” (See also.)

WIKD reviews the Hasbro Zoids Gravity Saurer, Gravity Saix, Gravity Wolf and Gravity Ptera 1/72-scale kits. Excerpt: “An important part of Zoids history, and in turn a good representation of a long lost period of Zoids for your collection.”

Be transformed

optimus • refuge by slopjop
A Creative Commons-licensed photo by slopjop.

Toy links

Toys keep pace with children’s tastes.
“What is the appeal of toys? Do they have any effect on shaping the lives of the youngsters who own them? And what are the most popular varieties?” Scans and transcript of a 1931 Modern Mechanics article.

Fireheart.
A fantastic custom figure by loosecollector of the Marvel character Puma.

Thunder, thunder …
A cool Lion-O custom minifig by Jeffrey Van Hove.

Automotive innovation.
A quirky creation by The Bottomless Paddling Pool based on his own art.

Dr. Crane has left the building.
An excellent digirama by Boogeyman13.

Rain, rain, go away.
Clarissa Innes is one of Fanmode’s favourite toy photographers and photos like this illustrate why.

Resistance is futile.
Dirk Blockwood has more Star Trek dioramas in his Flickr gallery.

On collecting.
“To one with no real interest in collecting, the whole concept can seem pretty alien.”