Hey gang! Another long day around these parts. Had to tend to some “real world stuff” so I didn’t get to play nearly as long as I wanted to today. BUT I did get to play a little 🙂
Running with the Throwback Thursday mindset I dug up the review I did back in 2011 on the Mattel Retro Action Batman… it’s amazing how many people came over to check it out. Everybody loves the Bat even when he can’t stand up straight.
Also dug up my review of the FX Exclusive Greatest American Hero. I love that figure and recently it was announced that another run was being released. That sounded great but the discussions at the Mego Museum show that the greatness may not be so great after all.
That’s pretty much a wrap for today. With the exception of a strange occurrence at my home this evening. For the sake of record I’ll note that it felt like a little bitty earthquake shook my house. Â Weird.
Mattel Toys Sucks. Period. They cancel lines blaming lack of fan base support while they themselves offer the products o market in the most piss poor manner possible. I went out on a limb with these reviews as a fan trying to push the product. In the end Mattel showed that they are not worthy of mine or your accolades or MONEY. I’m not editing the reviews however. At the time of their writing I meant what I said and in regards to the figures themselves I feel the same way, however the emotional connection is gone – Signed, Jim 01/14/12
Introduction
The Retro Action line of figures keeps getting better and better!
This latest release from Mattel’s DC Comics Retro Action Super Heroes is another hit right out of the park. While for me Hal Jordan will always be the one and only Green Lantern, I accept the fact that the Corps is a much larger entity. And now thanks to the 8 inch style of figures these other Corps members are being released I’m even more inclined to invite them all into my Toy Box. In all seriousness though the line is improving with each new release. More costume details, improved bodies and of course Mego style goodness these figures will continue to grow on the hardcore Mego fans if given a chance and for the new recruits of 8 inch collecting as well.
Point #1. What it is.
Mattey's DC Retro Action Super Heroes: Guy Gardner Green Lantern
There is a lot of good to say about this fellow. As you all know by now dear reader I’m a sucker for lots of bright colors. This guy delivers there in spades. I’ll let the pics do the talking…
ATTITUDE! The head sculpt really shows great personality.The stitched stripe alog the pant leg is a very nice detail that adds a lot to the look staying true to the comic book look.The turtleneck is another nice touch that keeps the look true to form.Unique Boots show that Mattel isn't cutting too many corners despite rising production costs.Again another unique accessory that I'm glad to see Mattel didn't scrimp on.
Point #4. The Bad.
Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you... a box.
The bad points that I will highlight really have nothing to do with the figure itself. For all intents and purposes Guy here is perfect. The problems that have been noted by other collectors that I myself did not experience is that the shipping company that Mattel is using is a bit less than collector friendly. Reports are that the white mailer boxes are being inserted into bubble wrap envelops are being crushed in transit and in turn ruining the packaging and in some rare cases the figure itself. Again I did not have this problem.
Velcro or snaps? I gotta go Velcro.
While the snap doesn’t really take away from the look of the figure I still would prefer Mattel switch out to the Velcro fasteners as used on other figures such as the Ghostbusters. However I do understand how Mego purists would really frown on that change. Still, these aren’t Mego’s so I don’t see the modfication as being a problem.
The only other gripe I can say is that the Heroes are now outnumbering the villains. How fair is that? Seriously I do like the way Mattel has kept the regular released Waves balanced between the two. There is a Yellow Sinestro variant as part of these Matty exclusives but like many other fans I think we would be a happier lot if we saw completely new figures instead of variants. However considering the theme of these exclusives it makes sense.
Point #5. Why I like it.
The Green Lantern Corps has more 8 inch goodness to come including Kyle Rayner and John Stewart.
More Retro Action figures are always a good thing in my book. Especially considering all the extra touches this guy has. Form his unique boots and belt to his snarky expression this “Guy” delivers. My hat is off to Dr. Mego and EMCE for the prototype work that they did on this one.
Point #6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.
Why you should:
Lots of color and a unique costume make up for such a stupid haircut. "Hey Moe!"
The look of this figure is well worth the $20 plus shipping. With the enhanced bodysuit (see turtle neck) and the white striping accents (see vest and pants) this “Guy” looks like a million bucks.
Why you shouldn’t:
Another all around great figure from Mattel.
The only real reason I would steer you away from purchasing this figure is the possible mailing issues. Again I myself had no problem but if you are a true stickler for Mint condition items you may want to wait until these surface on ebay. While Mattel has a good reputation of making good on orders you may want to strike a deal with a seller that you may be able to get a more direct line of communication with.
In Conclusion
Guy Gardner is another great figure from Mattel and I must say that the end result of their efforts is well worth your time, attention and cash. I myself love the fact that the line as a whole continues to grow. Hence why you’ll find some group shots that I am very excited to post. It’s like a Saturday Morning cartoon coming to life in awesome 8 inch Mego style! Now Go Play! – Jim 05/30/11
Attitude? Yep. And I love it. Keep scrolling down for more pics and reasons why you should add this line up to your own Toy Box.
Jim Bumgardner is a 20 year veteran of the broadcast industry and currently serves as the news director for television station TKO 8 in Harrison, Arkansas. Jim is the father of two the husband of one and firm believer in the power of toys for both the mind, body and soul. You can contact Jim via email at jimstoybox@gmail.com or visit his website at www.jimsmegos.com
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All images and products are the sole copyrighted property of it’s respective owners. Specialty photographs and graphic work used for this article were done by Jim at the TKO 8 Studios located at 500 N. Main St in Harrison, Arkansas. “Little Jim” was created by Dawn O’Connell of Little Buddies Action Figures. Learn more about getting your own Little Buddy at www.littlebuddiesactionfigures.com
I'm going to need a wide angle lense the way this line continues to grow.While slightly out numbered the Bad Guys are still well represented.
Mattel Toys Sucks. Period. They cancel lines blaming lack of fan base support while they themselves offer the products o market in the most piss poor manner possible. I went out on a limb with these reviews as a fan trying to push the product. In the end Mattel showed that they are not worthy of mine or your accolades or MONEY. I’m not editing the reviews however. At the time of their writing I meant what I said and in regards to the figures themselves I feel the same way, however the emotional connection is gone – Signed, Jim 01/14/12
Introduction
Coming hot off the heels of the Smallville series finale where Clark finally embraced his destiny, put on the cape and kicked this guys butt, I think this is a good day for this review. And say what you want but without Smallville’s season 10 the average household now knows the name Darkseid. That’s a good thing especially considering Toys R Us and Mattel’s lack of advertising and promotion for this line. But then again that’s what I’m here for. Let’s sell some darkness folks!
1. What it is.
Mattel Toys DC Retro Action Super Heroes – Darkseid from the Wave 4 Assortment of figures
2. Where it came from.
If you’ve seen one wave 4 assortment cardback, you’ve seen ’em all.
As with all other DC Retro Action Super Heroes (and Super Villains) he’s a Toys R Us exclusive in the brick and mortar world. I however got mine off of ebay from the seller: page3au (http://cgi.ebay.com/Retro-Action-DC-Super-Heroes-Series-3-Darkseid-New-MOC-/370493548571?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564322e81b ) who did such a great packaging job I have to give him some props and a plug. Seriously this figure came layered in protection; Layer 1. Plastic Bag, Layer 2. Newspaper wrapped like a gift, Layer 3. Cut to size cardboard sheets laid on top and bottom of the figure and taped into place, Layer 4. Another wrapping of paper, Layer 5, A padded envelope also taped securely, and finally Layer 6, packed in a Priority Mail box with bubble wrap and packing paper filling in the gaps in the box to prevent any shaking or movement. Impressive.
3. The Good.
Padded like a prom date.The grey body which matches the head is a nice touch, even though you see none of it under the accessories.
The look of this fellow really grew on me. He looks as if he jumped straight out of the television set from the old Super Powers cartoon. The large “upsized” gloves and boots as well as the padded suit are a very nice touch really. I thought they would be cheesy and gimpy but actually they add to the figures appeal. In a minute you’ll also find out why they are also very crucial to the figures play value.
Poseing possibilities abound!
Another thing that I would like to point out is that even though the bulk-suit is just placed on a regular (but grey colored) RA body it is still very possible with all of the pieces on it. Again we’ll talk about how important and ironic this feature is in a moment.
4. The Bad.
There was a song about this paricular pose back in the day. To mention it we would loose our PG rating.
I didn’t see the padded suit as a bad thing when I first heard about this figures make up but it would have been nice to have a larger sized body for the customizing world to devour. But the “bad” part that I refer here is the fact that the body is completely useless without the suit. the pic you see is it in its natural state. All other suit-less shots were propped up.
Now before I get schooled that the body must be this way for the suit to work, I point this out for those who may be wanting a grey body for customizing. If that’s the case you will need to restring the body to make it useable.
Look at it like this… at least you know he’s safe.
Another thing that may be a downer for loose collectors is that Darkseid has been given a tail of sorts. Manufacturing/Consumer safety standards state that a label explaining what exactly the padding is made up of is a necessary evil. Plus you can cut it off. But that does take away the “mint” value of the figure.
A cape would also have been nice. But then again that’s what customizing is for. Play people, play!
5. Why I like it.
“You love me this much?” Yes.Yes I do.
Again the comic book / cartoon look and style is excellent. The addition of this “Super Powers” character adds to the future possibility of this line, which of course makes me all kiddy, again like a prom date. The character’s head sculpt being not esactly human is a nice breakaway from the “regular” look of the line. Plus those eye’s! They burn through to your very soul. Okay maybe not but they are painted well.
Is their a Visine formula for evil allergies and red eye?
6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.
You should because…
The grey body which matches the head is a nice touch, even though you see none of it under the accessories.
This figure is in my opinion one of the best interpretations of the character so far when it comes to the other Retro Action Heroes and Villians. The designers really kncked it out of the park with this on.
You shouldn’t because….
Come take a walk on the Wild Side! Clothing optional!
If you want to buy it for the grey body, don’t. If you want it out of the package and refuse to cut off the tag but think it looks silly wiith it, then don’t. Other than those two reasons I got nothing.
In Conclusion
Darkseid here is a figure I will easily recommend when it comes to this line. As long as he’s clothed; he’s fun and functional. Plus the balance of good guy / bad guy that Mattel has stuck to with the regular Wave releases makes it crucial to bring this guy home to keep the playing field fair. He’s a great figure overall and I do recommend this one so long as you keep his clothes on. Remember kids, to quote another 80’s tune that’s not quite so racey, “We don’t have to take our clothes off to have a good time. Oh no.” Now, Go Play! – Jim 5/14/11
Seriously, put it back on. Now.
Jim Bumgardner is a 20 year veteran of the broadcast industry and currently serves as the news director for television station TKO 8 in Harrison, Arkansas. Jim is the father of two the husband of one and firm believer in the power of toys for both the mind, body and soul. You can contact Jim via email at jimstoybox@gmail.com or visit his website at www.jimsmegos.com
Â
All images and products are the sole copyrighted property of it’s respective owners. Specialty photographs and graphic work used for this article were done by Jim at the TKO 8 Studios located at 500 N. Main St in Harrison, Arkansas. “Little Jim” was created by Dawn O’Connell of Little Buddies Action Figures. Learn more about getting your own Little Buddy at www.littlebuddiesactionfigures.com
Running with the Throwback Thursday mindset I dug up the review I did back in 2011 on the Mattel Retro Action Batman… it’s amazing how many people came over to check it out. Everybody loves the Bat even when he can’t stand up straight.
Also dug up my review of the FX Exclusive Greatest American Hero. I love that figure and recently it was announced that another run was being released. That sounded great but the discussions at the Mego Museum show that the greatness may not be so great after all.
Any way, I gotta get some shut eye. I hope you all have a fantastic evening. Three things I want to remind you about: 1. Pre-Order your 1966 Batman figures… 2. Pre-Order your Sea Ghost.. and 3. Don’t forget about the free S-Type body that I will be giving away this Saturday night!
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