“You can pick one.”

A story of self control and making connections 🙂 https://jimstoybox.com/2023/03/29/you-can-pick-one/ #MakeMineMego #walmartfinds #dccomics #greenlantern #aquaman #Shazam #TheFlash #Mego #jimbumgardner #jimstoybox

Collecting nostalgia in a nostalgic way (and it’s as tough now as it was then).

How does one choose a favorite friend? Today I figured it out.

Act 1 – The Challenge

If you were like me back in the golden age of going to the store with your Mom and Dad, I know you faced this challenge while standing in front of them with an armload of toys; “You have to pick one.” They delivered it in a way that made it sound so easy. Of course it wasn’t but you had to do what you had to do or be a brat about and loose the negotiation completely. Nobody wanted that.

It’s with that perspective and memory, I challenged myself as a parent now, to treat my collector habits like they did then. I could only pick one. Considering the choices it was just as tough now as it was then. Even though it was MY money! Still, it was a fun idea and would be a practice in self control. “What could warrant such a highly dramatic approach to buying a toy, Jim?” Four letters that followers of my online exploits know very well:

M E G O

Having went a little crazy on picking up the first series of 50th anniversary Worlds Greatest Superhero’s (Superman, Batman and Robin), the second series arrived at my local Walmart and I promised myself (and wife and daughter) that I would be a little more restrained in my impulses. But come on! There were now faithful reproductions of Aquaman and Shazam joined by new offerings (as if Mego made them back in the days of disco) of The Flash and Green Lantern to add to my block o’ nostalgia and collectors dream come true. It’s with that in mind that the challenge was born. And today was the day that I had to face the challenge.

Act 2 – What are the factors?

With the self imposed restrictions of my purchasing power agreed to, I walked into the Walmart here with a bunch of determining factors to consider:

So which one do I go with? What will the final decision be based on?

A. A faithful reproduction? Aquaman or Shazam

B. The new and exciting? The Flash or Green Lantern

C. The short packed? This was interesting too as it was a split between one of each classic vs new (2each Aquaman and The Flash’s and 4 each of Shazam and Green Lantern)

It was a serious dilemma I was facing but I was determined to make a logical (by my definition of logic that is) decision as to which one it was. One factor that was starting to come to the forefront of my selection process was to make it easier on myself by going chronologically. To go with which came first in the old days: Aquaman or Shazam. The newbies could wait. And as I was looking at them all and reverting back to my 6 year old self in 1979, something happened that was completely unprecedented in my neck of the woods:

John showed up.

Before I get to who John turned out to be, I must share the background and why his appearance had to be of some sort of dimensional enigma wrapped in a quagmire. You see dear reader, I am pretty much if not the only dyed in the wool, hardcore Mego fan in this neck of the world. I can prove this by point you back to earlier on this article of how I went a wee bit overboard with the series 1 assortment. I literally bought them all. Not at one time though. I spread the purchases out over several weeks as to not be one of “those guys” who hoards things. Sure it may look like it if you don’t know the story, but I don’t care. Those were fair shipping terms as far as I’m concerned. Plus, literally no one else was buying them here. Not one. To me that was a disrespectful shame and not an Afro t to the things I love to be allowed for too long. Hence my surprise when John walked up and politely asked me if I had grabbed the ones I wanted.

“What is happening here?” was the first question that popped into my head. “I’ve never seen this guy before. Is he a reseller? Is he looking to snatch away my precious plastic memories? What was this guys deal?!?” My rational journalistic mind snapped back into play and decided to just ask him. His answer was one for me that was of a serendipitous and maybe even divine intervention.

He was a fan.

Not only that but he was also a really good dude. I told him about my challenge and asked him if it was cool that I interview him for this most monumental encounter. He agreed and not at all awkward. You see, dear uninitiated to the collector world, we fanboys and fangirls share a kinship that knows no labels or limitations. It’s a wonderful thing.

Along with sharing his story of being from out of town but making it a point to pop into Walmarts along the way in search of these little prizes, he also shared so much about his connection to the toys and his hopes for kids to discover them as well. So many times his answers sounded like my own thoughts, words and deeds. I’m telling ya, gang, it was a fantastic exchange. That is until he posed the question back to me that I had started this journey off with; “So, which one are you going to pick?”

I had to pause due to this new x-factor which came in the form of John and the figures in his hands. I shared with him my points of consideration to which he completely understood. He also understood how the scale was now tipped with his selections. I’m not aging this was like a scene in a movie where the camera cuts into an extreme close up of the heroes eyes and we see the one bead of sweat appear and slide down his eyes… but it was close.

Scarcity. That would be my determining factor! But… it is MY money and this challenge is dumb and I might miss out on the one if I pick the other… damn it! So I grabbed them both. There was no shaming glance from John as it appeared my will power fell through and I put both Aquaman and The Flash into my handcart and we both headed toward the registers.

Before we made it all the way up though, I did need to touch base with my wife to see if there was anything else I did need to pick up before I left. Perhaps it was in this moment of responsibility, I made the internal judgement call to put one back. And I did.

*To note, John saw his three selections all the way to the end.

Act 3 The decision

So what did I do?

Who did I choose?

Why did I choose this one?

What is the moral of the story?

As I walked away from the collectibles section having returned The Flash to his spot amongst the remaining Shazam’s and Green Lantern’s, I looked down at the Aquaman in my hand basket and smiled. I had practiced self control and used (once again) my own form of collectors logic and justification in making this choice. I decided to proceed forward by staying chronological in my selection. Way back when, Aquaman was one of the original four including Superman, Batman and Robin so that made sense and also set the order of operations for my next pick ups in the coming days or weeks. I still want to give other fans a shot at them although, jumping ahead of the four Shazam’s to get to the now one lonely The Flash will be a chore I’m sure.

So the moral? Self control is still possible in an on demand, I want it now and not only that, it’s incredibly satisfying to know that in the most unexpected ways and at the most unexpected times, we all have opportunities to connect with like minded folks and share stories and moments so long as we’re willing to accept a challenge.

Now, Go Play!

Jim 03/28/2023

If you liked this article, I’d truly appreciate it if you would take the couple seconds to time to like, comment, subscribe and share it far and wide. It would also be swell if you are in the market for Mego toys to stop by your local Walmart and pick one up there. I can’t speak from a position of authority in this but I do believe the more that sell at retail the longer the line will go on. But of course, supporting your favorite online retailer is a great thing to do too as they are truly committed to helping folks bring the magic literally home via the various shipping services available. Yet if all that fails or those avenues are out of stock, I would ask you to consider buying a Mego their official store on Amazon where I do get a piece of as an Amazon affiliate. And if you want to learn more about all things Mego consider joining the official Mego Ambassador group on Facebook for the latest news and informs straight from the source.

“You can pick ONE!”

A story of self control and making connections 🙂 https://jimstoybox.com/2023/03/29/you-can-pick-one/ #MakeMineMego #walmartfinds #dccomics #greenlantern #aquaman #Shazam #TheFlash #Mego #jimbumgardner #jimstoybox

Daily Update 03/06/14

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.  Weird.

Casablanca - Sea GhostAny 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!

Now, Go Play!

Jim 03/06/14

 

Mattey’s DC Retro Action Super Heroes: Guy Gardner Green Lantern

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

Point #2. Where it came from.

Guy is the third Matty Collector exclusive. http://www.mattycollector.com

Point #3. The Good.

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

 

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 DC Retro Action Super Heroes – Darkseid

Entertainment Earth

Darkness never looked so BRIGHT!

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

 

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

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