Jim's Toy BoxCollecting and sharing moments and memories.Dr.Mego

Bif Bang Pow- Lost Series 1 and 2 Figures

100_6763 — Ladies and gentlemen, may I now present nice figures I know nothing about.

Introduction

‘Lost’ was perhaps the biggest non-reality television series to hit the air waves in the 21^st Century that still gave millions of fans a reason to tune in every week as the mystery unfolded. I however was not one of them. I thought the concept was interesting but overall the show never grabbed me. For the record I want to clarify that the reason for that was because I (ironically enough) don’t watch very much television these days. Still 8 inch Mego style action figures do garner my time and attention (obviously) and so I felt it was my moral obligation to examine these figures first hand. I did and well, I gotta say the figures left me with the same kind of reaction.

For the sake of this review I’m going to be grouping the four figures that I picked up recently together. Where applicable I’ll break down each one on an individual basis.

1. What they are.

: Series 1 and 2 action figures from the ‘Lost’ television series as released by Bif Bang Pow.

2. Where they came from.

3. The Good.

In this part of the review I’d like to first applaud the makers for doing excellent work when it comes to likenesses and costuming. Again I wasn’t a LOST fan and probably will never revisit the series. But that is no reason for me or you dear reader to not show these offerings from BBP some respect. Even if they hold they play value that I would equate to Mego’s the Walton’s line of figures. Still I don’t want that to be taken as an insult. It’s just that they are boring to me. BUT they are great fodder for you customizers out there. Here in a moment I’ll share with you some suggestions in that realm. But first let me introduce you to the figures from Series one and two along with side by sides of the actors in which they are crafted in the image of.

John Locke

Hurley Reyes

Ben Linus

Kate Austen

4. The Bad.

Being that I am not a fan of the show I can only point to what I see as the obvious issues with the figures. The topical stuff if you will. I also can’t stand it when people who have no real stake in something try to kick in their very uneducated opinions. I approach these solely from the stand point of an 8-inch Re-Mego fan and not a television critic.

I’ll start by saying that overall I have been impressed with the Bif Bang Pow product I’ve expreienced so far (Twilight Zone and Venture Brothers.) Actually I’m trading these off for some Twilight Zone figures and I’m budgeting to pick up the rest of the Venture Bros figures that are currently out. So obviously I’m no hater of Bif Bang Pow’s game.

John Locke

100_6758 — Could stand to have a little more paint to bring out the "tough old guy look".

Hurley Reyes

100_6760 — Longer and or rooted hair would be a nice step up for this one. Plus a "fat" body would also be nice other than just a pillow under his shirt.

Ben Linus

100_6753 — The costume leaves me cold. I understand they were modeled from the show but I think a different costume interpretation would have been more toy friendly.

Kate Austen

: Rooted hair would be the only suggestion I would make here. She’s bland but not bad.

5. Why I like it.

One of the things that’s really great about all the new Re-Mego’s on the market is that their bits and pieces can make for some great custom fodder. Here I’ve put together a list of possible custom projects that could be a lot of fun for the custom minded collector. While I still don’t consider these figures ‘lemons’ I do think the lemonade would be sweeter for me.

John Locke – This guys great! Not only could he make a great Freddy Krueger with a little Hair Club for Men treatment he would make a suitable stand in for Jay along with Hurley Reyes as Silent Bob.

Adding to the Kevin Smith Universe of possibilities the Kate Austin Figure could make for a great Alanis Morissette as God custom from Dogma.

As for Ben Linus the first thing that ran to the front of my mind and came to screeching a halt was the opportunity to do a full range of Rob Schnieder customs.

6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.

You should because…

They are a great value and collectable for fans of the show. Even if you have every other piece of LOST merchandise, I assure you they will pale in comparison to this 8 inch renderings. Also BBP puts out very solid product that is great for customizers. Especially Rob Schnieder fans.

You shouldn’t because….

If you don’t like the show at all and don’t customize. Pretty clear cut really. Quality and price shouldn’t be an issue however. Both are reasonable.

In Conclusion

Again while I personally have no vested interest in the characters of John Locke, Hurley Reyes, Ben Linus and Kate Austen I do appreciate their Re-Mego renderings. Still there is as much play value here as watching paint dry yet I do believe if someone wanted to pretend they are controlling the lives of all of these people following a plane crash, they could easily do so. Personally I’ll hold out for the customs. Jay, Bob and God could work wonders on Rob Schnieders career. Or not. Now, Go Play! – Jim 5/15/11

100_6764 — I really wish I could care about you guys and gal... but don't worry, there's a guy in St.Louis that is looking to offer you an Extra, Extra, Extra Large lifestyle! You'll love it!

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

Mattel Toys DC Retro Action Super Heroes – Darkseid

100_6737 — 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.

100_6735 — Mattel Toys DC Retro Action Super Heroes – Darkseid from the Wave 4 Assortment of figures

2. Where it came from.

100_6736 — 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.

100_6738 — 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.

100_6742 — 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.

100_6746 — 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.

100_6740 — 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.

100_6743 — “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.

100_6741 — Is their a Visine formula for evil allergies and red eye?

6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.

You should because…

100_6744 — 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….

100_6750 — 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

100_6751 — Seriously, put it back on. Now.

Saturday Morning Funnies: Episode 6- CTVT strike back!

Mattel Toys DC Retro Action Super Heroes – Shazam!

Introduction

100_6720 — Not since John Travolta have we seen such a happy guy in a bubble!

Billy Batson all supped up is a very happy guy. But wouldn’t you be too if you had the combined abilities of Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury? And wouldn’t you also just shorten it to SHAZAM! Add to all of that he’s also been rendered in 8 inch Mego style that has really been stepped way up on the coolness scale. Still he does look a bit goofy but that’s okay, we’ll examine the customizing possibilities thanks to his unique looks that have really brightened up my Toy Box.

1. What it is.

100_6718 — Mattel Toys DC Retro Action Super Heroes – Shazam from the Wave 4 Assortment of 8 inch figures.

2. Where it came from.

100_6719 — Standard back for all of Wave 4’s figures, like previous Wave’s.

As 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.

proto pic — This picture should be erased, destroyed all and all disappeared.

When I first saw the pictures of the prototype figures I thought to myself, “Wow, that looks stupid,” mainly because of the elongated neck. The final product however has that oddity corrected. Which immediately raised my rankings of this guy.

100_6725 — All of the gold used on this figure is a nice brigth addition to your collection.

Also the costume is fantastic. From the gold boots and trim to the ornately screened cape this guy is remarkably true to the comic book look. Also the snap at the top corner of the flap on the front of his suit is a very nice detail that really adds to this particular figures perceived value.

100_6731 — The snap on the upper right shoulder is a nice touch that is more ttrue to the comic than a unitard would lend.

100_6722 — The pattern detail for the cape is also a nice touch.

4. The Bad.

The head sculpt is fun and I get the expression but I think the naysayers in the collecting community would have been less likely to complain about the likeness had the makers went with the squinty eyed look versus the wide eyed, happy go looking and kinda dopey stare. When I first saw the figure I was trying to put my finger on who exactly this guy reminded me of. The jury’s still out but in this guy I notice two possible candidates while my wife noted one. To me he looks a bit like Bill Paxton when he played ‘Chet’ in Weird Science and then the football player guy (Brandon Molale) that Adam Sandler punched in the mouth in Mr. Deeds. My lovely wife Alicia however says he looks similar to Lois & Clark’s Dean Cain, he just needs a tan. Again the jury is still out.

You Decide — Customizing options abound with this guy!

5. Why I like it.

100_6721 — Attention sellers! Use THIS pic and not the proto. Watch your sales soar!

Again the prototype pictures had turned me off originally. Thanks to those shots I had put this guy way down on the bottom of my collecting priority list. I’ll be the fist to admit that I was indeed very wrong in that assumption and the folks who are still using those pics to sell their product are doing themselves a great injustice. This figure is very cool and tons of 8 inch, clothed action figure fun! Also if you stand him side-by-side the original Mego release you’ll see the designers here refused to allow such a bland representation be re-released upon the world. To that I say “BRAVO!” to EMCE Toys for the excellent redesign work.

6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.

You should because…

100_6729 — You know Captain, you really make me smile!

Along with the ‘Good’ points above I’ll add here that adding this figure to your collection of Super Heroes will enhance the color and pop of your displayed figures. This Shazam just explodes with brightness.

You shouldn’t because….

100_6726 — “Happiness is a state of mind! It’s also the state in which I live!”

The only negative I can see in this aspect is that if you are a purest when it comes to likeness this figure will probably leave you cold. In that regard he does kind of look like a way to “Red Bull-ed” up car salesman in a Halloween costume.

In Conclusion

Again I held out on this guy because of the prototype pictures and now I’m glad to say that I did finally break down and dropped the bucks on Billy Batson’s alter ego. I’m also very thrilled with the fact that Mattel did indeed fix the body issues that plagued Waves 1 and 2 of the line. So with my new Shazam in hand I look into the horizon as I wait patiently for the next Wave of Retro Action figures to be announced and then released. Now, Go Play! – Jim 05/12/11

100_6730 — Another Retro Action figue I decided to pick up.

Mattel’s Retro Action DC Super Heroes Black Adam

: While not so much a ‘must have’ figure this Black Adam does deserve some respect.

In every collector’s life there comes a time when he or she picks up an item simply because its needed to finish a set or collection. That time is now for me with the Retro Action Black Adam. However I do want to point out that while I could care less about this character in general, the figure is indeed fun looking, better body quality than previous Waves from Mattel and also funny looking. That goes a long way in my Toy Box.

1. What it is.

: Mattel’s Retro Action DC Super Heroes – Black Adam

2. Where it came from.

: Picked this one up on ebay on the cheap.

3. The Good.

gonna getcha2 — "I can fly! Well, with your help and imagination.""I can also walk like an Egyptian. Take that Billy Batson!"

The body is fixed! The costume looks very snazzy with the gold accents. And it is good to have another bad guy in the balanace. For that I must applaud Mattel for their strategy in releasing an equal amount of both good and bad guys. Too bad Mego didn’t take this same approach back in the 70’s.

4. The Bad.

BA Boots — Do we cut along the dotted line? I just don't get it.

Considering I’m pretty indifferent when itcomes to the character I can’ t objectively find any faults. I do have two things that strike me as odd and or kinda stupid. The first is the boots. What gives with the dotted black lines? I’m not sure what effect the designers were going for but in this example I’m totally clueless.

His head seems a touch too small for his neck. But then he is a bad guy, and they're supposed to be ugly.

Another thing that I’m not to overly impressed with is the head sculpt. He looks okay (I actually like his likeness, we’ll come back to that in a minute) but his head seems to be too small for his neck. Leaves him looking like a pin head.

5. Why I like it.

Outside of it being another “new” Mego style super hero to add to the Toy Box, the biggest thing to me is silly but hey it’s my collection right? In all joking seriousness the fact that this figure is a dead ringer for comedic actor Harland williams is simply too cool for school. I’d say Harland do two things here; 1. sue for likeness rights and 2. Agree to drop the suit so long as he is guarenteed the role if they make a live action “Shazam” movie. Again, my two cents.

seperated at birth — Harland Williams fans REJOICE!

6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.

You should because…

BA loose front — Desipte his lower teir ranking in my book, he is still a nice figure overall.

You gotta collect ’em all! Seriously he is a well made figure with an improved body over previous waves. The shiny gold accents do look cool when on display with other figures.

You shouldn’t because….

BA loose back — The gold touches are nice. Tacky, but nice.

If your not a big Shazam fan you probably have no real interest in this guy. I understand completely. Honestly had I not got him so cheap I probably wouldn’t be writing this review today.

In Conclusion

The Mattel Retro Action Black Adam is a well made figure especially when compared to his counterparts in Wave’s 1 and 2. He’s also a ‘fair’ representation of the character, not great but not too terrible either. Overall i woould recommend this figure to the RA collectors out there because of the quality. I however can’t see this guy ever going for big bucks on the secondary market. Had this wave actually made it to Toys R Us locations (I have no idea why they didn’t btw) I’m sure this fellow would be a peg warmer even more so than Sinestro still is from Wave 1. Maybe they could have tea or something?

Thanks again for stopping in dear reader. Now, Go Play! Jim 5/01/11

Me and BA — Even though he is kinda stupid looking I have to show him some respect because of his quality. Shoot me because I have manners see if I care.

“Saturday Morning Funnies” Episode 4: What Roscoe could never do…

What does your imagination have in mind? Submit your rescue ideas to me at jimstoybox@gmail.com the best submission as chosen by me and my lovely wife Alicia will not only see their dream scenario acted out in next weeks Saturday Morning Funnies but you’ll also receive this carded Luke Duke for your own collection! Sure he’s got a bum knee but a free Mego is still a free Mego!

So what are you waiting for dear reader? Start flexing your imagination and help free Luke Duke!

Email submissions to jimstoybox@gmail.com please include a contact email address and your name. DO NOT SEND your address or any info at this time. I will contact the winner via the provided email address and request the info at that time. I’m not a spammer and have no intentions of becoming one. You have until Monday May2nd to get your ideas in so get to it!

The game is set kids! Now, Go Play! Jim 04/30/11

“The Wall” Chapter 12 – Specter / EMCE Toys: Dark Shadows: Chris Jennings

UPDATE: Dark Shadows figures are available again! Click on the pic to get yours!

Me and Chris Tight 3 — This guy is so cool, my fingers get frost bite just by touching the bubble

How much do I really love the 8 inch Mego style action figures? So much so that I will even shell out my hard earned cash on a toy that comes from a soap opera! Seriously the Specter Toys released “Chris Jennings” wolfman figure from the cult favorite “Dark Shadows” soap opera is so cool that I had to make this one mine. And once again thanks to the folks at EMCE Toys this wooly wolf is a must have for “The Wall”

Point #1. What it is.

Chris Card Front — Specter Toys Dark Shadows: “Chris Jennings”

Point #2. Where it came from.

Chris Card Back — Again I made another great deal at the Mego Museum Marketplace to make this fellow my own.

Point #3. The Good.

Chris Head Tight — The sculpt and paint application has such a classic look you’d swear it came out in the 70’s.

What’s not to love about a werewolf figure? In all actuality this figures look is so campy cool that I had to add it to my collection. Not only is the sculpt fantastic but the costume really puts this one over the top. “But it’s just a plaid shirt with holes in it, Jim?!?” So what? That plaid shirt with strategically placed holes in it really make this toy “pop”!

Chris short tight — Now we know how many holes it takes to feel the alcohol.

And as I’ve said in previous chapters of “The Wall” I’ve gotten on a hard core monster toy kick. Also to note while I haven’t taken this guy out of the package I feel pretty safe in assuming its quality and playability is top shelf. How can I be so certain? Because it was made by EMCE Toys! I’m telling you dear readers, the reputation that EMCE has worked very hard at establishing for quality is a major contributor to me purchasing this one. While I didn’t mind shelling out a couple bucks for the CTVT monsters that you’ve found here on “The Wall” there is NO WAY I would pay the $20 plus shipping I gave for this one. Never gonna happen. The price for this figure however I know is very well worth the money.

Plus the thought of a werewolf wearing shoes just makes me laugh.

Point #4. The Bad.

Me and Chris Medium — If only you were in a resealable clamshell. {Sigh}

The only thing I can honestly complain about here is the lack of the resealable clamshell. I don’t know if that was a cost thing or what but I honestly would have been even more happy with this toy had I had the chance to take it out and really look it over without damaging the packaging. Mind you I’m not a Dark Shadows fan and the artwork is a bit drab for me, as a collector I don’t like ripping up a package. I probably will once Halloween approaches so I can display this guy with my assortment of 8 inch monsters but for know he will be trapped safely in his sealed bubble.

Point #5. Why I like it.

Me and Chris Wide 2 — Hey you over there, keep it down! Chris is trying to catch a nap before Halloween.

To not sound redundant in the praising of EMCE Toys I’ll simply refer you to previous comments found in Chapters 2 and 11 where I’ve already gushed a lot about these makers of New Mego’s. Getting back to this figure itself I have to note that I simply LOVE it’s looks and charm. Plus considering my Monster kick this guy is beyond perfect for satisfying my Halloween décor collecting tastes. More than anything this one is simply fun for me.

Point #6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.

Why you should:

Me and Chris Tight 1 — Whose a good boy? Your a good boy! Bestest little wolf boy ever!

It’s a fun looking toy. Once I open him I’ll show you how much fun he really is but as of this writing we’ve got a long way to go before Halloween. Hopefully that will give both you and I something to look forward to.

Why you shouldn’t:

No reason I can think of. Unless of course you prefer your werewolves to be half naked Native American teenagers, Mattel has that one covered for ya. As for me I’ll leave my animal shape shifters as they should be, clothed in holey plaid shirts.

In Conclusion

In the weeks and months to come I intend to bring you more of the details that went into the making of this particular figure but for now I’ll just say that having a werewolf named “Chris” hanging around adds a really cool element of nostalgia to “The Wall”. Now, Go Play! Jim 4/12/11

Me and Chris Tight 2 — Don’t worry Chris. Today’s vampires are sparkly and are far too love lorn to bother you in your bubble.

UPDATE: Dark Shadows figures are available again! Click on the pic to get yours!

“The Wall” Chapter 11 – Diamond Select / EMCE Toys: Star Trek: Captain Kirk

Me and Carded Kirk — The main thing we both have in common? We're both squeaky new!

“Space. The Final Frontier” – “EMCE Toys. The Official Rebirth.” This chapter of “The Wall” focuses on a figure that will live forever as the perfect example that dreams really do come true. They take a lot of work and diligence sure, but they can become reality. This familiar face made it into my collection for numerous reasons. Not only was this reproduction figure an almost exact reproduction of Captain James T. Kirk from the original Mego Star Trek line, it also signifies to me the fact that Mego Toys have indeed returned. While EMCE Toys had returned the Mego format to the market prior to this release, this is the one that in my opinion, made it an absolute reality and gave true hope that the style of figures that I loved as a child was indeed back. Going where one company went before, another has come along and went even further and earned a place in my heart and on “The Wall”.

Point #1. What it is.

Carded Kirk Front — Diamond Select/ EMCE Toys Captain James T. Kirk.

Point #2. Where it came from.

Kirk Carded Back — The great folks at goHastings.com keep reducing the price on this figure so the Mego junkie in me can’t help but buy one of these almost every other week.

Point #3. The Good.

Kirk Loose and Carded — You can't ever have too many Kirk's. Period.

As I stated in the opening, this toy is more than a simple reproduction. It truly signifies a resurrection of the Mego style of action figure. And it’s got a picture of the father of Mego’s action figure Marty Abrams to prove it. For the record I do want to point out that the end result is the work of EMCE Toys alone. While Mr. Abrams did give the thumbs up to Paul “Dr.Mego” Clark and Joe Sena it was those two alone who made this figure happen. The original molds have long since been destroyed so Dr. Mego had to personally have everything retooled from scratch. Do even the slightest bit of research on toy production and you’ll see this is no easy task. Or inexpensive.

Cut Along LAbel — Sealed for your protection. Re-Sealable for your Amusement!

Another great thing about this toy is the re-sealable clamshell. This extra touch shows the thought that went into this figure for both the collector and the kids who still want to play with it. In both cases this packaging allows for easy access to the figure (none of those dreaded twist ties) and a place to put all the little accessories back into.

Kirk Head BAck — The markings are VERY clear that this is a NEW toy so don't be fooled dear readers, by unscrupulous vintage toy dealers.

Also to note, while this is as close to an original Mego as you could ever hope to get, all of it’s parts are clearly marked to show that it is new. So while this may be tough on the secondary online loose market, the discerning as well as the novice collector can easily spot that this is not an original. To the purists I have to say “back off”. While it may appear that the value of the original Mint on Card specimens out there have lost value due to these being released I’m afraid my sympathy is low. Sure vintage toys can be seen as a bankable “commodity” in the end t is just a toy and it’s value will always be determined by the market. Those who absolutely prefer only the vintage will only buy or accept that so your marketplace will not ever really be affected. On the other hand of the collector coin, those who simply want a brand new Star Trek Mego can have one without breaking the bank all the while being able to add factory produced characters that never existed in the first place. It’s a truly give and take situation where everyone does indeed win.

Point #4. The Bad.

Kirk Front — It's like he was wearing gloves in the tanning bed.

While it’s not a huge gripe of mine I do have to point out that the flesh tone of the heads and hands do not match up. Again this is only a minor pet peeve and not reason enough to not pick one up. Another point of concern is that the body is a bit too tight straight out of the package. The only reason this comes a s a negative is that you have to play with it a bit before it becomes more “user friendly” when it comes to posing. So that means that you have to play with it before you can get him as pliable as some collectors may want him to be.

Point #5. Why I like it.

Me and Kirk Loose Wide — My heads as big as Kirk's ego. But then agaii he earned it.

Not only does this guy signify the fact that Mego is indeed back but he’s also better than ever. Mind you I’m not the biggest Star Trek fan but I am a huge Mego fan. There is something magical to me about this scale and style. I’d even found myself at one point tracking down “Walton’s” figures just because they were Mego’s. I hate’d that show back then and now. Plus what kind fo play value is there in a bunch of “regular people”? “Oh no John Boy! Pa done fell in the well again. We must save him!” Blah. But still there Mego’s and I wanna collect ‘em all!

The funny part about when I started my mini stock pile of this figure came about not so much because of Star Trek, but actually because of William Shatner himself. Years back I had purchased one of these figures simply because it was a new Mego and the fact that there was a brand new line of figures to collect was very thrilling for me. So I got Kirk and then Spock, then McCoy and then… well all the rest that have been released so far. When I got the final new release I stood back and looked at my collection and was like “Wow! I’ve collected ‘em all!” But then the reality of space restraints at the time made me realize that while these were great I needed more room for other Mego’s that were starting to accumulate (read Retro Action DC Super Heroes). Long story short, I sold off the collection to start a new one. In deciding to sell these off is when the true nature of my collecting habits really came to light. While I truly enjoyed and appreciated these figures for their quality and style, I admitted that I’m just not that much of a Star Trek fan and considering how massive this line was (that’s a good thing by the way) I decided I better cool my jets or I was going to break the bank and overload my display area. There’s a Tribble joke in there but I’ll leave it be.

Kirk Belt Back — Unitl I saw the figure pakaged like this with the clasp of the belt actually hung on the back of the shirt, I never realized how to keep the belt from sagging. Details,details.

Fast forward a couple years later and the itch returned. I had picked up a copy of one of Shatner’s books and it reminded me how much I really enjoy “William Shatner” the actor as much if not more than any one character he has portrayed. So once again the collector in me wanted a William Shatner figure to hang out with the rest of the collection. Captain Kirk happened to fit the bill perfectly. No pun intended, but that kinda worked out. Fit the “Bill” Ha!

So in feeding my need for the William Shatner I saw that goHastings was selling these figures insanely cheap! I’m talking $4.99 a piece. Well needless to say I almost broke my finger clicking the “add to cart” button. At the time I got one for myself and one for my father in law who is a very big Star Trek fan. After that I chilled out until I saw a few weeks later goHastings was offering them again for the crazy low rate. I had to get one more just because. I’m sure this will happen again. And again and again.

Point #6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.

Why you should:

This is a wonderful figure that as you can see is a favorite of mine for many reasons. But the main reason that you should get one is with this one figure you can begin a collection that has all indications of continuing for many years to come. As a mater of fact you can already collect the complete bridge crew, which is something Mego never did by the way, as well as screen accurate aliens and one shot characters that complete the Star Trek Universe.

Why you shouldn’t:

If you’re not a Star Trek fan I can see where the line itself would be a bore to you. So in the end if you don’t like the series than it makes sense to avoid it and focus on other great 8 inch Mego style figures that captivate you. But overall there are no quality or price point concerns that I can address. The figures really are top shelf and quality is second to none in the genre.

In Conclusion

For those who may be reading in between the lines in this chapter you may note that this installment appears to be a love fest of sorts for EMCE toys. Well, it is actually and deservedly so. Bottom line is if it wasn’t for the efforts of Paul “Dr.Mego” Clark and Joe Sena the Mego resurgence simply wouldn’t be. Sure there are a few others out there but if not for what all this pair has done to ensure quality product as well as solid, bankable licenses the resurgence would not be mainstream and in effect, they wouldn’t exist. Coming soon to the “Toy Box” I’ll be looking more in depth at those efforts. But for the moment I’m going to simply enjoy the nostalgic rush that I’m getting thanks to the fun little toys that adorn “The Wall”. Now, Go Play! Jim 04/11/11

Tag: Dr.Mego

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UPDATE: Dark Shadows figures are available again! Click on the pic to get yours!

UPDATE: Dark Shadows figures are available again! Click on the pic to get yours!

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