Greetings all! Thanks to the fantastic folks at Entertainment Earth I’m going to be offering up some really neat bobble heads for you to add to your collections. These really are cool as you’ll soon se in the coming reviews. You’ll see even better if you win one of the six different ones I have to give away! Get ready for some All American Independence Day fun, gang! Go like and follow the Jim’s Toy Box facebok page to stay up on the details!
I’ll throw this out there in an effort to help not only Craig and ZICA toys but also to help every loyal and loving Six Million Dollar fan…. Pre Order the Wave 2 set of figures from Entertainment Earth via THIS link
and I’ll hook you up with a free MeTV t shirt once we get word from Craig that the Wave is a go! As proof please send me a screen shot of your pre order invoice to jimsmegos@yahoo.com and I’ll get back to you on your FREE T-shirt!
From Craig with ZICA Toys:
Based on the recent preorder numbers I’ve received it looks like the SMDM wave 2 assortment is at risk of being canceled. Considering how well wave 1 did I’m more than a little shocked at the low numbers for wave 2. For a small company like mine projects typically live or die based on preorder numbers.
Craig
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! It’s the big super Six Million Dollar Man sale day at Entertainment Earth and no better time to round out or double up on your Bif Bang Pow, Re-Mego style action figures. Seriously Steve and Bigfoot for $27? Oscar and a Fembot for $31? Dr. Rudy Wells for $20 and Steve pimpin’ his ‘tache and in khakis no less,for only $14? It’s a mighty fine day to be a Six Million Dollar Man Fan. Go check ’em out for yourself, share and tell your friends it’s the right thing to do. Plus if three of you folks order a complete set of these I just may earn my wings!
Ok, maybe not. BUT if three of you order a complete set of these I will know that at least three of you didn’t waster your money on a Wings greatest hits CD? Oh sure they had a couple of good tunes but they also had crap like this….
Yeah that really happened. BUt here I’ll make it up to you….
See? Wasn’t that a better way to spend some time on the net? Of course it was. Now, go get you some Six Million Dollar Man fun and do it NOW while they’re on sale! Seriously the special prices end tonight at Midnight!
Now, Go Play!
Jim 05/11/14
Long time visitors to the site will remember I’m a big fan of Ace. Always have been, always will be. No Regrets! Just like his book that I reviewed many moons ago. This figure helps ensure that fanboy happiness remains!
The new sculpt is great! It has a far better resemblance to Ace than the original Mego version. Plus he’s not staring up into the stars. The only thing that takes away from the sculpt is the hair. This is not a huge distraction though. Considering the style of Ace’s real hair I can see where the production process on this scale could be a real bear to capture it properly.
The costume is great. The FTC folks took some liberties with the rhinestones but that’s OK as far as I’m concerned because honestly without them the suit looks very boring. The shoulder rings are also very cool to. I am truly impressed with their design process here. It’s an extra step that really adds so much pop to the whole figure.
The shoes are very good as well all though this particular version of Ace’s garb is my least favorite. Something about a Spaceman wearing high tops just doesn’t work for me. Actually it’s never really worked out. Just ask Michael Jordan when he went on his Space Jam.
Again I can’t stress how much I am impressed with the improvements to the body. Now that the bands are the proper length you can pose Ace in that classic stance with his Les Paul. Mind you the figure doesn’t come with a Les Paul but you can do like I did and make one or I can make you one for $5 shipped to your door. I’m doing the same thing with Paul and Gene’s guitars as well. Order your Ace guitar by clicking here:
Overall this is a fantastic figure that I can easily recommend. Be sure to check out the reviews of Peter, Paul and Gene too! You get back where you came from by clicking HERE.
Now, Go Play!
Jim 04/10/14
8 Inch Figures
12 Inch Action Figures
Carrying Case
Show your KISS colors!
Fun Stuff
PLUSH
Let me start this review by saying this; overall I’ve always enjoyed Paul Stanly as an entertainer. My current attitude however is a bit jilted after having listened to his new autobiography; Face the Music: A Life Exposed. I still like Paul. Not going to go into a giant nerd rage / fanboy fit over his now revealed and carved in ink deposition in what a class A asshole looks like but this picture had to happen. It’s the closest I can come to the real thing and I assure you, if you take the time to listen to or read the book you’ll feel the same way. Especially when it comes to the way he reflected on Eric Carr. I let that go now. I wrote my review and stated my opinion. Now it’s time to get back to the good that is this action figure. I mean really, really good.
So much so that I have to say that the winner of most improved figure of all goes to (big drum roll) Paul Stanley! The Farrow completely out did himself on this rendering of the Starchild’s looks. And when I say nailed it I mean museum quality, portrait nailed it. So much so I really enjoy taking photos of this figure because of its lifelike characteristics. Plus with Paul’s naturally bushy hairdo this figures rooted hair works. Could stand to be styled and with this one you can do that.
Not only is the head fantastic the costume is extremely cool and well made. Unlike his Love Gun version this Paul’s shoulder straps stay up like they are supposed to. That again goes to show the massive amount of love, care and quality control that went into producing this series of figures. Even the furry arm gauntlets are well made.
I would be remiss if I didn’t point out one extra detail that FTC put into this figure: Rhinestones on the back of the neck collar! That’s just cool. Most folks may never even see this added detail if they never take him out of his giant plastic prison. You’re welcome.
I can’t stress how impressed I am with this figure above the others. Even Gene which is by far no slouch just misses the excellent mark that this one earns from me. Like the boots. These mini version 7 inch, leather heels are my favorite footwear of this series. They look so good. The paint application is clean and neat, the details in the creases and boot laces really drive home the quality of this figure. Simply magnificent.
Like Ace and Gene, Paul can easily handle poses and preening with a guitar. Again I note that he does not come with one but you can make one like I did or I can make one for you for $5 shipped. The chest hair however is a whole different story. But then again I’ve got my creative juices flowing again… anything can happen. To order a guitar for Paul click HERE
To get back to the homepage click HERE… and to read my review of Paul’s book and the reason I felt the nad shot was necessary, click HERE
Now, Go Play!
Jim 04/10/14
8 Inch Figures
12 Inch Action Figures
Carrying Case
Show your KISS colors!
Fun Stuff
PLUSH
Confession time. I saved this review for last as far as actually doing the write up and pics. Why, Jim? Why? What do you have against the Catman? Nothing at all. He’s just boring compared to the other three guys. Sorry Peter but it is what it is. Still love you though.
The sculpt is great! Mego completely dropped the ball with the repurposed Lex Luthor head back in the day and as such the first series fell on this dagger as well. I don’t fault FTC for that considering their goal was to offer reproductions of that line. In that they nailed it. For this new line however they did the right thing in again reaching out to The Farrow to create a brand new sculpt. The only detractor to this head is the hair. But as I’ve stated in my review of Ace, this is forgivable considering the production process, scale and cost. Plus everything else about it is so very right even if it is a bit boring.
To clarify, when I say boring I don’t mean that in a negative way at all. This is a very well made figure. The costume is really simple and clean. The quality of the boots are top shelf. But that’s about it. Nothing else really jumps out at me. Again nothing bad to say and I can easily say you should get this figure without reservation. But then again having one and not all four is just out of balance.
But that’s about that. Unlike his counterparts I don’t have a drum set for him but that may change in the future. I’ll keep you posted.
Now, Go Play!
Jim 04/10/14
8 Inch Figures
12 Inch Action Figures
Carrying Case
Show your KISS colors!
Fun Stuff
PLUSH
You really don’t want to miss out on this one gang. 41% off of these Bif Bang Pow Venture Bros sets from Entertainment Earth. Incredible deal and the Killinger is the second coolest figure in the line next only to Dr. Orpheous. 
The clock is ticking and I gotta tell ya, I am so pleased that so many have decided to play along! Remember you’ve got until 11:59 PM, CST tonight (Saturday March 8, 2014) to get your entry in.
Again thanks to everyone who has submitted and I really wish everyone could win but alas it is a contest and I’m far from being a rich guy… for now 😉 (Order More Bluntman, Batman, Sheldon Cooper and Dukes )
I will announce the winner on Monday and perhaps a new contest.
Now, Go Play!
Jim 03/08/14
02/25/14
It’s been another very productive day. I’m telling you gang, templates and daily journal type blogs help you stay focused and on track. Plus the brainstorming that comes is amazing.
Pop culture notes
The new Godzilla is looking to be a big win! Judging by the trailer the thing that really excites me is that they put the effort in to write a GOOD STORY along with keeping with the traditional Godzilla’s look and SOUND! Thanks to Den of Geek for the heads up!
New to the Toy Box
Got a lovely email from the folks at Entertainment Earth. Thanks to you guys and gals the Toy Box was one of the top affiliates of the past week. Thank you all so much!
Pre-Order Reminder
Can’t stress these enough. The Bluntman and Chronic figures from Bif Bang Pow and EMCE Toys are simply too sweet not to get. I can’t get enough of the bright, brilliant colors! And while I can’t say for sure but I’d almost be willing to bet that if sales are strong enough we could see more View Askew figures in the future. Cockknocker for sure but even more importantly I would L-O-V-E to see 8 inch versions of the Clerks animated series.
Thrift store flipping
Been so busy I haven’t been able to get out on the hunt for Round 3. However here’s one update that I’m very glad to share. My visit to Christ’s Food Pantry and Thrift Store led one it’s directors to be on a community outreach program on TKO 8 Television in Harrison, AR called “Connection” where Patsy Dean was able to share the purpose and mission of the outreach they do. Patsy comes in the second part of the show @15:48… but there are some neat thigns happening a the Boone County library too 😉
S-Type body giveaway contest
Got some great entry’s coming in!
Trappy has already put the S-Type body to great use with a custom Lone Ranger… I can only imagine the other things he could do with another new body to play with…
Ray offered up an entry that made me giggle and I admit snort… Direct quote on this one “Hi Jim! If I win the new body,…I plan to replace a “junky pee-stancing, cheap type, foot breaking, wrist cracking, hand splitting” body that my boxed CTV Robin Hood figure has…”
So what about you? What you got in mind? Email me at jimsmegos@yahoo.com … contest ends Sunday March 8th at 11;59 PM
On the horizon
Julie Adams interview and review of her book The Lucky Southern Star
The Story of the real Toy Box that was made possible by my fantastic friend Gar Ghoul
Lot’s of Scott Schiaffo goodness
A new animated cartoon (still rehearsing the script) 😉
Phases Updates
Phase 1 – re Launching – As always it’s a work in progress and steady growth. As part of this social media, cyber super highway we’re all plugged into I do want to reach out to more folks who may find the Toy Box interesting but boy oh boy do I not want to be a spammer (or be spammed for that matter). Hmmmmmmmmm…. How about this… if you know of or are someone that fits into the aforementioned categories drop me an email and let’s chat and grow together. jimsmegos@yahoo.com
Phase 2 – More Than Toys – Getting all my ducks in a row on reviews of books and films I have in the box. This is some really good stuff from folks such as Julie Adams, Scott Schiaffo, Dave LePage, Sandy Collora, K.D. McCrite… I look forward to introducing you all to all of these creations that you may have missed.
Phase 3 – Television Show – One big point of the process is the dreaded word: Budget… hmmmmmmm…. This part is a bit of new territory for me. For most of my career I have produced things without really thinking about a budget. I just do it and roll on. I never think about paying myself when it comes to the things I’ve created. It’s art. BUT the utility company’s and the mortgage holder on my house could care less about my “art”. And to be quite frank, traditional sponsorship doesn’t work like it used to for the advertiser or the show. So you know what? Unless some company wants to pony up some SERIOUS cash (I’m talking seven figures) I’m not interested. It’s not a matter of not wanting to sell out, it’s a matter of not jeopardizing my integrity ever again.
In the past if I couldn’t afford someone to do the work I just learned how to do it myself and go for it as best I could. This time though I want to attack that better. I know there are crowd funding platforms out there but for now I do not really want to go that route. I appreciate the opportunities that are possible through that method but I enjoy spreading the word and supporting those who use those services. They have fantastic ideas and projects and do indeed need the help. For me though and at this particular juncture I’m no where near where I feel confident in going in that direction. So for now it’s going to be all about earning the money on my own through various side gigs and selling as much cool stuff through Entertainment Earth as possible! But then again…
Thinking about the funding sources of this project (which is tied into everything in these phases actually) is the potential for future merchandise tie ins. I don’t want to give it all away right now but I will say I’ve had an idea in my head for a very long time that, like the Toy Box, incorporates a lot of the elements you see here in one neat little clamshell. Oops, may have said too much. But what I think I will do is set up a program that if any of you folks would like to kick in and be a part of this project you can.
Along those lines I may also look into doing some branded merchandise though a print / publish on demand service. If something catches your eye please, feel free to make it yours. Otherwise it’s all good. I guess it’s the 80’s kid in me that loves merchandise tie in’s and why I like offering things like that. To this day I’m still a sucker for radio station t-shirts and coffee mugs. I just like ‘em.
One thing that I have done in being more proactive is setting up a cup to collect my budget money’s into. No really a real honest to goodness Styrofoam cup. May seem juvenile to some but I assure you it’s encouraging to me. The cash in that cup is coming from little odd jobs that seem to fall out of the sky lately. And since they’re calling out of the sky it only seems appropriate for them to be caught in a cup. Metaphorical perhaps but then again I am a master (or addict) of metaphors.
I’ve also been putting more thought into the TV shows format and content. The show itself is intended for my local broadcast television audience; the folks who may have never heard of me or the Toy Box or the contents within, unlike you my dear, cool reader. So a lot of the material is going to be re-purposed blog posts and videos that you see on here already with some local / interest stuff mixed in. I used to worry about the redundancy factor but honestly it really is apples to oranges when it comes to the audience. Plus I think it will be a huge service to those folks in my area that otherwise never knew or hear anything about the topics discussed here. Case and point; most folks in this region have never heard of a Mego WGSH toy or incredibly talented folks such as Jay Piscopo. So why that may be seem to be a deal breaker in mass appeal I actually think its going to offer a fresh type of show and subject matter that could be seen as refreshingly entertaining and informative. And of course I love telling the stories.
As you can see from this post alone, I’ve been putting a lot of thought into this one today. I really want this to be the best show I’ve ever done.
Phase 4 – Live Internet Broadcast – Working out what it should be format wise I’m still developing it. I’m pretty sure it will be a weekly thing. Perhaps a Weekly Update from the Toy Box of sorts.
Phase 5 – The Studio Store – A real business plan. Man that’s kind of tough. But this is a long term goal and no need to rush it. I want this right and I think at the end of the day you all will appreciate it too. Plus in a year or two from now you and I dear reader may have a very interesting journey and success story that we have shared. Time will tell.
This is something that I truly want to see become a reality. But I want to do it right. The Studio Store in my mind will have a lot of really interesting aspects to it. It IS the store and eatery I want to see and perhaps others will too. Obviously there will be a gift shop retail area that offers up a lot of neat stuff that you see on the site that would make for great loitering. But that doesn’t exactly pay the rent. With that in mind I would like to have it also include a lunch counter set up and dining area. Nothing fancy but slick in its presentation and good in its food execution plus it would be a nice way to generate more reliable revenue. Plus I love to feed folks.
And since this is a dream project I would really like it to house my work and production projects. Years ago I sat down and mapped out what this would look like. Basically the front of the building would include the gift shop and restaurant area whereas the back of the facility would feature my production studios and offices. To the side of all of this would be a fantastic spot for a theater / stage area. Hey, if you’re gonna dream, dream big.
At the moment I don’t believe my current city of residence could maintain such a venue but who knows what the future may hold. While I give myself a bit of grief at being 40, Lord willing I’ve still got a few more decades left in me and I am most certainly assured that the passion that fuels the Toy Box is never going to go away.
Good golly that’s a lot of brain droppings for one setting. So now I will hop off the keyboard and go do some video tests of the set for the show. I may even share some of that with you tomorrow. I actually combed my hair today.
Now, Go Play!
Jim 02/25/2014
What a year for 8 inch Mego style action figures! Between the Figures Toy Company reproductions, the full lineup from the Big Bang Theory and the customizing possibilities with the S-Type body I only thought I was going to have to get a third job to pay for my hobby. Well I guess I gotta start looking for the fourth job now thanks to Bif Bang Pow and EMCE toys…
I just pre ordered my set and hope you will be so kind to do the same via the links I have up here (and share this posts link too). Actually if enough of you do I won’t have to find that fourth job. Oh who am I kidding? The way this is going I’m probably going to need a fifth.
Now, Go Play (and Pre-Order!)
Jim 02/23/14
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