I couldn’t be more thrilled at the news that the time is almost here for the Venture Brothers to return to Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. Man do I love this show and the universe of characters that inhabit it.
The special “magic hand” is simply to die for.
Season 5 was a total blast with so many wonderful twists and turns I really don’t know how they’re going to top it but I’m sure they will. They haven’t let me down yet and I don’t see them doing so now. While it gets a little frustrating as a fan to have to wait SOOOOO long in between season, the payoff is totally worth it.
Pardon us as me and my pal here go get our cholesterol checked. You should too dear reader.
You can also flashback to my early rants and raves about the Ventures that I’ve shared here, as well as my live action casting selections (which should totally happen). From the initial introduction to the praising of my favorite figure to date: Dr. Orpheous. And if all that’s not enough (which it isn’t for me either. Man I hate waiting), peep the Season 6 Preview below…
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.
February 25, 1890 -Vlacheslav Mikhaylovich Skryabin, foreign minister for the Soviet Union who took the revolutionary name Molotov, is born in Kurkaka, Russia. Okay great Jim but there’s no boobs, Brock or bad assery… you my friend are wrong! Keep reading…
Molotov was an enthusiastic advocate of Marxist revolution in Russia from its earliest days. He was an organizer of the Bolshevik Party in 1906 and suffered arrest in 1909 and 1915 under the czarist government for his subversive political activities. In 1921, after the coup d’etat that brought Vladimir Lenin to power and overthrew the old czarist regime, he became secretary of the revolutionary government’s Central Committee. After Lenin’s death in 1924, Molotov supported Joseph Stalin as Lenin’s successor; when Stalin did assume power, Molotov was rewarded with full membership in the Soviet Politburo, the executive policy-making body.
In 1930, he was made chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars, a position roughly the equivalent of prime minister. On the eve of World War II, Molotov was also made Soviet commissar of foreign affairs–that is, the foreign minister for the USSR. It was in this position that he negotiated the infamous Molotov-Ribbentrop Nonaggression Pact (August 1939) with Nazi Germany, in which the antifascist Soviet Union and anti-Marxist Germany agreed to respect each other’s spheres of influence (an agreement that angered and stunned the world, and that only lasted a short time).
When Germany invaded the Soviet Union, Molotov became a member of the State Defense Committee, a war cabinet post, and negotiated alliances with the United Statesand Great Britain, arguing for a “second front” that would draw the Germans westward and away from the USSR. He won a reputation as a hard and relentless advocate for Soviet interests (nicknamed “Stone Ass” by Roosevelt), and did little to hide his contempt for the Western democracies–even as he desperately needed and relied upon them.
After the war, Molotov left the foreign ministry, but took it up once again upon the accession of Nikita Krushchev to power. Disagreements with Krushchev led to his dismissal from that post, and “anti-party”–really anti-Krushchev–involvement led to his being deposed from all government posts and denounced as a “henchman” of Stalin. He was then relegated to various low-profile jobs, including ambassador to Outer Mongolia. He retired from public life in 1962 and died in 1986. Though he held many notable posts in the Soviet government, many remember him for another reason–during the war, Molotov advocated the use of throwing bottles filled with flammable liquid and stuffed with a lit rag at the enemy, and the famous “Molotov cocktail” was born.
At one time Henchman 24 knocked my socks off, the options have only gotten better and better so the top spot is always changing!
While I’m on a pretty hardcore Sheldon Cooper / Big Bang Theory kick at the moment some of you may recall my appreciation for the Venture Bros. line of 8 inch Classic style of action figures. And as some of you may recall that appreciation of the fun and fantastic show came after the discovery of their Mego style action figures from Bif Bang Pow.
This still impresses me; the fact that the merchandise was so so cool I couldn’t help but get lured in. Well played BBP, well played. I really enjoyed talking up these figures in the past and Dr. Orpheus is still my absolute favorite of the line.
This all came to mind again because of the big Bif Bang Pow sale going on now through February 20th at Entertainment Earth. Sadly I had to sell off the majority of my collection last year but 2014 is looking to be much better and brighter. I hope the same is true in your situation whatever it may be. If that is the case do yourself a favor and check out the sale. There are a lot of really good deals on some really GREAT collectibles and toys from BBP.
However if things are still lean for you rest assured that your old buddy Jimbo is gonna keep my eyes peeled for good deals to hopefully help all of us get back on our collecting feet and get our shelves overflowing with fun and merriment that only comes from officially licensed, product tie ins. Now, Go Play! – Jim 02/16/14
Scroll to the bottom to see NEW pics of the subject and his doppelgangers as well as a very nice and appreciated video shout out from the main man!
Custom Secret Squirrel: You know the “Bleh, Bleh” Guy!
Introduction – Greetings gang! In this entry I get the distinct pleasure in introducing you to two separate but equally cool things. The first is my pal Gar Ghoul who is the host of “Horrible Horror” on the web and has been for the past six years. Each week Gar brings you a complete line up of fun and merriment consisting of music, fun and funny banter, lots of “bleh, bleh’s” and of course, a horrible movie. Add to all of that the online broadcasting platform allows you to chat directly with Gar and other members of the audience in real time.
To those who haven’t tried it out yet the best way I can describe the experience is like, being able to talk in the movie theater but no pimply-faced usher is going to try and kick you out for disruptive behavior. Or better yet, its like a movie with subtitles that actually salvage an otherwise crappy movie. Check it out for yourselves Saturday nights at 8PM Eastern / 7PM Central (the rest of you can figure out your own time zones, I’ve got an article to right)..
The second really cool thing that I am introducing to you today is the art of custom figure making known as ‘kit-bashing’. This my friends is an ancient Chinese secret that very few are tuned into. Okay that’s not really true. Kit-bash customizing is actually a fun and relatively easy way to create action figures of characters that have never been produced, using existing parts and pieces in a configuration that captures your heroes in 3 Dimensional form. And the best part is that for this particular 3D art form you don’t need stupid glasses that cost you an extra two bucks and that they expect you to give back at the end of the feature. Sorry about that. But that really does get on my nerves. Back o the fun stuff.
What it is
Now that I have introduced you to our subject I’d like to share with you some of the insider tips I used to create this custom “Gar Ghoul” 8 inch, classic Mego style action figure that may inspire you to have your own arts and crafts fun day.
First, the character that Gar ‘is’ really lends itself easily to the custom Mego treatment. To me Horror Hosts (the name is a proper noun, show some respect) are cool on so many levels. A few of those being that 1.) They’re great entertainers, 2.) There’s not a terrible amount of money in it (if any really) so these guys and gals are doing it for the love and for the artistry and 3.) The characters created are like real life cartoon characters, super heroes, movie monsters come to life etc… It’s those reasons that toys of the characters are a natural fit.
*editors note – for more on Horror Hosts from today and days gone by check out the fantastic archive created by Corpse S. Chris at
Three others that I would like to also recommend (I could go on but for the sake of time I’ll narrow it down to just three)… Ormon Grimsby…Dr. Gangrine and MeTV’s very own Svenghoulie.
Ormon GrimsbyDr. Gangrene
Back to the custom…
The Gar custom consists of two parts – the packaging and the figure itself. I list the packaging first in this case because honestly my customizing skills ain’t what they used to be so the packaging is crucial to the final products effectiveness.
The packaging
Card FrontCard Back
If the old saying “imitation is the greatest form of flattery” is true than you folks at Bif Bang Pow should be blushing brighter than a red, ripe tomato. For the packaging I used Adobe Photoshop, stills captured from the Horrible Horror show(Thanks Tammy) and the layout is a direct copy of the one used on the later issued Venture Bros action figures. The outer shell was recycled from a EMCE Toys/ Diamond Select Star Trek action figure. *astute readers will notice that the name on the card art says “Secret Squirrel” … to learn about why that is come on over to the Horrible Horror facebook page and find out why.
The figure
The figure is actually really simple. The base used is the Companion character from the Space 1999 series of figures released by Classic TV Toys. The only thing I really had to do was slap a little black and white paint on and “WAH LAH!” instant Gar Ghoul. The nose of the base figure was the real deal maker actually. It looked just similar enough to help add to the overall likeness needs.
I only made three of these (1 for Gar, 1 for him to use as a giveaway and 1 for my own personal collection.) but more are always possible thanks to the ability to kit bash.
Now the bigger question some of you may be asking;
“Why do I care?”
The main one being that the art of kit bashing is a great way to make some really neat gifts for those you love. The creations could also be used for unique marketing promotions or simply just for fun!. And while you can customize and kit bash pretty much any toy line out there, something about the Mego style just seems to mesh better with the final products “fun factor”. So what are you waiting for? Pick a subject, gather your supplies and get to creating! You can even work on it while watching “Horrible Horror with Gar Ghoul”, Saturday nights at 8PM EST / 7 PM CST on Vaughn TV!
Now, Go Play! – Jim 6/30/2012 (Updated 02/05/2014)
“So, it’s Bleh, Bleh,Bleh”? “No,just Bleh, Bleh. The 3rd is over kill.
Okay fellows and girls I’ve gotten really excited about this figure so I’m slacking on the review aspect but I’ll add that later. Right now however I strongly urge all of you to GET THIS FIGURE!
Bif Bang Pows! Dr. Orpehus from their 5th Series of Venture Bros. Classic Style Action Figures.
This fellow came from Entertainment Earth. This was my first pre-order and order ever from this highly reputable company.
Each figure from BBP is now numbered. What this will mean in the grand scheme of collectible value down the line is uncertain but cool none the less.
Dear Readers, may I present to you the absolutely coolest Re-Mego to date, my man Dr. Orpheus.
All dressed up and no other dimension to go.
“Look into my eyes!” Seriously, this is an incredible sculpt and paint application.
The special “magic hand” is simply to die for.
I was very pleased to see that BBP didn’t skimp on the details to the back of the figure.
Collars off and still cool…
Now capeless the mystical marvel is ready to lounge in his all too classy smoking jacket.
The stirrups along with the molded wing tips is another incredible touch that is simply awesome.
Left side profile.
You can even tell how incredible the detail is from the back of his head.
Right side profile. All around fantastic!
THREE snaps for the coat?!? I’m telling ya kids this one is outstanding!
The elastic strap for the tie is a very nice improvement on neckwear for Re-Mego clothing. Add to that the way it is hid under the shirt collar is extraordinary for this scale.
The shirt even has faux BUTTONS people! FAUX BUTTONS!
Bet you didn’t know the Dr. could also rock it out. For this shot he borrowed Scott Ian’s guitar (also from BBP btw).
“You wanted the best! You got the best!”
Velcro for the cape works very well and a far better choice tha a snap.
The gold fabric lineing really adds to this figures beauty.
Why monkey’s? I honestly have no idea but it seemed like the right and funny thing to do at the time.
There’s no monkey’s on this guys back. the one on his shoulder is just a fan.
Bif Bang Pow’s Dr. Orpheus… the MUST have Re-Mego. Period.
In celebrating the recent released third and fourth series of Venture Bros. classic style action figures from Bif, Bang, Pow I thought it would be fun to throw out a casting call for a live action Venture Bros. movie. Mind you I haven’t hard of any official plans for such a project, but I figure it’s only a matter of time before the Hollywood types decide to snatch up the license and slap the characters on the big screen. Here’s to hoping that if they do they won’t screw it up. The wife and I really put some thought into this one while watching Seasons 1 and 2 (3 and 4 haven’t made it to the collection yet). Feel free to chime in on other suggestions. Obviously we’re missing quite a few characters but what fun would this casting call be if there weren’t some fresh ideas shared? So please play along and share your comments by posting on this blog. It’ll be fun and it don’t cost ya nothin’!
Dr. Venture – David Cross. (Men in Black 1&2, Scary Movie) To me there could be no other do play the grown up Rusty Venture. Consider everything I’ve seen Cross play in he could easily capture Dr. Venture’s smart ass style and cynical attitude. Plus he’s already bald and wears glasses, add a speed suit and goatee and we’re golden.
Brock Sampson – Has to be Patrick Warburton. He’s the voice for goodness sake and in this case completely makes the character. Just add a blond mullet wig and we are in business!
Dean and Hank Venture – Zack and Cody (Suite life of Zack and Cody) I apologize for not knowing these kids’ real names but I don’t watch the show and so far my baby girl hasn’t caught wind of these two little pop stars. What I have seen of them however does show me that the young men have the acting chops to pull off the roles, they’re twins but not identical and they’re age appropriate. Plus considering they are the property of Disney I’m sure there are some spare clones of the them laying around.
Helper – Must be a real puppet / animatronic. To CG this guy would take away some of his charm IMO.
Dr. Orpheus – Peter Gallagher (Mr. Deeds) Again IMO Gallagher has the perfect acting chops to portray the needed melodrama that oozes from the mystical reaching fingers of the incredible Dr. Orpheus! Plus I bet he could easily provide his own wardrobe.
Triana Orpheus – Kristen Stewart (Twilight Saga) Every film needs star power and this gal has it. Plus it would be funny watching the interaction between her Triana and the Zack and Cody boys portrayal of Hank and Dean. That my friends would be believable, sad and pathetic teen angst.
Monarch – Chris Katan (Corky Romano, SNL) Smug and funny, and doesn’t even know it. Perfect marriage of actor and role if you ask me.
Dr. Girlfriend – Laura Flynn Boyle (Men in Black 2) When the wife and I were talking about this the idea of who could play the sexy yet strangely manly Dr. Girlfriend was one that had us perplexed until we popped in MIB 2. I originally was thinking about Kate Beckensale but when Ms. Boyle came to mind all other contenders were squashed. Her features are perfect for the role. I’m talking about her facial features you pervs, all you would need to add would be the same wig she wore in MIB 2 and you’re ready to rock and roll. Of course the original Voice artist would do the overdub but Ms. Boyle would really bring it home.
Hangin’ out with the bad boys is always fun so long as you keep bail money in your sock.
Again my focus has been captured by the incredibly fun line of figures from Cartoon Network’s “The Venture Bros.” As cleverly crafted by Bif Bang Pow! This time around the object of my affection is the beloved and beguiled arch nemesis of Dr. Venture, The Monarch! I must admit this guy brings out the feelings of love and hate when it comes to critiquing him. Oh the dilemma that comes from being an objective reviewer! See your way through to the end and you’ll see what I mean.
Point #1. What it is.
Biff Bang Pow’s Monarch from the Venture Brothers line of 8 inch Classic Style of Action Figures
Point #2. Where it came from.
Another great trade made at the Mego Museum Marketplace Forum. You can get yours at Entertainment Earth or Toys R Us.
This is perhaps the best Re-Mego head sculp / design ever!It’s hard not to be impressed by the Monarchs devilish good looks.
Here is where we find some serious love on my part. The head sculpt is beyond a shadow of a doubt the coolest looking I’ve seen of all of the new “Re-Mego’s on the market. The sculptor did a fantastic job of capturing the Monarch’s likeness. The decision to go the extra mile with using separate pieces for the finer points of his looks (i.e. the eyebrows, crown and goatee) are beyond admirable. It really is a sign of exceptional quality from the BBP folks.
Like the body armor the gauntlets aren’t coming off without some breakage or hand popping.
Another thing about the Monarch that makes me smile and applaud BBP even louder is that the re-purposing is kept to a minimum. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against the practice and in most cases appreciate it, but to create new pieces specifically for a figure is to me a sign that these toy makers have more heart in their project than at least half of Santa’s elves. The torso armor, the sculpted pointy toed feet, and of course the deadly weaponized wrist gauntlets are something to behold, even if you can’t take them off.
Point #4. The Bad.
Paint rubs to the bubble I see as a big no, no for the MIB types.
Here comes that hate part I warned you about. Considering the presumed collectors market that these figures are intended to reach I immediately spotted a big gaff when it comes to finding Mint In Package specimens. The shortcoming I speak of is how the paint used for the beard rubs very noticeably on the inner side of the bubble. A blight such as this could be deemed as completely unacceptable for the “mint” collector. Luckily for me I’m not one of those types.
Pointy shoes, or rather I should say molded feet. Takes a man’s man for that wardrobe choice.
Another big gripe for me is the leggings that are intended to represent the Monarchs Thigh High boots. Understanding that creating footwear that would be cartoon accurate could be a production nightmare if molded in plastic I do see the reason as to why they went in this direction. With that said though I have to say that the pleather look looses me. It’s mainly the separation that you see where the leggings meet the ankle. Perhaps a stirrup configuration would have closed the gap better and made the boot seem more cartoon accurate. Plus they make the figure look chunky.
Whew! Glad to be done with that part. I hate the bad points but what are you gonna do? In all though the figure himself is another great effort from BBP and Honestly I would rather have the clunky leggings versus no Classic Style Re-Mego Monarch at all.
Point #5. Why I like it.
A trio of terrific terror troubadours.
As I continue to become a bigger fan of the show and it’s characters I can’t help but snicker when I look at this guy’s mean and somewhat imposing grimace. If one didn’t know any better you might actually think he could do some damage on purpose. But as fans of the show know that is simply not the case. The Monarchs victories if any come through by way of accidental occurrence and in the end wind up biting him in his butt. I guess it’s that when I see this fellow staring at me I know that thanks to his efforts good will always prevail. That’s uplifting and inspiring. Oh who am I kidding? It’s just super cool to have another new Re-Mego on the shelf that is part of a collection of toys for grown ups who refuse to grow up.
Point #6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.
Why you should:
Tell me this guy doesn’t scream, “Kneel before Monarch!”. And then you do.
Because you can’t have any other figure in this line without the dreaded Monarch to torture or vice versa. Plus to have him paired with Henchmen 21 and 24 is something that is really cool in the world of 8-inch Classic Styled action figures. Seriously how cool would it have been if back in the day that Mego could have cranked out some of the Penguin or Riddler’s TV goons to help in their efforts to thwart Batman and Robin? Army building is cool, especially when someone else has done all the work for the wonderfully reasonable price of $14.95.
Why you shouldn’t:
Again hangin with the bad boys is a lot of fun so long as you don’t get stuck being the designated driver. Then it would suck.
If you’re really OCD about footwear or the possible paint rub issues I mentioned above you may want to steer clear. But if you’re a loose collector there is no reason to not get this guy. So seriously go order one know or pop into a Toys R Us.
In Conclusion
Feel free to add your own snide caption here _____________. Or email it.
Again I point out the fact that this property that is the Venture Brothers has to be the coolest assortment for the Re-Mego fan. Plus with six new figures on the horizon (Hank, Dr. Girlfriend, Phantom Limb, Dr. Orpheus, Dr. Venture and Rusty) this looks to be a line that will continue to satisfy the collector for the rest of the year and beyond. Seriously, with all of the super cool characters that haven’t come out yet the possibility of these guys giving you something to look forward for years to come is an awesome collecting opportunity. Now – Go Play! – Jim 06/21/11
Only one remains before the current released collection is complete for the Toy Box. Dean, hurry up and get here pal.
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
Mini – Jim’s New Body is the product of Castaway Toys!` Check out their hot bods and so much more at www.castawaytoys.com
Again, if you want to look look thin hang out with fat people. Or in my case use a Castaway body instead of one that would actually reflect my current wasteline.
Greetings Dear Readers! IN this entry we find a figure that honestly makes me giddy with the opportunity to talk about him. Why is that, you ask? What could possibly make you so excited to talk about a fat guy action figure in a butterfly suit action figure? Because this guy is to me a wonderful reflection of US. Not the United States as the capitalization would allude you to believe but me and YOU dear reader.
Just like Comic Book Guy in the “Simpson’s” before him, Henchman 21 here is a wonderful character that I believe was created specifically for us; the grown up toy geeks. As highlighted in the first few episode of Season 2 of the Venture Brothers, Henchman 21 here simply oozes with toy collector geekyness. Not only does he have a sweet collection of highly sought after colletibles he also has the delusions of grandeur that come with those purchase; they could indeed save the world (or at least the Monarch).
And with all of that said I’m sure that if the Henchman here was a real human being I could get on the phone I betcha he’d be pleased as punch that this figure was made in his likeness. Even with the non too flattering short pants that we’ll talk about in just a few. So sit back, break out your Incredible Hulk Smashing Fists and enjoy my take on the Toy Box’s latest addition, Bif Bang Pow’s Henchman 21 from the Venture Brothers line of 8 inch Classic style of action figures.
Point #1. What it is.
Bif Bang Pow's Henchman 21 SDCC Exclusive (but still available at Entertainment Earth and Toys R Us)
Point #2. Where it came from.
More pieces of the H.E.L.p.eR puzzle. I do love papercraft.
This fellow is available now at Entertainment Earth, Toys R Us or the omnipotent collectible powerhouse / monopoly that is ebay where I scored him.
Again I am impressed with the seperate pieces that make up the head.
And while I still stand by the statement that Henchman 24 is the best Re-Mego yet, I do have to say that 21 here does give him a run for his money and almost exceeds him in greatness. The point that makes him almost better is the stuffed body suit to stand in for a fat body. While some may moan and complain that the stuffed body is a copout versus a separate fat body I say to them, “So, what?” I mean, why bother with all of that extra tooling and production cost when the pillow stuffing serves the purpose. It’s not like there are a bunch of other Venture Brothers characters out there that are in need of a fat body. With the rotund nature of my wannabe evil pal here pointed out we move on to the only negative I have about this guy… his short pants.
Point #4. The Bad.
While funny, it would have been nice if the shorts actually came over the belly of 21 here.
The only gripe I have about this guy is that his shorts are simply too short. I mentioned in the Henchman 24 review that I found it funny that the Monarch’s army was represented with pawns that expose their belly buttons. It’s still funny when it comes to 21 here but it does make him look a bit too oafish. Sure he’s a goof and all but not quite so “Gomer Pyle / slack jawed oaf. Outside of that gap in the material I find no faults with this obese bad boy.
Point #5. Why I like it.
As I mentioned in the opening this guy is us. The geeky dude who simply can’t help himself in his collecting aspirations and of course seeing nothing geeky about it at all. As a matter of fact he is so justified in his actions that he should be considered a hero to all of us of the persuasion. Well, he’s my hero at least. And of course another prized collectible in the “Toy Box”.
Point #6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.
Why you should:
Because you can’t have one without the other. Seriously who would motivate your Henchman 24? Certainly not the Monarch. Plus he is also a very clever figure in his design in the fact that he is indeed unique for an army of Henchmen if you were so inclined to build one up.
Why you shouldn’t:
Here I have nothing to offer you as far as opinion goes. He’s a perfectly fine, well rounded 8 inch classic style action figure. No pun intended by the way.
In Conclusion
Henchman 21 is another wonderful example that Bif, Bang, Pow, EMCE, and the creators / producers of Venture Brothers have really honed in on a property that is perfect for folks like you and me dear reader. And while some of the humor is indeed juvenile and rude the Venture Brothers is a great form of animated escapism that is fun and necessary for a dork like me. And possibly you too. Buy a figure and watch an episode the next time your thinking about throwing back a six pack to unwind. I bet you wake up the next morning feeling much better and will have something more to show for it than a few empty beer cans and spent Taco Bell wrappers. Now – Go Play! – Jim 06/21/11
Pardon us as me and my pal here go get our cholesterol checked. You should too dear reader.
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
Mini – Jim’s New Body is the product of Castaway Toys!` Check out their hot bods and so much more at www.castawaytoys.com
Dear Reader I present to you the coolest Re-Mego yet!
This is it. This is the figure that has really opened my eyes to what is really going on with the Re-Mego movement as far as maintaining my interest as a collector and grown up toy geek. Bif Bang Pow, the folks at EMCE and the creators of the Venture Brothers have master minded a product that not only feeds a nostalgic need but also gives us fanboy types new entertainment. With its Hanna Barbera style and slightly cynical humor the Venture Brothers has very quickly earned a place in my must see TV diet and DVD collection. Plus these figures are an even bigger must have for my collection than even (dare I say it) the Retro Action Super Heroes. There I said it! I’m telling you dear reader; I simply LOVE this show and line of toys. My only regret is that I wish I had got in on this sooner. Regrets are for suckers however so I will simply say that I am glad I am on board now and have something NEW to look forward to with each new action figure release AND new season of shows! Go team Venture!
My introduction to this line came not too long ago as you’ll recall from my review of Brock and the Doc (http://jimstoybox.com/2011/05/01/bif-bang-pows-brock-samson-and-doctor-venture/ ) but ever since I’m telling ya, I’ve became obsessed! And again I must point out that it was indeed a cart before the horse situation. Had it not been for the figures themselves and my fascination with the Re-Mego movement I never would have given the show a shot. Thank you for that BBP and EMCE! In the coming week’s I will be revisiting this line as I continue to round out the first three waves but for now let’s get to the business a hand of nit picking and praising Henchman 24!
Point #1. What it is.
Bif Bang Pow’s Henchman 24 from the Venture Bros. Line of 8-inch action figures
Point #2. Where it came from.
I love the "build a H.E.L.P.e.R" papercraft concept. One day soon I hope to have all the pieces!
Another ebay buy due to your old buddy Jimbo being no where near the last San Diego Comic Con where this guy along with Henchman 21 were exclusives. For the record I have now signed up with Entertainment Earth to begin receiving the new figures direct from them as they are released. You should too!
Point #3. The Good.
24! Right Face!
The design is brilliant. To have the antennae, mask and eye covers as separate pieces permanently attached to the final product make for a very good-looking representation of the character. Plus even though this particular figure does have a specific designation, without a sound chip sounding like a fairly funny Ray Ramano impersonator, this guy is perfect for army building.
The biggest standout of course has to be the wings. Talk about a brilliant design! I simply love the way they made this happen. Instead of some cheesy snap on wing these are four individual wings that if you were so inclined to, could pose. Again I have to shout “BRAVO!” for this extra touch that shows a dedication to quality and perceived value.
Excellent execution on the wing design!The 'calm' pose for those non good guy smackdown times.The 'what is wrong with my wings?' pose. Just because you can!
Another thing that I do appreciate about the figure is that 24 here is sporting traditional Mego hero boots. This is truly the tie that binds this line to the Mego legacy that is now in my opinion truly reborn.
It's all about da' shoes! Or should I say boots?
*On a side note I do want to point out that I am in no way slighting any of EMCE’s previous Star Trek line of new character releases. I understand that line is a magnificent dream come true for Trek and Mego collectors alike but they technically fall into my ‘old news’ category. And that’s only because Paramount is lacking in the new Trek TV and film department. Paul you know I hero worship you!
Point #4. The Bad.
This butterfly isn't coming out of his cocoon easily.
The only things that I would consider a short coming of the figure is that 1.) You can’t take the torso/wing assembly off without cracking it open, 2.) With the leggings being ‘open toed’ taking the boots on and off lead to bunching of the pant legs when you put the boot back on and 3.)
I never knew butterflies had belly buttons. Go figure.
The more traditional Mego body’s limitations in arm pose ability and use of rubber bands can lead to the same problems that have always plagued Mego action figures. And finally 4.) The slightly awkward shorts are just a bit short and leave the figure looking like he’s wearing a belly shirt.
Point #5. Why I like it.
To me this guy really is the perfect example of a 8 inch clothed action figure Renaissance .
As I noted in the Introduction this line of figures is in my opinion the first truly NEW Mego toy on the market. The reason for this distinction is that out of all of the new Re-Mego’s on the market these days this is the only modern license being produced. Dark Shadows, Lost, The Real Ghostbusters, Retro Action Heroes, all of those are technically ‘old news’ and are appealing primarily because of their nostalgic connection to our childhoods. The Venture Brothers however is still in production and from what I’m gathering, in no peril of cancellation anytime soon. Also the show itself really comes off as a cartoon that has grown with and for its intended audience; 30 and 40 something big kids at heart who still love toys, comics and cartoons.
Point #6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.
Why you should:
A trio of truly terrific toys!
Because these toys are awesome! From their wonderful likenesses to their very clever design, the Venture Brothers line of 8 inch action figures are a perfect fit for the 21st Century toy and cartoon geek. Also considering my points in the “Why I like it” segment I would also dare to speculate that these initial waves (and subsequent) will indeed become highly sought after collectibles with fair to very good aftermarket value.
Why you shouldn’t:
The only reason here has to be that you are a stick in the mud who is far too uptight to enjoy the guilty pleasure that is cartoons and toys that are made for adults. If that is indeed the case I pray for your sad, stressed out, tortured soul. Loser.
In Conclusion
"You say so many nice things, Jim. I'm tearing up."
Again I can’t praise Bif Bang Pow and EMCE enough about these figures. This is truly a perfect marriage between property and license. The other items I’ve seen including the bobble heads and 2 inch mini figures are to me nothing more than pop culture dust collectors. They’re fun to look at but loose their humor relatively quickly whereas the 8 inch Re-Mego action figures are something that is not only cool to display loose but also a great carded collection to cherish. To show my sincerity in this claim I am indeed putting my money where my mouth is. This is one line that I will definitely be buying two of each, one to open and one to collect. I’ll prove it with pics as the budget allows! GO team Venture! Now, Go Play! – Jim 06/15/11
I LOVE these Guys!
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
Swing by the Venture Brothers Blog to get caught up on all things Venture…. and then be sure to swing over to the Venture Home News community page on Facebook setup by my pal Tim. And of course stock up on all of the sweet Venture Merchandise at Entertainment Earth who are the muscle behind Bif Bang Pow.
This all came to mind again because of the big Bif Bang Pow sale going on now through February 20th at Entertainment Earth. Sadly I had to sell off the majority of my collection last year but 2014 is looking to be much better and brighter. I hope the same is true in your situation whatever it may be. If that is the case do yourself a favor and check out the sale. There are a lot of really good deals on some really GREAT collectibles and toys from BBP.
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