Articulated Monster Podcast, Episode 77: Episode 77

Yeah, I got lazy while trying to name this week's episode.



But we do talk about Batflek and Disney Infinity.

Clara Oswlad

Lord, I am displeased that the latest companion figure is not in sale with the others. 3.75" figures lack the detail I liked in the 5" line. Oddly, it has pretty good articulation, (12 points, as opposed to the 5 points te Cyberman has) although it returns to the early days of Character Options Doctor Who figures with cut shoulder joints.

But I like the character and the figure is decent, so I picked this up. Maybe I can pretend she was hit by a shrink away.

TARDIS

Oh, I bought another TARDIS, but at least this time it's scaled for 4 inch figures. Because really, I bought it so I could do scenes like this.

Unfortunately the left door on mine won't stay open. It makes the click sound but the spring forces it shut the second I let go. Sad. Otherwise, it's awesome. 

Oh and a friend gave me the Character Building TARDIS, which is very poorly designed. Just structurally, it's not designed to be a firm build.

It's just those four flimsy pillars and 4 panels representing the walls followed by a roof. If you dropped it, the thing wouldn't just break apart, it would explode into its individual bricks.

 

Kirk and Khan

Why did I buy this toy?

It comes with an alternate head of Kirk shouting "Khaaaaaan!"

Big movie chest Khan minimate.

Either of those would have made this set a must buy. Both are here.

Easy decision.

Cyberman and Psycho Pirate

So I picked up a couple 3.75" figures over the last few weeks. Among them: the Cyberman and DC Infinite Heroes Psycho Pirate figure. Psycho Pirate only because it was insanely cheap at a Tuesday Morning which had some MattyCollector stuff.

Surprisingly, the better figure is the Psycho Pirate. 

The Cyberman has 9 points of articulation, mostly hinge or cut joints with limited movement. Psycho Pirate has 14 points of articulation, including a waist cut which the Cyberman does not. End result: a limited amount of poses for the Cyberman. Which is a shame since I love Cyberman figures.

The 3.75" Doctor Who Range is proving to be a big disappointment compared to their old 5" line. Especially since the price isn't changing to reflect the diminished figures. (Diminished as in smaller size and lower quality.) Thank goodness the Classics line is staying 5" 

Riddler

Making a well articulated Riddler figure? I'm there.

This Batman '66 Classic figure of Frank Gorshin as the Riddler is pretty good. A lot of articulation, a pretty good likeness, but dang is it scrawny. Sure, Gorshin was skinny, but look!

So obviously not in scale with the DCUC figures.

Orko

I've been a fan of Orko ever since they revamped his origin for the 2000 era MOTU series/toyline. Somehow Orko as a powerful wizard who lost most of his powers when he travelled to Eternia due to the planet's magical properties is somehow more interesting than incompetent clown. The back of this set adds to that, revealing that Orko is his people's secret agent sent to protect the sword of power and its wielder should the wielder be worthy.

Of course what really makes this toy awesome is that his accessory is an entire figure: Prince Adam, He-Man's much less convincing secret identity. Hidden by the packaging. Adam gets an alternate head and 1.5 swords. Yup, a full sword and one cleaved down the middle with pegs so it can be attached to another sword half.

I wouldn't have gotten this figure except that it was only $10 at Big Lots! and I'm a sucker for toys I'm vaguely interested in that are now 66% lower than they used to be.

AMP Episode 76: Still Hating Mattel

Episode 76 is up now!

Dalek

3.75" scale Dalek! It's exactly like the 5 inch Dalek but smaller.

Well, the bolts on the base aren't painted but the same articulation, same sculpt, etc.

US Agent

I've said it before, I'll say it again: I love the concept of US Agent. He's a knock-off Captain America who is more militant and patriotic. And he hates commies. He's pretty much the Reagan-era Captain America. So whenever a good version of the character gets turned into a relatively affordable figure, I'll get it.

This is the Marvel Legends figure and is pretty much a Captain America repaint, although now with a US Agent head, which basically means he's got a grumpy angry face. Thank god for that stand since it's hard to get him in a balanced pose.

Dapol Cyberman

I wasn't into toys when Dapol made Doctor Who toys. Nor was I when I found them in a comic book store in the mid 90s. Then when I started getting Doctor Who toys, particularly cybermen, a few years ago they cost too much. So imagine how pleased I was to find one at an acceptable price on ebay and I wasn't outbid.

The figure isn't impressive compared to Modern sculpts, but its primitiveness does call up some nostalgia for old-school 4 inch lines. Plus it's a 80s Cyberman, my favorite design.

Riddler

At Stockton-Con there was a vendor who was selling blind box vinyl figures. But if you didn't like what you go you could put it in a special box and take something from the box. One of the figures was a Riddler from Funko... so SOLD!

I got a Penguin, put it in the box and took the Riddler.

I asked what they do if someone doesn't want a short-packed figure. The lady said they'd treat it just like any other figure, it goes in the box. They say they'll be doing this at cons, so if you see them, check them out.

Crazy Harry

Whenever I find a Muppet figure I don't have at a con I'll ask how much. That's how I found this Crazy Harry figure for an affordable price. Harry was one of the third tier muppets but was notable for being the insane guy who used explosives literally. 

And since everyone loves watching explosions, he became a cult favorite. As a palisades figure he's hit or miss. He doesn't balance well, so thank goodness for the stand. He also doesn't have a Muppetesque body. It just looks like someone shoved a Muppet head on a skinny guy. And the way the head is angled makes it difficult to get his face in a position that looks good when displayed.

The accessories are awesome though. The plunger actually plunges thanks to an internal spring. And a barrel! 

Nerf hammershot

Wait, you pull the hammer back with your thumb?

Sold!

Batgirl

I went to Stockton-con an found a guy selling one of my top five wanted toys for almost no markup. I'm so happy. I have the 6" Mattel interpretation of Asian Batgirl! And even happier to pay less than half what they go for loose on ebay.

Egon and Ray

Big Lots! had this 12-inch Mattel 2-pack for $30. How could I pass? Now I can give Abe Lincoln a proton pack!