Marvel Legends Vintage Series Black Widow

Oh yeah, finally got a Black Widow Marvel Legend. Came across the Vintage wave at Walgreen's today, and was stoked there was a Black Widow left cause she was the one I wanted most because I was never able to get a figure of her 'til now to complete my Avengers line up. Couldn't bring myself to ever buy the terrible looking 2004 Toybiz figure, and thanks to limited production and distribution of the 2010 two-packs I can never afford the far superior near perfect Hasbro version.

As is Hasbro current M.O. she just uses a standard adult female body cast in black plastic with only her belt and Stinger gauntlets make her definitively comic book Natasha Romanov. Her head is reused from the Toys"R" Us two-pack Mary Jane, but I think works better for Natasha, I do wish the the hair color was a bit lighter, and not sure why they tried this weird fade from lighter to darker wash on the hair though. She comes with two "Nick Fury" pistols as I call them instead of more real world looking hand guns, which I don't mind cause she has used them in the comics, but I might look in my weapons bin to see if I can arm her with something else.

I really hope they make another wave of these Vintage Marvel Legends, cause I really love the retro inspired blister cards, and gives use collectors a cool reason to pick up a repaint when they pull on the ol' childhood nostaltiga. Personally I can't wait to see if they make a bright green Hulk or classic costume Thor. Now I just need a Marvel Cinematic Universe Black Widow to join my movie Avengers, but also still need a comic version Winter Soldier, damn ultra rare two-packs.  

Vacation Toy Hunt Finds

Just came back from a week long vacation in the state of Indiana, and my idea of an awesome vacation was hitting vintage used toy shops every day in a different town. My first day was in Chicago, Illinois where I got to hang out with two favorite podcasters from Optimusprimecast, Dale and Eric, who showed me, and my wife around town, taking us to all the great toy shops in their area, except Quake Collectibles that sadly closes on Tuesdays which was the day I arrived.

Our first stop was Namaka Toys, this was an awesome place, not a vintage store, but dealed in high end pricey imports merchandise, mostly Japanese imports including Gundam model kits, and Takara Masterpiece Transformers which had me drooling. Didn't pick up anything for myself there, but did find an awesome birthday present for a friend.

Toy de Jour was where I got my first find. Dale, and Eric was digging through a box of recently acquired Transformers, and who is sitting on top the pile to which I had to quickly pick up, and examine to check quality, and completeness, but Transformers: Prime First Edition Voyager Class Optimus Prime complete with both weapons and virtualy no damage or missing parts. What puzzled us, and the store owner was that his head was not what it should of been of Optimus with his face plate up, but a nicely detailed plate-less face, so we were thinking perhaps it was customized or a foreign variant we didn't know about. To find out after some research later that the head is a third party part swap: Dr. Wu DW-TF06 Sage Maskless Face.

We also hit another toy shop called Rad Vintage, a comic shop, and a gaming card shop called The Dice Dojo, where I did find two Planeswalkers cards I was looking for a very price. With only a few hours to hang with Dale and Eric, and to roam around Chicago it was time to drive out to Indiana.

Our first stop in Indiana was D's Toys in Indianapolis where I acquired my very first Beast Wars Transformer figure with Transmetal Optimus Prime, he dosen't have his weapons, but is in superb condition. My other great finds there was loose McFarlane Toys Youngblood Die Hard with all his accessories, and found the first three brothers of the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leo, Don, and Mikey, all in fantastic shape, and complete with their weapons fueling the need to find Raph in my continued hunting.

Stop #2 in Indianapolis was The Toy Pit, which after much digging and deliberation I only walked away with a carded Playmates WildC.A.T.s Grifter, starting me down the path of having to complete the team, but did find another great addition to go with my present for my friend I got at Nakama Toys the day before.

  

Kokomo Toys in Kokomo, Indiana I can only describe as Vintage Toy Heaven, this was the shop I was at the longest digging through pegs of loose bagged figures, and probably spent the most money. Very happily here was where I found the Raphael to complete my 2007 TMNT team. I checked off two rare-hard-to-find figures I was looking for off  my list with Marvel Legends Commander Steve Rogers, and DC Universe Classics Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, both complete with their accessories. Surprisinly also found the recently released Marvel Legends Death's Head II, loose with his extra hand just not in the official package, and paid less then retail, Score!

In Mishawaka I ran in to Tom's Vintage Toys, which i almost walked out with nothing until I came across a Playmate Star Trek: The Original Series Tricorder, but it wasn't until I pressed a button and heard that 60's tv show sound effect that I knew I couldn't leave without it.

Added another Playmates WildC.A.T.s member with Zealot at Corn Coast Comics in Huntington.

My final hunting spot was the furthest to get to, but what I found there was truly worth the travel time, because at Sewer Lair Toys in Terre Haute I found one of my Holy Grail Transformers: Generation 2 Laser Optimus Prime. He's not 100% complete, missing the disc launcher form the tanker, ripped stickers on the chest, the sword has part of the handle broken off, and some paint scraped off his hands, but damn did I pay a fraction of what I probably would of paid for a similar condition off Ebay. Just got to get some replacement stickers, track down a disc launcher,and hopefully maybe a replacement sword, and he'll look great along with my G2 Megatron.

Comic Reviews 12-31 Pt.1

All-Star Batman #4-5

The last two issues with artist John Romita Jr. concludes the "My Own Worst Enemy" story, it's sad to see Romita leave after only 5 issues, but that's why they're calling this series All-Star cause it's going to have rotating All-Star artist for every story arc. Romita is going over to Suicide Squad next, and our next All Star artist is Jock, who worked with Snyder on a run of Detective Comics before Flashpoint that was damn good. I know I haven't said anything concerning the actual comics, but I really don't know what to say that I didn't already say about #1-3, it's Snyder's great character driven writing, and fricking incredible Romita Jr. artwork, it is awesome. Perfect Batman tale in every way, period.

Captain America: Steve Rogers #6-7-8

Oh thank Thanos issue #6 was the last tie-in issue with Civil War II, no more unnecessary filler that didn't move the story along, and what's great is #7 picks up right where #4 ended like you didn't need #5 & 6 at all. I call this book my "Hydra-Steve Crack", it kills me waiting a month between issues, it's so good, every flashback of Steve's altered memories just keeps getting grander and grander. I hope this storyline goes on for a while, I can't wait to see what he does with Baron Zemo, who now in his memories was childhood friends with, and the upcoming showdown with Taskmaster, and how this is all going to end. 

Justice League Vs. Suicide Squad #1-2

I'm really enjoying this, it's so refreshing to read Suicide Squad written by someone other the horrible hack that's writting the main series right now, but more on that later. Enjoying and can't wait to see where Maxwell Lord and his Nightmare Army go, and what they know of the pre-Flashpoint timeline and see if we start to see more Watchmen connections. Loving the weekly release of each issue and that it's a contained story in the mini-series and not having to pick up Justice League or Suicide Squad with each comic being a different part.

DC Rebirth Justice League One-Shot & Justice League #1-2

Started picking up the new Justice League to get some more Superman action, really loved the one-shot with Superman finally deciding to join the League officially cause the League and the world need's a Superman. I loved Bryan Hitch's JLA run, and really glad he's still writing the team even  though he couldn't write and draw this time cause of the new release schedule. Glad to see the team is split up all over the world fighting the threat, what a group book done right can be, instead of eight heroes throwing all their powers at one focus we see individuals and pairs working towards the same goal.

Mighty Morhpin' Power Rangers #8-9-10

This comic right here along with Superman and Captain America is the main reason I have started going to the comic shop weekly again. Each issue just keeps on getting better and better, and with issue #9's reveal of who was behind the Black Dragon being an evil alternate timeline Power Ranger (most likely Tommy) was fricking mind-blowing. Again Higgins' add something to the Power Ranger mythos with out altering anything we already held as fact in #10 with Billy struggle to be a better Ranger with staying Morphed under his clothes minus the gloves and helmet, never thought of that before, amazing.

Part 2 with five more reviews coming up next...

Doctor Strange Movie Review

 

Might Include Minor Spoilers!

Marvel Studios hits it out of the ballpark once again with it's 14th movie in The Marvel Cinematic Universe with another perfectly balanced in every way adaptation of comic's favorite Sorcerer Supreme. The best thing I love about this film is it didn't feel like a superhero movie, it's very reminiscent of mystical fantasy movies but set in modern times along the lines of how Ant-Man was heist movie or the Captain America sequels were spy chasing political thrillers. With this installment we aren't just introduce to the magical side of the universe, but also to the concept of The Multiverse which now opens the doors to see in the films travel to other dimensions and possibly see alternate reality versions of heroes, villains, and universes we never thought we'd ever see on the big screen.

I don't think any one else could of played Dr. Stephen Strange better then Benedict Cumberbatch, he portrayed perfectly every stage of the character masterfully, from arrogant surgeon to angry patient to lost soul to neophyte student to excepting defender of the realm. I really like that they didn't make Chiwetel Eijofor's Mordo the villain of the movie and instead started him out as a friend and fellow protector to see his views and beliefs turn him down the dark path and set up his rivalry with Strange. I haven't read alot of Dr. Strange comics to get any affinity for The Ancient One so I didn't mind the gender change and thought Tilda Swinton was absolutely magnificent as teacher and burdened master, and honestly I don't think the movie would of had the same pathos if they stuck with the old man archetype.

You can tell Mads Mikkelsen was having a lot of fun playing bad guy Kaecilius making it a joy to watch him confronting the heroes, definitely one of the better movie villains above previous one-dimesonial takes the likes of Malekith and Ronan. What was really great was the reveal of Dormammu as the even bigger bad cause you can't finally have a Dr. Strange movie and not mention or tease his greatest nemesis which was only phenomenally out done by how Strange defeated The Lord of Darkness.

Well this marks the appearance of the fifth Infinity Stone in the MCU, so now where will the sixth and final one, The Soul Gem, appear: in Guardians of The Galaxy Vol.2 or Thor: Ragnarok? Marvel studios has found a formula that works, cause like previous Marvel movies this one has the perfect balance of action, humor, and drama and isn't too long or too short, just enough time to give us everything we need for a movie-going experience. The guest appearance in the mid-credits was a delightful surprise, and of course the after-credit scene sets up the premise for Doctor Strange's next cinematic adventure.

More Comic Pulls

DC Rebirth All-Star Batman #1-3

I forgot to  review the first issue in my last pull report, by now I've read three, and holy Bat-shit is it fricking good. John Romita Jr. is one of my all time favorite comic book artist, dead even with Jim  Lee, both #1 to me. Romita's rugged and insanely detailed art brings such a high-octane dynamic to Batman and his villains that makes you cheer at every page. Don't let the All-Star title fool you, this is in in-continuity book, which basically is a continuation of Scott Snyder's New 52 Batman run, so if you we're a fan of that run here's more.  

 Captain America: Steve Rogers #5

 I repeat from last time, I'm loving the Hydra Cap story, but I hate that it has to be squeezed in the lack-luster Civil War II event. Most of the issue was a recap of what's been happening in CW2 from Steve's point of view. Spenser's take on altered history Cap is great, he's still Steve but with his own agenda now, and really liking Javier Pina's art over previous artist Jesus Saiz's issues.

DC Rebirth Suicide Squad One-Shot & #1-4

I will admit I am mostly buying this comic for the Jim Lee artwork, but I am feeling like writer Rob Williams isn't a very good writer and not creating the proper situations for Lee's extraordinary talent to illustrate. I like that the one-shot introduce us to Rick Flag and where he's been during the New 52, and thus making the team resemble the current live-action movie line-up. I'm hoping the first four issues were rushed and stretched out, and that starting with issue #5 that it'll get more interesting. 

 DC Rebirth Supergirl One-Shot & #1-2

I read the first 12 issues of the New 52 Supergirl run, and enjoyed the new angrier and more Kryptonian loner take on Kara Zor-El but Rebirth is turning her into the more classic "new girl on Earth" with an adoptive family complete with more classic costume. I do like that adoptive parents and new secret identity are supplied by the D.E.O. (Department of Extranormal Operations) to appear similar to the current live-action TV series. My main draw to the new series was the return of Cyborg Superman, and I'm not gonna spoil it but I approve of his new original identity for him. 

 DC Rebirth Superman #8

Again, can not recommend this series enough, best book coming out of Rebirth right now. Staying strong with the father and son dynamic, but now a quick story arc with dinosaurs. Will be picking up this book as long as this writing/drawing team stays on. 

  DC Rebirth Trinity #1

Wow, how man comics have you seen written, drawn, and colored all by the same person, I applaud Francis Manapul. The new ongoing tells the tale of Batman and Wonder Woman wanting to get to know the new Superman from a previous universe, and with this issue show them coming to have dinner with Clark and his family, and start to see them begin to form new personal relationships with each other from scratch. I like it, this trio isn't the trinity of long times friends but of three personalities coming together each with a different view of each other. 

NYCC 2016 Marvel Legends Reveals

Source: Marvelousnews.com

New York Comic-Con 2016 happened over the weekend, and right off the bat on Thursday preview night revealed new upcoming Marvel Legends figures for the end of this year and early next year.

HOLY SHIT! There is no one more excited to see Death's Head II as a Marvel Legend then me, he is my favorite Marvel UK charater, and I can not wait to have this guy on my shelf. If you know me then you know I'm obsessed time-traveling cyborgs, I have almost every comic Death's Head II has ever appeared in, I'd never thought Hasbro would ever even consider ever making him. No word yet if he's a regular figure or a build-a-figure, but pretty sure he's going to be in the next Guardians of The Galaxy wave along with also revealed Adam Warlock.

Wow, Hasbro is really checking off my most wanteds off my list with early X-Force Shatterstar, he'll go perfectly with Cannonball, but now what are the odds of ever completing that team? Old Man Logan is also a surprise, but can't say he was exactly on my wishlist, don't get me wrong I loved the original Old Man Logan story, but not a fan of bringing him to present MCU to stand in 'til 616 Wolverine is brought back to life. I would really like to see a Old Man Logan Marvel Select though.

Sandman was revealed to be the build-a-figure for the next Spider-Man wave, very cool looking, and love the interchangeable arms and heads, but other then two figures I really don't want any other figures in the wave, so I don't think I'll be building him, I'll just stick with my Toybiz Spider-Man Classics Sandman. I will be getting the new Shocker figure to add to Spidey's rouge gallery, I missed out on the previous Spider-Man Classics one, and this one doesn't have gimmicky non-articulated arms. The other figure I want from the wave is the black suit Spider-Man , I love the new Spider-Man buck, and really looking forward to adding the symbiote suit the variation line up.

Current Comic Pulls

Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers (Boom! Studios) #0-7 & Annual #1

Damn! This comic is addicting, if you are any level of Power Ranger fan, especially if you're an original fan from the Mighty Morphin' era and of Tommy The Green Ranger, then this a must have monthly pull. Writter Kyle Higgins has crafted an amazing window back into Season 1 of the most popular teen superhero/sci-fi/martial arts/monster fighting TV show adapted from Japanese Super Sentai, and with visually high-powered and energetic art by Hendry Prasetya it draws you back in to this world but shows a side with darker tones and insane scenery that a childern's TV show couldn't back then. 

Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: Pink (Boom! Studios) #1-3

A six issue mini-series focusing on the original Pink Ranger Kimberly after her days a Power Ranger, but while training in France comes across an evil plot that needs her to call upon her old powers and old friends. Written by Brendan Fletcher and Kelly Thompson with fluid animated cartoon like art by Daniele Di Nicuolo gives us a fantastic and fitting tale that fills in a gap always wondered by Power Ranger fans. Don't want to spoil anything about the story, but I can say the writers definitely did their homework so not disrupt anything in show cannon or present continuity that I highly applaud. 

DC Rebirth Superman One-Shot & #1-7

Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason are awesome together, I've followed their work from Green Lantern Corps to New 52 Batman & Robin, and as long as they are the team for this book I will continue picking it up. Father and son is the core element driving the Man of Steel's newest ongoing solo title, and with Tomasi and Gleason's previous work on Batman & Robin they definitely know how to create an emotional, yet still fun and action packed monthly parent and child adventure. I love the idea of bringing back the original Superman from the Pre-Flashpoint universe, he is the ultimate hero and beckon of hope that the New 52 Superman never tried to be, and now give him a son who's coming in to his own powers, it's such an great story telling device that we have never seen Clark in before.

Captain America: Steve Rogers #1-4 

I know there is a lot of hate for the current story arc being penned by Nick Spencer, but I'm loving it, it is a Cap story that's never been done before, and I'll admit it, I wasn't originally gonna pick up this title up, but after all the controversy and commotion of the final page shocker I had to judge it for myself. The new costume is even growing on me, way better the ugly Marvel NOW! redesign, I think I'm actually looking forward to a Marvel Legend figure of it. The only thing I'm not digging is it's starting to get dragged in the stupid Civil War II event currently going on, and I really wish it didn't cause it's interrupting this great new narrative that has to now be inter-weaved by company mandate, really annoying. 

I'm considering also picking up Suicide Squad and Trinity, Suicuide Sqaud because of the Jim Lee artwork and the inclusion of General Zod as an antagonist, and Trinity cause it looks to follow and or tie into the Superman & son dynamic, and I'm a fan of Francis Manapul's work on New 52 Flash. For a huge Marvel fan and collector this is strange for me right now with my most favorite comic is from neither of the Big Two publishers, and thinking of following three DC titles but only one from Marvel, just goes to show you how great DC has risen their talents and business strategies cause I've bought a lot DC comics in the last 5 years. It's not entirely Marvel's fault, I'm behind on a lot of X-Men and Avengers stories I'm trying to catch up on while DC's Rebirth titles are great jumping on points and has me looking forward to the next issues every comic shop visit. 

Avengers: Age of Ultron Teaser Trailer

Ladies and gentlemen, Joss Whedon, and the cast and crew of the second Avengers motion picture have achieved what can only be called: "Cinema Perfection". No more can said, stop reading, and watch, and let the waiting begin.