ML Mandroid BAF: Captain America (Marvel NOW)

A Marvel Legend came to my stocking courtesy of Santa(Well, we know what happened but let's stick to the Fat Man stuffing my stocking with wonderful toys, shall we?)! I first heard about the new Marvel Legends of 2014 that is paying homage to the Winter Soldier movie way back when. There were only a couple of figures I was interested in, this guy wasn't one of them but here we are with him! So let's scrutinize this guy, shall we?

Right off the get go one can truly see the distinct new box of the Marvel Legends series. It's rather compact, got rid of wasted space, and it's very friendly to the collectors who want to open their action figure. From what I have seen through photos and videos, the Amazing Spider-Man 2(MUST HAVE) has the same box as well. One thing to point out with the box is that the Legends are called 'Infinite Series' which gets me to surmise that this is their new Movie concurring line perhaps? Guess I'll just have to wait when the Jubilee BAF comes out to see what that one is called as well.

As I said, I didn't think I was going to enjoy this Captain America as much as I am right now. To point out about the detail, let's just say that it is very well done. Being the "Marvel Now" Captain America costume(about time he got an update!), it does look identical to his comic book counterpart. Now not to delve TOO MUCH into comic books, the costume is highly influenced by the 2012 Avengers costume. Which I had no specific qualms with that suit or the First Avenger outfit at all. In fact to me it does bring a much more modern take on a costume that just doesn't suit the day and age(or even back then). So well done on Marvel for the redesign. Putting it into action figure taste doesn't look too bad as well! Wonderful sculpting with the ridges, his armor 'plating', the wrinkles in his suit, so on and so on. Though I did get a slight pain distortions here and there, but I can't complain.

Accessory wise he lacks. He has his shield as he should and the Mandroid BAF head piece(ambivalent about building him by the way). I want some interchangeable hands or maybe an unmasked head variant as some of the new legends seems to come with. Nothing much on this department though.

Articulation in these action figures are becoming more and more manageable for those who like to do dynamic poses. Though I had a bit of trouble with the stiff left shoulder joint; caused me to wrestle with it for a bit so the left bicep swivel is rather loose now, but with that minor debacle, it still turned out okay. Again, I won't and can't complain about articulation because as I stated, it's getting good and just getting better; now there is still much an eastern articulated toy can offer in terms of articulation(and details, paint, etc.) but for the price of norm retail action figures these guys ask for, it's something to hold worthy. Though pretty soon Hasbro will have to hand out much more zestful accessories like stands, dynamic stands, or perhaps do something much more innovative with articulation to keep up with the on going collector needs.

Again some dynamic special affect like bullets hitting his shield can't hurt! It'll add flavor to this figure which is only pretty much a standard type of display action figure.

My three Captain Americas that are out of the packaging. Again all Hasbro made and all pretty recent. Between the Bucky Cap, Captain Rogers, and this new Captain America, this one is my new favorite First Avenger action figure in my game room.

A very good Captain America action figure. I didn't have high expectations for him so he impressed me rather than met my standards. Fervent Cap fans will love this figure and those who are into BAF collecting, I think this series has something to offer. The BAF character may not be my favorite(movie version of Mandroid) but some of the characters in the series does help add more ammunition to one's Marvel themed collection! And if that's the theme, Captain America is always a must in the roster since he IS the Superman of Marvel.

Empowered Vol. 8

Sometime this year.

F*ck yeah. Moving on.

"Classic"

 

A good friend of mine brought over some goodies from a local flea market. A place like that is a hit and miss and I would LOVE to go there to enjoy some possible treasures I could find there. With that said, this was toybiz days when they used to make 20 inch toys. From the back of the box, it's more than obvious that there are a few more in the collection. Again, not so articulated, but it has its fine lines of nostalgia and I do remember that the 'regular' version of this Weapon X (5 inch I think?) was the FIRST Wolverine toy I ever had!

While I don't collect comic books as much as i used to, I won't fend off classics that are nostalgia and have a bit of meaning behind them. That and a lot of these have Iron Man's Silver Centurion outfit going on! That and it talks about Iron Man's "Demon In A Bottle"; well I don't actually have hat issue, but it did touch on that specific area. These are some nice catches though; waiting to see how I can put it all up to make it more sufficient in my comic book wall! 

A Distortion?!

First and foremost, let me preface that it is 'late' or 'early'. I have yet to get some sleep because of certain reasons. I've been juggling between writing, gaming, and browsing the web and I have come across this next issue for the Earth 616 Avengers(I surmise, though I could be wrong). Notice something particularly odd? First and foremost, everyone shown here is in some kind of Japanese Anime based theme! While Black Widow, Sunspot, Canonball, C
aptain Marvel, and whoever the nunchuk wielding person is don't entice me TOO much, SOMEONE does!

What the heck?! Spider-Woman and Sailor Moon amalgam?!  Now what could possibly be the meaning of this? I mean don't get me wrong, something about this particular outfit allures me! And if it wasn't known, yes, I was an avid fan of the girly girl anime of way back when! Toss it in with Spider-Woman and you just piqued my interest! Now I'm not entirely sure if this is just a faux advertisement that comic book covers are so infamously known for! I mean, this wouldn't be the first misleading cover that Spider-Woman has participated in, right(Issue 6 fallacy!)?! But all joking aside, this caught my attention so much that I might actually have to get this issue just for giggles! That is if I can even wake up in an adequate time with the proper motivation. Anyways, enough of my nonsensical jabber, I need some sleep.

But really?! Sailor Spider? Sailor Woman? Spider Senshi? I don't know.

Spider-Woman Issue#8 (D.I.D Related)

And another crosses my collection from some time ago. This time, the exasperation of our Dear Jessica Drew's distress is highlighted once again in a comic book cover. At least it's a bit more accurate than the infamous (yet very sensual) cover of Spider-Woman #5.

But honestly, again, like the majority of her bondage scenes in the past, it's HARDLY worth appraisal since the art wasn't that great and ... the nonsensical plot and the final result is rather.. hardly worth what Spider-Woman is now. But then again, why complain?

Spider-Woman #4

Spider-Woman #5

Spider-Woman #25

Spider-Woman #27

Merry Christmas!

May the days be Merry and full of spirit for all of us.

Holidays are the times for family and for good spirits; Positive energy and all.

And of course for all the jovial things to come!

Merry Christmas!!!

Holiday Fruition ....

So the Holidays, huh? Well one can only discern that this year I'll be bombarded with some VERY intriguing things! Some are aching and calling my name underneath the Christmas Tree! When I open them, well, suffice to say, they will remain inside the box because of a certain change in my life; Now, it would be asinine to think that some of these 'decor' will not see the life of the outside world! They will! However, to put it a bit more eloquent about it, My Game Room will be going through a MAJOR change so some of these said things will be boxed up SO.... it's only smart to leave my new comers inside their box until I get the new room....

So... Until then!


*PS: I want that comic book I just posted up. It looks rather jovial, silly, and down right over the tope absurd! Santa VS Stark?! What?!*

Marvel Legends Wish:

With the return of Marvel Legends to the 6 inch versions, there are many Marvel characters that have never seen the light for a long time, or perhaps NEVER at all. So coming from an avid Marvel fan and toy collector, this is just my wish list.

Spider-Woman

Okay, will the real Ms. Drew please stand up? Alright so Spider-Woman's main fame was because at the secret invasion story line she was Veranke. THE QUEEN of Skrulls. Boo. Still though, I have been a loyal fan for this girl. She's actually getting some decent or mediocre writing these days. That and she and Hawkeye have a thing going on so... yeah. Go figure. A new legends of her would be nice.

Modular Armor

There are a LOT of Iron Man toys out there. I have two of their most adaptation of them (Iron Man Legends). And while I love a lot of his armor variations, this one had always had a special place since it was the one I was watching him fight Mandarin in the 90's animated series. Besides, I think it's pretty cool, simple, and mysterious as to what it ACTUALLY does special compared to the others. 

Domino

She would be an awesome addition. Always loved her when she got revitalized in the fresh take of Logan's X-Force. I always thought the thing between her and Wolverine was fun; they killed it rather prematurely though.

X-Force, X-23

Laura Kinney; the 'clone' of Logan. She had two variations in the Apocalypse Toybiz Set. Laura also came in full glory with an X-Force version with the Marvel Universe series. Admittedly, a 6 inch Marvel Legends version of her in her X-Force uniform would be fantastic!!! While yes, Wolverine seems to be cash cow in the Marvel universe, a hott asian version of her isn't a bad thing at all, honestly. In fact it adds a bit more flavor to the whole 'snikt' corps.

Thanos

It would only suffice to make a figure for this guy. I mean, his big time movie event IS coming up! Before his movie rendition of his outfit gets plastered all over the non comic book fans, let's make use of this time to advertise his old style! Infinity Gauntlet too!!! That would be cool!

Extremis 2.0

I know what you guys are thinking. Isn't there enough Iron Man?! No. I love this armor. It deserves a Marvel Legends adaptation!

Daredevil

I want a good action figure of Matt Murdock. I want the classic... I've always liked Dardevil and truth to be told, I don't really own a good Marvel Legends of him.

So anyways. That's that, for now. Perhaps that toy gods will be nice and actually grant me my wish for the first time in regards to these toys. I mean after all, I am in dire need of more toys, right? I mean my game room is quite empty at time! What a perfect timing after all, it's Christmas month!!!!

Avengers vs X-men

Baby Avengers!

So the conclusion of Marvel's 12 round event is finally here. Well the conclusion and the aftermath, of course. I have graced myself with owning two of the comic books; the main event issue 12, and the aftermath of what the Avengers series will be going through. The variant cover I got, the Baby Marvel picture is going to be fitting for the comic wall of another room I will soon design. Truth to be told, these two comic books are only attracting cover wise; the content inside... well not so much.

Cover is Great!!!

My main qualms with comic book these days, especially with the common trends of Main Event cross overs is the lack of consistency. Now I'm somewhat used to the whole AWESOME cover and atrocious inside art debacle... I am not at peace with it, but I am learning how to deal with it... but to change artists during main events?! Issue 12's last artist does not give this conclusion justice! Especially when the first artist was one I am not a big fan of! Then somewhere in the middle it changed to Coipel... I was having hope! Not to mention that the said cover is insinuating SOMETHING with Iron Man, but inside the book... totally not what it was going for. SO suffice to say...

The last issue was a disappointment. But at least I take solace in the more than enticing cover art!!!!

"Super Friends"

One...

I have never been a big fan of Super Man as I have mentioned a lot of times before.... I have also somewhat elaborated, somewhat (JL: Superman and Wonder Woman kissing) on that notion. But if there is one thing that I can say that attracts me about the 'Man of Steel' is that slight spark between him and Wonder Woman. It had always been obscure, and the most I have seen it (and take into consideration that I have a small hand into DC history) is in Kingdom Come. But in the New 52, well, they have done a good job building that up as it would seem....

...Two...

I also like the fact that HOW they are building it up. A world where they are pariahs of the norm; a world where they have all this power... their world would only be convenient and adequate when they express their need to solace in each other's comfort...

AND BAM!!!! Super Speed!!!

I know it's cliche, but what makes it so whimsical and breath taking is Jim Lee's art! I mean, look at this final picture!!! That is sensual, romantic, and deserving of praise. Good Job, DC!

Some Random D.I.D

X-Men; Random Female DIDs 

Catwoman Tying someone up.

Catwoman being tied up

Nice Backside view ;)

FF (Some GID)

Parts Unknown... Female Unknown!

X-Men Throw Back!

Psylocke, Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue, and Beast.

Way back when. I remember being too poor to even afford a comic book, so when I managed to get a hand or two in one, well, it was like treasure. X-Men was one of my favorite team back then. Yes, I'll admit to the notion that I was none of those who grew up with the animated series, Wolverine was my favorite character, and yes for a long while, I thought the whole tights and the yellow and blue were the most enamoring combination ever.

I grew up, and here I am now. I have many words to say in regards to the vast difference to what I can and can't afford, however words won't' suffice this time around, but the catalyst of words, the pictures, I do have all per this blog.

At any rate, nostalgia to one of my oldest comic book! The most amusing part of this is that the X-Men's valiant pose here didn't come from their own book but from X-Factor...

Anyways.

The 'Change'

THEN....

.....NOW!!!

Anyone notice a difference? Come on. It's like playing 'where's Waldo.'

That is all for today, thank you.

Catwoman Vol. 1; The New 52

One of my first few posts in this Blog after my 'minor' disappearance involves a thick graphic novel that is a compilation of all first issues of DC's 'The New 52' (Thickest Graphics Novels). While shame for me to admit that I did not thoroughly go through each one, I will say that the ones I did go through, I managed to purchase some of the complete issues. Catwoman is one of them.

Now I don't know how I will fare with doing Graphic novel reviews; in fact, I don't know how often I will be doing them since reading, believe it or not, isn't exactly on the highest of my priority with the plethora of things I indulge myself. However I want to point this graphic novel out for the wonders it offers. Art is by far whimsical as it can be very attracting. The artist knows his Catwoman/Selina Kyle very well and he lays her on the page with sensual and very dominant feel to her. I have enjoyed every turning of the page and with every art, it captures the very provocative sass that Catwoman have been known for. And art is just about everything in the comic book industry... at least for me it is.

Of course the story and dialogue has to be properly cooked up as well, and to me, simple and maybe a bit cliched the story is, it still offers entertainment. While the art very much well captures the  essence of Selina's visage, the writing had the flare to round up her sense of self and her very volatile attitude when it comes to decisions. Not only that, it does justice to her rapport with her key characters and one major player in the industry and that is of course: Batman.

And most of the costume stays on.

And another thing about this graphic novel is that it adds a little bit of fan service for those who have 'special needs' (for lack of a better phrase). It may not be as sensual as the picture above, but for some of us, it adds a bit of glory.

Excuse the blood, of course.

So in a very terse closing note, this is a very well worth read. It was short, fun, and like all of DC's The New 52, it doesn't DEMAND too much prior knowledge when it comes to these characters. While Catwoman is one that I am a bit more familiar with than most DC characters, I felt that this one added a bit more light to her and it didn't spell too much intimidation when delving into someone I am not as keen with as say, Spider-Woman or Black Cat.