Flash! He'll save everyone of us...

Oh wait wrong flash. Little known fact, next to Batman, the Flash is one of my favorite super heroes. Okay, maybe it is known. This illustration was done for Tate's Comics in Florida for their Free Comic Book Day stickers they pass out (a different version, this one was an "airbrush" version I did for the fun of it).

If I lived in Florida this shop would get a good portion of my pay check. If you live in Florida you should check them out, tell them Charles sent you and what the hey pick me up something nice from their shop for giving you the tip... worth a try.

click image to see larger... if you can, the Flash is pretty quick!

Speaking of being worth a try, do you my dear, dear readers think that people might be interested in me doing commissions of their favorite pop culture heroes? I have been approached and have turned away a lot of offers, but I think if I do it as a commission it might be okay. Leave a comment and let me know.

Tune in tomorrow as I will be posting the stickers and images of the submitted graphics I did for the shop! Hope you all have a great Free Comic Book Day!

Mattel WGSH: Green Arrow

I just realized I haven't posted this guy yet, man am I behind!

Matty Collector offered up Green Arrow here last December as a way to kick things off for the new Mattel "Megos".



There is actually a funny story that goes with this guy, the night I received him in the mail I was checking out the Mego Forums and noted that one of the members had received one with two right feet. I laughed, then it bugged me so much I had to check. Sure enough mine had two left feet. Arrrrrrrrgh! Okay it didn't bug me that much, but I wasn't about to go to Mattel with this problem, I might never see my Green Arrow again. I did offer up a foot trade though with the member that had two rights. about a week or so latter we had made our exchange and both parties were happy that Green Arrow could now stand on correct footings.



Before Bubbashelby can rib me, which I know is coming, yes you have to take the entire costume off to fix his feet. But you know what? Try to fix just the feet on a non dolly figure. Huh, huh? That's what I thought.



All that aside I'm really digging this line and cannot wait to pick up the other two from the first series and then this summer get Batman and Two Face! If you missed the Green Arrow though I think Matty may be getting ready to release some more into the market. You can check here.

Beautiful Day!

It's 80º here in Texas with a slight breeze, the sun is out and the birds are singing, its pay day... oh, and Retro Heroes are in stock at Toys R Us. I took a little trip at lunch and picked me up a Mattel World's Greatest Super Heroes Superman (I've decided I don't like the "Retro-Action DC Super Heroes" title they call them) and a Minimates set with the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man! How cool is that?

I then decided to do my heart some good and eat a Vegi Burrito Bowl and an Unsweet Tea, you see Sweet Tea is the norm for Texas and some places like it sweeeeeet, then I hopped back into the Jeep and back to work.

If I have any family reading this and wondering "what the heck does Charles want for his birthday?" I will take a SINESTRO or a LEX LUTHOR, they are packaged just like Superman here, hint, hint...

High Prices are Public Enemies!

If you follow all the toy blogs you know already that Target was clearing this set out at $4.48 this past weekend. Matter of fact Reis at Geek Orthodox has posted his set online and I'm sure several others will follow. Like Reis I was only interested in the Batman figure in this set and at that price, less expensive than a single figure from the same DCUIH line including tax, how could I pass him up.



A while back I was jazzed about the Gotham Knight three pack and how that was going to be the only Batman from this line, unless I ever found the Blue and Gray Bats with yellow bat target on his chest, and it was pointed out in the comments that this one would be a far superior set, meaning more articulation for the Batman figure. But the price when these were released were crazy. Not now! True I was in Target hunting up some JLU figures from my list, see I'm looking for Firestorm and Classic Aquaman, but I was happy getting this deal.

"Hmm, Chicken Pop Pie or cold Pizza..."

The first thing I do when I pop open a toy is put it through it's paces and see which poses will look the best before putting them on the shelf, I was less concerned with Captain Atom and Black Lightning, more about the Batman. I settled on this, what I like to call "The Batman Thinker" looks like he's sorting things out. I just thought this was a funny pose.



A little story about my mad toy driven mind. This Target looked like it hadn't fully reset its toy aisle and someone had found a case of DC Universe Classics (DCUC) figures from the back room, looked like series seven, there was one of each of Aquaman (in his camo), Kid Flash, Blue Beetle, Booster Gold (I think it was the Modern version), Big Barda (both with and without helmet), Captain Cold and the Flash. I sat there thinking about picking up the Helmetless Big Barda.

I knew she was a variant, and it's not that I don't like the character but I actually prefer her with the helmet like in the comics, but since I'm not that into expanding on a line I do not necessarily collect with the exception of the heroes or villains I really like, and I no longer pick up figure because they are "rare", I couldn't see spending the fifteen dollars for the one figure.

Then I noticed they had the Public Enemies figures that are the same scale as the DCUC line. They had a couple of the Batman, I had been thinking about getting a Batman from this line if I ever saw one and they had two. Both blue, for a minute that threw me off, but I realized these were supposed to be the variants from that line. Then I thought, has a scalper or speculator returned a bunch of stuff? These were only a couple dollars less than the regular DCUC, but I let them set as well. I had to save my pennies for the other things on the list (shaking fist in the air). I thought about going back this weekend, though I'm sure they are all gone by now, maybe I just need to see. See how this stuff drives me crazy. Hopefully I'll be too busy this weekend to even think about them. Plus I want s to get a retro WGSH Superman, and he's on the list.

"What!? Are you crazy, you left Big Barda behind?"

Still made out with a great priced Batman and a couple of others at a great price.

Mattel WGSH: Green Lantern

Worlds Greatest Super Heroes are in the stores! This weekend I picked up one from the first series, Green Lantern!

I took a little trip to the local Toys R Us with hopes of finding this guy, what are the chances they ever have what you are looking for, right? Not only did they have Green Lantern , but they had one of each of the rest of the figures in the set; Superman, Lex Luthor and Sinestro.

Green Lantern Power Battery Included!

I couldn't make up my mind which one I wanted to get first, being on a budget it was out of the question to pick up the whole set in one shot, that would have been sweet though. So, it came down to Superman and Green Lantern. I figured Green Lantern would be the hard to come by figure in the coming weeks so I took a chance and left Sups behind, I might go back on pay day and see if the Man of Steel is still hanging out.

Those Boots are made for walking...

This is actually the second in the line that I have, the first is the Matty Collector Green Arrow, which I was planing on posting today, but I am moving him to later now. Here's a nice little grouping with my Flea Market Batman!

I hope Bats changes into something green before St. Patrick's Day

And now everyone repeat after me:

"In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight
Let those who worship evil's might,
Beware my power... Green Lantern's light!"

DC Universe Infinite Heroes - Firestorm

Okay so this version of Firestorm is not on the list, but I ask you could you possibly pass up a Firestorm if you didn't know he was even coming out in the DCU Infinite Heroes line and you were walking through the toy aisle on the way to checkout and there he was? Well, then you must not be a Firestorm fan.

I was so excited when I saw this I may have squealed a little, just a little. The store I picked this up at had a Green Lantern and a Black Canary in the newer packages as well. Come to think of it since the list was taking a hit that day I should have just picked up the Green Lantern as well. Maybe he'll be there when I go back next payday.



Mattel has started adding some articulation to these DCUIH figures, not as much as some of Hasbro's Star Wars or GI Joe Figures, but they are getting there. The joints they added in the knees and elbows are somewhat limited, but I'm giving them an A for effort because they tried to hide them a little. They also included some articulation at the ankles for a more natural flight position if you are so inclined to play with your toys. Zoooom!



At first I wasn't so sold on this line, I knew there would be characters I would pick up because they are my favorites, but I do find myself maybe wanting to pick up some more that I normally wouldn't unless I was going all out and collecting them all. I'm not saying that I'm going to do that, just I think some characters may deserve a second look. I do have a small confession about Firestorm. The only reason I like this character is his crazy costume here, I have never even read one of his comics, I mean he has been in comics with other characters that I have read, but all I know is from the old Super Friends cartoons. Still I loves me some classic Firestorm toys.

So far this month I have purchased three things (Brian, I picked this up after we spoke last) not bad. Although only one was on the list, Firestorm and the one to be revealed were purchased in a moment of weakness. Sometimes you need an action figure fix, that's all I'm saying.

Trying to stay on budget is not like dusting crops...

My Dusty Fett

Boy! Check all this cool stuff from Toy Fair 2010 out! My budget is shot! Just kidding, I may have some hope, but it will be tight. First up, why is my dusty Vintage Boba Fett headlining this post? Because he's just as excited to see my first must have of the year, Vintage Rocket Firing Boba Fett!

Hear me know and believe me later, this is going to be the year of Boba Fett! Not the whinny one that lost it in the Sarlac Pit in Jedi, but the mysterious, Bad Mother that was in Empire! I am so digging this figure because it is based on the vintage one, and that rocket gimmick isn't hurting it's chances for my love either.

the "New" Vintage Fett, about time!

Now, nobody swallow ANY toys or toy parts till we get this thing in our hands. Understood?

Next up of course is how we get this awesome figure, you have to buy Star Wars figures and send in those proof of purchases. So knowing I'm a sucker for some vintage looking packaging, Hasbro is going to resurrect the Vintage Original Trilogy line, except ditching the extra packaging, and hopefully the extra cost, and straight up releasing these new sculpts on vintage style card backs. Sweet! Like I need another Vader.

Big Freaking AT-AT toy!

Now, what would a Empire-tastic celebration be without that big freaking AT-AT. Yes, I am on board for this big piece of beautiful Rebel killing machine! Go here and check out the video. Nuff said, want, want, want.

Little Cute AT-AT toy!

I also found something for my Nephew this coming Christmas. How cool is this little bitty AT-AT? I might need one of these as well.

That should do me for Star Wars, now onto DC Superhero goodness. Mattel has relaunched the Mego style with the help of Dr. Mego himself and his pals of EMCE toys. These are actually on the list, so I'm good. I can't wait to get my hands on Batman and Aquaman, but check it out... two Face and Black Manta. Too sweet.

Also this little fishy is swimming in from the JLU line, not on the list, but it will be mine.

Now, the list is being bombarded from all sides. Star Wars and DC Superheroes, but where is the Trek? Well, EMCE and Diamond Select have some more Mego Goodness coming from the Classic Trek line. Captain Pike (Pre Wheelchair), Orion Slave Girl (still out if it's Vina or Martia), Nurse Chapel and the Salt Vampire. At freaking last! No pictures were available, but I can't wait to see these. Oh and then there is this.

That's right a Minimates scale Shuttlecraft, packed with a battle damaged Spock. Man I think that's one for the Spocklection there.

Lego has a ton of things coming out, too many for me to list right now, but a new Slave I is on the horizon with a new Boba Fett Mini fig and freaking Bossk! I will sell a body part for this set.

Last but not least I have an eye on this little piece of the Marvel Universe. That's right Galactus. I failed in my quest to pick up one when Toy Biz made him, and then released parts to make one with their Marvel Legends, now I intend to correct that mistake.

That's it for my Toy Fair wants, I'm sure I have forgotten stuff like the Venture Bros Figures or the Gremlin from the Twilight Zone, even the Flash Gordon Stuff, Oh and the countless individual figures I'm sure to want. Man it's going to be a tough year. More than likely I will not get everything here, but I will try to get some and review it here, until then you have to deal with the traveling Spock and stuff from my current collection!


Hasbro upcoming product photos shamelessly appropriated from the Star Wars Blog : )

The List: January Report

Well, I finished the month of January on a pretty good note. I worked on using some Christmas Cash to get some of the "larger" items from the list and I have picked up a few of the single figures I have been keeping an eye out for. I'm thinking about making this a monthly report since I seem to get more feedback on the subject of the list than anything else. Well, Gertie maybe, she gets some comments. So here's a picture of the haul for January.


I will note one figure didn't make it into this picture, but I did get it in another shot.

As you can see in this shot I picked up the elusive Lego X-Wing set and an Imperial Hoth Battle Pack, both from the online Lego store. First time I ordered from them and I can truly say I am impressed with their communication and shipping. I live sort of near the shipping hub I guess, but I ordered this on a Monday and received it that Friday. Plus I kept it at the standard shipping, no 2 day or overnight. They even threw in a bunch of brochures for games and sets coming out, pretty cool.



Next up a couple of the figures I have been looking for, Luke Skywalker from the Hoth Battle in the Empire Strikes Back and a freaking City Strike Snake Eyes. Luke was a trip to Wal Mart, not my favorite place to shop, but the plant section is pretty nice and my wife wanted to pick up some seeds and whatnot for the garden, I made my way to toys and picked up this figure, not a bad trip. Snake Eyes was the one GI Joe figure I was going to buy for the year and after seeing the buzz about this figure online I thought I would never see him in stores. This figure came from a trip to the Magic Grocery Store, if you are unfamiliar, it's our local grocery store that has the most awesome toy buyer, they always have the crazy stuff I'm looking for. I freaked when I saw this figure just hanging on the pegs. The big deal about this figure is he really isn't a movie figure like the rest, but a design from the GI Joe Resolute Cartoon from early last year. Not to worry I plan on doing some nice shots of both these figures in future posts.



Next, two scores from ebay, or two for the Spock Collection. A Mego Star Trek the Motion Picture Spock and a Medicom Bearbricks 2009 Movie Spock Bear. I have a plan after seeing a fellow blogger's, Reis from Geek Orthodox, Batman collection. I thought I would do a little spot light collection of Mr. Spock toys and what not. I might have a small spot light Batman Collection and Stormtrooper Collection as well, I need to rework them first. Back to these two, when I fist saw the Mego Spock online I had thoughts of opening him, but then after getting him in the mail I really dug the way the package looked. Sure it's not mint and has some flaws, but what a beautiful illustration for the backer card. I'll post pictures of the Spock Collection when it's all together as well.

Now we come to the section of the list that I call the dark side. It takes a weak will to go into a store and come out with a TIE Fighter and some figures in tow. So by the main picture and a post in the past, you know the TIE Fighter was not on the list. I have yet to open her up and take for a spin, but I will. My Barry Allen Flash is now free and checking out a Prisoner Princess Leia. How could I pass that one up? That Super Powers Joker is part of a trade from Reis, thanks again man, I think I have a few ideas on some stuff to send ya in return. All the rest are actually from the two packs I bought before I made the list. Again all will get better pictures.



Some closing thoughts on the list. One thing I have noticed is when I find something on the list, it is immediately purchased, not always good and the excuse that it is on the list does not always fly. Second, I made some of the list way to ambiguous, I need to make it more specific in areas. If for nothing else but to help me stay on track. Speaking of staying on track, a spread sheet really helps and makes it real. I've heard about making notes on what you spend for things when you make a budget, but never realized it until I tried it. I'll leave it at this, February will probably be a lot leaner.

Get a load of these Jokers

If there's one thing better than finding new Batman at retail, it's finding new Jokers. To fully understand how much of a bat geek I am, lately if I buy a batman from a line, for example DC Infinite Heroes or Batman the Brave and the Bold, I try to always find a complimentary Joker, sort of the Yang to Batman's Ying. I can't say I have always done this, but lets take a quick look back...

1989 Batman Movie: Batman, check - Joker, check
1989 Batman Movie Die Cast: Batman, check - Joker, check
Mattel's Batman Line: Batman, check - Joker, check
Batman The Animated Series: Batman, check - Joker, check
Megos World's Greatest Heros: Batman, check - Joker, check
The Batman Animated Series: Batman, check - Joker, check
Hasbro's 9 Inch DC Super Heroes: Batman, check - Joker, check
Art Asylum's Mini Mates: Batman, check - Joker, check
Justice League Unlimited: Batman, check - Joker, check
Corgi Die Cast Cars: Batman, check - Joker, check
Batman Brave and the Bold: Batman, check - Joker, check
The Dark Knight: Batman, check - Joker, check


I don't have them all represented, but I have a pretty good sampling. Now for the incomplete list

DC Infinite Heroes: Batman, still looking - Joker, check
Kenner Super Powers: Batman, check - Joker, still looking
DC Universe Collection: Batman, check - Joker, still looking
Batman Brave and the Bold Action Heroes: Batman, check, check, check, check - Joker, waiting for release

It's safe to say these last ones will be found, once I set my mind to it, they usually turn up. So you see my Batman vs. Joker Rule is rather new, probably the last four years, the only real rule is a Show Accurate or Classic Batman vs. Show Accurate or Classic Joker, meaning no Scuba Batman and Neon Cyber Jokers when it comes to the Batman vs. Joker Rule. Though I do have my share of off model costumes for both.

Just a little insight into my Bat Geekiness. Now onto the latest Jokers. First up is the DC Infinate Heroes version, based on the classic comic design. This to date is my second DCIH figure I own. Actually He was purchased first. I will note I came close to buying a Batman from the latest three pack, but the price was crazy high and the paint on the Batman was less to be desired so I'm still Batman-less on this line. Won't be long.



The only accessory this figure came with his Joker's cane, which on closer inspection doesn't have the standard issue Joker's Head. Which is okay, because it is rather small. I have seen pictures online of this figure in a black suit as well, but I was more than thrilled to find the purple one. At this point the black suit would just be a bonus.



Second, is the Batman Brave and the Bold Joker. I was looking forward to this Joker, just because of his likeness to a Dick Sprang Joker. It's a nice reference they made in this latest animated version of Batman anyway.



I like these toys and have said that they remind me of the old Mego Micronaughts in the way that the accessories can be stored or connected to the limbs. I've read most collectors dislike this feature, but my feeling is get over it, it's a toy first and foremost, if you are looking for a "realistic" Batman go buy a statue or one from DC Direct.



Lastly I leave you with a little group pose. I've seen on other blogs people are staring to show of their collections a little more. I really dig this, so maybe I might have some Joker or Batman groupings to show off myself, until then enjoy this couple of Jokers.

in a Flash...

Just a post to let everyone know I'm still alive. It's funny how things change so fast. I might be spotty on posts till I get going again, but I felt the need to give you guys and gals something.



Anyway, thought I would try and get back into the swing of things with this little guy, little because he's a whopping 3.75" in height. I do not think I have ever mentioned or posted about the DC Universe Infinite Heroes line before, at least when I looked back through my links I didn't find anything, don't you hate that, when you can't remember off the top of your head what you posted in the past. I actually had a Galactic Heroes Greedo all lined up for a photo shoot when I discovered I had already shot pictures and posted about him.

The DCIH line was never really a focus line for me, I figured I would pick up a few of the characters I liked and that would be it, and today I can say I have kept to that promise, though I think it's because I can never really find any of my favorite DC heroes or villains in stores. I don't know if that means the line is popular or if they are just not making that many Batman figures. I did find this Flash figure though and I have to say this guy is all right. I have seen that they have a version being released that has some added articulation, but I think this one has enough, plus his face is not in the "screaming into the distance" freeze face look that the more articulated one has. I can honestly say I was surprised that I found this one, I knew he existed as part of a three pack and I think a two pack, I never wanted the extra figures, so I passed on the sets.



I like to think of this line as I would have when I was a kid, instead of trying to get them all, I'm just going for some of the characters I dig the most, Flash, the Joker (both I have) a classic Aquaman if they ever make one, I would love to get a Blue and Gray Batman but I have never seen the regular version. Did they make a classic looking Robin, if so, a need? I'm on the fence about Hawkman, maybe if he comes in a single pack. I will admit that the Batman Gotham Knight, based on the anime DVD, is a must if I ever find one. That's pretty much it, I'm sure I'm forgetting some obscure character that I would need to have, but until it reveals itself I'm good. Kind of refreshing, not needing or wanting every character in a line for once, maybe a new trend for me.

So that said, anyone ever see a Blue and Gray Bats, then you have a friend for life, plus I'll pay ya or draw something for ya.

DCUC - The Flash

Finally! I found a Flash figure from the DCUC. I actually found it a couple weeks back at a TRU, which is weird cause the TRU near our house doesn't seem to get newer figures in, unless its Star Wars then you are set. Though now that I said that I haven't seen an Ugnaught there yet, huh... where was I? Oh yeah the Flash!



Pretty standard stuff the Flash seems to share the same basic body as most of the male figures form the DCUC line, some little tweaks and a new head. Flash came with the stand to use with the "Build a Figure" or the "Collect and Connect" Figure, the parts to build an additional figure came with the other DCUC figures released in this series. I think the figure this time was Atom Smasher. I really do not go for the Collect and Connect figures, though I'm a leg away form completing a Gorilla Grodd, so the stand works good for Flash.



Flash has always been one of my favorites, I mean who wouldn't love to run fast and be able to finish your work in a blink of an eye? With Flash secured I can now complete my Land, Sea and Air set! The Flash, Aquaman, and Hawkman to the rescue! Batman was going to fill in for land duty, but he has his own gig going on.

I actually just found a single carded Flash from the DCUIH line, I didn't know he came singe packed, I always thought he was in a set or double pack. Of course I haven't really been collecting that line, just keeping an eye out for my favorites. I'll be snapping pictures of this one soon.

Here's a Flash I probably will not end up getting. Not that I wouldn't love to have him, just the price is a little much. Interesting though that TRU is getting in on the SDCC exclusive scene.

Oh and for my non toy geek readers here's a list of the abbreviations from this post:

DCUC - DC (Detective Comics, ex: DC Comics) Universe Classics
TRU - Toys R Us
DCUIH - DC Universe Infinite Heroes
SDCC - San Diego Comic Con (Convention)

Sometimes I forget and just assume everyone speaks geek.

Favorite Figure for the Month of May

I know we have a couple of weeks left for May, but I'm not going to find another favorite for May, one reason is I have exceeded my budget on toys this month so it's going to be slim pick'ns till June.

Here's the toy that's been hanging around next to my computer monitor, fighting the good fight on my desk and has climbed to the top of the heap.

DCUC Hawkman!


I like the DCUC figures well enough to pick up the characters that I have an interest in, I'm not trying to complete the whole set or even a team I'm just picking up the ones I like. I have a love hate relationship with Mattel, makers of the current mass market DC Universe. For one most of the figures I find have horrible paint apps and that's if I can find them. Distribution seems to be a problem in my neck of the woods. I would say that it would be toy scalpers, but I have seen plenty of other toys that should be flying off shelves from other lines so I'm going with distribution. Plus its pretty widely known that Mattel has had some factory or distributor troubles on other lines, JLU I'm looking at you.



I actually went against grain and ordered this guy online. I've been known to pick up toys online before, though I usually like hunting them down when I'm near a Target or other store. I took advantage of a little sale at Entertainment Earth, which I'll add are staring to carry singles of certain toy lines so you do not have to order a case of figures, I think this is a pretty smart move. The figures run a little bit higher and you have shipping, I usually wait till I find a few figures I want and try to balance out the shipping a little. All said and done the gas and time you would use hunting these down seems to amount to the shipping cost.



Why is this my Favorite Figure of the Month? Just look at this dude! The detail is great, the paint is in good shape, way better than I have seen on the past for this line, and not only does he come with a mace, but a sword and shield as well. Plus the wings can be posed, sweet! The figure sports all the articulation that you would expect from the DCUC figures and I really do not mind the mid torso articulation on this guy as much as the figures in the past.



Hawkman has always been one of those characters I never really followed as a kid, but I would buy the toy or comic on occasion because he just looks so damn fascinating, I think it's the cross between superhero and winged barbarian or something, I really dig the color combination of his costume.

So, what do I have planned for Hawkman? I think right now he will be teamed up with the Classic Aquaman on my shelves, sort of an Air/Sea duo until I can find the Flash and then I'll have the Air/Sea/Land Trio. Also I'm keeping an eye out for Hawk Girl from DCUC for a little Hawk team up! Get your mind out of the gutters, they do work together.

State of the Aquaman Collection

I try to pay homage to the Aquaman Shrine once a year, usually on the anniversary of my blog, with some picks of the current status of my Aquaman Collection. Last year being the first year I dedicated a whole week, this year I was planning on filling my collection out a little more, but fell short by a couple key Aquaman toys. One being a nice looking loose Mego Aquaman, second a nice loose Superpowers, and third... I keep missing the Minimates auctions! All that aside I am happy to report that the Aquaman branch of my collection did grow this year! So in honor of one of the blogs that got me going, and a belated intro to year three I give you the State of the Aquaman Collection on Eclectorama.



First up I acquired a Black Manta from a trip to the store, I heard that the Classic Aquaman from the same series of DCUC was making an appearance at that very store... nothing but Black Manta, foiled I went home empty handed, checking back a week later, still Black Manta, I did this about three more times, finally I bought the damn Black Manta, because that was the closest I was going to get to Aquaman.



A few months later I was shopping at the "Magic Grocery Store" and stumbled upon the Modern "Chase Variant" Aquaman. I threw him in the cart and upon returning home shot Rob at the shrine an email offering him up. I was beaten by another F.O.A.M. member, so I emailed back to Rob that if he was sure, I was going to go ahead and pop him open. Because this was as close to the classic Aquaman as I was going to get.



Now it wasn't like I hadn't seen a classic version of the sea king, I had actually two days before Christmas, but the figure was horrible. The paint was really sloppy, and it has to be really sloppy for me to pass on a figure I've been looking for. So I left him at Target and went on with my Christmas shopping. I went back a week or so later and of course he was gone, I was sort of relieved as I would have felt like I was compromising quality just to get the DCUC classic figure in my hands.



So once again I find myself at the "Magic Grocery Store" and who should be swimming up from behind a pile of Superman Blue and Red, none other than a pretty decent Classic Aquaman! Yeah! I was pretty excited about getting this figure, and as a side note I am one piece away from completing my first Build a Figure ever, Gorilla Grodd. I just can't make myself buy a Blue or Red Superman, I really do not care for the character. True I have purchased a Blue Superman in the past, but man I just can't plunk down the cash for Grodd's sake. I'll probably break. A second note, this was the second and only time I have seen the Classic Aquaman in the wild.



Now Black Manta can fear both Modern and Classic Aquaman! Buhahahahaha!



Up next is Black Manta and Aquaman Man from Batman the Brave and the Bold Cartoon. These were actually sent to me from the Aqua Master himself, by way of the JLU Club! Viva the JLU Club! I know these are not JLU related, but Rob was nice enough to hunt these down for me in his neck of the woods, as they were yet to be released in these parts. Side note, whenever I receive help or order figures on line, it never fails that they suddenly appear in stores in mass. These took a little longer to trickle in, and I am happy yo report that the Aquaman figure seems to be a big seller here in Texas, he never seems to hang out on the shelves long.





Also, if you are not familiar with this line The Brave and Bold figures are made with children in mind, while they sport near perfect likenesses to the cartoon, they also have peg holes all over them so you can configure the accessories in different combinations all over their bodies. Sort of reminds me of Micronauts. Still I think they are pretty fun figures and worth it if you are interested in the style of the show.



That is the current State of the Aquaman Collection here at Eclectorama, and now I see Rob has started posting pics of F.O.A.M. member's collections on the shrine, I'll have to construct a little shrine shelf of my own and stock it with my Aquaman pretties and shoot a pic to submit.

Arggggh! Today is going to drag by...

Okay so as most of you know today is the DVD release of the Dark Knight here in the U.S. and the first thing I did on the way to work was stop and pick up my copy. Now the waiting game begins. So while I wait I'll go all Batman Beyond on ya with yet another find from the Magic Grocery Store. Which I'm calling out Target and Toys R Us right now, get on the ball this grocery store is kicking your ass!



So an exit scan of the toy aisle at the local food mart, known as H.E.B. around these parts produced this little gem from the DCUC wave 4. I can't believe that they are churning these things out that fast, seemed like yesterday I was finding wave 2, oh yeah I was. Anyway Batman Beyond is one of my favorites and I knew if I saw this h it was coming home right away. So as I passed down the aisle there he was hanging on the front of the pegs just waiting for me.



Now don't get me wrong on this next statement, I like this figure, and think it's great, but I have mixed feelings about seeing ole Terry here done up in the DCUC style, I think that Batman Beyond really works better in the Timm Universe style, more so than the regular Justice League. The original Batman Beyond Cartoon was really meant for the simplified, more stylized line art.



One thing that works really well is the paint job, yes you can screw up a figure as simple as this. The high gloss on the costume is sweet. And it looks just as good in person as the photos. The one thing I would have liked to seen is maybe some detachable red wings like the show. But this is still all good with me.



He also came with a sweet, fairly show accurate bat-a-rang that doesn't have a peg sticking out the back of it or an extremely large launcher / bazooka type device, so I guess there's that!



Now I just have to wait till 2009 rolls around to get my Timm-Verse style figure from Matty Collector! Hurry up baby new year and hurry up five o'clock I gots me some Dark Knight to be watching!