Cross Another One Off The Checklist

In terms of acquiring new items for my various collections, 2013 was a solid year for yours truly. I managed to knock off a few items I had on my must have lists, vintage and contemporary. I made a promise to myself that 2014 would be more of the same. I still have my checklists for things I would like to add to my various collections. With all the conventions, flea markets and shows I try to attend, I hope to make a huge dent on those checklists.

Back in July, I posted a blog about the top 5 Batman figures I wanted to pick up for my Batman collection.I was able to cross off the DC Direct Super Friends Batman figure and thanks to a gift card my sister got for me as a Christmas gift, I was able to knock another off that list and it's a figure I have been wanting for a while now.

I finally have the DC Collectibles New 52 Batman figure and It's such a cool looking figure. I have read a few of the New 52 titles. I've read the first arcs of The Justice League, Superman and The Flash, but for my money, the best title in the DC Universe is the Batman book. I enjoyed the Court Of Owls Vol 1 and The Death Of The Family so much. When I saw that Batman would be made into a figure, I knew I had to have him.

When I picked up the figure, the first thing I noticed was the front of the box. I liked that it looked like a comic page being turned to revel the figure behind it. Whoever designed the box should be given points for originality.

On one side of the box shows a picture of the figure that was purchased, which is based on the art of Jim Lee. It also gives props to the designer of the figure, in this case is Jack Matthews.

The other side has a silhouette of the Caped Crusader. Very nice graphic. I like the shadow effect with the eyes and the bat symbol whitened out.

 
The back of the box has some info regarding the comic and shows off the figures coming out in this particular wave,which in this case is Aquaman and Green Lantern. The back also shows the rest of the figures in this Super Friends...er, I mean Justice League line.

Now there is a Batman. Upon first glances at this figure in stores before I finally picked it up, I realized I liked this figure a lot. Now that I have it out of the box I can say I really, really like this figure a lot. The paint on this figure is unreal. The grey is a perfect back drop to the the black that just pops out at you.

Looking closer at this figure, the sculpt on it is just fantastic. I love who this figure captures the lines on the suit just like in the comics. Although you probably can't see thanks to the flash on my camera, I can assure you that the face sculpt is awesome. Jack Matthews did a fantastic job sculpting this figure.

The back of the figure shows of the cape, which is a one piece made of a rubbery plastic material attached to the figures shoulders. Like the figure itself, Matthews did a fantastic job sculpting the cape. I love the folds on it and it even has a couple of folds on either side of the cape. The coolest thing about it is how the back just drapes behind and just lies on the ground.

Now, if our looking for a massively articulated figure, I would advise you to keep on looking. There is a bend at the knees, elbows and there is a biceps swivel and that's it.

The head doesn't turn side to side, there is no movement in the fingers or toe and no hip swivel. To be honest with you, it really doesn't detract form how cool this figure is. Then again, I have never been a huge fan of too much articulation on my figures. I find that it makes them hard to stand. If I was putting them in action poses, then I could see a use for them, but I really don't pose my figures.

Now, if I had to take away marks from this figure, it would be the lack of a base and accessories. This figure is one of the more expensive ones I have picked up. Would it have killed DC to have added a batarang or two? How about a base? I do like my figures in an upright position, but considering the lack of articulation on this bad boy I don't feel that will be an issue.

Despite the lack of articulation, base and accessories, I have to say that this figure might be one of my favorites in my Batman collection. Definitely in my top five favorites. I feel it captures the spirit of the New 52 comics perfectly. Great sculpt, great paint job, great figure, period. One I feel that should be in every Bat collection.  

Holy 1966 Batman News, Batman!

Of course my first post of 2014 would be something Batman related. I mean, did you really think I would post something about some new Smurf figures? Bwhahahahaha. That's a good one.

By now, you all must have heard the news that was broke Conan O'Brien on his Twitter page (how did Conan get the scoop anyway?) and was confirmed by Warner Brothers, we are FINALLY getting the classic 1966 Batman series on DVD and Blu-Ray, although Blu-Ray has yet to be officially confirmed. But you would think that it would be released on Blu-Ray along side it's DVD brethren.

Along side the episodes (which I pray are uncut), I hope we get a plethora of special features like a make of the series documentary, a look inside the Batmobile, a look inside the Bat Cave, a documentary on the villains and the guest stars who played them and maybe a documentary on the guest stars who appeared on the series just to look out the window and talk to the Caped Crusaders. I'm also hoping whatever we get has interviews with the actors who has passed like Cesar Romero, Frank Gorshin, Eartha Kitt, Alan Napier, Neil Hamilton, etc.

Right now, I am hearing it will be released as a set, which again, is not official. I'm sure it will also be available by season. Either way, I do not care. I am buying the set. I don't care what it costs me. This is probably the only series I would pay top dollar for. I've waited long enough for it's release. If there is a bonus by buying the set like a statue of Batman and Robin or exclusive figures, I would only run to my nearest Best Buy and throw my wallet at the cashier.

Now if we could only get the Green Hornet next.

We also got our first glimpse at Figures Inc's 1966 Batman figures. These are the figures that Mego should have released but never did.

As you can see, the first wave includes Batman, Robin, Joker and Riddler. Upon first glance, the figures almost look nothing like the actors who play them. The Joker figure seems to be the best looking of the bunch. That, however will not stop me from picking these up. I mean, they're not Hot Toys. They are supposed to look as close to how Mego might have released them although I doubt Mego would have gotten simple accessories like Batman's belt as close to how it really looks as Figures Inc did.

They are scheduled for release in April and are available for pre-order on bigbadtoystore.com for 26.99 each, 104.99 for the set. I am hoping for a Wave 2 with Catwoman, Penguin, Egg Head and maybe King Tut. I thought I seen a prototype for an Egg Head a few months back.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Batman and it seems like we will be celebrating it with a ton of cool stuff coming our way. I'm a bit behind on my Batman hauls, but I will be looking to catch up in 2014 and I know I will have a blast hunting it all down.

Lets just hope my credit card can stand the usage.

To All Of My Readers...

I just want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope all of you will be spending the holiday with loved ones. I will e with my Mom, Grandmother, my Sisters and my nieces and nephews. I do wish I was with my girlfriend this holiday, but I know we will be spending Christmas together next year and for every year after.

So, from The Sexy Geek's Family to your family, Merry Christmas to you all.

My Geeky Christmas Wish List

It looks like Batman didn't get what he wanted this year. Or maybe getting caught in one of The Joker's traps has something to do with the humbug up his butt. Either way, I'm sure this look is not the one he thought he would have by the Christmas tree.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. It's the one day of the year when I feel that we can have peace and harmony.... and presents. Maybe it's the greedy miser in me, but I love seeing wrapped presents under the tree with my name on it. As a kid, I remember getting such cool gifts as Mego Batman, Spider-Man and Superman figures, Mego Batman Command Center, Star Wars figures, Remco Batman CSF Copter and the Coleco Pac Man Mini Arcade are some of my favorite presents I recieved as a kid. I cherish my memories of opening those gifts and playing with them to death. Or in the case of my mom, headaches because I would play my Pac Man game early in the morning when everyone was sleeping. I was such a stinker.

Now that I am an adult, not much has changed. I still want to open gifts and enjoy the heck out of them. I may not play with my toys anymore, but it doesn't mean I don't love what I own and would be thrilled if I was able to open my presents and find the following under my Christmas tree.

NECA Batman

I had both of these figures pre ordered with Big Bad Toy Store, but because they kept getting delayed and in one of my biggest blunders, I cancelled the order. Now that they are out and I have seen both at various comic book stores, I want them, I want them, I want them! As much as I am a '66 Batman fanatic, I happen to think the '89 Batman is a nicer figure because it doesn't have that ugly ab joint that the '66 Batman has. Still, I want them both.

Kotobukiya Art FX New 52 Batman Statue

I have been wanting this ever since I first saw the picture of it. After seeing it in person, I wanted it even more. I love the metallic finish to the suit and the fact that it's magnets that keep it on it's base. Some people complain about the suits the new 52 DC characters have, but I don't mind them. Through the ears since his introduction back in Detective Comics #27, The Batman's outfit has gone through several changes. I actually like this outfit and I love how Kotobukiya made this statue.

DC Direct Silver Age Batman And Robin Statue

I am a sucker for anything classic Batman. I have seen this statue before and have drooled over it each and every time. This statue recreates the classic Carmine Infantino 1964 redesigned Batman. Infantino's Batman is one of my top 5 favorites and if I coul ever locate this statue for a decent price, I will add this to my Batman collection.

Kotobukiya Luke Skywalker Statue

I almost picked this up on several different occasions. I have added some great pieces to my Luke Skywalker collection over the course of the year and would have loved to have been able to pull the trigger each time I came close to. Even though the facial sculpt isn't all that close to Mark Hamill's, I do like this statue a lot. Love that Luke is decked out in the Bespin fatigues. This looks like the scene in Empire Strikes Back when he is looking to save Han, Leia and Chewbacca from the Empire in Cloud City. Take my money, please.

Walmart Exclusive Amazing Spider-Man Figure

It's times like this I wish I had a Walmart close by. Because there isn't one in NYC, I missed out on this figure but I would love to find it. I was wondering why an Andrew Garfield figure wasn't done, but then I saw this figure and have been trying to score one ever since. This figure has alluded my grubby hands,  but I will have it one day.

Hamilton Beatles Figures

I have been wanting these since the 90's. I actually had the John Lennon figure that my mom bought me, but was lost in one of my many moves. Not only do I want it back in my Beatles collection, but I want Paul, George and Ringo too. I don't feel that any Beatles collection is complete without these figures. There is barely any articulation in these figures, but who cares? It's the Beatles and I must have them.

Of course, there is a lot more goodies that I'd love to find under my Christmas tree this season, these were the ones I thought of right away. But, to be honest with you guys, I do love what ever my family and friends get me because they are some of the most thoughtful people around. Besides, the holiday season isn't about gifts. It's about spreading joy and love across the globe and if you ask me, the world could use a lot of love these days. Enough hate and crime and war. I think a great man once sang Give Peace A Chance. It's high time we try what Mr. Lennon sang.

5 YouTube Channels Everyone Should Be Watching

OK, this might be considered a "lazy" blog post, but it's one that I have wanted to post for a while. See, like many of you, I am a YouTube junkie. I watch videos posted by comic book companies, sports card fanatics, Techie Geeks, autograph hounds, wrestling companies, old T.V. shows, Old T.V. commercials and from fellow toy geeks. Like most of you, I have my favorites that I try to watch on a daily basis or as they upload.

Now, just because the title says that you should be watching these videos, doesn't mean you will agree. I understand that everyone has a reason why he or she would watch a video or follow a particular channel. I just think that if your like me, you will enjoy these channels and subscribe to se new video content as they are uploaded.

So, without further ado, here are 5 YouTube channels you should take a peek at.

1-Stewmurray47

For my money, Stewart has one of the best and most well organized Superman collections on YouTube. His well articulated reviews  only showcase his love for his collection of the Man Of Steel and even though I don't collect Superman, I enjoy each video he uploads and I have not missed a review since I discovered his channel. If you have not visited his channel, I urge you to check out his video of his entire Superman collection. The video is over an hour long, but I daresay it's an hour that is well spent as he shows off each piece in his Superman collection. If I can have a Batman or Spider-Man collection half as cool as Stew's Superman collection, I would be a happy man.
Visit here: http://www.youtube.com/user/stewmurray47

2-Lamarr Wilson

When I first discovered Lamarr, I was trying to decide on a new cell phone. I ran across Lamarr's channel when I ran a search looking for reviews of the Galaxy Note 2, which I eventually wound up buying. Lamarr's review of the phone helped me decided on picking it up, but the real reason I followed his channel is the guy is hysterical. At the time I followed him, he was doing only Tech reviews, but now is uploading videos where he shares his thoughts on anything from laptops to video games to why cable sucks. I feel it's one of the more entertaining YouTube channels you will find.

Visit here: http://www.youtube.com/user/wilsontech1/featured

3-ShartimusPrime

Shartimus is one of those toy reviewers that I enjoy because not only does he review cool toys, but he makes his review videos fun to watch buy adding humor to his in depth reviews. Shartimus collects Transformers, Marvel Legends and has uploaded reviews of NECA, Hot Toys, Star Wars, Batman, Spider-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers figures. The guy knows his stuff and I try to watch each review before I decide on buying a figure.

Visit here: http://www.youtube.com/user/ShartimusPrime/featured

4-mycollection7000

This guy is a man after my own heart. This is someone who add to his collection the way I do. By scouring eBay, Target, Ross and Thrift Stores for deals. mycollection7000 is a collector from Hawaii and his collection has a little bit of everything in it from GI Joe to Michael Jordan to Hot Wheels to Rap CD's. His videos are haul videos as opposed to review videos, which is fine by me. I enjoy watching videos of what someone else is buying.

Visit here: http://www.youtube.com/user/mycollectionz7000

5-Nerd Nook

If you are into Kenner's Super Powers, than this is the channel for you. This channel has just about every figure and prototype from that line and plenty more. There has been vintage He-Man, Star Wars and other vintage figure reviews as well as some Loot Crate unboxings, Lego figures and some DC Kotobukiya New 52 statue reviews. This channel just passed 300 subscribers and I can see it getting close to a thousand sooner than later.

Visit Here: http://www.youtube.com/user/Richd1482/featured

Now, I'm sure you guys have your favorites that you like to watch and if you want to show them some love or if you have a channel you'd like me to check out, post a link bellow and I will be more than happy to watch a video or two, maybe more.

I really enjoy watching YouTube. Some of the YouTube'rs have some really creative, informative and fun to watch videos. It doesn't matter if you're into toys, movies, video games, makeup, cars, autographs or even model building there is something for everyone to watch. So get on your computer, log on and melt your mind watching opinions, reviews and how to videos.

Some Random Thoughts

I wish I had the guy that intro'ed SNL's Deep Thought's back in the 90's to intro this for me. 

Anyway, There was a few topics from some news items this week that I wanted to kick things off with:

Gal Godot is Wonder Woman in Batman Vs Superman

Personally, I am not too crazy about this.When I look at her, I don't see Wonder Woman. Yes, she has the height to pull it off, but not the weight, which she can gain. The question is, how fast. I think they start shooting in Feb and she is going to have to not only put on weight, but muscle too. People can point to Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman and and say she didn't have muscle and she pulled off the role and I would agree, but this is a different time. I want Wonder Woman to look like she can stand toe to toe with any villain, including Batman and Superman. 

I understand that she can put on the weight and she can be taught how to fight with a sword and her fists (if she doesn't already now how), but the perfect candidate was already out there in Jamie Alexander. She too has the height for the role but, unlike Gadot, has already proven she can be a convincing ass kicker and already looks the part.

I just want Wonder Woman to be done right. She is one of the three pillars of the DC Universe. There has been so many attempts at getting a Wonder Woman TV series or movie done and she is one of the characters in comics I feel deserves a movie. If done right, Wonder Woman could be a great movie.

I am willing to give Zach Snyder and the WB a break though. They picked a great Superman (although I will pass my judgement on Ben Affleck when I see the movie) and if they think Gadot will be a good Wonder Woman then so be it.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Trailer Dropped This Week

So, I got to see the trailer the morning Sony released it upon the masses and I have to say there is a lot I like about it. That said, there are a couple of things I didn't like about it. If you haven't seen the trailer just yet, you probably should stop reading this right now.

Still here? OK, I warned you...

I love the new suit. It looks more like the classic Spidey costume, which is what I was hoping would happen after the first movie. I will be honest, when I first saw the first costume, I despised it, but after viewing the film it grew on me. But I really didn't want it's return in the second movie, so good job on taking care of that.

I LOVED seeing Doc Ock's tentacles and the Vulture's wings in that one scene in what I assume to be a room in Oscorp. This must mean that we could possibly get the Sinister Six in part 3. We have the Goblin, Rhino, Electro, Vulture and Doc Ock. Who would be the 6th? A returning Lizard? Personally, let's get Venom in this group and have him done right.

Also, in one scene, if you pause it, there is a Venom file in the Oscorp computer files. (shrieks like an excited girl after seeing One Direction)

Dane DeHaan looks like he is going to be great in this. I've never seen anything he's done before, but sometimes you can just tell when someone is going to be good and I just have that feeling about DeHaan in this.

 I was initially bummed when Chris Cooper's name was dropped from the cast list, but I was elated to see him in the trailer. As much as I liked Willem Defoe as Norman Osborne, Chris Cooper is the type of actor that can take a role like this and run with it and make it his. 

Another initial casting choice that may make me regret doubting it is Jamie Foxx. I'm sure we will get the fans complaining he doesn't look like Electro or snicker at his voice, which fans are already doing, but after seeing the trailer, I think Foxx is going to prove that his inclusion in this movie is a good one. 

I also liked seeing the Daily Bugle all over the trailer. I am hoping for a J. Jonah Jameson cameo. If it's J.K. Simmons, I would really like that too.

I didn't like the Rhino-Dino in this movie. Really? Rhino is a machine in this movie? You couldn't CGI the Rhino suit on top of Paul Giamatti? Plus he's a Russian Mobster? Come on, I'm all for a tweek of a character, but not this. I am a big Giamatti fan, but I think he is all wrong for this role. 

I would have preferred they kept the Goblin until the 3rd movie and it be Norman Osborne. From the looks of the trailer and movie poster, DeHaan is going to be the Green Goblin. It seems they still didn't get the outfit right either. Green armor and no mask. What, is he going to be deformed to look like a Goblin? I'm not really sure how I feel about the Goblin in this. I guess I will have to see for myself and then make a decision. 

We geeks got a couple of things to talk about this past week. Now, maybe you agree or disagree with me on the points I made. Leave them in the comments section. I would love to read them. Maybe you might change my mind about a few points I made previously. I mean, I have been wrong before and it wouldn't be the last time I'm wrong either. Just be nice about it. I'm fragile. 

Funko Pop Comikaze Exclusive Peter Parker Vinyl

I remember seeing this cover as kid and ever since then I have been fascinated by Peter Parker unmasked as Spider-Man. Some of my favorite Spider-Man stories have Spidey unmasked for one reason or another. Like when Parker caught a 24 hour flu in Amazing Spider-Man #12 and lost all his strength. He went to fight Dr. Octopus anyway because he had kidnapped Betty Brant and Peter felt like he had to save her. Because of the flu, Parker was over whelmed and unmasked. Luckily, Doc Ock thought that Parker was masquerading as Spider-Man and threw him aside.

Or probably the most famous Spider-Man unmasking, which occured in issue #39. That is the issue when the Green Goblin discovers Spider-man's true identity, with the help of a gas that dulled Spider-Man's spider sense. He didn't know he was being followed after a fight with some crooks on the observation deck of the Empire State Building, where one of the crooks, who was hired by the Goblin, threw the gas at Spider-Man. Afterward, Goblin followed Spidey and saw him change back into Peter Parker and followed him to his house. After a fight on Parker's lawn, he was subdued, roped up and dragged away by the Goblin. Also in this issue, we discover that the Goblin is Norman Osborne. (SPOILER ALERT!)

Now, ever since I found out that Funko was releasing a Unmasked Spider-Man POP Vinyl, I knew I had to have one. The fact that it was a Comikaze exclusive and that Comikaze was taking place in Los Angeles and I'm a New Yorker was irrelevant to me.I was either going to get this on eBay or I would fly out to the con and get one myself, which is just what I did.

Only the Hot Topic booth was selling this figure, a fact that I didn't know until I was at the con for about an hour and after going to booth after booth looking for one. Lucky for me, one of the dealers told me where to find one.

The first thing is the packaging. One of the things I love about the boxes is the drawing of the figure you're getting on the bottom left. The drawing on this one is very well done as usual. The coloring pops off the package. We also have the usual clear cellophane that shows off the figure as well as the number on the top and the name of the figure on the bottom.

There's the sticker that proclaims this as a Comikaze exclusive. I've said it once and I'll say it again, management needs to think of a better logo than that octopus.

As usual, the back of the box shows off the other POP's in this line. Now, if I wasn't just strictly collecting Batman and Spider-Man, I might grab that Ghost Rider POP because it looks awesome. I also like the Dr. Doom and Silver Surfer. I know that Deadpool POP is going to be a popular one as well.

Now, as much as I like the sculpting on this figure, what jumps at me right away is the paint job. The black on his boots are all over the place. I love that he is looks like he is about to spin a web and Parker has been de-masked,  but that paint job on the boots just irritates me.

The back of the figure doesn't get any better. There are white spots galore on his left hip and left shoulder area. And the boots are pretty funk-a-fied on the back as well. Unlike myself, there is not a spot of white on Parker's hair. As if being Spider-Man isn't enough for me to be jealous of Parker.

One thing I remember, there was a dispute if POP made any bobbleheads and sure enough, this one is a bobblehead. I also see that Parker has been branded. I need to find out what that marking on the bottom of his foot his. I am not sure if any of my other POP's have a number on the bottom of their feet. Again, the boots are a complete mess. It looks like Spidey has been hanging out in the mud pits over at Lallapalooza instead of fighting crime.

Overall, this is could have been a fantastic figure had it not been for the paint job on it. Somewhere, a painter is getting destroyed by his boss so bad that he is shrinking into his beret and rightfully so. There is no excuse for a company to have released a figure so badly painted as this one was. I just hope that anyone else who managed to pick one of these up has a better painted figure than the one I got. I'm still going to display this next to my regular Spider-Man POP, but man, it should have been painted better.

I'm pretty sure you guys are getting tired of reading POP reviews and I promise this one will be the last review for a bit. I can't promise you how long because I am addicted to these little guys. They're inexpensive and look great displayed. Plus, there are others I will be picking up, but in the meantime, I will be reviewing other stuff and discussing other topics for the foreseeable future. But, I dare you to try walking past these at Barnes N Noble, Toys R Us or any other of your fine retail stores. They are like Lays potato chips. Once you get one, you just can't stop. I dare you to try.