Dark Knight Mez-Itz Pickup

Sometimes, It's worth waiting on picking up an item for your collection.

Case in point, I have been wanting to pick up the Dark Knight Rises Mez-Itz figure. I had seen it in Toys R Us all last year for 12.99. I would always think about picking it up, going as far as holding it in my hand before putting it back. Then I couldn't find anymore. One week it was there and the next, gone. 

I was kicking myself for not picking it up when I had the chance. I always seem to do that. I will see something that intrests me and not buy it for whatever reason and then never see it again. I figured I was doomed to picking it up off eBay for whatever the seller was asking plus shipping. I may have paid more for it then I would have had I picked it up at Toys R Us.

Funny how things work itself out.

I had decided to hit Barnes N Noble after work one day. I wanted to see if there was any books or comic trade paperbacks on clearance. What I did find on clearance shocked me.

The Mez-Itz Dark Knight figure. 

It had a 50% off sticker on it, so it was a no brainer for me to pick it up at 7.00. When I got to the register, the figure rang up at 5.00. I have never been more than happy to open my wallet and pay the guy behind the register and get out of dodge with my newest Batman figure. 

And here he is. Red Sticker and all.

On one side of the box, you have pictures of their 2 releases in this line, Batman and Bane.

Other side is the brand name, letting you know that you indeed bought a Mez-Itz figure.

The back has a cellophane window, displaying the back of the figure with the company website on top and the Dark Knight Rises logo on the bottom.

Here is Batman out of the box. Ta-da!

The figure has a very nice paint job. I like how the gray contrasts with the black to give it a real nice shading effect on the mask. He looks really Po'ed. Like I am when someone eats my nachos.

The coloring extends to his body. The artists also did a nice job with the utility belt as well. I really like the way they did the costume. Not a straight black and grey, but the artists highlighted the details of his costume that  really pop out on the figure.

I love that we get a cloth cape with this figure instead of a cape molded from plastic. I think it is a real nice touch that makes the figure even better.

On the bottom of one foot is the copyright info and on the other is the Mez-Itz logo molded onto the bottom of the foot.

I have to say I really like this figure and I would pick up more as I find them in stores. I have seen the blue and grey costume Batman that I am now yearning for as well as the Batmobile and Tumbler as well as mini two packs with Bane and Catwoman. If your not a Batman collector, fear not, I have seen Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern Mez-Itz figures. All look great and I may actually pick them up as well.

I think I really did well. I picked up a great looking Batman figure at more than half off the original price. He's going to look great with my other Batman figures and collectibles and I cannot wait to get that shelf up. I'm going to enjoy this purchase for a while.

What I'm Reading: The Green Lantern Chronicles Vol. 1

I am a huge DC Comics fan. Batman is my favorite in the DCU, but I also have love for Superman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman. I truly believe that DC is coming out with some great comics, with Batman and Justice League leading the way. One hero that I have always been intrigued with, but never really got into is the Green Lantern.

Oh, I like the character. I love the green, black and white suit, and the powerful ring.I grew up watching the Green Lantern on Super Friends. I have read Green Lantern: Rebirth and Blackest Night. Thought both were OK, nothing terrific. I saw the movie and liked it enough, even bought 2 of the mini figures. But to be honest with you guys, I don't really know too much about the character, aside from the basics. I thought a lot of the history of the character and some of the stories were kind of confusing. But, I wanted know more about Lantern. I know he has become extremely popular in recent years, so I wanted to see what everyone liked about Hal Jordan. To this is I decided to start from the very beginning.

 

I found this graphic novel at a half price store I wandered into. The book was 4 bucks, so it came home with me and I started reading it on the train ride home. By the time I got home, I polished off 30 pages of the book and thoroughly enjoyed the early stories I read.

I got to read the first story where a dying Abin Sur gave Hal Jordan The ring and lantern. I really loved the art of these early stories, which was done by the legendary Gil Kane. I was a fan of his work on Amazing Spider-Man, so I knew these stories would be well drawn. I thought the stories, which was written by John Broome, was pretty good. I did think he should have gone into a bit more detail as to how Jordan mastered the powers of the ring because in the next story he was flying around like he was always a Green Lantern. Obviously, later on, this was explained, but I felt Broome should have tackled the subject from the beginning.  

Another reason why I picked this up was I wanted to read these stories in color. I have 5 volumes of Essential Spider-Man, a volume of Essential Iron Man as well as a volume of Essential Avengers and they are in black and white. I think the DC Showcases is also in black and white. In my opinion, the best way to enjoy these classics are in color, as they were originally presented. I do understand that the color books are a bit more expensive. Showcase is usually less than Chronicles. The DC Archives are really expensive. But, if you have the extra bread to burn, I would go with color. 

So far, I am enjoying my "crash course" into the history of the Green Lantern. I can see myself easily finishing the graphic novel within a weeks time and not because the book has just over 150 pages. So far, I have been sucked into these stories. I read how the Green Lantern saved a city from a missile and fought saboteurs all while trying to win the love of Carol Ferris. Already, I am wanting to read some of the classic Green Lantern/Green Arrow stories, How Jordan became Parallax and then The Spectre. I'm also hoping to see Sinestro pop up in a story. 

Needless to say, I'm enjoying the Green Lantern Chronicles Volume 1. This was one of those "should I or shouldn't I" buys for me and I'm glad I picked it up. I'm looking forward to finishing this book off and move on to the next one. 

Toys, Toys and More Toy Pick Ups

Saturday I actually started off going to a card show in White Plains with my buddy, George. After only picking up a couple cards, we left the show and hit the road in search for some geeky goodness. Toys, Toys and more Toys. And there were deals to be had on this day.

Let's start with some new additions to my Spider-Man collection. One of my dreams is to own a 1960's Captain Action Spider-Man Figure. Now, maybe I'm shooting a bit too high since that particular figure is one of the most expensive figures for a Spider-Man collector to add to their mantle. So, I found the next best thing: The new Captain Action Spider-Man Costume Set. I love this as it is very John Romita-ish in the way it was made. From the mask to the outfit, once I put it together, I'm sure it's going to look like it jumped out of the pages of a John Romita drawn/Stan Lee written comic. Once I get the Captain Action Figure, I will open it and display this with the rest of my Spidey goodies.

Then I got some great deals in Marshalls on the Amazing Spiderman PVC Figure (3.99) and the Superhero Squad Spider-Man & Daredevil set (2.99). On a normal day, that is a great haul, but I was not through finding bargins.

My Iron Man collection got bigger by three additions. Now, I did pay full price on the Walmart exclusive Avengers Iron Man figure, but Toys R Us had some great deals and I was able to add two cool Iron Man pieces for under 5.00. The Marvel Legends Titanum Iron Man piece was 1.49 while the Marvel Universe Avengers Iron Man was 2.99. At those prices I was pretty much like, Yes please. I picked these up at the Toy R Us in Jefferson Valley, NY, along with the Captain Action Spidey. The register clerk was trying to get me to buy more Spider-Man stuff. I never had a register clerk try a sale, nevermind the hard sale this guy was pushing. Sponges, candy and some of the other Spidey figures was what he was hawking. My buddy said he should have offered them for free if he wanted me to take them so bad.

Then finally, I ended my geeky shopping spree by picking up the Hal Jordan Green Lantern Movie Masters figure from Marshalls for 3.99. Then we hit a 5 Below near Jefferson Valley and I snatched up the 2 disk Special Edition Batman Returns dvd set. I previously picked up the Batman 2 disk set because I wanted the special features that the previous releases didn't have. I enjoyed them so much that I decided to get the rest. When George alerted me to the dvd, I naturally grabbed it. 2 down, 2 to go.

Overall, Saturday was a huge sucess, toy-wise. I was able to add to my Spidey and Iron Man collections while adding my 4th Green Lantern figure and adding to my Batman dvd collection for less than 50 bucks. I didn't break the bank, yet I went home with more bags than I normally do.

Saturday was one of those days that we toy collectors dream of. It was a good day to be a geek.

League Of Extraordinary Bloggers Assignment: Show Some Green

This weeks assignment form our fearless leader, was to show some green. Really? I smiled and was told that wasn't the type of green they meant. Nor should I attempt to open my wallet because it's well known that there isn't any green in there. Well, they were mistaken. I had a piece of gum left from the other day. HA!

No, I was told to show off the green in my collection. There enlies a problem. I don't have much green in my collections. I have way to many collections running that there isn't much room for green in it. With my Spidey, Batman, Iron Man, Luke Skywalker, Beatles, KISS and Back To The Future stuff, you can see that finding a place for green is well, difficult.

That doesnt mean I don't have any green.

I don't have a lot of Hulks, aside from these two from an early wave of Marvel Legends. Looks like Dr. Banner forgot to get undressed before Hulking up again. That is a cool figure. After seeing Brian's vintage Hulk collection, I think I'm wanting to pick up some more Hulks.

As much as a Spider-Man collector, my Green Goblin collection is pretty much non exsitant I have these two pieces because they are pretty bad ass. The one on the left depicits the cover of  Amazing Spider-Man #38 when The Goblin learns Spider-Man's secret Identity

The piece on the right is a Marvel Legends Masterworks of Spidey fighting Gobby. That one was inspired by The Marvels #0, The Battle For Gwen Stacey. I'm currently reading the Marvels. If you have not read it, I urge you to do so for Alex Ross's art work alone.

So, Sinestro is standing, John Stewart is hard at work, yet Ryan Reynolds decides to take a siesta? Stand up, Hollywood! You work for me now!

Then I remembered I had an Alan Scott Green Lantern figure and am kicking myself for not including him with my other Lanterns. Oh well, There will be another time, I'm sure.

Ok, Ok! No need to shake your ring at me. I'll get you into another blog, I promise. Shesh. You would think mariage would have settled him down

If this is not enough green for you, check out these fellow League members. Maybe Alan Scott will have his day in one of them:

http://www.infinitehollywood.com/2012/07/the-league-going-green.html

http://greenplasticsquirtgun.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-league-of-extraordinary-bloggers.html

http://shezcrafti.com/theyre-heroes-in-a-half-shell-and-theyre-green/

http://dorkhorde.blogspot.com/2012/07/league-of-extraordinary-bloggers-weekly.html

http://mattandtimfunny.blogspot.com/2012/07/green.html

http://blog.paxholley.net/2012/07/25/making-you-green-with-envy/

http://wp.me/psENw-4Ah

http://nerdlunch.blogspot.com/2012/07/lxb-its-not-that-easy-being-green.html

http://coolandcollected.com/im-seeing-green-hulk-collection/

Enjoy!

Package From The Relm Of Coolness

Very rarely has my geekiness been touched by coolness, but that's what happened when I made a deal on some figures with Brian from Cool And Collected. He's become a mentor and a friend so I was super happy to pick up some figures from him. If your not reading his blog, shame on you. Here's the link in case you need it: http://coolandcollected.com/

A nice sized box was waiting for me at the post office today. After the gym, I bought it home and opened it up. Here's what was inside:

Oooooooh, look at all the goodies I got today. That group shot was a you know what to take.

Some new Batman stuff for the Batman PC. Would you believe that's my first Christian Bale Batman figure? Heck, I'm shocked myself. That vinyl Batman piece is awesome in person.

Gotta have some Jokers for Batman to tangle with. I love that Brave And Bold Joker. The art on that show was awesome. I'm just sorry it's off the air now. I'll just have to pick up the seasons on DVD.

A new add to the Spidey collection. Not sure if this is a Lego Spidey as it's a bit too large for Lego, yet it has the holes in the back and under the feet to put him on the blocks. Still, a cool figure to add to the collection.

Grabbed this Captain America as well. Will go into the small Avengers PC I will have. I have a Marvel Legends Cap that this will go very nicely with.

I saw these 2 Iron Man Super Hero Squadron figures and I just had to have them. Love the Mark I figure and the classic Iron Man taking off. My favorite Iron Man outfit is, I think, the Mark III, which was the horned like helmet he wore for a spell just before this one. But I have love for this armor as it's the suit Tony Stark wore as I was growing up. Iron Man has quickly become my third favorite hero and I am starting a PC for him as well. These 2 figures wll go great in the collection.

Grabbed this Allen Scott Green Lantern before one one my other fellow Leaguers did. This is one sweet looking figure and will go nice on the shelf with the Green Lantern and Sinestro movie figure I picked up at Super Mega Show. The Super Powers Flash is well loved, but I couldn't pass up a Barry Allen figure to go into my small JLA collection.

Brian also threw in some freebies. I've never had Pogs before. I'm sure I can figure out something to do with these.

He also threw in some Garbage Pail Kids cards, an unopened pack of Dinosaurs Attack and his business card. Very cool freebies.

I want to thank Brian for an awesome deal, one that was not a drain on the wallet, yet enabled me to add some awesome swag to the collections. I can't wait for the next deal. I have my eye on a certain piece in his ecrater for a PC I'm working on. I'm also waiting for him to open a few more boxes. I'm sure I will have another unboxing soon. Can't wait.

Super Mega Show Report

This past weekend, I attended Super Mega Show in Whippany, NJ. Adam West, Burt Ward and Lee Meriweather headlined the show and I wanted to be there. For the longest time I had wanted to start a Batman The Movie project. I never really persued it because Burgess Meredith, Cesar Romero, Alan Naiper, Neil Hamilton had already passed and I never was able to meet Frank Gorshin. When he passed, I kinda gave up on the project. Seeing that the remaining 3 were appearing got my gears turning. When I learned that there would be Bat vehicles as well as the Delorean from Back To The Future there I was sold.

My buddy George and I arrived at the Hotel the show was being held at about 9:30. As VIP ticket holders, we could enter at 9:45, but we decided to check out the vehicles and grab some grub before going in.

Check out the inside of this Batmobile

The car was signed by both Adam West and Burt Ward

The back of the car

Batcopter

Unfortunately, the Deloran never showed but that didn't damper our spirits. We were here to buy some collectables and meet the stars of Batman The Movie.

We went inside and found the stuff being sold way over priced, which was a bummer. My buddy managed to pick up a few things, but I kept it cheap. I did pick up a few things, which I'll show later.

I think Brian from Cool and Collected would have loved this poster

On Saturday, only Adam West and Lee Meriweather was appearing, so before hand I went and bought a print of the Batman The Movie poster for the three to sign. I should have checked before buying because when I was in front of Mr. West and I went to pull the poster from it's protective case I was horrfied to learn that the paper used was really flimsy, not the sturdy cardstock I was used to with these 11 X 17 prints. I was already in front and I wasn't in the mood to argue with the dealer who sold me the print, so I had Adam sign it anyway, then Lee. Both were very nice. I was a bit concerned about West as I had heard he could be a bit abrasive. But on this day, he was real cool even fist bumping my friend. Lee Meriweather was an absolute sweetheart, talking to me for a few minutes and actually taking the time to try and find a good spot to sign.

After getting the signatures we wanted (my friend also picked up Linda Thorson from the Avengers TV Show), we took another spin on the small dealer area and called it a day.

We returned Sunday for Burt Ward. Here was the line that greeted us.

Everyone got the other 2 and was back for Ward only. We waited a while and finally saw both Adam and Burt walk in together...with a few people between them. Seems that they still aren't on speaking terms. If you can see in the pic above, Meriweather sat in between them.

Ward was alo very nice. I told him I followed his Gentle Giants foundation on Twitter and he gave me the link to the website. If anyone wants it, let me know and I'll post it in the comments section. Also, the man has a firm handshake.

Again, after getting the autograph we wanted, we roamed around for a bit, then left to see the Avengers, had dinner and called it a day.

Here is the poster I got signed

Adam West's signature

Lee Meriweather

Burt Ward

Before I show off the goodies, I'd like to explain why there are no pics of the three signing the poster. I wasn't allowed to take any pictures. The show had photo ops at a certain time and that was another price on top of what you already paid for the autographs. You couldn't even step off to the side and take a pic because I heard Burt Ward was notorious for snitching and having you thrown out of the convention. As far as pics of the tables, there honestly wasn't much to show you guys.

Here's what I did pick up.

I picked up these Green Lantern and Sinestro 3 inch figures from the movie series for a buck each. I saw Killowag and forgot to go back for him.

Another dollar purchase was this Roddy Piper pin from the late 80's. I actually had this pin at one time and it got all bent out of shape as I wore it on my denim, then leather jacket. This one will stay on the card. Nice addition to the Piper PC

I remember seeing this Luke Skywalker Soakie bottle as a kid and never getting it. I love these bubble bath/shampoo bottles that are shaped like diffrent characters and if it's vintage, I love it even more. I have been looking for a 1960's Batman Soakie bottle and have been eyeballing a Superman on ebay. In fact, we saw the Superman at the show, but neither one of us was paying 100.00 bucks for it. So, for a cool ten spot, I had a vintage Luke Skywalker Soakie to add to my Star Wars PC.

This was not even picked up at the convention. After leaving Saturday, we hit a Target because I had heard the new Batman Hot Wheels were out and I want the 1966 Batcopter. Unfortunately, the Batcopter eluded me, but I picked up this Batmobile for the collection. I want an army of Batmobiles to do my bidding. Batmobiles, pick me up a cheeseburger. Batmobiles, find the remote. Well, you get the idea.

I have never been confused as a smart man. I left behind a 12 inch Chewbacca figure from 1978, complete with man purse and gun. The guy was asking 35 bucks for it. Should have grabbed it. Same dealer had a vintage 1970's Batman alarm clock that I have been wanting...since the 1970's and it still worked. He was asking 50.00 for it. I said no thanks, but was secretly hoping it would be there Sunday and I would try to barter him down to 30-35.00. But, alas, it was not there Sunday. He told me sold it right before he closed his table for the night. Again, not a smart move on my part. Oh well, theres always ebay.

To be honest, I was pretty disapointed with the show. The dealer area was very small and it was in the same room as the signings so if you were on line for an autograph, chances were you were getting bumped into by people trying to look at the tables the lines were blocking. As for the dealers, they really had nothing great. I was hoping to score a few goodies for the collections and came away with a lot less than I had hoped. The stuff that was there that I might have been intrested was way to pricey and sometimes not in the best shape for what they were asking. Some dude had a 1980's LJN Roddy Piper figure, on card and was asking 50.00 for it. Upon further inspection, you can see the face was terrible faded due to sun exposure. No thanks, Chief.

Hopefully, next years show will be better. In the meantime, I will send my Batmobiles to fetch me a pizza pie.