Zoinks

OK, I apologize. This is the longest I've ever stayed away from this site. It's been almost 6 weeks. I hope you accept my apology.

With that out of the way I just want to say I have been writing very regularly in ADW. I'll post some of those pieces over the next few days. I've seen some comic films, which I'll write reviews of. I've drawn a few pictures (not nearly as many as I'd like) which I'll post. I've bought a few toys and comics. My son is now 8 months old, a paid child model, has two teeth and is sleeping in his own crib. My daughter just took her state wide english and math tests (fingers are crossed) and is getting ready for her dance recital. My wife is still amazing, she astounds daily. Plus I started a new job that I'm extremely excited about and keeps me plenty busy.

So check back over the next few days for plenty of updates... who knows, I just may break my record for consecutive days posted.

Toy Fair 2010: DC Direct part 1

By far the booth that I was most excited to visit was DC Direct (after I realized that Hasbro had their own private show and Mattel allowed no pictures). That excitement escalated when I saw the Superman World of New Krypton figures. I had to compose myself.




I had not seen any information or solicits on these figure, so I was absolutely blown away. Superman (in his Gary Frank Christopher Reeves inspired best) in the Commander El outfit he wears on New Krypton. Braniac (also the Gary Frank design) in his latest look. Mon-El in his new duds (swanky) and finally Lucy Lane as Superwoman. The Superwoman figure is particularly striking, one of the best I saw all day. All amazing, and all will be on my pull list in October when they're released.

Another great piece in the booth was the multipart Green Lantern statue. It features Hal front and center surrounded by Guy Gardner, Kyle Rainer and John Stewart. Guardians and Manhunters are also part of the display, with Alan Scott flying above.

Toy Fair 2010: Diamond Booth

In truth the Diamond booth was really split into 2, Diamond and DC Direct. This post will cover the Diamond side of the room, as the DC Direct side was too good to cram in with this post.

While having a few exclusive Star Wars pieces that weren't allowed to be photographed, the other things I was most interested in were the Marvel Select figures and the Minimates.


You may have heard that Marvel has a small sequel dropping this summer. A little movie called Iron Man 2. It also has the big screen debut of War Machine (Don Cheadle, replacing Terrence Howard). Both figures were slightly limited in articulation, but both had great sculpts both with the mask down or up. Nice touches like boot jets that flip up were added as well. Both have interlocking dioramas.



The next group of figures were a trio of mutants. The omnipresent Deadpool (I prefer the ToyBiz Marvel Legends mega-articulated version of a few years back) as well as a great series of Cyclops. Either in his original X garb, or his iconic X-Factor uni. Each of the Cyclops come with an interchangeable Scott Summers head. Also on display was an amazing Magneto (pictured here sans helmet). The sculpt was really a sight to behold. I think the best ever for a Magneto figure.


The ever expanding roster of Ghostbusters figures has the crew in labcoats, as well as a casual Dana. I asked the rep about the potential of an Ecto-1 playset. He said there was a definite possibility if some of their other licensed vehicles performed well. Let's keep our fingers crossed.


On the subject of licensed vehicles, check out the Back to the Future DeLorean with Marty McFly. I thought this figure was great, and the folks at Diamond were super excited about the possibilities of where they could go with the vehicles based on the licenses they own.


This was a full collection of Minimates licensed properties. Classic and Modern Star Trek, lots of Ghostbusters, The Spirit figures as well as mates based on Terminator Salvation.


Another thing the fine folks at Diamond were excited about were the Elite Heroes Minimates line. Think of them as Mega Cops and Firemen. Pictured here is an amazing looking Fire Copter. While not a license, they are expecting these heroes to perform well. I hope they are right.

Toy Fair 2010: KidStuff Booth

Upon getting my credentials, I looked at the show floor map and decided that I was going to make a bee line to the Action Figure aisle. Realizing that I haven't been in the Jacobs Javits Convention Center since the late 80's (when Tim Burton"s Batmobile was on tour with the National Auto Show) I had no idea where anything was. I figured I would follow the map and end up in Action Figures... or so I thought.

I'm twirling around aimlessly when I come upon the KidStuff booth. Pretty far from Action Figures, in fact I was on the wrong floor, but I instantly saw a face I recognized, Madeline.



I explained to the PR Rep that my family are big Madeline fans. My wife is actually named after the character (but pronounced differently). The PR Rep then explained that Madeline is an evergreen franchise for them that continues to perform very well. In fact with new books being written about the character they expect this year to be even bigger than the last. The lineup contains larger stuffed Madeline dolls with individual outfits being sold and packaged separately.

The line also consists of smaller 8 inch poseable doll with changeable outfits as well. I wonder if a Ms. Clavel (or some of Madeline's classmates for that matter) doll can be far behind. Toy nuns... sign me up.

Another big property was the expansion of the Charlie and Lola line. Originally exclusive to FAO Schwartz these are now being carried in a variety of stores nationwide. There will be a varied array of products based on the brilliant Lauren Child sibling duo. Pictured here is the Talking Charlie and Lola two pack. The great Charlie and Lola series (seen on Playhouse Disney) as well as the book series are truly great for young readers, in fact my wife and read them in British accents when we used them as bed time stories for Scrappy.


Finally, there was a new product launch. The Greenzys. A group of environmentally friendly plush animals. These guys were super cute, but with a packed showroom I wasn't able to snap off a good shot, so a picture of the Greenzys banner will have to do.

Crazy Colored Glasses Hits Toy Fair 2010

I spent the whole day at Toy Fair 2010. Im looking at my notes and organizing images. I'll have a full event recap by company (that I visited with) starting tonight, and throughout the week. Stay tuned.

The Boogeyman

I've not watched wrestling regularly in the last few years. When I first saw the Boogeyman and his schtick, I thought he was a little hokey. Then I saw his action figure and was blown away. The pain applications were excellent. The soft goods chest piece, as well as the US Title belt are also nice additions. I can't speak to the Boogeyman's long term impact on WWE, in fact, he might already be gone, but this figure was excellent.

Toys of the Year... Teaser

My top 10 toys of 2009 are coming soon. I have to reserve time with my favorite photographer to shoot it. I thought I would tease the list with the amazing Superman Mighty Mugg my wife painted for me for my birthday. It really is a sight to behold. The best Mighty Mugg ever.

Brock Lesnar

The last wrestler to hit the WWE to make me sit up, take notice, and tune in every week was Brock Lesnar. He really was as good as advertised. Unfortunately his impact as well as career in the WWE were both short-lived. Brock flirted with the NFL, than Pride, before finally settling in and dominating at UFC.

Brock's first ever WWE figure was impossible for me to find. I had to pay more than I wanted to for it on ebay. It was worth it. Great intense face scan as well as the accurate large back tattoo really made this figure stand out. Maybe I'll have to pick up a Brock UFC figure and compare the two (I wonder if Jakks still uses the old facial scans).

John Cena

In June of 2008 I was out of work. I was at home with my wonderful wife everyday. While at home, my wife would give me all sorts of projects so that I wouldn't get so down. Shooting some of my wrestling toys (in a ring) was one of these projects. Crazy as it may seem, these little projects always helped me feel better, and never let me get to down.

Pictured here is my only figure of John Cena. True I haven't bought a lot of wrestling figure of late, but this is the first ever Cena figure the WWE ever released. He came in purple and yellow wrestling trunks with elbow and kneepads. To mimic his current jeans shorts look, I stripped a Jamie Noble figure of his shorts to place them on Cena. I still think this is the best facial sculpt and likeness of Cena.

Top 20 of 2008: Superman & Superwoman

Here we are in 2010 and I just fully realized I haven't revealed my top toy of 2008 (2009 list to come shortly... I have to set up a photo shoot with the most talented photographer I know).

My favorite figure of 2008 was DC Direct's line of All-Star Superman figures. These figures brilliantly capture the artwork of Frank Quietly. Quietly and Grant Morrison crafted a beautifully told Superman story. Easily one of the best comic stories of the past decade. The story was a year long tale of Superman dealing with his mortality as he finds out he has less than a year left to live. In one particular issue, Clark reveals his true nature to Lois while also providing her with temporary power that allow her to become Superwoman. While Quietly's work is not for everyone, his unique style has become one of the most popular in comcis today.

Top 20 of 2008: Rhino

On of my favorite movies of 2008 also produced one of my favorite toys. Bolt was a wonderful Disney animated film which starred the voices of Miley Cyrus and John Travolta. IT told the story of a canine actor that didn't know he wasn't a real-life superhero. When he thinks Penny is in trouble he escapes the television studio to embark on a real world adventure to rescue Penny. Along the way hijinks ensue as Bolt teams up with Mittens and Rhino.

This particular toy was a plush doll that my daughter got as a Christmas gift for my wife. Rhino proudly sits on our coffee table constantly watching the TV ala his character in the movie.

top 20 of 2008: Snake Eyes

Yet another Joe makes this list... and at that, another Snake Eyes. If youre a Joe nerd (ahem, like myself) you remember the story when from the Marvel comic where Snake Eyes face gets reconstructed, yet gets horribly disfigured (again) while trying to rescue the love of his life Scarlett (again!!!). This figure reflects the outfit he wears in his rescue effort.

This figure was from the 25th Anniversary toy line. Chock full of accessories. Blades on the chest, night vision goggles, uzi, sai, knunchuks... you name it this figure has it. The figure is a sleek black with metallic silver accents. In a year of a lot of Snake Eyes figures, this one clearly stood out.

Top 20 of 2008: Antares Draco

I mentioned Dark Horse's overlooked Star Wars Legacy series earlier in these posts when I posted the figure of Darth Talon. Here is another of that series regulars in Imperial Knight Antares Draco. He is a somewhat shady hero (but most everyone in this series is). His devotion to the Empire is often only overshadowed by his love of the Princess. I look forward to more of these Legacy figures getting made.

Draco comes with a white lightsaber, hood, and fabric skirt (i think that's a skirt?). Besides Clone Wars animated figures, this was one of the very few Star Wars figures I purchased in 2008.

Lack of Posts

There have been a severe lack of posts lately. I'm thoroughly enjoying being a Dad again, and am slightly sleep deprived, so I havent had a ton of time to dedicate to the CCG. I have 5 more Top 20 Toys of 2008 (while I'm starting to prepare my 2009 list) as well as two new pieces of art to post (both family/comic related). Stay tuned to the CCG it should be a good week.

Top 20 of 2008: General Hawk

When I think of G.I.Joe, I like to think of my wonderful childhood memories of the animated series and the underrated Marvel comic. I definitely try and forget Denis Quaid and his rendition of General Hawk in the G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra movie. Joe holds a special place in my heart, so I only like to think of the best.

In thinking of the best I think of the Joes 25th Anniversary line. Hence this figure of General Hawk. This version is perfect. Removeable helmet, great articulation, accessories up the wazoo... great rendition of a great Joe character.

Top 20 of 2008: Upper Deck Tony Romo

One of my favorite players in the NFL is Tony Romo. You've already seen a realistic McFarlane Sports figure on this list, now comes the Upper Deck Urban Vinylz Tony Romo.

The figure is about 10 inches tall perfectly capturing the stylized rendering of artist Sean "Cheeks" Galloway. Galloway is great, and so are these Upper Deck figures. Besides being incredibly stylized and cartoony, there is also an impressive level of detail. Small touches like the blue label with players last name which appears on the back of the Cowboys helmets were a nice touch. I might be one of the only fans (geeks) to find this impressive, but whatever. Love these figs.

Top 20 of 2008: Sith Infiltrator with Darth Maul

I love Legos. I love Star Wars... specifically the sith. This is another perfect toy marriage. Great toy line, great franchise. Perfect toy.

The story behind this set is even better though. My wife was in Boston for a photo shoot. While killing time in the mall she calls me and says they have a Lego store. I excitedly ask her to visit it for me to see if they have any exclusives. Lo and behold she finds a Sith Infiltrator with Darth Maul. The same set that sells for over $80 on ebay she found for list price... absolute insanity. She not only brought this set, but a set of humans for Scrappy and I to play with. Yeah, she's awesome.

Top 20 of 2008: Cobra EELs

I love G.I. Joe toys.... a lot. My favorites have always been the naval specialist. Hence Wet Suit is my favorite Joe of all time. I also have always had a soft spot in my heart for Shipwreck, Deep Six, Torpedo as well as the Cobra EELs.

This is the best ever version of the EELs from the 25th Anniversary line. With all its accessories on it has an uncanny resemblance to the Joes Wet Suit (probably why I like this figure so much). So much so that my wife suggested I buy a second EEL and have her repaint it as Wet Suit. It was a great idea, but these figures proved to be such a hit that they became quite collectible. A repaint never happened, and a Wet Suit has been included in the Assault on Cobra Island 7 pack that has been released (I have not yet purchased). This figure was tricked out with accessories, had great articulation and color scheme. Great figure all around.

Top 20 of 2008: Snake Eyes Mighty Mugg

One of my favorite toy lines of the past few years are Mighty Muggs. As my readers know, my favorite toy line of all-time are the G.I. Joes. This figure was the perfect marriage. Characters from my favorite toy line in a new great style.

When these figures were announced, I was ecstatic. Simply put, I love Mighty Muggs. Each one is a great piece of plastic art. I ran out of the house early on Christmas Eve to pick these up on the first day of release. My wife has a pic of an euphoric me as I came home with Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. This Snake Eyes piece is no exception. Its incredibly done. Greatly painted, great accessories, and as the package says 100% Awesome.

Top 20 of 2008: Indiana Jones

One of my favorite movies of all time is Raiders of the Lost Ark. Its a brilliant film created by the genius minds of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

When figures based on Raiders were announced I knew I would want an Indy. My only Indy figure at that point had been the exclusive Disney World figure. Which most collectors know was a pretty flat version of the character. As previews for the figures were released I found myself falling in love with the Deluxe version of Indy on the horse. I hunted and hunted this figure down (my wife often says that I enjoy the hunt almost as much as the figures themselves). Multiple visits to Target and Toys R Us bore no fruit, so I finally had to give and order online.

I was incredibly pleased with the figure that was delivered. The holster with gun, the whip, the perfectly sculpted jacket and hat, the articulation in elbows and knees (which allow Indy to sit on said horse) all make for the best Harrison Ford figure ever.