Category Archives: Toyguide Updates

Collecting News, Podcasts/Streaming, Toyguide Updates

Episode 31: Feels Like 40

5 Comments

realmrecap_news

This week picks up where we left off last show with more news regarding the Walgreens Prototype Boba Fett and its future distribution,  plus we touch on our latest toyguide additions and reviews. Also, we discuss the new preorders from Gentle Giant and Sideshow and a surprise exclusive heading to Barnes & Noble from Kotobukiya. We close things out with our thoughts on new spy photos from the Episode VII set as well as rumors of The Clone Wars getting new life soon. All of this and more on this birthday hangover edition of The Realm Recap! Click on through to check out the latest episode and feel free to subscribe to our channel and leave suggestions on what you’d like to see covered on the show.

Also, if you prefer an audio-only version, a downloadable MP3 is available as well.

Continue reading Episode 31: Feels Like 40 →

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: 6″ TBS #04 Chewbacca

Leave a comment

TG_6chewbacca_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with the addition of Chewbacca from the Black Series line of 6″ figures.

PROS: Was it worth the wait? In a word, yes. After a delay due to a reworking of the packaging, Chewbacca is finally available in this 6″scale and it is impressive all around. The sculpting of the fur is very well done – using a technique we’ve seen implemented on the 3-3/4″ versions of the character. The color is pretty good as well with varying shades of brown to add visual interest and to break up the overall tone of the figure. Joints are well hidden and most have a nice range of motion despite the hair.

CONS: Like most Chewbacca/Wookiee figures, the head movement is limited by the sculpt of the hair – resulting in only a few degrees of rotation left to right. Hands are very stiff so getting the figure to hold his weapon can be a bit of a chore but nothing insurmountable. The bowcaster limbs fall off easily if bumped (I would have liked a strap for the bowcaster as well.) The facial expression, while nice, is a bit too specific and an alternate, non-growling head would have been a great inclusion.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: 6″ Boba Fett (Prototype Armor)

5 Comments

TG_protofett_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with the Walgreens Exclusive Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) from the Black Series line of 6″ figures.

PROS: It was a foregone conclusion that this figure would see the light of day considering Fett’s overall popularity, but that didn’t stop customizers for creating their own version in advance of this release. The figure itself is well done and is not just a repaint, it is a total recast which was really the only way to go. The sculpt is crisp and what little paint apps there are, are well applied. The refreshed box design showcases the figure better than the previous look. Articulation is plentiful with standard and double hinged joints throughout allowing for a wide range of relaxed and aggressive stances.

CONS: Not the most accurate of representations of this armor as there are plenty of differences in the prototype costume and weapons. No weathering on either weapon seems a bit cheap considering the deco that was saved on the figure. This figure is the epitome of scalper bait and having them set on shelf and scooped up within minutes/hours of being placed is sadly the norm in most stores. I was hoping that Hasbro would have pulled a page from their TVC release (and Sideshow) and given him the vintage beach towel cape deco, but this design is very acceptable.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: Reveal the Rebels: Jedi Reveal

17 Comments

SWR_jedireveal_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today, with the first entry in the Star Wars Rebels 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at the Toys”R”Us Exclusive Reveal the Rebels: Jedi Reveal Set.

PROS: Faithful representations in terms of sculpt and deco to their animated likenesses. Paint operations are good/better than most Saga Legends/Mission Series figures. The Holographic Obi-Wan is obviously the real draw of the set as Kanan and Ezra will be available as single carded releases.

CONS: Cost is about $5.00 too high for two 5 POA* figures (which are/will be repacks) and an accessory. Ezra includes the same cadet helmet from the basic carded release – it would have been nice to receive his customized deco version here and/or his special lightsaber.

*Note: Kanan’s hands are separate parts that are glued into the forearms to prevent separation by young collectors. Samples that I have seen vary in how they are attached. Be mindful of the wrists as if you get a bit overzealous in the twisting, the wrist peg may sheer off resulting in damage.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this set is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: 6″ TBS #14 Clone Trooper

2 Comments

6TBS14_clonetrooper_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today, continuing a series of entries in the The Black Series 6″ line. Today, we take a look at the Phase I Clone Trooper (#14).

PROS: And it begins… Hasbro has officially dipped its toe into the clone pool for the 6″ line so with that, expect a wide range of color-coded clones (like the upcoming Clone Trooper Sergeant) in the not-too-distant future. Articulation is good, much like the 6″ stormtrooper but there is better execution here thanks to joint pins matching the armor. This figure is hitting online and retail stores now so it can be had with minimal effort.

CONS: None really other than on my example, the deco for the visor doesn’t quite hit fully so there is a gap along the top edge that should be black. Hopefully on a later find, this issue isn’t as prevalent. 

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: 6″ TBS #12 Anakin Skywalker

2 Comments

12_anakin_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today, kickstarting a series of entries in the The Black Series 6″ line. Today, we take a look at Anakin Skywalker (#12).

PROS: Despite being another Anakin Skywalker from Revenge of the Sith, Hasbro manages to knock out a great figure with all the articulation you expect for the 6″ scale. A little refining in the paint details is required in the face but the overall sculpt is solid – especially the “Anakin” head sculpt which at its core looks a heck of a lot like Hayden Christensen. There are some nice mixes of paint finishes as well, using gloss and matte where applicable.

CONS: Even now, 12 figures into the line, Hasbro’s factories are still having paint apps issues. The irises on both head sculpts could use a lot more care in their application and one eye on each head sculpt (on my sample) has problems. The head sculpt skin tones don’t really match the neck paint apps causing a weird contrast in color under in certain sources of light. The plastic tabards that comprise his torso, inhibit the poseability of the arms slightly where you can’t establish a strong two-handed grip on the lightsaber hilt. Although the articulation is executed well overall, I’d prefer ball-joint/insert-molded hips to allow for a greater range of poses. Finally, I think the gloved forearm and hand should be darker in color as it currently matches his tunic.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: TBS #21 Luke Skywalker

3 Comments

TBS21 _preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with our next entry in the The Black Series 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at Luke Skywalker (#21).

PROS: The most articulated Luke ever (albeit not the most attractive). Admittedly at first, I hated the mechanics and aesthetic of this figure with all of the exposed joint pins in the elbows, but once I started to physically pose and “play” with the figure, I found that the arms are really quite functional, allowing for a huge array of posing possibilities that aren’t possible with other figures – especially a two-handed lightsaber grip. Also features switch out hands that either aid in balance during handstand poses (which takes a bit of work to achieve) or allow him to reach out with the Force.

CONS: Deco again is an issue as it took me 3 samples just to find something suitable for photographing manly due to poor eye paint apps. Also, be sure to take notice of the lower legs of this figure should you decide to buy it. Two of my 3 samples each had a different assembly issue where either the left or right “shin” was facing backward in the packaging. Elbow joints are a little loose and I can see these becoming very floppy over time. Skin colored plastic is used for the hip joints and it is really evident in profile images. Knee joints are surprisingly limited in their range of motion. Finally, the belt/holster has no included hole to receive the peg from Luke’s lightsaber hilt – this oversight forces you to balance the hilt peg on a little sculpted tab.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: TBS #20 Bastila Shan

8 Comments

tbs20_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with our next entry in the The Black Series 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at Bastila Shan (#20).

PROS: The real benefit for this figure is that it (theoretically) gets a previously hard-to-find figure back on the retail market.

CONS: Like many of the more recent 3-3/4″ figures, this one suffers from an inferior paint job, especially when compared to the previous release. Paint is applied sloppily (face) and thin (torso, gauntlets, boots) in areas and downright missing in others (boots). I recommend skipping this one altogether and picking up the TVC version. It may cost more but I think the quality is far, far better. With the persistent retail distribution issues, I don’t expect this figure will be any easier to find at retail than the previous release. Your best bet is to pre-order but then you are at the mercy of what you are sent versus being able to pick out a figure with a somewhat decent deco at retail.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: TBS #23 Toryn Farr

Leave a comment

TBS23_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with our next entry in the The Black Series 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at Toryn Farr (#23).

PROS: It seems like we’ve waited forever to get this figure, but once Hasbro released the Vintage Collection Leia (Hoth Outfit) back in 2010, it was all but a matter of time before they got to her. What’s nice/surprising is that they didn’t just take that Leia figure and give it a new head. Hasbro developed a new vest as well as revised forearms and hands to make her screen accurate. Included with Toryn Farr is a communication headset and blaster pistol (for good measure).

CONS: Nothing really to speak of but as a personal preference, I would have liked a microphone stalk included on the headset for a little more accuracy and possibly the handheld device used on the tactical screen on Echo Base.

Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.

You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.