Tonight while opening a case of Mission Series figures that I just received from Entertainment Earth, I noticed that Sabine’s helmet had a markedly different appearance than the one(s) I have found at retail. Click on through for the details of this interesting variant.
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with the latest entry in the Saga Legends/Star Wars Rebels 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at the TIE Pilot (SL13).
PROS: Again, like most of the Rebels figures, Hasbro has translated the series’ animated style to plastic very well. The figure’s proportions seem spot on and the deco, while minimal, is precise – especially the buttons on the life support chest piece. Accessories are spartan as he includes a standard issue E-11 blaster rifle.
CONS: Like others in this line, finding these decent quantity may be an issue. Some/many/most dislike the limited articulation, so they’ll be perpetually disappointed in its execution. Due to the design of the helmet and flight gear box, the head for the figure has a very limited range of movement. Oddly, we get this figure but without an accompanying vehicle on shelves. Sure, we have a dozen TIE fighters from previous lines and The Inquisitors’s personal craft we could use, but not a standard support fighter from the series. Seems like an opportunity squandered.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.
Tamashii Nations has officially announced that their line of Star Wars Samurai-inspired figures are coming to the US.
Star Wars Movie Realization line coming to the U.S. officially Late Spring 2015! And even more to come!
Thanks to JediDefender for the tip.
You can check out our review and toyguide gallery of the Samurai Taisho Darth Vader
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with the latest entry in the Star Wars Rebels 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at the Wullffwarro and Wookiee Warrior Mission Series set (MS07).
PROS: Honestly, I’m surprised Hasbro went the Wookiee route so soon in the line versus releasing Hera or Sabine upon the initial launch of the line. Alas, the result is a nice set of figures that can serve as diorama filler in displays or customizing fodder. The sculpt and paint is great on these samples as the eyes are dead on as is the mouth – something from which the Chewbacca Mission Series suffered.
CONS: Despite being relatively faithful to the design in the show, there is something that feels “off” about them – especially Wullffwarro. I think it is the stubby legs that convey more of a primate or sasquatch vibe than a Wookiee. No weapons??? Even a simple stormtrooper blaster would have been nice. Sadly, I think these may pegwarm once more stores get their allotment. Like most Wookiee figures, articulation is an issue (even more here considering the 5 POA style) as the head is virtually immovable with only the slightest bit of swivel possible.
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.
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with the latest entry in the Star Wars Rebels 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at the Sabine Wren and Stormtrooper Mission Series set (MS08).
PROS: Finally! We are one step closer to getting the entire crew of the Ghost and our intrepid rebel heroes. This set features the debut of fan favorite Sabine in her custom Mandalorian armor. Despite not having a removable helmet, the aesthetic of the figure is spot on. The sculpt of the figure has a certain amount of attitude with what looks like slightly cocked hips. Sabine also benefits from functional holsters to stow her twin blasters. The Stormtroper is a carry forward from previous releases with some variance in deco quality in the various sample I’ve seen, but having more “bucket heads” is always welcome.
CONS: The biggest con (other than less than stellar availability right now) is the fact that Sabine doesn’t have a removable helmet. They gave one to Erza – why not her? Hopefully Hasbro can revisit this figure soon with that feature. Yeah, yeah, articulation is limiting but that shouldn’t dissuade you from adding her to your collection. Finally, her blasters are very tiny so if the intent is to let kids (boys and girls) play with her, might want to keep an eye on those accessories.
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.
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today as we take a look at the Samurai Taisho Darth Vader figure from Bandai/Tamashii Nation.
PROS: The minute I saw this figure previewed back in June 2014, I knew I had to have it and now that it has arrived, it’s probably my favorite collector item of 2014. The samurai armor has been beautifully merged with the Star Wars aesthetic and the result is an amazing sculpt with ornate details and paint work. The articulation is nearly perfect, allowing collectors to set a wide range of realistic display possibilities and intimidating postures. Accessories are plentiful with 3 additional pairs of hands for gesturing or holding the included katana-like lightsaber and/or hilt.
CONS: Admittedly the style isn’t for everyone, nor is the premium price for essentially a 6″ scale figure.
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.
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today as we take a look at the PGM Exclusive Stormtrooper Gold Commemorative Mini Bust from Gentle Giant.
PROS: In commemoration of their 10 years producing Star Wars mini bust and collectibles, Gentle Giant created a special holiday mini bust for Premier Guild Members. They easily could have just repainted/chromed an existing bust, but if I’m not mistaken, this looks to be an all-new sculpt. The gold chrome treatment really glistens under the right lighting conditions and the inclusion of the Mouse Droid with satirical gift tag “To: TK-421, From: Darth Vader” is a nice bonus as well. Did you know there is another version of this bust too? Click on through for the details.
CONS: Price for this piece to PG Members was $100 and it has doubled in most cases in price on most eBay auctions.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this bust 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.
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with the addition of the R5-G19, our first entry for the 3-3/4″ Black Series (Blue) line look.
PROS: New (i.e. never before offered) figures from the Original Trilogy come few and far between these days so it’s nice to add another to the collection and scratch another off the list (Despite the less-than-accurate deco). R5-G19 recycles the Build-A-Droid/Droid Factory mold so it’s cross compatible with prior B.A.D. figures. Yay! Hasbro retired that bland black and orange card for a nicer TIE Pilot design in a more traditional 6×9 format.
CONS: The inaccuracy of the deco has ruffled a few feathers of diehard astromech collectors, as well as the use of the B.A.D. mold. Although purely anecdotal, R5-G19 has achieved Peg Warmer Status: Level 10 at most of the Toys”R”Us stores I visit.
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.
Even as the holidays quickly approach, the deluge of collecting news and speculation is flowing as fast as ever. On this week’s show, Flyguy and I break down the latest info from Hasbro, Sideshow, Bandai, S.H.Figuarts, Hot Wheels, and more. Gentle Giant looks to be teasing some great product for 2015, what it is exactly is anyone’s guess but we are giddy in its potential. The biggest news of the week though was the (partial) character names released for The Force Awakens. What do they mean and will we have to “unlearn what we have learned” based on prior speculation and leaks? Finally, Flyguy and I run down a few reviews and new acquisitions — all this and much more on Episode 44 of The Realm Recap.
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Also, if you prefer an audio-only version, a downloadable MP3 is available as well.
Continue reading Episode 44: Guardians of the Galaxy Far, Far Away
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume with the addition of the 6″ Deluxe Jabba the Hutt from The Black Series.
PROS: Hasbro surprised the collecting community when they announced that they’d be tackling “beasts” in the 6″ scale and they got things very much right with Jabba. The sculpt is the best likeness yet with exacting details in the skin – right down to the obligatory tattoo. Hasbro also added a fun bit of interactivity as you can recreate Jabba signature belly laugh by way of rotating the arms up and down to open and close the mouth. Unfortunately, you’ll have to supply the sound effects yourself.
CONS: For an original retail price of $40 (US), this seems really overpriced and overwhelmingly bland when in its retail packaging. Many collectors found themselves frustrated in that the support accessories were only available through the SDCC exclusive. Tough to argue with those sentiments.
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.