Tag Archives: build-a-weapon

New 3.75″ Pre-orders at DorksideToys

dorksidetoys

DorksideToys has added listings for two additional  for 3.75″ Build-A-Weapon figure assortments. Waves include:

Wave 6
Poe Damerom
First Order TIE Fighter Pilot
Resistance Trooper
Han Solo
Rey (Resistance Outfit)
Hassk Thug

Wave 7
Kylo Ren
Captain Phasma
Luke Skywalker
Admiral Ackbar
Tasu Leech
Fifth Brother Inquisitor

Preorders open January 12 and 26 respectively.

Toyguide Update: PZ-4CO

toyguide_PEEZY_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at PZ-4CO from wave 2 of the Build-A-Weapon “Forest” assortment.

PROS:  It’s been 30 years since the events of Return of the Jedi so there are bound to be evolutions is droid design and functionality (note: BB-8). PZ-4CO bares a familiar shape while bringing something completely new to the table and Hasbro did a fine job in interpreting “Peezy’s” unique shape, the color doesn’t seem quite right but for a droid that will probably .1% on-screen visibility, the figure serves its purpose well and will blend nicely into most collections and dioramas — especially if you have a spare tactical screen (borrowed from the Saga “Ultra” General Riekkan).

CONS: There are  folks that like this design and others that mock it for its strange departure (color/shape) from what we’ve become accustomed to over the past 30 years of droids. (You must unlearn what you have learned). Other than the build-a-weapon parts, “Peezy” doesn’t include any accessories. A datapad or some type of communication device would have been welcome here.

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

Sponsor News: New Wave Preorders at Entertainment Earth

Entertainment Earth is now taking preorders for The Force Awakens  Snow/Desert Wave 3 and the 6″ Black Series Wave 5 assortments. It is unknown (publicly) what the pack out is of these two cases at this time but they are shipping in December and January respectively. Look for an update when more can be revealed.

Toyguide Update: Goss Toowers

toyguide_goss_toowers_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at Goss Toowers from wave 2 of the Build-A-Weapon “Forest” assortment.

PROS:  Another all-new sculpt and all-new character from The Force Awakens. It’s odd that so many of the maintenance workers in the Star Wars saga are short in stature (Utai, Ugnaughts, Pit Droids, etc.), but Hasbro looks to have executed a nice representation of the figure, at least based on the card art. Goss features a decent amount of detail in his outfit with realistic creases and folds in his jumpsuit, not to mention those metallic gold gloves. He includes a blaster pistol in case things get a little dicey when prepping starfighters for battle.

CONS: Although Goss Toowers includes a pistol, and a small one at that, he has no holster to store it when not in use. Kids (and adults) may want to store it in a baggie for safe keeping. The build-a-weapon pack-in is a curious one as, on its own, it is pretty much useless as a weapon since it is far too heavy for Goss to carry without toppling over. It might serve better as some sort of tool box, diagnostic computer or power generator than a weapon. Customizers will undoubtedly be able to find some alternate use for it though, so that’s technically a “PRO”.

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

Toyguide Update: Captain Phasma

toyguide_phasma_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at Captain Phasma from wave 1 of the Build-A-Weapon “Forest” assortment.

PROS:  Even for a 5 POA figure, Hasbro’s simplistic take on Captain Phasma results in a gorgeous action figure. The proportions are fantastic as it towers over the other First Order troopers in the line, as she should. While we don’t get an actual reflective coating for her armor, the silver used is the next best thing as opposed to a sparkly gray plastic. The cape works well in this application too as it doesn’t inhibit movement in the posing in most cases. All in all, a great representation of what is sure to be a stand out character in the new trilogy.

CONS: Due to the already intense popularity of the character, she has been a bit of a struggle to find at retails (at least upon initial launch), thus her secondary market price commands a premium – in all scales. And the build-a-weapon part? Perfect for some First Order gardening or lawn edging I think.

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

Toyguide Update: Kylo Ren

toyguide_kyloren_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at Kylo Ren from wave 1 of the Build-A-Weapon “Forest” assortment.

PROS:  Hasbro completely nailed the sculpt for this figure. Every thing from the multiple textures used to simulate cloth to the proportions and the overall character likeness, Kylo Ren is one of the top figures released for the build-a-weapon assortment. The market for Kylo Ren seems to bear that out as he is in huge demand by collectors of this line. While not the most articulated version we’ll be getting, Kylo stands apart from other figures in the assortment(s) in that it does look like a “cheap figure”.

CONS: Obviously, the articulation will be a let down for some, but they can be comforted in the fact that we’ll have Black Series versions in both scales as alternatives. As for the build-a-weapon pack-in? To me, it kind of looks like a bear trap or torture device. In the end, it means nothing in terms of being in the film and really only serves as fodder for customizers or something to sit unused in a bag of misfit toys.

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

Toyguide Update: Constable Zuvio

toyguide_zuvio_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at  Constable Zuvio from wave 1 of the Build-A-Weapon “Desert” assortment.

PROS:  The figure is on par from a sculpt aspect with a lot of details in the outfit and there is a fair amount of weathering on the armor pieces. The removable backpack is a nice touch to either share with other compatible figures or swap out for other build-a-weapon parts. Zuvio is well balanced for easy posing and can hold his included weapon without much fuss. A nice “generic” figure for customizers to use for parts and/or repaint for diorama filler.

CONS: Out of all of the Force Awakens figures released thus far, I find this one the least interesting for some reason. And, by the peg warmers on shelves, I’m apparently not alone in this. Since we don’t have any real “official” details surrounding this character’s importance to the plot, I may have to reserve further judgement until after I see the film. But as it stands, he’s nothing more than scene filler in dioramas.

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

Toyguide Update: Finn (Jakku)

toyugide_finn375_previewThe Yakface Toyguide updates continue our series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Next, we take a look at  Finn (Jakku) from wave 1 of the Build-A-Weapon “Desert” assortment.

PROS: The overall sculpting of the figure is really well done with a lot of attention to detail on the jacket especially. The figure has no issue with standing unassisted nor holding the included Resistance blaster. Thankfully, Hasbro elected to give figures in this line ball-socket heads which greatly aides in the poseability of the figure. Sure it doesn’t allow for dynamic posing, but it does allow for slight head tilts to give expression when displayed. Also, the ball socket lets collectors swap the head on to the First Order Stormtrooper body for additional play time fun!

CONS: Since Lucasfilm is limiting the selection of characters to the first third of the film, we are sort of inundated with Finn product with this particular outfit. Hopefully we’ll get a change from that closer to release date. Paint apps (on this sample at least) could be tightened up a bit, especially on the face. The inclusion of the build-a-weapon part necessitated a hole in Finn’s back which distracts slightly from the overall aesthetic.

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