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Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: Goss Toowers

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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.

Collecting News

Toyguide Update: Captain Phasma

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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.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: Kylo Ren

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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.

Collecting News

Episode 459: Fifty Shades of White

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It’s been one month since Force Friday but the onslaught of new Star Wars products has not let up. From tie in items like vitamins to cereal to toothpaste to Pop Chips, Star Wars is on everything. And of course that means lots of new toys too!

On this episode of Star Wars Action News, Arnie and Marjorie are joined by Andrew to look at some of the new Star Wars items in a head to head match.
First we put two BB-8s to the test — Hasbro’s Target Exclusive Remote Control BB-8 versus Sphero’s App Controlled BB-8.  One is bigger, one is more expensive, but should you buy one, both, or neither?
Then we look at Disney’s new Elite line of 6.5-inch Die Cast action figures. They’re $5 more than Hasbro’s Black Series 6-inch, but every bit as in demand, selling out nationwide. On this show we put Disney’s Elite First Order Stormtrooper to the test against Hasbro’s Black Series counterpart.
Plus Brock joins us for a review of the novel Aftermath, we look at Hot Toys’ new Star Wars releases, and more on this episode of Star Wars Action News!
Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: First Order Flametrooper

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toyguide_flametrooper_preview

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

PROS:  While the movie hasn’t debuted yet, we have received a brief glimpse of the First Order Flametroopers in action via a behind the scenes video. This unit of troops looks to be particularly lethal in their methods and the figure seems to capture that design faithfully. They come across as a lot bulkier that the standard First Order Stormtrooper and evoke a silhouette reminiscent of the Republic Trooper from The Clone Wars era. The figure stands well even with his bulky backpack and the paint (or lack thereof) is applied well.

CONS: The figure could have been served better if the arms were sculpted to be able to hold the flamethrower rifle with both hands, as it looks a bit silly in an outstretched arm. Despite being a pretty solid figure, there does seem to be an issue with the hose from the flamethrower staying attached to the backpack. It seems to stay in place initially, but if you pose the (right) arm, the tension on the supply hose can result in it coming off peg. Not a huge deal but maybe frustrating for the kiddos during play. And what is that build-a-weapon pack-in supposed to be? A shield? A gun? A key fob? Obviously it is part to a larger construct, but on it’s own, it’s as out of place in the line as the other individual BAW components.

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