Tag Archives: TBS

Toyguide Update: TBS #21 Luke Skywalker

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.

Toyguide Update: TBS #20 Bastila Shan

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.

Sponsor News: DorksideToys Summer Sizzler Sale!

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Check out our Summer Sizzler SALE! Tons of great GI JOE, Marvel, Walking Dead, POP! Vinyl & More at Dorksidetoys.com.  Make sure you join us on our Twitter, Google+ & Facebook page for regular toy news and new stock, sale and pre-order alerts, movie news, trailers and more. Click on through for the latest specials!

Continue reading Sponsor News: DorksideToys Summer Sizzler Sale!

Sponsor News: K & C Collectibles

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K & C Collectibles is celebrating 19 years in business on July 1st.  To commemorate this milestone we are offering all customers 19% discount starting today June 29th, 2014 through July 5th, 2014.  A discount code must be keyed into the order form to receive the discount.  The discount code is 19Years. Click on through for the newest arrivals!’

Continue reading Sponsor News: K & C Collectibles

Episode 21: Execute SDCC Pre-Order 66

realmrecap_news

Live from my garage, it’s Saturday night! On this episode of The Realm Recap we discuss the latest SDCC exclusive announcements and pre-orders, new details and commentary surrounding Star Wars Black Series products, a slew of customizing spotlights and, of course, our latest acquistions and purchases from the past week! 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 not to look at our ugly mugs, a downloadable MP3 is available as well.

Continue reading Episode 21: Execute SDCC Pre-Order 66

Toyguide Update: TBS #23 Toryn Farr

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.

Toyguide Update: TBS #25 Dak Ralter

TBS_dak_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’s short-lived gunner, Dak Ralter (#25).

PROS: Well, if you like relatively generic army builder pilots for your Rebel dioramas and/or Imperial fodder this figure will perform that task adequately. Includes extra weapons – albeit the same as the TVC release – to accessorize other figures (can you tell I’m reaching?)

CONS: Did we really need/ask for another Dak? Paint on the head/balaclava is thin, exposing the underlying skin tone plastic and not the tightest of paint apps on the head/face with bleedover onto the checks  (at least on my sample – your experience may vary). This figure does have slight color differences compared the previous release TVC Dack/Dak. So if you’re a one of everything 3-3/4″ kind of collector you’ll need this one, too.

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.

TBS Yoda Leg Datestamp/Imprinting Update

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For my initial toyguide entry for the Black Series Yoda (#22), my loose sample (acquired off eBay) had the date/trademark stamp on the front of each leg. I’m happy to say after securing a carded sample and opening it, the offending info has moved to its rightful place on the back and side of the legs. Earth shattering I know, but it does correct a bit of an aesthetic eyesore that others, including myself, took note. Click the image above for a closer look (L=ebay/R=Production). The toyguide will be updated to reflect the correct production piece in the near future.