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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, Contests/Giveaways, Podcasts/Streaming, Sponsor/Affiliate News, Toyguide Updates

Episode #78: It’s Not Easy Bein’ PZ

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We are less than a week out from NYCC and less than a month away until the next trailer for The Force Awakens, but in the meantime there are plenty of new products hitting retail and announcements from manufacturers. On this episode, Flyguy and I discuss new Hasbro figures hitting Walmart, a new line of Titanium collectibles, and a great new 1:6 preorder from Hot Toys. Also, we discuss new info regarding the Inquisitors from Star Wars Rebels, new Topps trading card releases and much more. All this, plus our weekly, show and tell of new acquisitions and purchases on episode #78 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 #78: It’s Not Easy Bein’ PZ →

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.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: Constable Zuvio

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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.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: Finn (Jakku)

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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.

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: First Order Stormtrooper (2)

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toyguide_FOstormtrooper_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 Stormtrooper from wave 2 of the Build-A-Weapon “Snow” assortment.

PROS: Hasbro was wise to issue another First Order Stormtrooper in the follow up wave to the Force Friday launch. I would assume that the First Order Stormtroopers will be ubiquitous in the film so getting them out there en masse is probably a safe bet. Like the first release, the sculpt is solid, albeit limited in articulation. Regardless, a hand full of these standing behind Kylo Ren or Captain Phasma in a display will look decent in most cases. The First Order Stormtrooper only includes the standard F-11D blaster, but it can attach to the right leg (like the 6″ version) which looks far better (aesthetically) than the old holsters of previous troopers. Also for this release, Hasbro elected to change up the character art and offer a new build-a-weapon part so variation devotees, take note.

CONS: Articulation is sorely missed on troopers of this sort as it appears in the trailer they’ll be seeing a lot of action. The consolation is that we’ll be getting a 3.75″ Black Series version so there’s that.

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: X-Wing Pilot Asty

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TG_asty_preview

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

PROS: Hasbro LOVES X-wing pilots so it’s not surprising that we get a couple right out of the TFA gate with X-wing Pilot Asty. Obviously, not much is known about the character yet, but what we do know is that Hasbro didn’t simply repurpose an existing Poe Dameron sculpt, they went all out and tooled another design from the ground up with not a part shared. The alien design is new for Star Wars, but familiar at the same time, if that makes sense. Like the other figures in this line,  the sculpt is solid and the articulation is adequate enough for standing around in a Resistance mission briefing or piloting the latest T-70 X-wing. Asty includes a simple blaster pistol which can be stored in a small holster on his right hip. Surprisingly, there are a few easter eggs with this figure as well but I’ll let you read about those on the toyguide page itself.

CONS: As discussed previously on the First Order Snowtrooper, the pack-in “Build-A-Weapon” accessory is kind of silly, as it  is a set of skis that serves dual purpose as wings(?) that can be attached to Asty courtesy of a hole in his back. Like I said, the BAW concept extends the play of the figures but is really superfluous overall. Don’t get me wrong, the concept is sound, but maybe not necessary.

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: First Order Snowtrooper

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TFA_FO_snowtrooper_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume to kick off a series of additions for The Force Awakens 3-3/4″ line. Today, we take a look at the First Order Snowtrooper from wave 2 of the Build-A-Weapon “Snow” assortment.

PROS: Hasbro/Kenner has come a long way since the first 5 POA figures they released in the 90’s. Gone are the muscle bound proportions, instead we have a near-screen accurate representation of the latest snowtrooper from The Force Awakens in a more kid-centric line of products. The emphasis on “kid centric” is important as this line isn’t intended to subvert the diehard collector, but to give options in the toy aisle. Some may hate them, but again if you do, you’re probably not the audience anyway and that can’t be helped. As for the First Order Snowtrooper figure itself, the design is solid with a lot of detail in the stark white armor. Articulation is basic but the figure stands well and the ball-jointed head lends a little “attitude” when posing the head. He includes the standard issue F-11D blaster rifle (with extended stock), removable cold weather survival pack and two pieces for the “Icebreaker*” Build-A-Weapon.

CONS: For me, the jury is still out on the build-a-weapon concept. Sure, it adds to the playability of the figure (depending on the part), and there’s a nostalgic Vintage Kenner Droid Factory vibe I get from the constructs you assemble, but as a collector, they don’t really scratch that itch fully and leave me cold. In short,  I wouldn’t miss them if they were abruptly dropped from the line in favor of a waist joint or a $1 decrease in price.

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

*unofficial name

Collecting News, Toyguide Updates

Toyguide Update: SDCC Exclusive 6″ TBS First Order Stormtrooper

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SDCC_TFA_FO_ST_preview

The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with a special look at the SDCC exclusive 6″ First Order Stormtrooper from the Black Series line of figures.

PROS: Here, we get our first real exposure to a toy from The Force Awakens and if other product in this line is as good (or better), I suspect there will be many happy collectors. Paint apps are pretty spot with little to no egregious slop (at least on this sample) and the articulation is pretty standard at this point, allowing for a lot of realistic and dynamic posing options. Overall proportions of the figure are good and the sculpt is highly detailed. I would expect to see a least a few trooper variants out of this mold so it is a great base for those future releases. The weapons are handled nicely with white and silver accents laid over familiar, yet all-new, blaster design(s) for the new films. They are able to be clipped into the right thigh via a dedicated tab – both of which are held securely when stowed.

CONS: Surprisingly, Hasbro elected to revert to insert-molded joints for the elbows whereas most prior 6″ Black Series figures were double-jointed. This limits their range of motion somewhat and prevents them from being bent less than 110º. Still no display stand for a line of figures that really could benefit from them. This will surely be a popular item to track down before and after SDCC, but thankfully, it will be released at retail, making the packaging/presentation the real collectible here.

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

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Thanks to Hasbro for providing us this early sample.