Indiana Mickey and Adventure Kermit

Indiana Mickey

and

Adventure Kermit

Disney Parks exclusive/Palisades Toys

Outside of Mutt Williams puzzles and overproduced copies of The Last Crusade, finding Indiana Jones stuff is pretty rare out and about at flea markets and second-hand stores.  That's not really a complaint, as it makes finding a diamond in the rough that much more special and it's a collection that doesn't get that out of hand like some others.  Every once in a while, I hit Ebay for some pieces I missed or were not readily available to me at the time of their release.

Indiana Mickey was a Disney Parks exclusive so, living in Missouri, it's quite a drive to the nearest Adventure Outpost (1,100 miles and some change).  He is close to the 3 3/4 inch scale like the Kenner/Hasbro Indy or Star Wars

lines.

He only has 4 points of articulation: swivel head, arms, and waist.  Not the most posable of figures, but animated characters don't usually lend themselves to action figure articulation easily.  Sure beats a plain bendable figure at least.

I got one sealed on card as a display piece and a loose incomplete one to play with.  Missing out on the whip (and idol) that came with the packaged one, I gave him a spare from one of my many Indy figures.  These are pretty inexpensive on Ebay, ranging from $8-12 plus shipping.  I think I snagged the loose one for just a couple of bucks.

Adventure Kermit was a traveling convention exclusive from around 2004.  This was well after Disney had enslaved bought the Muppets, but well before they enslaved bought Indiana Jones.  So you won't find any official Indy logos or branding on the packaging, only a reference on the back to make sure they could get away with something like this under the guise of loving parody.

His hat sticks to his head with magnets and he comes with a whip, a gun, and Golden Gonzo idol.

He is close to 5-inches tall and has multiple points of articulation: swivel head, jointed shoulders, hinged elbows, swivel wrists, swivel waist, t-crotch legs, hinged knees, and swivel feet.

Kermit wasn't too terribly expensive online.  I think I got him for around $18 shipped.  Both are random but fun pieces of Disneyana and Indiana Jones collectibles.  Cheesy, but not Star Wars excessive cheesy.  Speaking of cheesy...I found a "Kindom of the Crystal Skull" popcorn bucket at a local "antique" mall.  Not exactly the find of the century, but for $3.50 it makes a nice Toht tote for better collectibles.

Valvotron

Valvotron

Valvoline/Transformers: The Last Knight promotional figure

Yes, the Michael Bay Transformers movies are @#$%, but let me explain why I went a little nuts over this mail-away, promotional figure that is technically tied to "The Last Kight."  First, he was free with the purchase of 5-quarts of motor oil. Second, his design looks more like a classic, Generation 1 Transformer than the rough and jagged Bayformer.  Third, he transforms into a bottle of oil...oh..wait...he just suggests that and doesn't transform at all?  What fun is a non-transforming Transformer?!  Oh well...free is free and I still like his overall concept.  He at least comes in a clamshell package that suggests his alt. mode, right?

He's a little bit bigger than a deluxe figure; wider and blockier.  He is only articulated at the shoulders and hips, so you won't get him in many poses outside of standing, sitting, or laying down.  He is molded in a flat gray plastic that has a bit of a shine to it.  The paint apps are minimal, but appropriate and effective.  I like his block-engine chest with the Valvoline "V" and Autobot insignia.  The head is very G1:  domed (like Brawn) and sporting a visor.  He even has a visible mouth and nose.  The pieces that suggest the oil bottle, the spout and handle are a nice touch.

I like to think he has the ability to create synthetic Energon to act as a quick, pick-me-up medic of sorts for Autobots needing a boost on the battlefield.  This ability would also make him a target for the Decepticons.  Using his power to benefit another Transformer should leave him drained of energy for a short period of time, thus resulting in many kidnapping plots orchestrated by Megatron.  Yes, I am putting way too much thought into this guy to make him work!

Again, outside of the disappointment that he doesn't transform, he fits in great with my classics collection.  And mail-away oddities are so rare nowadays, that even with the most minimal of effort is better than nothing.  I'm not sure if Valvotron will ever be worth anything down the line, but he's fun now for what he is.

Circus Baby

Circus Baby

Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location

Funko

I have never played Five Nights at Freddy's, but I'm sure that most kids that do have never seen the animatronic restaurant mascots they are based on in-person...so we're even.  I bought this figure because I collect Batman figures, and the Joker can always use another clown-related henchman or two.  Circus Baby could be some sort to slight to Harley Quinn to make her jealous or something.

She comes with a microphone and the torso/head of the build-a-figure for this wave.  I probably won't get the other figures, but the creepy clown torso is good enough as an accessory.

The articulation is lots of fun.  The many ball joints can be popped off easily, making for some robo-battle damage or complete destruction.  I would assume you can mix and match parts with other figures in the line.  All in all, this is a pretty solid, fun figure for $12.  So if you're a Freddy's fan, a Joker fan, or just a weirdo that likes clown, this is a pretty good deal.

Defining Moments Macho Man

Defining Moments Macho Man

WWE Mattel

From what is arguably the greatest wrestling match of all time, the Defining Moments line delivers the Macho Man Randy Savage in all his Wrestlemania III glory.  WMIII may have had Hulk Hogan bodyslamming Andre the Giant at the top of the card, but Ricky the Dragon Steamboat challenging the Macho Man for the Intercontinental Championship stole the show; thanks to Macho's demand to work out the entire match start to finish, and both performers ability to execute the plan to a tee.  Pretty impressive for a spectacle that also featured Aretha Franklin, Alice Cooper, and Bob Uecker!

This figure sports match-accurate bandanna, glasses, and "fur" lined, cloth robe.  The color of the trunks has met with contention from fans on wrestling toy boards, some feeling this is too pink and not enough purple or the other way around.  Also, it has been criticized for not having the IC title belt included.  Spoilers:  He may not have left with it after the match, but this is depicting the beginning of the match, right?  Pretty cheap of Mattel.  I had to yank this belt from another figure in my collection. (Sorry, Razor Ramon)

Mattel did up it's game in giving us an all-new head scan/sculpt.  Some fans have been crying "too much underbite" and that he looks more like Karl from "Sling Blade."  I disagree.  While it's not perfect, it's pretty darn good.  I definitely think it's more "Savage" than the previous sculpts.  From it's announcement, I knew that this would instantly become my favorite Macho Man figure...and like the match it is based on, it does not disappoint.  Please, watch the match, read the stories behind it...and get down with the madness!    Oh, and, Mattel?  Please make the miniature ring carts from Wrestlemania III.

Miss Elizabeth

Miss Elizabeth

WWE - Mattel - Then, Now, Forever

The First Lady of Wrestling and long-time manager of the Macho Man Randy Savage is back for the second time in Mattel's WWE line.  This figure is a Wal-mart exclusive as part of their "Then, Now, Forever" sub-line.  While I'm not sure that this particular outfit was a necessity (the white dress is probably the most remembered, followed by the "Mega Powers" distraction and possibly the LJN figure's look), I just couldn't pass her up as part of my Macho Man collection.  I think fans on a wrestling figures board identified this dress from her WWF WWE debut on Piper's Pit, 1985.  She is missing the ear rings that would have made her more "debut" accurate.  Oh well, my Cowboy Bob Orton is missing his cowboy hat!

"You should shaved, Ace.  You shoulda shaved for the lady."

Mini Metal Macho Man

Mini Metal Macho Man

Jada Toys - Nano Metalfigs

If you have checked the toy aisle of your local Wal-mart recently, you might have seen Jada Toys' multi-property, nano-metal figurines.  They've got Disney, DC comics, Marvel comics, Harry Potter,  Street Fighter and WWE.  These figures are all metal,  2-inches high, $0.97 each...and there are a lot of them right out of the gate!  As a Macho Man fan, I couldn't resist picking this one up.    This guy had a scuffed-up nose and chin, in-package. Oh well...I bought another one mint in package.  At that price, I might just buy all the Macho Men!  Oh yeeeeeeeeah!  The Madness is still running wild...just in smaller doses!

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman Movie Figures

Mattel - DC Multiverse

The Wonder Woman movie was surprisingly good for 1) being an origin movie and 2) being attached to the drab and joyless DC cinematic universe helmed by Hack Zack Snyder.  I generally stay away from movie figures, unless they are filling holes in the greater comic universe.  I mean, we would never have had a Steve Trevor figure any other way.  The same could be said of the Amazons. Well, I guess I might also buy movie figures tied to movies that don't completely suck as well.  So, welcome to the Trinity, Wonder Woman!  You have earned your place next to my Christopher Reeve Superman and Michael Keaton Batman figures!

Since she already had a couple figure releases tied to the abysmal "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice," they gave us a pretty neat costume variant for this wave.  The coat and hood are not removable and the coat is pretty solid plastic, so they do hinder some posing options with the articulation.  The likeness of Gal Godot is suggested; not perfect but not bad.  The detailing on the coat and her armor is where the figure shines.  And the color...oh my god...color?!  In "visionary" Hack Zack Snyder's universe?!  Bright, primary colors!

She comes with a sword and Lasso of Truth.  The lasso is coiled up and can be removed from her bandolier.  I wish she had come with an uncoiled lasso as well to round up some bad guys with.  The bandolier also has a place to hang her sword.

Steve Trevor is decked out in his WWI gear, complete with shotgun.  The outfit is done well, but I could see where moms and kids might check out on this one.  Like most civilian figures, they can be kind of bland next to superhero pals.  Again, we're lucky to have a Steve Trevor at all.  Like the Wonder Woman figure, the actor likeness is decent enough.








Queen Hippolyta and Menalippe are others I wouldn't have expected to see on my shelf if it were not for the movie.  Again, could be kinda dull if you weren't a die-hard fan or completist.  Menalippe would make a great Amazon army builder, especially since she is not really memorable in the film.  She's not even necessary to complete the build-a-figure in this wave, though she does come with some cool flaming swords that go with it.

The only real hard sell for me in this wave was Diana in her Amazon outfit.  Something about the likeness here is not as good as the other figure in this wave.  While movie accurate, her outfit is bland, even compared to the other Amazons.  I think what would have made this figure more exciting would be an alternate, screaming "combat" head.  And again, an uncoiled lasso.  I probably would have passed on her if I didn't need the last piece of the build-a-figure collect-n-connect.





But did I really need the Collect-n-Connect Ares figure?  Probably not, since I have the awesome DC Universe Classics comic-accurate figure.  On the other hand, this is a rare thing when it only requires you to buy 4 figures to get this done.  Also, the design is just too damn cool!  The armor detail, the grey-with-hint-of-blue paint, the overall imposing size, big ass sword, creepy-cool skull helmet...what's not to love?  Spoilers:  this is not how Ares looks in the movie.  I heard this was an early concept design that got put into production before the final look in the film had materialized.  Shame, this design has much more going for it.  Since he looks so different, he's a pretty cool minion for my DCUC Ares.

This wave was half and half for excitement, but pulled it all together with a pretty bad-ass pack-in incentive.  If you loved the movie, you'll probably love the toys.  If you haven't seen the movie, these figures are still pretty good.  You should still see the movie and enjoy a superhero genre film that makes you feel like you used to (or feel anything)...before it was all assembly line productions rushing towards an inevitably lackluster crossover film.  Sadly, Wonder Woman, is a part of this.  Enjoy her while you can...because you know "visionary" Hack Zack Snyder already had all the storyboards and angles planned for the "Superman bones Wonder Woman in the Justice League Javelin to some pop song" scene before they even finished "Batman V Superman."  Sigh...at leaset I can go back to my classics: