Showing posts with label Toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toys. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Funko POPs | My Growing Collection

Those of you who follow me know I've posted a few reviews of Funko's POP!Vinyls in the past, and that they've been showcased on my "Hobby Highlight" page from time to time. My initial reviews were somewhat critical, but when you are reviewing collectibles the quality matters. I'm thankful to say though that with passing time the product has been shown more care for the price that is asked, and I have personally seen the paint jobs improve. Case in point the three new POPs I picked up including the Fallout76 Mothman, and the Devil & Angel Betty Boop were all painted well. No out of line paint, over-spray or poorly painted details. It's what you'd expect from a collectible that costs upwards of $12 each. To put it in better perspective the paint jobs on a Hotwheels car that costs the buyer only 99 cents was previously more impressively applied than the POPs. That's a huge disparity in possible quality per dollar. I do imagine though that there may be some corner cutting with stencil & airbrush application via machinery on POPs which could explain some of the paint over-spray in the earlier toys. That being said I think it's been sorted out for the most part, and with POPs becoming more & more detailed in build it's only fair that the toys should reflect a more appropriate per dollar quality presentation.

Saturday, August 4, 2018

The Funko Fad ~ Is it Failing?

Everywhere you go shopping, from the local Walgreens to Walmart and even Gamestop you'll find Funko's POP! Vinyls stocked on store shelves. To some extent. You'll find store exclusives, limited editions, and even plastic casings for these budget priced collectibles. Oddly though that availability has somewhat slumped along the way for some reason or another. Lately in the midst of this craze that I call the "Funko Phenomenon" stores have begun to discount the toys, and even offer bundle prices in what seems like an attempt to get rid of stationary supplies. The kind of Pops that stay shelved for quite some time without much customer interest. It is slightly concerning seeing what could be possibly one of the last great toy innovations come to a crashing halt. There's no doubt in my mind that toys and collectibles are being lost among an audience who is more easily snared by the various entertainment offerings.

As a toy collector I've followed the Funko fad from it's start years ago to it's current day status. I've had the privilege to review some of the toys for Funko, and have even done some showcasing on my own dime, and my own time. What I've noticed is a continuous support of the brand by the company, and continued release of hyped "got to have" items that are definitely hard to get your hands on. The question that begs to be answered though is whether or not this hype is having any true influence on sales. Sure, the limited editions, exclusives, and giveaway editions have no doubt captured collectors' attention, and money, but with the sought after Pops being hard to find that leaves a less than desirable variety that no one really cares for or wants. The bulk of what it is Funko obviously hopes to sell.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Hobby Pick-Ups (July 5, 2015)

As a hobbyist I've got a long list of things I like to collect. These include various entertainment related items (DVDs, Video Games ...), comic books, and toys. While out shopping this past Sunday I decided to use some of my extra monthly funds to treat myself to some of said collectibles. Seeing as my monthly budget is limited I had to choose wisely, so I spent a good hour browsing all the toys, and DVDs that Targets had to offer. When it comes to DVDs Targets usually has a nice selection with some discounted options made available. They've even started carrying steel book collector's DVDs/Blu-rays for those hardcore collectors out there. As far as my DVD browsing goes I tend to look for unique horror releases, and anything anime related. Luckily while browsing the newly released Studio Ghibli Blu-ray collection I happened upon the coveted "Spirited Away". This is the first time it was released in a DVD plus Blu-ray combo pack, and for $24.99 it was a heck of a deal!

Monday, June 22, 2015

Pop! Vinyl #43 - Mad Moxxi

I have decided that I am going to try, and pick up at least one 'Pop! Vinyl' toy each month for review, and collecting purposes. The fact that Gamestop has a large, and unique supply of them now in-store really makes them easier for me to find. I have seen some that I'm definitely going to get in the coming months including some 'X-Files' figures as well as some MARVEL/DC ones. With each POP I pick up I'll also share some details about said figures in regards to their quality, and out-of-box nature. I have realized after having picked up a few retailer POPs on my own dime that not all are as perfect as the figures which the PR send out. Some are sloppily painted while others won't stand on their own two feet. The flaws do vary, and as a display type toy this is kind of bothersome especially if you aim to display them outside of the box. With all that aside though let us talk about what FUNKO's Mad Moxxi has to offer you as a collector ...

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

MTG Legacy Collection - Chandra Nalaar (FUNKO)

Funko toys have been super busy branching out, and capturing various video game, film, and book related characters with their noteworthy toy molds. This ever growing list of quality toys includes, but is not limited to "The Ghostbusters", "The Nightmare Before Christmas", "Diablo", and "Magic the Gathering" amongst many others. It's hard to keep up with all that's offered, but there is definitely a lot to choose from in regards to standard, and limited edition variations. As for me I've picked up a figure here, and there that interest me. I've bought Batman POP! Vinyls, Attack on Titan POP! Vinyls, and even have some Hatsune Miku POP! Vinyls. Upon seeing the MTG Funko POPs, and their action figure spin-offs in the Funko Legacy Collection though I knew I eventually wanted to pick up some up for my growing collection as that is collectible that greatly accents a game I love. For those of you who do not know of the "Legacy Collection" figures they are basically Funko's answer to the McFarlane line of toys. They are well crafted, and usually sport a decent paint job. While the figures don't span as many subjects, or characters as McFarlane's has Funko is building upon what they have to offer, and will no doubt be a mainstream action figure brand in no time. Currently I know of the "Game of Thrones" figures, and the "Magic the Gathering" series which features well known Planeswalkers.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Attack on Titan - "Colossal Titan" POP! Vinyl (FUNKO)

Recently while at Gamestop I noticed they had stocked a side shelf with the harder to find 'POP! Vinyl' toys. This was a pleasant surprise in that the adjacent Walmart super store only carried the same old boring Funko toys that nobody wanted. Things like the "Game of Thrones", and "My Little Ponies" were always on the Walmart sub-section shelves. Seeing that Gamestop had a budget priced giant version of the 'Attack on Titan' Colossal Titan though I could not help, but buy it. I'm a fan of horror themed toys, and the anatomical nature of this grotesque giant really stood out to me. Mind you I've never watched the "Attack on Titan" anime series, but something about the horrific titans found in that series is really cool. I figure that's probably why the series is as popular as it is. Anyways, I'd like to share with you some photos of the toy, and some thoughts, and opinions of it's design. The descriptions will be basic, but will give you an idea of the quality of these larger, and slightly more costly giant 'POP! Vinyl' figures.

Monday, December 29, 2014

2015 Is Just Around The Corner ...

It has definitely been a disappointing year for gaming in many ways. The year 2014 has brought with it MANY gaming problems including half-assed products, money mooching to the extreme, and even the latest hacking fiasco. Some gaming studios along with gamers have felt the hurt of poorly made decisions all across the board. In fact some gaming studios are on the brink of self-destruction as we speak due to such poor choices. With the way things are going it's hard to tell if gaming will survive the hard hits it's been dealt, and continues to be dealt. I personally hope gaming companies, and certain gamers get their shit together in 2015. The trolling, modding, cheating, and hacking seriously needs to stop. The younger generation of gamers in particular needs to lay off the stupid sauce, and get educated on how to act in a social environment. While hopes, and dreams for a better year of gaming may seem foolish, and far fetched I'm gonna hang onto the hope that things will improve.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

McFarlane Akira Action Figure

Recently while out at "Billy's Toys & Comics" I found a loose McFarlane Kaneda action figure complete with accessories. It was from the "McFarlane's 3D Animation From Japan Series 1" collection. While I would have preferred a boxed figure the loose figure was affordable, and in excellent condition allowing me to snap some photos to share with you. If you're ever in the northeast Georgia area be sure to stop by "Billy's Toys & Comics". He's got everything you can think of from classic toys of the 80's & 90's to more modern releases. You'll even find some obscure Japanese toys like a bigger than !@#%^ limited edition "Devilman" figure still in it's package. That sucker will be mine!!! If you are into Graphic novels, manga, comic books, and MTG cards you'll also find a lot of that type of merchandise over at Billy's as well. I was glad to see he was thriving in business, because I want to return as often as possible! Keep in mind though that most of Billy's for sale items will set you back a pretty penny as they are set at collector's prices. Given you will find a bargain if you look hard enough though.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

The 80's: "Have the Golden Years Passed Us By?"

For a lot of us older gamers "The 80's" was the point in time when the hobbies of collecting toys, and playing video games were at their prime. As a collector from the 80's I bought about every iconic 80's toy imaginable. Things like 'Garbage Pail Kids', 'Madballs', and 'M.U.S.C.L.E. Men' were all the rage, and I definitely spent a lot of my time as well as money obtaining them. They were of top quality, and were interesting enough to grasp the consumer's attention. As a gamer from the 80's I also played, and owned about every NES game made. I eventually amassed such a game collection that I was the envy of the schools I attended. Being able to enjoy said games with family, and friends also had it's pleasant perks. Due to my dedicated love for all these great things you'll often times find me reminiscing about the days of old, and how I wished I could turn back to the retro era, and leave behind all the worries of the modern age. There's a good reason for that. Sadly, only the older generations of gamers, and collector's like myself who grew up in the 80's will understand. For all you new aged gamers, and collectors you have simply missed out on the best times ever. It's just the way it is. Do I, as an 80's faithful think such an era will ever return? Unfortunately not. It's just not meant to be.