remember those days in our childhood when we begged our parents to get us cereal because it was branded with our favorite cartoon or video game? Remember how awful those cereals really where once we got them home? Well those days are back. “Vanilla” flavored Scooby Doo cereal is the most bland cereal I’ve ever ate, and that says something from i guy who prefers words likes “flakes” and real fruit in his cereal. It’s a very simple corn puff type cereal, like kix, but feels devoid of any sugar at all. If you want healthier, I’d suggest sticking to something with more taste and fruit. My kid isn’t at cereal eating age just yet, but i can’t expect kids will like this, now my dog? I can for see her having a full bowels of this bland stuff later.
First teased by Taco Bell on Facebook, it’s now official. (Credit Buzzfeed) The Ceo has confirmed it is coming, and after the success of the first one, why not? If they really want to impress me though, they need to figure out how to make soft taco versions.
What’s this food news? not only am i reporting on food news, but our site is one of the few (possibly only) nerd friendly sites with an entire forum dedicated to food. Check out the forum here, and to respond to the individual article click here.
There has been a lot of opinionated reviews on DC Collectibles first Deluxe action figure from The Justice League line and for the most part they all agree that this thing is A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!! With that being said, I will attempt to come at this review from a different angle than the norm. How you may ask? Simple! By the same way all us “Open Collectors” do it and that is imagining how to display it and where!
I do though, want to get some basic and crucial “Opener” facts out there in the form of specs.
Height – 13″
Width – @ 8″
Weight – 3 lbs 10.6 ozs
Articulation – Ball joint neck, Ball joint shoulders, Hinge elbows, Forearm swivel, Ball joint wrist, Hinge hips, Hinge knees and Boot swivel
Retail Price – $89.95
Okay, so now that we have the specs, let’s get into looking at this amazing figure! As the pic from The Justice League comic above shows, DC Collectibles has absolutely went all out with the whole entire New 52 Justice League Collector’s Line by keeping these figures “comic accurate”. Quality wise, there have been no issues what so ever with posing these for display. But this is where Darkseid comes into play! This thing is massive, solid and heavy! To speak “Collector Display Lingo”, there is not too much you can really do to create a true action scene outside of arm and head adjustments. The torso is solid, so the “arms spread wide and back arched roar” pose is out of the question. Who cares is my thought! Darkseid usually stands there with his menacing scowl and watches as his Parademon army and henchmen wreak havoc on whatever world they are invading! The pic below is menacing enough to pull eyes from visitors whenever they are in your home!
Very cool but this is where the fun begins! When you actually first see this Deluxe Beauty, typically the response goes something like this, “OMFG!” After the ether wears off and you come down from your plastic crack high, you then notice how perfectly scaled he is next to the rest of the series! Take his Parademons for example –
They look absolutey amazing posed as if they are waiting for Darkseid’s next command! Yep, I bit the bullet and bought 2 Parademons for the display I am building currently. What? You can’t only have just 1 of those! It wouldn’t look right! 😉 Okay, so maybe some of you were not interested in multiples or even thought about his minions. Yet, I guarantee that you had to imagine some sort of action scene you could create with the JL heroes!
Throw Superman in the right hand, add a little Batman for body and a dash of Cyborg for zing and PRESTO! “Darkseid A La Mode!” So the answer is YES! There are ways to truly give this DC Comics New God a front and center spot on a shelf, display cabinet or even your desk with the visual appeal to strike up a conversation at anytime! Or, if you are like me, I actually like to sometimes sit back with him displayed in front of me as I crack open the latest DC Comics New 52 releases, allowing my mind to fully engulf not only the comic but give the pictures and words a 3-D effect with Darkseid and the rest of the Justice League figures staring at me posed and ready for battle.
Thanks again for reading and if you are still on the fence about Darkseid then remember this – “You want it, You need it, You got to have it!”
Do not forget about these upcoming DC Collectibles Justice League releases for your displays and dioramas!
For those out there who know me, they can confirm that 2012 was my breaking point with Mattel and their continuous quality control issues, not to mention their inability to finish any toy line they start! So from that point on I committed to downsizing my collections considerably and concentrate on a couple DC Collectible lines, Marvel Selects from movies and ART from local and professional comic illustrators! I was somehow intrigued with the idea of having something either unique or even created just for myself as a new way to express my collecting interest. Enter: Comic Illustrator Steve Scott!
I met Steve through my buddy Jason Q on Facebook. Of course, as a comic fan, when you actually meet the artist known for his work on the infamous Batman #713 (The issue that led into the DC52 revamp), it is quite a cool and exciting feeling. Besides that famous cover, he is also known for his work on X-Men Forever, Batman Confidential, Hulk, She-Hulk, The Avengers, Fantastic Four and JLA. Check this pic out and below you will see why it is so special!
Steve has the distinct honor of being the only artist to do comic tie-ins for the “Batman: The Dark Knight ” movie. A very cool fact is that he is one of the select artists whose work hangs in the personal gallery of director George Lucas! So as you can see, this guy is very respected in the comic and art world.
So, on with my awesome and personal experience with this great artist! 🙂
The cover you see is a one of a kind and in my personal collection. It was a comic dream of mine to hopefully see one day a Marvel and DC Crossover like the old days where Batman and The Punisher somehow became one in the same. Well after Jason informed Mr Scott of my request, he finally was able to get on it and completed during the Free Comic Day last year at 3 Alarm Comics in Mississippi. The CTP you see on the cover represents Collector’s Trading Post on FaceBook. A group I had created awhile back, with the sole purpose of having a place where collectors can help collectors without the gouged and obnoxious pricing of other groups or even Ebay. I have since turned CTP over to two of my very good friends, Bill and Rick. To this day, they still carry on the tradition and I still assist in articles and news as time permits.
There is a very funny twist to the above cover though! Once Steve completed it, Jason had called me since he works part-time at the comic shop, with the news that someone had already offered $60 for it and they decided to put it up for auction (mistakenly of course)! LOL, I was like, “Oh Hells No!” So I immediately dropped $100 to deter anyone else from claiming what I had already considered mine! One thing you should know is that Steve is one of the most giving and friendliest people I have had the pleasure to speak and/or deal with. All proceeds from all of his auctions go to local charities and not in his pocket! That is something that speaks miles for a person!
But my story does not end there! Since there was a major communication error, I asked if he wouldn’t mind hooking a brother up and signing my copy of one of his most famous comic illustrations to date: BATMAN #713! He informed me that it would be his pleasure and here is that very same issue that is displayed in my “Man-Cave”!
Let me add some more visual brain food and show you the picture that Jason sent me as Steve signed this iconic piece of comic history:
Yes, I must say that an experience like this is something a comic fan or collector will always remember and be thankful for! As a father of 2 small boys, I look forward to telling this very same story to them when they are older. When that time comes to turn what was once mine over to them, they will have 2 very special pieces of comic art and history from a great and talented man, Steve Scott! I leave you with a close up of his signature from above! So, THANK YOU STEVE and thanks as always to everyone for your support! Please check out Steve’s other work and find out what he is up to on the following links:
June 14th cannot seem to get here fast enough for many people, including myself, as it pertains to Warner Brothers and Zack Snyder’s revamp of the Superman franchise. So much is riding on this project with how DC Comics will be brought to life on the Big Screen! The most recent attempt to generate a fan base resulted in an Epic Fail known to many as Green Lantern! For a movie that cost $200 million to make, the $220 million it actually brought in was a severe blow to the movie studio. This is why Superman: Man of Steel must succeed above all expectations to pave the road for future movie projects like The Justice League, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Batman and so on. But, I have hope and that hope rides in Henry Cavill!
Take a good look at the above picture! This guy, for the first time in the history of Superman media, has fully embraced the role! We finally have an actor with not only the physical build but the height and determination to portray The Big Blue Boy Scout! Cavill went into this head first and crushed a workout routine that was complimented by a 5000 calorie diet per day to put the muscle mass on to give true life to this iconic character. No one else has ever shown this type of determination before now! For that, it has awoken that inner child of mine and has me on edge in anticipation!
Yet, so much rides on the success of this movie, it is quite nerve wracking to say the least! Warner Brothers has shown true determination and preparation when it comes to gearing up for the Justice League movie. Then again, they have made it known, that if this movie does not do well then we will not see the greatest super hero team up come to life anytime soon! Their statement made me laugh since every pic, trailer and reviews from industry gurus has been nothing but amazing thus far! Take this following statement from Mark Millar (propietor of Millarworld and best known for Superman: Red Son):
“It’s hard to put a finger on it, but sometimes it just feels right. Curt Swan and Alex Ross have captured Superman better than any other artist. Cary Bates, Elliot Maggin, Mark Waid, Gerry Conway and Alan Moore have nailed it more than any other writer. There have been some brilliant creators on Superman over the years telling wonderful stories, but my radar is attuned and I can spot an impersonation. Jose Luis Garcia Lopez draws a guy I believe is Superman just like Alex Ross can. But others can’t regardless of how brilliant they may be. It’s just an X-factor or an understanding of the character.
Anyway, it’s the same with casting. So many people been pored over all the years and so many of them close, but wrong. Brandon Routh is actually brilliant and you only have to see Scott Pilgrim to see how impeccable his timing is. But he looked more like Christopher Reeve than Superman. Dean Cain, Tom Welling and all the others were completely wrong for the part and the big names mooted were never right either. But I completely buy Cavill in this role. That instinctive gut feeling that I’m looking at a pic of Superman.
I don’t even mind the costume. Losing the trunks was pointless, throws the balance of the design off and looks truly, truly HORRIBLE in the comics. But the muted colours work really well, those dark blues and reds really making the pics look very rich and regal. I love how this is looking. Cavill was a great choice, but then Snyder has a great eye. Cracking team behind this so I have high hopes.”
BOOM! That right there is gold my friends! This is only one of a plethora of comments that have been tossed out there for us to drool over!
Everything about this movie so far has been given nothing but extremely positive praise! Oops, my bad! I forgot about the morons over at yahoo.com! They deemed Superman: Man Of Steel one of the “Biggest Movie Disappointments of 2012” based off of a 3000+ vote because his new suit did not include the “Red Underoos”! Needless to say, I have stopped visiting that site since they show the intelligence of a single cell organism from the primordial soup of life! Yes, I am harsh, but I do loathe ignorance. Opinions, good or bad, are fine. That poll though was down right stupid!
All I know is that Superman: Man Of Steel MUST and WILL succeed! There is so much I could go into about the plot, villians, possible cameos and so on because of my excitement level! That though, is another article completely in itself! So, for everyone who is a DC Comics and Movie fan, keep your fingers crossed because come June 14th, The Justice League Movie’s fate will be decided! Thanks for reading and your continued support of The Toy Nation! Have a great week! 🙂
Here is the YouTube link for the #2 Trailer if you have yet to see it! AMAZING!
You can also join the discussion in progress on our forums here.
Lego is coming on strong already in 2013 and wasted no time releasing their newest sets when the ball dropped in Times Square on January 1st! Of all 4 sets released in Wave 2 so far, ARCTIC BATMAN VS MR FREEZE: AQUAMAN ON ICE was so far the most exciting for myself. Lets look at the specs before I delve into my review:
Set: 76000
Released” January 2013
Pieces: 198
Figures Included: Arctic Batman / Aquaman / Mr Freeze
Price: $19.99
Perks: 3 New figures and Comic Book
This was the first set I picked up from Walmart out of the 4 latest releases. The fact that both Aquaman and Mr Freeze were included made it a “No Brainer” for myself! Besides the 3 awesome figures, this Batman fan was super psyched about the addition of another tool in Batman’s arsenal: THE BATBOAT!! This thing is “Loaded For Bear”! Two discs you can fire, places to hold two Batarangs, Batbombs strategically placed in the rear to deter pursuers, a 3D screen for Batman to view and just an overall amazing piece of Batman Lego craftmanship! The detail inside the cockpit, as well as the outside is one of the best they have released to date!
The old saying, “big things come in small packages” is so true when it pertains to the ice prison Mr Freeze captures Aquaman in. Designed with a lever on the side, Aquaman can break free when Batman comes to the rescue!
Of course I saved the best for last! What I do like the most is the figures! Lego figures usually sell by themselves for $10+. That being said, at a retail price of $19.99, I see it as great deal! The figures alone on Ebay would run you $30+! Aquaman was my “Golden Egg” since I am on a personal quest to assemble The Lego Justice League! Mr Freeze’s new design is great and gives me a Arkham City feel. Even though simplistic, the designers over at Lego Corp did one Hell of a job with Freeze’s gun as well! Artic Batman is a new variant that you can alongside of the ever growing Batman suits.
In closing, The Batcave is looking even better with this new set and I highly recommend you picking this up if you haven’t already! Now I must go and count my pennies in preparation for the soon to be released Arkham Asylum set ($169.99 OUCH!)!!
Joey
Let us know what you think of the product, or the review in our forums here.
There is a ton of Joe News out there right now, and a lot to be excited about. Even though I didn’t get the club’s FSS, i did have the chance to get the JINX figure that put as a single on their website. I’ve been slow to get the review up, but finally i’m able to present her. Similar to her VVV figure, this Jinx isn’t just a red ninja in pajamas, she is a battle ready Arashakage Ninja Assassin.
Toy Nation user Skinny has let us know about a planned meet up in Rapid City South Dakota, I have qouted his message on the boards below. To stay update hit up his website, and always hit up the topic on our forums.
Joefans and 80’s toy fans alike, but mainly Joefans!
Come see the original voice of Dr. Mindbender Brian Cummings speak at Mindbender’s Clinic in Rapid City, SD on May 18th 2013
An all day event you will see one of a kind items and get a chance to enjoy the 1987 movie with some fellow fans.
more events are being planned.
looking for people from the area to set up some swap meet tables.
I also encourage room to room trading.
Special reduced room rate and room block for convention attendees.
go here for more info and registration:
A new free game has been released for iOS .Ghostbusters by beeline interactive is free to play, but features power ups etc. that you can purchase, which is a common them among PC and mobile gaming these days.
It takes place after the Ghostbusters video game, but the story begins with a twist on the first few minutes of the Ghostbusters movie. A character returns in this game we haven’t seen since the first movie, and although i’m in the beginning stages i’m interested to see how the story plays out.
The game play is simplistic, you have a party of ghostbusters, including new recruits, and each ghostbuster is given a class, like scientist, or heavy which have different abilities such as launching slime, or causing more damage. These classes are differentiated by different colored uniforms, but unlike the real ghostbusters these are pleasantly muted in color (light grey, grey, brown)
If your the first to beat the game and want to write a review let me know, I’d be happy to front page it.
Click here to head to the forums to discuss it. -revsears
The excellent The Joe Report site, has posted a poll about what club members would like to see in their club magazines. Some of the choices included more 12″ content, more 3 3/4″ content or doing away with letters and shifting their cost elsewhere. Personally i voted to tend the letters and take it off of membership dues. The content could become available on the web, and if they fear piracy an App could be an option as well, although that might alienate those without smart phones. Make your voice heard, go vote, and check out the site while your there! (Credit to me knowing about the site, or the poll, goes to Whats on Joe Mind PodCast.)
remember those days in our childhood when we begged our parents to get us cereal because it was branded with our favorite cartoon or video game? Remember how awful those cereals really where once we got them home? Well those days are back. “Vanilla” flavored Scooby Doo cereal is the most bland cereal I’ve ever ate, and that says something from i guy who prefers words likes “flakes” and real fruit in his cereal. It’s a very simple corn puff type cereal, like kix, but feels devoid of any sugar at all. If you want healthier, I’d suggest sticking to something with more taste and fruit. My kid isn’t at cereal eating age just yet, but i can’t expect kids will like this, now my dog? I can for see her having a full bowels of this bland stuff later.
Rathio 