Much like pro wrestling the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has always been a part of my life. I grew up playing with the 80s and 90s playmates figures, birthdays and Christmas’ I would get maybe a couple figures or a vehicle. Overtime my childhood figures broke or been sold in a yard sale. As an adult, I have bought and sold my childhood TMNT collection twice. Right now the collection I do have I’m happy with and won’t be selling it off anytime soon… With that being said, here are my top five TMNT figures.
Shell Slammin’ Mike
Combining my two favorite loves in life pro wrestling and Ninja Turtles. I would use Mikey in my Hasbro universe facing the likes of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Big Boss Man. Playmates really got this figure right with the accessories. Black cape, MWF Championship belt, and just like the gimmicks from the 80s an animal mascot with his Sewer Snake Buddy.
Ace Duck
I can’t tell you how many times I lost Ace’s wings and hat around the house. I would make Ace dive bomb on Shredder and his goons every chance I got… Nowadays, Ace Duck is one of the few carded figures I have in my collection.
Baxter Stockman
This figure, just like Ace Duck I had trouble keeping up his wings and back claws. But when he was complete he would rain terror in the sewer lair, sometimes taking over and calling it his place until the Turtles could regroup and take back their hideout. Baxter had another use in my childhood, I always looked at him as Cronenberg’s The Fly. It just made sense to me. A human fly character and there’s a movie called The Fly… It’s a no brainer!
Mutating ’ Bebop
Two figures in one, basically a Transformer… I would poor the Ooze on to human Bebop and transform him into the warthog mutant that he’s known for. I’m more of a Bebop guy when it comes down to it, I think it’s the punker look he sports.
Slash
When I got Slash, he ruled over everyone in my TMNT universe. He looked badass! Way cooler than his animated series counterpart. To me, Slash was something a baby face helping out the Turtles against Krang’s Android Body.
It’s been a good year in plastic form. A lot of new faces have made it into my collection and a lot of them were sold off or given better homes. Before the year ends I’m sure I’ll have another batch of figures waiting for me on my doorstep but for now these are my top five figures of the year.
5. NECA – RoboCop
A lot of my NECA figures just stand there, they tend to break easy. Haven’t had one do it to me yet but I seen many examples. With RoboCop, I have him standing on my shelf looking cool and that’s all I need out of a RoboCop figure.
4. AEW Unrivaled – Thunder Rosa
I been wanting a Thunder Rosa action figure since I first saw her on NWA Power. I was glad she signed with AEW because that gave me hope that she would get a figure of her own and she did, three of them!
3. Wulf’s Chop Shop – Corny
I don’t buy a lot of custom figures but when I do they mean something. I always liked Jim’s “That’s My Opinion” promos and the best way for me to remember those hot takes is in figure form. Chop Shop has made many figures this year but I gotta say this one is the best.
2. Marvel Legends – Morph (X-Men Animated Series VHS Collection)
I have bought and sold Marvel Legends a few times over but this time I’m sticking to my collection. First time around I was trying to build the animated series team but at that time Morph wasn’t available… Until now! When Hasbro announced their Morph figure I got back into the ML game and hopefully sometime in January I’ll have the team complete. Waiting on that Cyclops.
1. McFarlane DC Multiverse – Dark Knight Returns Robin (Carrie Kelley)
What a wonderful and spot on this figure is. When McFarlane announced this wave of figures I got excited because Todd can’t do no wrong when it comes to Batman and he knocked the whole wave out of the park. Do you know how big the Build-to-Collect horse is? It’s huge… Robin scales well next to Batman she’s a short figure and you can put her into so many dynamic poses with a flight stand. The head sculpt alone is near perfect and she comes with a sling shot.
Everyone has that one piece that is missing from their personal collection. You might have seen it once or twice in the wild or maybe it’s overpriced… For me that was the Electronic WCW Monday Nitro Arena from ToyBiz.
I got this wrestling ring for Christmas back in 2001, if I recall correctly. I remember using it as my main ring for my BCA figs. I just loved the whole look to the stage and if you had a Sting figure you could lower him in the ring.
Like some things from childhood they just disappear, sold at an yard sale, or thrown away. I have no idea what happened to my original ring.
When I started to seriously collect some of my favorite childhood wrestling merch the WCW Monday Nitro Arena was on the top of my list. And when I came searching the price everyone wanted for a complete in box was around $300-$400 and an incomplete or loose ring juggled in price from $100-$150 those online prices was to pricy for me and I didn’t want to hunt around trying to complete it.
While going through my saved searches on eBay and buying WWF Hasbro figs I came across a listing for the Nitro Arena – complete in box for under $200 and I couldn’t pass this opportunity up to have this ring in my collection.
Three weeks later… Thanks to the doofus taking his time shipping it out, I can now put this white whale to rest.
As the listing said, it’s complete in box. The box itself has minor damage but I’m fine with that and it did come with every piece. I’m so happy to have this wrestling ring in my collection, it brings back so many fun memories when I used to play with my figs in the living room.
Bret Hart (JAKKS Classic Superstars series one) For a while I stopped collecting figures, I still had my Bone Crunchers and a few Titan Tron figures but when I saw Bret Hart at Target I had to buy it. Because the Hitman is my favorite wrestler.
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake (Hasbro series one blue card) This figure is so colorful and captures everything I think of when I picture Beefcake. Pink and black tights and having his right hand in a scissors pose. I don’t even mind his jumping action feature.
Greg Valentine (LJN Wrestling Superstars series two) LJN figures gets lot of love and hate because the poses the wrestlers were in. I had so much fun with Valentine between a punch to a close line, even a Japanese arm drag.
Kevin Nash (WCW Smash ‘N Slam ToyBiz) Probably the best looking Nash figure to that point. Black and red outfit, comes with a referee that’s wearing a watch, and Nash does the power bomb action motion.
Test (JAKKS Summer Slam ‘99 Fully Loaded 2) I’ve always been a Test fan and finding him out in the wild was awesome. He came with a push broom but it’s the little details that mattered to me like his shoulder tattoo, I’m glad it was added to the figure.
There you have it the class of 2019. It was hard picking some of the figures specially during the JAKKS BCA era, there was so many figures around that time… If you like what you just read visit Doiner.com for action figure reviews!
I received my first WWE True FX figure in Curt Hawkins (Elite 64). I’m glad Mattel is going with the Hasbro model with their figures, with interchangeable hands, heads and sometimes build-a-figure.
Hawkins face scan is perfect and swapping hands is easy like a Marvel Legends fig. He comes with a removable vest, cane, and breakaway RAW wall. I didn’t get the variant but the orange and blue.
Now that I got Hawkins I can now place him next to Ryder to fantasy book a episode of The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast.
The Toys R Us mascot will return this holiday season only at Kroger with Geoffrey’s Toy Box. The superstore will carry toy brands that was exclusive to Toys R Us.
Back in the late 90’s and early 00’s, any kid that wandered into their local Spencer’s Gifts or Hot Topics would eventually come face to face with some of the most amazing genre based collectible figurines.
Legendary comic creator Todd McFarlane launched a line of collectibles called Movie Maniacs. Amazingly intricate and detailed figurines of the icons of horror. Freddy, Jason, Leatherface and so many more were able to be brought home to adorn our shelves. But like so many things, they went the way of the dodo.
Now, in the age of ultimate nostalgia, McFarlane is bringing back his line of creepy collectibles
During an interview at New York Comic Con over the weekend, Todd McFarlane told IGN that a handful of the lines that put the company on the map will be coming back.
“We live in a brave new world now where you can go literally from production to the consumer, right? You can cut out all the middle men and we’re seeing that with Kickstarters and people doing direct, you know, dot com,” McFarlane told the site. “So what we’re gonna do is, when we started McFarlane Toys twenty-plus years ago, we were built on the detailed stuff, doing all these cool monsters and all this sort of wicked stuff. Unfortunately, the stores we were selling to at that point, like Tower Records and Suncoast and Babbage’s and KB Toys, and all these other ones, they’ve all fallen to the wayside.”
But it won’t just be the Movie Maniac line, McFarlane dropped another big bombshell when he said “So we’re gonna go back to our origins and we’re gonna go, hey, for all you people who like Tortured Souls? There’s gonna be more. For all you people who like some of the Movie Maniacs? There’s gonna be more. But even the new — the stuff we just created, like Dragons? More. Spawn? More. Twisted Tales? More.”
It’s everything my teenage self with no disposable income could have desired. If you have forgotten what they looked like, check out below for a look at some of the original line of the Maniacs and then start putting your pennies away. Watch out Funko, McFarlane Toys is coming for you…
Some are calling The Thing figure of the year and I have no argument about that… Late yesterday I noticed everyone on The Syndicate posting that Walgreens have released their exclusive Marvel Legends The Thing and Magik. And since then everyone have been toy hunting, even myself. I checked two Walgreens and the second time around I found what I was looking for.
The Thing is a heavy figure, not as heavy as a Hulkbuster but you can probably break a car window with Ben Grimm. The Thing comes with alternate hands and head. So you get two open hands and two fist. The heads one is showing teeth and other doesn’t. The articulation is good and it’s easy to swop parts.
I know I just a top five review but if I The Thing at the time I wrote that it would’ve made the list. So go out and get your today!
Since writing the first Top Five so many great figures have been released and toy hunting has been so much fun. My greatest finds came from Geek’d Con this year with the Toys R Us exclusive Scarlet Witch & Vision two-pack, and purple haired Psylocke because at the time that wave of figures hadn’t made it to my area… Now to my top five!
Sabertooth
This figure brings me back to the 90’s and the X-Men cartoon from FOX Kids. The face sculpt is spot on and if you put him next to Old Man Logan in a fighting stance he just towers over Logan.
Thor (Ragnarok)
I been wanting to get a Thor figure for some time now but none of them did it for me until I saw the Ragnarok version. The detail on the armer is very good. He is kinda back heavy because of the half cape but once you get him standing he’s not going anywhere.
Proxima Midnight
When this figure was first released I passed on it but after watching Infinity War a few times over she grew on me. And the hunt was on and thankfully Target had her. She’s taller than a majority of the other figures in my collection. She has some of the best articulation.
Carnage
Just one of the best looking figures. Comes with a lot of accessories even a Cletus Kasady head that is spot on comic accurate.
Typhoid Mary
When it was announced Typhoid Mary was being released this year I was hoping for that 80’s big hair look but we got the modern day leather jacket style. And I’m okay with that, I been wanting more DareDevil villains. And what the dirt sheets are reporting, we may see a live action Typhoid Mary in Iron Fist season two.
If you collect Marvel Legends what are some of your favorite figures or complete waves? Sound off below in the comments.
This past weekend I attended my very first convention, Geek’d Con. For years I’ve heard stories from the Drunken Zombie crew about their adventures. Now I’ve experienced what they been talking about for years…
Leading up to this trip I had a couple goals in mind. One – Marvel Legends, I’ve built an army of figures and still looking for more. Two – video game or comic art to hang on my wall. Those two goals were accomplished quickly and that gave me time to walk the floor. But Doiner! What about meeting celebrities and such. To be honest, not the best lineup of guest for myself. Sure Mick Foley will be there but I can care less about the guy who voiced Jack Skellington. It wasn’t until Brian Knobbs was announced I thought about standing in line for a meet and greet.
Friday was a lot of driving and storytelling. It wasn’t until we stopped getting cell services when the real fun took play. But those stories are for a private conversation, if you will. When you have three big guys who skipped breakfast, lunch became an event or as the people at the Keachie Kountry Store will say, legend. You see… Three guys from the beach in the backwoods of Louisiana. One with a backwards cap, another with a CBT shirt and a guy wearing a Houston Texans cap. I’ve seen a lot of horror movies, I know what comes next… We walked in to a half store half dive and not talking about like the ones you see on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. This place was spooky at times but the wait staff and food was excellent. We chatted with everyone about Geek’d Con and who’s going to be there. After we made friends with the townsfolk we were one step closer to getting to Shreveport.
The first thing we did when we got to Shreveport was check into our motel at the Red Roof Inn and when I say this place was bad it makes the Bates Motel look five stars. Here’s the rundown… My original room was trashed beds flipped, chairs turned over, I got out of there quick. So I was put in another room and this time no running water for an hour. Next thing I knew Rafael switched rooms because of the water being off, wasn’t just me. After getting settled in and disinfecting the joint I found a couple treasures. A pair of socks and ten cents. Oh! And to lock your rooms door, I had to lift the door up and lock it at the same time…
I took security measures for my safety.
That evening we met up with a few more friends and hit up a casino. Good thing Raf and I brought our suits. Because we were limousine riding, jet flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin’ n’ dealin’ all night long. We left the ladies wanting more, WOO! After a few hours of gambling and earning we hit up the Con for a few hours. I made my rounds, found enough Marvel Legends to hold me over. I got the layout of the joint and I was ready for Saturday…
Saturday… Morning, wake up call, Rafael… Get up, get ready. With Roddy Piper’s theme blaring in my hotel room it was time to put on the kilt and jacket. I was ready. Waiting for the doors to open I spotted a few marks and we gave each other Too Sweets or a head nod. Once in I split from the pack to search for more Marvel Legends and this time… Jackpot! MCU War Machine, Ragnarok Thor all on the cheap, but to the guy who wanted $50 for Cyclops or Rogue… Take your internet prices somewhere else.
While walking around taking in everyone’s awesome costumes I got a phone call from Rafael saying Brian Knobbs didn’t have a long line if I wanted a picture. I made my way down there and sure enough, no one! Walked up got a picture autograph combo and he told me a Shawn Michaels story. Good times.
I may get heat for this, looking at you Patterson! But Constantine (2005) is a good movie by my standards. Another person I got the picture autograph combo treatment was from Pruitt Taylor Vince. He played Father Hennessy. Such a nice guy, told story after story. Nicest guy ever… I was informed that different panels were taking place and John Wesley Shipp (The Flash) was coming up soon. After the meet and greets I went back on the hunt for more Marvel Legends and every time I walk past a booth I been to someone was restocking more Legends. So I found my last ML for the day, the variant purple hair Psylocke.
I finally made it to John Wesley Shipp’s panel talk, I was late but I made it. After food and regrouping with everyone and agreeing to see Helen Slater talk about her film career and staying for a viewing of Supergirl (1984) I needed to find something to hang on my wall and wow did I find something cool. I stopped by The Pixelized Princess booth and they had 8-bit bead art but placed said characters on paintings. Great idea! Got myself a Friday the 13th picture. It’s awesome!
At this point the Con had about four or five hours left before closing for the night and I decided I wanted a picture autograph combo with Mick Foley if his line wasn’t long. Yes, I’m a mark and I’m not a huge Foley fan but I liked his early Mankind gimmick. When I got there the line was short about six people and a couple came in right after me. While waiting a announcement was made, once everyone in this line has met Mick Foley he’s taking a break. That’s when they closed the line.
I finally made it to Foley, got to chat with him about his WCW run and facing Vader. Nice guy, what else is there to say. Around the same time I had to make it to Helen Slater’s panel talk, got there took a seat and she talked about Supergirl. Keep in mind I never seen the Supergirl movie. Q&A with the audience and a few questions about The Legend of Billie Jean were ask, I was happy about that.
Now it was time for the movie… Rafael, Dustin, and I was set and ready… AND… What an awful movie. If I would’ve gotten an autograph from Helen Slater I would have given it back to her and tell her to keep the money, I don’t want a refund. My time watching this movie was spent texting Patterson! and play by play commentary with Rafael. The scene with the front end loader was ridiculous. A giant tire falls, Lucy Lane gets knocked out, Jimmy Olsen never takes pictures to document the damage and so forth. And when ask if she had a transcript, she types one up herself. Who gave her the knowledge that she needed one. And how does she phase in and out of her school uniform. This movie makes no sense. At this point I was so bored I started reading the Geek’d Con program. I had more fun talking about roundabouts or how people bust their belt when all they’re doing is sitting in a chair watching a movie… Looking at you Rafael.
Once the movie was over I first out and never watching this awful movie again, I mean there wasn’t even an end credits scene. How lame is that.
Sunday morning it was time to head home, what a weekend it’s been. Would I do it all over again, I would because I had so much fun. Nothing like hanging with friends and laughing in a place where everyone enjoys the same entertainment as you do. Before we made it home we stopped back in that half store half dive to see what everyone was up too but the morning staff was working…
We made it home and here I am writing this, documenting my first convention. I had a blast and hopefully do it all again next year… Visit Doiner.com for pictures of Geek’d Con 2018.
Since joining The Syndicate on facebook and seeing everyone’s Marvel Legends collection I had to get back into the action figure game that was not WWE related. I been buying Marvel figures since the 90’s when ToyBiz was making every Marvel character you can think of. I still have most of those figures today but in storage.
What got me buying again was seeing the Marvel Legends Captain America (Infinity War) and Mr. Fantastic and once I got ahold of those figs, the hunt was on for more! Now to my top five…
Kingpin
Before Hasbro, ToyBiz was making Marvel Legends and the Face-Off collection came at the right time for me because I was heavily reading Daredevil and when I saw the two-pack Kingpin vs Daredevil I knew I had to buy it. I’ve seen many Kingpin figs over the years and this one is perfect in every way.
Human Torch
I had many Human Torch figures growing up but none of them ever felt right when it came to comic book likeness. Some figs would be half human and half flams but with ML I think I found “my” Human Torch figure. The flame effects are minimal and just enough.
Hawkeye
Since Hawkeye made his debut in the MCU all I been seeing is MCU Jeremy Renner or sunglass wearing Hawkeye. I prefer the classic comic book version. The only drawback are the accessories, the bow he comes with and quiver is all purple. Wish it was better detailed and colored differently.
Ghost Rider with Flame Cycle
I’m not huge on Ghost Rider but this set is very cool looking. The flames coming off the bike, flaming chain, it all looks nice sitting on a shelf. The figure itself is basic but the head sculpt is nice with a jaw hinge for up and down movement, red eyes for the penance stare.
The Punisher (Netflix)
The spot on likeness of Jon Bernthal is absolutely amazing. The fading on the skull has nice details. Just a great looking figure overall.
With almost every Marvel Legends figures you get a build a figure part to build another character. I have many parts but never actually built a figure. I just buy the figs I want and keep BAF parts in a box. If you are looking for parts, let me know and I’ll send a picture over of what I have. And when it comes to fantasy booking… I want to see a Dolph Lundgren Punisher from the 1989 movie, and a figure of Ravage 2099.
So! What are your favorite Marvel Legends figures? Comment below.
I probably made my last trip to Toys “R” Us before they close down. As of writing this everything was 10-30% off. My main goal was WWE action figures and anything TRU Geoffrey related.
When I made it to the WWE figure aisle there wasn’t much, lots of empty pegs and SummerSlam two-packs featuring Ultimate Warrior & Honky Tonk Man. At this point, stop making Warrior figures. Save those figure slots for someone else. I did pick up a WrestleMania build up playset. It came with a basic Brock Lesnar figure which isn’t bad.
After about an hour searching the store for Geoffrey stuff I finally ask for help. Talked to one guy about plushies or Pop! figures and he said, the Pop! figs went fast and as for plushies, we don’t have any. He added, everyone has been coming in asking if we have that type of stuff since we are closing. He built it up as nostalgia.
I spent a couple hours in TRU taking pictures, SnapChatting, and giving play by play to Sometimes Mike about my adventure. So as I walked to the counter to checkout I spotted a row of Geoffrey gift card plushies, jackpot! I ask the lady behind the counter, those for sale? Yes they are… Give me two! And I got’em. I saved a couple dollars noting outrageous. The cashier said, the big sales will take place closer they get to closing the store.
The atmosphere wasn’t all that chipper. Sure I got the, hello when I walked in but it was kinda a ghost town. Saw maybe six customers and four employees. What I remembered the most is how hot it was in there. I’m guessing they shutoff the AC to save some cash… It’s sad seeing a store that’s been there for ages just closing and trying to get rid of everything. I remember going to TRU as a kid looking for wrestling figures and I’m still going to TRU looking for said action toys!
These figures are some of my favorites that’s not wrestling, Star Wars, or Ghostbusters. Being a collector and one time owner of many action figures from the 80’s and 90’s I bought and received a lot of random stuff.
5. Streex (Street Sharks)
I remember watching the cartoon and thinking, if the sharks met the turtles that would be a match. I remember getting Streex one random day after getting out from school. The figure was huge and a bit blocky, the shark did stake but the gimmick was the rubber head and fin so you could make a chomping action. This figure grew old fast with limited play. It needed more articulation.
4. Vinnie (Biker Mice from Mars)
Another one-off figure I bought because of the cartoon. Vinnie was the only figure I collected from the series. He looked cool and always liked the Terminator/Phantom half mask.
3. Aracula (Skeleton Warriors)
I got this figure without watching the cartoon first. Honestly, who needed a cartoon storyline. These figures on their own are awesome. Aracula was the only one I had but got a lot of use out of it. A six armed skeleton was something I never seen before. He faced the Ninja Turtles many of times. And when I see Skeleton Warriors I always think of the Ray Harryhausen movies.2. Armadon (Primal Rage)
To this day I still play the video game but at the time finding any kind of video game action figures hanging on pegs was a must buy. This is one fig I wish I still had, Armadon was used as a villain for Ghostbusters and Godzilla.1. Dracula (Monster Force)
I don’t remember watching Monster Force, but do remember the figures. I had Dracula, he was basic, good look to him. I wish I had other figures from the series to make my own monster mash.
There you have it, another top five. But this time it took me awhile to figure out what action figure made the list.
When Star Wars got a second life in the mid to late 90’s I was onboard and collected almost every Power of the Force figures because those were my Star Wars toys… After you read my Top 5 stick around to read Michael Carlson from The Awesome 80’s Pod favorite Star Wars figures.
5. Hoth Rebel Soldier
Generic rebel fig that I could be used anywhere in the galaxy not just Hoth. The removable backpack is a good touch as well.
4. Grand Moff Tarkin
Peter Cushing having his own figure meant using him for Hammer Horror bookings. He faced the Universal Monsters from the Ghostbusters line.
3. Darth Vader
The first handful of characters I received Vader was one of them, he was just menacing. Prop his arm up and he could force choke anyone.
2. Rebel Fleet Trooper
Just like the Hoth soldier I could make this trooper join the Force or turn to the dark side. I enjoyed the background characters a lot more than the main cast.
1. Bossk
The coolest reptilian in the galaxy. When it comes to bounty hunters, keep your Boba Fett and give me Bossk any day. When he first showed up in The Empire Strikes Back I hope to see more of him but didn’t. He became my chase figure for a long time but when that time came and I found him, take my money!
Now a word from Michael Carlson…
All of my life adults have been telling me to grow up. To me there is a fine line between being childish and childlike, a line between being irresponsible and just seeing the wonder and joy in the world. To me the wonder and nostalgia of childhood is encapsulated in 3 3/4 inch action figures from the early 1980s, I.e. G.I. Joe and Star Wars.
Since I became a homeowner I have multiple times in my head rationalized some of my childlike collections. Ahhh Hell! there are plenty of old guys into train sets and remote control so forgive me for preaching to the choir. F-those people who don’t get the joy of others and get all superior and judgy. If you spend time judging people for anything you are wasting your life.
I was asked to give a list of my favorite Star Wars figures from the Power of the Force line from the 90s. Some figure critics judge and write the early figures off as being too WWE shaped. For the time the G. I. Joes, the Marvel and D.C. figures plus the WWE figures all had that V-shaped upper body that was cool. It may give boys unrealistic ideas about the kind of workouts they need to do but that was the style.
5. C-3PO with cargo net
Just the memories of being a kid and taking the 80 version apart makes me like this figure. I’m transported to Cloud City there are Ugnaughts everywhere and Goldenrod is being carried around in a bag, I just love it.
4. Chewbacca as Boushh’s Bounty
Chewbacca, acting as a prisoner, and Princess Leia, disguised as the bounty hunter Boussh, infiltrate Jabba’s Palace. As a figure you could use it either for the Death Star Cell Bock transfer or the imprisoned Jabba‘s Palace scene. To me though what makes him great is the hair. He just looks messy, and just watching as the original trilogy progressed and seeing Chewy’s costume just get better and better. I love it. Chewbacca, acting as a prisoner, and Princess Leia, disguised as the bounty hunter Boussh, infiltrate Jabba’s Palace.
3. Leia in Boushh Disguise
I was unable to purchase this figure in the Power of the Force box and I was only able to find it in the Shadows of the Empire box. I just love the visual of the costume and figure and her holding the thermal detonator. She is so badass!Princess Leia Organa disguised as Bounty Hunter Boushh was released on different cardbacks in the Shadows Of The Empire and Power Of The Force 2 toy lines.
2. Bespin Luke Skywalker
Luke’s face had great sculpting! To me when I was pretending to be Luke this is the Luke in my mind I was. Fighting Vader, training with Yoda, going on that adventure.
1. Han Solo Stormtrooper
This Han Solo as Stormtrooper was a mail-away exclusive through Kelloggs in late 1995 through 1996. To me this was my first of the series and I couldn’t help but think about early childhood when I sent away for The G.I. Joe, William the Refrigerator Perry figure and the Anakin Skywalker. This is what collecting figures is all about.
I did want to give an honorable mention to the Power of the Force flashback series. The Aunt Beru, Hoth Chewbacca, floppy hat Luke, and Yoda with fun accessories. Great ones that I just don’t love are the Bib Fortuna, Biggs Darklighter, Han Solo in Carbonite, also the one I have out and about it on my desk is the Han Solo from the Power of the Force Commtech Series.
For my figures at the time I spent more money than is reasonable but I loved it every step of the way…I was a very happy addict and owning over 90% of the entire line. As a child every time I would run around the corner of a hallway I expected a group of storm troopers to be there. Every time I climbed a ladder I was climbing a ladder inside the falcon to shoot at Tie-fighters. But, these figures were not my figures even though I had the receipt. My figures we sold at a series of garage sales. I was piecing out my childhood one IP at a time. One garage sale, there goes the He-Men, six more months there go the Transformers, the Star Wars…the G. I. Joes. From 1995-99 there was no question with every paycheck I was going to set aside a portion to just buy action figures. Specifically 80s G.I. Joes and 90s Star Wars was my main focus with my 80s ethos going through my mind. I’m a big Goonies fan and the scene where Mouth is it at the old Lost Garden Wishing Well collecting coins he says something. “This is my wish my dream and it didn’t come true and I’m taking it back I’m taking em all back”, that was my mantra. Who is anyone to tell you what you like isn’t awesome regardless of what it is, and I was getting them all back. To me my dream was to stay young forever and feel like I’m riding Falcor from The Never Ending Story, and these 3 3/4 inch figures do that for me.
It’s being reported that all US Toys “R” Us stores are closing soon and it’s a shame. Toys “R” Us is every child’s dream, walking into a toy store finding that one action figure that you been searching for for weeks! If TRU didn’t have it no one did.
I’m still lucky enough to have my childhood TRU still open. I haven’t been in there in three years but I do have fond memories. I picked up the first Iron Man movie figure back in 2008 and one of my last times I went to TRU was in search for WWE Classic Superstars Series, Ted DiBiase. Didn’t find him but eventually ordered him online.
Speaking of ordering online, that’s one reason TRU is going under. Big box retails can’t compete with Amazon, or eBay. And I’m guilty like everyone else. Sure you may go look at Wal*Mart or Target for something but you failed to find it just order it online, it’s much easier picking up a package at a post office than dealing with dummies at a store.
One childhood memory that always stuck with me was when my mom, grandmother and I made a trip to TRU looking for Beetlejuice for NES. As I stood there looking through the glass searching for Beetlejuice I didn’t see it. I was told to get any other game I wanted but my heart was on Beetlejuice, I made the decision to leave empty handed. To this day Beetlejuice for the NES I’m still chasing in the wild.
The one thing about my TRU is, I don’t remember Geoffrey Dollars. I saw them advanced on Tv and in the Sunday paper but never at the store itself.
What I did see every time I walked into Toys “R” Us was their mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe. He was always giving out hugs and high-fives. Nowadays he’s probably Too Sweeting people. But I digress. My experiences at Toys “R” Us has always been good, I hate to see them go out of business.
I been really enjoying writing about wrestling figures and I’m gonna finish this series with the LJN line. Big chunks of rubber and paint crashing into each other! They are really indestructible sometimes. What makes the LJN figs playable are the poses the superstars come in. And you can forget about Rick Rude making this list. Worst LJN ever!
5. Greg Valentine
Valentine was a figure I got much later in life from a family friend. I didn’t use him much since Hasbro was popular at the time. He mostly stood on a shelf.
4. George Steele
Talk about a brick of rubber. Maybe a bulldog or Japanese arm drag but in all reality he could splash a laying opponent. I liked Steele growing up so this fig has a lot of sentimental value.
3. S.D. Jones
The longest IC Champion when I was booking my fantasy league. SD could do it all. I gave him a chokeslam finisher.
2. Ricky Steamboat
Perfect hand for an iron claw submission or something simple as a drop kick.
1. Hulk Hogan
From leg drops, diving elbow to an hurricanrana. The Hogan fig could do it all.
The one LJN that never crossed my path was Randy Savage. Never saw one in a store or yard sale. What are some of your favorite WWF LJN figures?
The WWF Hasbro line are classics! So many figures with action packed moves, what can go wrong? Other than half my figures got broke over the years of play and a bit of yellowing years later. But let’s look back at my top five!
5. Jake The Snake Roberts (Blue Card – Python Punch) What made this fig cool was his punching action, pull back and let it fly.
4. Lex Luger (Red Card – Narcissistic Action) I found this figure at a yard sale years after Hasbro stop producing WWF figures. I bought it just to add it to my collection. It’s always fun finding wrestling figures in the wild.
3. Brutus Beefcake (Blue Card – Sleeper Hold) This style Hasbro isn’t very popular with the jumping action. But I didn’t mind it, Beefcake was colorful in my eyes with pink, black and white paint job he stood out.
2. Andre The Giant (Blue Card – Giant Jolt) My first Hasbro figure I remember getting, Andra toward over all the other figs and his arms made it easy to tie him in the top and middle ring ropes.
1. Randy Savage (Blue Card – Elbow Smash) One of the hardest figures to find around town. I remember going store to store looking for Savage and didn’t have any luck until I found him in my local mall and the rest was history. Savage won majority of my fantasy booking matches.
The only figure I wish I had was Bret Hart since he is my favorite wrestler. As for the WWE Mattel Retro figs, I’m not collecting. They look cool but not for me.
When it comes to JAKKS my collection is an impressive one. From bone crushing action to the Classic Superstars series. But today I’m focusing on the basic Ruthless Aggression – Classic Superstars era.
Brooklyn Brawler (Classic Superstars 12) Brawler was a job guy with lots of gimmicks but having him in action figure form was a treat. He was a day one for me.
John Cena (Ruthless Aggression Series 3) This was Doctor of Thuganomics era Cena and at the time he was the coolest figure around to make up your own raps against your other figures.
Jesse Ventura (Classic Superstars 21)This figure mirrors the LJN Ventura with his blue bandanna and pink flowery tights. Once I saw the resemblance it was a must have.
Kevin Thorn (Ruthless Aggression Series 31) Who doesn’t want a gothic vampire wrestling figure. The likeness is spot on and put him next to Ariel you got yourself the Brood 2.0 or a good Twilight spin-off.
Jim Neidhart, Marty Jannetty, and Tito Santana (Classic Superstars Series 3 Three Pack) When building the Hart Foundation you really need an Anvil and at the time the only Jannetty figure was a two-pack Rockers. With Tito you could build Strike Force with a Rick Martel model fig. Finding this set was a real get because it was hard to find.
Most of my generation and younger can say with ease that we grew up with a video game controller welded to our hands, and as geeky as it is, the video game controller is a cultural icon now.
Youtuber The Gaming Historian gives a closer look at the history behind it. Check out the video below if you really want to get your geek on
Here’s a preview image for the second series for TMNT WWE Ninja Superstars.
All four turtles return as WWE Superstars with… Michelangelo as Rowdy Roddy Piper, Donatello as Ultimate Warrior, Raphael as The Rock, and Leonardo as The Demon King (Finn Balor). No word yet when Series 2 will be released.
The atmosphere wasn’t all that chipper. Sure I got the, hello when I walked in but it was kinda a ghost town. Saw maybe six customers and four employees. What I remembered the most is how hot it was in there. I’m guessing they shutoff the AC to save some cash… It’s sad seeing a store that’s been there for ages just closing and trying to get rid of everything. I remember going to TRU as a kid looking for wrestling figures and I’m still going to TRU looking for said action toys!
2. Armadon (Primal Rage) 
1. Dracula (Monster Force)
