If something decent enough rhymed with "crack" I'd have started this post with "Let's (blank) out with our plastic-crack out!" As it stands, I'll just say...hi. How are you?
While most action figures come with melee weapons and guns, there are an elite few whose fictional counterparts allow them a much more interesting set of accessories: musical instruments! If I were to compile one kick-ass rock band of my favorites, the lineup would be as follows:
DRUMS: Animal from Palisade's Muppets line.
If you're going to do something, you may as well go all out. The unrestrained nature in which Animal tackles the drums is the perfect example. We could all do with a little more of that energy in our lives.
The Electric Mayhem Playset from 2002 is my preferred Animal figure given the full drum set and stage setup, but it can be pricey to track down. In 2004 there was a more affordable single carded release exclusive to online retailers. The figure has a nicer headsculpt than the original, but he unfortunately only comes with bongos and a bass drum.
KEYS: Max Rebo from Kenner's Star Wars: Power of the Force line.
Max Rebo was an immediate eye catcher for pretty much everyone that watched Return of the Jedi. I don't know what Jabba the Hutt is doing with such a cute, bright blue elephant dude in his band, but I know better than to question a good thing. Thinking back to the few shots of him jamming away at that round...keyboard thing seriously makes me smile.
The best Max Rebo figure comes from Kenner's second Power of the Force line from the 1990s, released in a two pack with the Rodian (Greedo's species) Doda Bodonawieedo (say that three times fast!) The same figure was re-released in 2007 with slightly different paint in a boxset with several other Jabba's Palace band members.
BASS: 5-inch Marceline from Jazwares' Adventure Time line.
Marceline the Vampire Queen from Adventure Time is a character that's pretty flippin' hard not to like. Her incredibly catchy songs, ranging from adorable to heartfelt, have made for some of the best moments on the show, and she happens to brandish one of the raddest basses you'll find anywhere. She was hands down the only choice I'd ever consider here.
With issues like the bass strap being on the wrong side, Jazwares' 5-inch Marceline figure isn't exactly perfect, but it's the best option right now as far as action figures go.
RHYTHM GUITAR: Soundwave from Hasbro's Transformers: Animated line.
A solid rhythm guitarist can give instant credibility to any band. Just look at Metallica! Even though the original Soundwave turned into a micro-cassette recorder, many assumed he was a standard cassette player, giving the character a tie to music that continues to this day. The Transformers: Animated version of the character took this to a whole other level.
The Animated Soundwave toy comes with a Flying V guitar that actually transforms into Laserbeak, Soundwave's most famous minion. It's a bit wacky, but I absolutely love it.
LEAD GUITAR: Kamen Rider Zanki from Bandai's S.I.C. Kamen Rider line.
Lead guitar in any band is a position with lots of pressure. Kamen Rider Zanki's status as the eldest Oni Rider would leave him more than able to absolutely crush it on stage, time and time again. His OnegkiShingen Retsuzan guitar is one of the all-time greatest examples of an instrument doubling as weaponry. Seriously, just watch it in action. Geez.
If you want this guy in toy-form, Bandai's S.I.C. Zanki is a delicious morsel of highly articulated die-cast glory.
VOCALS: DX Mic Sounders the 13th from Takara's GaoGaiGar line.
In the early 1990s, Takara created the Brave Series, a spiritual successor to the original Transformers that culminated with the highly regarded The King of the Braves: GaoGaiGar. The show has a wide array of highly memorable characters and robot designs, not the least of which is Mic Sounders the 13th, a music-playing robot that eventually transforms into perhaps the most bad-ass rock star the universe has ever seen.
Mic does have an instrument, the odd "Double V" guitar/keyboard combo, but he's at his best when belting out J-Rock anthems like "Power of Desire." Look at him go!
Takara's original DX Mic Sounders the 13th is still the best toy version, qualifying as a true "must have" despite lacking the ability to properly hold the Double V.
So, there you have it! I feel an action figure rock band comprised of Animal, Max Rebo, Marceline, Soundwave, Zanki, and Mic Sounders the 13th would be too amazing to be contained. I'm talking serious, face-melting stuff here. They would kick ass and take names, one power chord at a time. 'Nuff said!
If you want to tell me what your action figure rock band lineup would be, feel free to comment below, tweet to me @castlegeekskull, or leave a message on the CGS Facebook Page!
Doesn't the Hot Toys Crow come with his guitar?
ReplyDeleteI had never checked out the Hot Toys Crow to be honest. It appears that it does indeed include a guitar accessory.
ReplyDeleteS.I.C. Kiva would allow them to get all Yellowcard~
ReplyDelete