Weekly Want June 25 - July 2, feat. Doctor Doom, Aliens, & More!

Doom will take as much of your money as he pleases!

Oh hey, it's Wednesday. That means it's time for another edition of the Weekly Want! Last week's installment focused entirely upon Transformer toys, so I'll be covering a bit more ground this time around. (Ooh, peep that sexy rhyme~) Batten down the hatches; here are the action figure and collectible promo shots that struck my fancy between June 25th and July 2nd, 2014:

Oh, my! This lovely lady is NECA's Aliens Xenomorph Queen "Ultra Deluxe" figure. True to its fancy pants designation, this is a 15 inch tall, 30 inch long monstrosity that will absolutely tower over the rest of your NECA Aliens collection. The hefty $90 price tag might seem like a lot to take in, but with an impressive scale, plentiful articulation, and killer sculpt work, it looks to be more than worth it! You can have the figure in-hand this November.

Luigi Nendoroid Might Not Have a Death Stare, but it's Cute!

There is only one thing we say to Bullet Bills: not today.

I've only just now learned about the Luigi Nendoroid figure. Of course, after the well deserved hype surrounding the Luigi Death Stare bestowed upon us by Mario Kart 8, the first thing that ran through my mind is that I really wish it was present here. Its absence is easily explained by the year or so of production time needed for toys like this, but it's a bit of a letdown all the same.

...but it's so flippin' adorable!

Transformers Generation 1 Toyline: Autobot Highlights

Destined for pasty shoulders everywhere.

Hey you crazy kids, it's time to throw down with the Autobot side of my Transformers Generation 1 toyline highlights! My affections might lean towards the Decepticons, but there are still more than enough lovable 'Bots to go around. Now, journey with me through each year of the original TF toyline as I struggle to decide which releases are my favorites!

Disclaimer, Part II: There's no need to freak if I leave out one of your preferred 'Bots. Everyone has their own taste and I'm merely sharing mine. Blah blah, let's get to it!

1984: Optimus Prime

Picking a favorite from the 1984 Autobot assortment is actually quite difficult. Part of me would love to go with Prowl, Jazz, Mirage, Sideswipe, or even Hound. I don't want to immediately jump to the obvious choice, but I can't help it; I'll always have a soft spot for Optimus Prime. His original toy has an undeniable presence that really sets him apart. It's not hard to see why Hasbro assigned this guy the leadership role.

Weekly Want: Transformers Edition!

Take it all.

Ahhhhh snip snap, it's "Weekly Want" time! In honor of Botcon and the upcoming release of Transformers: Age of Extinction, this edition is all about Transformer toys! There have been plenty of cool reveals and updated official promo shots this week. Let's check out some highlights!

MP-20 Masterpiece Wheeljack

Awkward, Bizarre, & Unsettling Transformers Commercial Moments

Hell awaits.

While the lovable characters, rich mythos, and hooky underlying concept keeps us invested, the hope of selling droves of toys has always been at the center of the Transformers franchise. In its 30 year history, there has been an absolute onslaught of additional promotional material hoping to aid the cartoons and comics in their quest to send the Autobot and Decepticon toys flying from the shelves. Naturally, the copious television commercials have been the most memorable.

Despite dramatic narration and dazzling robot money shots, some of the Transformers commercials stick out more for their flirtation with the bizarre. This was especially true in the 1980s, but weird moments can be found throughout the entire history of TF adverts if you dig long enough. Let's go over a few examples!

We must go. Our people need us.

Transformers Generation 1 Toyline: Decepticon Highlights

Destined for car windows everywhere.

Hey. Wanna know a secret? The original Transformers toyline from the 1980s brought us some of the most memorable toys ever. Yeah, I know I just blew your mind, so I'll give you a minute to compose yourself.

All better now? Good! With the Transformers toyline's iconic status in mind, I figure sharing a list of each year's highlights is a fun idea. I'm going to start with the Decepticons first. In the 80's, the bad guys were always a bit more fun.

First, a disclaimer: I know from experience that some of you reading this might become enraged because I've left out one of your favorites. I'd suggest taking matters like some dude's toy preferences a bit more lightly. Anyway, let's get to it!

1984: Soundwave

Soundwave is one of the most iconic Transformer characters around, and his toy is excellent. It goes without saying that the micro-cassette recorder alt mode sparked tons of imaginations, but the biggest draw here is the tall, reasonably articulated, and solidly proportioned robot mode. If there's one must-have Decepticon from '84, I say it's Soundwave.

I'm Looking Forward to Potential Yoshi's Woolly World Toys!

Do want.

While Yoshi's Woolly World doesn't look to be the most original concept, its basic aesthetic is crazy cute. In the onslaught of further E3 2014 news, the game may have been quickly pushed aside, but I've actually found myself thinking about it again as of late. More specifically, I've been greatly looking forward to the possibility of owning some yarn Yoshi toys!

I'm clueless as to how easy it would be to mass produce a stuffed yarn Yoshi like the one seen in the Nintendo E3 Digital Event, but I certainly hope it's possible somehow. Even if it takes creating faux versions that merely match the look without the worry of an expensive and time consuming handmade manufacturing process, I just know that I want one. Stuffed yarn Yoshis are where smiles are born.

Weekly Want May 26-Jun 2 feat. Kre-O Grimlock & More

Me Grimlock say empty your wallets now!

Toys and collectibles. I often want them. On the "Weekly Want," I share the latest product reveals and promo shots that have struck my fancy. Last week's "Weekly Want" had cool thangs such as Revol Mini Iron Man Mark VI and Transformers Masterpiece Wheeljack. Now, let's move on to all of the lovely wallet draining goods from May 26th through June 2nd!

Hero Buddies Batman Killed Me With Cuteness

Oh my goodness.

During my most recent trip to Target, I came across the wonderful Hero Buddies Batman, a 16 inch plush complete with several Kevin Conroy impersonator sound clips. When I first spotted him, I'm pretty sure cartoon hearts shot from my eyes. I'm sure it could be easily dismissed as "just another Batman toy," but it really won me over. Just look at him, so wonderfully chubby and reaching outward as if gesturing for a hug. I can't take it.

Baby Skeletor Unleashes One Collector's Paternal Instincts

Born to Rule. Born to Myaaaah!

Mattel's latest collector targeted Masters of the Universe toy reveal is none other than Baby Skeletor, an apparent Robot Chicken tie-in that has proven to be quite controversial. Toys are serious business of course, inspiring many from the collecting community to lash out at the famous toy makers for producing something so silly. One fan remarked that this reveal is merely Mattel "taking another big dump on collectors." You can feel the look of disgust through the screen:

The general fan reaction to this vile joke of a product.

Still, the toy has been a revelation for some. With his adorable little powder blue feet, Havoc Staff rattle, and innocent skeletal smile, Baby Skeletor has brought forth previously unbeknownst paternal instincts in one noble collector. Behold:

Weekly Want May 19-26 feat. Masterpiece Wheeljack, Iron Man, & SDCC Exclusives

Another week. Another wave of want.

Oh no, it's "Weekly Want" time once more! Last week's installment featured some cute Godzilla Minimates, DC Collectibles' animated Batman figures, and so on! On to more pressing matters: let's see what May 19-26 had to offer in the realm of action figure and collectible promotional imagery:

DC Collectibles Batman: The Animated Series Figure Wishlist

So many choices.

I've been talking about the upcoming DC Collectibles Batman: The Animated Series and New Batman Adventures action figures left and right. I can't help it, they just look too freaking good! I've even considered shirking all responsibility just to Pre-Order them, and now I'm even imagining how the assortment might expand. To keep my expectations realistic, here's a small 5 character wishlist for future B:TAS and TNBA toys:

Weekly Want May 12-19 feat. Batman, Godzilla, TMNT, & More!

If you've kept up with my recent posts, this should come as no surprise.

I was apparently too busy to get a "Weekly Want" post up last week, but I featured the likes of Captain America Figmas and LEGO Ghostbusters the week prior. What madness lies ahead this week? Stay tuned, lovely readers:

DC's New Batman: TAS Figures Are Going To Make Me Broke!

Come play with us, Castle Geek-Skull.

Despite my love of action figures, I took a major step back from actively collecting them some time ago. I've had a much more pressing desire to get my life in order as of late. You know, boring adult stuff. Outside of taking care of the essentials like bills, groceries, and pet medicine, I've tried my best to save or only buy what I truly need. However, now that the DC Collectibles Batman: The Animated Series figure Pre-Orders are live, I'm starting to question everything remaining on my boring old financial to-do list.

DC Collectibles' Batman: The Animated Series Action Figures Look Fantastic!

Ridiculously Photogenic Batman Action Figures.

As a kid, I loved collecting Kenner's Batman: The Animated Series action figures, especially the villains! Whenever I've looked back at them in recent years, I've felt that they managed to hold up fairly well. The sculpts are too "soft" in places and they're certainly on the simple side, but there was a decent overall match to the style of the corresponding cartoon. I've never felt as if updated versions were essential since the existing figures were just fine as is. However, the upcoming assortment of Batman: The Animated Series figures by DC Collectibles has shown me the light:

Even the "Worst" Action Figures Still Have Merit!

Web-Suction Hands!

This is Marvel Superheroes Spider-Man, the first in a long line of 1990s Spidey action figure releases from Toy Biz. It hasn't aged well, and it honestly might have been a bit lackluster even at the time of its release. After all, the most significant advancement over the Secret Wars Spidey from six years prior was articulated knees. Big whoop, right? Regardless, when I received this figure on Christmas morning of 1990, I was absolutely awe-struck. I only vaguely remember the exact moment, but I know it was a pretty big deal.

Gimmicky or Not, I Hope the 2014 Godzilla Toys Succeed!

That which roars atomically.

Until now, I was totally unaware that there would be mass market toys for the new Godzilla movie. It makes total sense that there would be, but I would have believed you if you told me we'd only be receiving an odd collector-targeted premium figure or two. I can only go by the discussions I've stumbled across online, but my understanding of mass market action figures is that they aren't as sure of a success as they once were.

To go into all of the overarching issues would be a nasty tangent, but when big household names like G.I. Joe aren't even sure hits anymore, you know there's been some serious change going on. Regardless, Godzilla licensees like Jakks and Bandai of America are just freakin' going for it. Several mass market offerings are turning up all over:

Weekly Want Apr 28-May 5 with Figma Avengers, LEGO Ghostbusters, & More!

Speak not and partake of my cash!

A new month is upon us and another week has past. Let's celebrate with another edition of the "Weekly Want," wherein several of the best promo shots for toys and collectibles are compiled for your viewing pleasure. Last week's edition showcased Masterpiece Ultra Magnus, Revoltech Mini Solid Snake, Marvel Mini-Mates, and more. Let's move on to what caught my eye between April 28th and May the 5th:

15 Random Pictures From My First Free Comic Book Day

I see Sand People.

As previously mentioned, I somehow managed to miss every Free Comic Book Day up until now. I am happy to report that the curse has been lifted! With the promise of Tusken Raider cosplay fresh in mind, I made the effort to venture to my nearest comic shop today and I had a grand time overall. Here are 15 random pictures that loosely illustrate my adventure:

Weekly Want Apr 21-28 with Masterpiece Ultra Magnus & More!

Shut up and take my money!

It is time once more for the "Weekly Want" action figure and collectible promo shot compilation! In the April 14-21 Weekly Want I covered everything from Arkham City statues to an awesome Hot Toys Spider-Man. Of course, there were plenty of "want" inducing goodies shown off this week as well, so let's check 'em out: