Block Tech Super Heroes Hulk and Falcon Cap

Can these be considered BootLEGO? They are 'block toy' minifigs, but they are engineered in a completely different fashion - I consider BootLEGOs to be rip-offs of the LEGO minifigure design aesthetic primarily, and secondarily rip-offs of the subject matter.

However you categorize them, these two superheroes are different enough from LEGO minifigs to be considered mere cheap block toy figures, but they are still bootlegs due to their blatant yet unlicensed subject matter: The Incredible Hulk and Captain America.

And not just any Captain America, but Captain America when Falcon had assumed the role (maybe he still is Captain America, I don't follow Captain America closely enough to HAIL HYDRA be certain.)

FalCap really sells this set. I'm perpetually fascinated by the decisions bootleggers make when they release stuff like this. One would assume the iconic Captain America everyone all over the world recognizes would have been their go-to during the design process, but they went with a very up-to-the-minute version instead. That fact alone is worth the one dollar asking price!

This set was found at a Target I visited on an out of town trip. It was in their dollar section with a few other Block Tech minifigure two packs. The rest were pretty generic: soldiers and police and whatnot. This set was the only superhero set they had (and the only licensed character rip-off set for that matter.)

The engineering design of the minifigs is similar to LEGO with the same parts make-up: removable hairpiece, head, torso, and hands, with legs jointed at the hip. The quality isn't too shabby, for fifty cents each there's nothing for me to complain about, that's for sure. They aren't as cute and charming as LEGO minifigs but having a bootleg FalCap trumps cute charm any day of the week. I suppose having a bootleg Hulk is pretty ginchy too.

Here's a size comparison with a standard sized LEGO (well, in this case, a bootLEGO) minifig. As you can see the Block Tech minifig is a bit taller in the torso, which makes the legs look stumpy.  I'm pretty sure there have been more of these Notvengers released by Block Tech, I seem to recall seeing a four pack online a year ago, but this is the first set I've ever seen in stores or in person.

They're perfectly corny just like a good bootleg toy should be, so if you can find them they're worth the Washington you'll drop on them.

Imaginext Red Tornado

I've always been a fan of Red Tornado. He's an awesome robot that hangs out with superheroes and as far as I am concerned Vision can f- the right off. I dig the whole Marvel movie situation that has permeated our American movie-going culture, but pretty much everything Marvel has done in the superhero department DC did first and better. Except, you know, when it comes to making them all into movies.

Anyways, at least DC has Marvel beat in the toy department. Case in point: can you get a pre-school aimed Vision action figure? CAN YOU?!?! The bastard was the McGuffin in a multi-bazillion-dollar making movie so IS THERE A TOY OF HIM BY PLAYSKOOL?!?!?!

No, there isn't. But you CAN get Red Tornado from Fisher-Price's Imaginext toyline. Because Fisher-Price has the balls to bust out the obscure! Playskool barely dares to make one of the Avenger movie's founding members (Black Widow) and only then in a K-Mart exclusive multi-pack! But hey, if you want 327 Spider-Men, they got yer back.

Okay, so Red Tornado is a Target exclusive, paired with Cyborg. But he's not that hard to get, honestly. I mean, he's Red Tornado, packed with Cyborg. People aren't lined up at midnight to get their hands on this set. Of all the Target exclusive Imaginext sets, I've seen the Red Tornado/Cyborg set hanging around the longest.

I actually got mine from the flea market. I try to avoid spending too much money on Imaginext toys that aren't specifically Batman related, at least at retail, so this set was one I begrudgingly passed on. But I couldn't pass on Red Tornado at flea market prices!

As always, I am so very impressed at the level of detail Fisher-Price adds to their figures. Red Tornado has all kinds of details all over his costume. Honestly, they could have taken their plain buck and painted it red, but Fisher-Price made a figure that had not one single piece that is not unique to this figure. A feat indeed considering Fisher-Price is owned by Mattel!

Red Tornado is set to make an appearance this season on the CBS TV series Supergirl (an amazing show - if you aren't watching it, you are probably a communist), so it's great that I have this Imaginext version...especially because I am hopeful enough to believe Imaginext has some Supergirl figures in store for us real soon!

BRING

IT

ON!

Imaginext Green Arrow & Launcher

This is the Imaginext version of Green Arrow. I'm not terribly up on my modern Green Arrow mythos, but he appears to be based on the current 'New 52' Green Arrow designs, or perhaps the Arrow television show version. Or maybe a bit of both.

This Green Arrow with Launcher set is a Target exclusive. The launcher is a repaint from an earlier medieval themed set.

The launcher is a beast. It comes with dual launchers that rotate up and down, and the whole firing mechanism rotates side to side. It's relative in that it is a pair of giant bows/arrows, but otherwise doesn't really seem right for Green Arrow in my opinion. He's a Robin hood based vigilante, he's not laying siege to Kings' Landing! The figure should have still come with a standard bow. I'll have to rectify the issue with something from Playmobil someday.

Green Arrow's hood is removable, which is pretty fun! Looking at him in package, I had assumed it was a permanent piece. I should have taken a picture of the back of it as it has a quiver full of arrows molded on to it. So he has arrows, just no bow.

Sigh.

Green Arrow is a fun addition to the Imaginext line-up. And for all my kvetching about 'no bow,' this launcher will get would have gotten a lot of play when I was a kid. But a bow with maybe a boxing glove arrow molded to it? That would have been SO COOL!

Sigh.

Martian Manhunter and Plastic Man by Imaginext

Speaking of Plastic Man, I've had this Target Exclusive Martian Manhunter and Plastic Man Imaginext set for some time now and it's about time we looked at them here on the old blog.

It was a hard to find set for a while, but lately they are appearing in greater numbers and I believe they are shipping with the new Solomon Grundy.

I of course picked the set up because of the unexpected inclusion of Plastic Man, but I have to admit that Martian Manhunter is pretty cool, even if it's his 'New 52' costume and not his classic look. Don't get me wrong, I really like Martian Manhunter as a character, but I am just not a fan of his modern look.

"Hey, I want a New 52 cape and hardcore edgy look too! Wait, I'm Plastic Man, I can have whatever look I want!"

Even though under his cape and chestpiece Martian Manhunter is just a plain bald green alien, Fisher-Price gave him an exclusive body sculpt and gave him weird alien ripples as well as cloth wrinkles on his pants. As simple as these figures are, it's neat to see these extra little details!

Plastic Man is unique too, but in a special way. He's made of a more rubbery substance - almost like a bouncy ball - and he is a bit bendy and a little bouncy. Almost like a bendy figure, but he has no internal metal armiture to keep him in place once bent.

His rubbery nature is a neat detail and a fun way to represent Plastic man's powers in Imaginext form.

"Eat your heart out, Stephen Amell! Okay, which way to the TMNT 2 tryouts?"

Plastic Man is a surprising addition to the Imaginext ranks. It isn't like he really has any media representation at the moment. Plus Fisher-Price didn't give him to us in his 'modern' New 52 garb but instead gave us a classic Plastic Man! I'm very pleased about that fact.

Finally, he's so simple yet they actually sculpted the details (limited as they are) of his costume instead of just painting them on. This guy is awesome on every level!

The Martian Manhunter and Plastic Man Imaginext set is only available at Target, so keep your eyes peeled and nab it when you see it.

Deathstroke :: Imaginext Target Exclusive

 By all accounts the assassin Deathstroke (referred to by Fisher-Price by his given name of Slade) is an odd choice for a pre-school line like Imaginext. But here he is, by way of the Target exclusive Nightwing/Slade two figure set. As mentioned yesterday in my Nightwing review, the set also includes two weapons. The sword is the obvious choice for Slade, although the bo staff would work for him too.

The details on Deathstroke are once again incredible. There are even mask details on his head!

It makes sense to include Deathstroke alongside Nightwing, due to their Teen Titans connection, but it does seem odd to include a master assassin in a pre-school line. But I guess the same could be said about all the villains, really, which is part of why I love Imaginext so much.

Deathstroke isn't one of my favorite villains, so had he not been included with Nightwing I probably wouldn't have sought him out. But I can't help but admire the figure's design, and even though the set is an exclusive it's nice to see Fisher-Price went the distance on both figures (instead of packing Nightwing with a re-colored Batman etc like Mattel is prone to do). The set is worth picking up for sure!

Solomon Grundy (by Imaginext), Found on a Monday (at Target).

The Target exclusive Imaginext Solomon Grundy by Fisher-Price is hitting store shelves now! And as the title of the post says, I found mine Monday. Convenient, no?

This is a really great version of Solomon Grundy. He is very nicely detailed - almost moreso than one expects from Imaginext - and I think he'd fit in well with other in-scale toylines, especially with the JLU action figure line if you, like me, were unable to get your hands on the SDCC exclusive Solomon Grundy. At around $7.99 this guy is a nice inexpensive alternative to that exclusive figure which is surely fetching high prices on the secondary market to this day.

Grundy's articulation is basic - his shoulders, hips, wrists and neck rotate. He also has an action feature which allows him to slap his opponents together Moe Howard style when you push a relatively unobtrusive button on his back. My figure's right wrist doesn't swivel properly, and I'm worried that if I force it I might rip his hand off, so be aware and be careful when you find yours. The good thing is you can test the articulation in package at the store, the bad thing is that you might only find one on the shelf, and at this point I wouldn't recommend passing on him until another day. I don't anticipate this guy being a peg-warmer, at least where collectors are concerned, but I could be wrong. Kids might snub him because they don't know who he is, or wonder when the Incredible Hulk went goth.

"Grundy remind Batman slow down. This school zone and speed limit twenty five when school in session. Also, use blinker, a-hole!"

The character of Solomon Grundy, like Clayface before him, is the perfect candidate for the 'big-fig' treatment Fisher-Price gave him. But I have to admit he is a surprising addition to the line. I think it helps that he appeared in the Arkham City video game, and it also helps that he was a member of the classic Superfriends cartoon's Legion of Doom, both of which seem to greatly inspire the Fisher-Price Imaginext line. Speaking of the Legion of Doom, Imaginext has just released the Hall of Doom, and there are only four Superfriends Legion of Doom characters yet to make it to the Imaginext line: Giganta, Toyman, Sinestro and Cheetah. Here's hoping we get them all - and that Giganta is also released as a big-fig!

Grundy comes with a lead pipe accessory, so you can pretend he murdered Professor Plum in the Observatory. Here he is with Killer Croc, who had to borrow a piece of Playmobil chain for his weapon.

Robin's Mech Suit makes for great GrundyBuster Iron-Robin play scenarios! Take THAT Age of Ultron!

If you are collecting DC Superhero themed Imaginext figures, you pretty much have to get this guy. So far there's no Target DPCI to report as he wasn't in the Target system when I purchased him. But, like Clayface, he hangs on the pegs with the other figure two-packs and should be priced accordingly. If you find him and he's not in the system, just bring over another figure from the pegs and they should ring him up for you at that price (that's what they did for me!)

Imaginext Martian Manhunter and Plastic Man

I was out looking for the Imaginext Poison Ivy and Scarecrow figure set the other day, and while I did not find it I did stumble on to the Target exclusive Imaginext Martian Manhunter and Plastic Man set!

I had seen this set once in the past, but I passed on it. This time I found it in conjunction with a Target Imaginext sale, so I just couldn't walk away from it again! I'd have of course preferred a classic Martian Manhunter, but this one, based on the modern New52 version, does look pretty cool. And of course Plastic Man is always awesome.

I'm glad I found this set again, especially since it is a Target exclusive. While I have yet to experience any sort of retail shortage for any Imaginext set I have wanted, these figures will only appear at Target stores (at least for the forseeable future), so my shopping options are limited. I'd hate to have passed on it twice and never see it again!

I shouldn't have passed on it the first time, honestly, but Poison Ivy is higher on my list, and I am surprised she has thus far been the more elusive set.

I haven't opened this one yet, but Plastic Man deviates from the Imaginext norm and is more of a rubbery bendy toy than the standard articulated Imaginext action figure. A neat idea, but I both fear his future if I do not open the package (will he suffer from Matteleprosy like many MOC Mattel figures?) and his durability if I do (will he eventually tear or otherwise degrade from too much bending?)

I'm sure I will open this set eventually, I just didn't have the time between shooting the pictures and the rest of my evening obligations. Hopefully I will get a chance to post pics of Martian Manhunter and Plastic Man free from their prison soon!

Poisunday Ivy :: Imaginext Poison Ivy and More Coming Soon!

Action Figure Insider recently revealed some exciting upcoming Imaginext DC Super Friends sets, and the biggest highlight was this two-figure set that includes Poison Ivy! In a series with only three females so far (Catwoman, Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn) another female is BIG NEWS, and Poison Ivy is a welcome (if surprising) fourth female choice to add to the line-up. The set also includes Scarecrow, both brand new figures and both figures I will buy the second I see them available!

Also revealed is a new Batmobile with an all new Batman figure included. This new Imaginext Batmobile joins the roster as the fourth or possibly fifth Imaginext Batmobile design, and is clearly influenced by the Batmobile from the Arkham Asylum/Arkham City video games. I need this one!

Batman's Batpod Batcycle is also all new, as is the New 52 influenced Batman included with it. Geez, I need this too!

A Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle and Beetle-Mobile was also revealed...

...as well as a New 52 version of Martian Manhunter and a bendable Plastic Man! This set is also very tempting. Looks like I'll be adding a handful of new Imaginext toys to my (and my daughter's) collection very soon. Some of these are labeled as Target exclusives in the images, and although the Poison Ivy/Scarecrow set isn't labeled as such, I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being a Target exclusive as well. I'll be sure to post as soon as I find it and let everyone know!

Via ActionFigureInsider.com

Imaginext Black Manta and Sub Vehicle set coming soon!

Almost as exciting as yesterday's Imaginext Wonder Woman with Invisible Jet reveal, Target.com has also revealed an upcoming Imaginext Black Manta and Sub vehicle set from Fisher Price! Still no physical sightings of these, so keep your eyes peeled!

Wonder Woman Invisible Jet by Imaginext Coming Soon!

The moment we've all been waiting and hoping for has finally arrived - Imaginext will soon be releasing an Invisible Jet (along with a repaint of their Wonder Woman figure)!

And they didn't even re-cast an earlier Imaginext model, this is an original design and all new and specific to Wonder Woman herself! Found at Target.com the set is listed at $15.99 and is currently unavailable online, but expect to see this in stores soon!

More Brave and the Bold style action figures...for 2013?!?!

What the...?

This small image was just brought to my attention by a twitter friend. It's of a Target exclusive seven figure set of the Justice League called simply "Batman Legacy Justice League Figures"

This seven pack of figures appears to all be in the long ago canceled Brave and the Bold action figure style but includes a never before seen Cyborg, Hal Jordan Green Lantern, a beardless Aquaman and omg - WONDER WOMAN (in a line that Mattel stated emphatically would not include any female characters).

This news really came out of left field! The set is unavailable online as of writing this post but will retail for $49.99, so I probably won't own it until it hits clearance (which it probably will.) I will also have to see it in person to make a final judgement.

BUT WAIT - THERE'S MORE! Apparently Target has Superman, Batman, Flash and Green Lantern figures available as singles, and while these are clearly the Brave and the Bold style figures, you can see the much maligned hex holes are no longer a part of the figures' sculpts (a change I said would happen way back in my first B and the B toy review in 2009 - but even I never expected it to be so late in coming!)

(pic borrowed from eBay. Don't be stupid enough to buy them there now. They'll be plentiful and cheaper soon, I promise.)

Depending on the price of these, I'll probably get that Batman. Sadly it appears Wonder Woman is not part of a single figure release, and if past Target multi-pack exclusives are any indication, I doubt she ever will be.

Has anyone seen these at retail yet?

Lego Batmobile and Target Holiday Batman

Thanksgiving is over and, if you haven't already been thinking about it since Halloween ended, it is time to start planning for Christmas (or your yuletide holiday of choice.)

Target has swept out the literal and figurative cobwebs of Halloween 2012 and now has their Christmas stuff all bunched up in the corner of their stores, including some great new stocking stuffers:

Up first is Lego set 30161 which is a polybagged mini-kit Batmobile!

Consisting of 45 pieces, this is a cute little Batmobile that sadly does not include a mini-figure.

You will just have to be content with a Batmobile.

And if you aren't content with a small Lego Batmobile that cost you $3.99 you have no soul.

It is interesting that there is no Bat indicia on this vehicle at all. That's rare for such a marketing juggernaut as Batman!

And speaking of marketing juggernaut:

Target has again released a holiday themed Dark Knight Rises Batman (just in time for us all to get the DVD or BluRay for Christmas!)

Like the Halloween Batman, this Holiday or Christmas or Winter Batman comes packaged to theme. Batman appears to be in a snow-globe and although more subtle than the pumpkin bubble of the previous Target exclusive, the look is both effective and fun.

Batman is garbed in his standard Dark Knight Rises costume but is cast in winter camouflage - white plastic with sparkly silver/grey splotches. Batman also sports a white cloth cape. I'll open him up when I start decorating the house for Christmas but until then he remains safely ensconced in his faux snow globe. In the meantime, he's $4.99 at Target and hopefully not too hard to find for those of you interested in this neat Target Exclusive variant!