I can't visit a toy store without checking out what's going on in the preschool aisles. I very rarely buy any of the toys, but I like seeing how the preschool toy industry is growing and adapting. A few months ago I noticed these Creature Cases figures from PMI based on the Netflix show featuring young anthropomorphic animal agents solving animal-related mysteries in an educational format. It's the kind of show I would have loved as a kid. However, what made the adult me purchase this set was the fact that one of the two main characters, Kit Casey, is a Kit Fox - and I'm obsessed with anthropomorphic foxes or any vulpine-themed characters. If fact, when I bought this, I had just won an eBay auction for one of my holy grail fox characters (arriving in the mail tomorrow hopefully and review coming soon). So I was on a bit of a fox kick when I saw this set again and Target and took the plunge. The addition of the female dog character, Cubby, was a bonus. Let's check out the Creature Cases below!
UNITING ALL WOMEN OF PLASTIC
Showing posts with label Netflix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Netflix. Show all posts
Sunday, June 7, 2026
The Creature Cases - KIT & CUBBY!
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Stranger Things/TMNT - ELEVEN!
With the 5th and final season of Stranger Things set to air on Netflix later this year, I thought it would be a good time to finally post this unique PlayMates figure from the (very random) Stranger Things vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover toyline back in 2022. As far as I am aware, this combination of properties did not exist any any media outside of this toyline. But the figures are cool and it was nice to see a new company (besides McFarlane, Funko, and Bandai) try their hand at Stranger Things toys. It's also pretty cool that the Turtles are also in their early-80s comic design with matching red bandanas. This Eleven set is the only purchase I made. I find her design and construction to be pretty great. The other brands tried really hard to capture exact actor likenesses (and often fell short), but these figures are bright and vaguely animated and instead just capture the essence of the characters. I think the result is my favorite Eleven in my collection. Let's check her out below!
Monday, February 3, 2025
MOTU Revolution - SNAKE SORCERESS TEELA!
My favorite thing about Masters of the Universe Revelation and Revolution was the constant evolutions of the two main female characters, Evil-Lyn and Teela. The journey of these characters was organic and fit into the Masters mythos seamlessly. Evil-Lyn was on her unquenchable quest for power, and Teela was facing her mysterious origins and family legacy. And as toy hobbyists, we have thankfully been blessed with action figures of nearly every incarnation of these characters (at this point, I think we are only missing Teela's final two forms). At the penultimate battle in Revolution, Teela has to call upon the ancient magics and become the ancient Snake Goddess to save Preternia. The lore of the familiar staffs (The Staff of Zoar, the Staff of Ka, and the Havok Staff) each being linked to a different form of Sorceress is genius. Plus the tie-in to the old Preternian Goddess stories from the vintage mini-comics is some glorious fan service. And who doesn't love a cool reptilian action figure. Let's check out Teela below!
Monday, December 2, 2024
Sonic Prime - BATTEN ROUGE!
Sonic Prime, the CGI-animated show on Netflix, concluded earlier this year after three seasons and tons of toys. In total, there were sixteen 5" figures released and thirteen 2.5" figures. And that was all in a short 9-month period between July 2023 and March 2024. The theatrical movies only get a fraction of those numbers, so Prime had quite a big push in the merchandising department. There were seven female figures total, and this final figure, the 5" Batten Rouge is one I photographed way back in March but never got around to posting. This cartoon had a multiverse gimmick (the Shatterverse) that presented the main characters in a variety of thematic alternate realities. The "No Place" world featured a lot of pirate-deco'd characters, including one of my favorite Sonic ladies, Rouge the Bat. This figure is nearly identical to her 2.5" version released in 2023, so I don't have a lot to say about her (one of the reasons I postponed this review), but this truly is a cool toy on her own merits. Let's check out Rouge below!
Sunday, October 20, 2024
The Munsters - LILY MUNSTER!
I never really watched the original The Munsters TV show (1964-1966). I was somehow always aware of it (as well as The Addams Family, but they just never played on my childhood stations (I only had 4). So, that said, I didn't have any nostalgic scrutiny making me overly judgmental when I watched The Munsters (2022) film. I found the movie to be fun, and Lily Munster was a standout for me. It reminded me vaguely of the comic Gloom Cookie that I was obsessed with in the late 90s - specifically in how dating in the goth world can be comically frustrating. Sheri Moon Zombie (Rob Zombie's wife) played Lily with a bubbly vampy tone that set the her apart from other similar characters (like Morticia). Sheri is not new to the toy world either. Her characters in House of 1000 Corpses and Devil's Rejects both got the action figure treatment. Whether you liked the movie or not, this toy is pretty spectacular. The faces are great and the mix of soft goods with sculpted drapery creates a unique effect.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Unicorn Academy - ISABEL!
Ah. I've finally reached the last post of the five Unicorn Academy action figures. I can only assume that these first five characters are just the initial release. There are at least two blatant omissions from the lineup: Rory Carmichael - the token boy of the Unicorn Riders, and Ravenzella the dark sorceress and primary antagonist of the series. As far as Rory goes, I notice that these female-centric action figure lines tend to treat male characters the same way females get treated in the boy lines - i.e. shortpacked or only included in expensive multipacks. Beast Boy from DC SuperHero Girls and Terence from Disney Fairies come to mind. But in the meantime, these first five figures are great. My favorite of the bunch is Isabel, mostly because her outfit looks the most costumey (the others look like they're wearing slightly outlandish street clothes). But Isabel is the sporty competitive member of the group so it's natural that her costume looks slightly more heroic. Let's check out Isabel and River below!
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Unicorn Academy - AVA!
I find the character of Ava Banji to be both a joy and also disappointing. She has the most easygoing, likeable personality of the group. While characters like Layla are touted as the brainiacs of the show, it's actually Ava who teaches us the most about this secret magical world and the Academy itself. I also love that she and her unicorn steed, Leaf, have plant-based powers. It's my favorite of all elemental powers. But the disappointment is that my favorite color is green, and I wish she and Leaf were clad head-to-toe in that color. I feel like the overall palette of the Unicorn Academy characters is oddly devoid of green, and literally ever other plant-powered character I've ever heard of at least has some green. But alas, my favorite character and her unicorn are a Springy palette of yellow, pink, purple, and robin's egg blue. I hope these characters get power-ups in future season with new costumes (and toys) I would love to see them in stereotypical colors to match their powers. Let's check out Ava below!
Monday, June 24, 2024
Unicorn Academy - VALENTINA!
One trope I love about young adult storylines, especially the girl-centric ones, is the mean snobby elitist character who is initially framed as an antagonist, but eventually becomes a frenemy, and finally a true friend to the heroes. In Unicorn Academy, the super-popular CGI animated show currently on Netflix, that character is Valentina Furi, the legacy student fashionista queen bee. It makes sense that she is paired with Cinder, the unicorn with the elemental power of fire. Both Valentina and Cinder are adorned with flame patterns and red and orange color schemes. Valentina is my favorite character from the show - probably because she isn't sugary sweet and always has a slightly dubious intent. I'm always a sucker for a villainous lady (even if they soften and become nice way too quickly). Season two debuts this week and hopefully introduces new characters that Spin Master can eventually immortalize in plastic. Fingers crossed. Let's check out Valentina and Cinder below!
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Unicorn Academy - LAYLA!
One thing I love about Unicorn Academy is that most of the rider-and-unicorn pairings have elemental powers and designs. Layla is the brainy one of the bunch (she's wearing glasses, duh!) and her unicorn, Glacier, has Ice-based powers. So both Layla and Glacier are adorned with pastel colors, lots of icy blue details, and of course snowflakes. I find it amusing that Layla is not an expert equestrian like most of the students. Luckily Glacier is around to keep her balanced and confident. Season two of Unicorn Academy debuts on Netflix this week and Target is promoting that with an endcap dedicated to this new line of action figures and dolls. It's been a while since there has been a female-based action figure line in the big box stores. Between 2016-19 we saw DC SuperHero Girls, Mysticons, WWE Superstars, and Miraculous filling the shelves. But since then there has been almost nothing. I have a strong hunch that Unicorn Academy marks the resurgence of action figures in the pink aisles. Let's check out Layla below!
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Unicorn Academy - SOPHIA!
If you have any tween or adolescent girls in your life, you've undoubtedly heard of Unicorn Academy. Since its Netflix debut in November 2023, the series has become an extremely popular property. I personally didn't watch any episodes until I discovered these action figures at Target last week, but I understand the appeal. The series features a very Harry-Potter-like beginning with the main character, Sophia Mendoza, being unknowingly summoned to a secret magical school. Where the students are sorted into dorms and given a chance to bond with a unicorn. The pull of equestrian life is powerful for this young demographic, and the unicorn aspect adds the perfect amount of fantasy and wonderment. Then there is a Magical Girl aspect where the riders undergo a transformation to match their bonded steeds - ie sparkly outfits and streaks of color in their hair. The individual episodes feature magic, teamwork, fantasy, and adventure. I think Unicorn Academy will be around a while. Let's check out Sophia below!
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Sonic Prime - ROUGE TROOPER (THE GRIM)!
Sonic Prime is the most recent animated incarnation of the Sonic Universe. It airs on Netflix and has the unique gimmick of having a multiverse (the Shatterverse) that contains alternate thematic variations of all the characters we know and love. It's basically made for toy merchandising. The darkest and creepiest alternate universe (imo) is The Grim. The Grim is devoid of life and features dark robot inhabitants. This 3-Pack features the generic clones of Rouge, Knuckles, and Sonic. This is essentially a troop builder set. Each character also has a single unique (Alpha) Grim version as well featuring a slightly different design than these troopers. Alpha Grim Rouge is this singular version of Rouge (easily distinguishable by her red eyes). As far as I know, we will only be getting toys of the troopers (I saw the 5" Sonic Trooper in Target today). I would love to display an Alpha Grim Rouge flanked by two Rouge Troopers, but alas, it's just not meant to be. Let's check out Rouge Trooper below!
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Sonic Prime - BLACK ROSE!
This has been crazy years for Amy Rose. This figure is her seventh in the last twelve months. (And there is possibly another coming out shortly, but no photos yet to know for sure if it's new). The 2022 Sonic: Prime series on Netflix played a big part in this Amy boom. The series uses a multiverse plot device wherein differently-themed versions of the main characters exist in each area of the "Shatterverse." This figure is the third variation of Amy we've gotten from Jakks so far - this time in her pirate motif from the No Place dimension. I don't normally love collecting "costumey" versions of classic characters, but something about these brings me joy. I just hope they play catch-up and give us more versions of Rouge. There will be a 5" Batten Rouge in Wave 4, but I greedily want them all. And I feel like any day we'll hear more news about the Sonic 3 movie and I'm hoping for some female characters finally. But in the meantime the Shatterverse variants are keeping me busy. Let's check out Black Rose below!
Monday, January 1, 2024
MOTU Revolution - SORCERESS TEELA!
One of the most satisfying things in Masters of the Universe: Revelation was the long-awaited ascension of Teela to Sorceress of Grayskull. I had personally been wanting to see this since the original series in the 80s when her path was foretold. But if she had become Sorceress back then, I would wager she would have been designed exactly like her mother, Teela-Na or Kuduk Ungol. But thankfully Teela's story didn't unfold until now so she got the benefit of a unique design reflective of her personality and heritage. This design was only presented at the very end of Revelation back in 2021. But (judging from the trailers) we will be seeing a lot more of it in the follow-up series Revolution that debuts in a few weeks. I am also personally excited that Melissa Benoist (Supergirl) is providing Teela's voice. I like her a lot. Sarah Michelle Gellar was great as Teela in Revelation. But I won't lie and say I wasn't constantly pegging that unique SMG voice. Someone more non-specific will be nice. Let's check out Teela below!
Monday, December 11, 2023
Sonic Prime - RUSTY ROSE!
I've always avoided technology-based characters in my collecting. I just naturally lean towards superhero, fantasy, and natural characters as opposed to military and cyborg designs. This Rusty Rose figure presents a conundrum though because she is a variation of a character I already love in a new aesthetic that I typically avoid. Overall I think she's very fun though. The new Sonic: Prime show on Netflix features a fractured series of multiverses with various themes (pirate, feral, and robotics seem to be the main three universes). New Yoke City is one of these Shatterverses that features futuristic post-apocalyptic cyborg versions of all the main Sonic characters. (Although Rebel Rouge in this universe is mysteriously dressed like a guerilla freedom fighter). But Rusty Rose is decked out with an intimidating robotic eye and rusty hinged limbs. I especially like this design because it reminds me of a female counterpart to Metal Sonic. I like equal opportunity variants. Let's check out the 2.5" Rusty Rose below!
Friday, December 8, 2023
Sonic Prime - BATTEN ROUGE!
It's funny to think that a few short years ago, Rouge that Bat seemed to be one of the most fan-demanded Sonic characters for inclusion in a toy line. The Jazwares line from 10 years ago often had rumors of a Rouge, but nothing ever materialized. So instead it was the elusive 2005 Toy Island figure that became a grail for collectors and fueled the demand for an updated version. But since last year, Jakks Pacific has been answering our prayers and has given us two classic Rouge figures (in both 4" and 2.5" scale) as well as this 2.5" pirate-themed Batten Rouge from Sonic: Prime. Plus there is at least one more coming soon (a 5" version of this design). I'm personally hoping for a Prim Rouge figure with her cool leafy design from the Boscage Maze portion of the Shatterverse. But I'm thrilled with anything. It's a shame that these 2.5" figures from Sonic: Prime only seem to be coming in multipacks. But so far my excitement over the characters has overtaken my frugal nature. Let's check out Batten Rouge below!
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Sonic Prime - RUSTY ROSE!
I still haven't watched Sonic: Prime yet, but over Thanksgiving my young nephew talked my ear off about it. (FYI he gives it rave reviews). I am personally a fan just for the sheer amount of cool toys we're getting from it. With both Rouge the Bat and Amy Rose as main characters, and the thematic multiverse-type premise of the show, we are getting a ton of variations. I already reviewed Thorn Rose, the feral version of Amy from the Boscage Maze (the jungle-themed branch of the Shatterverse). And here we have Rusty Rose, the cyborg Amy from New Yoke City. The third version is Black Rose the pirate Amy who will be in Wave three next year (follow by the pirate Batten Rouge in Wave four). I'm assuming all the versions will eventually be released in the 2.5" line as well (I have two so far). I will always be a purist for these characters' original video game designs, but I can't deny how fun these variations are. Very excited ot add them all to my Sonic collection. Let's check out Rusty Rose below!
Friday, September 29, 2023
Sonic Prime - THORN ROSE!
Sonic Prime is an original animated series that premiered on Netflix in December of 2022. In the storyline, Sonic accidentally destroys the Paradox Prism while fighting Dr. Eggman which warps reality and creates the Shatterverse - a multiverse containing thematic variations of his friends. One of the realities is called the Boscage Maze, a jungle world with tribal inhabitants. Thorn Rose is this world's version of Amy Rose. She is fierce protector of nature (and gives off a Poison Ivy vibe). There are three unique versions of Amy in the show: Cyborg, Pirate, and Feral. The feral Thorn Rose is the first female in the 5" line, but the cyborg Rusty Rose is already listed in Wave 2. The 2.5" also has a Rusty Rose and a pirate Batten Rouge, but there are unspecified character slots for many more releases through 2024 in both scales, so I have a feeling we might see most of the versions of Amy and Rouge eventually. The third and final season has not been released yet, so there's still time. Let's check out Thorn Rose below!
Thursday, August 31, 2023
MOTU Revolution - MOTHERBOARD!
Few things are as gratifying to me as when old lore is expanded upon in a smart and creative way. Especially when it fills in some story gaps. Flashback to a young me in 80s expaining Zoar and Screeech to my younger brother. "Who's this?" "That's Zoar, a magical falcon that turns into this character, the Sorceress." "Cool. Who's this?" That's Screeech, the evil version of Zoar." "Cool. Who does Screeech turn into?" "No one. Screeech is a robot." "Oh." Flash forward to this Summer when that old dead-end storyline gets new life. Meet Motherboard, the female form of Screeech. As we saw in Revelation, Tri-Klops had formed the Cult of Motherboard, a group that worshiped technology with a religious fervor. Whiplash, Trap-Jaw, Blast-Attak, and a slew of Skelecons were in the cult as well. The upcoming second series of Netflix's MOTU series called Revolution will apparently show the cult successfully summoning Motherboard, a sort of techno-Sorceress. Information is scant so far, but I'm very excited to see her.
Thursday, May 18, 2023
MOTU Revelation - DARK-LYN!
Masters of the Universe: Revelation seemed to focus a lot on character growth and transformation. Because of the time-jump in the storyline and the un-doing of Eternian power balance as we have always known it, almost every character had multiple distinct looks. This was especially true of the two token females: Teela and Evil-Lyn. When all is said and done, each of these ladies will have had three very distinct Masterverse figures (even more if you count the alternate heads), and this was only from a single season. [Spoilers for the next few sentences] Dark-Lyn is the final form of Evil-Lyn when she steals the Power of Grayskull from Skeletor (then Skelegod). I will admit this is my least favorite design of all the female characters in Revelation. I don't hate it, but it pales in comparison to the Sorceress Evil-Lyn design and the final version of Teela. Where the Skelegod upgrade was cool and colorful with big horns and green power effects, the only visual upgrade here seems to be her height and musculature.
Sunday, May 7, 2023
MOTU Revelation - SORCERESS!
When Masters of the Universe: Revelation was announced I was really nervous that Sorceress would receive an unrecognizable makeover. I was never a fan of the 200x teal Egyptian look and the Netflix CGI show introduced a Sorceress that was essentially a completely reimagined character - that I liked, but not as much as I adored the original Teela-Na. Luckily the Revelation Sorceress was a faithful interpretation. Unfortunately she was not the spiritual focal point getting tons of screentime that I was expecting. And with her limited role, I truly did not expect her to get a figure in the Masterverse line. (And honestly making us wait until Wave 8 was a pretty sneaky move). But she is really a great figure - quite possibly the best Sorceress so far. The Masterverse line has honestly exceeded my expectations for character inclusion. The last female on my Revelation wishlist will apparently be in Wave 11. I won't mention names for spoiler's sake, but I'm stoked. Let's check out Sorceress below!
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