POP! DC Heroes - CATWOMAN!

DC Super Heroes #136 - Catwoman - Legion of Collectors Exc - Funko 2016

I remember very clearly when I bought my first Funko POP back in 2010. I was visiting my old college roommate in Austin and picked up a Batgirl in a comic shop. I was very resistant to the style at first, but seeing Batgirl products in the stores was a rare occasion back then, so I knew she would inevitably end up in my collection. Of course, I was also certain that she would immediately be followed by a comic style Catwoman, right?  Well two years later we got a Dark Knight Returns Catwoman followed soon after by a Batman '66 version. My comic version never came. But then lo and behold the surprise POP in the "Batman Villains" Legion of Collectors box a few months ago was this awesome classic Catwoman. This was the first comic version of Catwoman that I fell in love with reading old backissues in the 80s so I'm ecstatic that they made her first. Now my fingers are crossed for a Rock Candy in this outfit. The GameStop Mystery Mini was a nice surprise but I want more!  Let's check out Catwoman below!

MOTUC Action Vinyls - TEELA & EVIL-LYN!

MOTU Series 01 - Blind Box Action Vinyls - Teela & Evil-Lyn - Loyal Subjects 2016

It's been quite a while since I've been so torn about a new collectible. I think these Loyal Subjects action vinyls are fun and bright and have an awesome character selection. But conversely, I also think they look like little musclebound streetwalkers and are overpriced. I was on the fence and was leaning toward not getting them when I realized a trick for finding the ladies (the females seem to weigh about half as much as the bulky males). Suddenly the blind box gamble was eliminated and I caved. Another major motivation was the hope that the next series would contain a Sorceress. I don't know why, but the idea of having a little super-deformed sultry-eyed Sorceress seems ironically appealing. So now in the meantime I have these two oddball figures in my collection and I can't figure out if I want to see them on my shelf or not. I'll put them out on a trial basis and see how much they creep me out. I think once more MOTU Dorbz and 3.75" Super7 figures come out, they'll kind of blend in. Let's check them out!

Star Wars Rogue One - 6" JYN ERSO (EADU)!

Star Wars: Rogue One - Black Series - K-Mart Exc Jyn Erso (Eadu) - Hasbro 2016

I just saw Rogue One: A Star Wars Story last night and I loved it. It made me realize that I completely forgot to post this review. Jyn has three main outfits in the movie. The main outfit is from her time on the moon Jedha and that's what the bulk of her toys have been modeled after (it's the headwrap look). This second style is from the rainy planet Eadu. I like this look a lot. It reminds me of Princess Leia's Endor outfit, but weatherproofed for the dismal weather conditions on Eadu. This figure is one of the "deluxe" Black Series figures that are exclusive to K-Mart (so far). These figures come with a small diorama stand, (which honestly doesn't really justify the inflated price), but it's worth it for an exclusive figure. Jyn's diorama is a really cool rocky outcropping with hidden footpegs (which I immediately included in my Dark Crystal display). I'm hoping we see at least one more Jyn Erso variation in her outfit from Planet Scarif. That's the black uniform she's wearing in the trailers. Let's check out Eadu Jyn below!

Suicide Squad - KATANA!

DC Multiverse: Suicide Squad - Killer Croc C-n-C #5 - Katana - Mattel 2016

I really haven't been a fan of Mattel's Suicide Squad offerings this year. I own one of the main Harley Quinns, but I honestly think it's one of the least appealing action figures I've bought in the last decade. I'm not a huge fan of this Katana either. I think they really half-assed this line (at least the women in it). I realize that realistic clothing details historically don't translate well into plastic and add a lot of unnecessary bulk, but I always hope they will improve each year. Also, if I'm being honest with myself, I'm just not a big fan of Katana overall. When I read comics, I want surreal quirky fantasy with impractical costumes and lots of personality. Katana is more of the kickass gritty variety. But in team rosters like Birds of Prey and Suicide Squad, I actually really appreciate her blunt seriousness to counterbalance all the upbeat characters. Back to the toy at hand though. Is this a horrible action figure? No. But is it disappointing? Yes. The comic figures have been so much better that the movie ones. Let's check her out!

Jada Metals - WOMEN OF DC - Series 01!

Metals Die-Cast - Women of DC Comics - 2.5" Series 01 - Jada Toys 2016

I love getting obsessed over a new collectible. Especially when they are abundant and inexpensive. I mentioned in my Spider-Gwen review last week that I was really turned off by the larger 4" scale Jada Metals figures. They showed up in all the stores earlier this year for the BvS and Civil War movies and I honestly wasn't tempted at all. But then I saw the booth images from SDCC and I discovered that all it takes is 40% decrease in size to completely capture my attention. I had the exact same reaction to Mez-Itz. The full-sized ones didn't appeal to me whatsoever, but the Mini Mez-Itz have become a major favorite of mine. These 2.5" Metals retail for about $5 and seem to have perfect paintjobs. It's also a great gimmick to release multiple color variants of each sculpt right off the bat. I'm in no way planning on being a completist with this line, but I can tell the temptation will be strong. So far I'm thrilled and I can't wait to see what comes next. Let's check out the first Women of DC 2.5" line below!

Marvel Mini-Mates - SQUIRREL GIRL!

Marvel Minimates - Walgreen's Exc 2-Packs Wave 3 - Squirrel Girl - DST 2016

I've noticed something really interesting in the past few years. That is that female mini-mates come out in huge bursts. Last January we got a Spider-Gwen, Siryn, Domino, Copycat, Thor, Captain Marvel, and Dazzler within a few weeks of each other. And right now we're on the cusp of another Minimate avalanche. In a few days I should have a new Enchantress, Tigra, Deadpool 2099, Wolverine (Laura), Silk, and unmasked Spider-Gwen. Not to mention this awesome Squirrel Girl. This figure was announced in a simple slide at the end of the DST panel at NYCC (and SDCC maybe?). I didn't expect to find her so soon but I was hunting down the Walgreen's Ms. Marvel POP a few weeks ago and I discovered her. Hopefully they get inspired to complete the Great Lakes Avengers roster like they have been with Squadron Supreme. I would love a Dinah Soar more than anything. She's both ridiculous and awesome, just like Squirrel Girl. Let's check out this sciuromorphic beauty below!

League of Legends - PROJECT FIORA!

League of Legends - Legacy Collection 01: Project Fiora - Funko 2016

I've been nervous about the fate of Funko's Legacy Collection over the last year. I've loved every figure I've picked up so far: Three Magic the Gathering figures, Four Game of Thrones, and Two Evolve. I think the production quality and sculpt has been amazing on each one, but nevertheless they seem to all have been shelfwarmers. The Evolve figures in particular seemed to sit untouched until they were clearanced. There have been plenty of figures since then: Skyrim, Fallout, Five Nights at Freddy's, Book of Life, etc, but honestly they've all been off my radar until this recent League of Legends series was announced a few weeks ago. I thought League of Legends was some new thing. I'm totally ignorant of all things gaming. So when I tried to research it and found myself wading through 7 years of intense data, I was quickly overwhelmed. I'm sure her backstory is interesting and complex, but I'm fine admitting that she's just a pretty face to me. She is such a cool looking figure. Let's check out Fiora below!

Jada Metals - SPIDER-GWEN!

Marvel Universe Spider-Man - Jada Metals Spider-Gwen - Jada Toys 2016

I really wasn't sure if I was going to be a big fan of these Diecast Jada Toys Metals. I historically always avoided static figures without articulation. Then Funko came along and obliterated that restriction. I didn't love the Suicide Squad, Batman vs Superman, or Avengers Metals that have shown up in stores this year. But most of that had to do with the scale and the exaggerated proportions. Then I saw this 4" scale Spider-Gwen in GameStop on Black Friday, all I knew is that I wanted her. Her crouched position hides the things I don't like about the line. (Note: I don't know why I don't like this scale, but I love the 2.5" Metals - review of all the DC girls coming soon!) I really hope the Marvel line also comes in the 2.5" scale eventually - I could get seriously hooked on those little guys. This larger Spider-Gwen is pretty sweet. The only things I would change would be to hide the seam on her right shoulder and to have her coloring be a little less neon pink and a little more magenta. In the pictures the color looks typical to Gwen, but in person it is a few shades off and it's noticeable. Let's check out the Metals Spider-Gwen below!

Gentle Giant SPIDER-WOMAN Bust!

Marvel Universe Avengers Mini-Busts - Spider-Woman (7") - Gentle Giant 2012

I really like the mini-bust format. I avoided it for the longest time, but when I realized that it can truly be some of the best representations of my favorite characters, I opened my wallet and caved. I've assembled quite a collection of my A-list heroines over the years, but I've always been really disappointed by my options with the classic Jessica Drew Spider-Woman. There are a handful of high end collectibles out there, but none of them ever had that instant "wow" factor I need to make a purchase over 50 bucks. But then this lovely bust was introduced (way back in 2012) and I had a feeling this would be the one for me. I was really lazy about tracking her down because I have found so many bargains over the years by being patient, and luckily she was no exception. In person she looks great and really becomes a focal point of Spider-Woman collection. (She also happens to be one of the largest busts I own at 7.5" tall -- which makes quite an impact). Let's check out the Gentle Giant Spider-Woman bust below!

Marvel POP! Vinyl - SQUIRREL GIRL!

Marvel POP! #144 - Marvel Collector Corps Exc - Squirrel Girl - Funko 2016

There's something I love about silly characters garnering unexpected fan attention until they become true cult favorites. Squirrel Girl is a prime example.  She was first introduced in the anthology series Marvel Super-Heroes #8 back in 1991. I have this issue from when I was a kid but have no memory of her story. She took an extremely long hiatus and next appeared as a Great Lake Avengers recruit in 2005's GLA #1. Since that re-introduction, she has been a constant player in the Marvel Universe. And in 2015 she succeeded in getting her own solo ongoing series and seems to guest star all over the place. And then in 2016 she started getting merchandise. I have a handful so far and I'm hoping there will be a true Marvel Legends or Marvel Universe action figure soon. This Funko Pop! was the surprise exclusive figure in this Summer's Marvel Collector Corps Women of Marvel box. That choice earned some grumbles for being such a random character, but I think she's great. Let's check out Squirrel Girl below!

DC Collectibles Icons - BATGIRL OF BURNSIDE!

DC Collectibles Icons #23 - Batgirl of Burnside (Deluxe) - DC Collectibles 2016

I wasn't sure if I would like the DC Collectibles Icons series when they were first announced back in 2015. I was very worn out on the DC Universe Classics style from Mattel and this new line was touted as a continuation of that scale. It didn't help that the first two female offerings were only so-so. The Harley Quinn is a very nice figure, but the face is more sinister than I like for my Harleys and the Atomica figure was gorgeous, but not a character I obsess over. This Batgirl is the first time I'm realizing the potential of this series.  The Burnside Batgirl redesign is right up there with Spider-Gwen as one of the coolest superhero costumes of the past few years. It embodies all of the classic elements that you expect, but makes it very functional and utilitarian (like the Darwyn Cooke Catwoman design). I know there is an upcoming Mattel version of this same figure which will offer some competition, but for the next few months at least, this Icons Batgirl is the ultimate Babs action figure. Let's check her out below!