Every month I buy a shit ton of toys to add to my Nerdorium (A.K.A. home office). But I hardly ever get around to reviewing them on the site. I generally just talk about them on our monthly podcast (which you can listen to here, but I don’t recommend it). Similar to baldassbats Video Game Quick Hits, I’m going to try and do one for all the nerd shit I buy in a month. This month has been an exciting one. I just got a new job, and with it, a lot more income. Of course I spent a good chunk of my first check on collectibles. Also, my wife may or may not be leaving me.
Rock Man Plastic Model Kit
$27.99 EntertainmentEarth.com
When I was in high school I bought a lot of Rock Man Kits off of eBay. I lucked out and got four or five of them for one cent plus shipping. I loved those kits and had a lot of fun with them. Some day I hope to do a retro-review of them. You can imagine how excited I was when I saw the solicitation for new kits being released in the states.
PROS
• The details on these figures are wonderful.
• Plenty of extra hands and facial expressions to swap out.
• Great instructions which made building them a breeze.CONS
• Kind of a high price point for these. I waited and got mine on a sale.
• Being a model kit, these figures fall apart pretty easily. Which can be frustrating while posing.
Sonic the Hedgehog: 20th Anniversary Through Time Action Figure (1991)
$11.99 Target
Oh, nostalgia. I’d say you’re responsible for at least two thirds of my purchases. I’m glad to see SEGA finally putting out some worthwhile figures of our favorite blue hedgehog. This figure follows the theme from the upcoming game, Sonic Generations. There are classic and modern versions of each of the characters available for the smaller format. I bought the larger five inch figure, which comes in classic or modern Sonic.
PROS
• Nostalgia.
• Great sculpt. From any angle it screams classic Sonic.
• Pretty well weighted for a top heavy figure. The smaller guys tend to fall over.CONS
• Overly articulated. Sonic can twist at the pelvis, which leaves a big nasty break in his circular stomach.
• Some kind of serial number is printed on the inside of his shoe. There wasn’t a better spot?
• No accessories. Some rings or chaos emeralds would’ve been nice with the five inch figures.
Spider-Man 3 by Hot Toys
$149.99 Sideshow Collectibles
Man, Hot Toys sure has taken a lot of my money over the last few years. They keep getting better and better licenses. Most recently acquiring Star Wars. (Bespin Luke, anyone?) I was torn when this figure was pre-released. I love Spider-Man, but the third movie… not so much. Then again, the Wolverine figure Hot Toys released was based off of his solo movie. You know what? Fuck it. I’m buying one.
PROS
• As usual, this figure has spot on likeness to his big screen counterpart.
• Really awesome package design. My favorite box from the line.
• Webbing is printed on the outside of the costume, showing the attention to detail.
• Amazing (get it?) accessories. Lots of extra hands and webs. As well as a giant stand.
• Mid-range price point for a Hot Toys figure. $150 is very reasonable.CONS
• I am so afraid to damage this guy. He’s the only spandex clad $150 doll I own. Although JJ (Lost In Comics) has put his figure through the ringer and says it holds up well.
• Being from Spider-Man 3, they are making a Mountain Dew Goblin to go with this. Hopefully they’ll go back and do a Doc Ock. I’d gladly play over $200 for him.
Stay Puft: Gozer the Destroyer
$70 Matty Collector
We’ve been going about this all wrong. This Mr. Stay Puft’s okay! He’s a sailor, he’s in New York; we get this guy laid, we won’t have any trouble!
PROS
• Over 20 inches tall and made from a squishy foam material. Largest Stay Puft ever made.
• Limited articulation at the shoulders, legs and head. Any more would ruin the sculpt.
• Comes with a gigantic cardboard diorama.CONS
• San Diego Comic Con exclusive, therefore super hard to get ahold of.
• The foam is super fragile. Easily marked up, so be careful unpacking him.
• Face sculpt is good but not great. I prefer Gentle Giants piggy bank sculpt.
• I worry about discoloration over time, as well as general dust damage.
• Where the hell am I going to put him?
In conclusion I spent way too much money on toys this month. It’s hard to pick a favorite out of the bunch. I think Sonic has gotten the most attention from me. Especially for the value packed with nostalgia. Stay Puft is cool, but expensive for what he is. Same with the Rock Man kits. I love how my Spider-Man doll looks next to Wolverine and Batman. Next to join, Captain America. Now it’s time to get back to work so I can blow more cash on dolls.