New Teen Titans - STARFIRE!

DC Direct Action Figures - The New Teen Titans - Starfire - DC Direct 2000

Every time I get an old DC Direct figure into my photo tent I am blown away by the sculpt and attention to detail. I was very excitedly buying lots of toys back then. I loved all the Silver Age and Legion of Super-Heroes figures in particular. But in general, I was really taking this early-aughts toy renaissance for granted. I should have been buying ever single toy put out there. I think Starfire is a tricky character to get right. Especially when trying to replicate the early-80s George Pérez design. Honestly I've only seen it done right twice in toy form: the 2018 Funko mini figure, and this DC Direct figure from 2000. I desperately tried to find who sculpted this, but the information seems lost to time. My best guess is Tim Bruckner. But it could easily be Sam Greenwell as well. Both were very active with DC Direct at the time, but the sculptor names being featured on the packaging was inconsistent in those early years. Whoever the artist is knocked it out of the park though. Let's check out Starfire below!

MBreed Infinite Charm - AICYNUS PRIMERA!

MBreed Infinite Charm - Aicynus Primera (Model Kit) - MBreed 2026

As long as I've been collecting Transformers, I have wished for there to be a female Optimus Prime. We've seen toys of Megatron (Megaempress), and I have 3rd Party figure of female Starscream (Star Queen), Bumblebee (Little Bee), and Cliffjumper (Little Red). But amazingly the most iconic Transformer never got a gender-swapped version... until now. MBreed is a 3rd Party manufacturer that reproduces the popular Furai model kits from Flame Toys but with an R-rated twist. I personally find the add-on rubberized breasts and buttocks pretty off-putting, but thankfully the figures still come with the pieces for the traditional body construction. This figure also comes with a very Optimus-like masked face, lots of bonus accessories, and awesome light-up eyes. This review is only highlighting the basic PG-13-rated display, namely because I was too rough and snapped her shoulder peg ... and was then too hesitant to swap parts for fear of more breakage. Let's check out Aicynus Primera below!

Lego LED Keychain - BUMBLEBEE GIRL!

Lego LED Flashlight Keyring - Bumblebee Girl - Santoki LLC 2025

A few weeks ago I trudged nine blocks through a foot of snow to visit Barnes & Noble and pick up the YA Graphic Novel Snowlands (I was impressed by the art at the NYCC Scholastic booth and marked the release date on my calendar. Then when the snow fell I thought I needed a new winter-themed book to read). Surprisingly, the store was crowded. But that meant I was stuck in the line for a while where I noticed this fantastic Bumblebee Girl LED Keyring hanging on a low peg in the impulse-buy gift section lining the checkout area. I've been obsessed with Lego minifigures featuring animal costumes for years. Plus I love bumblebee-themed ladies. And finally, I'm very fond of these 3" light-up keychains. I always stumble across them in odd places like museum giftshops, bookstores, or truckstops and they appeal to me greatly. I know it's an odd novelty item to post about here, but she hits a few key facets of my collecting experience so I'm making an exception. Let's check out Bumblebee Girl below!

The Sarah Jane Adventures - STAR POET!

Sarah Jane & Star Poet Deluxe Action Figure Set - Character Options 2009

In 2007, there was a Doctor Who Spinoff series featuring the fan-favorite companion character, Sarah Jane Smith (who appeared in Doctor Who from 1973-1976). The show was called The Sarah Janes Adventures, starred the same actress (Elisabeth Sladen), and ran for five seasons. I have personally never watched any Doctor Who, nor the Sarah Jane series, but the toys (mainly from Character Options) have been intriguing me for twenty years now. With import expenses from Europe, most are cost prohibitive for me. But this Star Poet figure intrigued me enough to splurge. The character is a lost Arcateenian who seeks out Sarah Jane to help her find her way home. Visually, she reminds me of the classic creatures that fascinated me as a child in movies like Cocoon and Abyss (and even in more modern movies like Bubble from Valerian). Something about translucent, often ethereal, creatures triggers something primal in my imagination. This figure is the only think like it in my collection, and I think she's great.

Lego LED Keychains - BATGIRL & HARLEY QUINN(S)!

DC Super Heroes LEGO Keychain LED - Harley Quinn & Batgirl - Santoki 2016-17

I have several things going on in my life right now. Firstly, I'm on sabbatical and have ample free time for the next month. Secondly, I have a new computer and I'm struggling with all sorts of software and operating system issues. And thirdly, I have been focusing on finishing long-outstanding unfinished art projects and also reorganizing my toy room. The larger effects of all these events is that I will have less time for blog posts this month and the posts I do make will likely be products and photos from 5+ years ago that were never finalized (I have quite a backlog). This post features the latest three Lego LED Lites featuring the Gotham Girls. I've always loves Legos, but collecting minifigures is a who different genre from my norm that I find intimidating. But these larger 3" figures appeal to me greatly. The larger scale lets them blend in with my traditional action figures much better. And the limited character selection is actually obtainable. That said, it's been eight years and I'm ready for more. Let's check them out below!

Gormiti The New Era - WINDEL!

Gormiti The New Era - 12" Gormita Series - Windel (Air) - Giochi Preziosi 2024

Nine years ago, almost to the day, I purchased my first 12" action figure. As an adult toy enthusiast, I always assumed I would stick to the smaller collector-friendly lines. But when I purchased that first figure (a Batman Unlimited Wonder Woman), I was instantly hooked. Flash forward to 2025 and I have over sixty 12" ladies in their own special display. The last few years, however, have been a bit redundant and predictable. Hasbro and Mattel or Spinmaster would push out a few sparse figures for each Marvel or DC theatrical release. And as much as I appreciate them, I can admit it was getting a bit boring. But then this winter I discovered the Gormiti The New Era toy assortment from Giochi Preziosi and I was thrilled to see a ton of interesting 12" figures included. My favorite by a longshot was this 12" light-up Windel, the Gormita of the Air Clan, figure. Her design looks like some otherworldly deity and completely captures my imagination. She's so cool. Let's check out the 12" Windel below!

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts - ARCEE!

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts - Model Kits - Arcee - Bloks/Buluke/Blokees 2023

It's a sad state of affairs that toys, for me, have become a purely aesthetic venture. I unfortunately no longer play with toys and my enjoyment comes solely from admiration, nostalgia, and the thrill of the hunt. However, the recent trend of action figure model kits is the remedy I needed. Sitting down for hours as you sort and assemble dozens of tiny pieces and slowly assemble an articulated action figure is the perfect kind of adult play for me. Plus, as a bonus, I have gained a whole new respect for the engineering that goes into modern toys. This Arcee from the Rise of the Beasts movie is the least expensive kit I've purchased (my fourth) at under $18, but it's impressive for having a battery-powered feature with light-up eyes and chest. She isn't my favorite Arcee figure proportionally; her head and chest seem slightly enlarged in relation to her limbs. But looking at other kits from this brand, it seems to be the style. But overall I think she's great and fun addition to my Arcee shelf. Let's check her out below!

Disney Power Icons - GHOST-SPIDER!

Marvel Power Icons (Talking Action Figures) - Ghost-Spider - Disney 2023

I've been waiting for a female character in the Marvel Power Icons since they first started showing up in Disney Stores years ago. I know Marvel is inundated with A-List male characters so I usually don't get my hopes up too high for a female character early in the line. But that patience paid off because Ghost-Spider was finally released this past Fall and she's pretty great. The Power Icons line features well-articulated figures in a 9-10" scale with electronic features. Ghost-Spider has light-up eyes and a talking feature. And while not officially branded for the Spider-Verse movies, Gwen comes with a small unarticulated animation-style Spider-Ham attached to her (removable) backpack. Since Disney Stores are few and far between these days, the ShopDisney webstore is your best bet to get her (currently clearanced). The line seems to have slowed down significantly, but I would hope to see a Black Widow and Captain Marvel before the end. Fingers Crossed! Let's check out Ghost-Spider below!

The Spiderwick Chronicles - SPRITES!

McDonalds Happy Meal - The Spiderwick Chronicles - Sprites - McDonalds 2008

The Spiderwick Chronicles are a series of five children's fantasy books by Holly Black written between 2003-2004 (with an additional six tie-in books published through 2009). I really appreciate when faerie lore is taken seriously. I grew up poring over the creepy encyclopedic Faeries by Brian Froud and therefore have a healthy awe and fear of the fey. Ted Naifeh's Courtney Crumrin series epitomizes the dark and mysterious faerie aesthetic I love. And coincidentally I discovered Holly Black when Ted illustrated her Good Neighbors trilogy. She clearly carries the same respect for the genre that I do. I immediately began reading The Spiderwick Chronicles and really enjoyed it. The movie adaptation had come out a few years prior in 2008, but I hadn't seen it. When I did, I was predictably disappointed. I find that big studios often miss out on the nuances that make these properties so great. In this case, the movie started great, with a slow creeping discovery of a magical world under our noses. I loved the atmosphere.

Tron Legacy - QUORRA!

Tron Legacy - 3.75" Action Figures Series 02 - Quorra - Spinmaster Toys 2010

Very few properties have quite the same nostalgic punch for me than Tron does. I watched the original movie countless times in my youth. I found it mesmerizing, confusing, and even scary. But still, every time it would come on TV, I would be glued to the set. And I would always try to slip the tape into our basket at the video rental store, despite having taped if off the TV. There was no rhyme or reason, I was just drawn to it. When the 2010 Tron Legacy movie was announced, I was very excited. But when I finally saw it, I found it forgettable. Fun, but forgettable. I fully plan on watching it again soon with an open mind, but at the time it just didn't capture my fancy. In fact, the 2008 Speed Racer film seemed more in the visual spirit of Tron than Legacy did. It's on my Disney+ list so I will revisit it shortly. Spinmaster had the main toy license and put out a decent number of 6" and 3.75" figures. The only merchandized female was Quorra in the second wave of the 3.75" figures. Let's check her out below!

The Women of ROBOCOP!

Robocop - Nancy Miner, Anne Lewis, Lisa Madigan - Toy Island & Kenner 1988-98

I've been wanting to do this review forever. I literally took some of these photos 6 years ago, but am only now getting around to posting them. I was listening to a conversation lately about how many R-rated properties in the 1990s were turned into kid-friendly cartoons and TV shows with the express interest in selling toys to a younger demographic. It seems like a crazy notion, but it happened all the time. Robocop had three R-rated movies produced between 1987-1993, but spawned four different television series (2 live-action, 2 animated) between 1994-1998. Almost every version had a toy line geared towards kids. I find this amusing because my primary memory of the entire franchise is in the beginning of the first film when the ED-209 prototype malfunctions and obliterates the businessman in the most gory fashion possible. My brothers and I must have played that scene in slow motion a hundred times. Hardly a property I would expose kids to. Let's check out the ladies of the franchise below!

Power Rangers - Morphin Power PINK RANGER!

Power Rangers - Morphin Power Light-Up Figures - Pink Ranger - Bandai 2017

Sometimes a nice gimmick is all I need to convince me to make a purchase. When I saw this Morphin Power Pink Ranger in stores last month, it was only the second style of Power Rangers movie merchandise I had seen. I wasn't blown away by overall design of the figure - at 7" tall, she just seems like a scaled-up version of her 5" figure. Plus she has extremely limited articulation: just five joints and a completely immobile lower body. However, once I hit the button and saw the pulsing blue glow in her chest, I was hooked. I don't even remember what light-up toys I had as a kid, definitely Gloworms and Blackstar figures, but something I had definitely reminds me of this feature and fills me with a vague nostalgia I can't put my finger on. It's going to be hard to decide which Power Rangers movie merchandise to invest in. There's already so much on the shelves and the movie isn't even out yet. I guess I'll just have to fall prey to the gimmicky ones! Let's check out the Morphin Power Pink Ranger below!

Lanard's Revamped FAIRY-KINS!

Fairykins (the Magical Pixies) 28 Piece Play Set - CP Toys - Lanard 2012

When I went to my first Toy Fair several years ago I quickly learned that a byproduct of that event is that you get on tons of mailing lists. Most of the catalogs filling my mailbox were way off-topic for my interests (swingsets, stuffed animals, etc), but one catalog had a Fairykins Enchanted Forest playset that really intrigued me.  A little research showed me that this was yet another Lanard property that had been around for many years (perhaps as a knockoff to Sea-Wees?) but had recently modernized a'la yesterday's Pony Tales review. I found that these small dolls were available in a variety of assortments: single packs, vehicle sets, giant playsets, etc. But unfortunately I couldn't find them anywhere at a decent price.  Then recently I discovered this CP Toys-distributed "all-in-one" playset on Amazon and I finally took the plunge. I think it was a very good purchase.  I love the design of these figures, and I'm obsessed with their firefly steeds. Let's check out the Fairykins below!

Bowen Designs BIONICA!

Bionica: The Bride of Metropolis - Bowen Designs 1999
 
Randy Bowen is a name synonymous with high quality products in the world of pop culture collectibles. I think it's safe to say that most toy collectors have been tempted by a Bowen statue. I have several busts in my collection and even more on my wish list. Randy was the first superstar sculptor I ever became aware of.  He may actually be the pioneer of the character statues and busts that fill glass cases in every comic shop today (although that's hard to prove outright.. this man needs a detailed wiki page!).  This figure is a nice surprise. It's actually the only Bowen Designs action figure I'm aware of. Technically she is labeled as a "fully articulated statue," but c'mon, she's plastic and has lot of joints and accessories - plus she comes carded behind a plastic bubble - totally an action figure! Bionica is an original creation by Randy Bowen himself (Bowen Designs employs many different artists, but this is all him) and is an amalgamation of Maria from Metropolis and Bride of Frankenstein.  Let's check her out below!

Lord of the Rings GALADRIEL ENTRANCED!

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - Series 5 - ToyBiz 2005

One of my favorite scenes in the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy is when even the angelic elf Galadriel shows weakness when exposed to the tempting dark power of the One Ring.  No other scene in the films epitomize the power of the Ring than that short glimpse of its corruptive power.  It was brief, but really made an impact on me.  That's why I was really excited that ToyBiz produced a figure of her in this form.  Full confession:  I saw the trilogy for the first time about 3 years ago, and I only started collecting the toys in 2012.  I've been looking forward to including this figure in a Halloween review all year.  She doesn't necessarily look like Cate Blanchett, but she does look like your everyday spooky witchy spirit lady (the kind that might burst out of your tv at night).  The figure has a cool action feature of light-up eyes, but unfortunately those kind of battery-powered action features are a pretty short-lived novelty when left sitting on a shelf for eight years.  So, yeah, no cool light-up eyes for me...  Anyway, let's check out Galadriel (Entranced) below!

McDonald's Happy Meal - LAVAGIRL!

The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D - McDonald's Toys 2005

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that most fast food toys are total wastes of plastic.  I just know there are landfills teeming with random licensed knick-knacks permanently infused with the smell of french fries (and the environmentalist in me hates that).  Occasionally though, there is real thought and design put into these toys and they become the standouts in the crowd.  In 2005 there was a kids' adventure movie titled The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D.  This movie wasn't well-received for the most part (mostly due to the distracting 3-D effects), but the general plot and creativity of the movie appealed to a lot of kids.  The movie received little to no toy merchandising outside of a few weeks as a McDonald's Happy Meal theme.  The toys were great.  The most exciting ones were straight-up action figures of the two titular characters (even the secondary toys were cool, like shark and lava water squirters).  Kids who loved this film would love these toys.  Let's check out Lavagirl below!

Lord of the Rings ARWEN!

Middle-Earth's Half-Elven Noble Maiden from Toy Biz 2001

Arwen Undómiel is one of the many characters that were given more prominence in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy than they had in either the books or earlier adaptations.  In the book, she played the minor token "princess-type" role and was written out of the 1978 animated movie altogether.  But Peter Jackson saw the potential in the beautiful Liv Tyler's portrayal of Arwen and elevated her to a major character in the trilogy.  Toy Biz released this action figure right away via a 2001 deluxe box set with her horse, Asfaloth.  This same set was re-released 3 years later in 2004, with a single pack release in-between in 2003 (As a part of Fellowship of the Rings, Series 2)  I think this figure is one of the best of all the Toy Biz Middle-Earth ladies, however she is terribly out-of-scale with everyone else in the line.  The detail of the sculpt (especially her hair and the woven embellishments of her coat) are stunning.  I also don't disapprove of the integration of real cloth skirts... and I'm usually a major cloth-hater.