VeggieTales Series 1 Blind Bag: LarryBoy

This may be one of the more "from left field" type of posts that I've ever posted. Earlier this year while hanging at the beach with my brothers we made a trip to the local Ollie's discount store while staying in Myrtle Beach, SC. As we were in the line to checkout, I noticed on the shelves by a nearby register a box of little blind bags. I couldn't tell exactly what they were from where I was standing, so I hand my brother hold my space in line so I could check them out.

Low and behold they were collectible mini figures of the children's CG animated show, VeggieTales. If you aren't familiar with VeggieTales, they are, well, vegetables that that tell all sorts of stories...mostly with a Biblical flavor. 

I flipped over a package and I saw that there were 6 different randomly packaged characters, one of which was the "super hero" LarryBoy. I then noticed that each bag had a small hole so if you looked closely enough you could figure out which character was in the bag. Being that 4 of the 6 characters were green, you did have to feel the bag a little to determine Larry from Junior Asparagus, etc...but finding LarryBoy didn't prove to be too difficult.

These little vinyl figures measure anywhere between one to two inches tall. I was surprised at how nicely sculpted the figure was. The paint applications are pretty good too. Sometimes on these cheap little blind packaged toys the quality can leave a lot to be desired.

The LarryBoy character is especially goofy, which is why I sought him out in the box, however now that I have him I have no idea what to do with him! None the less, this is a quirky, but fun little purchase and well worth the $.79 I paid.

Loyal Subjects Transformers Action Vinyls (Wave 3): Rumble

During the height of blind packaged collectible popularity, a small company called Loyal Subjects  acquired the licenses for several popular 80's brands. One of these was of course Transformers. When these were initially launched I grabbed one out of curiosity and I just wasn't that pleased. I watched from a distance and saw that their build, style and quality seemed to improve. First with the GI Joe brand, then others. When I was ready to give them another chance, I couldn't find them at local retail anywhere! 

Fast forward to a few months ago where I found a few boxes from the 3rd wave at a Five Below discount store. I believe they were priced at $4 each. Unfortunately several of the boxes had been opened and the foil bag inside punctured to reveal the toy inside...or the boxes were outright empty. I found 2 boxes that were still firmly intact so I grabbed those.

 

Wave 3 features 10 more Generation 1 Transformers: Bonecrusher, Rumble, Trailbreaker, Scrapper, Swoop, Blitzing, Laserbeak, Longhaul, Wheeljack and Sludge. Chase figures (Sunstreaker, Hound & Frenzy) once again are randomly inserted at various odds.

One of the two boxes that I purchased that day ultimately yielded Rumble...yes, Rumble, not Frenzy. I'm not here to get into the long time "RIBFIR" debate, so why don't we look at the toy?

If you aren't familiar with these Action Vinyls, they are small, deformed versions of the popular characters. They have limited movement...at least the Transformers do. He came packaged with his arms and guns sealed in separate bags inside the larger foil bag. He assembled very easily with the pile drivers pegging into the holes on this side and the guns pegging into his bag.

The sculpting on the head is fantastic, from the shape of the "helmet" to the facial expression. The paint apps are spot on and applied with care. There is no mistaking who this is supposed to be...again, I'm not going down that alley!

These are small, fun and inexpensive little collectibles. If I had a work desk I'd say they would make as a good "desk bot". I've worked the few of these I have into my collection by placing them on shelves throughout my office/hobby room and they blend in perfectly.