Micro Machines Blind Packs

 

As part of the re-launch of the Micro Machines brand, Jazwares released small blind bags to retail stores. While I never saw them until they were on clearance, I did manage to pick up a few bags from Series 1 and 3. I believe the last series issued was series 4, which included several licensed vehicles.

Like with the previously released 5 packs, chase vehicles are randomly packaged in two different tiers - rare chromed silver and ultra rate chromed gold. 

#161 Front End Loader

#148 Quetzal

#009 Hognose

#006 Morab

As a kid growing up in the 80's I loved Micro Machines...but these just don't have the same feel. I like the idea of blind packaged vehicles and at $1.99 retail it makes for a good impulse purchase. I have picked up a few of the new 5 packs lately and now that they are starting to use real, licensed vehicles the appeal is starting to be there. Good luck if you are still looking for these as it seems Target is the only retail store (at least in my area) that is carrying the miniature brand.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation Eternia Minis - Whiplash & Metallic Whiplash

 

Mattel's Eternia Minis line returns for the new Netflix animation show, Revelation. These small PVC figures are based on the new character designs, of which we'll take a quick look at one of Skeletor's henchmen, Whiplash. Also included in this first wave of figures was a chase version of Whiplash, cast in a metallic green. I'm not sure what the significance of this color is, but since I like the character I grabbed it anyway.

The packaging went a darker route for the Revelation series, which is fitting since the show is a little darker, more serious than the old Filmation show. In the background you have Castle Grayskull from a looking up perspective. The darkness is only broken up by a patch of ominous looking red sky with a single lightning bolt coming down. Across the bottom of the blister is silver ribbon with the character name.

Flip the small package around and you'll see the entire wave of figures including Beast Man, Skelegod and Fisto. The latter is the only character that I didn't pick up as I opted for the version packaged with Stridor, but more on that later.

For the Revelation series Whiplash (like a lot of the character) got a make over if you will. Most likely thanks to Tri-Klops, Whiplash now has a techno like eye and sports some more sophisticated armor. The applied paint apps are done well for a figure this size. He still comes packaged with his familiar orange spear weapon.

The Metallic chase version is devoid of any paint apps. The green plastic comes off a little darker in my pictures than the way it looks in hand. I ended up seeing his figure way more often at retail than I should being that it's supposed to be short packed, but I'm guess people just didn't care for it.

I really dig all of the Eternia Minis thus far and find them to be fun little "desk toys" to distract me from my real job. While the regular release of Whiplash is fantastic, I can only recommend the chase version if you're a completionist or just love the character.

Hot Wheels: Experimentors #06/10 - Loopster

In my older years I've gravitated more to picking up Matchbox and other brands due to more real world designs, however there are some Hot Wheels vehicles that grab my attention and Loopster was one of those. Part of the Experimentors subline, Loopster is something you don't see everyday...a roller coaster car.

The vehicle itself is cast in green plastic with a die-cast metal frame that is painted light blue. There are 4 free rolling wheels with another small pair of wheels molded in behind the front wheels. Inside the vehicle are non-descript people molded in purple plastic. What I didn't realize until later on is there is a variant where one of the people have their arms raised in the air!

One the front and rear of the vehicle is a black plastic connector that allows you to link several Loopster vehicles together, ultimately creating your very on Hot Wheels roller coaster. Because of this feature, I was picking up as many of these as I could find. I think as of this post I'm up to 10 or 12 with two of the variants. It's been all I could do to resist buying some track and making more of a coaster for all of these Loopsters to traverse. To me this is the definition of a fun toy, especially when you have multiples to link together. My inner kid has had a blast with these.

Variant with arms raised

Marvel Legends - What If...? Zombie Captain America

When it was first revealed that a animated What If...? series was coming to Disney+ I was excited. I thought this type of series would be the perfect fit for an animated series since these type of stories are usually short and self contained. I wondered if they would tackle some of the classic stories from the comics or do something else. Would be somewhat cannon within the MCU? After months of waiting the series hit the streaming service and I thought it didn't disappoint. While I've still yet to finish the series, the first few episodes were fantastic...including today's subject material.

 

Hasbro's What If...? Marvel Legends series is comprised of 7 figures, 6 of which contain a Build-a-Figure part for Uatu the Watcher. Zombie Captain America is the one figure in this wave that doesn't come with this extra part or really any extra accessories...however the figure is worth every penny of the new $22.99 MSRP.

Straight out of the package you can immediately see all the gory detail oozing out of this figure. This thing is so freaking amazing. The detail sculpted into this figure is accentuated by the stellar paint apps. From the torn costume to the exposed ribs, blood splattered arm and exposed bones in the legs...this figure is horrifyingly beautiful.

A figure like this is only as good as it's head sculpt...and well this one is pretty good. I love the pupil-less eyes, the slightly sunken in nose and overall the expression show on the face. The little bit of splattered blood below the lower lip and on the chin is the icing on the cake!

You'll notice that the left side of his chest has some gruesomely exposed ribs. This carries over to the rear of the figure as well. Part of his bandolier that holds his shield on his back is also ripped (or is it bitten?) over the exposed ribs. Look carefully below that and you'll see the lower part of his uniform is tattered and ripped as well.

When I saw the detail sculpted in the legs I immediately thought back to the Zombie Viper from the 30th Anniversary G.I. Joe series. The exposed flesh and bone itself is pretty wicked, but the fact that you can clear see through the leg is next level.

I haven't had this much fun with a Marvel Legends figure in a long time. Hasbro I feel as really stepped up their game lately as I've seen a lot of great figures on the retail pegs. It has been really hard resisting getting back into collecting Marvel Legends, but when I saw this figure solicited I knew it would be a instant purchase if I happened to find it locally. Thanks to a Walmart out of town that I visited while on a work trip, Zombie Cap has become a prized collection and centerpiece of my collection. 

I thought these photos in black & white looked pretty cool and is my little nod to the godfather of the zombie genre, the late George A. Romero