Hot Wheels: 2022 Mystery Models Series 3, #2 - '55 Corvette (chase)

 

'55 Corvette (chase)

One of two chase models in Series 3, this was one that I sorely wanted to add to my Corvette collection. Already owning one version of this model (yellow), it looks so much better in red. The chase models fall one per box or two per case so it's a little easier to track down. I've found two of them, but quit searching after I found the second one. It's a great casting and the white racing stripes combined with the white wall tires makes it look that much more fantastic. Highly recommended, if you can find it!

Hot Wheels: 2022 Mystery Models Series 3, #3 - Volkswagen Beetle (chase)

 

Volkswagen Beetle (chase)

One of two chase models in Series 3, this was another that I sorely wanted to add to my VW collection. The chase models fall one per box or two per case so it's a little easier to track down, this one especially since the shape of the vehicle is so unique. I forget which year this Beetle is based on, but it's a great casting. The German deco on this version is fantastic. Highly recommended, if you can find it!

 

Tomica Earth Granner: Gao Granner Shark #GG04

This review is very long overdue as this piece was purchased to go along with the Kizuna Gattai DX set that I looked at back on 04/14/21. The DX set came with 3 pieces, yet Gao Granner Eagle in the set was without his combining "pants". This is where Gao Granner Shark comes into play. The back of the packaging perfectly displays this combining ability.

Gao Granner Shark's animal form is that of a robotic shark. It's very chunky and has wheels so it doubles as a vehicle I presume. The fins are not integrated into figure and are separate pieces, that and the large black robotic feet hanging off the bag detracts from the overall look in my opinion. The different hues of blue mesh well with the soft metallic gray plastic. The large gun mounted on the top can be removed, but the gun includes the top shark fin.

Now obviously an eagle and a shark don't really have much in common, but these two do look rather good combined. The combination process is pretty straight forward as the eagle forms the top half while the shark forms the bottom half. There is some minor parts forming with these sets, such as the eagle feet attaching to the combined forms feet. 

This was a fun line that seemed to be rather short lived. There are multiple Gao Granner characters to chose from and all of them interchangeable with each other. This aspect makes these toys fun, as does the interconnectivity with the smaller Tomica cars. As the time of this post, I believe you can still track these down on the secondary market if you wish. I do have one other set that I (eventually) plan on sharing.

GI Joe: Cobra Ferret (Forever Clever Building Set)

Oh boy, here we go again. Today we take a look at another GI Joe building set by Forever Clever. When I first saw things showing up at various bargain stores around me I was excited. I like building sets (LEGO, Mega Blox, etc.) and I'm a fan of GI Joe so what could go wrong? Well, everything. I should have learned my lesson with the first set I reviewed, but I didn't. 

This set contains 45 pieces and comes packaged with a Storm Shadow mini figure...however is it really Storm Shadow? I thought it was Firefly as the figure is gray, but it's labeled as Storm Shadow and he's also on the box art. The cardboard used for the box is very thin and cheap, I've seen plenty of these sets in stores that had their packaging trashed or punctured.

In addition to the Storm Shadow mini figure, the package contains a instruction sheet and sticker sheet. The set is rather easy to build, but if you plan on apply the stickers you can forget about that. They are printed on a very thin paper and the adhesive isn't sticky. You also run the risk of the set literally falling apart in your hands if you apply too much pressure trying to apply stickers. If you thought Hasbro's old Built To Rule (BTR) sets were bad, these take the cake. 

One of the rubber tires had so much extra plastic that the wheel couldn't even properly fit. Most of these sets too don't even accommodate the included figure. There is a "seat" on the Ferret, however it has those grid type pieces over the brick pegs so the figure can sit or stand. The design of the actual Ferret isn't wholly bad, it's just bad execution.

If there is any redeeming quality of these sets it's the mini figures. They aren't quite LEGO quality, but they aren't bad. The heads have a small nub for a nose and the back of the legs are a little hollow. Paint apps are done pretty cleanly. I ended up keeping this figure and tossing the actual Ferret in the trash. 

Since I picked up the initial batch of sets, I've seen some of the newer sets such as the Mean Dog and Tomahawk. I have to admit I did pause for a brief second to consider buying them, then I came to my senses and moved on. Even the figures aren't enough of a reason to buy these horrible sets. Buyer beware!

Tomica: #23 Nissan GT-R

A lot of the vehicles released in the Walmart Exclusive Tomica line were straight up Japanese vehicles, so it was refreshing to see a vehicle in the series that I was more familiar with. That said this model of the Nissan GT-R is a fantastic looking car and the burnt copper metallic paint looks great on this vehicle.

This is a great model, from the sculpting to the paint color, however I'm not fond of the bright orange interior. I guess it matches the exterior paint somewhat, but it's not my cup of tea. Maybe if the windows were tinted to hide the orange more I'd like it a little better. None the less Takara Tomy did a great job w/ this release. The opening doors is just the icing on the cake. I added this one to my Nissan collection as it goes with side by side with other GT-Rs I have from the Hot Wheels line.

GI Joe: Valor vs. Venom - Cobra Alley Viper II & Cobra Viper

 

I liken the Valor vs. Venom line of GI Joe to Cybertron of Transformers as it was the 3rd line in a connected series. Starting with GI Joe vs. Cobra and then Spy Troops, Valor vs. Venom continues the story of Joe versus Cobra, however this time Dr. Mindbender and his experimental V-Troops take center stage. That's not the say that mainstays from the Cobra ranks don't also make an appearance, such as this pair of Vipers.

By the time Valor vs. Venom rolled onto store pegs/shelves, figure two packs weren't necessarily new. However troop builder packs weren't something Hasbro did very often, much to the chagrin of the fans. Blazoned in bold black/yellow letters on the package, you knew this set was meant for those who like to build their armies of faceless characters. The blister bubble showcases both figures white some partial artwork for each character inserted in the middle. The back side of the package showcases larger artwork for one of the characters, this time the Alley Viper II, along with a story blurb. Below that is a cross sell of other characters offered in the line.

The bottom of the package contains Battle Points, which were meant to be clipped and saved for future mail order redemptions. Long time Joe fans will remember Flag Points from the original A Real American Hero series and these Battle Points are basically the same thing. I can only remember two mail away figures offered by Hasbro during this time, these points would help you be able to add these exclusive figures to your collection.

You may have noticed the back of the packaging lacked file cards, that's because they were printed on the cardboard insert inside. This was a nice move by Hasbro, but I would have preferred the cards already be clipped as I don't always have the steadiest of hands with it comes to cutting things out. I like the layout of these file cards as it gives them plenty of room to dive into the character. The included barcode and faux magnetic strip across the bottom of the cards give it a nice finishing touch.

Also included in each figure package was a small mini comic. It's been a very long time since I've read one of these, but I found the comic to contain quite a bit of story than I remember. The artwork is also well done, though I didn't recognize the artist...probably a Hasbro in house artist.

I never was the biggest fan of Cobra's urban trooper, the Alley Viper. For whatever reason this trooper just didn't click with me. This is the 2nd version and features a toned down color/deco from the original first found in the ARAH series. His accessories include two silver SMG guns and a black knife. The figure stand you see is not included, but used as the figure was hard to stand without some sort of support. This version of the Alley Viper sports a blue suit with gray armor bits on the shoulders, forearms and legs. The yellow parts on his shoulders and mid-section help add some extra color, but was it really needed? I like the head sculpt, but I feel as if a removable visor would've really help this figure that much more. The SMG guns work well with this figure, but sadly the included knife does not fit in the gray sheath on the chest of the figure.

Down the side of his right leg is a silver snake emblem. If this looks familiar to you it should as it's been used in the past, most notably on the ARAH Moray Hydrofoil. I find this a little out of place as the Alley Viper is more of a urban or city trooper.

The figure that favored in this two pack, and I'm sure others as well is a new take on the classic Cobra Viper. Now sporting a maroon look with purple highlights and black gauntlets and boots, this was one of the best looking army builders in the whole series. His accessories include an odd weapons storage pod, machine gun and a small knife.

This is a great two pack to kick off anyone's troop building with, though I believe the Viper to be the superior of the two for many reasons. Thankfully this set is fairly easy to find today on the secondary market and isn't too pricey.