'A' on the waist

Since August last year I have become a little obsessed with Marvel Legends. Ten years ago I started collecting 3.75” Marvel figures, they were great. They were everything I wanted. Then they stopped. Then I realised how amazing the 6” figures had become, Wolverine and Deadpool in particular sold the line to me. I realise now there was a turning point in about 2016, specifically, with the X-Men wave. Rogue, Kitty and Iceman were the start. Though the roots of the improvement were definitely there in 2015 with the ‘pizza’ Spidey and Daredevil figures that were released, I also wish I could have picked up the Guardians set from that year.

I did get in at the right time though, I missed a few 2016/17 figures which I've been able to pick up fairly easily (for the most part). I managed to join the party before the price on Rogue became too high. I did badly on the Walgreens exclusive Fantastic 4 and Silver Surfer though, really should have got those when they were available.

I realise now that it has tapped into something I wasn’t aware of - I wanted a better representation of the 90’s X-Men lineup. I have all of the characters in 3.75”, Cyclops is great, but a few just on’t have the right costume, and some were just plain average. The 6” figures I have are all fantastic.

The problem is working out where to draw the line, I have gone back and forth so many times it’s ridiculous. I tried to explain my thinking, but it changes continuously. Most importantly, I want the X-Men and Spider-Man. Then the Avengers and the Fantastic 4. Then the Guardians. What about Daredevil and Punisher? So many good characters! I think as always, I’m there now. It will change of course, but hopefully only minor changes.

I realised something a bit strange about my collecting, I don’t want Black Bolt because he’s never really done anything in any fiction I’ve seen, but if Crystal, Gorgon, Karnak and Triton were available then I would be all in. Medusa is available though, so perhaps it would work having just the two of them.

Anyway, bit of a milestone: I’ve completed the Fantastic 4. Thing is here! Also Ghost Rider, Silver Surfer, Vision, Iron Fist and Luke Cage. Oh, and Apocalypse! I’ve a small handful of figures to go and then I am ‘caught up’. On Legends at least. That mythical place which exists until I need something else! I've also just paid my invoice for Professor X.

Thing is fantastic (no pun intended). Beautiful sculpt, one that makes me glad I collect Legends. Vision is really adding some colour to my Avengers, he could actually be on the X-Men with his gold yellow cape (I love how the X-Men really pop because most of them have that gold on their costumes). Ghost Rider is also great, he has the Star Lord body, I'm not sure about the light blue stripe, but the headsculpt is great. The bike is good looking as well. The set looks particularly good with a light source behind to light up the flames.

Silver Surfer is great. I originally passed on him on the basis that I have a 3.75" version, why did I need a 6" version. Well...... That extra possibility really lends itself to an excellent surfing pose. He also has an appropriately sized head. Yep, he was needed. Apocalypse to me is the ultimate big bad. Growing up I had no idea who Thanos was, or even Galactus. Apocalypse was the ultimate villain on the X-Men cartoon. I wanted Apocalypse even before I was collecting Legends because the 3.75" scale version just didn't have that presence he needed. This version has it. Plus an 'A' on his waist. He looks bad ass. Oh yes.

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Rather than a 'want' list, I had a go at putting together a 'will ever buy' list, so trying to make a list than covers everything I might want. I went through my Transformers Classics and thought about which I wouldn't mind better versions of. One thing that got me thinking was 3.75" versus 6". Sometimes the choice is down to availability, sometimes numbers (if it's only a couple of characters then might as well go 6", if there's loads of characters then it has to be 3.75"), and finally, how much I like it (I'd buy a 3.75" He-Man figure, but I don't like it enough to get a 6" version). I think even the Ghostbusters I don't quite like it enough for 6" versions, but 3.75", I'd go for it.

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The second trailer for Endgame has dropped, so excited! They could show a character making a cup of tea and I’d be looking forward to it. I’m not going to watch the final trailer, but it’s under 6 weeks now. I think I’ve tried to express this before, but it feels like the end of an era for many of my interests, IDW, MCU, 3.75” Marvel, Masterpiece and Generations. Even Star Wars. They’re all done or very close. They are all continuing of course, but it will be different. I will be different, I won’t have grown with them. I’m not sure I want or need to do it again. I’m excited though, I am optimistic for the future, whatever it brings.

Ten Years

It's exactly 10 years today since I started this blog on Transformers and 'other stuff'. Bloody hell! I can confirm I am still a geek, but where to start on what has changed?! (Apart from the MCU.)

I have responsibilities now, and very little time. I’m not quite sure what I used to spend my time doing. I did spend a lot of time doing customs, most of which have now been replaced. It ultimately helped me learn though so I don’t think it was entirely time wasted. The amount of TV I used to watch on the other hand....

I used to display my Transformers figures according to the Dreamwave factions, which I then tweaked a little. What is quite cool now though is I actually have a toy of every character listed. Mostly Classics, but with a bit of G1 thrown in. I might have to go back to that setup again some day.

It was around the time that 3.75” Marvel really started. I was there from the beginning. Slowly getting drawn in to the point where my original reason for collecting 3.75” (I don’t like Marvel enough to collect 6”), really doesn’t stand up.

I used to spend time putting together wish lists. I think that is part of the natural evolution of being a collector. You realise there are things out there you want to collect, you seek out websites which report on the new stuff coming out, eventually you join a board and discuss the new things being released, but what’s to say? Yay or nay? Naturally you ended up talking about what you want next. I have got damn near everything I wanted back then (especially transformers). I only (thought I) wanted the 84-86 figures, but getting Headmasters has corrected that.

Having spent a lot of time thinking about how sentimental I am about certain figures, and being a list fan, I thought I would list the figures that mean the most to me and I just can’t get rid of. G1 Grimlock tops the list since he came from a mate, as well as being my favourite character. Masterpiece and Animated Grimlock are also up there since I bought them in person. G1 Scorponok was donated by a mate so also significant. Powermaster Optimus Prime was an extremely happy Christmas present from my Mum and Dad. The Classics Skywarp/Ultra Magnus were the last thing I ever bought at a Woolworths, sigh. The Universe Aerialbots are a very happy memory, as is (strangely), Mega Bloks White Ranger. Universe Sideswipe was bought on holiday so irreplaceable (once he has a new head). And finally, I will never forget the day I bought the Lego Ghostbusters firehouse. Good times!

Having really struggled to get my collection organised, I think some advice might be good. Get organised! The longer you put it off the harder it gets. Plan your storage so that everything fits away, put parts, accessories and instructions in the same place. Easily accessible. And for god’s sake don’t keep packaging! But if you must then flatten it.

I have always thought that I am ‘almost done’. I really am not, but occasionally you can finish a collection and it’s incredibly satisfying. There will always be something new, and that is the joy. Here’s to the next 10 years!

Better version?

Having upgraded/replaced Shockwave, who was a prime candidate for a better version, Hound, and gearing up to replace Ironhide, I've been thinking who else needs a better figure. I’m still undecided on Springer.

Top of the list is Sludge. He need need needs to be a voyager. Maybe leader. Slag and Snarl should probably be voyager, Swoop maybe even. But Sludge needs to be big. He looks up to the triple changers. That's not right! Sadly I think an oversized KO is my best hope.

The other four I admit are not nearly so needed. Starscream and Cyclonus. Having them the same size as their respective leaders makes sense, but in both cases, what about the other jets? What about Skywarp, Thundercracker and Scourge? And in fact, Sunstorm, ghost Starscream, the sweeps? I'm happy with those figures! (I'm also happy with the coneheads being deluxes.) Maybe just Starscream and Sunstorm then.

Similarly, Blaster. I've currently got the device label figure who's a fairly good size. He needs to be the same size as Soundwave, so a slightly bigger figure will be needed. Though with voyagers being a bit smaller now perhaps it won't matter too much. I'll see how it looks when I get Soundwave.

Finally, Hot Rod. One of the last 2006 Classics figures still in my collection (I think Ramjet is the only figure who's place is safe). A more modern expressive version would be nice.

Devastator gets an honourable mention since he’s great, but I still wouldn’t mind a figure in scale with the other non-Predaking combiners.

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I’ve got my preorders in for the 2019 X-Men wave. Beast, Gambit, Jubilee and Forge. Can't believe how good that wave is!

Nothing too crazy on the Toy Fair reveals front, Thor and Nightcrawler top of the list. Updated MCU Iron Spider and Mark 50 Iron Man, dammit!  I think I’m going to pass on Siege Jetfire and Omega Supreme. Really hope that’s not a decision I regret.

I’ve bought a few bits and bobs. As well as a fair few preorders, I’ve bought some ball joints for my ongoing Kintaro custom, a 1:18 scale scooter (in red), POTP Windcharger and Titan’s Return Ramhorn. Generally I have concentrated on selling so have calmed down a bit on the Legends. (I may also have settled on what figures I actually want. Maybe)

Siege mentality

I asked myself a question. Well, several questions really. If I lost my entire collection and managed to claim a decent amount of money on the insurance, what would I buy back? It's an interesting question because it completely removes sentimentality. I have a lot of stuff from my childhood, donated by a mate, bought on holiday or perhaps a present. I don't want to get rid of it because it reminds me of something positive, but what if I had no choice?

There's a very good amount of stuff I wouldn't buy again, which begs the question, why keep it? Well, some of the stuff I wouldn't buy again because it would cost considerably more to replace, or in fact, impossible to find. But the other stuff?

Transformers Masterpiece, WST, the Collection reissues, Beast Wars, animal based G1 figures, and somewhat surprisingly to me at least, my 3.75" Marvel figures. I don't think I'd buy them again. There are a few exceptions of course, but generally, I wouldn't. There is a strong argument against getting rid of them which is, I can't be bothered. I wouldn't want to throw them away, I'm not sure I'd want to give them away, but I really couldn't be bothered to sell them. Well, I don't really have time to sell them individually, but perhaps as a job lot?

As I write this, I don't know where I'm going with it. I don't know what I'm going to conclude. I suppose, I should think about it.

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Thinking about my list above, what strikes me is that with WST and Marvel 3.75", I was there from the beginning with both of them. I went out and found other figures that fitted in. I customised. I wouldn't do it again because I don't have the energy, nor the ideas, but they are extremely important to me and I hope I get the chance to further expand those collections.

So I'm not about to get rid of them, but in the near future I am going to have less display room. Marvel Legends, despite being bigger, are a bit chunkier and easier to display so can be switched up more quickly. They make more sense.

Thinking about Masterpiece specifically, I realise that I'm not excited about it for the future. If we got a toy accurate plus Sunstreaker, then that might reignite my interest, but the reason I bought into Masterpiece in the first place was the hope of getting a Sunstreaker to go with Sideswipe (I love Lamborghinis). I really like Sideswipe. But the Sunstreaker just isn't for me, unless perhaps we get a toy version. Masterpiece are like Marvel Legends in that they display very easily and look good without much effort, so they also make sense. The other thing about Masterpiece is that aside from Grimlock, I have no sentimental attachment to them (I haven't opened a lot of them yet......), which makes potentially getting rid of them much easier.

The reissues and animal G1 are interesting because they are the first thing I collected. The reason I am not so enthusiastic about them is because they are complete. But, I don't do anything with them. Buying new figures for a collection keeps your interest, if you don't have that then you need to interact with them in some way. Though Beast Wars came later, the same is true.

I think I need to pack up my collection, have a look at it and see how I feel. Then, see how much space it takes.

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I ordered the Titans Return Clones set recently (after finding the Chaos on Velocitron boxset with Fastlane last year). Despite my best efforts, I prefer the Autobot clones without pink. That has been fairly cheaply rectified (with the Walgreens set). Sadly, I also find myself liking the Hasbro Decepticon clones more than the Takara versions. It's really quite subtle, but the yellow eyes, and brighter purple are just a bit nicer. I always really liked the G1 figures, so it is likely just me being more familiar with the toy colours.

Siege deluxes have hit! I picked up Flywheels because he’s a character that hasn’t had a modern toy yet (well, body at least), but I intend to pick up the others at some point. I think I like it more than Battletrap. I like the colours more, plus I prefer the simplicity. As someone who almost never actually transforms my toys, I’m not too worried about whether the components have individual robot modes. I was messing round with Flywheels at the same time as the Clones, and it really makes me hope the legends sizepoint comes back for the next iteration of the generations line. These are great.

I picked up Siege Sideswipe and Hound. In some ways it was a bit of a panic buy - what if I don’t see them again?! I’m sure I will, but if I’m going to buy them anyway, I might as well buy them now right? First impressions are again very good.

Sideswipe is excellent, he looks great, he's solid, intuitive transformation and good headsculpt. Probably the best Sideswipe ever. But, he's not going to make it into my collection. Firstly, he's a bit short. Secondly, I want a Sideswipe that matches Sunstreaker (I love Lamborghinis), and finally, I don't want to get rid of my Universe Sideswipe since I bought it on a particularly good holiday. What I am going to do though is make a resin copy of the head as I think the headsculpt is the weakest part of the Universe figure.

Hound is also excellent. More G1! I like the darker colour compared to the Universe figure, he also actually has military decals, despite being Cybetronian. I think I will try and remove the silver dry brushing from his legs as I don't think it works so well on the green as it does black. I'm also okay with him being a bit smaller so he will replace my Universe figure no questions asked.

The leaders have also turned up, so grabbed a Shockwave. He also looks great, I am annoyed at having to pay extra for a voyager - the extra money could have bought a deluxe. That said, I was happier to pay the money than not have the figure. He replaces the far too small FOC deluxe, which I never really considered to be anything other than a stand in.

So, overall impressions of Siege are all round excellent. No sign of the micromasters or battle masters, but I'm not too worried. Really looking forward to Soundwave and Ironhide!

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I watched the trailer for the new Agents of Shield series where Coulson is apparently dead, but then isn't. Someone suggested a very intriguing theory. Coulson is a skrull from the Captain Marvel film. It makes sense that a well known character has been replaced, why not Coulson? It puts a very interesting spin on the events of AOS, especially his resurrection. I assume he (the skrull version) will be unaware of his true identity. Really looking forward to Captain Marvel to find out!

Illuminating Avengers

I'm still feeling rather reflective about (almost) getting all of the Legends I want. I have been going through all of the possible things I might want to collect next, Star Wars 6", Lego, but nothing is quite clicking. One thing that does quite appeal would be to collect some Watchmen and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen figures. Maybe a V for Vendetta figure (spot the pattern?!). However, they either don’t exist or it’s not quite right (or complete).

Previously I never thought I would collect Marvel Legends or Transformers Masterpiece, so it’s likely a matter of the right figure of a character being released and suddenly I’m addicted to something again. Collecting takes up money, time and space. I think that is true of any hobby, but it needs to be balanced against the enjoyment gained. If I was getting really philosophical, I’d go as far as to say collecting toys doesn’t help me achieve any of the things I really want to achieve in life, really, it hinders it. I don’t think I’ll ever recount my grandchildren with the story of how I found Cyclops at the local comic shop! Though I do really want the X-Men cartoon lineup in Marvel Legends.......

Perhaps, being a bit more sensible, I think should catch up on the various TPB comics and DVDs I’ve been after. Perhaps a bit of cold turkey for the time being then.

Moving swiftly on, Hawkeye and Ant-Man have arrived. That’s almost my Avengers lineup finished, just need a Thor! Toy fair is next month so that’s something to look forward to.

Hawkeye has ratchet arms which is a little strange, but otherwise a fine addition. Ant-Man is perfect, though I think he looks a little cheap in the retro style packaging. The figure is fine of course, but something about it reminds me of an un-stretched Stretch Armstrong. I think the retro packaging is really cool - I've actually kept it for all of the retro style figure I have, but I think it does subconsciously make me think I'm getting a cheaper product. A boxed figure seems worth more than figure in a bubble on a card.

Black Bolt and Widow have also arrived (Widow in the retro style packaging). Black Bolt also has the ratchet shoulders which makes me wonder whether some of the figures I already have have them as well and I just haven't noticed. Black Widow is pretty good, but unfortunately her lipstick looks like she might have applied it whilst riding a motorbike, the paint application has been applied somewhat higher up on her face than it should have been. A lipstick moustache perhaps.

As has Namor! He’s in his modern costume, which was a custom I was considering doing. I don’t know much about the character, but he’s one that appeals to me. He’s a very good looking figure though, the metallic blue green looks especially nice. When I put him next to Reed Richards, he looks huge. Can't blame Sue for being tempted!

Siege Leader Optimus has been shown off, looks good! I’m excited about it, though I don’t think I’d get one. I like the idea of a matching Optimus and Magnus (assuming it’s built off of the Magnus toy) so will keep an eye on it. Something that does interest me is a Nova Prime repaint, the mock up I’ve seen looks fantastic.

Looking through the upcoming Siege figure, Hasbro will have more or less redone all of  the Classics and Universe characters. I think Hot Rod and Ramjet will be my only remaining Classics figures, Hot Rod hasn't had a solid new version, and with the coneheads, I'm happy to have them as deluxe and the original seekers as voyagers. Assuming I go for the new Starscream that is.

The X-Men wave for the year has also been shown off, Beast, Gambit, Forge and Jubilee. Wow! That’s over half my X-Men wants in one go. Along with Professor X and a rumour of Colossus it’s looking really good for the X-Men.

50 Marvel Legends

‘Twas the night before the night before Christmas Eve and everyone was desperately trying to buy more stuff. Luckily, I was able to find the Siege Voyagers in time for Christmas. I had a choice between Prime and Megs, and went for Megs because there was only one left. First impressions very good, it looks great. He's a good size, weight and suitably chunky. There is the battle damage, which on the black looks pretty good, the stuff on the chest less so. The altmode is a Cybertronian tank so a bit vague, but the transformation is solid. Overall, very excited for the line! I'm going to hold off on Prime, because I want to see what they do with the rumoured leader Optimus. I am rather attached to the idea of Prime and Magnus sharing a core mode if that's possible.

I want to like the new Starscream, but can’t quite convince myself based on what I’ve seen so far. Conversely, I really want to not like the new Omega Supreme because I don't want to replace my Year of the Snake figure, but I have a feeling it's going to be absolutely amazing.

I've opened Bishop and Psylocke (purple hair). Fantastic figures, Bishop's one of my favourites from the 90's cartoon, so it's great to have a figure that does him justice. Psylocke is also very well done. Need to put together the rest of the teams!

Looking back over the last year it’s amazing how Marvel Legends have taken over my collecting, what seems stranger is that it’s at the expense of Masterpiece - I had to save money somewhere, and so I no longer have Masterpiece Megatron or Starscream, and never bought Shockwave or Dinobot. I have gone back and forth over what characters to collect so many times and I’m not done yet.

I've hit a bit of a milestone - 50 Marvel Legends figures. Technically the 50th is a preorder for Professor X, and it's only 33 different characters because several are Iron Man armours or MCU versions of characters, but it feels significant. I've also now ordered Black Widow, Black Bolt, Namor, Ant-Man and Hawkeye. That means I've got 7/8 Avengers from Avengers: EMH, 5/6 of the Illuminati (I love the idea of that group), 3/4 Fantastic 4, 4/9 of the 90's cartoon X-Men and 8/14 of the comic X-Men blue/gold teams. I have 5/7 of the first comic lineup (2008) Guardians, but Gamora is almost unavailable and Quasar/Phyla-Vell seems unlikely (though Genis Vell is coming). The one figure that is available that I need is Thing. Hoping he gets a bit cheaper, but I might have to just bite the bullet.

Now I've pretty much caught up, I'm sure my brain will be working out what to collect next. It hasn't given me any hints what yet, but it's bound to be something which I've quietly admired, but held back on. For the time being at least, it's time to concentrate on getting a Titans Return Fortress Maximus as well as keeping up with Siege.

It occurs to me that these Legends have come at the expense of Masterpiece Decepticons, which I have to admit I would likely have never transformed. Though I’ve spent a lot, I think I have and am getting more enjoyment from the choice I’ve made.

I’ve tried to stay away from ‘want’ lists recently, though I find it hard not to comment when I want a particular figure to complete a particular set. That said, part of the reason is being so close to completion on many lines. There are several figures I want for Classics/Generations Transformers, but I think Scorponok is the essential one. For Masterpiece similarly, Jazz is badly needed. There are others of course. Marvel Universe there are a few, but I have customs lined up so it doesn’t seem quite so necessary. Legends is where I have most of my wants. Most of the X-Men are coming, but I need Jean Grey, Storm and Colossus, plus I need a classic Thor and Doctor Strange. I'd also really like a Nightcrawler since he's my favourite X-Man. If I can get all of those then great!

Sometimes it is fun to put together a 'top ten', as you have to make some compromises. Of lines that aren't running anymore, I'd also love a Classics Tygra and Cheetarah, as well as a Mega Bloks TMNT blimp and (classic) lair. I think of those original figures I mentioned, Jazz and Colossus would have to make way for the latter four. I miss TMNT Mega Bloks, was really hoping for some more sets.

Speaking of TMNT, I’ve picked up Donatello to go with Mikey and Raph, I prefer his skin colour to the other two I have. I’ve realised (like with many toys), the sculpt is great, but the colours and paint are not quite there. I will try and track down Leo (sadly not available in discount stores), then perhaps consider doing a bit of painting.

I’m very happy to have caught up with Legends (bar Thing). I’ve been in the habit of checking eBay and Amazon every day, so there’s a bit of a routine change now. Not sure what I’m going to focus on next - there’s always something that sends me scuttling back to eBay. It occurs to me that so far only Transformers, Marvel and Star Wars really have had the range of characters necessary to really pull me in - for almost any other franchise I’m only interested in the core, generally heroic, characters. Also, I tend to stay from really expensive stuff. There will be something though I’m sure. Happy New Year!

Christmas Siege

Red Swoop! Yay, popped my preorder straight in. Really glad to see they're doing extra figures like this. It does raise the interesting prospect of other extra figures - something from Punch/Counterpunch perhaps? Monstructor or Dinoking? The Ricochet also looks rather good, but will stick with my Million publishing version from RTS Jazz.

I have also finally got round to opening Punch/Counterpunch. He is a great figure, the headsculpt is (are) fantastic. I've heard that you need to swap a couple of pieces round from his shoulders. Having transformed him, it wasn't that obvious to me and given that the problem is with the altmode, I've decided to leave him as he is.

Picked up the Bumblebee cassettes. The Bumblebee looks like a right load of tat! Frenzy and Buzzsaw are nice though. Time to get rid of my 'cartoon' Buzzsaw.

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I've done something a bit strange, I've ordered an Adam Warlock figure. It's a bit random, I like the character, but crucially he was a member of the Guardians in A:EMH. I like the idea of being able to have different incarnations of the team. Really glad I did though, great figure. Looks cracking with the Guardians. Need Phyla-Vell!

I've opened Punisher. I was a bit on the fence about whether to get him, but the alternate head is brilliant - snarling expression and red bandana. The standard head I think looks like it could be Superman. Most of the comics I owned in the 90's were Punisher comics so it seems appropriate to have a figure of him.

I also opened Archangel, I can't deny it, it's a very impressive figure. Really need a flight stand to properly show him off.

I've received the Disney Store Civil War Legends 4-pack. Might as well keep the standard Mark 43 and Falcon, but I really got it for the War machine (the other way of getting the figure being a Target exclusive 2-pack). He's a great improvement over the Mark II. Much chunkier, and I much prefer the matt finish. Stylistically he seem closer to the Mark I. I've popped the old head on him though (with some blu-tac as it's a smaller ball joint.

I've ordered SDCC Netflix Daredevil, primarily for the Matt Murdoch/Charlie Cox headsculpt. And, finally, Kitty Pryde. As with many Legends figures, I really couldn't make my mind up about her. The main stumbling point was that she wasn't in the 90's cartoon. But she was in the pilot, as well as X-Men Evolution, Wolverine and the X-Men and the films. I've decided she's an essential character, and so popped an order in.

I had hoped to be 'caught up' on Legends before Transformers Siege hit the shelves, but alas, Optimus and Megatron are out. I realise my collecting mentality has changed a little, I now buy figures to experience them. With the idea being to see whether I like them. Diamond have (or are about to) release some Real Ghostbusters (cartoon) figures. I did pick up a set of Ghostbusters 2 figures a few years back, but ultimately sold them again. I might have to pick them up. This got me thinking, my Turtles figures are comic based. Do I need some cartoon based figures to match? I saw some 'classic' figures for cheap in a bargain store. Were they still there? Happily they were, Michelangelo and Donatello. I picked up Mikey to see what I thought. The eyes were a bit iffy, but found a figure which wasn't too bad. Very posable, but perhaps just lacking a little something. I think I'll pick up another if I see one.

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Sooo, picked up a Raphael. I like him more, I think the shade of green is nicer. The classic figures are an interesting mix of the toys and cartoon - them being different shades of green is a toy thing. I think I will pick up a Donatello, I'll probably have to buy Leo online.

Netflix Daredevil has turned up. It is a very accurate headsculpt, and does a good job of suggesting Charlie Cox. Kitty Pryde has also turned up, I'm very glad I've got her. Much better headsculpt than the 3.75" figure. Lockheed also sits nicely on her shoulder. I've also got another Juggernaut limb. Truly, I think the 2016 X-Men wave was the turning point for Legends for me, I just didn't notice! So I was a couple of years behind, am all caught up on X-Men now though.

I've decided to go a bit more all out with Legends, sticking with heroes (apart from Venom and Carnage), but all important characters from my favourite cartoons (90's X-Men, Spider-Man plus 2000's Avengers: EMH), plus a couple of select others. Yep, I'm addicted!

I managed to win an auction for the Mark I War Machine! He's a little smaller (like the Mark III and VI Iron Man figures) than more recent figures, but I really like the sculpt, and so for me this lifts him well above the Iron Man Mark VI. Since Hasbro are supposed to be carrying on with the 10th anniversary stuff, I would love it if they did a Iron Man 2 set with new versions of both. Anyway, I now have all three War Machine amours so far. Hoping for a Mark IV figure from the Avengers Endgame line. Speaking of which, the trailer has finally dropped! Marvel are truly experts of their craft. Obviously I can't wait. 2019 is going to be something special, two Marvel films plus Episode IX.

Christmas is almost here, Siege is just starting to hit. Merry Christmas!