New new Thundercats

New Thundercats! Pumyra finally arrived, not sure when the others will turn up but it’s just nice to have a new figure. I wasn’t sure whether to collect the ‘new’ Cats but am happy I did so. Lynx-O then also turned up (and Monkian).

Thinking about the possibility of collecting some MISB Transformers got me thinking about MOSC Marvel figures. I’ve bought a carded Deadpool which made me think maybe I need another Deadpool and so obviously, I need him in his boxers. Obviously.

I built the new(ish) Lego AT-AT, I like the fact that the cockpit looks a bit insect like as well as being a bit more furnished inside - it has chairs.

Also put together a couple more Spider-Men for the collection:

Selects Cyclonus came in, he’s much closer to what I wanted though maybe I don’t need to gun metal to be quite so dark. Definitely prefer it to the lilac colour though.

Legends Quake/Maria Hill came in. Great value for money since it’s two characters that I want toys of but won’t be on display permanently.

I'm watching the new Obi-Wan series and it got me thinking. I’ve always ignored the continuity of the 2008 The Clone Wars series in favour of the 2003 series (yes, that one!). But with Ahsoka turning up in the various Disney+ series this is more of a struggle. I’ve now also watched the Solo film, so I’ve really had to readjust my thinking. All the films are canon as is the 2003 series (for me). So that means Darth Maul must have been around for the Clone Wars and therefore the new Black series figure is fair game! I’ll wait and see whether Ahsoka needs to be slotted in as well. I’ve also preordered Aayla Secura (which I would have done anyway).

I got the new Lego Iron Man armoury and although going in I knew what to expect, I'm still disappointed. There's absolutely no reason for it to be the Mark III rather than the Mark IV. I could suggest that a Black Widow would be better than another Pepper Potts, and a Iron Legion suit would make more sense than another Mark 85, but it's an Iron Man 2 set, the Mark VI would make more sense than the Mark III (even the Mark II would make more sense). It feels like a very cynical set to make money. If I'd have got the Mark IV and maybe another Iron Legion suit I would have spent a lot but at least been happy. As it stands I got the Mark I War Machine at least as well as the Mark 25.

It’s going to be an exciting Summer for Lego, an AT-TE is rumoured, as are a new Sanctum Santorum and maybe an Avengers Tower. The first two of those I’m totally down for, the  last one looks like it could be crazy expensive.

Wobbly

Another little wobble on my Legends collection, I’ve decided I need Black Cat (and Lizard) to complete my 90’s Spider-Man cartoon Secret Wars lineup. The new Rhino came in as well, I actually liked the old one but it wasn’t accurate to anything. Lizard will complete my ‘main’ villains from the cartoon lineup. Actually, I sort of need Chameleon as well but then he could be anyone, even Nick Fury. Or is Nick Fury a Skrull? It all gets a bit confusing.

Another addition to my Diaclone lineup blue Silverstreak. That’s also a bit confusing. But it’s incredible to finally have a version which was such a grail item when I started collecting. And great news from the recent Pulse panel about Delta Magnus, and apparently the upcoming Jumpstarters are going to be Diaclone flavoured also. All good. I’ll try and resist the temptation to trot out my usual list of Diaclone figures I want.

Red this, yellow that, red and silver versions of the other……

I decided to finally open Rhinox, looks good. I think I’ll have the old one in rhino mode due to the wobbly legs, and this one in bot mode.

I finally built my Lego Episode III Jedi Interceptor. One of my favourite vehicles, good to have the pair of Anakin and Obi-Wan’s. It’s quite a significant vehicle in my collecting life as the Transformers Crossovers version (of Obi-Wan) was my first non-G1 figure. I’m also starting on the new (not UCS) AT-AT. Quite a lot of Lego news bouncing around at the moment, hopefully the AT-TE gets revealed soon. Could be an expensive Summer of Lego.

I’ve been looking through my purchase history (again). It’s been a year since I last started a new collection (Cyberverse), and the inevitable catch up. So why hasn’t my spending gone down? I think simply, there is a lot of stuff coming out and given my decision to double up on some of it, it’s not that surprising. My trips to eBay to buy things I suddenly need have decreased, but I’m also collecting more lines than ever. New MCU content explains quite a lot of the trips I have made, though I think I’ve future proofed a little so hopefully that’s it. There’s also a little bit of reaction to new releases and rumoured releases.

This introspection inevitably lead to a review of my collection and I came to what now seems like quite an obvious realisation. Buying doubles of a load of characters is a bad idea! I like the idea of having a character in both modes for a catalogue-esque display, and Siege-Earthrise really lent itself to this, but really, I just want the good guys (mostly cars but I like the mammals and Dinobot too). And for the most part, the Decepticons didn’t get two versions. So, previously it was double up on almost all pre-existing (Diaclone/Microchange/etc) characters in the cartoon, plus BW S1, plus all leader characters. Now it’s just Autobots/Maximals from those series who have an Earth altmode (neatly side stepping the need to double up on Omega Supreme). Jetfire I think is a bit of a grey area, and BW Silverbolt if they ever do him. eBay here I come, again.

A load of Marvel Legends reveals and, my god they’re expensive! Toad is just crazy money. With Spider-Man and Venom they’ve done the old trick of packing them with less desirable characters. They look great though. Glad to get a Peter Parker head and a Venom that can pose in a way that looks like the character normally stands.

Venom was the main figure I wanted to replace, actually the one really. That said, my Sabretooth was on the same buck so I could probably be tempted to replace him. Oh, and I’d like the smiling face for blue Beast. I’ve also been tempted by the new 6” Clone Wars (yes, that one!) version of Mace Windu. The General Grievous would make sense as well but just can’t convince myself on the white/silver deco.

Legacy Skids has finally arrived and….. he’s great. I really like him. He’s short and squat compared to his mates, but I was very happy to find out his wheels fold up into his feet for robot mode. Bring on the Diaclone flavoured repaints.

Palps’ Place

Palps has opened a bar! Inspired by HISHE I finally opened this set, really quite cool. I wonder who will pop in……

Built the Spider-Man/Doctor Strange Lego set. Bit of a strange one (no pun intended), as to where it fits, is it the Sanctum or a place for Peter and his mates to hang out? It actually fits in quite well with the previous Sanctum set.

I put in a massive order with Reprolabels, I actually really enjoyed stickering them up. It’s good to spend a bit of quality time with my toys. I really like the livery for the racing cars and extra details for the emergency vehicles. It’s another reason why I won’t be replacing these figures.

I’ve had my ‘84 and ‘85 toys on display for a little while now, but they’ve been joined by the Movie Autobots and the cartoon Maximals. I’ve limited it to the WFC figures for the time being but I’ll see how I feel.

I got the Sonic Lego, a bit of a repetitive build with the single studs but it looks incredible, this is what I wanted from the Nintendo sets. Bring on a Sonic 2 (and 3) set!

So speaking of Lego I came across some absolutely incredibly exciting rumours. There should be another Iron Man armoury set with War Machine mark I and Iron Man mark IV. Next, there should be a new Sanctum Santorum set, and possibly something else large and Marvel (Avengers Tower?). To round things out, there should be a new AT-TE. This got me thinking and well…… I’ve bought the updated AT-AT set. Doh. But fantastic if these are true.

Another load of Transformers reveals so all round an expensive few days. I’m sold on Menasor now, so combined with Blitzwing and Tarantulas, and Diaclone Magnus it’s all good. I’m not quite sure how Menasor is going to fit into my collection, perhaps I’ll keep the Combiner Wars figures in robot mode and Legacy in combined mode.

To finish up the Sonic theme, Happy Easter!

Back in black

I haven’t got many preorders at the moment, this caused me to look my buying history. A few years ago I was mostly just continuously refining my collections. But, I noticed was that in late 2020 to mid 2021 I started quite a lot of new collections. It started with the 90’s cartoon Sinister 6, then onto the A:EMH Masters of Evil (to be fair, both of those were sub-collections of Marvel Legends). Then in keeping with the 6” theme, I started on cartoon Clone Wars (not that one) Star Wars Black.

Without a pause it rolled into collecting Diaclone inspired repaints of WFC. Then came the big collecting change, doubles of the main (and more) characters to recreate the catalogue pictures.

Then I got into a bit of Mega Construx MOTU, but then this turned into putting together a Lego Iron Man armoury, which rolled into prequel and sequel Lego Star Wars, Marvel (teams and buildings), and New York City inspired Lego.

And to finish I discovered Cyberverse. Looking back I can see what started me off on these paths. A photo of Diaclone toys in robot and vehicle modes. Photos of Mega Construx Battle Cat. Photos of the retro version of Legends Mysterio. Photos and cartoons that sparked something within me, they set off my imagination. Maybe I’m content with my collections now and it’s just a matter of keeping going again, but I have to admit, starting a new collection is where the excitement is. What’s going to tempt me next?

I’ve had most of my collection packed up for almost a couple of years. There’s quite a lot…..  but I don’t think there’s suddenly going to be a big chunk that I decide I don’t want.

I really like my Platinum Dinobots but…. Snarl should have gold chrome rather than silver and…. well, this accident with the SDCC version happened. Yay!

I bought the new Diaclone Ironhide figure, I’m calling him ‘Armorhide’. I put him together with the nonnef bits. Oh and I built the Lego Batmobile. Definitely better than the old version I had, this looks like the 90’s cartoon/Tim Burton version. Back in black…..

Held off a little while with ordering some other stuff but have bought Titans Return Seaspray and a Studio Series ‘86 Sweep (on very dodgy grounds - I wanted to see if I liked the colour better!). I bought the No Way Home/Doctor Strange Lego set, and another Legends Wolverine (slippery slope, I’ve been trying to avoid doubling up on characters). And put in a large Reprolabels order, that ought to do it! Oh and a couple more Sweeps…….

 

Holy Grail (ish)

Black Zarak!!! The G1 is my holy grail and unless they do a reissue this is as close as I’ll ever get. He looks utterly amazing so providing he doesn’t crumble in to gold dust then job done. I hope at some point to get him on display with Fort, Grand and Scorps.

Had a fair few figures arrive, first up though was Blaster. He’s a little bit good looking. A bit of sloppy paint aside, he’s perfect. Then Lift-Ticket, Hoist looks good in red. I really like the mold so looking forward to it in blue and hopefully, yellow. And Perceptor. I’m less worried about the grey/blue than I thought I would be, more turquoise would be nice but it’s fine. Definitely an improvement over the original Generations and probably an improvement over Titans Return. I’m glad I’ve experienced the original though, like many of the original Microchange figures it was a bit special.

I’ve had my last Marvel Legends orders come in. Firstly the SHIELD agents set, new bodies for my Nick Furys, slightly cleaner without the wash, and less wobbly. The Excalibur set came in. Captain Britain looks great and is much more stable on the new buck. Meggan is a bit scary and (having no attachment to the actual comics), and prefer Kitty in her X-Men costume. Feeling a bit anxious about the lack of any Marvel or Star Wars preorders I’ve ordered Baron Zemo. Phew….

SLUDGE!!! He looks fantastic. Can’t wait to get him. Intrigued by the transformation. I think it will be a special moment when I have a complete set of X-Men, Turtles, Thundercats and Dinobots. I’ve got all the X-Men and Donatello should be on his way soon to complete the Turtles…….

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I’ve got all the Turtles! Donatello looks great, no sloppy paint like Michelangelo and much more stable than Raphael. The team is complete, that’s me done with Turtles unless Mega Bloks decide to do any more sets.

Leader SS ’86 Starscream has come in, no particular surprises. I like the mold and the accessories are fun. My other new SS figure (SS ‘BB), is Soundwave. He transformers into a nondescript speeder of some sort, but looks pretty cool. I wonder if I could be tempted by other figures if I actually watch the film?!

Baron Zemo arrived, he looks good and a more A:EMH accurate version than the one I had before, and that’s the most important thing!

And so that’s pretty much all my preorders in. Legacy looks a little while off. Perhaps time for a bit of Lego.

Autobot Heroes

I’ve had Kingdom Rodimus for quite a while, but for some reason I just hadn’t got around to opening him. With the curious exception of Titans, the time it takes me to open a Transformer is proportional to its size/price class. I figured he might as well be my Christmas present to myself and so have finally opened him. He’s not a figure to open on the sofa in low light! I struggled to get him to tab together properly but in the cold light of day, he’s great. He looks amazing so I can’t see myself replacing him.

The other figure I’ve taken a while to open is the other Autobot Hero, Wreck-Gar. He’s also pretty amazing, I’m looking forward to getting Junkheap for him to ride.

I mentioned buying something Turtles related, and it’s here! The reissue blimp. This is something I really wanted as a kid and is at least partially responsible for my interest in zeppelins. I’m hoping to make a little modification to it but will just enjoy it for the time being.

I’ve got an extra Skywarp and Thundercracker so can have one in each mode. I swapped the screaming head from my first set with Starscream so had to swap them all back. Just need Studio Series Starscream to complete the trio again.

I got some Lego for Christmas which got me thinking about my Lego display on my desk. I’d sort of accidentally started a New York theme and so thought I might as well embrace it and bought this. Then I saw there was a new Sonic Lego set. Just my bag! I hope they do a sequel with a bi-plane and Tails (and later another with Knuckles).

January is set to be a crazy month, and first up is Pipes. I’m not sure whether it’s a MTMTE thing but I like him more than Huffer. I might try and make a red visor for him. I got Kingdom Wheeljack, not particularly exciting but it’s to replace the Netflix version - damn battle damage. And…. toy deco Galvatron arrived. Not quite sure which version to keep in robot mode and which one in cannon mode. Looks really good, will need a grey crest though.

Tigatron and Terrorsaur! Some of my most wanted Beast Wars figures. Tigatron clips together very nicely on mine and looks great (grrrr-great). Only slight complete is the incomplete paint applications on his back (the slight browning to make the fur colour more realistic). Terrorsaur is a great retool and the headsculpts are both stellar.

Doctor Strange! One of my most wanted Legends figures so very happy to have him. He looks very 70’s, but with the moustache goes well with Iron Man. The Illuminati are complete (I couldn’t quite be bothered to get Black Bolt and Namor out).

Wow, what a month! I also got a certain Titan, but I’ve not opened it yet.

Super Dinobots

Last month was a quiet month. I started this one by preordering Super 7 Vultureman (where’s Snarf?!), and in fact, all of the ‘new’ Thundercats - Ben-Gali just looked a bit too good. I’ve started making up for last month being quiet now……

Couple of bits have come in, Jackpot and Artfire. (Interesting it wasn’t Stepper.) Jackpot is good looking but destined for life at the back of the Lost Light shelf. Happy to finally have an Artfire. The mold is great and as much as I liked the Universe Inferno mold this one has better proportions. I’ve been looking at pictures of Diaclone toys, really want a yellow Trailbreaker! (And red Mirage and Skids - Target exclusives maybe? And maybe black Tracks.) I assume we’ll get a Crosscut, and it seems that ‘Guard’ is black Ironhide. I think because the yellow Trailbreaker seems the least likely I want it the most!

I’m unable to watch the new episodes (series 4) of Cyberverse but that hasn’t stopped me looking at the wiki page and…. there’s a team of mercenaries so I need Bugbite and Nightbird. Bugbite was quite straight forward, but since I have the 30th version of Arcee I decided to go for the (more expensive) Legends repaint for Nightbird. Rather then the Chromia repaint…. That got me thinking that maybe I need the original (motorbike) 30th version of Chromia. Then just to finish I realise I don’t have a Quintesson. So I managed to spend more in a couple of days than the previous month. Still, all caught up on my Cyberverse collection of non-Cyberverse figures. I’m hearing rumours of an Alpha Trion so could be in the market for that. An Afterburner repaint of the voyager conehead mold might be nice as well!

I watched the trailer for the new Spider-Verse film. Looks good I think, I must see whether the first one is available on Disney plus (it’s not). A few days later a young relative asks to see a picture of ‘Spider-Girl’. (I assume she means Spider-Gwen but we discussed both options.). A few hours later this happened:

Sigh. I must try and see Into the Spider-Verse. I have the other Spider characters in 3.75”, so I don’t ‘think’ I need them all.

It’s been quite an eclectic month, some Turtles (more on that soon), but also Star Wars purchases, a new Palpatine, the new hand accessories are very impressive. He looks great (well, awful really but you get the idea). And some ARC troopers and captain. And Ultimates Slithe. He has some serious heft but I’m really enjoying Super 7’s Thundercats’ mutants. Only a couple more years before I get Monkian and Vultureman.

I looked at the list of upcoming Marvel Disney plus series and have (comic version) figures of almost all the headline characters except….. Ironheart. (I also need a Shang-Chi from the films.)

Finished the year on a Blaster preorder. Awesome, can’t wait. So, 2021, it’s been an expensive year (mostly) due to my doubling up on certain Transformers characters including Victory Saber….. It’s been a good year for Dinobots, I got the Reaction and Pop! Grimlock. I got the G1 versions of the AOE figures, I got Studio Series AOE Grimlock, I got the two G1 Actionmasters, I got the Grimlock repaint of Kingdom Beast Wars Dinobot. I got Cyberverse Slug, Snarl and Sludge. But best of all, Studio Series ‘86 Grimlock and Slag. Bring on the rest. Happy Christmas!