Black Mask ~ DC Universe Signature Collection ~ US$18

First up is Black Mask, the somewhat popular Batman rogue whom I discussed the other day. Black Mask is a somewhat lackluster remold that makes use the business suit body but certainly warrants a look given his cool, original headsculpt and status as a Batman villain. Check back on my other article for additional information.

(Included in Club Infinite Earths 2012 subscription)

Dragon Blaster Skeletor ~ Masters of the Universe Classics ~ US$22

Ever heard the age-old idiom, "everything is better with dragons"? No? I'm pretty sure that's a real expression but I'm certain that Dragon Blaster Skeletor is a real figure. It's basically Skeletor... with a dragon on his back. Yes, he also gets a new chestpiece with a chain that connects him to said dragon (which features a ball-jointed head).

Dragon Blaster Skeletor is apparently based on a figure in the previous line. The original shot water but, like most MotUCs, this new version lacks the action figure (despite looking like it may have it?). While not something I'm interested in, I have to acknowledge how awesome it would be to have a dragon backpack. Included with this figure is the third and final mini-comic in the 2012 series.

(Included in Club Eternia 2012 subscription)

Mekanek ~ Masters of the Universe Classics ~ US$22

Mekanek comes with alternate parts for his neck-extending gimmick as well as a club. He's also a good reminder of little I remember about the original cartoon. Supposedly the club was something included with the original toy but not seen in the original cartoon.

(Included in Club Eternia 2012 subscription)

Snake Men 2-pack ~ Masters of the Universe Classics ~ US$44

The Snake Men 2-pack seems like a fairly cool army builder. If you're anything like me, you're probably struggling to remember them from the original cartoon. However, they apparently were introduced to the Masters line after the cartoon had ceased production although they prominently feature into the 2002 series.

The pack is somewhat interesting in that the figures have slightly different sculpts. One is scaly and has two-toed feet while the other has ridges, smoother skin, and three-pronged feet. Both designs are pretty cool, though. The pack includes the four weapons/accessories (dagger, spear, mace shield) and supposedly also has four snake heads (I assume that means 2 open-mouth, 2 closed-mouth and counts the ones currently on the figures).

(Included in Club Eternia 2012 subscription)

Superman ("Hereafter"), Vandal Savage, & Batman ~ Justice League Unlimited ~ US$30

This month's Justice League Unlimited pack is based on the 2-part episode "Hereafter", in which Toyman zaps Superman into a future where Vandal Savage's evil plot has inadvertently left him the only living human on the planet. Regretting this outcome, Savage decides to help the powerless (due to a change in the sun) Superman return to his own time to thwart the younger Vandal Savage. Oh, and Lobo temporarily "joins" the Justice League... with hilarious results.

The pack features an episode-specific Superman, a generic (albeit appropriately attired for the episode) Vandal Savage, and a somewhat wrongly colored Batman (the colors looked a bit darker in the cartoon). The Superman is a neat alternate design. It's a little disappointing that he didn't come with his machete/sword or anything, though. Savage, being integral to the episode, is something of a necessary inclusion in the pack. I'm really not sure why we're getting another Batman, though. Overlooking that Mattel didn't create one of the future characters, they could have instead just gone with any of the numerous cameos from this episode. Instead it looks like they were just struggling for a third character and, when in doubt, went with Batman again. Between that and the US$30 price tag, the pack seems like something of a rip-off.

Tully Blanchard ~ WWE Legends ~ US$20

Tully Blanchard is a former member of the Four Horsemen (the wrestling stable, not Mattel's sculptors although I can see how that might be confusing) and has held numerous championship titles.

Zodac ~ Masters of the Universe Classics ~ US$22

Zodac is being reissued this month. I have no opinion on this figure. Apparently he's a neutral character and I've never trusted neutrals. Who knows what neutral plot they may have up their sleeve?

At any rate, the only item I'll likely buy from this lot is Black Mask and, as mentioned in the other post, I'll likely wait for him to show up in one of the bigger sales like a Cyber Monday or something. Anybody out there planning on picking something up this sale?

[ Matty Collector sale ]