LOEB - Gee, Thanks!

This week's League of Extraordinary Bloggers assignment.

Next week we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for?

What am I thankful for?

First of all – the genius and courage of George Lucas for bringing his vision to reality back in the 70s.

Second, Alan Ladd Jr. from 20^th Century Fox for greenlighting Star Wars.

Third, for Bernard Loomis at Kenner for greenlighting what would be the most impactful product to a young 7 year old’s life, and countless like me.

Fourth, to Don Levine and team at Hasbro who made GI Joe…GI Joe, GI Joe, Fighting Man from head to toe.

Fifth, to Larry Hama who resurrected GI Joe in such a cool and monumental way in the early 80s. I marvel at the breadth of figures and vehicles, the comic, the TV show, loved it all, even though I was maturing out of toys at the time.

For my older brother. We rarely fought as kids. We played. A lot. Especially with these toys. Lots of great memories.

For my parents who bought me these toys. Wasn’t spoiled because we didn’t have a lot, but enough to have a thoroughly enjoyable childhood.

For not having video games while growing up, so I could play.

For all the other toy companies out there that took risks, especially during the late 90s and 2000s. Many didn’t survive, but what a lineup. Kenner, N2Toys, Resaurus, NECA, McFarlane, and countless others. Many of the lines are so obscure and would never even get past development today.

More postings from fellow Leaguers!

• AEIOU and Sometimes Why
• D.I. Treasures
• Primordial Badger’s Media Hoard
• Retro Robot Review
• The Nerd Nook
• Cool & Collected
• Goodwill Hunting 4 Geeks
• Diary of a Dorkette
• Batfan

Finally - Enemy Combatants

One of my pet peeves is that many toy lines (especially modern toy soldiers) don't have enemy combatants. Too politically incorrect!

See my earlier pet peeves - Pet Peeves

Well, finally, someone has taken a chance to bringing some bad guys to the 54mm plastic toy soldier world: Armies in Plastic! http://armiesinplastic.com/

I first found Armies in Plastic when I was searching for modern style army guys to do a World War Z diorama. Armies in Plastic has a wide variety of conflicts represented, and like many toy soldier companies, the vast majority are WWII or before. Their modern sets were pretty darn good and they come in three different colors.

Anyway, a few months back they said Taliban were coming. They just started shipping and they are fantastic. They come in six poses and three different colors - Blue, Rust, and Black.

I also purchased some turn of the 19th century Afghan warriors. They actually fit right in carrying rifles.

Will be doing a diorama soon with these and the tan modern US Forces.

Oh yeah - they are $15 a box for 20 figures and there are always great deals on the website like Buy 3, get 1 Free, or Buy 5, Get 3 Free. Worth the money!

Star Wars 6 Inch Black Series: Series 2

Love these things. Love the size. Series 2 arrived yesterday in the mail and it did not disappoint. Can't wait for the next ones.

Series 2 features Han Solo, Greedo, Boba Fett, and Slave Leia. Nice assortment. The Boba Fett is well crafted, and having a showdown with Han and Greedo is pretty cool as well.

The accessories for Han are particularly great. Blaster, stormtrooper rifle, stormtrooper belt, belt and holster and an extra set of hands.

LOEB - Movie Monsters

This week's assignment from the League of Extraordinary Bloggers.

Simply...Movie Monsters.

Admittedly, I don't collect anything from the traditional, classic movie monsters (Frankenstein, Dracula, etc). So I tried to think of a movie monster I did have....I finally purchased one of the Holy Grails of toy collectors. 

Here we go! Enjoy!

THIS THING IS FREAKIN' MASSIVE!

That's a 12 inch Gentle Giant Greedo to compare scale.

The cat says..."You shall not pass!"

Nevermind - you can pass!

Brian shares some vintage Monster Times magazine!