Jess and I love "Stranger Things". In fact, Jess cosplayed as Barb last year at FanExpo! So, when I found Pop! figures from the series at 401 Games in Toronto, I had to pick one up. Believe it or not, the Chase version of Eleven with her blonde wig is $75! That's why the following review is only for the regular version, which has her holding her beloved Eggos.
Well, I hope you enjoyed that. More is coming, so stay tuned!
Did you know I speak French? No? Well, I do. It's my third language. But, isn't French Canada's official second language? Why, yes, it is. So, why is it my third? It's because I'm of Chinese descent and my parents taught me both English and Cantonese Chinese before I learned French in school. Why is this important? Because I speak some French in the following review of the Funko Pop! figure of Jess' favourite Disney villain - Gaston from "Beauty and the Beast". Enjoy!
Happy New Year! During my first visit to Silver Snail Comics in 2017, I happened upon a case of Masters of the Universe Action Vinyls. As you know, I loved the Power Rangers Action Vinyl I got from Hot Topic last year, so I just had to pick up one of these. I hope you enjoy the impromptu review I shot using my cell phone. ^_~
Thanks for watching and stay tune for more In Box coming soon!
Hey, peeps! Mike here, and now that Jess and I are back in Canada, it's time to get back to reviewing things in boxes. ^_~
So, I was at Silver Snail Comics in Toronto just the other day when I happened upon a case of Mystery Minis featuring characters from "Captain America: Civil War". As I was quite blown away by that movie, I just had to pick up one of these blind boxes!
On the back of the box were the possible characters I could get.
I really wanted Black Panther, Winter Soldier, or Agent 13 and quickly opened the box to see who I got.
What I found was the black packaging shown above. I think it's there to protect the figure's paint job, which I appreciate. So, who did I get once I opened the bag?
Oh, phooey! It was Iron Man. Here's a closer look.
First off, the figure looks great. I love overall "chibi" design of it and the pose is classic Iron Man. The plastic has a sturdy feel to it and the paint was applied quite well. I didn't find any misaligned paint anywhere on the figure. The head is attached via a spring that isn't easy to pop off the body. My only criticism is that if you turn the head, the spring "pops" from position to position instead of allowing for a smooth turn. This is a little annoying because when I tried to align the head to an angle I liked, it took turning it around over and over and over again until finally, after about 5 minutes, I got it just right.
Overall, despite not getting any of the figures I wanted, I was still quite impressed with the quality of the one I got. I can definitely recommend picking one up if you're into Mystery Minis.
Hey, everyone! Mike here, and on a recent visit to Hot Topic, I came across something that got me very, very excited. Here, have a look.
That there is a Hot Topic Exclusive Power Rangers Action Vinyl by a company called The Loyal Subjects from Los Angeles. I had never seen a Power Rangers blind box toy before, so I just had to pick it up. Here's a better look at the design on the front of the box.
On the sides of the box, I was shown that there are 8 possible figures I could get. Here they are.
Personally, I really wanted either the Yellow Ranger or the Green Ranger. However, I would have been happy with anyone.
When I opened the box, I found a silver bag with great Power Rangers designs on both the front and back. Check'em out.
So, who did I end up getting? Here's what I found when I opened the silver bag.
YES! It was the Green Ranger! Woohoo! Here's the figure with all the accessories laid out.
Yes, Tommy's ponytail is removable. Ha ha! And, here's a better look at the figure from the front and the back.
The details are phenomenal for such a small vinyl figure. The black parts that make up the "Stealth Edition" components look great. The build quality is also pretty high as the figure and its accessories feel quite sturdy. I especially love that the helmet actually fits on the figure's head and is not just another head, making it an actual helmet for the figure.
My only criticism is that despite there being quite a few points of articulation, which is great, I found the knee joints to be a little poorly thought out. They just allow you to turn the bottom half of the legs horizontally, but do not allow for any bending, making it awkward when trying to stand the figure up. This is very evident in the shot of the back of the figure above.
All in all, this is an incredible collectible vinyl figure and I would highly recommend you get one if you're a fan of Power Rangers.
Hi! Mike here, and for the past few months, I've been seeing cute little Minecraft figures for sale at Walmart that come in blister packs and blind boxes, the latter of which are definitely of interest to me since I'm a fan of the game and I certainly love blind boxes. But, the $3.49 + tax price tag made me hesitant... until today!
I bought 2 of these suckers and brought them to the office with me to take photos during my break. Here are a couple more pics of the box, showing what figures are in Series 3... Wait! There were 2 other series before this? Wow, I definitely didn't pay close enough attention to these toys.
Based on the non-random 3-packs they also sell at Walmart, I already knew the size of the figures in these blind boxes. Considering their size, I honestly wondered how many figures there would be in them. I mean... they're kind of big. They wouldn't use such big boxes for single figures, right?
Yes. Yes, they would. Here's another shot of the Iron Armor Zombie I got in front of the large-ish box.
Despite the wasteful size of the packaging, I have to admit that the box design is very nice. I also like how, according to some web sites I found, you can tell what figure is inside the box if you look at the code underneath...
Yeah, that's apparently the code for an Iron Armor Zombie underneath the bar code numbers. Just Google "Netherrack Series 3 Codes". It's ridiculous how these are false blind boxes.
Moving on, the Mini-Figure itself is pretty nice. I like that it's designed as a "chibi" version of Minecraft. The plastic feels sturdy. The paint job is mostly good with some smudging on the helmet. I'm impressed.
In my second box, I got a Skeleton Horse.
I love the details on this figure, especially the vertebrae.
I also like putting the Iron Armor Zombie on its back.
Adorable! I'm having a cuteness overload right now!
The thing, though, is that in the end, I honestly don't feel that the toys, cool as they are, are worth the price tag. LEGO Minifigures are just $0.50 more and you get multiple pieces, articulation, and... It's LEGO. I know Minecraft is super popular right now, but I feel like they're charging $1.75 for the figure and $1.75 for the box. These Mini-Figures should cost $2.00 plus tax each at the most.
All in all, the Minecraft Mini-Figure Netherrack Series 3 blind boxes are pretty awesome toys, but a big waste of packaging and not worth the price. Get them on sale or if you don't mind spending that kind of money.
Thanks for reading and I'll be back soon with more reviews!
When I received my Loot Crate four days ago, I knew I was in Tribble. I mean, err, trouble. Work has been on the crazy side lately, and with a little less than four days to write this blog entry, I didn't think I would make it before the month ended. Unfortunately, my worries were correct in the end, so I would like to apologize for the lateness in letting you all know what was inside my personally most anticipated Loot Crate.
Honestly, with my out-of-this-world workload, it felt like an early Christmas when I opened this box. Now, for those of you who haven't heard of Loot Crate, it is a monthly subscription box that caters towards "nerds" and "geeks". Each month, subscribers get a themed box of 6 to 8 items. What's interesting is that Loot Crate has different subscription programs. Here's a breakdown:
1 Month Plan - $19.37 USD / $29.95 CAD per month
3 Month Plan - $55.11 USD / $84.00 CAD per 3 months
6 Month Plan - $105.99 USD / $162.00 CAD per 6 months
SEPTEMBER - GALACTIC
When I saw the preview for the September box, I was ecstatic. The Enterprise? The Millennium Falcon? The Serenity?! Geez, were they trying to give me a heart attack? So much awesome. So little box space. What did I get in my Galactic Loot Crate?
- Loot Crate Mini Magazine ($2.00 CAD)
- Loot Crate Theme Pin ($0.75 CAD)
- Star Wars Magnet ($5.00 CAD)
- Han Solo in Carbonite Poster ($5.00 CAD)
- Limited Edition Mal Mystery Mini ($12.00 CAD)
- Firefly Replica Money ($5.00 CAD)
- Alien ReAction Figure ($15.00 CAD)
- Limited Edition Tribble Plush ($10.00 CAD)
- Halo Digital Comics ($10.00 CAD)
- Pop Rocks ($1.00)
- Savings Sheet
Custom Loot Crate Box
After August's Heroes box, I was expecting the custom Loot Crate box designs to stop for a long while. I was pleasantly surprised to discover I was wrong. I'm thoroughly impressed with the Loot Crate Gurus since they clearly know how to make nerds / geeks happy.
Loot Crate Mini Magazine
I have been a fan of the Loot Crate Mini Magazine since my first box. The September issue has some great articles and a pretty cool cover. I love how it's almost like Ripley's trying to put her mech hand on Darth Vader's waist. Cute.
Loot Crate Theme Pin
We once again got a pin that was printed at the right brightness. I'm a little sad that the Tribbles got cut off from the design, but at least we got Mal and R2-D2 in there!
Star Wars Magnet
I love this magnet! For those of you who aren't old enough to know, this is a crossover between Star Wars and Asteroids. I remember going to my friend's house when I was a kid to play Asteroids. Fun times... Now, I feel old! :p
Han Solo in Carbonite Poster
This. Is. So. Cool. That is all.
Limited Edition Mal Mystery Mini
I love how Loot Crate doesn't just partner with companies, they also get custom, limited edition items made. The regular Mal from Funko's Science Fiction Mystery Minis set carries a handgun. The custom figure Looters received is of Mal holding a shotgun. Shiny!
Firefly Replica Money
As if a limited edition Mal figure wasn't enough shiny for one box, Loot Crate added some cold, hard space cash...
Alien ReAction Figure
I've been eyeing the multitude of Funko ReAction figures at Silver Snail Comics and 401 Games for a while now, and the Alien figure has been at the top of my Most Wanted list. Leave it to Loot Crate to actually send me one! :D
Limited Edition Tribble Plush
Seriously, how much more awesome can this Loot Crate hold?! I've always wanted a Tribble plush, but they're always either sold out or overpriced. Now, I not only have a Tribble plush, but I also have one in a colour and in a box that only Looters get!
Halo Digital Comics
I read most of my comics on the Comixology app these days, so needless to say, I'm a fan of digital comics. Receiving 3 issues of the Halo comics series by Dark Horse is a very welcome surprise.
Pop Rocks
Loot Crate really knows how to win me over with food. I haven't had Pop Rocks since I was a kid. Yummy!
Savings Sheet
Although I won't be using any of the savings on the Savings Sheet, I still appreciate Loot Crate including them. It's nice to know they are trying to help nerds save some cash.
OVERVIEW
The Galactic Loot Crate is now my absolute favourite box since I started my subscription. I liked everything. EVERYTHING! Plus, I can't decide whether the Alien figure or the Tribble is my favourite item in this box. Maybe I'll eat some more Pop Rocks and sort it out afterwards. Om nom nom nom. Seriously, though, I'm impressed. Loot Crate is getting everything right. I sincerely hope they keep it up.
Halloween is around the corner, so it's not surprising that the October box's theme is going to be "Fear". I love all things Halloween, so I am super excited! If you're interested in learning more about Loot Crate, please check out their Web Site. If you would like to subscribe, you can get 10% off using the code FEAR
Thank you for checking out my blog. See you again real soon!
HAPPY CANADA DAY! Mike here, and it's July. Yes, it is July. So, why am I writing this blog post about the June Loot Crate in July? It's because I received my Crate yesterday. I am not happy about that. My buddy Ryan got his box over a week ago. Usually, mine shows up either a day before his or 2 to 3 days after. When I checked the USPS and Canada Post web sites, they both originally said my box was to arrive on the 26th. However, on the 26th, the date was changed to a shocking July 2nd! I was extremely close to writing a letter to Loot Crate when my box finally showed up. I may actually still write them, but at this point, I'm just glad to HAVE a Crate. Anyway, I'm sure you guys have already read some other blogs or Tweets about people's unboxings, so if you do take the time to read through my post, thank you! I appreciate your support very much. :)
For those of you who haven't heard of Loot Crate, it is a monthly subscription box that caters towards "nerds" and "geeks". Each month, subscribers get a themed box of 6 to 8 items. What's interesting is that Loot Crate has different subscription programs. Here's a breakdown:
1 Month Plan - $19.37 USD / $29.95 CAD per month
3 Month Plan - $55.11 USD / $84.00 CAD per 3 months
6 Month Plan - $105.99 USD / $162.00 CAD per 6 months
JUNE 2014 - TRANSFORM
With Michael Bay's fourth "Transformers" movie opening in June, Loot Crate's decision to make the June theme "Transform" was a no-brainer. Plus, with Nerd Block giving its subscribers a set of Transformers KREO figures back in April, it was only a matter of time when my current favourite subscription box responded with some robot love of their own. Here's a list of what I got:
- Loot Crate Mini Magazine ($2.00 CAD)
- Loot Crate Theme Pin ($0.75 CAD)
- Crossover T-Shirt ($15.00 CAD)
- Transformers Vinyl Figure ($10.99 CAD)
- Transformers Hexbug Nano ($7.99 CAD)
- Transformers Sticker ($0.50 CAD)
- MLG Wrist Sweat Band ($4.99 CAD)
- MLG Sticker Sheet ($0.75 CAD)
- MLG Voucher ($5.00 USD Digital Value)
- Lemon Warheads x 3 ($0.75 CAD)
Loot Crate Mini Magazine
Last month, Loot Crate decided to go digital with their mini magazine. I'm guessing people didn't like that because they switched back to a paper edition this month. Personally, I don't mind either way. If it's digital, it saves space. If it's physical, it adds monetary value and is cool, but over time, I don't know what I'd do with it. Still, it's the content that matters, and this little booklet has that in spades.
Loot Crate Theme Pin
One of the reasons I was really excited to get this month's Crate was because of the really cool design of the 1337 bus Transformer that I knew would be on the pin. Unfortunately, as with last month, the printing factory made the design way too dark. I had to Photoshop my photo of my pin in order for you to see more details, and even then, it's not that clear. That's 2 months now that Loot Crate has disappointed me with their pin quality. I honestly hope this doesn't become a trend.
Crossover T-Shirt
This is perhaps my favourite shirt that I have received in a subscription box thus far. It's not black (LOL) and it's a crossover of two of my favourite nerdy fandoms - "Transformers" and "Back to the Future". Awesome. Absolutely awesome.
Transformers Vinyl Figure
I have seen boxes of these Transformers vinyl figures at local stores and have been tempted on many occasions to buy one. Well, now I don't have to. Ha ha! I got Jazz, who is one of my favourite Autobots, so I'm pretty content. My only complaint about the figure has nothing to do with Loot Crate - It was very hard to get the gun into Jazz's hand. In fact, some of the black paint on the inside part of the hand scraped off onto the gun's handle before I could finally get it to pop into place. Not good! I still love the vinyl, though. It's definitely a great inclusion in this month's Crate.
Transformers Hexbug Nano
I knew of Hexbugs before, but I didn't know there were Transformers ones. For those of you who don't know what this is, it's basically a toy that looks kind of like a cockroach. When you turn it on, the little thing vibrates. This vibration allows it to "walk" on flat surfaces. I took a video to help you understand what I mean.
Transformers Sticker
This is a pretty cool sticker made by the same company that made the Transformers vinyl figure. I would have preferred getting the Autobots one instead, but this Deceptacon one is still awesome.
MLG Wrist Sweat Band
Many years ago, I attended a Major League Gaming event at FanExpo Toronto. It was a lot of fun and I even bought a long-sleeved MLG T-shirt. This wrist band would go nicely with it. Unfortunately, I don't wear my shirt nor really care about MLG anymore. LOL For fans of MLG, however, this is definitely a nice item to have.
MLG Sticker Sheet
I honestly have no idea who these MLG teams are, so this sticker sheet is definitely not for me. As with the wrist band, fans of MLG would probably appreciate this much more.
MLG Voucher
This MLG voucher worth $5.00 in site-specific currency gives people one month of GameBattles Premium Access. I don't know anything about the MLG web site, but I'm going to guess that for people who do visit it, this is probably wicked cool, especially with the "Loot Crate exclusive Badge".
Lemon Warheads
"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Loot Crate, thank you for these delicious Warheads Extreme Extreme Sour Lemon candies. YUM! ^_^
OVERVIEW
This was a very good month for Loot Crate. It had great value and great items for fans of Transformers. I'm still peeved that my box arrives one day before July, but if it's a one-time thing, I'll let it slide. We'll see what happens later this month.
Next month, the Loot Crate theme will be Villains, which sounds very exciting to me. If you're interested in learning more about Loot Crate, please check out their Web Site. If you would like to subscribe, you can get 10% off using the code VILLAINS.
Thank you so much for reading this blog entry. See you again soon!
