Super Mario Bros (2023)

I finally got a chance to see Super Mario Bros after a busy few weeks. Thankfully the Mrs suprised me with tickets. As a big fan of Super Mario games, this was an absolute love letter. While some folks complained about the voice actor choices, I didn't mind the acting whatsoever. It was a joy to see the world from the games come alive on the big screen. There was plenty of easter eggs placed among the non-stop moving world filled with Nintendo. I frankly was disappointed when it ended, fortunately the end credits were full of additional fun. I'm not giving away any spoilers and have nothing but love for what I just watched. I can only wish other adaptations of beloved properties would be this good.

The 3,173rd Zone Base post is SPAM

Magmar/Devil Rock (Rock Lords)

Magmar (Devilrock in Japan) is the leader of the EVIL ROCK LORDS. As his US name would suggest, he turns into an igneous rock which forms when magma cools and crystalizes. Thus his name is symbolic of his alt mode. Normally Magmar comes with a club that looks like a torch, though it's labeled on his US package as an Ax-Rifle as a goof on Tonka's end. It's the same weapon that comes with Devilrock, but for some reason in the Gobots meet the Rock Lords movie, he's carrying Brimestone's axe. Somehow they just couldn't get it right with Magmar's weapon. Unfortunately mine in the pictures is missing the weapon. Honestly I kind of like the weapon being a weird torch. Rock Lords are so absurd that one using a torch as a melee weapon is pretty satisfying.

It's worth noting that both the Rock Lords and Machine Robo version's weapon is black, while in Robo Machine and Machine Men it is a  dark brown color. The toy itself is in the same colors in Rock Lords, Machine Men, and Robo Machine. In Machine Robo, however, the green is lighter and the orange is swapped out for purple. Machine Robo's eyes are a pinkish color, while the other versions are white. There is a pink eyed version of Magmar on Machine Men packaging, but so far that seems to not be a released version. I love these colors as it gives him a Frankenstein like appearance. Magmar/Devilrock is supposed to look scary and he pulls that off. 

Magmar is a pretty nice toy around the size of your average Gobot. Like most Rock Lords, he's pretty chunky as the rock alt mode makes for a thicker robot mode. If you like chonky robots like I do, you'll find this pleasing. He's fairly articuated for a transforming toy of his time. Arms bend at the shoulders and elbows can bend inwards. Do to the transformation, legs can move at the hip, but only forward as though kicking. His knees are arlso articulated, but once again, only forward. Do to his top heavyness, you'd probably want to keep both legs down anyway or he'd fall over. Magmar's head does swivel up and down from transformation, so he can look down imposingly at smaller toys.

I like this toy a lot. I like Rock Lords and transforming toys that transform into unconventional forms admittedly. I also like monsters, so when you have a fairly monstery robot toy that turns into something unconventional... I'm generally happy. Though it's hard not to like Magmar, he's just cool looking. Rock Lords have a wonderfully medieval fantasy vibe to them that stands out among other robot toys. Machine Robo has a tendency to make their bad guys spooky and creepy flavored. There's the Devil Invaders, or in this case Devil Rock. It's a neat little touch that makes me think of super robot cartoons and their monsters of the week.

Bios~ Nemesis Prime

The most vile creation of the evil Unicron is a creature so shameful and foul that Autobot warriors fear to speak of it. Nemesis Prime - the powerful yet twisted clone of the legendary Optimus Prime, pulled out of time and perverted to the cruel villains purposes - possesses all the knowledge and wisdom of the Autobot leader, but is powered by a deep love of evil and destruction. Perhaps the greatest threat to the Universe ever created by Unicron, Nemesis Prime carries within its body the Dead Matrix, an artifact capable of negating and destroying forever the power Autobot Matrix of Leadership.

Transform Squadron 43- Happy Lucky Beast Wars

LISTEN NOW!

Rise of the Beasts/Beast Wars have promotions. Earth Day got a Godzilla marathon, this month got a Transform Squadron.

Weekly Walpurgis~ Wario in 3D

Walpurgis Night is a wonderful time for all things spooky, and seeing how Mario is on everybody's mind lately... Hey, know what rhymes with Mario? WARIO! Back before he was all burps and farts, Nintendo liked to sell Wario as something sinister as this commercial shows. The Virtual Boy had it's faults as YouTubers who never played one will tell you, but it had some good games and this was definitely one of them.

Warduke (NECA)

I've never been super big on Dungeons and Dragons. I tried, but pen and paper RPG just isn't for me. However, I've loved the old D&D cartoon since childhood. During it's time, I had a lot of fun with the toy line by LJN and the assorted kids books and stuff. I was actually quite disapointed that I couldn't get into the game itself despite multiple tries. The occasinal video game, sure, just can't do pen and paper RPG. That being said, how I've enjoyed D&D lead to me appreciation of one of the most badass villains of all time. Warduke.

I've actually spoken about my admiration for Warduke here before. This weird occult flavored cousin of Darth Vader who of course set off the Satanic Panic folks back in the day. My original action figure was destroyed thanks to a jealous cousin and replacing it hasn't worked out in my favor. There's various homages to him in independent toys (especially in the Glyos area), and I did luckily find his Funko Pop a while back. NECA recently has put out some premium D&D figures including the Duke of War here. Thankfully he was a birthday gift from my wife who absolutely spoils me on holidays.

NECA nailed it with this incarnation of Warduke. He looks 100% like you'd expect a 'serious collector' premium toy to look. All of his classic design is here with leveled up detailing and paint. I'm especially fond of the metallic pain on his helmet and the flame effect that can be attached to his sword. Warduke has his additional daggers and short sword as well as his trademark shield. They're all sorts of magical and NECA made them look it. The figure has a ton of articulation so the EVIL ACTION FIGURE can be put in all sorts of menacing poses. There's also a range of extra hands for this purpose.

Warduke is one of those characters that I keep on an untouchable high shelf. Thankfully this figure really drive home some of that prestige. He's pretty large, about 6 inches and scales pretty well with Masterverse figures from what I've seen in MOTU groups. Despite being from different series, he fits in nicely there. Warduke comes from that same 80's fantasy boom that He-Man came from, and both respective toy lines set off the Satanic Panic alarms of the time. This is an amazingly great figure of an all time favorite villain of mine. I'm definitely glad to have it and grateful of my wife for giving it to me.

Walpurgis Week 2023!

It's time to get spooky Zone Base readers, Halfway to Halloween starts now with Walpurgis Week here on Planet Zone! In honor of Walpurgis Night festivals happening this coming weekend in various parts of the world, we'll be focusing on creepier stuff all week! Next week, Halfway 2 Halloween posts will start for two whole weeks! Sure, some places started mid April, but Christmas in July... Halloween in May. It's just a short taste of the Pumpkin Spiced Mayhem that'll start in August until October... and with a focus on a more nostalgic look at the season. Hold onto your dooky gang, the next 3 weeks are gonna be spooky!

Eat at The Ark

 

You know,  it looks pretty good.

Zone Beast

My excitement for Rise of the Beasts is nearing critical level. NGL, I'm gonna explode and take at least one hemisphere with me. As of this writing I don't have any of the toys from the movie (by the time you're reading this, I have), but they're starting to show up at stores and I am literally chomping at the bit. I normally get excited for a new line, but I haven't been this ecstatic in a VERY long time. I'm specifically excited for the mainline toys. The Studio Series releases are nice... and I'll likely get them... but I'm mostly focused on the mainline. It's a wonderful blend of all sorts of things I gravitate towards in Transformers toys.

I'm of course a huge Beast Wars fan, so the incorporation of it into the mix is of course a welcome one. Then you have partner figures that turn into weapons and armor. That's something I generally go crazy for. I was sad when Battle Masters went away... so seeing them return is just awesome. During the Bumblebee movie I had a LOT of fun with the Energon Igniters line and several of those toys are getting worked in as well with new characters to boot. Not to mention, as I've mentioned more recently... the economy is putting a strain on finances. Sure, I'm ok, but man it makes those ever climbing prices of Generations and Studio Series figures feel irresponsible. Thankfully the mainline figures are following a more economical route. So I can indulge and not feel guilty.

I tend to prefer smaller figures and there's seemingly plenty to choose from. Not to mention the larger Beast Mode figures. Silly, but they're making me think of Weaponizers from Prime or even Power Charge Bumblebee from the Bumblebee movie. I originally didn't intend to get that toy, however it was a Christmas gift from my mother that year. It went on to be one of my favorite Transformers releases that year. This looks like an almost completely positive experience for me. Hopefully the movies good, and I'm prepared for it not to be... but *fingers crossed*. I enjoyed Bumblebee so much that I'm riding into this one on a high note.

Great Robo Base

Bios: Rhinox

Rhinox

Function: Defense

Strength: 9 Intelligence: 6 Speed: 3 Endurance: 9

Rank: 5 Courage: 10 Firepower: 6 Skill: 6

The ground shakes with a terrible thunder as jungle trees snap like twigs. The noise draws closer in a cloud of dust and dirt. A herd of stampeding elephants? No. It's Rhinox, defending his territory from Predacon attackers! Courageous and cunning, had never backed down from battle, nor been injured in any way. Not even double-barreled laser cannons can cut through his triple-thick, steel-plated skin! If he comes your way, run for cover, fast!

Once & Always

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always premiers today on Netflix and I was happy to watch it while doing my morning exercises. The special is meant to serve as a 30th anniversary of the series reunion... and it's exactly that. Without going into spoilers, the special reunites much of the MMPR cast in a new adventure to stop Robo Rita Repulsa's newest plan. What's that? Rita is a robot? Go watch the show... you'll love it. I did.

I'd say it's hard to believe it's been 30 years since Power Rangers debuted... but no, it's totally been a long time. For me, I was a kid who liked Godzilla and Transformers when discovering Dynaman late one Friday night on the USA Network. A few years later, MMPR started airing on Fox Kids... and I kinda wondered why they weren't playing Cheap Trick during the fights. Regardless, I loved the cheesy jokes and super hero action. All these years later and I still love classic MMPR better than the series that followed (not knocking those either, mind you).

It's a little bittersweet with the recent passing of Jason David Frank that the series got such a perfect love letter. However even with his and Thuy Trang's unfortunately leaving us much too early, the special honors their memory and treats the cast lovingly. I'm admittedly in post show glow still, but that was great. While playing to nostalgia, it still feels like a brand new episode of MMPR and I guess that's what it really is. I also appreciate how it's very much a modern tokusatsu production. I'd almost have expected this to have been airing on Tokushoutsu during a special event. I'm gushing, it was really that great.

毎週のハロウィ~ーン レッドアリーマー 魔界村外伝

ごおおおお世紀末！

赤い炎の伝説が、ゲームーボーイに蘇る！

レッドアリーマー：魔界村外伝！

Super Mini World

One cool thing about big movies is all the cool media mix that comes with it. Well, for me anyway. The new animated Super Mario Bros. movie is a pretty cool example of this. There's all sorts of fun goodies and toys available, but so far my favorite is the Mini World toys that I'll be talking about today. I've been buying the Super Mario Micro World and PVC toys by Jakks Pacific for years now. They make a solid product that really brings the characters to life in a fun way. Micro World was a great keshi style mini figure line with great play sets that didn't take up a lot of room. Mini World is close to that same idea, but with articulated figures and cool transformable play sets. It's a small difference, but a fun one. I haven't tried it yet, but I do think they're cross compatible as well. Just maybe a hair off in scale. So if you've got some Micro World stuff, you could probably incorporate it.

On the subject of Mini World, like I said the figures are articulated. Not as much as the larger figures from the movie by any stretch, just a little bit. Arms move at the shoulders, it's basic, Usually this style of toy is very basic... if it's your thing... you're digging it. These are new sculpts to match the characters as they appear in the movie, but still 100% faithful to the characters as you know them. Realistically, I can see these appearing in newer packaging in years to come. They're just right for a blind bag at Five Below or in a gashapon capsule. Seeing as I've been buying Micro World figures via blind bag at Five Below for the past few years... it'd be something I'd be all for. 

The transformable play sets are pretty neat as well. Individual figures come of cards with a basic play set. This play set comes as the blocks you're used to seeing in Super Mario Bros. video games and open up to reveal a simple little place for your figure to have an adventure in. So far there is two larger play sets available. The Mario Bros. van (they're plumbers after all) unfolds into multiple areas based on settings from the games and movie. Personally I'm all about this van thanks to the cool teaser set as a commercial for the Bros plumbing service. You'll notice a familiar tune and the original voice of Princess Toadstool (before we started calling her Peach here in the states) voice from the classic cartoon.

The other play set is a larger one of Princess Peach's castle. Even if you take issue with the new movie for one reason or another... it's still a pretty faithful representation of her castle from the games. All I see when I look at it is Super Mario 64. It's a pretty large unfolding play set as well. I really hope more figures come along, because you'd need more than whats out currently to fill that thing with. I guess those Micro World toys would work. I'm pretty positive about these cool toys... as you can see. I'd hope for more games to get realized in this format (I could see Ghouls N' Ghosts easily working).

Master the New Week

It's a new week here on Planet Zone and dang that weekend went by too fast! Friday the Mrs found some Rise of the Beasts stuff for me, followed up with us finding more Saturday. That's in addition to picking up Legacy Metalhawk and Bomb-Burst. We got quite a lot, it was exciting. Thanks to Beast Alliance toys having an actual fair price, I got a lot. Prices are getting out of hand. That's another plus to the awesome Beast Alliance line. 

Sunday we went to a family dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse that turned out to be a bad decision. We eat there regularly, but always take out. It was over crowded and our party was shoved into a booth just a little too small. Welp, not eating inside there any longer. Take out only. The rest of the day was fine back at mom's place, but dang that was an uncomfortable dinner. Earlier we had stopped at Pop Shelf and I grabbed some blind bag clip figures based on Universal Studios horror movies that weren't their classic monsters. 

We got figure versions of Chucky in his Good Guys box and the They Live poster. I also got a Transformers blind bag labled as a wacky walker, but was a straight up articulated keshi. I got Megatron. Don't recall any news sites reporting these, but considering they aren't expensive figures from sponsors, no surprise. There's an Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Soundwave in the series too. Think I'll try to get more. They're neat. I like Pop Shelf, need to go there more often.

I worked in a play through of Aliens vs Predator (the Capcom Arcade game) and a little Drill Dozer on GBA. I wish I had more weekend, but I guess if they went on forever they wouldn't be as special. That's bs, I'd be happy. Thanks everyone for reading Zone Base. I've got a fun week in store. It's the last normal week before our next special event! If you like what I'm doing, please share posts with your friends!

Ratchet (Studio Series 86/Core Class)

Ratchet is one of those classic Transformers characters that I have a real fondness for and generally jump on toy updates of. So it's not surprise that his most recent Core Class figure in the Studio Series 86 line was a must have for me. Fortunately the Mrs got me one for Christmas (I've still got a back log). So far I've been really happy with the Studio Series 86 line and generally a big fan of the Core Class in general. Getting a cool figure of a character I like in a line I like at a scale I like? I like it!

Like most Core Class figures, Ratchet is smaller and more simple than larger figures. That's part of the charm of this class, they're relatively inexpensive, pleasant, and pleasantly simple. Considering the economic state of the world currently, I can realistically see Core Class becoming the standard Transformers figure size in the future. Considering what they're doing with the class as well as Warrior Class and the Rise of the Beasts mainline... there seems to be some experimenting going on.

I'd be ok with it as... man things are getting crazy expensive. A deluxe class toy (normally the standard size class) is $25 currently. That's cutting a little close to comfort and a hobby should never feel like a burden. I've said before that I've toyed with the idea of mainly buying smaller figures and occasionally getting the larger ones. With the way things are going, it looks like that may be the direction I go. Fortunately, the smaller and cheaper toys are super pleasant. So it won't be a bad thing for me. Though I could see some fan types tasking issue with it (that always seem to ask for financial support or get plenty of review samples... hrm)

The van is pleasant and rolls along well, the robot mode looks right and has a decent amount of articulation. I do wish he had an Autobot sticker on the front of the ambulance. There's some on his shoulders, but it would complete the package. I could fix it myself, but I have a hard time believing it would affect production costs. I hope that screw gets tightened by the time the Ironhide version of the mold comes out. Why would they release an Ironhide version of the toy when there's one in the line at a higher size class? See what I mean?

Ratchet has those pistols he was blasting Decepticons with right before his death in the 1986 movie. That's a nice touch and adds to the niceness of the figure. They can attach to the sides of the ambulance for storage in vehicle mode… I absolutely love the visage of an ambulance with guns. This is a super little figure. It’s neat and makes for a good update of Ratchet at a price that’s reasonable. I find myself really liking Core Class more and more. If they keep being such solid toys, for less money, Hasbro may find them talking over sales. Which might be the plan.

Bios: Garboil

Function: Information Control 

Strength: 5 Intelligence: 8 Speed: 7 Endurance: 8

Rank: 8 Courage: 6 Fireblast: 3 Skill: 9

A member of the Cobalt Sentries, the public safety arm of the Decepticon Secret Police, Garboil is familiar with the personal information of countless Decepticon soldiers, and observes in detail each one's ulterior motives, plots being executed, or treasonous conduct. His duty is to ascertain the results and select those evaluated as suitable for the evil elite. However, he tolerates absolutely no resistance in the nations and worlds under Decepticon government and suppresses the controlled citizens through fear, pain, and total management of information. When in battle, he can blare out from his vocal processors a directional, cacophonic blast that includes an override signal, using it to render enemy robots into a state of panic.

Weekly Halloween~ A Good Car

One thing that always gets me in horror movies is that nobody ever seems to own a decent car. Don't get me wrong, I've had to make do with a few less than quality rides myself at times. However, most slasher movies star college kids from obviously wealthy families. Think those big group trips to a cabin are cheap? However they're all seemingly driving the most clunker ass car... I guess it's the same logic that nobodies cell phone ever has signal once the bad guy shows up.

Hagen no Zista? I hardly know you

One of the more pleasant discoveries while I was at Toylanta was that of a small gatcha/gashapon line of figures (and trading cards) by Bandai called Hagen no Zista. I knew nothing of this line before the convention and at the time of this writing still know very little. To be fair, the amount of this type of thing that completely escapes my attention is not uncommon. It's a much bigger thing than a single person can keep up. That being said, this is a cool little series that completely passed me by a few years ago and seems to be over... though I seem to be able to track down some of the stuff still. 

Hagen no Zista is a neat little line of robot mini figures with fun designs in mostly translucent plastic designed by Bandai. There's probably an accompanying fiction, but at this time I haven't learned of it. Knowing these kind of things, it's a typical good vs evil formula. There is some sort of card inside the boxed ones I bought, not sure if that's for a game or just a cool bio card (there seems to be associated trading cards). I generally appreciate when mini figures and keshi come with that sort of thing.

The blind boxed/gathca style figures are seemingly candy toys that regularly came with a chocolate. The ones I got had some apple gum inside that my wife convinced me to try. It was a pretty tasty apple flavored gum that I hope hadn't gone bad. I didn't get sick, so guess not. The Gashapon capsule I got seemed to be the same style of figure as the boxed on, just delivered differently. The figures are pleasant, articulated little robots in colorful translucent plastic. They have that Bandai look, but also look like they should have been from a video game. I could definitely see some of these in a LCD game like Digimon or an RPG.

The line has ended, sadly so because I'd love for these to still be readily available. That's the kicker when you discover something after it's over. There was an apparent successor named Robot Concerto. I can't tell if Robot Concerto is still going, but honestly, Bandai makes so many of this type of thing... there's always something else similar. The boxes for Robot Concerto look like Mobile Suit Gundam Ensemble boxes, so it's possible the team moved onto that. I'm partially stoked about Hagen no Zista as it's something that's clearly my type of thing. But also because, it's neat to discover something at a con. It's been a while since that's happened for me and I'm happy for it.

Hagen no Zista TV Magazine scans

Phantom Jista Chocolate 3

Replay: It's Monday

It's Monday yet again, and that means a new week on Planet Zone! This weekend we celebrated Easter. I had a basket full of goodies for my wife and she had an egg search planned for me. She filled 40 eggs with Botbots and Million Warriors that I had to find. There was even a TMNT minifigure in the mix. It was certainly a fun morning. 

Saturday was a cold and rainy day. A trip to Walmart resulted in Koopa Para Troopa, Toad, and Princess Peach from Super Mario mini world. I wanted to watch the Super Mario Bros movie, but didn't have time. I hope to see it soon, but frankly, it may be one of the movies that holds out for in demand. Seeing as their on apps within 45 days, it's not to hard to be patient. I did spend a good deal playing various pinball games on my Q90. Devil's Crush, Pokémon Pinball, and Pinball of the Dead were a lot of fun.

I still haven't found any Rise of the Beasts toys, it looks like my stores are following street dates. Somehow the same folks who have stuff given to them by big companies are getting them early. Funny how that works. This little podunk site works for everything and just renewed site registration for another year without a single ad or donation request. Thanks to each and everyone of you for reading Zone Base. I know it's not one of those big fancy sites, but it appreciates you reading. I've got a fun week in store. If you like what I do, please share with your friends! It's literally all I ask!

Bumblebee (EarthSpark/Deluxe)

EarthSpark is a generally pleasant Transformers series that I have hardly anything to complain about. Of course Bumblebee is one of the stars of the series, so he's getting plenty of toys. Fortunately I'm a Bumblebee fan and enjoy his design in EarthSpark, so you'll hear no complaints from me. Today we'll be looking at his deluxe class toy from the toy line. I said I like his design, and I do. The yellow doesn't match on his various parts. I suspect that has to do with the yellow on different plastics used on the toy. It's not a deal breaker for me, just an inconvenience.

Another thing I don't like is that I find his robot mode arms just a little too short. The car fenders look really cool as shoulder pads... but I could have used a little extra arm length. Once again, not a deal breaker. I get accused some times of being too positive, so i thought I'd lead with the things I don't like about the toy. Honestly they're just some minor quibbles as I actually like this toy a lot. It's really cool looking. His gun/stinger turns into a car thingy that fits on the car roof. I'd like to think it's Tupperware that was forgotten up there. Grandma sent some lasagna home and somehow it just didn't fall off.

Bumblebee is very well articulated and his transformation is pleasant. I really like the car mode. While I prefer Bumblebee to be his traditional Volkswagen form or a sporty small car when they have to go another route... I don't mind his sports car forms. In EarthSpark they actually give an in story reason for it and it works pretty well in story. Seeing as that episode was pretty recent, I won't spoil, but found it pretty sensible. This time they got a little more creative with his sports car and it's a pretty sharp ride. I'd like to see this mold repainted into other characters (maybe with a different head) and I keep picturing this car in black. It'd make a great Drench.

Bios: Windcharger

"Quick action equals quick victory."

Function: Warrior

Strength: 4 Intelligence: 6 Speed: 8 Endurance: 4
Rank: 5 Courage: 9 Firepower: 7 Skill: 9

Windcharger is the fastest Autobot over short distances. Good in situations requiring fast, decisive action. Enthusiastic but impatient. Short attention span. Casts powerful magnetic field which can attract or repel large metal objects. Smashes them at closer distances. These abilities use up tremendous energy. Often burns himself out due to carelessness.

Let's Pass Go!

Inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie, this action-packed Monopoly The Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition board game lets kids and fans explore the Mushroom Kingdom, as they buy, sell, and trade locations from The Super Mario universe! Gold coins take the place of Monopoly cash in this race to see who can collect the most coins to win. Earn even more by owning matching Property sets. But beware of Bowser, who can swipe properties, steal coins, or send players to Jail! Discover Warp Pipe shortcuts and gather or lose coins with Question Blocks and Piranha Plants. Enjoy iconic Mario artwork, characters, and themes inspired by the film with the new Monopoly The Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition board game, available now at most major retailers including Amazon, Target and Walmart.

Monopoly The Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition Game

(Ages 8 years & up/Players: 2-4/Approx. Retail Price: $21.99/Available: April 5, 2023)

 

Thanks to our friends at Hasbro and Rogers & Cowan for providing Zone Base readers with this awesome news.

Weekly Halloween~ Alone in the Woods

The woods can be kinda creepy. I mean, yeah, nature is wonderful and all... but you know. Sometimes there's just random noises that come out from some woods and no matter how much you try to explain it away... you're still creeped out. With all the bad stuff that can happen it's only a matter of time before things get spooky.

Demolition He-Man

I'm endlessly interested when toy companies reuse various molds for other lines. It's a common practice that can sometimes be very obvious when done... and not so much other times. Toy production is very expensive and these companies are out to make money, so it makes sense to reuse what assets they have. Movie tie in toys are going to be short lived on shelves and attention spans are likely going to shift quickly. Sure, Star Wars or other long running franchises are a different story. However something like Demolition Man from 1993... even the companies knew it was a gamble.

The toy line heavily reused molds from The New Adventures of He-Man. There were new head sculpts and weapons, but considering the prior line had recently wrapped up (1989-1992) this was pretty brazen for Mattel. Some of those figures were probably still on toy shelves at the same. The Battle Baton Spartan figure featured in the commercial was clearly a repaint of the standard He-Man and impossible to ignore next to each other. Some of the other figures are harder to tell... but that's impossible once you see it.

Don't let this week be a Shocker

Another weekend has passed heralding the arrival of a new week here on Planet Zone! I had a great weekend. My birthday was last week, so Saturday the Mrs showered me with gifts and we enjoyed pizza with ice cream and cake. It was a good time. I got plenty of Transformers and BeastBox toys. Not only that but some Super Mario, Masters of the Universe, and even Dungeons and Dragons toys to boot! I would list them all here, but that's a little tacky. I don't ask for money and that immediately follows such a thing. Though I'm sure a picture will be posted on my social meadia soon enough.

I watched Halloween cartoons all night before enjoying Sunday morning doing some shopping. We went to Five Below for a Squishmallow event. Which was a bust as the big drop didn't go as planned to the disappointment of those in attendance. We decided to visit another store for greater success. Next weekend is Easter and the Mrs has an Easter egg hunt planned for me. That sounds fun, I wonder how that's going to go. I've got to put together her basket soon. Though we'll do a little last minute shopping Saturday, so I'm sure I'll add to hers then as well. That's next weekend though, so we should get this week started off! I have some fun posts for you all. Thank you for reading Zone Base. If you like what I do, please share posts with your friends. I'd hope they'd enjoy it too!

Beast Awakening