Star Wars In Fleets Of Mission

The Star Wars toy line has been around forever and still manages to have really neat toys. The new Star Wars Mission Fleet figures are definitely really neat toys. I missed out on their Toy Fair preview as it's near impossible to navigate a flood of news an event like that generates. It was through other mini figure fans on Instagram that I discovered them. Honestly, it's one of those things that it really takes a picture to give you a solid idea of just how cool these figures are. I'll try to describe them anyway. Because that's how blog posts about toys work.

Transform Squadron 9- Mega Mutating Mayhem

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On the May 2019 edition of the show, Rob talks Transformers, Beast Morphers, Godzilla, and so much more!

Battle Titans

It's funny the way things work out. I was thinking earlier that I hadn't done a Battle Beast post in a while and out of nowhere, the newest Legends Web Comic went online today. As you may know, the web manga/ comics are Battle Beast heavy. This issue was an absolute treat to skim over (it's not in English, so I have to get what I can out of it) as there was a little surprise in the panels.

That sure looks like a Kabuto Mushi in the mix, because it kinda is. The designs were in the Laser Beast Japanese book, but The Godbeast did make a set. That's super dooper cool man. I mean like, sooper dooper. I've made my love for Titans Return and Battle Beasts far known here and have really appreciated the many Battle Beasts worked into Titans Return as Titanmasters. One neat thing about Battle Beasts is the fact that there is constantly new ones coming out. Be it newer lines like Titans Returns, Beast Saga and in the Minimates assortments, or unofficial figures in other lines (Imaginext has all but out heat rub stickers on theirs), there's usually some form of Battle Beast available.

Looking back, it wasn't until I was older and had internet access until I discovered that Battle Beasts were part of Transformers. Both were toy lines I had always loved, but their association never occurred to me and then it was all so obvious. Seeing the continued use of Battle Beasts in Transformers is something I just freaking find awesome. Not just that they're constantly still used, but generally used well and in a way that I enjoy quite a lot.

Playskool Heroes Power Rangers listings

Hasbro Playskool Heroes Power Rangers Listings Discovered https://t.co/LTZRZaIrqx pic.twitter.com/Caz5gM4RId

— TokuNation (@TokuNation) November 17, 2018

Just like the news from earlier this week, more item listings for the upcoming Power Rangers Playskool line surfaced (I've just now have had the time to write about it). This is something I've been a little nervous about ever since the news of Hasbro's acquisition came to be. I've not made my love for the Imaginext Power Rangers a mystery, I appreciate the line quite a lot. Aggravatingly enough, I haven't been able to find many of the newer releases (such as the much clamored Titanus) at my local retail. Usually it's Jurassic Park or DC sets. I'm sure I can order Titanus with no problem, just considering some sets just collect dust on shelves... you can guess as to why I'd expect to find it casually.

Now, I'm not crapping on Playskool Heroes, they make good figures that directly compete with Imaginext. Also, I can find them usually stocked more often in my area. So this will be a positive in that aspect. My only complaint really is, there's a difference in the figures and I've grown to love what I've been getting. Last night while doing a mix of Christmas shopping and Thanksgiving grocery buying (we ain't messing around with ordering for something like this) with my wife, I made a point to check out some of the Playskool sets. I've casually looked at them before and really thought they made for some fun toys. Honestly, I think the Power Rangers will be pretty good. Even the most basic figure sets come with some kind of play gimmick. Not to mention the variety in each series makes me hope for a variety of Rangers sets. I have big hopes for those blind bags as that's where something with as many characters as Power Rangers could make for a really good thing.

Kinnikuman intro

The new Imaginext that Shawn sent (thanks!) couldn't have came at a better time, I've had M.U.S.C.L.E on my mind lately!

Imaginext MMPR Mastodon Zord

I had the good fortune of picking up the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Mastodon Zord by Imaginext at my local Ollie's this past Saturday for the low price of $9 (it's normally $15). I had been wanting to grab this guy for a while now, but had been putting it off for one reason or another. Fortunately I stumbled across him while buying household supplies (I tell you that Ollie's is a great place to buy soap). I've been singing praise of Imaginext as well as Imaginext's treatment of Power Rangers for awhile now and this is no different. The Mastodon looks incredible, like other Zords done by Imaginext it makes me think of Starrior animal based companion mounts. That big blockyness just lends itself to the Imaginext toy model. It's a simple toy that works well, it just looks great.

The Zord itself is really simple. Firing missiles (even comes with extras in case you lose some), a play action feature when you turn the figure in the cock pit (he raises his head to gore you with those tusks or let out a bellow), and wheels on his feet to roll the big guy around. No articulation, but none really needed. It's a simple toy intended for young children to push around on the carpet, but in the hands of a 40 year old enthusiast, it's an elegant example in the joys of simplicity.

I don't have any complaints about this charming guy, though I do wish he featured some sort of storage for those extra missile. That though, is a common complaint I have with these Imaginext Zords as I'm often sticking them in the hands of the Ranger driving the thing. I'm sure I could just store them elsewhere, but with that big blocky body, a little compartment isn't too much too expect. Speaking of the Ranger driver:

Hi

Included is the standard Black Ranger figure without any of the variations used on other Rangers who have duplicate releases. This is pretty normal for the initial batch of Ranger figures though as the variations came later. It's a good figure, standard Imaginext with those sharp looking Ranger sculpts. He doesn't have his power axe though. I've gotten several instances of this guy already, so that's no big deal. Though I suppose he's wielding those extra missiles in case he needs to hop out of the Zord and lay the smack down.

That's probably where all those extra explosions come from.

Beyond your wildest Imaginext

Credit: Matthew Garrison of Imaginext Generation

The current 'on fiya' post in Imaginext Generation is the first sighting of the newest Imaginext blind bag series. Which is, without a doubt, all that and a bag of chips. Let me elaborate in case the amazing picture doesn't already make your mind explode. Imaginext, while being a toy line intended for small children, is very well catered to adult nerds. I've said before that Imaginext is the modern day Adventure People, but as you can see in the picture, there is an Adventure People homage in this series (not the first time either).

What's super cool is that the new X-Ray Man also pay's homage to it's Microman/Micronaught leanings with with a doggy nod to Henshin Cyborg. That's super awesome. I'm tempted to also get one for my brother. The sci fi Adventure People held a proud place on his bookshelf from childhood well into his teen years and I'd wager he still has them stowed away somewhere. Then there's Triple Threat Snake from Battle Beasts making a sneaky appearance. Readers of Zone Base already know how I feel about Battle Beasts and many have fell from me cutting them over many a heated rub sign fight. I'm willing to disagree on many things, but I might kill you over a Battle Beast.

Last and certainly not least. In fact probably the most surprising, a two pack of Muscleman/Kinnikuman and Terri-Bull/Buffaloman from M.U.S.C.L.E/Kinnikuman. That's the kind of awesome surprise you not only didn't expect, but probably embarrassed yourself when you found out. Like other folks my age, I've probably got a metric ton of the little toys and pop hard when I see anything similar. This... this right here... is amazing.

The other guys on the bag look similar too, though I outright am fuzzy on them. Fish head dude is really reminding me of something. The centaur looks a lot like a Navi from Avatar, but being a centaur makes me wonder if he's supposed to be somebody else. Radiation suit guy is a long awesome trope that doesn't need any explanation. You know, there's tons of high end toys for the adult collectors market, but the best one can be found at any Walmart in the toddler aisle for not a lot of money.

Imaginext Power Rangers Pink Ranger and Pterodactyl Zord

I've made no secret that I love the Imaginext MMPR line. It's a 100% fun way to collect toy versions of the classic characters that honestly works really well. While Imaginext is aimed towards smaller children, it does have it's share of adult collectors and Fisher Price acknowledges that often. Imaginext is essentially the modern day equivalent of Adventure People and just like Adventure People, Imaginext makes just plain wonderful toys. Their Power Rangers line doesn't give the characters much of a cutesy make over. These are essentially smaller sized figures with really neat vehicles and play sets. There's often some neat play feature integrated into the vehicles and play sets that is utilized by way of turning the figure on a base.

The Pink Ranger makes the Pterodactyls mouth open. Also, if you have the wings folded up, they snap back into place. Just a silly little play feature that's hard to hate.

The Zord makes me think of Windstorm from Starriors a bit. Owing more to it's similar nature as a robot pterodactyl than anything, I'm curious if a blue version might find it's way out at some point just as a robot figure turns up in the blind bags. Imaginext is crafty like that sometimes. As you can see, the Pink Ranger stands on her base to pilot the Zord in a satisfying manner and even has some firing rockets. I've already got the Pink Ranger from the figure two pack, and just like the other Rangers that come with standard versions of the Zords, they are the same figures without the variations that run throughout the line. So really, if you missed the two pack, here's another with the bow for the combining Power Cannon.

Imaginext toys are really hefty and satisfying. I had been passing on this Zord set as I already have the regular figure from the two pack. Though when I saw it in my local Walmart's spring clearance section for $4, there was no way I was passing on that deal. Which I'm really happy about as my track record with these larger Zords has been all positive. These are just wonderful old school Adventure People style sets themed to a series I really love and it works amazingly well. I'd argue better than normal Power Rangers toys. This set is normally around $14 on average, so $4 was such a steal I expect the police to knock down my door any minute.

I think the best example of just how neat these toys are can be summed up in the Zord's hidden form. Despite the sets not being able to combine to form the Megazord, you can still convert the Pterodactyl into it's chest formation. It's not a happy accident either, they took time to paint and deco up the Zord's underside just for this detail and really could have skipped it. See what I mean when I say these are arguably better toys than the normal toys? I do worry that when Hasbro's toy control kicks in that the Imaginext line will eventually go away and Playschool will take over. Which, could be awesome. Playschool makes great similar figures and I'd wager they'd possibly explore other series than MMPR. Just, man, Imaginext is really nailing it. It's going to be a tough act to follow.

Man, your ride is FIRE

Today I was buying some blind bag Imaginext and couldn't help but to think (yet again) how they would make excellent Battle Beasts toys. Just dig those pirate sharks and their vehicles.

Imaginext is literally the best

I just screamed out loud at that Cyclopsis.
I don't know what I want more, the new figures or the metallic Rangers (the new figures duh, but man the old ones are sssoooo good).

Pics from GRNRNGR

*edit* OMG SERPENTERA 

Battle Bikes/Roadsaurers

In the past few months, I've been increasingly becoming a bigger and bigger fan of the motorcycles the Rangers used to travel about. They were more heavily used in Zyuranger, as the Zyurangers main mode of transportation to wherever a monster might be causing havoc. Regardless the series or name they've went by, they're completely badass.

There's something poetic about a motorcycle that looks like a dinosaur, packing firearms, and being used by superheroes to drive around looking for monsters to beat up. I'm not even much of a motorcycle person. I'm not even much of a car guy. I just want something that runs good, gets me from point a to point b, and I'd like it to look nice. Which is ironic considering my hobbies revolve around robots that turn into cars and the like.

So far I have the black battle bike from Imaginext with hopes to score the blue one as well. I wish there was a red one, but I suppose a boy can only dream. So far Imaginext has only made the two bikes with sidecars. I sometimes aspire to acquire a stand alone Imaginext motorcycle to customize into the Red Rangers bike. Though I'd much rather an official one. I know there's other Ranger toys versions of them, but hey... Imaginext has pretty much cornered the market in Power Rangers toys.

Terror Toad FTW

I got the Imaginext Terror Toad earlier today. I'm excited.

Cyclopsis/Dora Talos in Imaginext please

Last night while I was watching random MMPR/Zyuranger videos on Youtube, I started wondering what would make for good Imaginext figures. I've said time and time again that Imaginext is my favorite way to buy Power Rangers and in the past I've found myself hoping for more and more characters and suits from MMPR or even other Ranger series would find it's way into the line. As Imaginext has stopped putting the MMPR logo on the packaging and are just using the generic Power Rangers logo, I feel the chances of odd Zeo or maybe some of the Ninjetti or even Alien Rangers could appear. I'm mainly a MMPR fan first, so that's immediately where my mind goes. I know the line is getting some more toys next year, with the Megazords getting standard sized figures (love this so much) and some more monsters. So I have my hopes for Cyclopsis to make an appearance. He's such a great design and was such a threat to the Rangers, it would be perfect. I'd also love a Mutitus and more Putty variations. Considering some of the generic choices for the Alien Invasion sets, I don't think anythings to far fetched with this line.

THUNDER MEGAZORD MOFO

Imaginext Power Rangers is my preferred way to buy Power Rangers toys as I've said before and as SDCC has shown me, I'm not only getting new toys in the line, but ones I've wanted all along. Regular figure scale Megazords.

For the record, I am insane for the Thunder Megazord.