Dale's Toys

Raphael (Turtles in Time)

Recommended music: Beastie Boys – Body Movin’

On this #TurtleTuesday, let’s take another trip through time with yet another NECA Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael!

This Raph figure is based on his look from the side-scrolling video game “Turtles in Time.” The game was first released as an arcade cabinet in 1991, and was then ported to home consoles like the Super Nintendo (SNES) the following year as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time. The pixelated design on the figure really suits Raph and matches well with NECA’s other video game figures. Each turtle in the series comes in a window box with artwork that matches the Turtles in Time arcade style.

For accessories, Raphael includes a pair of sais, alternate hands, and a red-trimmed hoverboard. The board looks great on the included clear stand, which gives the turtles a bit of elevation when placed in your display. This personal flying vehicle is also very accurate to the design seen in this level, “Sewer Surfin’,” where you take on a missile-firing Rat King. The hoverboard then returns in the futuristic level, “Neon Night Riders,” which is set in the high-tech future of 2020.😄

#ActionFigurePhotography
#teenagemutantninjaturtles
#TMNT
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Hamato Yoshi (Cartoon)

Recommended music: Tupac – Keep Ya Head Up

On this #TurtleTuesday post from the archives, we’re staying warm, taking a look at another NECA Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Hamato Yoshi!

Hamato Yoshi was exclusively released as part of the San Diego Comic-Con ‘Premonition of a Pre-Mutation’ four-pack, which also included Baxter Stockman, Bebop, and Rocksteady in their human forms. In the animated adaptation, Yoshi’s backstory is less violent than in earlier TMNT comics; he comes into contact with a rat before mutagen exposure, which results in his transformation into Splinter when the turtles become humanoid.

The NECA figure accurately represents the animated design for the character seen in the season one flashback scene, with a detailed paint job and adequate articulation. Accessories include interchangeable hands, a bo-staff, a book, and a fish bowl containing four miniature turtles.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#teenagemutantninjaturtles
#TMNT
#toyphotography

Revolution King Keldor

Recommended music: X Ambassadors – The Devil You Know

Happy Monday, MOTU fans! For this #MastersMonday, we’re taking another look at the Revolution figures from the Mattel Masters of the Universe Masterverse line. Tonight, we’ll be checking out King Keldor!

The character of Keldor was not included in the vintage Mattel toy line or in the Filmation He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series. This all changed for the 2002 toy line and cartoon, as Keldor was immediately introduced as Skeletor’s former self and the brother of King Randor. Some of this backstory was carried over into future DC comics, but the Masters of the Universe Revolution animated series changed the character once again and cast William Shatner to voice him.

In the third episode of Revolution, ‘More Things in Heaven and on Earth,’ we learn that Keldor is the illegitimate son of King Miro and could be the heir to the throne. It’s also revealed that Skeletor is actually Keldor, but he didn’t know about his heritage. What a twist, right?

King Keldor’s appearance was meant to be more of a secret until the series was ready to air, which is why the figure’s inclusion in Mastervese wave 12 did not occur until after the Masters of the Universe Revolution series aired on Netflix in January 2024.

The sculpt and paint on the figure do a good job of matching the animated character. He comes with extra gripping hands and an alternate head with a crown. I think it would have made more sense to include just one head, a removable crown, and maybe another accessory, since this Masterverse release feels a bit lacking. Still, the soft goods cape and fur collar are a nice touch.

Overall, I’m happy to see this figure added to the line. The character played a big role in the Revelation series, and it’s definitely better than getting another Skeletor repaint.

Masters of the Universe Revelation/Revolution turned four years old this year! I “figure” there’ll be a new figure from this series to share here for the rest of the year!

#ActionFigurePhotography
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Masters of the Universe 3-D Action Game

Recommended music: Dead Or Alive – You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)

As we continue our final month of #MastersMonday posts from the archive, let’s have some fun and check out vintage Masters of the Universe games and novelty items. Today, we’re looking at the 1983 Masters of the Universe 3-D Action Game Featuring He-Man!

The game has some great early MOTU artwork, similar to the first mini-comics. You’ll spot both a blonde and a red-haired Teela, a Battle Cat without his helmet, and even He-Man facing off against a giant woolly mammoth. I’m not sure how common this type of board game was in the 1980s, but the design feels pretty unique to me.

The game uses a simple spinner, so it’s primarily luck-based, like War or Candyland, rather than strategy. What makes this game special—and probably why it’s called “3-D Action”—is that when a player lands on specific spaces, you rotate the plastic top ninety degrees. This twist can either help or hurt your spot on the board. It’s a lot of fun!

#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

Winter Chills

Recommended music: Tom Walker – Play Dead (Avelino x Raf Riley Remix)

On this #SomethingElseSunday, we’ve got another Masters of the Universe collaboration with Eternian Epic Imagery. This week’s theme is “Winter Chills.”

Sorry for the late post—it’s probably Monday by the time you see this! I just got back from a wild weekend in Las Vegas and finally had time to update the blog. Last week, we got our first taste of winter weather, which gave me the chance to take some snowy outdoor photos and recreate a scene from He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special, a longtime favorite in our house. The rest of the group also shared some amazing shots this week, so be sure to check them out.

…

Winter Chills
A favorite memory on Eternia is the Royal twins’ Birthday, which was also the first time Christmas was introduced. There have been other chilly episodes too, like Black Snow and the well-known quests in the 200X series. We’ve seen the Ice Armour He-Man from that show, along with popular characters like Icer and Frosta.

Let’s see how our Eternian Epic Imagery community captured winter moments in this week’s collaboration.

#eternianepicimagery

@cob_web_collector
@backyardeternia
@takemoretoyphotos
@dalestoys
@the_thanoscopter
@b.a.dtoyphotos
@glare_foe
@81_eternal
@astral_motu_gallery
@raw_photoygraphy
@kidult_1983
@raoof7136
@opt975

#ActionFigurePhotography
#EternianEpicImagery
#He-Man
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Lew Zealand

Recommended music: Lou Reed – Walk on the Wild Side

On this #SomethingElseSunday post from the archives, we’re celebrating 70 years of the Muppets and taking a look at the Palisades Toys Muppets Lew Zealand!

Lew Zealand first appeared in 1978, in episode 310 of The Muppet Show. In that episode, his wild boomerang fish-throwing act stopped Kermit from accidentally marrying Miss Piggy during her planned wedding sketch. Although originally intended for a single episode, the character’s popularity grew rapidly, leading to appearances in over two dozen subsequent episodes of The Muppet Show. Lew has remained a recurring character, frequently appearing in minor roles or cameos in nearly every Muppet film and project released since.

Palisades Toys released this ruffle-collared Lew Zealand figure in the third wave of their Muppet toy line. This was the final wave to focus solely on The Muppet Show, as the line soon ventured into covering other Muppet productions, such as films and Muppets Tonight. For accessories, Lew comes with his signature boomerang fish, a minnow bucket, a small-mouth bass, and a swordfish – just right for recreating the famous act from his season three debut.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TheMuppets70
#ToyPhotography

Anti-Vehicle Cannon

Recommended music: Ohana Bam – Rebels

It’s another snowy #StarWarsSaturday, and we’re still on the icy plains of Hoth during The Empire Strikes Back. Today, from the Hasbro Shadow of the Dark Side line, it’s the Anti-Vehicle Cannon!

EXT. HOTH – ICE PLAIN – SNOW TRENCH AREA

Rebel troops fire the dishlike ray gun while explosions erupt around
them.

EXT. HOTH – ICE PLAIN – BATTLEFIELD

Two walkers lumber toward the Rebel base as a speeder between them
explodes in a ball of flames.

EXT. HOTH – ICE PLAIN – SNOW TRENCH

The dishlike ray gun is hit by a laser bolt and instantly explodes.

…

Other than last week’s mention, the lines above are the only times ‘ray gun’ appears in The Empire Strikes Back script. For the vintage toy line, Kenner added a Radar Laser Cannon accessory to both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi packaging. The idea came back in 1996 with The Power of the Force 2 line, where the carded Deluxe Hoth Rebel Soldier included an Anti-Vehicle Laser Cannon that could fire a missile and explode.

Hasbro brought this accessory back in 2010 with the Target-exclusive Shadow of the Dark Side Defense of Hoth multipack. The set also came with the Laser Tower, two Hoth Troopers, and a new K-3PO.

In a significant upgrade from those previous two releases, this Anti-Vehicle Cannon is actually scaled up to work with your 3.75” Hoth Troopers, so they can look directly into the periscope without needing to stand on a box or other height enhancement. However, the accessory includes a power box that can be stood on for shorter figures, a power cable to connect it to the cannon, and a firing missile. The details are also improved from previous versions with more paint hits, a swivel base, and opening doors.

The Empire Strikes Back turned 45 years old this year! I “figure” there’ll be a new Episode V figure to share here for the rest of the year. Happy 45 years of ESB!

#ActionFigurePhotography
#EmpireStrikesBack45
#ESB45
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: (Hoth Outfit) Han Solo

Recommended music: Nine Inch Nails – Head Like A Hole

For this #StarWarsSaturday post from the archives, we’re staying in the backyard on Hoth. From the Hasbro Star Wars Shadow Of The Dark Side line, it’s (Hoth Outfit) Han Solo!

Just moments after the opening scenes of The Empire Strikes Back:

EXT. HOTH – REBEL BASE ENTRANCE – DAY

A stalwart figure rides his Tauntaun up to the entrance of an enormous
ice cave.

…

While technically the next character we see in the film is the wampa who pops up to kill Luke’s tauntaun and drag Luke back to his cave, the figure face doesn’t really match the furry creature we see on screen, so I’m skipping it for now.

This Han figure is a kit-bash of the 2007 VTAC Han Solo in Hoth Outfit, combined with some new parts. Released in 2011, the figure was only available in this Search For Luke Skywalker set. The face and head are well sculpted and look good even without the hat and goggles. The hat is meant to protect Han from Hoth’s harsh weather, but it fits better when he’s not wearing the hood—though that leaves his neck exposed. The figure also has a cloth piece for the bottom of the jacket and ball-jointed hips, allowing him to sit more naturally on the tauntaun.

The Empire Strikes Back turned 45 years old this year! I “figure” there’ll be a new Episode V figure to share here for the rest of the year. Happy 45 years of ESB!

#ActionFigurePhotography
#EmpireStrikesBack45
#ESB45
#ToyPhotography

Krampus

Recommended music: Royal Blood – Lights Out

Happy Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night! On this #FourHorsemenFriday, we’re taking a quick look at the Four Horsemen Studios Figura Obscura: Krampus!

Although the historical origins of the Krampus are uncertain, this horned anthropomorphic figure is traditionally believed to accompany Saint Nicholas on visits to children during the night of December 5th, preceding the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th. In Central and Eastern Alpine folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, whereas the Krampus punishes those who misbehave with birch rods.

In Alpine regions, local folklore holds that the Krampus haunts communities during winter festivals, while residents celebrate to dispel the season’s cold and darkness. The concept of producing action figures based on well-known fictional characters inspired Four Horsemen Studios to develop the Figura Obscura line. Incorporating select components from the Mythic Legions series alongside unique design elements, the Krampus became the inaugural figure in this line in 2021, followed up by a red repaint the next year.

The Krampus figure incorporates armor, chains, hands, hooves, and the main body from the Mythic Legions line. Additionally, it features a newly designed head, neck piece, tail, and several character-specific accessories, such as skulls, sleigh bells, a switch, and a woven basket.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#cabalaboveall
#mythiclegions
#mythiclegionscabal
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Sir Valgard

Recommended music: Valgard – The Quest

For this #FourHorsemenFriday post from the archives, we are featuring another dwarf warrior: the Mythic Legions Sir Valgard!

According to his official biography from The Four Horsemen, Sir Valgard is a knight in the Order of Eathyron. Released as a Kickstarter exclusive in 2015 as part of the first Legions wave, his purple-and-gold color scheme—reminiscent of the Minnesota Vikings—was distinctive at the time. Although other figures have since adopted similar colors, Sir Valgard remains unique within the line.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#cabalaboveall
#fourhorsemenstudios
#mythiclegions
#mythiclegionscabal
#ToyPhotography

Sharku

Recommended music: Jacob Banks – Unholy War

On this #TolkienThursday, we’re having a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Sharku!

Sharku, an aged and severely scarred Orc veteran of the Goblin Wars, serves as the chieftain of a tribe of Warg-riding Orcs who support the fallen wizard Saruman. Saruman channels Sharku’s aggression to lead the Warg-riders in mounted raids against the Rohirrim of the Plains of Rohan.

Although J.R.R. Tolkien’s books do not name any specific leaders of the Warg-riders, the character of Sharku was introduced in Peter Jackson’s The Two Towers. The name derives from Saruman’s nickname “Sharkey,” meaning ‘old man,’ which appears in the “The Scouring of the Shire” chapter of Return of the King, a section omitted from the films.

ToyBiz released this Sharku figure, featuring “knife slashing action,” as part of a deluxe beast and rider set with the Warg Beast. The figure is well-painted, displaying a yellow skin tone that is uncommon in the toy line and, in my observation, not accurate to the film costume, which appears gray. Although ToyBiz designed Sharku with flexible legs to improve his attachment to the Warg, the absence of ball hips and knee articulation limits his positioning. As a result, the figure only grips the Warg’s back or saddle pad with his thighs and appears to float above the animal, resembling a jockey in a two-point stance.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LordOfTheRings
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Galadriel

Recommended music: Kim Skovbye – Galadriel’s Mirror

For this #TolkienThursday post from the archives, we’re still with the Fellowship in Lothlórien, and we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Galadriel (Lady of Light)!

This Elven Queen figure was not exclusive to the Lothlorien Gift Pack. It was first released in the final wave of Fellowship of the Ring figures in a red half-moon packaging, and later repacked for the first wave of carded figures from the Fellowship of the Ring before being included in the gift set. The paint detail on this figure is impressive and resembles Cate Blanchett or possibly Claire Danes. 😛 The figure also features a removable soft goods cloak, underdress netting, and a finely sculpted dress.

Galadriel was also packaged with a pitcher, which I have unfortunately misplaced. As a result, I will need to find an alternative method to pour the waters of Lorien onto a mirror plate and observe visions of the future. 😄 The primary drawback of this figure is that the small feet make it difficult for her to stand independently, a common issue among several female figures in this line that lack hip, knee, or ankle articulation.

” Even the wisest cannot tell for the mirror shows many things…things that were ..things that are…and some things that have not yet come to pass…”
– Galadriel

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

Lock

Recommended music: Flowdan – Original Ragamuffin (feat. Wiley)

For this #WhateverWednesday, we are still highlighting action figures that are particularly suitable for the period between Halloween and Christmas. Our selection for today, from the Super7 ReAction The Nightmare Before Christmas line, is Lock!

Along with Shock and Barrel, Lock is one of Oogie Boogie’s three raggamuffin henchmen. This trick-or-treating six-year-old is dressed like a little devil and definitely lives up to that look with his actions against Santa Claus. He also sounds older than he is, since Paul Reubens voices him in the film.

Although Funko included Shock and Barrel in their Nightmare Before Christmas ReAction line, they did not initially release the leader of the trio. Lock appeared in Funko’s Dorbz and Pop Vinyl lines, as well as in Nightmare Before Christmas collections from Applause, Diamond Select, Jun Planning, and NECA, but not in the 3.75-inch scale. Super7 also omitted Lock from the first wave when relaunching the line in 2020. However, he was finally included in the last wave of NBC ReAction figures in 2022.

The figure features the standard five points of articulation and includes one accessory: his mask, as depicted in several scenes from the film. While the paint and sculpt are relatively simple, they are consistent with this line’s aesthetic and accurate right down to the little devil tail. Although larger and more articulated versions exist, this figure integrates well with the ReAction series.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TheNightmareBeforeChristmas
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: The Buccaneer

Recommended music: Tiffany – I Think We’re Alone Now

It’s time for another #WhateverWednesday post from the archives. This week, we’re checking out another figure from the Disney Parks Pirates of the Caribbean line: “The Buccaneer.”

This character, also called the “Pooped Pirate,” was first voiced by Paul Frees and is now voiced by Corey Burton. Until the mid-1990s, the Magic Kingdom version showed him trying to catch a young woman, holding a piece of her clothing while she hid in a barrel.

The toy looks just like the original animatronic and comes with several weapons, some bottles, and a fun pop-up barrel feature. In 1994, the ride changed so the pirate held a treasure map and a magnifying glass. Disneyland swapped him out in 1997 for the Gluttonous Pirate, who was shown eating a big meal with a pig. Updates to all four versions of the ride between 2006 and 2017 added a Captain Jack Sparrow animatronic spying on the pirate.

“Oh she be a lively lassie she were. Oh I tell you true. It’s alright to hoist me colours on the likes of that shy little wench! Favor, keep a weathered eye open, mateys. I be willing to share I be!”- Pooped Pirate

#ActionFigurePhotography
#POTC
#ToyPhotography

Raphael (Secret of the Ooze)

Recommended music: Barns Country – Kicks

Are you ready for another #TurtleTuesday? Today, we’re checking out another NECA Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael figure!

New Line Cinema knew they had a hit on their hands with the live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film in 1990, and The Secret of the Ooze was in front of cameras just six months later. The character of Raphael was portrayed by a new suit actor, Kenn Scott, and voiced by Laurie Faso. This casting replaced Josh Pais, who performed both roles in the first film.

This Raph figure is inspired by his look in the 1991 movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze. Like the other turtles, Raphael was first sold in a San Diego Comic-Con 4-pack and later in a 2-pack with Leonardo. The figure looks a lot like the movie costume, and NECA did a great job with the paint and details. The updated rubber-looking textures and the new head sculpt really stand out.

Raph comes with his usual sais, even though he didn’t use them much in the movie. He also has a couple of whole pizza slices, a couple of half-eaten slices, a pair of alternate pointing hands, and a TGRI ooze canister. Overall, this figure is a solid addition to any TMNT collection featuring Secret of the Ooze.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TMNT
#ToyPhotography