Dale's Toys

Revolution Orko

Recommended music: Rhapsody of Fire – White Wizard (Live)

Happy Monday, MOTU fans! On this #MastersMonday, we continue our look at Revolution figures in the Mattel Masters of the Universe Masterverse line. Next up: Orko!

Across the two seasons of Netflix’s Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Orko the Trollan went through a big story arc. Unlike his earlier appearances in the Filmation cartoon and other stories, this time, Orko struggled with his magic in new ways. In the fourth episode, ‘Land of the Dead,’ he sacrificed himself fighting Scare Glow to save his friends.

In the final episode, ‘Comes with Everything You See Here,’ Orko is brought back to life by God-Lyn’s resurrection. This time, Orko seems much stronger than before and wears a new white outfit, similar to Gandalf the White’s return in The Two Towers.

Mattel didn’t release a second Revelation Orko figure in the Masterverse line, but they kept this new design for the Revolution series. The updated Orko was shown at San Diego Comic-Con 2023 as part of a 2-pack with Gwildor. The set came out just before Masters of the Universe Revolution premiered on Netflix in January 2024. It was initially planned as an Amazon exclusive, but soon became available at other online stores as well.

The figure’s sculpt and paint job look a lot like the cartoon, and Mattel added a creative new stand for the 3-inch floating Orko. He has nine points of articulation, including elbow joints, for the first time since the MOTU Classics line. His ears don’t move like Gwildor’s, but he comes with two new magic effects that fit over his wrists. Orko’s long scarf is missing the gold trim, but could also be included as an accessory, as it can be adjusted a little, unlike the animated scarf seen in the show.

The 2-pack also includes a new version of He-Man’s Power Sword, with a blade that fades from translucent yellow to metallic silver at the handle. These accessories really do add value to the $40 price point. Overall, both figures are solid, and this new Orko is a must-have if you’ve watched the Revolution series.

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: Zoar

Recommended music: TheGiver – Zoar (feat. Zie)

https://embed.music.apple.com/za/album/zoar-feat-zie-single/1698560545

Happy Monday, MOTU fans! Today we’ve got another #MastersMonday post from the archives featuring another 1983 creature from the vintage Mattel Masters of the Universe toyline: Zoar!

Zoar, known as the ‘Fighting Falcon,’ is an orange-and-blue repaint of an eagle mold previously used in both the Big Jim toyline and the Louis Marx Lone Ranger line. Initially, Zoar was depicted as a mount for Teela and Man-At-Arms. With the introduction of the Filmation He-Man animated series, Zoar’s role was redefined: The Sorceress could only leave Castle Grayskull in the form of the falcon, Zoar.

This change resulted in Zoar having bright orange features, except in certain later mini-comics. My vintage Zoar also appears to be in Sorceress form at the moment, so this Masters of the Universe Classics version will have to stand in. This works well, as the vintage Zoar was released as a gift set with Teela, with packaging artwork inspired by Rudy Obrero’s designs used on Zoar’s solo release.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#MOTU
#ToyPhotography

Scooter

Recommended music: Brooks & Dunn – Boot Scootin’ Boogie

On this #SomethingElseSunday, we’re still celebrating 70 years of the Muppets! From the Palisades Toys Muppets line, it’s Scooter!

Scooter first appeared in 1976, just a few minutes into the very first episode of The Muppet Show. He sometimes joined the regular skits on stage, but his main role was as the stage manager or “gofer.” For example, he’d say, “I’ll go fer coffee; I’ll go fer sandwiches; I’ll go for anything you need, etc…” In the first season, there was a running joke about Scooter’s uncle owning the Muppet Theatre, but Scooter stuck around long after that joke ended, showing up in every episode during the show’s five seasons. Most episodes included a behind-the-scenes moment where Scooter would tell the guest star, “15 seconds to curtain.”

Like Kermit and Miss Piggy, it is hard to picture any Muppets production from the past 50 years without Scooter. He has been an active part of dozens of Muppets films, television shows, and other appearances in the decades since The Muppet Show. Richard Hunt performed the character from the beginning up through Muppet*Vision 3D in 1991. Following Hunt’s passing the following year, Scooter did actually go through an eight-year absence before returning for Muppets in Space. Several performers stepped in to provide the voice or puppetry for Scooter over the next decade, before David Rudman fully took on the role of performing from 2008 onward.

Scooter’s importance to the brand was reflected in the Palisades Toys line, which featured three unique releases and a few variants. The first figure of Scooter was included in the third wave in the line while the packaging (and Scooter’s jacket) were still celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Muppet Show. While a headset and stage door were considered to be packed in with Scooter, later released with Rizzo and the actual Backstage Playset, Scooter did still come with a good amount of accessories. These include: a base, a box of Chinese food, a clipboard, a cupholder (with two to-go cups), a megaphone, a radio, and a skateboard. The figure looks great and is a must-have for fans of the character and his part in The Muppet Show.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TheMuppets70
#ToyPhotography

Tier Two Heroes & Villains

Recommended music: Yann Tiersen – La Valse d’Amelie (Orchestra Version)

On this #SomethingElseSunday, we’ve got another Masters of the Universe collaboration with Eternian Epic Imagery. This week’s theme is “Tier Two Heroes & Villains.”

This week, our objective was to highlight a lesser-known character from the Masters of the Universe franchise. Given the franchise’s extensive history spanning over four decades and numerous toy lines, the selection process offered considerable variety. Our group discussed the definition of a “tier two” character, and I ultimately decided to exclude characters from the first three waves of the vintage line to focus on those introduced later in the franchise.

I selected Optikk, who was introduced in the 1990s animated series The New Adventures of He-Man, and Dekker, who first appeared in the 2003 Mike Young Productions episode ‘The Island’ of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Although these characters might be considered below second tier, their inclusion in the Masters of the Universe Classics action figure line demonstrates their significance within the franchise. Additionally, I found the contrast between these one-eyed characters particularly compelling.
…

Tier Two Heroes & Villains

Back in the 80s and 90s, many toy lines and cartoons added lots of secondary characters to boost sales and keep the series going. That’s exactly what’s happening with the Masters of the Universe toy line these days, too!

MOTU has never had so many different lines and variants since it first started. With all these new characters, each one builds its own fan base, and it makes you wonder what would happen if some of them became the main stars.

Eternian Epic Imagery has taken on this challenge and brought it to life with their amazing photography. See their own pages for full images:

@b.a.dtoyphotos
@the_thanoscopter
@shadowfigurephotography
@kidult_1983
@emerald_knight_photos
@botfacedudeguy
@raw_photoygraphy
@cob_web_collector
@raoof7136
@dalestoys
@glare_foe
@opt975
@81_eternal

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

From the Archives: Rowlf

Recommended music: Rowlf – Cottleston Pie

It’s time to play the music with this #SomethingElseSunday post from the archives. Today, we’re celebrating 70 years of the Muppets and taking a look at the Palisades Toys Muppets Rowlf!

Rowlf the Dog debuted in Dog Chow commercials in 1962 and, by the following year, became the first Muppet to achieve nationwide recognition as a cast member on The Jimmy Dean Show. Performed exclusively by Jim Henson until 1990, Rowlf regularly appeared on The Muppet Show as the resident pianist and featured in recurring sketches such as “Veterinarian’s Hospital.”

Rowlf has contributed significantly to the music and humor of the Muppets over several decades. He was the first character featured in Muppet Studios’ year-long celebration of its 70th anniversary, which spotlights a different Muppet each week. Although I am behind since the celebration began last year, I intend to catch up at some point.

The sculpt for this Rowlf in a tuxedo figure was first shown with a White Tux Rowlf giveaway at Toy Fair 2002. About a year later, this version was released as part of the third wave of Palisades Toys figures. The tuxedo Rowlf was the only way to get the character on its own card. The regular version without clothes was made at the same time, but it was only available with the rare Backstage playset at the end of 2004.

This version included a baby grand piano, a bust of Beethoven for display, and a figure stand. I chose to pick up this figure loose, as I believe the upright piano and dollhouse candelabra better reflect Rowlf’s aesthetic in the Muppet Show’s “Rowlf at the Piano” segments.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TheMuppets70
#ToyPhotography

Laser Turret (Hoth Battle Playset)

Recommended music: Tool – Forty Six & 2

For this #StarWarsSaturday, we’re on the icy plains of Hoth during The Empire Strikes Back. From The Power of the Force Collection, it’s the Laser Turret!

EXT. HOTH – ICE PLAIN – POWER GENERATORS

Near the base power generators, troops rush to set up their heavy battle equipment. Buzzing loudly, the generators send along, sparking fingers of energy into the bitter Hoth wind.
…

While I have previously mentioned the underscaled power generators, a rotating laser turret was also included with the ‘Hoth Battle’ playset during The Power of the Force 2, a call-back to the vintage Kenner Empire Strikes Back line. Though the turret also appears to be too small, it works to add variety to your Hoth diorama. The part of the playset that is most accurately sized for 1/18th-scale action figures is the included trench. The turret has both a side door and a top hatch for simple features, and a slider that extends a fake flame in place of a projectile-firing action feature.

I have to believe the $15 retail for this set seemed like a great value when it was released in 1997, but I’m sure glad Hasbro has continued to put out updated versions of these scene accessories over the years that are more accurately scaled. Now, it would be nice for them to make new playsets, or at least diorama pieces of some Echo Base interior scenes.

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: Luke Skywalker’s Tauntaun

Recommended music: TAUNTAUN – For The Lost (Skip to track 7 below)

For this #StarWarsSaturday post from the archives, I originally ventured out to my snowy backyard to bring you this beast. From the Hasbro Star Wars Power of the Force 2 Collection, it’s Luke Skywalker’s Tauntaun!

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

EXT. PLAIN OF HOTH – DAY

A small figure gallops across the windswept ice slope. The bundled
rider is mounted on a large gray snow lizard, a Tauntaun. Curving
plumes of snow rise from beneath the speeding paws of the two-legged
beast.

The rider gallops up a slope and reins his lizard to a stop. Pulling
off his protective goggles, Luke Skywalker notices something in the
sky. He takes a pair of electrobinoculars from his utility belt and ,
through them, sees smoke rising from where the probe robot has crashed.

The wind whips at Luke’s fur-lined cap, and he activates a comlink
transmitter. His Tauntaun shifts and moans nervously beneath him.

…

This creature received an update here for the first time since 1980, with not only an upgrade in sculpt and paint but also an action feature: a press of his saddlebag would result in “realistic running action.”

I always liked this shot in the film. It resembled Ralph McQuarrie’s “winterized lizard” concept and showed off the detail on set. This went beyond just the miniature used in the preceding shots of the tauntaun. Luke’s tauntaun with the broken horn received another update about 15 years later, but I skipped that release in favor of tauntauns with two full-size horns. 😛

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

Skalli Bonesplitter

Recommended music: Tool – Schism

So this #FourHorsemenFriday, we’re taking a look at the Four Horsemen Studios Mythic Legions Skalli Bonesplitter!

The Mythic Legions All Stars 6 wave, available for preorder in spring 2023, included several reissues, new knights, a horse, new belts, heads, wings, and multiple new skeleton options. In addition to the standard full-size skeleton legion builder, this wave introduced a previously unseen race of skeletons to the line.

Unlike the generic skeleton legion builders, I find Bonesplitter’s biography particularly compelling. In life, Skalli Bonesplitter was among the most ruthless marauders from the northern settlement of Vikenfell. After succumbing to the curse that afflicted these warriors, Skalli’s cruelty intensified in death. This undead dwarven fighter now leads a force of skeleton raiders from the cold regions of Vikenfell toward the center of Mythoss, intent on destroying all who oppose him.

The 25-month wait for this figure proved worthwhile. Skalli is packaged with the Deluxe Barbaran Legion Builder head, although I have not yet found a suitable body for it, as the new dwarf skull head is a better match for this body. The oversized shoulder pauldrons with skulls on them look sharp, but I feel like they would match up with another full-size baddie a lot better. The figure also includes an ornate battle axe, a dwarven shield, a dwarven sword, a hammer that appears to be a new accessory, and an extra set of hands. Overall, Skalli is a valuable addition to the line, functioning effectively as either a named character or an army builder for your undead dwarf legions. 😄

#ActionFigurePhotography
#CabalAboveAll
#MythicLegions
#MythicLegionsCabal
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Freyja of Deadhall

Recommended music: Trevor Gureckis – Isaac’s Hallucination

For this #FourHorsemenFriday post from the archives, we’re going to take a look at a Valkyrie in a snowy land with the Mythic Legions Freyja of Deadhall!

While her bio states that Freyja can “repeatedly resurrect herself,” I’m more concerned with how she stays warm. Perhaps it is something learned by many who hail from the House of the Noble Bear. Still, the ability to do without a heavy winter jacket is certainly a reason this legendary warrior has been revered for ages. 😄

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

Legolas with Horse

Recommended music: Howard Shore – The Wolves of Isengard

On this #TolkienThursday, let’s go take a look at a ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings Return of the King Legolas!

Although the Fellowship that departed from Rivendell was reduced to three members, the bond of friendship among them remained strong. In the face of significant danger, Legolas and Gimli demonstrated steadfast loyalty. Wherever their companion and leader traveled, both the Elf and the Dwarf accompanied him. When Aragorn fought on horseback, Legolas and Gimli also fought alongside him, using sword, bow, arrow, and axe in coordinated efforts.

ToyBiz released this Legolas figure (featuring Dagger-Slashing Action) as part of a deluxe horse-and-rider set, which includes his horse, though the horse is unnamed on the packaging. This is the only horse set to feature a Legolas figure. Although the packaging identifies it as part of the Return of the King line, I have always chosen to display this pair with my figures from The Two Towers. The epic maneuver by Legolas to mount his horse when the Warg-riders ambush the Edoras refugees on their way to Helm’s Deep is unforgettable cinema.

While the figure’s nickname matches a Legolas from the Fellowship line due to its action feature, this version appears to be a completely new sculpt. The head, arms, oversized quiver, and rubbery, flexible legs indicate that it is more than a simple repaint. The addition of a soft-goods cape and skirt really makes the figure look great on horseback.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LordOfTheRings
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Haldir

Recommended music: Chill Astronaut – Lothlorien (LOTR Lofi)

For this #TolkienThursday post from the archives, we’re leaving Moria in the past and making our way to Lothlorien with the ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring Haldir!

This version of Haldir the elf was not available as a single carded figure, being exclusive to the Lothlorien Gift Pack. The sculpt and paint on this figure are great, and despite his brief screen time (especially in the theatrical cut of The Fellowship of the Ring), he is a welcome inclusion in the line.

“The Dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark.” – Haldir

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

Harlequin Demon

Recommended music: Hans Zimmer – Discombobulate

For this #WhateverWednesday, we’re looking at action figures perfect for the season between Halloween and Christmas. From the Super7 ReAction The Nightmare Before Christmas line, it’s Harlequin Demon!

The Harlequin Demon is inspired by the classic harlequin clown, known for its diamond patterns, feathers, and jester hat. It’s a look that’s both familiar and a bit creepy. Like other Halloween Town residents, this monster loves to scare people and help get ready for Christmas. He’s also puzzled by the new holiday and shows off by turning a dead rat into a hat you can give as a gift.

Funko didn’t add Harlequin Demon to their The Nightmare Before Christmas ReAction line, but Super7 brought him in when they relaunched the line in 2020. The figure’s lower jaw moves for a sixth point of articulation, but there aren’t any accessories, which is a bit disappointing for the $20 price. While NECA Toys and Diamond Select Toys have made better Harlequin Demon figures, and Funko has produced cheaper versions, this figure fits in well with the ReAction line. The sculpt and paint match the movie really well, and I think it would look awesome under a black light.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TheNightmareBeforeChristmas
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: The Captain

Recommended music: Theron Statler – Blackbeard

This #WhateverWednesday from the archives, we’re setting sail with the Disney Parks Pirates of the Caribbean “The Captain.”

Since this Disney Parks exclusive toyline showcases the animatronic characters that populated the ride before Pirates Of The Caribbean became a major film franchise, the pirate captain seen here is from 2006 or earlier and is not Captain Barbossa, as portrayed by Geoffrey Rush.

This character has been removed from the park attraction in California, Florida, and Tokyo. Despite this, the pirate captain is still hoisting the colors in Disneyland Paris. For more than four decades, the captain could be found midway through the ride, giving orders to his crew of the Wicked Wench ship while they attack a fort with cannonballs (while also searching for treasure). The action figure plays heavily into Blackbeard the pirate’s look and includes part of the ship, a cannon (and assorted balls), guns, swords, a telescope, and a mug of pirate ale, grog, or something.

Yes, I do realize the ship deck diorama piece is 180 degrees backward in my picture, but I thought it looked cooler with the pirate ship in the background instead of overlooking a small boat of theme park guests. 😄

“Strike your colors, ya bloomin’ cockroaches! … Fire at will!”

#ActionFigurePhotography
#POTC
#ToyPhotography

Raphael (Cartoon) Ultimate Pizza Club

Recommended music: Jim Croce – Operator

On this #TurtleTuesday, we’re spotlighting the most recent release of NECA Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael!

This “Pizza Club Edition” of Raph is based on his look from the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series. NECA designed the figure’s box to look like an old VHS tape produced by Family Home Entertainment (FHE) and promoted by the Burger King Kid’s Club circa 1990, aptly labeled: “Raphael is Cool But Rude.” This updated version of the turtles was part of Target’s Haulathon event in the spring of 2024.

This version of the cartoon figures is also referred to as an “Ultimate” release, as it includes a handful of new accessories, several of which are specific to one episode of the series. Besides a new scowling head sculpt for when a bird wrecks your stuff, Raphael comes with: an extra set of hands, a head that looks like it’s covered with pizza dough [See Pizza Club Michelangelo], Polly the parrot, a new oversized cartoon-style set of sais, a sausage & jelly bean pizza, a TV guide, and a red VHS tape.

While not a “must have” for collectors who already own previous cartoon figures of the character, this release offers numerous additions that enhance its overall value. The paint has a nice matte finish, and I feel like the colors really match the cartoon series.

Although I prefer the older, slimmer version of Raphael’s sai, I also appreciate the new accessories and head options in this release. Ultimately, for both collectors and more casual fans of the animated series, these updates make for a decent figure if you can find it for close to retail.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles
#TMNT
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Granitor (Cartoon)

Recommended music: Sleep Token – Granite

On this #TurtleTuesday post from the archives, we’re taking a look at the NECA Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Granitor!

Based on his look from the 1987 TMNT cartoon, Granitor was included in a 2-pack with fellow Stone Warrior General Traag. This chunky Rock Soldier looks very accurate to the animation model first seen in the fourth episode, one of my favorites, “Hot Rodding Teenagers from Dimension X.”

While the figure would certainly have benefited from a bit more articulation to match certain poses from the show, it’s still a great likeness. Also, Granitor frowns upon Rock Soldier recruits who cross over from other toy lines and hold their guns in their belly buttons. 😄

#ActionFigurePhotography
#teenagemutantninjaturtles
#TMNT
#toyphotography