Tag: ToyBiz

From the Archives: Moria Orc

Recommended music: Wacky Giraffe – All I Want For Christmas Is Goblins To Take Over For Mariah [You’ll have to click the link for this one, I couldn’t embed it in the blog]

https://link.deezer.com/s/31iM7IwVyuv3nZv5045xF

For this #TolkienThursday post from the archives, we’re back in the Mines of Moria with these ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Moria Orcs!

Moria Orcs, AKA Moria Goblins, are a sub-breed of shriveled up Orcs from the Misty Mountains that took over Moria after the Dwarves were driven out. This version of the Moria Orc was included in the final wave of half-moon carded figures from the Fellowship of the Ring line. This is the FOTR wave with red packaging as the line transitioned into The Two Towers, released around the same time as the Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition was arriving on DVD.

The figures have an excellent, detailed likeness of the goblin characters that were mostly in very dark scenes in the film. ToyBiz also included a removable helmet in addition to shield and sword accessories with the figure. This allowed you to army-build many different looks for the character, and is likely the one figure I have the most of from this line. These are all separate figures in the photo and are certainly enough to chase the Fellowship through Moria.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Orc Warrior

Recommended music: Patty Smyth – The Warrior (Live, 2021)

On this #TolkienThursday post from the archives, we’re leaving the Mines of Moria. Next, we’re heading to Isengard and examining the ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Orc Warrior!

This version of the Orc Warrior (with Axe Hacking and Arrow Launching Action) was included in the third wave of half-moon carded figures from the Fellowship of the Ring line.

For decades now, I’ve had these guys mixed in with my Moria orcs to add some variety to that army, but it occurs to me now that these orcs actually appear much earlier in the film when Saruman demands that trees be ripped down.

I believe these are the Isengard orcs seen with axes and chopping stuff up. The inclusion of bow and arrow accessories made me think they were actually responsible for attacking the fellowship at some point, like the Moria orcs.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Legolas with Dagger Slashing and Arrow Launching Action

Recommended music: John Debney – Buddy’s Journey

For this #TolkienThursday post from the archives, we’re back in the Mines of Moria with this ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Legolas!

This version of Legolas (with Dagger Slashing and Arrow Launching Action) was included in the first wave of half-moon carded figures from the Fellowship of the Ring line, ahead of the film’s theatrical release.

This first version of Legolas in the line came with four arrows for his bow, as well as a pair of daggers. This version was later rereleased in the second wave of the carded FOTR line. The action feature works by squeezing his legs together so he’s ready to take on any foe… including a cave troll.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Gimli with Axe Throwing Action

Recommended music: Ravetopia – Chip The Glasses & Crack The Plates

Getting ahead this #TolkienThursday with a post from the archives, we’re taking a quick look at this ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Gimli!

This version of Gimli (with Axe Throwing Action) was included in the second wave of carded figures from the Fellowship of the Ring line. A welcome update to the Fellowship Of The Ring version, Gimli now comes with a cape, but no longer includes the pedestal that held the ring, which he naively tried to smash.

You may remember Gimli stating, “What are we waiting for?” while in Rivendell. At the time of this original post (on Thanksgiving), we were waiting for turkey. I’m not sure how well the meme works on the other 364 days of the year. 😄 [Also, yes, I realize Gimli was not in the Shire, but he really wanted to join Gloin and the other dwarves at Bag End.]

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Strider

Recommended music: Van Morrison – Wild Night

So, on this #TolkienThursday post from the archives, we’re moving on to the Mines of Moria with this ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring Strider!

This version of Strider with Sword-Drawing and Sword-Slashing Actions was included in the very first series of half-moon figures for the Fellowship, ahead of the first film’s theatrical debut.

This version of Aragorn came with a piece of a broken sword and, like other versions, came with a flaming torch, which may have helped out when taking on an army of orcs with a cave troll in the darkened mines.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Gandalf with Light Up Staff Action

Recommended music: Cinematic Symphony Orchestra – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Reaching out this #TolkienThursday with a post from the archives. We’re moving on from Rivendell to share this ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Gandalf!

This version of Gandalf with Light Up Staff was included in the second wave of half-moon figures from the Fellowship of the Ring line. The first version of the character in this toyline not only features a great likeness of Sir Ian McKellen but also a mix of soft goods and sculpted clothing.

The figure has metal rods in the left hand to power Gandalf’s walking stick, but I needed the staff on the other side to match the film, and the batteries need to be replaced as well. The previously closed right hand needed to be modified somewhat to accommodate the thick staff instead of Glamdring (the sword does not light up either). 😄

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

Gondorian Ranger

Recommended music: Matchbox Twenty – If You’re Gone

We’re not going gonzo this #TolkienThursday, but we are taking a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Gondorian Ranger!

Under their Captain Faramir, the Gondorian Rangers patrolled the narrow wilds between the lands of Gondor and Mordor. Faramir’s men were skilled in woodcraft and knew all the secret ways and places of their realm. None could pass through Ithilien without their knowledge, and many servants of the enemy (both Haradrim and Orcs) met their doom at the point of Gondorian arrows and spears without ever knowing they were being watched.

This Gondorian Ranger “Outfitted with Weapons” figure was released in the first wave of half-moon packaged figures for The Two Towers, ahead of the film’s release. I’m not sure why ToyBiz thought to include him in Series 1 with the Easterling army builder and three main characters from the film. He doesn’t work great as an army builder himself, as there is no great alternate way to display the figure. Including an alternate head or a soft goods hood or mask would have helped sell many more of this peg warmer.

The sculpt and paint are solid, but he’s just a generic Ranger, and the “Outfitted with Weapons” moniker is very misleading. The figure does not come with the pictured bow, only packed with a single sword (and a sheath to store it in). The open left hand and closed quiver make it very difficult for this character to be an archer. Again, the inclusion of a bow, arrows, and an open quiver would have really gone a long way for this figure. Fortunately, Toybiz did include these accessories with Faramir and the eventual release of the Gondorian Swordsman.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LordOfTheRings
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Bilbo Transfixed

Recommended music: Ike & Tina Turner – River Deep Mountain High

Reaching out this #TolkienThursday with a post from the archives. We’re taking a look at the ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Bilbo Transfixed!

Released in the fourth wave of The Fellowship of the Ring carded series figures is another Bilbo, and this time, he is transfixed. This is a version of the character that shows up for just a split-second in The Fellowship of the Ring, and provides quite the jump scare. The unsettling facial expression on the action figure has likely bothered children for years, and is also fun to freeze-frame when watching the film.

The figure’s packaging boldly states Bilbo is “mesmerized by The One Ring” after he sees his previous treasure dangling from Frodo’s neck. The look doesn’t exactly match the excited appearance of Ian Holm’s face with scary makeup. Despite this, the figure is a great addition to the collection. I almost wish ToyBiz had reused this sculpt/deco with a not-so-scary face.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

Eowyn

Recommended music: Howard Shore – Exit From Edoras

Ay yo there, Ringers! This #TolkienThursday, we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings Return of the King Eowyn!

The niece of King Theoden, Lady Eowyn of Rohan, is both beautiful and strong. Despite her noble blood, Eowyn is not one to shy from combat. Adept with both a sword and shield, the Lady is quite capable of defending herself. When the men of Rohan leave to do battle in defense of their realm, Eowyn longs to be allowed to take up arms herself and join them, though her gender and office forbade it.

While this Eowyn “with Sword Attack Action” figure was technically released in the third wave of half moon packaged figures for Return of the King, I’ve always displayed it with my display from The Two Towers. Pressing the button on her back causes the right arm to strike down, which matches right up with this specific outfit and scene that takes place in Edoras. That’s right, just halfway through The Two Towers, before the departure to Helm’s Deep.

Unfortunately, this Eowyn figure does not have the strongest likeness to Australian actress Miranda Otto compared to other figures in the line. I do think ToyBiz nailed the sculpt for the rest of the figure, and I appreciate this color scheme being included in the line. We’ll get to the updated version sometime next year. 👍

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LordOfTheRings
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

King Theoden

Recommended music: Howard Shore – The King’s Decision

Happy #TolkienThursday, Ringers! It’s almost the weekend! Today, we’re looking at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers King Theoden!

Monarch of the land of Rohan, King Theoden was a courageous leader and soldier til the end. Saruman used the cunning machinations of his servant, Grima Wormtongue, to subvert and poison Theoden’s mind. This act temporarily plunged Rohan into darkness and despair. Nevertheless, through Gandalf’s intervention, Theoden was freed from Saruman’s influence. Restored to health and soundness of spirit, the King banished Wormtongue from his hall and once again led his people. With wisdom and bravery, Théoden decides to leave the Golden Hall to take his people to the refuge of Helm’s Deep, a fortress that has saved Rohan in the past.

The Toybiz King Théoden “with Sword Attack Action” figure was released in the second wave of half moon packaged figures for The Two Towers, close to the film’s theatrical release. Pressing the button on his back causes the right arm to strike down, which is an oversight as Theoden is left-handed and really only uses his right arm for his sword when leading the “Ride of the Rohirrim,” which occurs during The Return of the King. Toybiz did manage to accurately attach his scabbard to his right side.

The figure bears an incredibly accurate likeness to the Theoden actor Bernard Hill. The face also reminds me of a bearded version of fellow Titanic actor Victor Garber, but the point is that the sculpt and paint are great. The vinyl cape is helpful in case you want to put Theoden on a horse, but I’m just glad Toybiz released the character in this costume as it appears in several scenes following Theodred’s funeral and before the Battle of Helm’s Deep.

[Pay no attention to an upside-down Legolas casually mounting his horse in the picture.] 😄

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LordOfTheRings
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Elrond of Rivendell

Recommended music: Peter Hollens – Council of Elrond

We’re right on time with this #TolkienThursday post from the archives. Today, we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Elrond of Rivendell!

Released in the third wave of The Fellowship of the Ring carded series figures is another Elrond, this time, without armor. I can’t imagine a soft goods cloak would have looked nearly as good as this sculpted one, and the paint job perfectly portrays Hugo Weaving’s face right down to the disapproving eyebrows.

This shot is a funny one to freeze frame, as there are clearly several members of the fellowship represented by their body doubles, but I had to pick it as Elrond gives some memorable lines here:
“No, indeed…it is hardly possible to separate you…even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.”😄

Finally, the last line of dialogue on the first disc of the extended DVD version: 😁 “Nine companions … so be it…You shall be the “Fellowship of the Ring”

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

Hama Royal Guard of Rohan

Recommended music: Peter Gabriel – Sledgehammer

Hello Ringers, I hope your #TolkienThursday is going according to plan. Today, we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Hama Royal Guard of Rohan!

In medieval times, and possibly more recently, for all I know, there was a military position known as a doorward. A doorward is someone who has the responsibility of guarding the king’s door, thereby protecting the king’s property. This role is then passed on to the doorward’s heirs.

As J. R. R. Tolkien loved incorporating ancient languages and concepts into his writing. It’s no surprise that he created the character of Háma to be the doorward of Meduseld, also known as the Golden Hall of Rohan. In fact, the name Háma even means “home” or “house” in Old English.

This captain of the guard is the one given orders by Grima Wormtongue to disarm Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas before entering the king’s hall. He does so, but conveniently allows Gandalf to keep his staff as a courtesy to the elder appearing wizard after delivering this memorable line:

“I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Grima Wormtongue.”

In The Two Towers book, Hama died at the battle of Helm’s Deep defending the gates of the Hornburg and was buried there after the battle. For Peter Jackson’s The Two Towers film, Hama did not make it to Helm’s Deep as he was killed by a warg on the march there, and his body was left behind. He is mentioned one more time later in the film as a new character, Haleth, was created for the film and plays Hama’s son.

The Toybiz Hama figure was released in the fourth wave of carded figures for The Two Towers. It bears a great likeness to the Kiwi actor and the costume as seen on screen, complete with a vinyl cape in case you want to put Hama on a horse, and is likely the only action figure this character will ever receive.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LordOfTheRings
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Council Legolas

Recommended music: Howard Shore – The Council of Elrond Assembles / “Aníron” (feat. Enya)

It looks like we’ve got another #TolkienThursday post from the archives. Today, we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Council Legolas!

Released in the fifth and final wave of The Fellowship of the Ring carded series figures is a pretty decent Legolas figure that is covered up by a rubbery cloak. This is another figure that may have benefited from a soft goods cloak if ToyBiz was able to figure out the velvety texture, but this sculpted cloak does look good and can be removed to reveal a similar (yet unique) sculpt and paint job among the 10 Legolas figures in the toyline. This scene does feature Legolas delivering his one line of dialogue to Frodo in the entire trilogy:

“…And my bow”😄

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

Armored Troll

Recommended music: Armored Sound Productions – Fork in the Road

Today’s figure is quite the charmer. This #TolkienThursday, we’re looking at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Troll in armor!

In The Two Towers film, when Frodo, Gollum, and Sam come across an army of Easterling warriors entering the Black Gate, the gates are powered by armored trolls. With Sauron’s darkness attracting many evils to the black lands of Mordor, not just orcs and fallen men arrived, but also cave trolls. These hulking beasts are well-suited to carry out the heavy work Sauron’s lieutenants put them through. Multiple trolls are constantly laboring to operate the doors of the towering Black Gate.

The “Electronic Sound & Action” Armored Troll deluxe figure arrived in 2003, when all packaging had switched to Return of the King blue, even though this figure is correctly labeled as being from The Two Towers.

This oversized 11″ figure is a highly detailed sculpt and requires AA batteries to power the troll roaring action. He also has two levers on his back, amongst features copied over from the earlier Cave Troll release for chain jabbing and chain slamming action. The chains are a great addition to the figure. Though they are made of a light plastic, the chains are painted well and are long enough that you can position the trolls for laboring poses. The troll also sports a new helmet and soft goods loincloth for an added realistic look.

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LordOfTheRings
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography

From the Archives: Council of Elrond Aragorn

Recommended music: Travis Tritt – Best of Intentions

Are you ready for this #TolkienThursday post from the archives? Today, we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz Lord of the Rings Council of Elrond Aragorn!

“If, by my life or death, I can protect you, I will… you have my sword.”

Released in the first wave of Epic Trilogy figures from The Fellowship of the Ring is a super poseable Aragorn with 31 points of articulation. He comes with a cool accessory in the broken sword Narsil, and a little display base that resembles the scene in Rivendell.

While I appreciate that ToyBiz made an Aragorn in this costume along with the other dozen Aragorn figures in the line, this one really could have benefited from a soft goods tunic, and the face and hair combination make me picture more of a ’90s country singer than Viggo Mortensen. 😄

#ActionFigurePhotography
#LOTR
#ToyPhotography