Recommended music: Creepy Cave Music – Gemstone Caves
For this #WhateverWednesday from the archives, we’re spending some time with Plunderlings Cheddar!
Around this time last summer, Cheddar accompanied me to a Foo Fighters show. At the time, this show was the highest-attended concert with the Foo Fighters as the headliner. I’m not sure if they’ve surpassed that record since.
Rocking his blue mohawk, this was Cheddar’s first rock concert (and my first in a long time). We had a great time. Yes, that is why I’ve been providing a daily dose of the Foo Fighters for the past week. 🤘😎
Come back to 1885 this #WhateverWednesday, as we’re still celebrating this month’s 40th anniversary of Back to the Future. We are also marking 35 years since the release of Back to the Future Part III. Celebrate with this Playmobil Back to the Future Part III set!
NECA Toys has never gotten around to making anything for BTTF Part III in their 1/12 scale action figure line. They’ve also not made anything for Back to the Future depicting 1885. It seems we’re going the Playmobil route again to replicate yet another scene from the third film.
Thankfully, Playmobil released an advent calendar a few years ago that included a cardboard backdrop for the 1885 still under construction Hill Valley Courthouse. For 1885, we get a new version of Dr. Emmett Brown, complete with his cowboy hat and Winchester 1866 rifle. There’s also an 1885 Marty, also known as Clint Eastwood, that comes with a gun and holster, a hat, a steel chestplate, and a poncho.
Finally, we get a new character in the mix with Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen. He comes with a gun, hat, and lasso, as well as his Arabian horse. Additional accessories relating to the scene include an old-timey camera on a tripod, a framed photo of Marty and Doc, and finally, a full-size (think postcard size) photo of the pair in front of the new clock from the film.
“It’ll shoot the fleas off a dog’s back at 500 yards, Tannen, and it’s pointed straight at your head!!” – Doc
Released in US theaters on July 3rd, 1985, this month marks the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future! I figure it’s worth jumping in the DeLorean to revisit some great toys from the film.
On this #WhateverWednesday, we’re still celebrating this month’s 40th anniversary of Back to the Future. We are also marking 35 years of Back to the Future Part III. Celebrate with this Playmobil Back to the Future Part III set!
Once again, NECA Toys never got around to making anything for BTTF Part III in their 1/12 scale action figure line, so we’re going the Playmobil route again to replicate another scene from the third film.
Thankfully, Playmobil released an advent calendar a few years ago that included a cardboard backdrop for the 1955 Delgado Mine/Boot Hill Cemetery. For accessories, we’ve got Copernicus, a dog-sized mining helmet, a lantern, explosives with a corresponding plunger, Doc Brown’s 1885 tombstone, and a desert plant, as apparently Hill Valley used to have a lot more desert around it before the urban sprawl of the past 30-100 years. 😄 Unfortunately, Playmobil did not include another deco of Marty and Doc specific to this scene, but between the 1955 and 1985 parts, you can figure something out that works.
Released in US theaters on July 3rd, 1985, we’re less than a week removed from the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future! I figure it’s worth jumping in the DeLorean to revisit some great toys from the film.
Recommended music: BODYWORX x MOTi – Hustle For That Muscle
On this #WhateverWednesday from the archives, we’ve got these Super7 Masters of the Universe M.U.S.C.L.E. mini-figures!
As thousands of pop culture fans are looking forward to descending on Southern California for San Diego Comic-Con later this month, I’ve got some of these convention exclusives to share from the collection.
Also known as M.O.T.U.S.C.L.E., the slime green variants of all these characters came as convention exclusives at Power-Con for a few years. They made for a great way to collect all the individual characters without worrying about blind boxes. Each of the four trash cans contained the full wave of character designs available.
Recommended music: Alan Silvestri – A Flying Delorean?
We’re back in 2015 (again) on this #WhateverWednesday, so let’s take one more look at the NECA Back to the Future Accessory Set!
I’ve already covered all of the action figure releases that NECA Toys put out for the Back to the Future films. I also discussed the additional accessories for 1955 and 1985. Now, it’s time for the 2015 stuff.
To begin, we’ve got a futuristic gym bag that helps Marty go incognito as a fashionable teen 30 years into the future. While the bag does not explicitly say NIKE FOOTWEAR due to licensing, the design is close enough that you get the idea. Inside the case is a folded-up version of Marty Jr.’s jacket and a pair of the infamous Nike Mag sneakers. Yes, they are also missing the Nike branding, but the 1/12 scale “power laces” look good.
Unfortunately, the shoes can not be swapped onto your 2015 Ultimate Marty figure (or any Marty figure), as the figure is already wearing his irremovable Nike Mags. The jacket is also not removable, and even if you do pull it off to reveal his cranberry colored tee, the arms are gray jacket sleeves.
Speaking of accessories that could have been easily included with the original figure, we also get a lone piece of paper from later in the film, from when Marty Sr. runs into trouble with his co-worker Needles, played by Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers fame. I’m not sure why the film’s writers thought that the future would bring us fax machines simultaneously printing the same information in every room of our homes, but now you can own a tiny printout exclaiming “You’re Fired!!!!” on company stationery. 😄 This accessory would have been a lot cooler if NECA had actually released a figure of Jennifer or an older-aged version of Marty.
Released in US theaters on July 3rd, 1985, we’re just ONE DAY away from the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future! I figure it’s worth jumping in the DeLorean to revisit some great toys from the film.
Recommended music: Alan Silvestri – 1.21 Jigowatts
We’re back in 1955 (again) on this #WhateverWednesday, and we’re still looking at the NECA Back to the Future Accessory Set!
Since I’ve already covered all of the action figure releases that NECA Toys put out for the Back to the Future live-action films, and discussed the 1985 accessories last week. Let’s see what’s included in the Back to the Future Accessory set for 1955.
First off, we’ve got the brainwave scanner Doc Brown head to go with your 1955 Doc Brown figure. The reused extra head with this invention attached is a real highlight of this accessory set, and a piece that was apparently too large to include with the original Doc release. While the shocked expression on Doc’s face is typically seen when he is wearing a different costume, it still works here. That’s right; technically, Doc should be wearing his silvery robe while adorning the brainwave scanner.
“My god, do you know what this means? It means that this damn thing doesn’t work at all.” – Doc
In the film, when Marty puts his yellow radiation suit back on to fool the adolescent George McFly into pursuing Lorraine, he delivers this classic line:
“Silence, Earthling. My name is Darth Vader. I am an extra-terrestrial from the planet Vulcan.”
Yes, I covered this ‘Tales From Space’ version of Marty eight weeks ago, but this additional accessory makes the figure even more complete, as this set includes an additional gloved hand doing a Vulcan salute. While Marty only makes the hand motion for a moment, it’s a pretty unique pose that NECA likely had to sculpt the fingers from scratch.
Additionally, there is a walkie-talkie and Marty’s letter to Doc, both seen in 1955 scenes, but I don’t have a picture thought out for those accessories just yet.
We’re just ONE WEEK away from the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future! I figure it’s worth jumping in the DeLorean to revisit some great toys from the film.
Recommended music: Alan Silvestri – 85 Twin Pines Mall
We’re back in 1985 this #WhateverWednesday, and looking at the NECA Back to the Future Accessory Set!
I’ve covered all of the action figure releases that NECA Toys put out for the Back to the Future live action films. Yes, they really only scratched the surface on the first two films with this line; however, there was one more release that really helped set the scene for several more… scenes.
The Back to the Future Accessory set contains over a dozen new accessories. Tonight, I thought I’d cover some of the new parts seen in 1985. First up, we’ve got a full Hazmat hood and a case of plutonium to go with the Doc Brown figure. One piece of plutonium from the case is removable (as seen in the film). The original figure contained swappable arms so Doc could wear his Hazmat gloves, but this is the first time he was able to be fully protected while handling nuclear components.
Also found in this set are two different “OUTATIME” license plates, one being in new condition, and the other slightly damaged after it flies off the DeLorean when the car bursts back in time, aflame when traveling at 88 MPH. Thankfully, a new pinching hand is included for Marty as the original hands included did not close enough to hold the plate.
Finally, one of the highlights of this set is Doc Brown’s dog, Einstein, who’ll I’ll cover more in depth in a future post.
We’re just two weeks away from the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future! I figure it’s worth jumping in the DeLorean to revisit some great toys from the film.
Recommended music: John Williams – Cantina Band (Hot Jazz Version)
Greeting you this #WhateverWednesday from the archives, we’re looking at Greedo!
Last year, around this time, backers of the bar unlocked this Rodian even when #GreedoBackedFirst! On top of the previously mentioned Tonnika sisters, a new version of Wuher, and Nabrun Leids, a new Greedo is coming. Greedo is a character Hasbro has produced several times, and I’ve been content with the last release, which fits in much better than the old Power of the Force 2 Greedo.
Greedo will come with a new sculpted, removable vest (see second picture). While he’s already been made many times in figure form, I’m ready for an upgrade so Han will stop laughing at his dull soft goods vest.
Greedo looks like he will continue to come with a holster for his blaster (even though the actual costume didn’t), but that’s fine. He can use the holster to better hold his drink!😜
My current cantina display features altogether too much cardboard behind the bar, and several outdated figures in front of the bar; however, this new version (see second picture) just looks incredible! The Mos Eisley Cantina HasLab crowdfunding campaign finished in July 2024 and should be shipping to backers later this year.
Recommended music: Hideki Matsutake – Moonraker [Skip to 17:58 for the specific track]
On this #SomethingElseSunday from the archives, let’s go with this Moonraker Japanese movie program.
Last year, we celebrated the 45th anniversary of Moonraker’s debut in US theaters in 1979. At the time, the movie had the biggest box office returns of any film in the James Bond franchise and kept that spot until GoldenEye in 1995.
Even though Moonraker had been written for some time with the intention of making it into a film, it was only released before For Your Eyes because the story could incorporate a space theme to take advantage of the Star Wars craze of the time. While there is a lot to poke fun at in this film between cheesy writing and humorous intentions, it is a fun ride that takes the viewer to Brazil, France, Guatemala, and Italy (home of the hovercraft gondolas and double-taking pigeon).😉
Like other Japanese theater programs I’ve shared, Google Translate is a big help with deciphering the advertisements and behind-the-scenes info.
Recommended music: Alan Silvestri – A Flying DeLorean?
Flying around 2015 this #WhateverWednesday, and looking at the NECA Back to the Future Part II Griff Tannen!
For Back to the Future Part II, “Griff” Tannen is the grandson of Biff Tannen seen in 2015. He has characteristics similar to the younger bully version of his grandfather. However, Griff’s traits are even more extreme, and he has bionic implants.
“Hey, Gramps, I told you two coats of wax on my car, not just one! GRAMPS! What the hell am I paying you for?!” – Griff Tannen
Marty (in disguise as Marty Jr.) ended up falling in the pond in front of the Hill Valley Courthouse, and his hoverboard failed to work on water. Griff missed out on smacking Marty with his his telescoping bat and ended up hitting a rock with his own hoverboard, spinning him and his gang into the courthouse. This changed the course of history and the newspaper story of Marty Jr.’s arrest was erased from the timeline.
This version of Griff does a good job of looking like a late 1980s Tom Wilson. The figure includes an extra non-helmeted head, which looks a lot like the previously released Biff Tannen head. He also comes with a telescoping bat (that doesn’t actually telescope), his trademark “Pit Bull” hoverboard, and a flight stand to give it that flying look.
We’re just three weeks away from the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future! I figure it’s worth jumping in the DeLorean to revisit some great toys from the film.
Recommended music: John Williams – Cantina Band (Piano Version)
Now this #WhateverWednesday from the archives, we’re looking at Nabrun Lieds!
Last year around this time, backers of the bar took the lead and unlocked Nabrub Leids in the last hours of the campaign. In addition to the previously mentioned Tonnika sisters and the new version of Wuher, Leids will be included along with Greedo.
Leids comes with four arms for holding a blaster and multiple drinks. The character has been produced twice already in action figure form, but I’m ready for an upgrade. Also, the new Cantina is going to come with around nine different styles of cups, so even weirdos like Nabrun Lieds and friends will find one to their liking.
My current cantina display features altogether too much cardboard behind the bar, and several outdated figures in front of the bar, however, this new version (see second picture) just looks incredible! The Mos Eisley Cantina HasLab crowdfunding campaign finished in July 2024 and should be shipping to backers later this year.
Recommended music: Alan Silvestri – Hoverboard Chase
We’re still hovering around 2015 this #WhateverWednesday, and taking a look at another NECA Back to the Future Marty McFly!
For Back to the Future Part II, we find a teenage Marty transported 30 years into the future via Doc Brown’s flying DeLorean because (according to Doc):
“No no no no no, Marty, both you and Jennifer turn out fine. It’s your kids, Marty, something has gotta be done about your kids.”
Doc informs Marty that his son (Marty Jr.) is destined to be arrested for his involvement in a robbery in connection with Biff’s grandson, Griff. This one moment sets off a chain reaction that will eventually destroy the McFly family. Marty is given his son’s exact outfit (who is identical, of course) to take his place and refuse Griff’s nefarious offer.
This ‘2015’ version of Marty isn’t as great of a likeness of Michael J. Fox, as the previous figure releases, but he does come dressed in his futuristic fashion. Granted, the sneakers and jacket sleeves don’t really power up, but the pockets are accurately inside. The figure includes an extra head (sans shiny hat) and an extra hand for gripping (Pepsi, I guess), a bottle of futuristic Pepsi with a delivery tube to hold the Pepsi, and a Hoverboard with a stand (not sponsored by Pepsi).
We’re just four weeks away from the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future! I figure it’s worth jumping in the DeLorean to revisit some great toys from the film.
This #WhateverWednesday from the archives, we’re taking a look at Wuher and the Mos Eisley Cantina
Last year, around this time, we talked about it being five O’clock somewhere, and being time to #BackTheBar, #TimeForTonnika, and #WoohooWuher! After many years of fan requests (including from yours truly), Hasbro is officially bringing the Tonnika sisters into our Star Wars collections as well as a new version of Wuher the bartender.
Wuher’s character has always been considered “ugly,” but the previously offered versions just don’t stand up to the articulation & paint applications of modern figures.
My current cantina display features altogether too much cardboard behind the bar, and this new version (see second picture) just looks incredible! The Mos Eisley Cantina HasLab crowdfunding campaign finished in July 2024 and should be shipping to backers later this year.
We’re flying into 2015 this #WhateverWednesday, and today we’re taking a look at another NECA Back to the Future Doc Brown!
For Back to the Future Part II, we see Doc transport Marty and Jennifer from 1985 to 2015 in the Delorean, which no longer requires plutonium and has been updated to be capable of flight. When Jennifer starts asking Doc too many questions about her future, he uses a sleep-inducing device to knock her out and then slowly reveals the next part of the plot to Marty.
This ‘2015’ version of Doc still features another solid likeness of Christopher Lloyd decked out in his futuristic duds, including two watches and a transparent necktie. The figure comes with three head options: this shocked face, a smiling face, and one with sunglasses of the future (seen on the film poster).
The figure also comes with some great accessories, including a case of emergency cash from different years, his electronic binoculars, extra hands, and a 1/12 scale copy of USA Today from the next day featuring Marty McFly Jr.
We’re just five weeks away from the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future! I figure it’s worth jumping in the Delorean to revisit some great toys from the film.
Recommended music: John Williams – The Rebels Escape Again
We’re on the ice planet of Hoth this #WhateverWednesday, and today we’re taking a look at my print of Ralph McQuarrie Ion Cannon concept art!
25 years before it was known as the V-150 Planet Defender in a Star Wars video game, the ion cannon was just a concept for a weapon due to appear in The Empire Strikes Back, first visualized by artist Ralph McQuarrie. McQuarrie was the concept designer for the original trilogy and even appeared briefly on-screen in Empire as a general in Echo Base.
With a range of 180,000 KM, this cannon could fire from the frosty planet surface into space to disable Imperial ships orbiting the Hoth system. I was able to pick up this print of McQuarrie’s art at Star Wars Celebration one year and was glad to find a piece that Ralph signed before his passing in 2012. The signature on this piece is a simple “RMQ,” which he used later in life when a longer form of his autograph became increasingly difficult.
This large, beautiful art is the perfect size to serve as a backdrop for one of my Hoth action figure displays. It fits into the diorama much better than I imagine a scaled-down three-dimensional version of the weapon would.
The Empire Strikes Back turns 45 years old today! Happy 45 years of ESB!
Dale's Toys 