Son Of Frankenstein

Boris Karloff returns as the Frankenstein monster in Universal Pictures classic film Son Of Frankenstein.  This time he’s brought Basil Rathbone and Bela Lugosi along with him.

The Son Of Frankenstein figure from Sideshow Collectibles comes in a special box with a reproduction of the classic movie poster decorateing the front of the box.

The flip-lid box has information about the character and film on the inside flap and the figure (with accessories) is displayed behind a clear plastic panel in the main box.

The figure (with accessories) is secured in a form-fitted, clear plastic cocoon and small, clear plastic straps.  A cobblestone base with a foot heel insert is included

Frankenstein is his old green self with a flat top of black hair, a heavy, overhanging brow, deep-set, lifeless eyes, twin bolts protruding out both sides of his massive neck, large facial and hand stitches and deeply etched face.

Frankenstein comes dressed in a brown shirt and pants and wears a black fur vest stitched with heavy rawhide down the left side.  The pants are also heavily stitched down both legs.

The cloths fit loosely on the massive figure. There's no bunching or unsightly folds or unnatural wrinkles when the figure is posed.

The figure’s pre-positioned hands easily hold securely the various accessories that include the town’s head honcho’s mechanical right arm with its blue sleeve and black glove and a book of Fairy Tales bound is a large volume with text and illustrations on the cover and inside.

Coloration of the monster is perfect with variations of green to deepen and lighten the figure’s features.

Sculpt work is crisp, tight and looks exactly like Karloff as the monster.

Articulation is varied with hinge; swivel, ball and socket and twist points that make posing the figure look natural with or without the cobblestone base.

Overall it is an impressive figure that gives justice to the classic film.

Psalms 31:24 - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Kid Explorers: The Goonies: Mouth, Data and Mikey

The smart alex, the adventurer and the brain-that’s the best way to desctibe Mouth, Mikey and Data from the film The Goonies.

Mezco Toys created a series of action figures and items celebrating the movie.  

I’ve picked out three characters from the film: Mikey, Mouth and Data.

Mikey, Mouth and Data (and the other Goonies articulated figures) come packaged in hanger/shelf, clear plastic packages with a custom The Goonies background included and an oversize Copper Key image and The Goonies logo.

The first series of Goonies figures by Mezco include Sloth, Chunk, Data, Mouth and Mikey.  

Other figures were to be produced, but none were released.  Supposedly a pirate ship was released.  A giant Sloth figure did see release.  None of the female or adult characters had figures.

The Data figure is my favorite of the three.  There was something endearing and funny about a small Asian boy who dreamed of being James Bond and he had the gadgets to prove it.

Data comes with is green trenchcoat with hidden gadgets and various patches, his yellow backpack, telescoping boxer glove (Bully Buster), extra hand with spring loaded chopping jaws (Pinchers OF Peril) attached to a spare hand, custom belt buckle, chest mounted utility belt, weird candle (stick of dynamite) and a dart with a sucker end (Sticky Dart).

The figure’s face looks exactly like the young actor that portrayed him and the coloration and sculpt work on both the clothing and the figure are clean, crisp, detailed and exact copies of the movie versions.

Data wears blue jeans, his white tennis (Slick Shoes). He comes with barnacle covered section of pirate ship deck.

Like Data the Mouth figure looks exactly like the young actor who played hi.  Sculpt and paintwork are perfect, as is the articulation.

Mouth comes dressed in a light blue jacket, black t-shirt, dark blue trousers and black tennis shoes with white trim and soles.

Included with the Mouth figure are a saber, a lantern with handle, a hairbrush and two clutters of jewels and coins.  Mouth comes with a base covered with pirate treasure.

Mikey is dressed in black jacket and slacks, a gray shirt and white tennis shoes with black side accents.

Included with the figure is the copper bones, the pirate treasure directional coin, the pirate map, a bag of marbles/jewels, one spare head holding a breather and a rock base with a large boulder with a rope booby trap.

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Ygor, Dracula and The Invisible Man

When Sideshow Collectibles, then Sideshow Toys, first began producing collectible figures it was of the 9-inch fully articulated type.

The first wave of figures were toys fashioned after the classic Universal Studios movie monsters made famous in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.

Three of the figures: Ygor, Dracula and The Invisible Man are the subjects of my review in this article.

As with all of Sideshow’s 9-inch figures the details are incredible.

Actor Bela Lugosi is primarily associated with the ficitonal character he created for the Silver Screen: Dracula.

But, he also played several other Universal Monsters movie characters, one which was Ygor in the film Son Of Frankenstein.

Lugosi was barely recognizable as the character and Sideshow Toys (Collectibles) captured his altered likeness to perfection.

The Ygor figure wears a long sleeve, green, loose fitting shirt with laces instead of buttons down the front.

Over it he wears a full body brown apron with two shoulder straps.

His twisted, contorted body prods the shirt around the shoulders and right arm.

Under the apron he wears a pair of dark brown pants.  He also wears a pair of dark brown wingtip shoes.

Around his waist is a wide brown belt with an oversize buckle and riveted hardback piece of leather to hold his tools that includes large pincher/pliers and straight handle scissors.

Also included is a rope wrapped wooden torch and a special stone pedestal to stand the figure on.

Ygor's face is slightly puffy with a heavy brow and small beady eyes, a misshapen mouth with oversize incisors and dark brown hair than covers most of his ears and a full brown beard.

His hands look gnarled with their long fingers and are positioned to hold any of his accessories.

His apron is made of real cloth, wrinkle and fold sculpt work looks realistic and color separation and variation is clean and lifelike.

Of the three figures The Invisible Man is the most detailed and elaborate, especially where it concerns the sculpt and coloring.

The Invisible Man’s head is wrapped in bandages and he wears a pair of wraparound shades.

His neck is covered by a large white scarf that tucks into a burgundy with deep yellow and blue checkered lapel, cuffs and waist belt, black tipped twin pockets, a chest pocket housecoat with a white handkerchief.

He wears a pair of light blue pajamas with cuffs that have wide blue and red vertical strips.

A pair of black loafers and white gloves makes up the rest of his wardrobe.

Included with the figure are three notebooks: two brown and on a deep green, a clear plastic pop-on head and a base that emulates a wood and marble floor.  A small tab sticks out that the figure’s foot can pop on to for stability.

The coloring application is amazing on the figure especially its wardrobe a subtle variation of pigments on the bandages and clothing folds.

The Dracula figure is the spitting image of Bela Lugosi, albeit in miniature.

Dracula’s slicked back black hair, dead white skin, heavy black eyebrows, deep and dark eyes, line face and sinister grin are all present.

The figure wears a white shirt with a button down collar, a white bowtie, a red cloth hanging silver medallion, a white with light gray strip vest, a formal two-tone black evening coat, loose black trousers and laced, black leather shoes.  

In is coat pocket is a white handkerchief.

Dracula’s aged hands are posed much like the movie version: one slightly closed, the other with finger pointing.

Included with the figure is a stone base with stand assist tab, a Dracula nameplate, a real cloth black cape with gray interior and a cape drawstring.

A large black bat with its wings open and clear plastic stick for holding it completes the set.

All of the figure come in standalone/hanging display container with clear plastic figure and accessory cocoons and full view clear plastic fronts. 

Romans 8:15 - For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Roger Moore as James Bond in Moonraker

James Bond in outer space!?  

When a cunning multi-billionaire hijacks a space shuttle and recruits young people in order to populate a space station and the plans to wipe out earth’s population Bond dons a spacesuit and takes to outer space.

It’s lasers, space battles and a race against the clock in Moonraker.

Sideshow Collectibles presents Roger Moore in Moonraker all decked out in his space suit finest.

Sideshow sculptors did a fine job of recreating the features of Roger Moore as James Bond on the 12-inch figure.

Roger’s light brown hair, square jaw, straight nose, high brow, blue eyes and straight thin lips are all there.  

Facial color variations help to make the face look more realistic especially around the eyes and mouth.

The figure’s pre-positioned hands easily hold the accompanying laser gun with its long barrel and silver accents.

Also included are Bond’s wrist laser and a circular Moonraker base with a wire support for posing the figure.

Figure posing is tight with all of the figure’s ball and socket, swivel, hinge and twist articulation point tight and secure.

Clothing shifts realistically over the figure with no binding or unnatural looking folds or creases that includes a light yellow jumpsuit with two large trouser pockets with flaps and buttons.  

The outfit has shoulder epilettes, solid black stripes running down the length of the sleeves culminating into cuffs.  Back strips also run down the sides of each leg.

A silver collar, large silver zipper ring and a Moonraker patch along with a utility belt with two snap pouches and light yellow laceless boots make up the rest of the ensemble.

The trouser pants are bunched with elastic above the boots.

The figure poses in various action stances with its weapon in hand with no shifting or drooping.

It’s a well-crafted figure, featuring realistic clothing and accessories with lots of details.

Psalms 40:4 - Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Robert Davi as Franz Sanchez in Licence To Kill

James Bond has gone up against some pretty nasty bad guys.  But few have been as ruthless, savage and evil as the drug-dealing Franz Sanchez as portrayed by actor Robert Davi in the James Bond film Licence To Kill.

It’s all-out war as Timothy Dalton as James Bond abandons his 00 status and goes rogue to take out Sanchez who injured his friend Felix Leiter and killed his wife.

Bond has never been so ruthless or cunning and will stop at noting to kill Sanchez and destroy his drug empire.

The film also give the character Q the chance to really shine with some funny clips and scenes.

Sideshow Collectibles recreates the despicable Sanchez with a 12-inch articulated collectible figure.

The Sideshow Collectibles flip lid box has a full-color reproduction of the Licence To Kill movie poster on its front.  Side and back photos feature Franz Sanchez with both the enclosed figure and from scenes in the movie.

Inside and on the back are descriptions of the character, the movie cast list and synopsis of the film.

Inside the figure is cradled in a clear plastic form-fitting cocoon along with its accessories.  A clear plastic panel protects both the figure and accessories and covering the panel is a full-size piece of tissue paper that prevents scuffing.

A circular Licence To Kill base and support wire help to stabilize the figure when posed.

The Sanchez figure’s face looks remarkably like actor Robert Davi with his short brown hair, high forehead, high cheeks, straight nose, small beady eyes with large eyebrows, thin lips and strong chin.

Color variation is subtle,emulating skin tones.

Articulation is smooth but firm with swivel, ball joint, hinge and twist points that move easily and don't cause the cloths to bunch or bind.

The figure’s outfit has a white jacket with no cuffs with two white buttons and two pockets with no flaps.

He wears black trousers, a black,long sleeve shirt with silver buttons and black shoes and socks.

Included with the figure are a to-scale green iguana with a small collar, a submachine gun handgun with grip/clip, short barrel and site, a machete with a black handle and silver blade and a separate ammo clip.

The figure’s hands are pre-positioned to hold the weapons and iguana with no slippage or awkward positioning.  Figure posing is excellent with the figure mainitaining its poses with no drooping or unrealistic bends or awkward stances.

Overall the figure is well designed, features to-scale clothing and stitching and accessories and looks just like its larger namesake.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Teen Titans Go! Two Robins and Beast Boy

One of my all-time favorite Warner Bros./Discovery/DC Comics animated TV series is Teen Titans Go!  Not the new version, but the original version featuring more realistic figures-not Chibi!

I love the series music and lyrics:

When there's trouble, you know who to call (Teen Titans!)

From their tower, they can see it all (Teen Titans!)

When there's evil on the attack

You can rest knowing they got your back

'Cause when the world needs heroes on patrol

Teen Titans, go!

With their super powers, they unite (Teen Titans!)

Never met a villain that they liked (Teen Titans!)

They got the bad guys on the run

They never stop 'til the job gets done

'Cause when the world is losing all control

Teen Titans, go!

Teen Titans, go!

If your heart is black, you better watch out

You cannot escape the team

When they catch you, there won't be any doubt

You've been beaten by the teens

Beaten by the teens

T-e-e-n! T-i-t-a-n-s! Teen Titans! Let's go!

T-e-e-n! T-i-t-a-n-s! Teen Titans! Let's go!

T-e-e-n! T-i-t-a-n-s! Teen Titans! Let's go!

T-e-e-n! T-i-t-a-n-s! Teen Titans! Let's go!

When there's trouble, you know who to call (Teen Titans!)

From their tower, they can see it all (Teen Titans!)

When there's evil on the attack

You can rest knowing they got your back

'Cause when the world needs heroes on patrol

Teen Titans, go!

Teen Titans, go!

One, two, three, four, go!

Teen Titans!

Members include Robin (the leader), Cyborg, Beast Boy, Starfire, Raven and for a short period Terra.

Bandai Toys produced a series of Teen Titans Go! Action Figures.

The Action Sound Robin recreates Batman’s teenage sidekick in perfect, fully articulated, 6-inch scale.

The figure appears as a 3D duplicate of the Teen Titans Go! Robin including his distinctive hairstyle, black mask, red, green yellow and black outfit (With a ‘R” chest symbol) and his utility belt and short cape.

Robin is nestled in a form-fitted clear plastic cocoon and protected by a clear plastic bubble front and sides attached to a Teen Titans Go! hanger/standup backing.

Press the button on Robin’s back and he makes Power Sounds such as “Titans Go!”

A Special Teen Titans communicator and a batarang launcher with two robin projectiles are also included.

Paint application is very precise with no slopovers or rough edges.  Articulation is smooth and allows the figure to pose in lots of action stances.

Sculpt work is perfect and the accessories, clothing and figure are detail packed.

The Robin Deluxe Feature Figure is packed similar to the Action Sound Robin albeit a slightly larger hanger. standup.  The plastic cocoon and clear plastic cover are included, as is the Teen Titan logo.

The figure itself is identical to the Action Sound Robin albeit with a lot more points of articulation.  Color, sculpt, articulation and details are of the same high quality.

The figure has Swing Kicking action and comes with a stand with a breakaway wall.

Included with the figure are Robin's various hand weapons including his two-part staff, nunchucks, and twin attached clubs.

Three special Teen Titans trading cards come with the figure and accessories.

A special Electronic Game Play circular device allows toy collectors to unscramble the enclosed three cards’ codes, call the Teen Titans to action and help Robin advance to next game level.

The Beast Boy Deluxe Feature figure is the same height as the Robin Deluxe Feature Figure.  The packaging is similar as are the form fitting cocoon, plastic covering hanger/standup and package backing.

The figure has as similar stand, three trading cards and a Battle Communicator.

Articulation is not quite as complex but the coloring, sculpt and accessory and figure details match that of the Robin figure.

Included with the black and purple clad, free face and figure Beast Boy are three attachable animals which Beast Boy can hold.

Psalms 31:24 - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Goldeneye Famke Janssen as Xenia Onatopp

James Bond almost meets his maker when he tackles with Russian bad girl and killer Xenia Onatopp as portrayed by the lovely Famke Janssen in Goldeneye.

The thigh crushing female killer proved to be a formidable foe who always liked ’a good squeeze.’ 

Sideshow Collectibles created a 12-inch, fully articulated collectible figure of Xenia Onatopp, as part of its James Bond film series of figures.

The Xenia figure comes packaged in a solid black flip lid box with a stunning full color photo of Xenia is a slinky evening gown on its cover.  A small Goldeneye movie poster is an insert on the lower right.

Other photos of Xenia decorate the sides and back of the box and a full movie synopsis and Xenia bio are printed on the inside flap and on the back of the box.

The Xenia figure, along with her weapons and circular base with wire support, are displayed behind a clear plastic panel.  The figure and accessories are held in place by a clear plastic cocoon with plastic straps.

The figure comes dressed as Xenia did in her last appearance in the film.

Her attire consists of a black mesh top with elbow length sleeves, no collar, leather breast guards and a short waist.

She wears black loose-fitting trousers with leather straps and silver buckles used for descending out of a helicopter.

The pants end at the knees tucked inside knee height black boots with full height laces.  

She wears black gloves, has her raven hair pulled back--which accents her high cheekbones, bright red lips and cruel dark eyes.

Included with figure is no stock machine gun with wooden grips, an air-cooled barrel, a large curved ammo clip and custom site.  

The weapon fits snuggly into the figure’s preset hands with no slippage.

Facial coloring is multi-toned especially around the cheek and features.  The hair looks realistic with strands even though it is fashioned out of plastic. 

Figure articulation tight and the clothes move smoothly and unencumbered over the figure making various poses easy to position.

Details on the weapon and clothing are excellent with special attention taken with the belt, loops, buckles and the firing mechanism on the machine gun.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 - Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Jungle Betty Page

In the 1980s comic book artist Dave Stevens reintroduced to the world the ‘good girl’ model Betty Page in his Rocketeer comic book series.

Sadly Dave seven passed away a number of years ago.  He was a young man.

For some odd reason photos of women dressed in leather loincloths and carrying spears or other jungle weapons while posing in a tropical jungle setting was alluring and sexy during the 1940s and 1950s.

Never one to pass up a trend Betty Page had her own portfolio of jungle shots. 

The Dark Horse Comics Jungle Betty Page toy features Betty in a leopard skin swimsuit with a spear and a leopard at her side amongst a jungle scene.

The box is all 1950s with its funky design and color scheme.

The articulated figure captures the look of Betty perfectly.  With her long black hair and its short bangs, creamy skin and captivating smile the figure is as sexy and provocative as Betty herself is.

Dressed in a real faux leopard skin bikini betty’s midriff and belly button and ample bosom are  displayed in all of their sexy glory. She poses with a cong wooden spear with twin red feathers and a seated leopard figure to her left.  

She also comes with a African native shield and both Betty and the leopard sit on dirt base with hints of grass a few plants, some fallen coconuts and twin palm tree trunks with hanging coconuts serving as a backdrop. 

Betty also wears a silver anklet on her right ankle and a silver upper arm bracelet on her right arm.

It’s an extremely well-crafted figure and set with tight sculpting, clear color application and time period appropriate accessories and clothing.

John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Photo Betty Page

Back in the 1950s Betty Page was the ultimate ‘good girl’ pin-up queen adored by fans.

Her tantalizing photos shoots tempted and taunted men with her ‘almost can see it all’ lacivious poses.

When Dave Stevens released his Rocketeer stories there was a scene where the Rocketeer rushed into a room while Betty was in a photo shoot.  Let's just say she was not ‘dressed’ for the occasion.

The articulated figure set from Dark Horse consists of Betty posing for a rather seedy looking photographer.

The box the figures come in is colored in light blue and pink pastels reminiscent of many of the color palettes used in the 1950s.  Photos of Betty decorate all sides of the see-thru panel box.

Inside the box Betty is posed in a black brassiere, panties, silk stockings with garter belts and black stiletto shoes.

She pulls up the hose on her right leg with both hands.  Her lovely face is framed by black hair has a smile on heir red lips and a sparkle in her blue eyes. 

The overweight obese photographer has a leering look on his face.  His bald head is framed by gray hair around the sides.  His heavy jowls, pudgy face and slouched stature belie his age.

He wears a short long-sleeve white shirt with rolled up sleeves.  The shirt’s buttons strain to keep the shirt closed because of his massive belly and the collared shirt is open halfway down his chest.

He wears baggy black trousers, black suspenders and black shoes.

He holds a flash control in his right hand.

Around the figures are a silver lamp stand with shutters, a tripod camera stand with a large old-fashioned portrait camera on top, complete with a flip down front and accordion lens cover.  

Also included is a color photo of Betty and the photographer’s toupee

The figures and accessories stand on a wooden floor base.

Details are amazing especially on the stand and camera. Colors are crisp with no rough edges.  Sculpter work captures the scene as seen in the Rocketeer comic book perfectly.

The figure set up stands in front of a beach scene background. 

Isaiah 32:9

Rise up, ye  women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.

McDonald’s Transforming Happy Meal Toys

America’s favorite fast food combined with the transforming power of robots?  It happened when McDonalds released a set of transforming food.

There was a time when McDonalds Happy Meal figures were all the rage and were highly collectible.  They are still popular but not quite as collectible as the older figures and toys.

While I only have the Cheeseburger, Big Mac, Soft Drink and Fries there was several more toys in the complete set.

All were simple for kids to transform and rugged enough to stand up to abuse.

The series was clever, smart enough to take advantage of trend and fun enough for kids and unique enough for collectors.

Psalms 126:5 - They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Kringle’s Courier

You have to hand it to Lemax when comes to shipping their various holiday villages, scenes, characters and accessories.

I just received the last of the six Lemax holiday displays to review. It came shipped in a heavy cardboard box, securely sealed with tape and filled with bubble wrap that hugged the interior box containing the Kringle’s Courier village scene.

The interior box holds the village. It is made of a slightly lighter cardboard material and is decorated with the appropriate holiday colors with photos on three sides of the village inside.

Once the flip-lid, secured with tabs, is opened the village is contained within a form-fitted, interior, two-side cardboard container secured with a Velcro strap.

The village, nestled in the form-fitted interior can be lifted out including its bagged power cord. Full instructions and two moisture packs are also included.

Attaching the power cord to the back of the village set-up is a simple matter to turn on the circular switch to activate the lights, a rotating platform and helicopter blades and cuing the holiday music soundtrack with the subtle background whir of the helicopter blades.

Beginning left to right and top to bottom the first thing to spot is the red and green delivery truck with a large, red bow tie wearing stuffed Teddy Bear on its roof. A large red ribbon wraps around the truck.

On the truck’s side are the words ‘Kringle’s Package Delivery'. The back slide up door to the truck, illuminated by a single light-up light of gold, reveals an elf inside stacking gifts while two elves outside bring him more packages to load.

A stand-up sandwich sign displays the words ’Guaranteed Same Day Delivery'. Various packages sit in and around the truck and in front of the buildings situated on a large base.

To the right is a red and green building accented by wood trim with a large ‘Kringle’s’ sign in red and green with a spotlight, a helicopter platform with a red and green helicopter with rotating silver blades and two elves loading up presents from a large brown bag. (I wonder whose bag that is?)

The roof of the building has red tile shingles and a large sign (with a light). It is trimmed in gold and states ‘Kringle’s Courier’ in red and green letters.. Snow is on the roof of the buildings.

The green roofed porch, with spotlight, has a large, stuffed Teddy Bear sitting on a weight scale with presents on each side.

The next building has a large, red pitched roof, four gold spotlights, a tilted red window bay with a six panel gold trimmed window. To its right on a circular platform is a large Christmas tree with red decorations and a large strand of silver trim wrapping the tree. A large silver star at the peak of the tree shines as a spotlight behind it illuminates the tree.

The circular base has a rotating platform that when turning reveals all sorts of presents going in and out of the building.

The lower floor is open with two large open doors of yellow.

Inside the building elves can be seen loading presents while one elf is maneuvering a forklift loaded down with a crate and presents. All of the elves in the village are dressed in red and green and wear caps trimmed in white.

The right side of the building has a clear pane window between two green columns. Lights shine inside the building.

The back of the village is plain except for a single window in the high peaked building. A window is also on its right side.

What a wonderful scene, especially when turned on with its lights, sounds and movement.

As with all Lemax villages the Kringle’s Courier village is packed with details, has excellent sculpt work, tight and crisp color application and lots and lots and lots of extras.

What a great table, window or anywhere Christmas display!

John 13:34-35 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

AVP Alien Vs. Predator

What happens when you pit two of universe’s most deadly alien hunters against each other?  Alien Vs. Predator faces off the face-hugging Alien parasite against the hi-tech Predator warriors in a film that links the two species together, courtesy of McFarlane Toys.

Two of the figures sets show the Predator winning out in one and the Alien stomping the Predator’s armored behind in the other.

Packaging consists of a clear bubble pack standup and hanger with colorful photos taken from the film and with the enclosed figures held in place by plastic form-fitting cocoons.

The first of the figures shows the Aien getting the upper hand over the Predator: Alien Attacks Predator.

Since the two figure sets consist of the same characters I’ll forestall describing the details on the figure in the next set.

In this set the Alien is a nasty quadruple version looking very much like a canine in build although with greater flexibility and dexterity with its hands.  It has an especially long tail with short bony spikes.

From its back protrudes four large tubular horns and its shoulder blades curve up and over its upper arms.

Its hands and feet have large claws and its head is long with an extended cranium that curves over its upper back.

Like all Aliens it has a jaw within a jaw and no visible eyes.

It color is a deep gray almost to the point of black.

It attacks the Predator from the front spearing it with its tail’s sharp end.  Its weight has pushed the Predator back.

The savage space parasite has speared the Predator with its barbed tail holding the Predator aloft and its green blood flows out.

The Predator is fully armored in metal with extended arm triple blades.  His upper torso is armored but his exposed abdomen makes an easy target for the Alien’s spiked tail.  

The Predator wears a helmet with a blank faceplate save for the shielded eyes.

His long braided hair extends from both sides.

A shoulder mounted ray gun perches on his right shoulder. Coloration is about the same as the alien save for the silver of its blades and some of its armor.

Both creatures are set against an ancient section of a stone wall.

The second figure set has the Predator holding the Alien by one leg and preparing to fling it away: Celtic Predator Throws Alien.  The Alien is thrashing wildly with its clawed hands and feet flailing in the air.

A circular base with ancient encryptions is also included.  The pose in this version allows you to see more of the Alien and Predator figures overall.

The chest carapace of the alien is bony and its muscle structure is easily seen all over the figure.

The Predator's chest with its armor and decoration, waist belt and leg mesh are clearly visible and with its wrist blades hidden its hands are seen. 

There’s also a better view of its helmet faceplate, leg armor its long knife secured to its lower right leg.  Flex of gold and copper coloring are also evident.

Both figure sets are extremely detailed in sculpt, paint and texturing.  The action scenes are especially well executed, as are the bases.

Isaiah 40:28 - Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

The Air & Space Novelties Hanger Museum

UFOs and aliens are real! I know, I’ve seen them. You will too if you purchase Lemax’s The Air & Space Novelties Hanger Museum!

With its multiple UFOs and aliens, moving circular figure platform that looks like desert sand, lots of eerie lights and out-of-this-world soundtrack and narration it’s one wacky Area 51 type structure that is really out there!

The main building of the set-up looks like its made of corrugated steel with rivets-a typical steel structure. On the front of it is a large complex name sign. The curved roof and has another sign as does the back of the building. A red wind sock and a small black chimney along with a large spotlight complete the roof.

To the left of the building to the rear is a billboard with the words A Flying Disc and smaller text and a face of a woman screaming.

She is looking up to a large red dome flying saucer stuck on the billboard.

Three smaller silver with blue domes saucers are suspended from wires. The entire assemble rotates when the display is turned on. All of the lights on the buildings also light up as well as the interior of hazmat tent/building. A ghostly silhouette of an alien’s face shows through the tent wall.

To the left of the main building is a large open hanger door attached to the main building in a wooden frame. Another light is on top of it. The billboard base sits behind the door assembly as well as a huge green cactus and a fallen barrel.

On the perimeter of the display base are various desert plants, animal skulls, lights, and some small equipment.

On the front of the large hanger building are two sliding doors that are shut. Do not enter tape seals the doors shut. Several barrels, a plant, a cooler, a bucket and mop sit on the ground and a window and two posters are on its front entrance wall.

From the side hanger door to the open flaps of the hazmat tent a runway groove circles round and goes in the building.

On the runway groove are several aliens in space suits carry or pushing equipment. Turning on the display causes the aliens to enter and exit the tent and building. In front of the hazmat tent is a spacesuit, several wooden crates, air tanks and a large hose.

An air recirculating box with a silver hose is attached to the right side of the tent.

Behind the tent is the flight tower. It extends above the main building.

Its top has five large panes of window glass surrounded by a blue railing. On top of the tower is an alien, an antenna and a scanning disk. Inside the tower room is another alien standing in the middle surrounded by a wraparound control panel with various buttons. Flashing lights are on the upper part of the tower roof as are lights on the main building.

There are also barricades in front of the main building sitting on the black tarmac and tiled entryway.

Behind the hazmat building and on the tower is a black ladder with an alien climbing it, a cactus, and a large boulder outcropping.

It’s a pretty and amazing Spooky Town set-up that looks awesome with the lights out and with the soundtrack blaring and the various objects moving under the lights.

Like all of Lemax's product the Hanger Museum comes packed in a sealed cardboard box.  Inside the product box is securely shut with its flip lid and tabs. The box is decorated with images of the Museum Hanger and the display is protected by heavy card board and accessories and power cord by tissue paper.

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Luke Skywalker

When Kenner acquired the Star Wars toy license it began producing 12-inch Star Wars action figures-Luke Skywalker being one of them.

Although crude by today’s high-end, 12-inch, fully-articulated action figures the Kenner Luke Skywalker still had a few good things going for it.

While the figure itself had limited articulation and barely resembled Mark Hamill, who play Luke, the figure did sport some very authentic movie clothing.

The figure comes dressed in real cloth wraparound and buttonless beige overshirt, tan pants and cloth wrapped beige knee boots.

Also included is a leather and metal (in appearance) belt with pouches, loops and hooks.

The figure’s pre-posed hands could hold securely Luke's Lightsaber with its blue translucent energy blade, a black blaster rifle with grip and scope and over the head tech binoculars.

The figure and accessories are held in place by plastic wrapped wire and are displayed behind a clear plastic panel that is hidden when the font lid of the box is closed.

Inside the flip lid is complete bio of Luke. On the back of the box are photos of all the figures available in the Collectors Series.

Stitching on the cloths is tight, the accessories are nicely detailed and the figure, while a little clunky, is nicely colored and has tight articulation.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

The Rocky River Grist Mill

What plays music, has lots of colorful lights and running water with boats and aquatic life?

If you guessed Lemax’s The Rocky River Grist Mill then you’d be right. What a miniature set-up! So realistic!

I’d like to do something a little bit different this time around in writing my review about the Grist Mill than I have done on previous Lemax products.

I’m not going to concentrate on describing each and every piece of the set but more of the overall look, nostalgia and memories.

Like all of Lemax’s products the The Rocky River Grist Mill shipped in a heavy-duty cardboard box sealed with tape. The inner product box with its wraparound photos of the Grist Mill has a flip lid with tabs. The Grist Mill itself is packed in a form-fitted cardboard sheath and secured with a Velcro strap.

Additional small pieces and the power cord are wrapped in tissue paper.

My wife’s family is from Tennessee. When we go to visit her relatives in Tennessee and the Carolinas it’s not uncommon to see similar buildings such as Lemax’s Grist Mill. Many of the things I’ll mention about the mill I’ve seen in person and close-up.

There is something quiet, peaceful and down-homey about the Grist Mill. It’s exudes a feeling of coming home to a simpler time when life was at a slower pace and holiday and family traditions meant something. None of the hustle and bustle of today’s society.

People actually took time to appreciate what they had, their surroundings and most of all the holiday season.

Lemax’s Rocky River Grist Mill display is cradled in a semi-circular stones white enclosure with a few of the stones showing through their true natural color.

Set about two inches up the Grist Mill cluster of buildings surround a sunken area that can be filled with water and once the display is turned on the water circulates through a small hose and pump to a water trough that cascades down to a red and brown water wheel that turns with the flow..

A small dock extends out into the small pond. On the dock is a boy with his fishing tackle and pole hoping to catch some fish. A dog sits at the end of the dock close to packing crates. 

Boy does that bring back memories to when I was a small boy and often fished off a similar dock, floppy hat, overalls and all.

Just to right of the boy is a fully-decorated Christmas tree sitting on a board walk that has a small cottage on it.

The single door building has two windows and several signs both on its front and roof. All advertise the Grist Mill and supplies. It is beautifully painted with its green high-pitch roof, creamy side slats, chimney and eave lights and large spotlights. Inside lights also shine.

The building butts up against the water slew that has a large wooden crate on it. Behind it is a mountain peak which is snow-capped.

Back to the pond. Encircling the pond is a small bridge and railed walkway with two people on it. Ducks and raccoons line the shore. Several white ducks on wires that keep them stationery and on top of the water and two small rowboats, one is empty and one with a fisherman. They float on the water and are held stationary by the clever use of strings held in place by magnets magnetized to metal at the bottom of the pond.

Starting on the left of pond a large lit Christmas tree that cradles up against a high, vertical Grist Mill building with a pitched roof, eave lights, a window casing, a capped chimney, a small side room with a window, a sign and a Christmas wreath. 

The slim building is attached to the large main building by a red roof, multi-color walkway which is also decorated with a Christmas wreath.

Man, I can almost smell the pine and feel the chill in the air.

The main building is capped by a small wraparound porch with eaves and porch lights, a tall chimney, a Christmas wreath and a snow covered roof. The water flew and water wheel attached to the building.

All over the display are various rock and wood walls, stairs, decks, signs, lights and plenty of snow. It is a very quaint and peaceful setting and if you turn up the volume a very special Christmas song plays!

My wife is absolutely crazy about it and can hardly wait to put it on display during the Christmas season. I can think of no better compliment.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Spooky Town Creepy Pumpkin Patch

There’s scary and then there’s REALLY scary! Get ready for chills and shivers with Lemax’s Spooky Town Creepy Pumpkin Patch Michael’s Exclusive.

You read right. The only place you can get Lemax’s Spooky Town Creepy Pumpkin Patch is at Michael’s. When it comes out you better be one of the first in line or (poof!) they’re gone!

You’ll need three AA batteries (not included) or a power cord (sold separately) to light up this monstrosity. Pumpkins have never looked more frightening!

The Creepy Pumpkin Patch comes in a unique full-view, clear-plastic, front box panel so buyers can see the entire set-up. Photos of the Pumpkin Patch are on both sides of the box. It also features full-color logos, text, etc.

Shipped in a sealed, heavy cardboard box the Pumpkin Patch display box also is protected by a three-sided, corrugated cardboard container with special seal strips that must be cut in order to remove the Pumpkin Patch.

As I mentioned earlier the Pumpkin Patch has lots of lights. Here’s what they are: five extended pole lights (four white, one purple), nine interior lights behind windows, through missing roof shingles and a roof spotlight. They vary in color from green, purple and white. They look awesome in the dark!

The Creepy Pumpkin Patch building sits on a dirt and grass platform.

Several figures are included. They are three skeleton dogs, a skeleton sitting on the stairs, a skeleton looking out a window, rats in an upper window and on the steps, two spiders on the steps with one on a wall, a zombie dressed in a tan jacket, white shirt, red ties, blue pants, and brown shoes holding a pumpkin over his head, a large pumpkin head scarecrow, a zombie holding a pumpkin, a zombie holding a small pumpkin and a skeleton dog on a leash, a pumpkin headed person leaning out an upper window, two skulls in an upper window, a pumpkin head skeleton leaning out the upper most window, 21 pumpkins alone or in groups scattered over the house and a crow on the roof.

Starting on the left side of the mansion there are three small brown wooden barrels and one large wooden barrel with a silver steel pipe coming out of its top entering a two-pane widows with a brown wooden casing.

The left side of high-pitched roof building with painted vertical wooden slats with a brown horizontal divider between the upper and lower floors. A rickety windmill tower of brown wood with a nine-blade, metal weather van tops the steep roof with broken brown wooden shingles.

The back of building is plain with a large black panel where the light controls are hidden and the battery compartment is housed. The power switch is on the right side of the building.

The front of mansion left to right includes gabled, high-pitch rood with a large and small hole in the roof where an eerie green light shows through. A small, four-side, brick peak with a metal roof has cascading pumpkins sitting upon it. A small craggy tree sits behind the peak.

Next to it on the crest of the roof is a small room attachment with two, black-trim, four windows and a partial cast iron fence. attached to the main crest of the roof. On the other side is another roof attachment with a cast iron fence. Next to it is another small craggy tree and the round point roof with a small awing and opening that a ladder than extends all the way to the base of building.

On the lower left is another small pitch roof attachment with a small window and wood trim. Sitting on the window sill are four bottles and a sign below them that reads CIDER. A striated patch of light brown hay extends out from the small building attachment. 

In the middle of building is a large, gaping mouth pumpkin with jagged teeth and green glowing eyes. Inside the pumpkin’s mouth is a set of stairs leading up the main entrance with hay on both sides a stepped in porch with pumpkin decorations and four sets of lite up eyes. Above the alcove is a CREEPY PUMPKIN PATCH sign, a open hay loaf door with hay on each side and a peaked roof horn.

To the right of the front is a small PUMPKIN PATCH THIS WAY sign with a black arrow. Standing next to it is the aforementioned scarecrow and a stacked hay bail. inset area with an open wooden door with the IF YOU DARE sign. A large bat spans the area above the door way to the alcove. 

Above the bat is a HAUNTED BARN sign in orange and above the sign is an open hay loaf with two doors of wood with a wood casing and above that is another opening. The roof to the barn opening is patchy with several holes where light emits from.

The far right tower sits partially inside the side of the house and green foliage creeping up its side.

It a very complicated and well executed miniature set of interconnected rooms and buildings. Color application is first rate with no rough edges or uneven lines. The sculpt is amazing with various textures, lots of detail and extremely well executed. All the elements fit perfectly together into a very creepy assembly.

The whole set up looks especially spooky when the lights are out. Trick or Treaters are sure to get a kick out of it when seen through my front window on Halloween night.

Of the three Halloween sets Lemax sent me this is my favorite.  It really captures the essence of Halloween with its spooky shadows and creatures and haunted house setting.

My daughter stopped over the other day and saw it and said, "I want to set it up at my house for Halloween!'  Of course, how could I say no?

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.