April Comic Block Review

I've reviewed Nerd Block. Now it's time for...

As you can tell, over the past few months I've really enjoyed the Nerd Block experience. I've received a variety of fun and sometimes absolutely silly merchandise and eagerly await my new one each month. To stave off that wait, I decided to subscribe to a second box and the Comic Block seemed like a perfect choice.

Last month, the comic block changed its format. It used to be only filled with comics and graphic novels (and of course a t-shirt), but now they've changed to a more standard block. Like the rest of the Nerd Block collection, the Comic Block now comes with 4-6 pieces of merchandise and a t-shirt for $19.99 (plus shipping and exchange). I have to say, I'm really happy with what this box has in store. I'm even thinking of making this my default Block.

Throwback Thursday: The Beginning of the Minimate Problem

As you can tell by my blog, I adore minimates. They're ridiculous, unnecessary, and absolutely trivial but I love them. They don't take up much space and have more detail than any 2 inch toy ought to. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who still buys these things and they keep getting harder and harder to find. 

For #ThrowbackThursday we're going back to when the problem started: my first year of university (gulp) over ten years ago. My friends bought me 3 packages of minimates (for Christmas maybe?) and it was all down hill from there.

Vision (Avengers: Age of Ultron): Funko Mystery Minis

It has taken a few days but I've processed my feelings about Avengers: Age of Ultron (liked it, didn't love it) and am finally ready to talk about the newest addition to my Funko family. I present you with Vision the Mystery Mini. This toy review will contain spoilers for the film so read at you own risk. You have been warned!

Classic Captain America & Winter Soldier Minimates

Avengers Assemble!!!

Avengers: Age of Ultron opens this weekend and since I'm a Marvel geek I feel compelled to make a post in honour of its nerdy goodness. I even scoped out my local comic book store for the new batch of minimates so I could review something new and exciting. When I got there something strange happened. I realized I didn't want any of them.

As excited as I am about the movie, I just couldn't shell out the cash. I already have a pretty great Thor and since I'm in Canada I will probably never see the Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver exclusives. The only one I really considered was Black Window (sadly I missed her and Falcon in the Captain America 2 series) but she's packaged with Iron Man and that's the Avengers equivalent of being packaged with Wolverine.

Instead, I'm digging back into my Fanexpo loot and taking a look at the star-spangled Avenger and his eye-liner wearing pal from Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

I'm not quite sure when I became a fan of Captain America. I never found his comics all that interesting. To me, he had the same problems as Superman--he was just a little too perfect to hook me. Slowly, my attitude has been changing and I really loved Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Top 5 Pop Lines That Will Break My Bank Account in 2015

Christmas is over and while I didn't actually receive that many toys (except for my gift exchange with Christina Articulates and her husband) I still have a ton of things to share with you in the upcoming weeks...but not today. With holiday craziness, family gathers, and visiting friends I haven't had much time to take pictures. Instead, I'm announcing my New Year's Resolution!

It's simple. My resolution is to make this blog bigger and better and actually update! I'm making a commitment. Done and done. And if I haven't posted in a while, feel free to yell at me over on Twitter.

It shouldn't be too hard to keep on track. By now, everyone is aware of my crippling Pop! problem and next year looks to be a disaster waiting to happen. As a New Year's treat, today I'm looking at... 

The Top 5 Pop! Lines that will break my bank account in 2015

Rocket Raccoon (Guardians of the Galaxy) Funko Mystery Minis

As promised, today's review features a member of the rag-tag group of space rangers who took the summer by storm. Who says you can't make a successful blockbuster with a talking raccoon and a tree voiced by Vin Diesel? Guardians of the Galaxy proved that with a decent script, entertaining characters and a kick-ass soundtrack (and let's face it, the charisma of Chris Pratt) even the weirdest ideas can make a great movie. I almost cried over a tree! How is that possible? 

Of course, Funko is right on top of things and released a new line of Guardians of the Galaxy mystery minis that I was helpless to resist.  Who did I get?

*Insert epic 70s soundtrack here*

Dollar Buys: Avengers Grab Zags

It's time for another Dollar Buy (and another post...finally)! My second trip to Dollarama was just as productive as the last and I came home with a few great finds for under $3. Can't beat that! I'll save my Super Mario purchase for later. Today I'm opening up my Avengers: Grab Zags.

I've seen these blind bags in store before and although I'm a huge Marvel fan, I've been hesitant...and not because of the stupid name. The reason? Take a look at the list of available toys.

Do you see the problem? Sure, the Marvel Minis are super-cute, but what the heck am I going to do with a skateboard or a disc launcher? Since the bag is pretty thin, I did my best to feel out the toy inside and put back anything that felt flat. I found one that seemed to be the right shape. Should I press my luck? (Of course I did).

Thor (Reborn) & Lady Loki Minimate

I'm finally back! After a few months in a slump I've decided to dive back into blogging, and what's better to get me out of the dumps than taking a look at some great toys? He's the god of thunder. He's She's a trickster. What do they have in common? They're two of the most detailed minimates I've ever seen in my life. Today, I'm reviewing Thor (Reborn) & Lady Loki.

Marvel BEARZ by Piranha Studios

Detailed and adorable, Piranha Studios takes our favourite Marvel characters down to the bear-bones.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a sucker for a unique take on a character, and the Bearz line is definitely that. These 5 inch vinyl figures from the UK surfaced back in 2006, but never really took off here. I saw them around once or twice randomly but there were never more than a couple. I regret not buying more when I had the chance. Just look at some of these designs.

Loki & Heimdall (Thor 2: The Dark World) Minimates

Thor 2: The Dark World will be available on Bluray and DVD on February 25th, which is a great reason to take a look at this set of minimates. I'm a little late to the game and didn't pick up any of the Thor 2 figures until a couple weeks ago. I saw them at my local comic book store and decided I needed them. Loki and Heimdall? In the same box? The two you want are never packaged together! We're usually forced to buy half a dozen Hydra soldiers...or a new and (slightly) different Wolverine.

Let's take a look at Heimdall first (played by Idris Elba in the films). His costume is gold and brown, with intricate "Asgardian" detail over the front and back. His helmet is molded with the same pattern. When his helmet is removed, you can enjoy the features of his face. Although, he doesn't look much like Elba, the figure makes up for it with his furrowed brow and forehead wrinkles. This Heimdall is every bit as commanding and imposing as the film's version.