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.

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*

What Should I Review Next?

Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @talkingtinytoys!

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.

Brienne of Tarth (Game of Thrones) Funko Pop!

Series 3 of the Game of Thrones Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures are finally here and I can't help but be excited. I've been a fan of George RR Martin's fantasy books for over ten years and have followed the creation and subsequent success of the HBO series since its inception.  I admit it, I'm obsessed and was thrilled when they started pumping out the merchandise. Lately, Funko has stepped up their game (and taken all my money). I love the minimalist designs of the Pop! line and while I question some of the character choices for series 3 (Still no Sansa? Really?) I couldn't wait to get my hands on them. Hell, I own the Valyrian Steel Ice replica, of course I'll shell out $11 for a couple of these adorable things when I stumbled upon them in Hot Topic. First up: Brienne of Tarth.

I love Brienne, and although her story-line meanders a little in the books, Gwendoline Christie has done a fantastic job bringing her to life on the small screen. She's complex, endearing, and a badass. I can't wait to see what's in store for her in Season 4. But onto the toy!