Brutalist Concrete Wall Diorama

I wanted another backing panel to get more use out of the base I made for my recent Dojo diorama build, and settled on a sort of "brutalist" distressed concrete design. While working through ther various staged to give it a realistic patina, I decided to update the base, putting more of a natural color to complement the wooden planks. I put magnets in backing panel to attach to the existing magnets in the Dojo diorama...

Below, Masterverse Emperor Hordak and his Horde Troopers on the diorama ...

This could also be used for a Thundercats architectural background... 

Below, my Super7 Mumm-Ra, Lion-O, and Cheetara...

And finally, my 5.5" Super7 Vintage Collection Conan and Funko Primal Age Wonder Woman..

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McFarlane Toys Digital Series Aquaman

 

I've tried my best to buy as few of these McFarlane Digital Series as possible, but this cheery Aquaman was too classic to resist, and the little water sprite accessory, Qwsp, put me over the edge. An imp from the 5th Dimension (like Mr. Mxyzptlk), appeared first in Aquaman #1 (1962). I'm more in the black trunks class as far as classic Aquaman interpretation, but the extra smiling head portrait for really helped set the mood for this fun package. Again, I have zero interest in whatever digital asset can be redeemed by downloading McFarlane's app- I clearly don't need another way for them to sell to me.

DC Comics eventually did the predictable thing and turned Qwsp into a dark character, tragically/ironically captured and imprisoned by Green Lantern and Captain Marvel with the help of Mr. Mxyzptlk. I prefer this sunny Silver-Age version, that looks like he practically dropped out of the Silver-Age comics. The head and shoulders are on a swivel, but that's all the articulation on this mini figure.  

Aquaman's trident was at least as rubbery as the last, so I gave mine a shot with a hot hair dryer, followed by a trip to the freezer. While the basic design is acceptable, I hate McFarlane's floppy accessories. I would've paid another five bucks for a cool wave/flight stand accessory.

Below, Digital Series Aquaman with McFarlane Toys Justice League Aquaman and DC Multiverse Aquaman and Ocean Master. This Digital Series Aquaman is a straight-up repaint of the previous bearded Aquaman with a different head, but I like this brighter variant.

And finally, Digital Series Aquaman with a few other "classic" Aquaman figures in the Super-DuperToyBox: Mego 50th Anniv. Aquaman, Mattel DCUC Aquaman, DC Direct New 52 Justice League Aquaman, 14" Mego Aquaman, Mattel Batman Brave & the Bold Aquaman, McFarlane DC Multiverse Aquaman, and Mattel DC Retro-Action Aquaman ...

Honestly, I'm unsure I'd have picked up the bearded McFarlane Aquaman if I knew this one was on the way, though it's fun to compare. While Aquaman is a sometimes overlooked character, he'll always be included in my personal Justice League- he's an alpha-tier hero on the level of Superman, and original member. I loved the Hanna-Barbera animated Super Friends show from the '70s, and all its later incarnations, so this friendly Aquaman really scratches that itch.

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McFarlane Toys Super Powers Batman & Superman

I've somehow avoided buying many of these McFarlane Super Powers figures- the kind of retro-styled action figure I'm into. But I missed the Kenner Super Powers of the '80s, having outgrown toys by the time they were released in 1984. I may not have the strongest nostalgia for the line, but I do like these. These have 7 points of articulation, none of which are swivels in the ankles, so you won't get them in any crazy poses. This Batman/Superman pair are variants I was attracted to- the Superman styled after the 1940s "Max Fleisher" Superman, and the dark blue Batman stamped with an extra-wide bat chest insignia that reminded me of Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns.

I did pick up a fantastic Super Powers Nightwing and Batman last January that I love...

...I also found a Manga Batman I keep on card...

I loved the Big Lots Exclusive Mego Superman that came out last year, 

also an obvious homage to the Max Fleisher animated Superman series of the 1940s...

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Super 7 Vintage Collection Conan the Barbarian

 

I preordered this 5.5" Vintage Conan back in September- loved the movies as a kid and the figure looks like actor Arnold Schwarzeneggar in toy form. Conan will likely reside mostly near/inside my Funko DC Primal Age Batcave, which now houses my Legends of Dragonore figures. I picked this awesome castle playset up for a song just before the Mattel Origins Castle Grayskull dropped- they were much more expensive to buy the last time I looked. It's a great fit for any 5.5" fantasy action figures, and I've even photographed some of my 8" Mego Horror figures in it.

The metallic Atlantean Sword accessory is fantastic ...!

Below, Conan with my Super 7 Vintage Series Skeletor...

And finally, Conan with my Legends of Dragonore Barbaro and Mattel MOTU Origins He-Man:

I could not be happier with this, other than possibly having other characters from Conan's comics/movies. I have yet to commit to any of the Super 7 Ultimates Conan figures, but hope we see a Deluxe release at a lower price point, as with the recent Lion-O. Super 7 did recently announce three Thundercats to be released in this vintage 5.5" format, so that's exciting! 

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MOTU Masterverse Revolution Emperor Hordak

I passed on this figure multiple times in the wild, backtracking on that recently after receiving my New Eternia Horde Troopers from Mattel Creations. I kept passing on Emperor Hordak because of the neutral face sculpt- I'd have preferred his fangs bared, and I'm not alone in that sentiment. I would have traded the fists for an angry head. Still, the figure's design/color are so close to the Horde Troopers, I had to pick him up. The articulation around the shoulders is heavily restricted by the armor and skirt around the thighs is only a little better, but he looks killer!

 

As I said, after enjoying my New Eternia Horde Troopers so much, I could not deny how well Hordak would complement them. They may be from different subseries, but there's no denying the similarity in design/color. For the price, these Masterverse figures are a value, too- I paid south of $22.00 at a local Target, and got an additional 5% off that using my RedCard.

Below, Revolution Emperor Hordak with my Masterverse Deluxe Hordak...

And finally, Revolution Emperor Hordak with his 

Horde Troopers and my Revelation Horde Skeletor...

Every time I say I'm done buying Masterverse figures, another one comes out that I want, and I'm certain this won't be my last post about them. Between MOTU Origins and Masterverse alone, my action figure collection must have grown by at least 35% -having a ball with Masters of the Universe the last four years!

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MOTU Masterverse New Eternia Horde Troopers

I wanted to think I could resist these Masterverse New Eternia Horde Troopers, but I was only lying to myself. A Mattel Creations exclusive, I was surprised they didn't immediately sell out- they're big & flashy. The packaging/box art is fantastic as well. Stashed in the drawer inside the box was a weapons bracket that affixes to his armor for stowing the sword or battle staff (which has articulated wingtips) onto the figure's back. The helmet and upper chest/shoulder armor can be removed to expose a goblin's head underneath. A wonderful toy!

First off, and because my last post was about it, the new Marvel Legends 85th Anniversary Hulkbuster with the New Eternia Horde Troopers. Big robotic/armored suited figures are fun, and I have a few here at the Super-DuperToyBox.

Below, the New Eternia Horde Troopers with my Deluxe Masterverse Hordak and She-Ra...

For such a chunk, the shoulders and drop-down hips on the figure has a decent outward range of motion and swivel at the top of the thigh- the ankles don't do much, but the wrist articulation isn't impeded in any significant way. It's no Marvel Legends Spider-Man, but it can do a lot for what it is. Below, Masterverse New Eternia Man-At-Arms ducks beneath the Horde Trooper's high kick...

I am seriously digging the translucent red undercarriage beneath the shoulder/chest armor. Design features like this, the weapons clip, the articulated wingtips on the battle spear, and the goblin heads really make these figures special. I'm also mad for the oversized swords- beautiful! I was initially resistant to the $33.00 price tag, but they are worth it.

...a Horde Goblin entranced by Shadow Weaver ...!

And finally, the New Eternia Horde Troopers with my MOTU Origins Horde Troopers, which didn't have goblin heads like the former, but did have collapsable armor. You could order a maximum of three New Eternia Horde Troopers at Mattel Creations website, but I tend to buy my army-builders in twos. Regardless, I'm really happy with mine- they have a sort of big-dumb-action-figure vibe, but also enough features to make them feel deluxe. Recommended! 

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