Hasbro 9in. Punisher (Spider-Man Origins 2006)

On the heels of my last post, I wanted to finally open this Hasbro 9" Punisher I've had in my collection for 9 years. I started this blog just prior to finding it on eBay, the focus of my new hobby on action figures that resembled my childhood Mego dolls, Mattel's DC Retro-Action Series and ToyBiz's Famous Covers Series being two examples. Later, Figures Toy Co. would relaunch the craze for Mego-styled figures, in their own design reimagining, and using Mego molds outright. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Marty Abrams relaunched Mego through an exclusive distribution deal with Target in 2018! While I've so far resisted buying any of the new 8" figures, I've purchased a few of the fantastic 14" line, of which I plan to buy more. Be sure to visit the online Mego Museum! I only had a handful of these 9" Hasbro figures from the mid-2000s, which were unique in design, and different than the earlier ToyBiz Marvel Famous Covers figures. Check out the video:

Like many of the early Marvel Legends action figures, these 9" Hasbro figures included a comic, this one a reprint of Amazing Spider-Man #129 from 1974, introducing Marvel's infamous antihero, The Punisher. In the middle of this comic is an advertisement for these "Signature Series" Spider-Man Orgins figures, featuring Green Goblin, Doc Ock, and two versions of Spider-Man. Hasbro would also release an Iron Spider, Daredevil and Captain America in this format. I've had the Spider-Man and Wolverine from this series for years, two favorite toys in my collection, and had a black suit Spider-Man at one time, as well as a Cyclops. If Hasbro were making theses today, after the Spider-Verse craze, we would have undoubtedly seen Spider-Gwen, Miles Morales, Prowler, and Spider-Man Noir among many others.

As a teenager at the end of the '80s, I got my hands on a copy of The Punisher, a graphic novel compiling the 1986 five issue run "Circle of Blood". Revered as the character's foray into success in a solo title and definitive Punisher story, this book blew my young mind and made me a fan. It was gritty, violent, and perhaps a little more than adult in nature than intended for kids. Written by author Steven Grant and illustrated by Mike Zeck. It is sometimes, and fairly, accused of being dated, but that's part of the fun for me now. More recently, I enjoyed Punisher in the 2012 Marvel NOW! relaunch of Thunderbolts, alongside Red Hulk, Agent Venom, Elektra, and Deadpool, but "Circle of Blood" will always be the impression branded on my imagination.

More Later- Make It FUN!

Marvel Legends Classic Punisher, 80th Anniv. Punisher, Punisher War Machine

I've had the Classic Punisher for a couple years, so I thought it would be a good time to open him upon finding the new 80th Anniv. Punisher and Punisher War Machine at GameStop recently. Check out the video:

We've had a few Punisher figures over the years from Hasbro, including a camo Punisher with the face paint ten years ago in the Nemesis wave, as well as a classic Punisher from the 2012 Epic Heroes wave, which had a Thunderbolts variant in red. This newer 80th Anniversary Punisher is a kitbash of parts from Erik Killmonger, the Netflix Punisher, Classic Punisher, and Demolition Man.

The Punisher War Machine came out of nowhere recently, surprising all of us, and I compulsively with the 80th Anniversary Punisher at a local GameStop. I'd long admired that sculpt originally used on the Civil War Series War Machine, but was ultimately disappointed by all his extra parts that don't peg in well at all. I already have him up for auction on my eBay, because while I love the deco, he doesn't compare to that bitchin' Avengers War Machine I got just a couple months ago.

More Later- Make It FUN!

Hey, Mr.Postman!

I know it seems like toys are being dropped at my doorstop every other day, and well it's because it's true. I've found (laughs) a lot I like out there, and there's more on the way!  But seriously, I'm havin' a ball over here, and there's plenty to write about and photograph. But first I want to show you the latest haul I scored on E-Bay...

*D.C. Direct First Appearance Batman! I've seen him go for as much as $45.00 lately, but I only paid half that (shipping included). I love this 6" version, which is a lot like my 9" Masterpiece Edition "Bob Kane" Batman. This one also has wire armatures in Batman's poseable cape- very cool!

*6" Justice League International Batman! He was really different- has an almost metallic blue cowl, cape and boots. Very serious look on this guy... that's like, Batman #7 for me... What can I say? I like Batman. There's another coming as well...

*Marvel Legends Series II Hulk (2002) less points of articulation that my later 1st Appearace Hulk, but still a beauty- ripped lab coat variant... came with a comic book, that's nice. I am really starting to like these 1:12 scale Marvel Legends figures -Hulk is really about 8"/roughly 1:10, but scaled to be appropriately larger than his Marvel Universe counterparts).

*9" Origins Spiderman, black suit variant- I've had a 1st appearance variant of this that I haven't shown you yet, they'll make a fun pair! I Like the Hasbro Spiderman dolls... err, ummm action figures better than the Famous Cover versions, which have mittens over the hands (not cool unless you are a Mego Batman).

*9" Origins Punisher by Hasbro (2006)  -My first Punisher, bought him as a set with Black Spidey above for $34.99 (price included shipping), not bad! Would not have necessarily have bought them separately, but together for that price I would.

Surprise!! Bonus Edition of "Hey, Mr. Postman!"...

Yes, just yesterday I recieved  my 9" Origins Wolverine! He's always priced through the roof, but my patience paid off last week when I found one for under $20.00 (price included shipping)... a very good deal...

Well I'm bushed, Kids...it's time to curl up in bed with the Marvel Essential Fantastic Four, Vol.3 I've started. I hope you sleep well and dream of wonderful TOYS- make your tomorrow a great one!
G'night!