Pop Culture League - Aliens Among Us

For this week's assignment from the league it's:

Aliens Among Us

“If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn’t turn out well for the Native Americans.” –Stephen Hawking

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Toy Spotlight - Man of Steel

As you can imagine the Man of Steel merchandise is slowly but surely beginning to roll out in anticipation of the movie's release this spring. This weekend these images were released of some pretty incredible looking action figures, a Lego playset, and some pretty lolzy Funko figures.

This figure looks pretty sweet. I personally dig the new costume and they absolutely nailed Henry Cavill's features in this face sculpt. 

They did Russell Crowe proud with this amazing likeness of him portraying Jor-El, Superman's Kryptonian father.

A pretty sweet looking General Zod figure. I'm stoked that they chose him as the first villain to launch this new franchise. Superman needs a formidable foe, one who can match his great powers. Don't get me wrong, I love Lex Luthor....but this will definitely freshen things up a bit! So psyched for this movie!

These Funkos are really fun takes on so many iconic characters. They once again nailed it with these two.

Finally, they have also released this picture showing an upcoming Man of Steel Lego set.

Anyone who has been reading my blog lately knows that I really enjoy Lego, especially the minifigures. This set looks like it will be a cost friendly way to score the two main minfigures from this movie!

 

For now that's it. But I'm sure as the movie's release gets closer more and more Man of Steel  merchandise will continue to pop up. I really like those action figures but probably won't end up with any. With all the awesome stuff set to come out it is tough to decide what to collect and what to pass on. I'm still on the fence with the Star Wars Black Series. All this stuff just looks so awesome......I digress.

"Not God......Zod!!!"

Super Powers Spotlight - Superman

As many of you know (or maybe you don't) I am a huge fan of the Super Powers line by Kenner. Many of the fondest memories I have from my childhood are associated with my love for Super Heroes and Super Powers.  I was always drawn to the colors on both the figures themselves as well as the amazing packaging.  It just screams 80s, vintage, and awesome!

Just a quick bit of background on the line.  It ran from 1984-1986.  There were 3 waves of figures released on varying card types.  There were also many other foriegn toy companies that made Super Powers toys including Playful (Super Amigos), Pacipa(Super Amigos), Gulliver (Super Powers), Estrela (Super Powers), Lily Ledy and many others. 

The first series of figures included the most recognizable characters including: Batman, Superman, Robin, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Lex Luthor, Joker, Brainiac, Hawkman, Penguin, and Flash.  The first two waves of figures also included mini comics that were numbered in order. I figured I'd follow that order for my Super Powers Spotlights.

Number 1 - Superman

 

It's pretty fitting that Superman be #1 for the iconic Super Powers line.  It seems like even the cardback was modelled using old Supes' colors.

 

Here we have one of my prized possessions. An Action Figure Authority (AFA) graded 80, first series 12 back, fan club offer Superman.  Superman's cardback looks awesome. His pose sums up for me all that is awesome about Superman and brings me back to why I loved him so much as a little kid.  For me this first series Superman is THE Super Powers figure.  I can still vividly remember when I got this guy over 25 years ago.  My brother had a new Batman and I had a new Supes.  I rememeber us both eagerly tearing into them to free our heroic toys!  My 3 year old self was only concerned with defending the Hall Of Justice not collectibility!

Next in my Superman Collection is the Canadian card variation.  These are pretty common and usually have yellowed bubbles (Canadian bubbles are notorious for this). I found this one in amazing condition and picked it up.  I usually don't like Canadian cards so this is one of only two Canadians in my collection.  Notice the French writing in the thought bubble.

For the final carded Superman in my collection I have Super Amigos Superman by the Argentinian toy company Pacipa.  I personally think the foriegn stuff is pretty cool and enjoy collecting them when I can. I actually got this item straight from Argentina.  Special thanks to Google Translate!

Finally I have the mail away Clark Kent. I figured Supes wouldn't mind sharing the spotlight with his secret identity.  Do notice the little green head at Clark's feet.  That is one of my few pre production pieces. It is a first shot mold of Superman's head that Kenner used for product testing before mass producing Superman.  It is made in a non production green color.

 

So that's it for my first of many Super Powers Spotlights. If you want more info be sure to check out The Hall of justice website found here. It's a treasure trove of information regarding all aspects of this line.

 

I'm going to close with a quote from the new "Man of Steel" trailer. I couldn't resist. It just looks so awesome!

 

"My father believed that if the world found out who I really was, they'd reject me. He convinced that the world wasn't ready. . . .What do you think" - Um yes...we're ready!

Movie Minute.....or two and a half....

So I've been a Superman mega fan for as long as I can remember ....

Who is that kid?!?!?And how did he get in my blog!?!?! Hmmmm.....

Anyway I was automatically excited, even after being epically disappointed by 2006's go at what seemed to be a reboot of Christopher Reeves' Superman. Don't get me wrong, Christopher Reeves, in my mind, is THE perfect Superman and I have some great memories watching those movies. But I think for this day and age something fresh is needed. For fear of getting my hopes up...I think this new one may be just that.

I'm definitely digging the music (even though it sounds strangely familiar to one of my favorite movie's original scores "Gladitator"). I also like how he doesn't come off as perfect in this trailer. He doesn't look like the goody two shoes old Supes has come to represent.  I like the inner demons thing when it comes to my super heroes.  Probably why I like Batman so much. Needless to say I am psyched for this release. 

 

Being a teacher i already love the month of June. With this movie being released on the last day of school!!!!! I mean come on! But hey, I'm not complaining......

 

"I'm here to fight for truth, justice, and the American way...." .....great quote but now we need some grit to our Man of Steel.....I hope this movie delivers it.