Top 10 Friday... Welcome to the greenhouse

In honor of Spring, Arbor Day, Earth Day last week (and the other sort-of holiday that took place for some last week on the 20th *cough-cough*), we thought today would be a good day to honor the comic characters that come from the soil... These could be characters made up of grasses and plants, control the plants, or rely on them for their powers. Before the list though, here are some cool plant-related comics and collectibles...

Masters of the Universe Moss Man Figure by Mattel (1985) 
and SDCC Exclusive Moss Man Chia Pet by Super7 (2015)

Masters of the Universe Moss Man figure by Mattel

SDCC exclusive Moss Man Chia Pet by Super7

Moss Man was He-Man's spy and could blend in with plant life. A vintage carded figure of him goes for about $100 on eBay or at a toy show these days. Then for SDCC 2015 Super7 (who we love) did a way cool and creative Moss Man Chia Pet exclusive. You can track one down for close to $40.

Man-Thing Statue by Bowen Designs (2005)

Man-Thing statue by Bowen Designs

One of the finest statues to date of Ted Sallis, the man who re-created the super-soldier serum and then in an accident in the swamp became Man-Thing. He who knows fear burns at his touch! Goes for about $180 on eBay.

Bio-Glow Swamp Thing Figure by Kenner (1990)

Bio-Glow Swamp Thing figure by Kenner

This line from the early '90s is slightly obscure and collectible. They did a few versions of Swampy, this one is our favorite - he glows in the dark for cryin' out loud! Goes anywhere from $25 - $40 on eBay or at a toy show.

Poison Ivy Premium Format Figure by Sideshow Collectibles (2013)

Poison Ivy Premium Format Figure by Sideshow Collectibles

Sideshow Collectibles Premium Format Figures are some of the highest end collectibles you can get. This version of Batman's sultry enemy had an edition size of 2500 and an exclusive limited to 1500 pieces. You can track one down for around $800 these days.

Now onto the... 


Top 10 Plant-related Characters! 
(We tried to stick mostly to comic book characters here, had to veer off slightly to include Treebeard and Moss Man though... Wait, I just spoiled the list a little didn't I? Galdarnit...)

10. Black Tom Cassidy

9. The Flaming Carrot

8. The Gardener

7. Moss Man

6. Mantis

5. Man-Thing

4. Groot

3. Treebeard

2. Swamp Thing

1. Poison Ivy

That's all for this week...! Happy toy and collectible hunting this weekend, and see you next week as we celebrate Captain America: Civil War!

Get your 'Game' on

WARNING: The post contains SPOILERS for episode 1 of "Game of Thrones" season six, so if you haven't seen the episode yet, please skip ahead to the collectibles.

One of the best television shows ever produced returned to HBO on Sunday, and it was a doozie. "Game of Thrones" launched its sixth season -- this time ahead of the books on which it was based -- with a harrowing, quick-cut episode that strived to bring viewers up to speed with the beloved (and reviled) characters throughout Westeros. Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) got her first good news in quite a while when the warrior Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) and her ally, Podrick Payne (Daniel Portman), rescued Sansa and Theon/Reek (Alfie Allen) from more torture at the hands of Ramsay Bolton's men. We got a glimpse of Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), blind and downtrodden, as she received some tough-love lessons. Things were bleak at Castle Black as Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) lay dead, murdered by his own Night's Watch brothers, though Sir Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) and some of Snow's loyal friends remained vigilant. We also got updates on Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clark) as she is being held captive by a horde of foul-mouthed Dothraki horsemen; Cersei (Lena Headey) and Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), whose daughter was murdered by the devious Sand Snakes of Dorne; and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) and Lord Varys (Conleth Hill) as they stroll the streets of a dangerous Meereen.

Sophie Turner and Alfie Allen in "Game of Thrones"

Last week we talked about several Jon Snow collectibles available, as Jon's fate is at the heart of season six. Yet the premiere episode reminded us of other great characters roaming Westeros, so we'll take this opportunity to highlight a few other "Thrones" goodies.

Oathkeeper, Valyrian Steel Collection

Oathkeeper

The sword wielded by Brienne of Tarth, given to her by Jaime Lannister and forged from the fragments of Ned Stark's blade, Ice. Here Oathkeeper is recreated as a gorgeous prop replica, with a 32" stainless steel blade and display plaque boasting the Tarth sigil. Part of the excellent Valyrian Steel Collection of "Game of Thrones" prop replicas that also includes Ice, Longclaw and Needle, among other weapons.

Funko Pop! Rides, Daenerys and Drogon (2016)

Daenerys and Drogon Pop! Ride, Funko

We haven't much touched on Washington-based toymaker Funko, but we will throughout this blog as the company's Pop! Vinyl figures are incredibly popular AND collectible. Case in point: This wicked Pop! Ride featuring the khaleesi herself, Daenerys Targaryen and her (sometimes) loyal dragon, Drogon.

The Hound's Helm

The Hound's Helm

Rumors persist that season six will see the return of Sandor "The Hound" Clegane (played brilliantly by Scottish actor Rory McCann), and what better way to prepare for The Hound's reappearance than with this awesome replica of his fearsome helm. Limited to 2,500 pieces, this wearable helmet weighs 15 pounds, is made of fiberglass and comes with a display stand and certificate of authenticity.

Who else is ready to get their "Game" on?

Storm chaser

Ok, yes, we are gigantic Star Wars fans too. There is simply no denying the effect the Star Wars franchise has had on millions of people, kids and adults alike - and from there what the figure line launched by Kenner did for action figures overall and to toy history forever.

We'll use up a lot of posts on Star Wars for sure, this is just the first. And for the first, why not talk about the most cos-played character out there. The sinister looking and often blaster fodder for Han, Luke and the gang. You called it - here are a few cool Stormtrooper collectibles...

Original Stormtrooper 12-back figure by Kenner (1978)

Stormtrooper 12-back figure by Kenner

One of the most sought-after carded figures there is (really any of the first 12 Star Wars figures can say that). If you have one of these you're one of the fortunate few. If you don't, good luck. When they show up they sell for close to $1500 these days. Loose ones are much cheaper and easier to come by, and still collectible. As always with the high priced carded figures you have to be wary of fakes. I tend to buy from highly-rated eBay sellers with long histories. Or go to a toy show.

"Fall of the Empire" Ewoks vs. Stormtrooper Diorama 
by Sideshow Collectibles (2010)

Ewoks vs. Stormtrooper diorama by Sideshow Collectibles

One of the coolest Star Wars dioramas we've come across - Sideshow Collectibles is responsible for some awesome pieces over the years and this is no exception. This diorama was limited to 750 pieces. Too bad it's long sold out and now goes for close to 1K if you're lucky enough to stumble across one on eBay.

Star Wars the Black Series 6" Sandtrooper and Stormtrooper Figures by Hasbro (2014)

Star Wars The Black Series 6" Sandtrooper Figure by Hasbro

Star Wars the Black Series 6" Stormtrooper figure by Hasbro

We love the Star Wars 6-inch Black Series by Hasbro. They're great figures for the nostalgic who wish they had seen larger, more intricate Star Wars figures back in the day. I'm partial to figures from the original trilogy, and these are two great ones.


Now here's to hoping we see GI Joe done in black! (Hint, hint Hasbro!)

So much more Star Wars to come in future blogs...

Sites set on The Punisher

"Walking Dead" alum Jon Bernthal absolutely killed it as Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, in season 2 of Netflix's "Daredevil" series. Bernthal brought grit, believability and emotional depth to a character that has seen a steady rise in popularity since first being introduced in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man #129 (1974). The Punisher, with his skull-centric costume and propensity for violence, is nuanced and has a disturbing origin story (his wife and children were murdered in front of him). Bernthal, with a little help from 13 hours of character development, captured the character better than any of the other actors had before him (though we also have a soft spot for fellow comic book fan Thomas Jane, who played Castle in 2004's "The Punisher").

Jon Bernthal

Bernthal's gripping performance reminded us of all the things we love about The Punisher. So, naturally, we'll take this opportunity to highlight a few Punisher collectibles you may not know about.

The Punisher #1-5 (1986)

"The Punisher" limited series #1-5

This phenomenal five-issue limited series from writer Steven Grant and artist Mike Zeck (the team of Jo Duffy and Mike Vosburg handled creative duties for issue #5) really introduced the comic-reading public to Frank Castle, prior to his long-running regular series. Zeck's covers are especially good and have been reproduced as posters and graphic-novel covers many times over.

The Punisher mini bust, Bowen Designs (2004)

Punisher mini bust by Bowen Designs

The awesome sculpting team over at Bowen Designs produced several Punisher full-size statues, but our favorite is still this killer mini bust. Limited to 5,000 pieces, the bust presents Frank on a skull-themed base with his handguns on-the-ready. Bowen also released a chrome-based "modern version."

Marvel Preview #2 (1975)

Marvel Preview #2

The Punisher's first appearance was in Amazing Spider-Man #129, but his origin was first told in this uncommon Marvel magazine. Marvel Preview #2 gives the reasoning behind Frank's violent crusade and is still one of the earliest Punisher appearances.

Expect Bernthal to return as The Punisher, either in future episodes of Daredevil or in his own Netflix series. Meanwhile, there are plenty of other Punisher goodies to set your sights on.

The man called Cable

With another Deadpool film being greenlit (thank the Gods of geek), and a promise that we'll be seeing Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza's other star from the 90's make his first appearance on celluloid - this post is a first spotlighting that metal-arm before it was cool (I'm calling out you, Winter Soldier) mutant; the man called Cable. Here are some great Cable collectibles...

Cable's First Appearance(s) 
New Mutants #87 (1990) and X-Men #201 (1986)

New Mutants #87

Uncanny X-Men #201

Although Cable was introduced first as the creation of Rob Liefeld (mainly) and Fabian Nicieza (partially) in New Mutants #87 (which is widely considered Cable's first appearance) - origin stories later told us Cable was non other than Nathan Summers, the child of Cyclops and Jean Grey. That lil' baby first appeared back in X-Men #201, making that book a hot collector's item for Cable fans.

PS - If you look at the end of new Mutants #86, you'll see a sneak of what's to come and a picture of Cable... so, which book is his first appearance again?

New Mutants #86

Cable statue by Bowen Designs (2010)

Cable statue by Bowen Designs

BD spent plenty of time on Cable in mini-bust and statue form. The most valuable is this rare version with Cable standing atop the severed head of a sentinal. Way cool, but goes upwards of 1K these days on the secondary market...

Toy Biz Cable figure (1992)

Cable figure by ToyBiz

These ToyBiz X-Men figures are not too hard to come by, but as time passes I expect the value of these to go up some. Many of these were the first ever figure produced of a character. True in this case for Cable.

Top 10 Friday... All about Jack

One of the most iconic actors in Hollywood celebrates his 79th birthday today. The great Jack Nicholson, with his edgy style and wicked smile, has been captivating audiences for more than 50 years and has a wealth of awards under his belt. Born in New Jersey in 1937, Nicholson was voted class clown at his high school, Manasquan, and found his way to Hollywood in 1954 at the tender age of 17. Nicholson's first acting credit on the Internet Movie Database is a single-episode appearance in the 1956 TV series "Matinee Theatre," followed by his cinematic debut as Jimmy Wallace in "The Cry Baby Killer" (1958).

Jack Nicholson

Most Nicholson-related collectibles come in the form of signed memorabilia and photos, but here are a few outside-the-box goodies:

The Shining poster by Spoke Art/Joshua Budich (2012)

"The Shining" poster by Joshua Budich

Another stunning, limited-edition print from poster-artist extraordinaire Joshua Budich, done for Spoke Art gallery to commemorate a screening at the Castro Theatre in 2012.

The Joker DX figure, Hot Toys (2012)

The Joker DX figure by Hot Toys

This intricately detailed, 1/6-scale figure from Hong Kong manufacturer Hot Toys features a cornucopia of articulation points and cool accessories, and looks just like Jack from his 1989 "Batman" performance.

Rolling Stone #201 (1975)

Rolling Stone #201

Nicholson earns his first-ever Rolling Stone cover appearance in the Dec. 4, 1975, issue, courtesy of artist Kim Whitesides.

And of course, Jack has given the movie-going public a smorgasbord of memorable roles. In honor of our favorite Lakers-loving man behind the shades, here are our top 10.

TOP 10 JACK NICHOLSON MOVIES

10. Wolf (1994)

"Wolf" (1994)

Nicholson gets the werewolf treatment with this atmospheric horror/drama that also stars Michelle Pfeiffer and a wonderfully sinister James Spader.

9. Easy Rider (1969)

"Easy Rider" (1969)

Cult classic about two hippie bikers and their ill-fated road trip has Nicholson blazing up alongside Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper.

8. About Schmidt (2002)

"About Schmidt" (2002)

Nicholson is a retiree who takes a soul-searching trip to visit his estranged daughter in this well-written comedy from director Alexander Payne ("Sideways").

7. The Departed (2006)

"The Departed" (2006)

Nicholson plays Irish-American mobster Frank Costello (based loosely on real-life gangster Whitey Bulger) in director Martin Scorsese's edgy thriller. Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon co-star.

6. A Few Good Men (1992) 

"A Few Good Men" (1992)

Military court drama pits attorney Tom Cruise against crooked colonel Nicholson. This film immortalized the line: "You can't handle the truth!"

5. As Good as It Gets (1997) 

"As Good as It Gets" (1997)

Charming Oscar winner about a prickly author (Nicholson), a gay artist (Greg Kinnear), a working mother (Helen Hunt) and an adorable dog. Directed by James L. Brooks of "Simpsons" fame.

4. Batman (1989) 

"Batman" (1989)

Director Tim Burton's beloved superhero actioner pits the caped crusader (Michael Keaton) against the Joker (Nicholson) with the fate of Gotham on the line.

3. Chinatown (1974) 

"Chinatown" (1974)

Roman Polanski directs Nicholson as a private detective who becomes embroiled in a deadly plot in this Oscar winner for Best Screenplay. Faye Dunaway co-stars.

2. The Shining (1980) 

"The Shining" (1980)

Nicholson delivers his famous "Here's Johnny!" line in this brilliant and disturbing thriller from director Stanley Kubrick. Based on the novel by Stephen King.  

1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975)

Nicholson is at his manic best in this highly praised (and awarded) adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about the patients of a mental hospital and their devious nurse.

Happy birthday, Jack!

Thor's Day

I expect we will re-visit characters many times over in this blog - and hopefully with new collectibles and tidbits to touch on with each post. I'm saying that, because this is the first of what I'm sure will be many posts on the mighty Asgardian, Thor. We are huge Marvel fans, and even though Thor's mythology dates back way before Journey Into Mystery #83, we always think Marvel's Thor whenever we think of the hammer-wielding God. Here are a few really cool Thor collectibles...

The Silver Surfer #4 (1969) and The Defenders #10 (1973)

We'll spend another post somewhere down the road focusing on some of the best issues in Thor's own title at his long tenure at Marvel. These are a couple of our favorite Thor issues outside of his own series. One he fights The Hulk, the other Silver Surfer - say no more.

Bowen Design Thor Statue (2007)

Bowen Designs did a few Thor statues over the years, and this one is our favorite. Thor stands tall and imposing, and this resin beauty will run you upwards of $400 on eBay (if you can find one.)

ToyBiz Marvel Superheroes Thor Figure (1991)

The ToyBiz Marvel Superheroes line was a fun run in the early 90's, and they produced this classic version of Thor. This figure isn't as rare as a Thor Mego, but collectible nonetheless.

That's all for now... see you tomorrow for Top 10 Friday :)