Best of The Bin: 2009
Every year, awards are given to the best releases from the best toy companies. The categories are considered in depth, and nothing - nothing is missed or overlooked.
Toy companies know about these awards. They respect them, and the winners rejoice in the bragging rights bestowed upon them.
I'm referring, of course, to The Poppies.
What you're reading now is about as far from The Poppies as you can get. I don't review every major release of the year; in fact, I barely get any. Most of what I review has been around for a while; has spent some time on the shelf. And, far from scientific, my annual "awards" are more on the arbitrary side.
Nonetheless, no reviewer can resist the urge to offer up an end-of-the-year list, so here we are. Keep in mind that I'm considering reviews from 2009: some of these toys go back years. When I did this last year, I was choosing from a limited pool (I'd only been running the site for a few months at the time). This time, I've got a full year's worth of reviews, so the competition is a tad steeper.
Toy companies know about these awards. They respect them, and the winners rejoice in the bragging rights bestowed upon them.
I'm referring, of course, to The Poppies.
What you're reading now is about as far from The Poppies as you can get. I don't review every major release of the year; in fact, I barely get any. Most of what I review has been around for a while; has spent some time on the shelf. And, far from scientific, my annual "awards" are more on the arbitrary side.
Nonetheless, no reviewer can resist the urge to offer up an end-of-the-year list, so here we are. Keep in mind that I'm considering reviews from 2009: some of these toys go back years. When I did this last year, I was choosing from a limited pool (I'd only been running the site for a few months at the time). This time, I've got a full year's worth of reviews, so the competition is a tad steeper.
Best Stand-Alone Accessory
A lot of what I review here are accessories I pick up, usually in unlikely places. These are things I buy to improve a toy display; they won't necessarily even be toys themselves. Note that this is going to be different than the "included accessories" award below.
Winner: Guitar Hero Mix and Match: Machine and Tiger Stripes
This represents an excellent idea that was carried out almost perfectly. While these may have been intended for fans of the game, I can't imagine any toy collector not wanting at least a few of these. The photo to the left demonstrates my favorite application. Given that these are scaled to six inch figures, there are many, many others.
In the "Runner Up" section, I'm honoring the Cake Eraser I reviewed at a while back. I know I'll be looking closer at collectible erasers as potential accessories from now on.
Runner Up: Cake Eraser No. 1
In the "Runner Up" section, I'm honoring the Cake Eraser I reviewed at a while back. I know I'll be looking closer at collectible erasers as potential accessories from now on.
Runner Up: Cake Eraser No. 1
Best Included Accessories
This section honors a toy for the extras it comes with. Keep in mind, this in no way reflects on the quality of the toy itself, though I do consider the relative value of the toy and the overall cost.
Winner: Mighty World: Ken's Kayak Adventure
This one had MANY runners up. NECA's Pajama Jack from the Nightmare Before Christmas almost walked away with it, as did the DC Universe Classics Green Arrow (if only he'd come with a better bow). And a case could easily be made for the DC Direct 13 inch Green Lantern, who came with three extra heads and a light-up lantern.
But, in the end, this went to the toy with the lowest price point. Buck for buck, you get more accessories with Ken's Kayak Adventure than anything else I've reviewed this year. And you're getting quality extras, too: scale sodas, a canoe, beans... the list goes on.
Runners Up: DC Universe Classics Green Arrow, DC Direct 13" Green Lantern, Halo Cortana (with Base), Nightmare Before Christmas Behemoth (with Bunny) and Nightmare Before Christmas Pajama Jack, Superhero Squad: Spider-Man and Vulture
But, in the end, this went to the toy with the lowest price point. Buck for buck, you get more accessories with Ken's Kayak Adventure than anything else I've reviewed this year. And you're getting quality extras, too: scale sodas, a canoe, beans... the list goes on.
Runners Up: DC Universe Classics Green Arrow, DC Direct 13" Green Lantern, Halo Cortana (with Base), Nightmare Before Christmas Behemoth (with Bunny) and Nightmare Before Christmas Pajama Jack, Superhero Squad: Spider-Man and Vulture
Best Vehicle
I know, I know: there's not a lot of competition here. I don't wind up getting a lot of vehicles, but the ones I do pick up tend to be nice.
Winner: Star Trek: Enterprise NCC-1701
Okay, let's be honest here: this really came down to two toys: the Enterprise and the Mach 6 from Speed Racer. Both are really cool, and both have strengths and weaknesses. But, overall, the sound and light features on the Enterprise are too good to ignore. While I'd have loved a bit more detail, this is an awesome toy that immediately became one of my most prized possessions.
I'm honoring the Terminator T-1 with a mention, as well. While it's debatable whether or not it's even a vehicle, it feels right to include it in this category. It falls short of the other two, but it still deserves to be acknowledged.
Runners Up: Speed Racer: Mach 6, Terminator Salvation T-1
Best Building Set
This has actually seen some real competition this year. I've been buying quite a few of these recently, despite the fact I'm running out of room to store them.
Winner: Skeleflex: Skullkor
I know I cracked a few jokes at this guy's expense, but the longer I have him, the more I like him. Depending on how you display him, he either works as a six inch alien skeleton or the bones from a replica alien fetus. Disturbing, perhaps, but awesome.
If I'd have picked a winner when I first got these sets, I'd have given the award to Akafly, also a great figure, but given time to reflect, I have to go with Skullkor.
Ultimately, I can't even bring myself to list the Megabloks King Arthur set in the runners up section below. While there's a lot of good there, there are just too many problems with the engineering.
Runners Up: Skeleflex Akafly, Spinosaurus, and Stegosaurus
If I'd have picked a winner when I first got these sets, I'd have given the award to Akafly, also a great figure, but given time to reflect, I have to go with Skullkor.
Ultimately, I can't even bring myself to list the Megabloks King Arthur set in the runners up section below. While there's a lot of good there, there are just too many problems with the engineering.
Runners Up: Skeleflex Akafly, Spinosaurus, and Stegosaurus
Statues and Display Pieces
This is sort of an awkward category, occupying a middle ground between under-articulated figures, statues, and replicas. This really could have been combined with the vehicle category, but... I wanted to give out a separate award.
Winner: Star Tours Muppets
There were a few strong contenders, but I've got to go with these as the winners. Let's just take a moment and count the reasons these shouldn't have been affordable. First of all, they're an exclusive, available only at Disney theme parks and the few stores authorized to carry them (this includes the store on 5th Avenue by the way; I've seen them there recently, so stop by if you're looking for a set). Secondly, these represent not one but two high profile licences. And three, they're awesome.
Despite that, Disney's offering these at an absurdly reasonable price. These are similar in style to PVC sets that cost two or three times as much. And, frankly, I don't think I've ever seen a PVC set I like as much as these.
Runners Up: Star Wars Fabriche Darth Vader, Disney Store Exclusive M-O and Eve Replicas, Halo Cortana with Base
Despite that, Disney's offering these at an absurdly reasonable price. These are similar in style to PVC sets that cost two or three times as much. And, frankly, I don't think I've ever seen a PVC set I like as much as these.
Runners Up: Star Wars Fabriche Darth Vader, Disney Store Exclusive M-O and Eve Replicas, Halo Cortana with Base
Best Action Figure or Set, below 3.5 inches
They're interesting. They're cute. And, most importantly, you can fit dozens on a shelf. I probably collect more action figures in this scale than any other. Until recently, Hasbro had this market cornered, but Mattel and Mezco have gotten into the game, too. Frankly, this was the single hardest category to award. Just take a look at the long list of runners up, and you'll see what I mean.
Winner: Star Wars Galactic Heroes: Jabba's Sail Barge
There were a lot of contenders, but in the end, this really came down to two sets: this one and the BPRD Buddies: Red and Golden Army Soldier. If I'd been giving an award for the best figure, it would have gone the other way: nothing in the Jabba's Sail Barge set is as impressive as EITHER of the figures that came with the BPRD Buddies set.
Why'd it win, then? Two reasons: quantity and value. The BPRD Buddies set is awesome - it's one of the coolest things I bought this year - but it retails for more than ten bucks. For toys this good, I'm willing to pay it, but at some point I need to acknowledge that it's not exactly a great deal.
The matter is complicated by the fact that the Sail Barge isn't a fantastic deal either. It's a good deal, all things considered, but it's certainly not the bargain of the century. Then again, all of these figures are - in my humble opinion - a bit over priced. The Sail Barge set is winning because it strikes the best balance between quality and value.
Runners Up: BPRD Buddies: Red and Golden Army Soldier, Brave and the Bold: Action League Batman, Marvel SHS: Spider-man and Vulture, GI Joe Combat Heroes
Why'd it win, then? Two reasons: quantity and value. The BPRD Buddies set is awesome - it's one of the coolest things I bought this year - but it retails for more than ten bucks. For toys this good, I'm willing to pay it, but at some point I need to acknowledge that it's not exactly a great deal.
The matter is complicated by the fact that the Sail Barge isn't a fantastic deal either. It's a good deal, all things considered, but it's certainly not the bargain of the century. Then again, all of these figures are - in my humble opinion - a bit over priced. The Sail Barge set is winning because it strikes the best balance between quality and value.
Runners Up: BPRD Buddies: Red and Golden Army Soldier, Brave and the Bold: Action League Batman, Marvel SHS: Spider-man and Vulture, GI Joe Combat Heroes
Best Action Figure or Set: 3.5 - 5 inches
I know I said this at the top, but I'm going to repeat it again here: this isn't the best of the year: it's the best of what I've purchased. This is a scale that's seen a lot of movement over the past few years, but it's not one that excites me. As a result, I tend to pick them up sparingly and only when they're cheap. That said, of the limited figures I've purchased and reviewed, here's the best:
Winner: Marvel Universe Iron Man
The DC Infinite Heroes figures are, overall, embarrassing. The Star Trek figures have good accessories, but there's not a lot to the toys themselves. Of the lines I've purchased, Hasbro's the only company to put something worthwhile together. I bought two figures: Spider-Man and Iron Man. This was the better of the two.
He really should have come with some better accessories, and the hip joints leave a lot to be desired, but the sculpt and paint work here is far better than I'd expect in this scale. Mattel might make toys in this size, but Hasbro's shown a willingness to produce collectibles at this scale. I still think they're overpriced, but at least there's some quality here.
In addition to Spider-Man, I'm also giving the Original Spock a nod below. The sculpt and paint evoke Nimoy, and, like I said before, the extras are impressive.
Runners Up: Marvel Universe Spider-Man, Star Trek: Original Spock
He really should have come with some better accessories, and the hip joints leave a lot to be desired, but the sculpt and paint work here is far better than I'd expect in this scale. Mattel might make toys in this size, but Hasbro's shown a willingness to produce collectibles at this scale. I still think they're overpriced, but at least there's some quality here.
In addition to Spider-Man, I'm also giving the Original Spock a nod below. The sculpt and paint evoke Nimoy, and, like I said before, the extras are impressive.
Runners Up: Marvel Universe Spider-Man, Star Trek: Original Spock
Best Action Figure or Set: 6 - 7 Inch Scale
The modern action figure, for all intents and purposes, is defined by this scale. Most of the figures I review are six or seven inches, so there are a lot of contenders and a lot of runners up.
Winner: HB: Abe Sapien
Before this year, I didn't own much from Mezco, but that's changed now. Their line of seven inch Hellboy II figures has impressed me. With a few exceptions, the work is topnotch.
But, as much as I like the toys from Hellboy II, in this scale nothing comes close to the Abe Sapien I picked up from the first movie. And that's ignoring the fact I got him for three bucks. Featuring an absolutely incredible sculpt and paint job, an incredible amount of articulation, and a pile of high quality accessories, this gets the prize.
There were several runners up deserving of recognition, some with a better appearance; some with better articulation; and a few with better accessories. But no toy I bought this year brought all those factors together as well.
Runners Up: DCUC Green Arrow, DCUC Hawkman, DCUC Hawkgirl, Kingdom Come Aquaman, Skeksil the Skeksi, Nightmare Before Christmas Pajama Jack, Nightmare Before Christmas Behemoth (with Bunny), DCD Agent Diana Prince
But, as much as I like the toys from Hellboy II, in this scale nothing comes close to the Abe Sapien I picked up from the first movie. And that's ignoring the fact I got him for three bucks. Featuring an absolutely incredible sculpt and paint job, an incredible amount of articulation, and a pile of high quality accessories, this gets the prize.
There were several runners up deserving of recognition, some with a better appearance; some with better articulation; and a few with better accessories. But no toy I bought this year brought all those factors together as well.
Runners Up: DCUC Green Arrow, DCUC Hawkman, DCUC Hawkgirl, Kingdom Come Aquaman, Skeksil the Skeksi, Nightmare Before Christmas Pajama Jack, Nightmare Before Christmas Behemoth (with Bunny), DCD Agent Diana Prince
Best Action Figure or Set: 10" or more
I tend to shy away from toys in this scale: they often cost more than I'm willing to spend. But recently I've stumbled across some great toys on clearance, and I've started a small collection. In addition, this category reflects the majority of the toys my wife's reviewed in the past year.
Winner: 13" DC Direct Joker
It's odd: I almost didn't buy this at all. It actually took a couple of stops before I was willing to pay even the clearance price for this figure. To be fair, this was last spring, and my job at the time (a term employment) was about to evaporate. Even so, this turned out to be one of my favorite toys in my collection.
Like I said at the time, the accessories feel a tad light and the articulation could be better, but the figure's appearance and costume are almost perfect. He's several times better than either the Green Lantern or the Bizarro I bought from the same line.
I'm actually going to forgo giving those two runner-up status, by the way. While I love them - particularly at the price I paid - I'd rather offer the space to some of the dolls my wife reviewed.
The thing is, toys in this scale aren't cheap. In fact, at full retail price, some of the Barbies aren't cheap either - particularly Supergirl. But compared to the collector's market aimed at the male collector, they're a bargain.
The Speed Racer set started out around forty bucks: that's $20 a piece for high-quality costumes and accessories. Overall, these aren't the same as DC Direct's figures, but... at a 4 to 1 ratio... come on. Sure, the articulation's lacking, but, with the exception of the Joker, the costumes are actually a bit BETTER with the Barbies.
I considered giving the prize to each of the runners up: they all come close. But, honestly, I just like this Joker too much.
Runners Up: Barbie Supergirl, Disney The Princess and the Frog: Princess Tiana, Barbie Speed Racer Collector Set
Like I said at the time, the accessories feel a tad light and the articulation could be better, but the figure's appearance and costume are almost perfect. He's several times better than either the Green Lantern or the Bizarro I bought from the same line.
I'm actually going to forgo giving those two runner-up status, by the way. While I love them - particularly at the price I paid - I'd rather offer the space to some of the dolls my wife reviewed.
The thing is, toys in this scale aren't cheap. In fact, at full retail price, some of the Barbies aren't cheap either - particularly Supergirl. But compared to the collector's market aimed at the male collector, they're a bargain.
The Speed Racer set started out around forty bucks: that's $20 a piece for high-quality costumes and accessories. Overall, these aren't the same as DC Direct's figures, but... at a 4 to 1 ratio... come on. Sure, the articulation's lacking, but, with the exception of the Joker, the costumes are actually a bit BETTER with the Barbies.
I considered giving the prize to each of the runners up: they all come close. But, honestly, I just like this Joker too much.
Runners Up: Barbie Supergirl, Disney The Princess and the Frog: Princess Tiana, Barbie Speed Racer Collector Set
That does it for 2009. I wonder what toys 2010 has in store for me. And I wonder where the hell I'm going to store all those toys....