Awesome Toy Picks is where we get to check out some of the coolest toys sold today. Aquaman is becoming more and more popular due to the way Geoff Johns has been writing him since his return in Brightest Day. Unfortunately, these figures might not help with his new and improved tougher appearance.
Mattel has recently released a line of Retro-Action figures. They are pretty close to the old MEGO dolls from the 70s. I saw these and due to their combination of cheesiness and coolness, I had to get them. And you can't really get one without the other. That's right, today we're going to take a look at Aquaman and Black Manta.
== TEASER ==
These guys have plastic heads and cloth outfits. Their hands and boots are also plastic. Actually, Aquaman isn't wearing any boots. He's sort of just wearing...stockings. But take a look at him. He has the belt, the fins on his calves AND he has a plastic trident.
Black Manta does look a bit cooler. He has his red eyes (instead of yellow ones seen long ago) as well as a plastic backpack that plugs into the top of his head.
What's even cooler about these figures (or dolls) is their joints and posability. I was surprised at how easily they stood on their own, especially considering Aquaman isn't wearing shoes. Their joints are pretty loose but not in a way where they flop around.
I'll admit I got these two 'on sale' at EntertainmentEarth.com but it was worth the price. And look, they can even play together nicely.
I also had this old set of DC Pocket Heroes with these two. This is the only set I got and I picked it up when "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies was a hit on the radio. You know because of that line, "Hold it now and watch the hoodwink, as I make you stop think, you'll think you're looking at Aquaman."
Apparently Black Manta didn't approve of his likeness with these. They originally were released in 2002. I got mine off ebay but still haven't been able to bring myself to actually opening it. Not sure if there's really a reason.
That's it for this week. Be sure to check out the next installment of Awesome Toy Picks coming soon.