Showing posts with label Comic Book Characters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Comic Book Characters. Show all posts

Monday, July 30, 2018

SDCC Exclusive Beast Kingdom Superman

Beast Kingdom SDCC Exclusive Superman
I've been waiting for this figure to arrive in the Philippines shores because I was excited to own a piece of this Henry Cavill Superman in classic costume. I know that this figure had some very bad reviews but this did not deter me from getting my hands on this figure and see for myself if the bad reviews it got was well warranted. Well read on for my verdict.

Box Front Art
The box front art shows us the action figure in a classic Superman pose rendered in comic book art style. The box colors looks attractive enough to jump off the shelves and grab your attention.

Back art
The back art of the box on the other hand gives us a look of the figure along with the contents of the box. Nothing flashy but the figure looks awesome in the photos.

Upon opening it however, I was aghast to see MICHAEL JACKSON wearing a Superman costume! It made me get another look at it and I just couldn't find Henry Cavill's likeness in the figure.


The figure comes with three sets of hands and a display base to help make the figure stand. No extra head and other accessories. 
Disappointingly, the display base does not expand in height, preventing you from posing the figure in flight poses. The base has a printed insignia of Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice and of course Superman's name. This figure originally came out in the original Batman V Superman Superman suit, albeit released years after the theatrical release of the movie. Didn't know why this figure came in late but he did come with Batman, Armored Batman, and Wonder Woman to complete the set. The San Diego Comic Con exclusive figures on the other hand were repaints of the original release (except Armored Batman). The figures were repainted in "comic book" colors as per the Press Release of the figures. Superman also had an additional figure for SDCC which featured him in the highly controversial Black Suit. Highly controversial because fans clamored for it to appear in the Justice League movie. Something that should not be talked about here though..... unless a Justice League SNYDER CUT is released!
From whatever angle I see him, I just couldn't see Henry Cavill's likeness in the figure. I don't get it why Beast Kingdom opted to put his flesh colors in a lighter tone. Probably to mimic the comic book colors? But damn, he really looks like a baby powdered up Superman. He looks like a cross of Michael Jackson and that famous Superman cosplayer from the Philippines who underwent multiple facial surgery to try to get Superman's look.
We got a pretty good articulation count. A ball jointed head, a ball jointed neck, ball jointed and hinged shoulders that you could pull to give it more variety of poses, swivel biceps, ball jointed elbows, ball jointed wrists, ball jointed chest and waist, ball jointed and hinged hips that can be pulled similar to the shoulders, swivel leg, ball jointed double hinged knee, ball jointed ankle, and hinged toes. That's tons of articulation there but there are some weird articulation gimmicks as seen in the next photo. 

The shoulders and hips looks hideous when pulled, giving us a hideous gap in between. Though I have to commend Beast Kingdom for their attempt to revolutionize action figure articulation. You'll have to hide those gaps when posing or taking photos of this figure though.   
The figure comes in a silky cloth cape with wires to give you dynamic cape positioning. Or it may appear so. Because those wires are just too soft to hold the heavy cape. The wires actually does nothing much to give you those dynamic cape positioning. I don't remember Superman having this grandiose type cape in the movie. Probably almost like this but definitely not this much. 
I like it that the cape has a rubber type print of the yellow Superman Insignia. You'll have to watch out for that rubber though cause I presume wear and tear and old age would give you cracks on the print.... like what happened to my Hot Toys Christopher Reeve Superman's S shield... SOB! 
From left to right: Movie Masters Man of Steel Superman, Justice League Superman, Beast Kingdom Superman, and Bootlegged Black Suit Superman
The only reason why I chose this Superman figure over the black suited one was because I wanted to own a Henry Cavill Superman in different suits. And this suit offers you a classic look of Cavill's Superman in classic colors. This is probably the closest look we could get of Michael Jackson, I mean Henry Cavill in Christopher Reeve costume colors. (Though I remember there was one photo circulating in the net where Cavill wore Reeve's original Superman suit). Also, pardon me for using a bootlegged Black Suited Superman in the photo as I didn't open my Man of Steel black suit Superman. But I promise you I own one, so please do pardon me lol!    
Here's a side by side comparison of the different Supermen that came out in the movies and T.V. plus a Kotobukiya Super Powers Superman. The Beast Kingdom Superman probably stands between 8 to 9 inch. So the trunks are back just like in the comic books eh?
Here's a scale comparison of the Beast Kingdom Michael Jackson Henry Cavill  Superman and the NECA Christopher Reeve Superman. Still couldn't find a similar scaled Henry Cavill Superman to complement the Neca Reeve Superman as the Mattel Movie Masters are smaller when compared to the NECA Superman. 
This might probably do the trick though, a Cavill Superman that came from the Batman V Superman Ultimate Battle two pack deluxe figure. Now with both almost similarly scaled Henry Cavill Superman figure pictured side by side, which colors do you prefer? 
Taking Flight
Ravishing Henry LOL!


Super Strong

Up Up and Away

Care to Step Outside?

With DC Collectors T.V. Series Supergirl



Action Comics 1

My verdict? If you could avoid the figure please do. I know there are better choices than this, for one the discontinued DC Films Superman by far looks so much better than this figure (though I don't own one). I was having second thoughts of the figure when I saw the box. I wanted to see the actual figure first but the box was sealed. And the store attendant was only willing to open it if I would guarantee to buy one. Hence, I bought one. But for novelty reasons and just a different presentation of a Henry Cavill Superman in your collection, then this figure is passable enough for you to buy one. I'm good with it, but I'd probably sell this figure at the price I got it for if there's an offer. Billie Jean is not my lover, she's just a girl who claims that I am the one, but the kid is not my son... SONNUVA GUN! I'M SINGING A MICHAEL JACKSON SONG!

Friday, June 22, 2018

DC Superheroes Cafe opens in the Philippines!

 

DC Fans in the Philippines (or even the whole of Southeast Asia) will be overjoyed to know that DC Superheroes Cafe is now open here in the Philippines. For the longest time, DC fans from the Philippines needs to fly to Singapore just to experience dining out at a DC Superheroes themed restaurant. Well, the long wait is over. Self-confessed DC fan and entrepreneur Edric Chua (the man behind DC licensed electronics gadget brand Ekonic) and a crew of Metron Manila's finest chefs Chef Mikel Zaguirre of Locavore Kitchen x Drinks and Chef Kalel Demetrio of Liquido Maestro has finally brought the concept restaurant/store to our shores. Last night, DC Superheroes Cafe opened their doors to a private event inviting the country's various geek and pop culture fandom groups for a night of celebration. A celebration of the success and opening of PH fandom's new home. DC Superheroes Cafe boasts of a wide range of food and collectible products that could whet the tummies' craving and hobby collectors appetite for rare collectibles.

DC Superheroes Cafe from the outside

From the outside, showcase glasses are adorned with various DC pop culture merchandise that ranges from comic books, action figures, toy collectibles, and various DC merchandise that are the dreams of DC fanboys. Seen are new and recent releases and editions of these merchandise that can easily help those collectors who are hunting for those missing treasures in their collection. This is a clever way of presenting a store to passersby because the fusion of exciting colors as seen on the DC Superheroes costume patterns are enough eye candy to capture and entice passersby to come in and take a look at what DC Superheroes Cafe has to offer. Even non-superhero fans can't help but get curious with what's in store for them inside.





Statues, Framed Alex Ross Art, and other amazing DC art pieces
Jim Lee's Superman and Batman art in stained glass deco
DC Superheroes Cafe Interiors

Upon stepping in, every nook and corner of the Cafe is adorned with even more DC Pop culture merchandise. And again, all are for sale. Every section of the dining areas are adorned with gigantic wall art that literally jumps out of the wall. Each section is also themed and divided according to the heroes it represents. The ambiance is very friendly for diners who love DC Superheroes and any other superheroes in general (Marvel fans are also welcome by the way). Not only that, huge life size statues of the Justice League Superheroes as last seen in the Justice League movie are positioned all over the place, making you feel like you are literally visiting their Hall of Justice. Funko Pop fanatics will also get a real kick at this place because I've seen rare DC Funko Pop items being displayed and sold at a very affordable price. Comic books ranging from rare titles to the most recent releases were also seen. Action Figures too. The place is just totally DC Superheroes fanboy haven.

Entrance greets you to this
My favorite wall art
Looks like a caped wonder
Pops and Comic Books 
Various stats and collectibles on showcase
Fierce Batman v.s. Bane Statue
Life Size Wonder Woman statue
Life Size Batman Statue


Are those pillows?
Shirts, bags, baseball caps
Lego!
The FOOD!


Of course who could forget about the food. This is not just a merchandise store after all. The idea of fusing together food and geek merchandise is a very wise strategy because it brings in together two of the most voracious consumers in the market today, food hobbyists and geek culture hobbyists. And boy the food menu here at DC Superheroes Cafe are just the ones that could whet our appetite for good food. The menu varies from American, Italian, Mexican, and other recipes. And to get a better sampling of which food entree are the well recommended ones, I just had to survey around and ask the team that I came with on that day. Namely the men and women of DC Universe PH and The Reign of the Supermen PH. Frederick Tinio of DC Universe PH says the Lamb Kebabs were top notch and easily was his favorite. The cafe also serves cocktails and other drinks. Their shakes and desserts looked so yummy too. Names of their food menu are named artistically to reflect the characters of DC Comics. I posted some food photos below for you to check out and salivate.




Cocktails bar
Flash's Pizza
Poisonous for our sugar diet
Zucchini Fries

Holy Bat Shakes!


Churros of truth
Probably named after Stephen Curry's son? Not! It's Aquaman's mortal name!
Salmon, my favorite
Table Mats and tissues with gorgeous DC Art as shared by Frederick Tinio
Stuffs given away to us. Thanks Mark for these photos. (I came in late so I didn't get any card or Daily Planet I.D.)
You can actually bring home these trinkets that comes with the food ordered. Great accessories for your Action Figures!

DC Superheroes Cafe opens tomorrow! It is located at the fourth floor of Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City! And to keep you guys even more excited for the opening, check out the promos below to greet you on your visit.


So what are you guys waiting for? Let's satisfy that Superhero appetite! See you guys at the opening!