NECA FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER

Being in the Halloween spirit, I picked up for myself a Frankenstein's Monster action figure from NECA to decorate my desk at work. This 7-inch scaled NECA action figure replicates the classic Universal Monster from 1931's FRANKENSTEIN which was based upon Mary Shelley's 1818 horror novel about a scientist bringing a creature to life. The action figure's sculpt captures a colorized version of actor Boris Karloff's portrayal of Frankenstein's monster. 

As part of NECA's Ultimate Universal Monster's collection, Frankenstein's Monster comes with premium packaging with a cover featuring the 1931 movie poster and the action figure includes a number of accessories. NECA Universal Monster's Ultimate Frankenstein's Monster features 3 interchangeable heads, 6 interchangeable hands, shackles and daisies. Recreate favorite scenes from the movie or create your own terror-ific poses with Frankenstein's monster.

Frankenstein's Monster also provides an interesting adversary to incorporate with other toy brands. It presents an imposing character to interact with 6-inch scale G.I. Joe Classified action figures for example. Cobra scientists are up to no good! What horrible and dangerous experiments are they conducting in the depths of Cobra bases?

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SIMPLE BACKDROPS FOR ACTION FIGURES

Collect action figures? Looking for an eye-catching way to display them or set-up scenery for interesting toyography pictures? Check out www.simplebackdrops.shop for some sharp looking options that are also very affordable. I purchased a couple of their backdrops and have been very impressed. 

Simplebackdrops are designed at 1:12 scale (that is compatible with six and seven inch sized action figures such as Hasbro's 6-inch G.I. Joe Classified and Star Wars Black Series or Mattel's 7-inch DC Universe and He-Man & the Masters of the Universe lines) and are printed on non-light reflecting premium matte paper. The backdrops are made of two skyline panels that either can be a long straight display or be bended to present a corner view. They also come with a floor square to replicate the ground complimenting the side panels.

Unlike some of their competitors who provide imagery on matte paper that you have to mount to a surface such as display case paneling, wood frame, or posterboard yourself for stability, Simplebackdrops sheets come attached to cardboard bases. Therefore, they are ready to use right out of the box with no prep work required by you. On the other hand, your bases for the imagery is the standard cardboard you can cut out from any normal box. 

That being said, the Simplebackdrops I bought have worked just fine in regard to displaying and durability.  The manufacturer does provide a disclaimer that these are "homemade backdrops" but I've found them to have a very professional appearance as long as you aren't fixated at looking at the panels from the backside which aren't supposed to be in plain view anyways. 

As the imagery isn't protectively glossed to avoid light reflection and the basing is standard cardboard, purchasers do need to take some basic precautions to avoid damaging the product. These are basic things that are probably applicable to higher end dioramas as well. For example, don't spill liquid on it or touch with dirty hands. I give Simplebackdrops kudos because my order was delivered very quickly and each backdrop was individually wrapped very securely to help avoid it being damaged not just during transport but also when being stored around my house when not in use.

I purchased two backdrops through Etsy. The first was a 1:12 Scale Day Forest Backdrop. The second was a 1:12 Scale Broken Wall Backdrop.

Being a Stargate fan, I utilized the Forest Backdrop with its daytime imagery to imagine a squad of G.I. Joes were on an off-world mission. SG-1 hadn't reported in so reconnaissance focused SG-13 was sent in to track them down their missing comrades. 

This is a long-straight format consisting of two visual panels. Therefore, two flaps on the back to need to be connected to create a stand in the middle where the two panels come together. This helps unite the two pieces plus keep the backdrop standing upright.

The Broken Wall Backdrop has a cavern or basement look to it with what appears to be a tunnel opening that action figures may be running towards or away from. I created a display of Star Wars Black Series action figures making up a mercenary team. They are on the hunt to earn a bounty or commission.

Unlike the forest display, this backdrop is meant to be setup in a corner format. Thereby, the corner holds up the pieces to stand on their own and a flap stand isn't needed here. As in the forest backdrop, there is a ground piece that compliments the side boards presenting a 3D environment for displaying and photographing action figures. I may use these backdrops with diecast cars too. 

Based upon my experience with Simplebackdrops, they've earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval. I'm impressed with the quality and usefulness of the backdrops, the pricing is nice for budget conscious consumers, and the customer service effort in the product arriving sooner than expected and securely packaged not just for transit but home storage as well. Simply said, Simplebackdrops exceeded my expectations. 

My only disappointment is the limited number of backdrop selections they have available. Hopefully they will start adding some additional variety of settings. If they add some more background options, I absolutely will be buying some more! 

GRID IRON STUDIOS

Collectors of 1:12 scale six-inch action figures, such as Hasbro's GI JOE CLASSIFIED and STAR WARS BLACK SERIES, need to check out a specialized armory depot for these types of toys. Tempe, Arizona-based Grid Iron Studios recently emerged on the toy scene to provide army builders and collectors with authentic looking accessories and weapons that add an exceptional level of realism to action figures. They have nearly a hundred made in the USA items available to purchase on their website ranging from equipment such as binoculars, communications gear and mine detectors to weapons including pistols, machine guns, and even a Ninja arsenal.

The Grid Iron Studios depot will have army builders geeked with its array of real-life military reproductions as well as movie prop replicas from action, horror and sci-fi films. Get an AK-47 that looks like it just came off a battlefield or an AR15 that has the appearance of being military issued. Also available are the pulse rifles the space marines used in Aliens, the axe Jack Nickelson swung in The Shining, and the RPG fired by Rambo in the First Blood movies. 

I follow Grid Iron Studios on Instagram and it seems as if they are introducing new products every week! And if you want to see some great images of their products being utilized check out one of my favorite toyographers the_imperial_grunt who showcases a lot of Grid Iron Studios products in his artwork. Plus, if you are on Instagram give us a follow too at Geekdad248.

I personally purchased from Grid Iron Studios a one twelfth scale howitzer to use to display with my six inch sized COBRA soldiers from the GI JOE CLASSIFIED toyline. The 105mm howitzer was released as a Kickstarter campaign to gauge interest in the company producing larger scale vehicles and weapons to make available in its arsenal. Have to say the finished product is impressive!

This realistic artillery display set included crates with shells and spent casings, communications devices, spyglasses, camouflage netting and sandbags. The cannon itself is 7.0 inches high, 6.25 inches wide, and 14.5 inches wide. Not only does this howitzer model have girth to it and proper scale to match 6 inch action figures, but it has detailed elements including a gun barrel that can be elevated and tow shovel that can be spread open and shut. 

It also has a first rate paint job to make it look great when displayed. The Grid Iron Studios Howitzer though also has very sturdy, durable construction for those who also want to play around with it. I am very pleased with my purchase. 

For more information about getting your hands on items from this depot of toy accessories or announcements on new products being released, visit gridironprops.com

MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES AIM TROOPER

Hasbro has added to its Marvel Legends collection of 6-inch action figures an army builder so that you can have your super hero characters face off against a force of A.I.M. troopers just like they do in the comic books. Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I.M.) is an organization of brilliant scientists and their hirelings dedicated to the acquisition of power and the overthrow of all government by technological means. They have been trying to take over the world since the days when comic books only cost 12 cents so you know they have A.I.M. has been causing trouble within the Marvel Universe for a long time.

Available exclusively from the toy manufacturer's hasbropulse website, these action figures come in an art covered box and are priced at $14.99 which is about $5 less than the average Marvel Legends figure.  They have multiple points of articulation making these A.I.M. troopers great for posing and are equipped with two weapons and an ammunition bandolier. You get a nice bang for your buck with these toys!

Amass a number of these troopers to create a formidable fighting force. Because of the hazmat suit design of their costumes not only can they pose a threat to Marvel super heroes but can also be easily intermingled to do battle with other 6-inch style action figures like G.I. Joe Classified or the Star Wars Black Series. What villainous schemes will you have A.I.M. hatching up?