JoMi toys

Bootleg Toys: G.I.Joe Extreme Inferno

2012-01-30T01:09:00.000Z

Long before the awaited for return of the 3 3/4" figures, Hasbro launched G.I.Joe Extreme. A much debated issue, I´ll just focus on the bootleg version of Inferno I picked up during the late 90s.

Bootleg, MOC, late 1990s...

Figure: Sky Stalker Squadron Leader, code name Inferno. Impressively similar to the original, the paint job gives it away. Smells like it is... a bootleg! Would probably fail the first quality control. Nonetheless, an impressive copy.

Included accessories. Another remarkable copy in terms of looks.

However, when trying to connect the weapons to the figure, the handle broke. Quality, a definite minus...

Also, the backpack´s peg won´t fit into the figure´s backpack hole. Tank works, and the "flames" do come out.

All things considered, it´s a curious and well achieved copy when back in the day in Europe (and after Sgt. Savage major fail) it was virtually impossible to find Extreme figures. Extreme times, extreme measures. Nowadays, a sign of time and a mere curiosity for the wall.

Status: Available for trade

Unknown figure: Covergirl

2012-01-28T00:10:00.000Z

Today a treat for G.I.Joe fans! Try to uncover this... Cover Girl.

Markings: Hasbro 1983, Made in Hong Kong. Similar to Agent Sparta, BUT no Estrela markings, instead... Hasbro. Also, one of the boots does not have the green paint, and it´s not fade out, this figure is minty mint. Gloves are pinkish. Anyone?

Status: Unavailable

Indiana Jones (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull)

2012-01-27T13:25:00.000Z

Kidnapped by Russian agents, Indy is taken to Hanger 51, the US Government´s top-secret military installation, where he is forced to help search for a mysterious artifact that can unleash incredible psychic powers.

But using his whip and his wits, Indy fights his way to freedom, determined too keep the mysterious artifact out of soviet hands.

Without his hat, Indy´s head mold is from Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is considered to be the most accurate Harrison Ford´s copy.

MOC, Hasbro 2008.

Figure: Indiana Jones. While having an interesting look, and in fact the most overall likeness of Ford, the articulation was poor. It´s very hard to get Indy to perform most poses.

Included accessories.

For a Ford figure, and from these angles, looks a bit like Ralph Fiennes. Included RPG (rocket propelled grenade) has a nice look, but the used plastic... well, makes it look like a snake. This was the problem (and still is) with Hasbro´s recent figure sets. Nice figures, nice concepts, but weapons and accessories should be made from hard plastic like they used to.

This is more like it! You can clearly see Harrison Ford here... and his typical expression. Nice work. Not perfect, but close enough to recognize.

And of course, the Hidden Relic, The Dagger od Atreus.

Status: Available for trade

Bootleg Toys: Another unknown figure!

2012-01-24T20:57:00.001Z

Well guys, after the success of last "unknown figure" post, I decided to yet again reach out... and hopefully get your help! Who might this guy supposed to be?

It got here with a huge lot of G.I.Joe and other action figures by the end of the 90s. It reminds me of Remco´s Sarge Team & The Bad Guys but with poor leg articulation. The figure´s weapons are probably around once I get a hold of any clue...

The only markings are on its butt, "China". Anyone knows who this guy is or where he´s from other from China?

Not too bad for a Bootleg/ Knockoff! Hands seem to be made for round weapons/ accessories handle.

Status: Available for trade

Indiana Jones with Horse

2012-01-21T02:40:00.000Z

Yet another fantastic pack from the superb movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark".

From his saddle onto the cargo truck carrying the Ark.

MOC, 2008. Hasbro.

Included items. A greatly articulated steed and Indy to ride it!

Horse with removable saddle.

One can manage some realistic poses. One of the best horses for 4" figures on the market.

Figure: Indiana Jones. With sligthly open legs to mount.

Jacket can be partially removed.

Included accessories.

Whip fits onto gun belt.

... And revolver fits Indy´s hand like a... well, a gun.

But what´s with Harrison Ford´s head sculpt? Other than that, a very impressive set!

Status: Available for trade

True Heroes 2Pack Military Figures

2012-01-17T23:54:00.000Z

A small entry just to keep this going and present a re re re... REissue of previous series Soldier Force figures. Sort of strange when TRU can count on the SFVII molds now. But, I can only imagine how many of these bulky figures they still have in stock to start inventing color schemes.

Figures: Major Macintyre and Col. Hawk (Stewart repaint) now with a G.I.Joe Flint look and both in desert fatigues... not bad.

Status: Available for trade

Indiana Jones Dr. Henry Jones

2012-01-16T12:39:00.000Z

From one of the best Indy movies, one of the best Indy figures, Jones Sr.!

Unbelievable detail for a 4" figure, with pretty much all you could ask for!

MOC, 2008. Hasbro.

Amazing Sean Connery sculpt. Keep in mind its scale, 1:18! Wouldn´t it be great if the glasses came off?

And what you know, they do!

Included accessories.

And of course, hidden relic! Wich one could it be?

The Holy Grail, of course!

Figure: Dr. Henry Jones. Simply wonderful figure with great details.

Removable suit, or part of. Even so, and without it, looks golden.

Not a man of conventional wars, Dr Jones Sr. comes with a Parabellum.

Umbrella comes off the case and it´s ready to bring down any nazi fighters! Too bad it won´t open, but that would be asking a little too much.

Hasbro´s line has many wonderful figures, but this one has to be a top 5 at least.

Status: Available for trade

Identity found! - Pamela Love

2012-01-13T22:44:00.000Z

While cleaning some boxes containing a series of different toys from different lines, I came across this fantastic horse. However, to this day, I had no information about it. Thanks to an anonymous contributor, I now know. This beauty belongs to a line of dolls. Yes, you read it right! And which one? Pamela Love... the Barbie-like line. I´d never guess!!!

The closest I ever got to identify this figure was Remco´s Lost World of the Warlord figures. However, those didn´t come with this saddle or red rug. And the painting is different. The mold lines, however, seem to be the same.

Its body came to show this was probably not a knock-off. This is scaled to be mounted by He-Man sized figures. Such as Remco´s Lost World of the Warlord.

Fine work. Looks 80s. Transparent glass(plastic) eyes.

Saddle comes off.

Another clue I thought, maybe western?

No brand markings, just a "5" probably from the mold number.

It´s a beautiful piece, no doubt. And fragile too, since the "velvet" skin over the plastic seems to need very special care.

And here´s the proof! Sport-Holiday box. These horses could be found in all 3 colors independently. Case closed!

Status: Available for trade

Project TH3 - Thitan and Thur

2012-01-11T23:50:00.000Z

Project TH3 was one of the most spectacular concepts in the 80s. Italian made and involved in mystery.

Thur´s helmet and Thitan´s long weapon.

MISB, Edison Giocattoli S.p.A. Firenze.

Beautiful life-size weapon for Supermatic ammo.

"Your Thitan is a space-gun from the -Fantastic Flash Pistol- collection. This means you can use SUPERMATIC, the famous exclusive EDISON´s ammunition, and no other".

"Firing with THITAN you get an exciting -Flash-3 too. This, in addition to the detonating charge of SUPERMATIC, brings about a combined effect unchallenged in the space-gun field".

"All you have to do to load your THITAN, is first separate the SUPERMATIC tape into two 13 shot strips and then, insert each strip, one at a time, into the special opening".

"When you have used all the 13 shots, unload the gun by pulling the tape out of the other opening".

"With a minimum of care, you will always have your THITAN in perfect condition and ready to fire".

Status: Available for trade

Submit your Pics! - John Guerrati

2012-01-08T23:45:00.003Z

Opening a new label, with photos by friend and follower John Guerrati. Cool pics of his air command, great ideas for their use! Enjoy his work!

A TRU True Heroes Apache AH-64 Longbow.

With G.I.Joe markings!

Looking good, watch out snakes!

TRU elite operations (preceded True Heroes) had a knock off of this baby! See it here.

I love this shot! Also reminds me of Auchan´s combo set which also used a KO version of this one. See it here.

G.I.Joe vs Cobra Night Attack Chopper! 2003 Desert camo.

2002 G.I.Joe vs Cobra Night Attack Chopper.

Nice work on that ammo clip!

Red tips for those missiles, sweet.

And for last, but certainly not least, his custom P-40 from Sgt.Savage and his Screaming Eagles G.I.Joe line. Nice work, John!

If have some cool pics and ideas of your own creations and want them posted here with our comments, feel free to e-mail us! Just make sure you´re our follower and the photos you´re sending have good quality. Ideally, but not necessarily, of toys we have reviewed in the past so we can connect the original sets!

Bootleg Toys: Steel (A.k.a. John Henry Irons)

2012-01-07T23:49:00.001Z

This figure entered the lair some time now, and I never figured out what line this figure originally came from.Thanks to jboypacman , Bubbashelby and actionfig , I finally got on track with this one. Thanks, guys!

No original markings whatsoever (it´s a bootleg!), it is complete. The original owner had no idea what it was. The original figure should have a stamped text "TM 1997 DC Comics Made In China".

5 1/2 figure. Original is a Kenner product, 1997 from same year´s Shaq´s Steel movie.

Figure: Steel (A.k.a. John Henry Irons). Man of Steel.

Included armor accessories/parts. Hardened steel armor suit and weapon.

Fits almost too good for a bootleg toy. A different mask from the original (open bottom half).

Status: Available for trade

Masters of the Universe Mutant Slime Pit

2012-01-06T22:23:00.001Z

A remake of the vintage Horde´s "torture chamber" for heroic warriors, this time around related to Skeletor´s side. And added Mutant name and figure to it.

A review I´ve been avoiding for quite some time. Not because it´s not cool, it is. But the included Slime demands some ground preparation. A lot thinner than the original, which was thicker and gooey, this one flows neatly, but quickly!

Mattel, MISB, 2003.

Included parts.

The Mutant Slime Pit. Once assembled, a very nice playset. A throne on top with a trapdoor, and hollow inside and we´ll see why.

Included figure: Mutant Warrior.

Mutant Warrior´s chest opens to reveal independent "bursting" mutant guts!

The cool spring action mechanism. When hit on its chest, top part comes off, chest opens and guts fly away.

The Mutant Warrior can also function as a regular action figure. And one of the best sculpts too. But then again, 2Ks are pretty much all cool.

On top of it (literally) it can look like this!

The included Slime. You better not use it around carpets, although it´s easy to clean. Just not possible to reuse. For use with most of the Masters of the Universe figures. Keep the fur ones at bay! Slime compound may stain fabrics and other surfaces. Avoid contact with carpet, clothing, walls and furniture. This product may stain or stick to some surfaces. Protect play area before use. All said!

Filling the Pit, preparing the trap.

Skeletor (not included) commanding the Mutant Warrior: "Rise!".

Fit the figure inside the pit and slowly push it through the trapdoor. Slime goes over, inside and over the monster and Pit thus giving the whole scene a scary and cool look!

He-Man watch out, it´s coming to get you!

The whole playset is a neat combination of modern straight lines and classic twists and turns of Mattel´s vintage classic molds. Snakes and skulls, that is.

Speaking of which, skull-face himself can fall victim to his own scheme and even after falling, when coming back topside can have Slime throw him back down. All He-Man´s doing for sure...

A bright look at the 80s and adaptation to modern times of the (then) new series. A solid set. Well, most of it!

Status: Available for trade

Lego 4025: Fire Boat

2012-01-03T15:42:00.000Z

Released in 1982, this "Boats" theme set was a winner. A favorite of many collectors, was the basis for other future models.

Golden age of Lego!

Included minifigs: 3.

This was actually one of my favorites when I was but a little boy. Never having the chance to own one back then, it is with great satisfaction that I now hold one to show. Great little toy. 150 pieces!

Included, 3 counterweights to keep it afloat.

It would then of course make it a bigger boat, heavier... and a lot of fun.

Even bigger. The lip on the keel bottom enables you to attach different kinds of motors (not from Lego) to the ship.

Elevating platform and water cannons. Firehose stations...

Full of details on a a mini man scale. Yet another reason to miss the 80s!

Status: Available for trade

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T22:38:00.000Z

Happy New Year to the world! Full of toys and days of fun, happiness and good health to enjoy every day! And remember... drink, don´t drive!

True Heroes L.A.S.E.R. Storm

2011-12-27T19:09:00.001Z

L.A.S.E.R. dropship, the main command vehicle for the Rangers!

Capable of transporting 5+ figures, and also Rockslide!

MISB, 2011. Toys"R"Us.

With awesome lines and a huge margin for custom artists, this aircraft seems to pick up some ideas from the UD4L Cheyenne Drop Ship, the colonial marines dropship from Aliens.

But just enough. Different, nonetheless. A spider-looking guy.

The whole body and tail design, the color and raw look... great!

Wings deploy to hover.

Wings retracted.

Included figures. One of each model. No accessories, though.

Included figure detail: Corporal Felix "The Eye" Ibanez. Reconnaissance Specialist. Highly skilled in determining location, composition, disposition, capabilities and activities of enemy committed forces.

Lights and sounds can be activated via 2 buttons producing the same sounds and effect. The sounds are the same as Rockslide and Nomad.

Aircraft opens up into command station!

Aircraft comes with a handle-like tail to perform flying moves and pick up Rockslide!

Storm can transport Rockslide (sold separately)!

The big challenge was understanding how to snap them together. Storm´s claws (landing gear) are hollow. Rockslide has 4 points to attach and you need to pull Storm´s "legs" outwards to provide room for the connection. Could be better if it was a clip movement of the touch and go sort.

As a whole, this aircraft is very cool. Fresh concept that picks Aliens and Avatar ideas and transforms them both into something new.

Rangers ready for battle!

Status: Available for trade

True Heroes L.A.S.E.R. Rockslide

2011-12-25T23:04:00.002Z

The L.A.S.E.R. troop transport. Looking like a scratched Aliens vehicle, is capable of taking up to 10 rangers to battle!

Comes with 2 figures, pilot and gunner.

MISB, 2011. Toys"R"Us.

Simple and curious. This vehicle will make it to customizers work tables, I´m sure of it. From a basic change in stickers to deeper modifications, existing as a 1:18 vehicle, is always a gigantic advantage.

Included figure: Sergeant. Klaus "Mad" Martens. Combat Specialist. Master in advanced weapon technology and close combat.

Included figure: Captain Jeffrey "Crash" Simpson. Leader of the L.A.S.E.R. unit. Elite fighter pilot with vast knowledge in air defense artillery.

When you first look at Rockslide, it may look just a little more than an armored and modified firetruck. But a deeper look will probably change your mind. Especially if you´re the customizing type. From riot control to battle, this armored car shows real promise. The colors, the lines, the intelligent simplicity...

Iy has lots of places for L.A.S.E.R. figures. The vehicle cannon has 2 control modes. Turret gunner and passenger. I figure if the gunner is wounded, another Ranger can man the gun without having to step in. How cool is that?

Inside, 7 figures can be transported: Driver, gunner and 5 more. Outside, 3 more. Plus, there are 2 slots for weapons, which by the way, are not included. Strange thing to (not) do these days.

Lights and sounds 360º rotating double cannon. The sounds are the same as Nomad´s. And turret can be removed.

If you were looking at the pictures and paying any attention, you may have thought "10 figures? Where´s the place for those extra 2?". Well, there are a couple of holding bars in this armored car. One on each side. And while you can´t move the figure´s arm to make it look cool since articulation is poor, any other 1:18 figure with a swivel arm stands nicely on the side of Rockslide. Anyway, Rangers can hold it anyway.

Waiting to be lifted! Storm (that big insect-looking craft) can transport Rockslide. One of the cool details of this L.A.S.E.R. line.

Coming up next... L.A.S.E.R. STORM

Status: Available for trade

Merry Christmas everybody!

2011-12-24T18:36:00.000Z

So we finally reached the most expected eve of the year! May all of you get lots of presents and enjoy them in perfect health. If you don´t, keep a star in your heart because things have got to get better! Look ahead into the future and reach for that star. Happy Holidays my friends!

True Heroes L.A.S.E.R. Nomad

2011-12-23T04:56:00.002Z

The L.A.S.E.R. Mech is a beauty. Features: Articulated legs for walking, spinning rotor blade weapon and light and sound action.

A pilotable version of Orion´s ED209!

MISB, 2011. Toys"R"Us.

Using a not so rigid plastic, this mech becomes almost indestructible. With an amazing color (and color scheme) and heavy weapons, this baby is not a toy... well, it actually is.

Included figure: Lieutenant Adrien "The Brain" Leblanc. Tactical Specialist. Arranges the logistical and operational aspects of every mission.

Pilot and gunner not included

Nomad holds 3 figures. Pilot, gunner and one in the piggyback position.

Not the best angle to ride if they decide to retreat! However, a machine such as this one probably takes care of business as it shows. As you can see, there´s some sort of exhaust pipe mold near the figure´s station. I wonder how that guy would sustain the heat...

Pilot position. Tilt-over style.

Gunner station. Cannon moves left and right.

Mounted on ball-jointed articulations, these weapons are extremely effective...

All 3 L.A.S.E.R. vehicles share the same gun sounds.

Now THIS is a scary uniform!

Status: Available for trade

Galaxy Fighters by Sewco

2011-12-22T04:11:00.001Z

Altough already seen one by one, It may be interesting to input a couple more points on a global view of this line. The pros and cons and most of all, the nostalgic feel of these MOTU "companions".

With a cost of about 1/3 of a MOTU action figure, it was fairly easy to do the math and on any given occasion, these Fighters could look perfect especially next to Skeletor forces.

While Batoon looked a little like Blade from the "Masters" movie, Iguana and Walph were total strangers when related to the successful Mattel line.

Mace Ape was a good guy, but I remember using him as a Skeletor minion. Daton sure looked like a leader and many battles he won for He-Man. Magoon was a Grayskull sentinel and his weapon never allowed villains on his watch.

These guys had a tremendous advantage over original 80s MOTU figures. The left hand could hold weapons. This is also (probably) the most direct difference when comparing Sewco´s Galaxy to Sungold´s.

Articulation is basically the same as expected. Both Sewco and Sungold used Mattel´s recipe for success.

The accessories were very nice. Although one could only expect a mix between the 4 different shields (actually 2 molds with different stickers, which were great by the way), 4 weapons and 2 body armors, their design was so good that Mattel was put to shame.

As a result, He-Man with a Sewco sword was a common sight!

And what you know? Looks good on modern figures too! Well, that´s the thing about quality...

6 of the original 12 Sewco Galaxy Fighters

These may have been cheap and to some die-hard MOTU fans, cheap-looking too. But when they show up these days, they beat many original figures in price and demand. Great figures! How I miss the 80s!

Status: Available for trade

L.A.S.E.R. line from Toys R Us

2011-12-21T23:44:00.001Z

"One mission, one goal: protect the world". In the year 2099, government leaders from all countries banded together to create an elite strike force known as L.A.S.E.R. The Land, Air, Sea Elite Rangers are defenders of freedom. Their one and only mission is to protect the world against all threats, both foreign and domestic. Each ranger is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, and is highly specialised in multiple areas of combat and military intelligence. No task is too great, no environment too extreme. The elite rangers are trained and prepared to execute their mission at any time in order to keep the world safe.

Finally here to be reviewed. You may have seen them around, but you haven´t seen them yet... like you will.

L.A.S.E.R. stands for Land Air Sea Elite Rangers and they are the new True Heroes space fighting force. 3 vehicles and 4 different figures. MISB, 2011.

Storm, the big aircraft. Crew of 4 and capable of transporting...

Rockslide. A Transport land vehicle armed with a rotating cannon!

And Nomad, for all you mech lovers reading this.

So tune in for the next episodes and enjoy!

Status: Available @ TRU

Galaxy Fighters Batoon

2011-12-20T23:44:00.007Z

Batoon was a sort of pirate for the villains in this line. Won´t fool anyone with that menacing look. One of the most balanced figures of this line.

Very nice color scheme, and that shield, armor and weapon close the deal very neatly.

Included accessories.

Figure: Batoon.

Just like Iguana, this figure´s skin condition suffers from a common problem. Even some of the MOC figures are seen in such disgrace. What a shame...

And just like the PVC used for the figure´s limbs, even some of the armor accessories get this "virus". Any ideas to prevent this? I ran out of ideas myself...

Status: Available for trade

Galaxy Fighters Daton

2011-12-19T23:38:00.000Z

Daton, this line´s version of the Galaxy Warriors line Magnon was a member of the heroic fighters.

There are not many alternatives for poses with these figures. But these charging or defense positions are achievable at a decent level...

Included accessories.

Figure: Daton.

Status: Available for trade

Galaxy Fighters Walph

2011-12-18T23:34:00.000Z

Walph was a villain faction fighter and my very first Galaxy Fighter!

Walph came with one of the coolest weapons ever - the scimitar!

Included accessories.

Figure: Walph. Wolf head, obviously... and considerably well done too.

Status: Available for trade

Galaxy Fighters Mace Ape

2011-12-17T23:24:00.000Z

Mace Ape was a heroic faction character. Apparently his name has something to do with his looks...

Showing off his battle axe, and his slender shield.

Included accessories.

Figure: Mace Ape.

This figure´s head was used (and repainted) for X-Changers X Force. A recycled head, that is. The spiked ball/hair was removed and skin was recolored... pink.

Status: Available for trade

Galaxy Fighters Iguana

2011-12-16T23:23:00.000Z

Iguana was a villain in the "Galaxy" universe. An ugly (yet cool) face, is a common sought-after figure to join Skeletor´s forces in the MOTU community.

This figure came with a battle axe, but weapons were not assorted in a predefined way.

Included acessories.

Figure: Iguana.

As you may have noticed, especially in blue and "human skin" figures, some spots are visible. This must have been a humidity problem related to the poor PVC used in these figures.

Status: Available for trade