Thoughts In A DB5

 If you've read the Ian Fleming Novel Goldfinger, this is the title of one of the chapters, more or less. In the boom, Bond has random thoughts about his assignment as he cruises down the streets in an Aston Martin DB5. And for a small break from Star Wars (although there are a couple tidbits about it in this post).  I thought I'd post some random thoughts about other properties I like, which does include the recent news about the James Bond franchise, as well as recent toy news. So, hop in for what promises to be an interesting ride!

1. Amazon has full creative control of  the James Bond franchise.

If Amazon pulls a Rings of Power treatment to Bond, the franchise is dead. If they put Bond only in Cold War Era stories, the franchise is also dead. If they recycle the plot from the Casino Royale spoof like they did for the last cinematic disaster of a Bond film, the franchise is as dead as Bond was in both of those piece of crap movies.

But if they go the Jack Reacher route, then it can be good. I would dare say exciting, as the Reacher series is something I would actually like to own on physical media. But, all Bond stories should be taking place three seconds from now, as Ian Fleming intended. The 2006 Casino Royale proved that Fleming's 007 could thrive in modern times, and he needs to stay that way. On the plus side, this sets up the possibility of a James Bond universe, and shows, or movies that could have Idris Elba as a Double O (as long as he's not 007 that's cool. And if a Ryan Gosling played Blade or Shaft I'd be ticked off about that too), or a female Double O. The rumored Moneypenny series is a terrible idea, in my opinion.  And I hate to say this, but Henry Cavill may be too old to play Bond at this time. I would favor a British actor, relatively unknown to take the role of Bond. And as far as Bond novels go, I'd love for Raymond Benson to write for 007 in modern times again. The new novels aren't any good, as they have Bond "missing". Hopefully the 3rd novel from Kim Sherwood puts 007 alive and well, but I have doubts.

2. DC toy license swings back to Mattel.

Anyone remember Superman 3? Well let me bring you down memory lane. When Richard Pryor gives Superman the funny Kryptonite, he straightens the Leaning Tower of Piza. A souvenir seller then destroys his leaning tower products. In the end, a redeemed Superman makes it lean again, and the same guy trashes his new products.

Honestly, this is how I feel. When DC went to McFarlane, and the scale changed I was upset. I have a ton of 6 inch super hero figures, and now I would have to get 7 inch Batman's and Superman's. Now I'll have to go back to the 6 inch scale, and I'm exhausted. I don't know what this means for McFarlane's Super Powers line, but I guess that's gone. Same for SpinMasters I assume as well, although their kids line and current Batman Retro lines look like they have some neat figures coming soon. I'm interested to see what Retro Superman will look like. But if Todd McFarlane can't make Super Powers toys anymore then I'll be greatly disappointed in the line, and hunt down some older Kenner Batman and Superman villains to round them out. Mattel has the license starting next year (2026).

3. Thundercats/MOTU Origins Crossover Line!

And to think that I thought the Masterverse line would get these figures, I am glad I was wrong! The Turtles of Greyskull line wraps up soon, and this new line will take its place. Yes, that's Battle Cat as a Thunderian! Yes, that's Panthro with Man At Arms gear! He-Man has combo Sword Of Omens and Power Sword! Skeletor and Mumm Ra share the same figure as Skell Ra! If you grew up in the 1980's, these are the toys you wanted! Yes, Thundercats figures have been made in the same style as Masters of the Universe figures, but not in the same modern articulation style as Origins, until now. Needless to say, these are definitely going to be buys. I can't wait to see Teela, Beastman, Evil Lyn Thundercats versions, maybe Man At Arms has Panthro's nunchucks? But the Thundercats villains like Slythe, Monkian, Jackleman and Vultureman should look incredible. And I'd be happy for a Wilykit/Wilycat 2 pack and a Snarf figure too. Also with MASK coming back it's a great time for collecting if you're a 1980's kid and want something to feed your nostalgic side. 

4. Is Kathleen Kennedy really leaving?!

It doesn't look like it. Although this time it felt like there was some weight behind the rumors. But you can't deny that under her watch, the top 3 franchises Lucasfilm has have fallen on hard times. Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Willow have flopped. For that alone, she should be shown the door. But, Disney continues to allow her to play around those franchises. Why is anyone's best guess. 

5. The Star Wars Epic World Of Action Line may get collectors interested in that line. 

Check this out: 

That is the Vintage Collection charging station. But that ain't the Vintage Collection Darktrooper figure. Epic Hero Series line is becoming the Epic World Of Action line (across both Marvel and Star Wars), and Star Wars is getting extra articulation in the figures: no more 5 POA. Except Brutus from Skeleton Crew. He's 5 POA, and to quote Randy: 5 POA IS NOT OKAY! If you have the Biker Scout and Speeder Bike, those figures have extra elbow and knee articulation. A deluxe Chewbacca is coming soon, and an updated Darth Vader is on the horizon. If they add articulation to the Luke and Ahsoka figures I'll be pleased. But that gets me to the main point of this section. 

The only way the EWOA line will succeed is if collectors get in on the action. Yes, this is a kid focused line, and it's always a good idea to get kids into Star Wars toys. But, you need to get adult collectors into the line to make it successful. Playmates did that perfectly in their mid 1990's Star Trek line, and if it wasn't for that 1701 figure debacle, there's a good chance Playmates could have had Star Trek figures going strong until Enterprise went off the air in mid 2005. 

The Darktrooper doesn't have as many articulation points as the VC version. But it does have better articulation range from barbell hips, ball jointed shoulders and knees. The blaster is painted red, which may be a downgrade, but there's a reason acrylic paints exist. The image is from Yakface, and the Amazon link he had shows this figure is sold out. But you better believe I'm getting 4 of these figures to retire my VC versions. And if they do some other troop building figures, I might swap those out and retire some VC troops. 

But the bottom line is this: they need to do Mains. They need to do Han, Leia, Chewie, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padme and Palpy. Plus Dooku, Maul with updated articulation, as well as Battle Droids, Clonetroopers and updated articulated Stormtroopers. Also update the articulation on the Luke and Ahsoka figures that were released, as well as Bo Katan, Mando and Sabine. This line could really have some legs, and if kids and collectors get on board to support this line, then I feel there's a great future ahead for collectibles going forward. 

Thundercats/MOTU images from X user Dad At Arms, Darktrooper image from Yakface. Thanks for reading! A special thanks to Chris and Nomad at BanthaSkull for allowing me to post this link in the comments section! Please share this link on your social media accounts so I can get more readers!