If you received your Marvel Collector's Corps. box for April, you know that Ultron was the exclusive. As one of my favorite villians, I have to say he's a little tiny tin terror you can love!
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Showing posts with label Groot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Groot. Show all posts
Monday, May 11, 2015
Marvel gets a-DORBZ-able!
As you may have guessed, we here at Muppets, Monsters, and Magic love Funko items. From Pop! figures to collecting the Hikari vinyl figures, we can't get enough. Now, Funko introduces the incredibly cute and aptly named Dorbz line of figures. Standing about 3 inches tall and displayed in a double-window box, Dorbz are the most adorable figures you will find. An adorable smile and closed eyes emulate the pure expression of happiness on these Marvel figures. Take a look below for the series one release.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Hot Topic Exclusive Dancing Groot
Hot Topic has gotten some really sweet exclusives from Funko's POP! line of vinyls, including Gold Smaug from The Hobbit and Crowley with Demon eyes and Castiel with wings from Supernatural. Here is another exclusive - I am Groot potted Groot bobble-head! The pot says it all!
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Gift Idea: Ravager Groot
Entertainment Earth has an exclusive version of POP! Funko Dancing Groot! His pot has the Ravager insignia on it.
Guardians of the Galaxy Ravagers Groot Pop! Vinyl Exclusive
:- Exclusive Pop! Vinyl bobble head features baby Groot!
- Dancing his way out of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie.
- This exclusive version features a red pot with the Ravagers logo!
- Groot will rock out on your desk or dashboard while you listen to your Awesome Mix.
For the Groot lover in your life, or the horticulturist, don't forget these other POP! Funko vinyl figures!
And don't forget to top of the Christmas tree with a certain raccoon!
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
I am Groot!
The tree-like creature known as Groot was captured by the Kree and put on a team with Star-Lord, Bug, Mantis, and Rocket Raccoon. A tree of few words, Groot formed a bond with the creature known as Rocket Raccoon. Forming the Guardians of the Galaxy, Groot and his best friend Rocket travel through space getting into trouble wherever they go.
Real Name
Groot (also known as Monarch of Planet X)
Height
Unrevealed (variable)
Weight
Unrevealed (variable)
Powers
Groot was extremely powerful and resilient, he has the power or regeneration allowing him to re-grow limbs and even his entire form. He also has powers of the mind, although they only appear to work on plant life, allowing him to communicate with other trees and command them.
Group Affililations
Guardians of the Galaxy, formerly Howling Commandos
First Appearance
Tales to Astonish #13 (1960)
Retrieved from marvel.com
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| Groot in The Avengers Cartoon Series |
Friday, August 8, 2014
Review 2: Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy
August 1, 2014
I'm not even sure how to start this review except that this movie is absolutely outstanding! I went into this film knowing very little about it. Every time I saw an advertisement for it, I was sold more and more on seeing it and wanting to be part of the action that is Guardians of the Galaxy (great job advertising team!). Why did I like it so much, just keep reading and you'll find out.
At first this Marvel property seemed like it would be a hard sell. Who didn't doubt the talking raccoon who had a gun and was in space and was on a team with a green-skinned lady and a tree alien? Yes, at first it sounds so far-fetched. But I think that is its biggest attraction and appeal. What we got in the film is a team of almost anti-heroes with obvious flaws and a whole lot of heart. We got a hilarious joy-ride through the universe. A story that moved along at a brisk pace, allowing us to learn about the characters as we followed them through their journey.
I really loved the fact that this was an ensemble movie driven by the characters. We didn't have five other movies explaining origins of each character. We get to know these characters through their flawed interactions with one another. It was touching to hear each of their stories and how they have all been brought together. The casting helped tremendously and was spot-on. This film excelled in being unpredictable and often hilarious. The Awesome Mix Tape helped underscore scenes in a meaningful way and understand Star-Lord, a man trapped in his past but so ready for the future.
This Marvel film also seemed to have a good time poking fun at superhero movie cliches. For example, after a somewhat touching speech by Star-Lord, the team stands up to literally stand by his side as Rocket watches on and eventually stands up saying, "Alright, I'm standing. Now we are all standing. You happy? A bunch of jacka**es standing in a circle." Hilarious and perfect. The film has so many moments like this one. These characters have no idea how to be heroes and it fits them perfectly.
Between the mayhem wrought by Ronan, the films lead villain, there are so many scenes of beauty - Groot spores, Groot cocoon, the first time we see Knowhere. Even the infinity stone, the macguffin in the film, has moments of visual beauty. If you didn't walk out of the theatre with a big smile on your face, you might have missed the movie, so go see it again.
Though the film may have suffered from an over abundance of baddies, it was still great. Nebula didn't quite get her dues and doesn't really get a nice wrap-up either. Which is fine, especially since we know Thanos is still out there plotting.
I really only have good things to say about Guardians of the Galaxy. It was big, it was fun, it was hilarious in all the right places, it had characters I really liked and really wanted to see succeed. It was great to see Thanos in all of his purple glory. I loved Rocket Raccoon. I loved that he did not want to be bullied and that he was so smart and cared so much (you know, even though he might not admit it himself).
Also, potted Groot was hysterical! Just saying.
Final Thoughts:
Guardians of the Galaxy is my favorite Marvel film so far. It has all the right pieces coming together to make for a perfect superhero movie - great characters, a driving plot, fantastic visuals, kickin' soundtrack, and most of all heart.
I can't wait to see them again!
By the way, it made $94.3 million its first weekend, easily the biggest box office opening for August and heading to become the highest grossing movie of the season.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Review: The Guardians we've been waiting for.
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| Free poster when seeing Guardians on IMAX |
*****WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD******
If you're looking for the most fun this side of the galaxy,
look no further than Guardians of the Galaxy. Marvel brings us the unlikely team
of misfits that must save the galaxy from certain doom. While certainly not The
Avengers (referring to the actual team, not movie), the Guardians bring non-stop laughs, awesome action, spectacular battles,
and a well-conceived story.
***The following is intentionally vague so you can enjoy the
movie without it being ruined by a review***
The Guardians begins many years in the past, setting up our
hero, Star-Lord/Peter Quill. Fast forward 28 years later and we meet our hero
as an adult and rocking out to great 70’s music while dancing and kicking
creatures on a desolate planet. Instantly we know our character: a loner, running
from the past he cannot change, and making his way in the universe any way he
can (odd jobs, stealing precious artifacts, and being an all-around not nice
guy). Not to mention the scene is hilarious and had the audience laughing.
Star-Lord is played by the brilliant actor Chris Pratt, which you may know from
Parks & Rec. Quickly the movie introduces out villain, Ronan the Accuser
and our second main character, Gamora: the son of Thanos and assassin for
Ronan. Her mission, to hunt down what Star-Lord stole and bring it to Ronan. Next,
the comedic but heart-felt duo of Rocket Raccoon and Groot. These two characters
steal the show and have the wittiest and most heart-felt scenes in the movie. Out
on the hunt, Rocket and Groot are trying to capture Star-Lord for a bounty. And
finally, Drax, the man with a dark past
and is out for blood.
All their paths collide within a 15 minute time span. The
script shines when showing us the characters. Their stories are given to us in
a matter of a few minutes per character or through key dialogue and you feel as if you
know everything about them. This works extremely well because rather than spend
the majority of the movie explaining back-story and tacking precious time away
from the plot (the movie runs a little over 2 hours), the movie stays focused
and the action can move forward fluidly. These are characters you feel for,
feel with, and most importantly, care about. The most touching moments occur with Rocket and Groot and when they team is attempting to be good at something but they just don't know how to articulate it well.
The plot is very simple, stop the villain from committing
genocide of entire planets so he can rule the galaxy. There are a few twists
and turns in the plot, but the movie stays grounded to the main story and doesn’t
try to set-up minuet sub-plots and side stories. Because these are unknown
characters in the Marvel universe it’s important to give us everything they’ve
got on the first go and Marvel did just that. The movie is really driven by the
Guardians and the plot was secondary but supported them, fueled them forward, and
inevitable created memorable moments for the Guardians to share. While they
aren’t the clean-cut and organized Avengers, this movies shows us that ordinary
losers can become extraordinary. I, for
one, cannot wait for our second adventure with the Guardians.
However, the whole event was marred by the fact the speakers
blew out before the movie and I (and the rest of the audience) could barely hearing
the characters speak. The sound effects and music were big and loud, but I
missed a lot of what Ronan, Thanos, and Drax said but could piece it together. The 3D was really good but not necessary. I do recommend seeing it on IMAX however.
Needless to say, I will be seeing Guardians of the Galaxy again to enjoy it fully and to just revisit the universe they inhabit and have
some more fun with a Raccoon, a tree, a thief, a killer, and a man with a vengeance.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Guardians of the Galaxy Disney Infinity 2.0
We finally have our first look at the Guardians of the Galaxy figures for Disney Infinity 2.0! They look amazing and I cannot wait to play them all. Well, Groot and Rocket Raccoon. Enjoy!
Friday, July 18, 2014
Review: Guardians of the Galaxy: TUW
With Guardians of the Galaxy being only a few short weeks away, Disney and Marvel have launched any original story in the form of a mobile game. Launched yesterday, Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon, is a simple strategic arena game with all your favorite characters from the GotG universe. Done in a very Star Wars: The Clone Wars-esque style, the artwork is bright, vibrant, and suits the off-the-wall style that should be GotG. Cut-scenes are done in comic book style and help introduce each character as you unlock them. The animation is fluid and very fun to watch as you direct your little GotG fighters around the arena.
Gameplay is just that, an arean style battle. You choose your team, starting with Star Lord (who is a ranged fighter). As more and more enemies appear, the battles get harder, and you need to recruit more players. Thus, you unlock Drax next, who, as you could guess, is a close-combat fighter. Followed by Gamora, then Groot (the healer), and finally Rocket Racoon. Basically, your characters enter an area, you tap where you want them to go, then tap them again, drag to the villian, and they start attacking. Pretty simple and straight forward. You do have to purchase the characters with crystals that you obtain by completeing levels in the game.
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| The character roster so far. |
In the actual story mode you can only play the heroes, each with their own abilities, power-ups, and weapons. In the arena you can play any character.You can build up your character any way you like, but you must spend money in order to buy the items. The great thing about the game is after the initial purchase (yes, it cost $4.99) you never have to spend any more money in the game to progress. It is self-contained and can even play while not connected to a mobile network. I found myself playing every free moment I had in order to get further in the game, which looks to be pretty big and has many more surprises left before the movie comes out.
Overall I think Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon is highly entertaining and an addictive game. Fast, fun, and with a great sense of humor, the game moves quickly and allows for customization and varied game play. In a world filled with massive amounts of mobile games this one definitely stands out as one of the best in the universe.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Profile: Star Lord
First Appearance: Marvel Preview #4
Peter Quill, alias Star-Lord, was born during an unusual
astronomical phenomenon when the planets aligned. Seeing no resemblance, the
man who believed he was Quill's father angrily accused his wife Meredith of
infidelity and attempted to kill the infant, but then died of a sudden heart
attack. Quill was then raised by his single mother, Meredith. After returning
home from being bullied one day, Quills’ mother saw a bright light and two
aliens emerged. Vowing to end the 'Spartoi bloodline', they killed Meredith.
After Quill saw the aliens and his dead mother, he panicked and ran. As the
aliens pursued, he grabbed a shotgun and managed to kill them with it. He then
found a mysterious device in a closet and fled the house right before an alien
ship destroyed it.
Quill was placed in an orphanage but escaped and eventually
became a trainee NASA astronaut. An alien entity called the Master of the Sun
eventually visited the space station that Quill and other astronauts were
currently inhabiting, and offered the mantle of Star Lord (an interplanetary
policeman) to a worthy candidate, Quill volunteered, but was rejected in favor
of a colleague he once treated badly.
Quill was outraged, and NASA ordered his return to Earth and
discharge for his conduct. Peter, however, stole a scoutship, and on returning
to the space station, took his colleague's place. Quill was then chosen to
become Star-Lord, with the Master of the Sun first creating an illusion in
which he was able to find and kill the aliens that murdered his mother to free
him of his past. Equipped with a sentient vessel called "Ship", Quill
commenced his role as Star-Lord.
It was later revealed that Peter Quill's father is Jason of
Spartax, the second son of the galactic Emperor who acted as Star-Lord before
him.
Star-Lord encountered the former Herald of Galactus, the
Fallen One, and was almost killed defeating the entity (Star-Lord's vessel
"Ship" was destroyed in the conflict). The pair were subsequently
imprisoned in the intergalactic prison the Kyln. Star-Lord was freed by the
hero Nova during the Annihilation and aided in the war against villain
Annihilus. He later acted as military adviser to the Kree general Ronan the
Accuser against the invading alien race the Phalanx. When the Kree homeworld of
Hala was conquered by the Phalanx, he led a band of rebels against the invaders
until the war was over.
Guardians of the Galaxy
After Ultron and the Phalanx were defeated, Star-Lord formed
the new Guardians of the Galaxy. The universe was in a very fragile state after
the two Annihilation events and fissures in reality were beginning to form and
spread. In order to prevent the collapse of the universe he had Mantis telepathically
nudge Adam Warlock, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, Drax and Gamora into joining
his team. This motley crew set up base in the severed head of a Celestial
called Knowhere. When Star-Lord's deception was found out, everyone but Mantis
quit the team in disgust and set off on their own quests.
“I almost made it work. The Guardians were more than I could ever have hoped for! But the universe is also more dangerous than I ever imagined! Look around! This is the kind of thing that can happen! The galaxy doesn't need guardians! It doesn't need brave souls! If it's going to survive another one of these, it's going to need absolute bad-asses! It's going to need the biggest guns of all! Cosmic heavy hitters as scary as the menaces they have to face! It's going to need flarking annihilators!”-Star-Lord
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Bang, Zoom, Right to Rocket Racoon!
The long awaited "Guardians of the Galaxy" second trailer launched yesterday and the movie looks like great fun! I think it is a much needed break from serious Marvel and a much needed look into the goofy side of the universe.
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