In search of Spike...

[fajrdrako]

Enchanted by the Buffy episode "School Hard", I was looking at the Buffy action figures they had at the Silver Snail. They had a number of them. Buffy, Darla, Willow, and, yes, a Spike, but he had his game face on and I didn't like it. And they had the "prom" version of Angel and Buffy, so sweet, like Barbie and Ken.

And the Giles figure with horns. Horns? What's with that? No, don't tell me! Bad enough I'm being spoiled for what's coming up on Buffy by looking at toys.

So I looked online. There are so many Buffy action figures. There's the Angel series 5 action figure, the Just Rewards Spike (I think this is the one I saw in the Silver Snail), the Fool For Love Spike, the Grave Spike, the Beneath You Spike (I suspect that isn't the kind of innuendo it sounds like), the Super Posable SPike (which just means he has knobby elbows), and the so charmingly named 12" Spike.

And you may have guessed the truth: what I really want is an action figure of Captain John Hart. Complete with handcuffs and sword.

All those Spike figures, and only one model of Captain Jack Harkness? What's with that? Okay, you can get him with or without the RAF hat. Faugh. I don't want the RAF hat, and I'm happy with the beautiful Jack I already have, perched in my bathroom with Myfanway and Ten. But I also want Jack in the sexy greatcoat.

And the "Utopia" set gives us two Professor Yanas but no Jack. I object.

I also want an action figure of the Ninth Doctor. I know they exist - that they have existed - because I saw Christopher Eccleston showing one on an interview show, and I've seen them online. Yes, I know, it's just a matter of getting my act together and ordering one. Yes. But I fear the slippery slope of action-figure collecting, because there are so many out there, and some so beautiful....

I don't collect action figures. Really, I don't. If I say that often enough I might convince myself.

And... oh dear, oh dear... I have just discovered that I can buy (or I could, if I had any money) an actual Doctor Who fob watch, suitable for turning me into an Earth-type human. Mind you, I am an Earth-type human, so that might be... a redundant fuction. But I could tell time with it, right? And it has all those cool Gallifreyan circles.

Don't let me even look at the full size TARDIS they're selling. I have nowhere to put it, and it isn't fully functional. (Of course, the Doctor's TARDIS isn't fully functional either... I could learn to tinker with the controls...?)

I could settle for the TARDIS cookie jar.

Comments

[janne-d.livejournal.com]

I have to say I've never seen any action figure or sculpture that wasn't alarmingly bad and completely unlike the character.

But I did get the Dalek bottle opener for some friends - it shrieks exterminate when it comes into contact with bottle tops (or any metal). Very cool.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I have to say I've never seen any action figure or sculpture that wasn't alarmingly bad and completely unlike the character.

Some are utterly awful. Some are both ugly and overpriced. The market being what it is - i.e., they always think they are marketing to boys and young men - it is glutted with monsters and there is a distinct lack of sexy males.

This is somewhat different in the Japanese action figures, which seem to be both cheaper and more beautiful - when they exist. Sometimes really striking. I had a Japanese-made figure of Batman that was gorgeous and sexy and really quite wonderful. Sadly, it fell apart, and I haven't been able to afford to replace it yet. One of these days.

it shrieks exterminate when it comes into contact with bottle tops (or any metal). Very cool.

That's wonderful!

[beccaelizabeth]

I have all the sonic screwdrivers, the laser screwdriver, the sonic lipstick, and the fob watch. I thought the chameloen arch turned him human and the watch was for turning humans back into Time Lords, but if so I has someone elses watch.

The official one is a bit cheap and tacky, the plastic creaks, and the light and sound effects are ligh-AND-sound every time so you can't use it to read the time, and also it's not bright enough anyway. And the sound is only sounding like the doctor if you apply sufficient imagination.

... and yet? Still makes me grin much. I only don't carry it because I can't fit it in my pockets. I plan to rearrange pockets until I can...

PS

[beccaelizabeth]

I also have a TARDIS. Just a little money box one. But I intend to be buried with it, much like Egyptian Pharoahs got little boats and stuff in their pyramid, so they'd have them in the next world. Because, worth a try.
Which also justifies my action figure collection, especially the Jack shaped parts.
;)

and here's a Captain John

[beccaelizabeth]

action figure

Re: and here's a Captain John

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Eeeee!

He looks... a little too respectable. He needs to be messed up a little.

But still: eeee!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I have all the sonic screwdrivers, the laser screwdriver, the sonic lipstick, and the fob watch.

Oooh - how wonderful!

I thought the chameloen arch turned him human and the watch was for turning humans back into Time Lords,

Oops, yes, you're right, I was remembering it backwards. So the fob watch could make me a Time Lord? I fear I lack the right kind of DNA. Pity.

... and yet? Still makes me grin much.

Yes. Sometimes my love of the source overcomes the tackiness of the toy. Imagination fills the gaps.

[cionaudha.livejournal.com]

I'm also waiting for Greatcoat!Jack, and StunGun!Ianto. (With that wonderful pink shirt, of course. No man can wear pink like GDL.)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I'm also waiting for Greatcoat!Jack, and StunGun!Ianto.

They ought to come as a matched set.

I confess: I want the whole thing. The Torchwood team, and Myfanwy. (Never mind that I already have a perfectly beautiful Myfanway, thanks to the toy shop at my local Science Museum.)

With that wonderful pink shirt, of course. No man can wear pink like GDL.

He makes pink into an art form.

[cionaudha.livejournal.com]

They ought to come as a matched set.

Yes they ought. Holding hands. In packaging that shows them kissing and kicking ass. Take that, heteronormative action/adventure/sci-fi entertainment overlords.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yes they ought. Holding hands

Yes! Or what about the "Wedding Dance" pack? Or even better, the "Special Snogging Set".

Take that, heteronormative action/adventure/sci-fi entertainment overlords.

Yes! Go for it!

[cionaudha.livejournal.com]

Or in tribute to next week's half-nekkid action (o God, is it Wednesday now?), the "In Flagrante Delicto" set.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Could the universe ever be so kind us as that?

[cionaudha.livejournal.com]

Prolly not. *sigh*

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Doesn't hurt to imagine it, though.

[cionaudha.livejournal.com]

It gives me quite a bit of pleasure to imagine it.

Along with, uh, other things.

(There should also be a Ianto action figure for his appearance in a dream of mine this week: impeccable suit jacket, waistcoat, tie, shirt... and a green plaid Speedo. I discreetly indicated that he had forgotten his trousers, and spent the rest of the dream laughing my ass off at his horrified reaction. AND the spectacle of his really awful taste in undergarments.)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

It gives me quite a bit of pleasure to imagine it.

Nicely distracting, on a long afternoon at work. Mmm.

impeccable suit jacket, waistcoat, tie, shirt... and a green plaid Speedo.

Green? That's for St. Patrick's Day, right?

I discreetly indicated that he had forgotten his trousers, and spent the rest of the dream laughing my ass off at his horrified reaction.

I'm sure Jack was laughing, too.

[scarlettgirl.livejournal.com]

I've really been enjoying your Buffy Watch. It's fun to see someone experience this for the first time!

I had AF!Fever back in 2001 or so and every now and again cast a horrified glance at the huge box containing all the bits and bobs. And I do not even want to talk about how much money I spent on the original Human!Spike AF that lost every bit of rarity when TPTB realized they were missing out and created a massive Spike line. That being said, I would still jump on the chance to own Fiesta Giles. (Don't worry, you'll get the reference soon enough. ;)

Of all the AF's, the The Sideshow Collectibles are simply stunning and in a whole different league than the standard 6" jobs.

And wow, I rambled a bit on this, didn't I?

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Oh my goodness. Your icon floors me. I am suddenly a puddle of fangirl awe. Oooooooooooh....

I've really been enjoying your Buffy Watch.

Good! I'm having fun doing it. Thinking of maybe watching another episode tonight. On the other hand, I want to watch I'd Do Anything, and it has priority, because of... well, just because.

I had AF!Fever back in 2001 or so and every now and again cast a horrified glance at the huge box containing all the bits and bobs.

Yes, the question of where to put action figures is a factor, too. I have a tiny apartment. There's a lovely Gambit in my hallway, where I used to also have the lovely Batman before it fell apart. (I concluded that the combination of beautiful + cheap = "not durable".)

My favourite-fandom action figures go into my bathroom, which is currently graced by Doctor Who and Torchwood pictures and figures. Myfanwy hangs from my ceiling.

One problem with action figures: I tend to want them as showpieces, and don't particularly care about articulated joints, which make them fine toys but also make them look knobby-jointed or spastic. I suppose I could go for busts and figures, but they tend to be larger (not as convenient for tiny bathroom shelves).

I would still jump on the chance to own Fiesta Giles. (Don't worry, you'll get the reference soon enough. ;)

Hee. Sounds like fun, whatever it is.

the The Sideshow Collectibles are simply stunning and in a whole different league than the standard 6" jobs

I'll keep that in mind, and look for them. Are they a lot more expensive?

I rambled a bit on this, didn't I?

Feel free - so did I!

[jkluge.livejournal.com]

Oh, just give up. You *love* action figures/dolls of your favorite characters (as so many of us do). *g*

Here's a guy who does some excellent repaints. The most successful are those done on Robert Tonner Doll Co. dolls that were already sculpted as the characters/actors in question, but on which the paint jobs were not-so-hot.
http://noeling.deviantart.com/gallery/

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Oh, just give up. You *love* action figures/dolls of your favorite characters (as so many of us do). *g*

Whimper. I can't deny it. No one would believe me if I tried. I can't help it!

That's a beautiful site; thanks for the link.

[jkluge.livejournal.com]

You're welcome, you fellow doll-lover, you! *g*

Tonner Co. recently did some Harry Potter dolls that are really nice. I'm not a huge HP fan (like the movies just fine, other young adult fantasy authors (like Diana Wynne Jones) have interested me more than Rowling, so I haven't read HP yet), but these dollies are terrific. They just came out with a Severus Snape. (I think you can Google Tonner Doll Co to get there.)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I saw some really lovely Harry Potter dolls that josepq got. They had gorgeous accessories.

But I'm not much of a Harry Potter fan either: I too think Diana Wynne Jones writes much better. I read all the Harry Potter novels, and didn't fail to enjoy them - mostly - they're great page-turners, but the stories don't stick with me.

But Snape? He's the best thing about the Rowling books and movies. By far.

[jkluge.livejournal.com]

If Diamond Select Toys (www.diamondselecttoys.com) ever does Torchwood figures using the new company they have for sculpting the faces on their figures, I bet Capt Jack would be terrific. (Their older figures -- not so perfect, but this new co. -- Jean St. Jean or something like that -- is very good.) You could maybe request Torchwood?

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

You could maybe request Torchwood?

Now, that's a good idea! It could do no harm, and would maybe alert them that there's a potential market. I.e., me.

[jkluge.livejournal.com]

Absolutely! New market always catches their attention.

I'd love to see a Capt. Jack Harkness by them.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Happy smile at the thought. We can hope.

[darthhellokitty.livejournal.com]

Oh, did you HAVE to send me to that site? I've got $70 worth of action figures in my shopping cart. Nine, Ten, Rose, Martha, Mickey (plus Cassandra packaged with Ten and Rose).

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

did you HAVE to send me to that site?

Nor more nor I had to find it myself... sigh. All those lovely things.

I've got $70 worth of action figures in my shopping cart.

How restrained of you!

Nine, Ten, Rose, Martha, Mickey (plus Cassandra packaged with Ten and Rose).

I love them all. I really do. I need Nine. And Martha.

Let me know if you find a Jackie, okay?

[gypsylady.livejournal.com]

The action figure I saw for Nine really sucked.

And as for Torchwood action figures, apparently Ianto doesn't get one. Jack and Gwen and Janet get action figures, from what I've heard. How they could miss Stungun!Ianto is beyond me but they managed...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

The action figure I saw for Nine really sucked.

That's a shame. I didn't think it looked so good in the picture here - I was hoping it was a misleading picture.

apparently Ianto doesn't get one.

He should!

Jack and Gwen and Janet get action figures

This is why I object to action figures being made for childen and young men. They like monsters. They like ugly creatures, like the whole Todd McFarlane line of figures. But the lovely, sexy men I want in my collection? They're hard to find. Practically impossible. Faugh.

So: Janet rates. Ianto does not. Where, I ask you, is the cosmic justice in that?

How they could miss Stungun!Ianto is beyond me but they managed...


I am considering a sternly worded letter pointing out that the world needs a stun-gun Ianto action figure with a pink shirt. Hockey stick and stopwatch could be optional accessories.

[gypsylady.livejournal.com]

Oooooh, more Strongly Worded Memos! We're becoming forces to be reckoned with.

In our own minds, that is.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

We're becoming forces to be reckoned with.

In our own minds, that is.

Next thing they'll be calling us 'the Oncoming Storm' and fearing our approach.

Or something.

[gypsylady.livejournal.com]

Forgot to add, stopwatch is NOT optional with Ianto.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

stopwatch is NOT optional with Ianto.

Point. Okay: the phrase is "obligatory stopwatch". With a button on top.

[bright-lilim.livejournal.com]

12" Spike! I. Want.

Alas, seems to be sold out and at any case, isn't sold here... :(

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

seems to be sold out and at any case, isn't sold here...

It's another quest. Must be findable, buyable - somewhere, somehow. There are so many sites out there selling Buffy stuff. It's amazing.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

I've seen the cookie jar, and was really disappointed. It's not very strong, nor big enough for a lot of cookies.

However, I would pay five times the price for some of the Jack and Ianto action figures mentioned upthread...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I've seen the cookie jar... not very strong, nor big enough for a lot of cookies.

So I'll have to settle for making TARDIS-shaped cookies? I bet I could do that.

I would pay five times the price for some of the Jack and Ianto action figures mentioned upthread...

Wouldn't we all?

[teaphile.livejournal.com]

Damn it, you've reawakened my action figure lust.

I have School Hard Spike, the only one I liked. It annoys my husband because it came packaged with Joyce's fire axe in hand.

I also have Vamp Willow, which I love to pieces, and a bunch of others you wouldn't recognize. The pride of my collection is Mirror Universe Uhura, though. She's gorgeous.

Most of my ThingsIWant wish list is taken up with AFs. I have a plan to use the extra accessories as Christmas tree ornaments this year.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Damn it, you've reawakened my action figure lust.

...And I was whimpering that I am too easy! Hah. You are all just as bad as I am.

It annoys my husband because it came packaged with Joyce's fire axe in hand.

LOL. How beautiful and ironic.

The pride of my collection is Mirror Universe Uhura, though. She's gorgeous.

Ooh. Nice. The pride of my collection... I think... is a rather gorgeously modelled Aragorn. Without joints. Waving his big sword.

Most of my ThingsIWant wish list is taken up with AFs

Most of my "Things I Want" list is books, but Action Figures are right up there too. Sometimes I'm waiting for a really, really beautiful version of a certain figure.

I have a plan to use the extra accessories as Christmas tree ornaments this year.

Yes! A couple of years ago I decorated my Christmas tree almost entirely in X-Men figures and gold tinsel. I loved it.

[jackarono.livejournal.com]

I can't wait till you get to Season 4 and understand why Giles has horns.

Season 4 is awesome. S2 is good. S3 suffers from a paucity of Spike (just in one episode), but does have a nice Buffy story.

But S4 has a very "horny" Giles.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Looking forward to it all. Really! And Giles... well. I can't imagine.

[of-too-minds.livejournal.com]

I could settle for the TARDIS cookie jar

I want one of those. So cute!

[walkingowl.livejournal.com]

Okay, first of all, "Beneath You" is the episode name, and it will blow you away, and no, it is not the obvious double entendre, really. Nuff said.

Ah, so you want the Doctor's watch... it isn't enough that you have Captain Jack's stopwatch? With which he timed his opponents during dogfights, so as to accurately tell the range so that he could shoot? No, it isn't enough! Well, okay, forget that, and the full-size TARDIS, and let me know just how badly you would want the pair of remote-control dueling Daleks, my dear! heh

Remember: You are minimizing your possessions. Remember. It is a worthy goal. Heh... I'm so bad.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

first of all, "Beneath You" is the episode name, and it will blow you away, and no, it is not the obvious double entendre, really. Nuff said.

More Good Stuff to look forward to, hmm? As I do! Okay, let me ask one more non-spoilery question: what season does that episode turn up in?

so you want the Doctor's watch... it isn't enough that you have Captain Jack's stopwatch?

The stopwatch is the best. Really, the best. Especially with the button on top. But Ianto has had it so long it might be said to be his now, rather than Captain Jack's. Squatter's rights. Did you know it got damaged somewhat during their first, so to speak, close encounter together, after "They Keep Killing Suzie", and Jack had to get it fixed or replaced? Yup, it says so on the official website. I guess they got a little carried away there.

forget that, and the full-size TARDIS, and let me know just how badly you would want the pair of remote-control dueling Daleks, my dear!

Hee. I love it all. But I'll pass on the Daleks. And I already have my own plastic pterodactyl.

You are minimizing your possessions. Remember. It is a worthy goal.

It is, and I must, and I shall take Captain Jack as a role model. He doesn't acquire things. Well, memorabilia of lovers and times past, but not... toys. Except sex toys (at least, according to the fanfic) - but then, the stopwatch is a sex toy, too. One uses what one has.

Practical and inventive as well as non-acquisitive. He just gets better and better, doesn't he?