Action Figure Review: Zartan (Ninja Force) from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

   He might not be a spooky action figure but Zartan is definitely dressed up! A master of disguise, Zartan always looks a bit different and his 1993 Ninja Force variant (known to A Real American Heroes as Zartan v2) gave the Dreadnok leader a black leather vest, neon green pants, and a bright orange mohawk. At the time it seemed like just part of the neon craze of the early 1990s where action figures were trying to capture the attention of kids with brighter colors and popular themes, but really, this was a version of Zartan that actually fit in better alongside of his Dreadnok subordinates. While the original Zartan looked rather lowkey and somewhat mystical at times, the rest of the Dreadnoks borrowed their styles liberally from biker gangs, punk subculture, and post-apocalyptic films like The Road Warrior. With the Ninja Force Zartan, Hasbro's Joe team took a swing and dressed Zartan in punk fashion. It may not have been much appreciated at the time but over the years it has become more popular. Ninja Force is Target's current G.I. Joe: Classified Series subtheme and I also have the other two 2-packs in hand (so don't worry, they're coming). I'm impressed by all of them! The Classified Series has really taken those vintage designs and concepts and improved them. Let's take a look at Ninja Force Zartan and see what all he offers. Join me after the break...

Trick or Treat Through 31 Days of Toy Terror: Michael Myers from Squishmallows by Jazwares

   Michael Myers again? Yup. Michael Myers again. The man is synonymous with Halloween and I'm usually a pretty easy mark for most Michael Myers items that are on the affordable side. During a shopping trip to Five Below back in early September I stumbled upon this Michael Myers Squishmallow and I just had to have it. My daughter has never been too into Squishmallows (I think she has a couple of the Pokemon ones and maybe a random one or so) but her best friend is all about them, so I've seen Squishmallows around my house over the past number of years. I've never owned any myself, but old Michael Myers was just too irresistible. He's cute and squishy, too. Why is Michael Myers cute and squishy? I don't know. I guess because of Halloween and Halloween nuts like me. I think there's a larger version of this guy who's probably around 8 inches tall and much wider and squishier, so this might be a smaller, less expensive option exclusive to Five Below (but don't quote me on that). Ready for a snuggly buddy to watch Halloween with? Or, more specifically, Halloween 2. Because this guy is noted as being from 1981's Halloween 2 rather than the original 1978 film, I guess you can only watch the Universal released films with him. Just kidding! Once he's yours you can watch any of them you want with Michael Myers on your lap. Ready to get squishy and spooky? Then join me after the break...

Trick or Treat Through 31 Days of Toy Terror: Dodge Charger Stock Car from Hot Wheels: Halloween Series by Mattel

 

    How about another spooky car? Today I'm checking out yet another vehicle in the 2026 Halloween series of Hot Wheels and this time it's a Dodge Charger Stock Car that is showing off its Halloween spirit. This one isn't as inspired as the Baja Hauler I looked at a week or so ago that was outfitted for delivering pumpkins but it's still a neat little frightening automobile. Let's go fast and turn left over and over after the break...

Trick or Treat Through 31 Days of Toy Terror: Dr. Tongue from Day of the Dead by Trick or Treat Studios

 

   We're getting closer to Halloween and I hope you're enjoying these reviews from Trick or Treat Studios' Day of the Dead toyline. Today I'm checking out Dr. Tongue, the first zombie shown in the film. He's a creepy character with one of the best designs in horror. This guy might not be an iconic character but I think he's definitely a recognizable zombie. Even folks who neither know his name nor what film he's from can still recognize him based on his popularity. I've seen many masks based on him over the years. Why's he called Dr. Tongue? Well, because he's missing his lower jaw and his tongue is just hanging out. And he apparently has a medical degree. Can you believe that I scored this guy while walking around a Walmart earlier this summer? Action figures based on George Romero classics in the electronic department? What a crazy time to be alive! Let's check out Dr. Tongue after the break...

Trick or Treat Through 31 Days of Toy Terror: "The Wolf Man" Drift Rod from Hot Wheels Silver Series: Universal Monsters by Mattel

 

   How about another creepy car? Today I'm looking at the Drift Rod from the new Hot Wheels Silver Series: Universal Monsters set of cars. This muscle car has been given a new paint job inspired by the Wolf Man. That's an interesting thought, isn't it? A big, hairy V8 rolling down the road, honking a horn that lets out a big howl. Yeah, that's the ticket. The Wolf Man is my favorite of the Universal Monsters and I was really excited to see what this one looked like in person. Let's see what Larry Talbot drives when the moon if full and he's on the prowl after the break...

Trick or Treat Through 31 Days of Toy Terror: Horri-Dame from Legends of Dragonore by Formo Toys

   I'm very excited to check out today's figure as it's one of the 2026 releases from Formo Toys' Legends of Dragonore line: Horri-Dame! If you're not familiar with Legends of Dragonore, this is a toyline heavily inspired by 1980s 5.5 inch scaled barbarian fantasy toy lines. You know, Masters of the Universe? The line has some serious MOTU fans and creative talents behind it like Emiliano Santalucia and Joshua Van Pelt, so you can see the MOTU influence in Legends of Dragonore. Horri-Dame is a new character in Legends of Dragonore who is heavily inspired by the green witch concept by vintage MOTU creative talent Ted Mayer. The character was often called the Hoard Witch by fans and was erroneously cited by Tomarts as a concept version of Evil-Lyn, but that's just not true. In the Masters of the Universe Classics bios, she was later identified as Sultra and had a bio card written by Danielle Gelehrter (AKA horror host Penny Dreadful XII!) who, if I remember correctly, championed for the figure in MOTUC back in the day. Horri-Dame isn't an official version of the MOTU character by any means but you can definitely see the inspiration. Consider her a tribute or homage to a cool concept, though she has a lot of differences including a cool face swap feature, a broom that is also a rifle, and some soft goods. There's always room for a spooky witch at Halloween, right? Let's check out Horri-Dame after the break...

Action Figure Review: Ramp Rats from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

    Over the next two or three months, in addition to 31 Days of Toy terror, be prepared for a ton of G.I. Joe reviews. I've got a lot of missed ground to cover! Take the Cobra Ramp Rats, for example; these guys showed up at my door back in May! I've had them on my desk for about five months. I've messed around with them quite a bit, though, so I'm excited to finally talk about them. Who are the Ramp Rats? The packaging and promotional material identify them as the ground crew for the Cobra Rattler, which shipped during the summer of 2025 and was the Classified Series HasLab for 2024. The the aircraft and weapons technicians for the Rattler and any other Cobra aircraft. A figure similar to the Ramp Rats first appeared in the HasLab Skystriker as a stretch goal: The Cobra Ground Crew. Now, that idea has been expanded and we have a two pack of figures with a large storage crate to support your Cobra air force. I know that some folks don't care for G.I. Joe figures who aren't directly involved in combat bit I kind of dig the worldbuilding aspects, even if I'm not building massive scenes and dioramas. As long as the figure has someway to defend themselves, I'm happy, and these guys come with a nice complement of accessories. They're all reused, sure, but they're a decent assortment. Let's take a look at the Ramp Rats after the break...