Vault Review: Jack Skellington (Sci-Fi Revoltech #005)
In 1993, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas hit theatres. Since then, NBX fans have been able to buy multiple DVDs, video games, t-shirts, bath towels, gum - an endless variety of products adorned with images of Halloween Town. If you’ve ever been to a Hot Topic, you’ve probably wondered what hasn’t been made in the Nightmare Before Christmas image. The latest in that long line of merchandise is Sci-Fi Revoltech #005, Jack Skellington.
As a kid, I only had a tangential knowledge of the show. I remember the opening theme and Mr. T as B.A. Baracus, of course, but I can’t remember sitting down and watching it. I did have a few of the toys. I had the larger Galoob Mr. T and, for some reason, I have accessories from the 3" line, although I have no idea who’s they are. Despite my not having a lot of fond memories, I still love the A-Team. When Jazwares announced their new movie line, I couldn't wait to check them out.
I was never content with the complacent yellow faces Lego men had when I was a kid. I still remember the first time I saw the Pirates theme in the 90s. These Lego men, although still smiling, now had beards, stubble, and sideburns – not to mention an occasional hook or peg leg. It was a paradigm shift that renewed my interest in Legos. Minifigures have come a long way since their very humble beginnings in the 70s. This year, they’re finally available as singles and Lego has rehooked me yet again. 
You may not know Baragon, but he’s important. He fought (and lost) to a giant Frankenstein in Frankenstein Conquers the World (I have no idea why Frankenstein was huge). Later on, Baragon would return to fight Godzilla in Destroy All Monsters. He’s also appeared in five video games dating back to Nintendo’s 1988 Godzilla: Monster of Monsters. Not bad, but that’s not why he’s important either. Baragon is important because he’s the first Godzilla character in Revoltech’s new Sci-Fi line.
One of the things I love about toys is the creativity you can put behind them. We all collect our favorite lines, but some of my fondest childhood memories are the characters I made up. Who needs preset backstories? I’ll make my own, thank you. This is why I’m such a huge Lego fan. It’s also why I’m a big supporter of independent toy companies. So when a company is able to bring together these two loves of mine, I feel it’s necessary to showcase them here at IAT. Here’s my review of BrickArms WW2 German Heer Soldier.