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Mega Bloks Pirates
of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest Action Figure Zone Product Reviews by Rudy Panucci The Black Pearl Playset I’ve written previously about my fondness for Mega Bloks’ Pyrates line and it was a surprise and delight to learn that Mega Bloks had cut a deal with Disney to adapt that line to their hit summer blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Like Pyrates, this line features highly articulated two inch tall action figures, in this case, sporting the likenesses of Johnny Depp and the movie’s other stars. This set, featuring Captain Jack Sparrow’s ship, The Black Pearl, includes one hundred seventy pieces that allow you to recreate his stylin’ pirate ride from the movie. Detailed instructions make it a snap to assemble and for kids, the play value is enormous. Once the ship is built, they can spend hours creating their own pirate adventures. This toy is recommended for kids eight and up and is remarkable for its ability to succeed as both a children’s toy and an adult collectible. Fans of the movie will love this, since it’s so much fun and doesn’t take up as much space as the other action figure lines based on the film. Grade: A plus. Bayou Discovery
and Isla Cruces Skull Playsets These two playsets adapt the Mega Bloks Pyrates
skull playset/carrying case format to the hit movie.
With these movie-based sets, the packaging is different and they
pack in loads more accessories. Unlike the
Pyrates skull playsets, the skull actually is part of the scenery, instead
of merely being a carrying case. Bayou
Discovery comes with two figures, including the first Mega Bloks
female figure that I’m aware of, Tia Dalma, as
well as a figure of Captain Jack Sparrow.
One drawback of the Mega Bloks POTC line is that almost every
set comes with a Captain Jack figure. If
you buy the entire line, you’re going to have seven or eight little
Johnny Depps running around all over the place.
Bayou Discovery also includes enough building
pieces to build a fort with a gangplank that extends from the island
base to the top of the skull. You also get
a tree, a pirate flag, a rope ladder, and other sorts of nifty, teeny
accessories. And a temporary tattoo, if you’re into that sort
of thing. Isla Cruces
includes a Captain Jack figure and a figure of Maccus,
who appears to be part human, part Hammerhead shark.
This set also comes with two island bases, a tree, a treasure
chest, a stone fortress, and a guy wire that attaches to a small perch
across the skull head. It also includes lots of little extras and a temporary
tattoo. These sets have great play value
and portability (important for kids on the go) and they’re also
just the right size to be an office decoration for the die hard POTC
fan. Grade: A |
