Character Building Doctor Who Microfigures Series 3: Madam Kovarian and Judoon Trooper

It's taken months for me to complete the set, but here are the last two figures in series 3 of the Character Building Doctor Who microfigure collection. Both of these figures are rare releases, with Kovarian perhaps being the rarest of the entire wave (judging by the prices she commands on eBay). So without further delay, here are Madam Kovarian and the Judoon Trooper...

Madam Kovarian is the big bad of season 6, and despite being a pretty forgettable character managed to wrangle her way to "rare" status. Oh well. The figure itself isn't particularly special, predominately black and without any additional accessory. I'd go as far to say she's the least interesting figure in the entire line, but unfortunately a must-have for completists like myself.

The Judoon Trooper is very similar to the uncommon Sontaran, in that it is also a helmeted release with the rhino head not included. However if this is how you prefer your Judoons to look, there should be one coming as part of a monster multipack somewhere down the line. The Judoon has some really nice paintwork for a figure this small, with detail even on the back portion that's covered by the body armour! The dominant black colourscheme is broken up by bits of grey and silver, and also included is a bright red handgun for extra colour. 

Not the best two figures to round off on, but pretty good nonetheless. With series 4 still unannounced, next up with be the 50th Anniversary wave with new costumed versions of all 11 Doctors!

Mega Bloks Power Rangers Super Samurai Training mode Yellow Ranger & Flying Mooger

I must have got lucky with the case these two figures were included in too, because these are the first ones I don't seem to have any QC complaints about.

Finally making an appearance in the blind bag ranger is the Yellow Ranger, even if it is in the lacklustre training mode variety. The yellow strips on the costume blur with the green outlining of the sashes/detailing, but the little details (such as the kanji on the hood) are all present and correct and Emily also comes with a different weapon to her wave one counterparts. In the place of the standard spin sword is a staff - a repaint of the one included with the Bulk mini figure.

The flying Mooger (what makes it a "flying" one I don't know) is a surprise success. Rather that a simple re-release of the wave one Mooger with a new weapon (which is some sort of two-pronged staff thing), this Mooger has a different body colour with more intricate pattern detailing. As there are different types of Mooger in the show, this offers a nice variety for those planning to army build the little guys. Personally I'm hoping for a purple Mooger in the third wave.

Mega Bloks Power Rangers Super Samurai Super Green Ranger & Translucent Mega Mode Red Ranger

The next two figures I've gotten from the Power Rangers Samurai Mega Bloks blindbags are the "rare" Super mode Green Ranger and translucent Mega mode Red ranger. Much like the three figures I've already showcased, these two are really nice figures with tons of detail - but are let down a bit by some shoddy QC. Both have some poor white paintwork (particularly on Green's left arm) and sprue marks on the bodies. Usually I wouldn't moan about such cheap figures, but when I've already seen the top notch job on the first wave I'm just sad that it didn't continue.

On the plus side, unlike wave one's Mega Mode Pink, Red comes with a Mega Blade! The detailing is pretty simple, but the fact its jointed is a great touch for such a small figure.

Mega Bloks Power Rangers Super Samurai Bulk, Metallic Red Ranger and Translucent Super Blue Ranger

After enjoying the first wave of blind-packed Power Rangers Samurai Mega Bloks figures, I was very excited to see the second wave finally in UK stores, now in Super Samurai flavours. This second wave features a total of ten figures, including:

Translucent Super Blue Ranger (Ultra Rare)
Translucent Mega Mode Red Ranger (Rare)
Super Green Ranger (Rare)
Bulk (Rare)
Training Mode Yellow Ranger (Rare)
Battle Damaged Gold Ranger (Common)
Metallic Red Ranger (Common)
Mega Mode Blue Ranger (Common)
Flying Mooger (Common)

And then finally a mystery "secret rare" figure, which is rather underwhelmingly a solid red Mega Mode Red Ranger.

Now wise to knowing which pack is which via the product codes on the back, I decided to pick up Super Blue, Bulk and Metallic Red as my first purchases. Sadly either I've managed to pick up a defective bunch, or these are nowhere near the quality of the first wave. The metallic Red Ranger is less "metallic" and more "sparkly paint which is barely noticeable even in bright light", my Bulk has incredibly loose arms and Super Blue has a fair few paint blobs where they shouldn't be. It'll be a shame if the QC has really dropped for this wave, because there are some great figures included and the detail does feel like a step up in terms of sculpting. Super Blue has some great detailing on the vest and black box powered spin sword, and a Bulk figure speaks for itself really (even if the likeness to Paul Schrier is a bit of a stretch).

A disappointing start for the line, but not so much that I regret my purchases. I look forward to seeing how the other fare.