Much like Geek Fuel, last month was my first experience with Nerd Block. I went with the Classic block, and after being pretty happy with it, I kept Classic again this month, hoping to go 2-for-2. It didn’t happen with Geek Fuel, and regular Loot Crate has long been in decline, so I needed and wanted a winner here. Let’s take a look.
First up, much like last month, is a pair of coupons.
I was expecting the Shirt Punch coupon, since they own Nerd Block (and a monthly coupon is one of their selling points), but didn’t know I’d get another Hello Fresh coupon. Looks like these are both going to be monthly things, so I’ll skip discussing these from now on. Still, coupons are good, and I know for sure I’ll use the Shirt Punch one. My daughter doesn’t get a lot of stuff out of these boxes, so we promised she could use the coupon for a shirt this time.
Alright, now it should be known that I absolutely HATE The Lord of the Rings (and no, I don’t care what your opinion on my opinion is), so I wasn’t super stoked when I heard we’d get an item from that franchise. However…
…This Sauron snow globe could be pretty cool. Let’s take a look inside the box.
Okay, that’s actually really nice-looking, and will look great next to my Game of Thrones collectibles I have on my nightstand. Like I said, I’m not a fan of the franchise at all, but I don’t think you have to be a fan to think this badass (Plus, my wife really likes the movies, so at least someone in the house does).
More Ghostbusters stuff this month. Last month, we got a nice Zuul shirt. This month, an art print.
It’s nothing fancy, but the artist still did a really nice job. I’ll have to find a good frame to put it in, maybe hang it up in the bedroom next to my Videodrome poster.
Holy hell…these still exist?!
A pack of Ultimate M.U.S.C.L.E. figures, and based on characters from Masters of the Universe, no less! This such a blast from the past for me. I used to love these figures when I was a kid. They never did anything, but gorramn if they weren’t fun to collect. Plus, the characters were always goofy, over-the-top, and 100% impossible in the real world, which was partially what made them fun. And this pack is based on the world of He-Man. He-Man was yet another big part of my childhood. It’s two great flashbacks mashed into one exclusive item. Well played, Nerd Block.
This is a Back to the Future luggage tag. I really like the way it looks, and it’ll definitely stand out tied to someone’s luggage. My only problem? I never get to travel anywhere, so this won’t get much (if any) use. Okay, now I’m depressing myself.
Ah, now that I see this, I’m happy again.
I love reading. I love The Simpsons. This looks like it’s going to be a fun read and something to do on a rainy day. After thumbing through it, it’s hard to describe accurately how this book is laid out, as it’s not a traditional book, or even a traditional animation book. Why don’t I just let the description on the back do my job for me?
Does the hunger and lust for absolute power course through your icy blue veins? Do you feel the need to rule the world with an iron fist? To subjugate the masses with a whimsical snap of your fingers? To rise above the insolent and unworthy with your superior intelligence and unlimited supply of cold hard cash? Have you ever wondered if there was a simple step-by-step guide for following your impulses and instincts toward world domination? You’ve come to the right place. Here is the opportunity of a lifetime–the chance to turn your sociopathic needs into bloodthirsty greed! Now you can learn at the feet of the Master of Megalomania…Charles Montgomery Burns! Don’t just stand there, you sniveling slugabed. Purchase this portable periodical posthaste and leave your conscience at the cash register!
If the book weren’t enough, it comes with a few bonus items. A few stickers…
…and a special decoder (upper right corner) to be used to find hidden stuff throughout the book. It also comes with a stack of “Burnsisms”, featuring a number of words and phrases used by Mr. Burns throughout the show’s runs, as well as a double-sided poster. One side features the Burns coat of arms, while the other features a frame of a larger picture.
My guess is if you buy the other books in the “Vault of Simpsonology” series, you can find more posters that will complete this picture.
Finally, we get the monthly t-shirt. It’s a great one this month, too.
I love Labyrinth. I love David Bowie even more (ask to see my Ziggy Stardust tattoo sometime). This t-shirt is gorgeous, and I can’t wait to wear it. There’s a slight problem, however: my wife loves both almost as much as I do, and she wants the shirt for herself while I want it for myself as well. Fortunately, we have a solution specifically for this situation in our household, and that’s to play one five-round fight on UFC 2, with the winner getting ownership of the shirt, no questions asked. We’re going to settle it Saturday. Hopefully, my edge in years of experience of both video games on a whole and specifically fighting games will work in my favour. Wish me luck!
******
I gotta say, two months in a row, I am completely satisfied with Nerd Block Classic. I liked this one even better than the last one. Not a single bad item in the box, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. One thing I forgot to mention last time is Nerd Block puts an insert card into each box, notifying you of stuff that’s coming in the next one without spoiling the specific items, and next month, we’re getting an exclusive Attack on Titan item, which has both myself and my wife excited. We are definitely sticking with Nerd Block for the foreseeable future. Geek Fuel was okay, but their stuff can’t compare with the quality Nerd Block puts out.
Well, that’s it for this month. See you guys for the next review in a few weeks.
