Skylanders Universe The Mask of Power: Lightning Rod Faces the CyclopsQueen

What: Skylanders Universe The Mask of Power #3: Lightning Rod Faces the Cyclops Queen
Where Did You Get It:  Amazon.com
What Did It Cost: $5.99
Where Else Can I Find It: Bookstores like Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, Toys'R'Us

Skylanders Universe The Mask of Power #3: Lightning Rod Faces the Cyclops Queen

This video is mainly just to let you know that book #3 in the Mask of Power series is out!  I had been waiting for this one a long time and since I couldn't find it locally, I ordered it in online from Amazon.

With the storms around last night when I recorded this video, I wound up sitting down and reading the entire book...It didn't take long and I made no stops, lol.  I think this has been my favorite thus far, with #1 just behind it.  I don't intend to give you a recap as that would spoil the book for you.  I will tell you this...Lighting Rod is the featured Skylander, but there are pretty prominent roles for Drobot, Double Trouble, and Pop Fizz.

My favorite part is actually getting to tie the traits and personalities of the Skylanders in with what I know from the game.  I have to say, thus far, each has been on par with what I would expect.

For Flynn lovers, fear not, he also plays a key role in the book, as does Cali.

If you are a big time fan of Skylanders Giants (the video game that is), you will enjoy picking up some info on The Drow, Cyclopses, and more specifically King Pipsqueak (Cyclops) and Brock, as well of course as the Cyclops Queen.

You can probably land this for right around $5 in the right circumstances and if you prefer to shop local, I'd venture to guess any book store that doesn't have it, can get it in for you.  I just went with Amazon since there were some other things I wanted and had a few books on tap for my Nephew.  If you do go with Amazon any time soon, please make note that you can pick up the PowerA Stackable Tackle Box (in SWAP Force trim) for $11.99!!  That is a great deal and will help you hit that magical $35 threshold for FREE SUPER SAVER SHIPPING, even if it does take longer to process, lol.

If you are unfamiliar with the series I highly recommend it.  The books are around 140 pages, feature fairly large font, have regular illustrations, and are a quick read for adults and something kids will enjoy a few times over.  At the price point, they are hard to beat.

I will also tell you that #4 is Terrafin Battles the Boom Brothers and it will likely become my personal favorite, lol.  Despite it being "out" it is not listed with a release date, or available at other retailers...I think it will come later.  Again, main reason for this post and video is to simply let you know Book #3 is available now and to inform you of this pretty cool series if you were still unaware of it.

Unboxing Skylanders Giants Triple Pack #4: Gill Grunt, Flashwing, Double Trouble

Unboxing Triple Pack #4: Gill Grunt, Flashwing, and Double Trouble

What? Skylanders Giants Triple Pack #4

Where Did You Get It?  Walmart

What Did It Cost?  $24.96 plus tax

What Is Included?  Gill Grunt, Flashwing, Double Trouble, Stat Cards, Stickers, and Web Code

What Was Stock Like?  I think there were 4 in the store, the other three all stashed.  That said, Toys'R'Us had none of the Triple Packs.  Target had no new Triples or new singles.  GameStop had singles but not this triple pack.

Quick Character Info:

Gill Grunt

Slogan:  "Fear the Fish!"

Card Stats:

Power: 85/150
Defense: 70/150
Agility: 40/150
Luck: 85/150
Totals: 280/600

Flashwing

Slogan: "Blinded by the Light!"

Power: 40/150
Defense: 80/150
Agility: 80/150
Luck: 80/150
Totals: 280/600

Double Trouble

Slogan: "Boom Shock-A-Laka!"

Power: 90/150
Defense: 60/150
Agility: 30/150
Luck: 100/150
Totals: 280/600

Conclusion

This has actually  turned out to be a pretty cool triple pack.  I didn't figure I would get lucky and find it quite this soon, but I suppose diligence pays off...or scalpers are waiting till Black Friday.

That said, Flaswhing is a character I am really looking forward to...If you were unaware the Earth Element is my favorite and that coupled with the story reference lasers shooting from her tail give me high expectations.  The figure, while not my color scheme, looks great.  Double Trouble is my favorite Magic Element character and one that I think is under rated.  I used him box-stock to do what most deem "difficult" portions of SSA and he aced them.  I am not a huge fan of the repose, but the fact he gets a Wow Pow Power makes up for it.

The real icing on the cake, and an unexpected surprise, is how well done Gill Grunt's repose looks.  Prior to unboxing, I had no idea he was "blasting off" with the water tanks out back.  The colors are vibrant, the harpoon looks killer, and the fact so much went in to the design just makes you proud to look at it knowing he is in your arsenal.  That said, the other treat is that short of going online or buying another Starter Pack for SSA, there was no way to get a "spare" Gill Grunt (Series 1) to take down his other path.  I can finally try Water Weaver and get the benefit of the Wow Pow to go with what is easily the most impressive repose I have seen to date.  This triple pack definitely saved me a few bucks and stacks up very well!

Wiisdom Blog Poll #15: Double Trouble's Upgrade Path

Blog Poll #15, "What Upgrade Path Do You Prefer for Double Trouble?" is a special request.  I'll cycle thru all the Skylanders eventually, but for now we will kick this off with Double Trouble.

I'm sure most of you have tracked him down, or are diligently working towards doing so.

That said, which of his upgrade paths do you prefer?
-Channelerer
-Conjuror

The poll is open for a week, so cast your vote now...it is located below the Twitter Feed on the RH Side of the blog.