Section 1: The Realm Reviewed
Lady Vs Lord (a book to episode comparison)
Featuring T.J. Rhoads w/Michael Paul
Meera and the Maester S5E2
Meera's Rant - This week's episode took us places we've never been, places we've been waiting to go, and some unexpected places as well. Here's what happened.
Arya Stark sailed into Braavos and met up with Jagen H'gar at the House of Black and White. Or is he the kindly man?
In King's Landing, Cersei is making big changes to the small council, and sending Jaime to Dorne to bring back their daughter.
Speaking of Dorne... Prince Doran Martell is seen for the first time, with his personal guard Areo Hotah. Ellaria Sand is out for vengeance, demanding justice and calling him a weakling. So much for the quiet widow from the books.
Varys is talking politics and Tyrion is blind drunk on the road to Volantis. Also, the wine has an insect infestation. With a cry of, "Mhysa, forgive me!" Mossador was executed, and Daenerys may have a new slave revolt on her hands. It seems her only friend is Drogon.
At the wall, Stannis offered to make Jon the Lord of Winterfell, but before he could answer, in a bold move, Samwell Tarly gave the best campaign speech for Jon since Aegon I conquered the Seven Kingdoms, and the men of the Night's Watch elected Snow the 998th Lord Commander. As a fan of the books, I really wanted this to be good, and it fell short. Really, really short. Edd, fetch me a block. Which leaves us at the Inn at the Crossroads, where Pod and Brienne find Sansa Stark and Petyr Baelish. Once again, Brienne has no luck offering her sword to a Stark. I think Sansa will regret that choice.
The Maester's Retort - Although I was thrilled to see Jon Snow named Lord Commander, I agree the scene was missing something... What ever happened to the magical talking Crow? "Snow! Snow! Snow!"
Also, Arya's path will be much harder emotionally than physically now that she's crossed the threshold. She knows there is only 1, and all will serve. And of course Sansa will regret turning Brienne away, if only she knew Lord Baelish was behind her fathers demise......
Next Week: Arya starts her training. The Boltons return. Cersei runs amok.
Section 2: Collecting Westeros
Small, Medium, Large
by Michael Paul
Jon Snow (portrayed by Kit Harrington) is known as the Bastard of Winterfell and the newly chosen Lord Commander of the Nights Watch. There are several theories and assumptions to both of his actual parents, the biggest being he is the son of Lyanna and Rheagar. Jon is a skilled fighter and dedicated Brother of the Nights Watch with an extremely strong sense of duty and honor to his brothers. He has fought White Walkers, avenged Lord Commander Mormont from the mutineers, infiltrated the Free Folks ranks and took part in commanding the Wall against them. Taken under the wing of his previous Lord Commander, Jon's valyrian steel sword was a House Mormont heirloom meant for Ser Jorah originally. Despite Jon's questionable actions with Yggritte, Jon has earned his respect and command of the Nights Watch through courage and heart.
Jon Snow is unarguably one of the most popular characters within the saga for both the books and television series. Tons of women adore him and many men see him as a sword fighting badass. In the collecting corner of the realm, Snow-related toys and collectables are just as popular as the actor and character himself. Many collectors prefer deluxe action figures with full articulation and many also like characterized vinyl and cloth collectables. Funko produces a Jon Snow for all its various toy styles including Funko Pops!, Legacy Collection and Mystery Minis!. All three toy lines are very popular with fans making Funko a forerunner in Game of Thrones collectables.
The Funko Mystery Mini POPs! are a fun way to collect your favorite Game of Thrones characters. This Jon Snow was the first Mystery Mini I ever purchased, I was totally thrilled I ended up with one I had hoped for!
Funko's Pop! Vinyl toy line is a powerhouse staple in the collecting community. Tons of franchises and vendors plus custom artist and crafters. Jon Snow may be only 1 of many POPs! but he's surely one of my favorites.
The Legacy Collection by Funko is the fully articulate replica branch of their toy production lines powered by Gentle Giant and my top pick for Game of Thrones collectables from them. This Jon Snow is a action figure that clearly required a double and triple purchase.
I'm sure we won't see one of their Reaction figures by Funko of Game of Thrones until the series is over for a few years - but I assure you Jon Snow will be one of the first on my list. I also expect to see a cloth version of Jon Snow from Funko before long too add to the already several choices we have. Which ones do you have? Collecting them all is the only true choice which brings the next question... Which ones do you need to complete your collection?
Section 3: Fan-Fair
Tyrion Goes South
from the K.L.L.N. Team
Today's fan feature is Mica, check out his costume of Tyrion Lannister sitting on the Iron Throne! Mica and his brother spend roughly 350 hours through out the course of a year in preparation for Tampa-Con. Incredible work labored with love, Mica's costume is a stimulating visual treat for all Game of Thrones fans.
The K.L.N.N. Team
Michael Paul - Writer, Photographer and collector. Passionate in the world of Collectables and Cosplay for all things Fantasy, Comics & Sci-fi, Michael's Reviews and Photos are a Labor of love for you to enjoy.
T.J. Rhoads - Writer and book aficionado. Fantasy writer. Original Trekkie afficionado of all things relating to A Song of Ice and Fire.