Review of Daenerys Targaryen
Game of Thrones Sixth Scale Action Figure

Introduction

Recently, threezero (makers of many terrific sixth scale products) released their latest Game of Thrones figure to a fairly small number of retailers. This second version of Daenerys Targaryen, based on her look in season 5, was an unusual exclusive, but it made sense. It wasn't a must buy except for the die hard fans, but it was a nice addition for those of us who are looking to get as many GoT characters in this scale as possible.

She was $178 on initial release, but as a limited edition of 1500, is getting tougher to find.

Packaging - ****
The slender, bright white outer box has the embossing we've seen with the other releases. It calls this a 'deluxe' version, although it's more like an exclusive, since a deluxe figure usually comes with a ton of extras. It's all collector friendly of course, and well made. The boost in the score this time comes from inside, where they got creative.

The long 'sleeves' on the dress that hang down over the shoulders, sort of a unique cape without a middle, really make this outfit pop. But they are made from a soft nylon or lycra like material, which can very easily wrinkle. While you could certainly iron or steam them, the white color also makes that a bit tricky, since discoloring the material is always possible. Ideally, you want a fabric like this to look as good coming out of the package as possible.

They realized this, and accomplished it by encasing the two pieces of the 'cape' in their own plastic holders. The very tight seal keeps the material flat and wrinkle free in the package, and is a really creative way to ensure you get the best looking figure right out of the box.

Sculpting - ***
Let's start with the most asked question - yes, I believe this is the same face sculpt as the previous Dany they released. However, there's two aspects that allow the portrait to come through better this time around - the first is the paint, which we'll get into more in the next section, and the second is the hair.

The first release had entirely rooted hair. People who say "rooted hair always sucks" or "rooted hair is the only way to go" are, like most people who deal in absolutes, foolish. Whether rooted hair or sculpted hair is the right way to go depends on the situation, and there are many factors to consider. While the rooted hair on the first Dany was done well in terms of execution, it had one issue that interfered with the portrait - the hairline. Daenerys has a round face generally, and her hair styles tend to show it off. The rooted hair style she was given in the first release created a more pointed forehead, and threw off the overall look. There are a couple comparison photos with the first release later in the review.

Going with a full sculpt is also difficult, since the hair is quite long. Instead, threezero went for an approach we've seen from several other companies - combining sculpted hair with rooted hair.  The biggest issue is always going to be that you're not going to get an exact color match. And they don't. But in hand, this is a fairly minor nit for me. The combination works well, but I have a bigger issue that pulls her down slightly.

The rooted hair isn't as full as we saw in the marketing photos. There are fewer sections, and fewer strands, making it far less full. Getting it thicker, as we saw with the prototype, would have gone a long way to improving the final appearance from the back.

But let's face it - it's from the front where you'll be viewing her for the most part. The portrait is clearly Daenerys, and the rounded hairline works much, much better with the face in bringing out the likeness. The style has a ton of detail, and the soft skin texture contrasts nicely with the far more textured hair. The small, curled sections in front are sculpted as well, which avoids breaking up the look of the hair from a front view.

She is slightly taller than the first release, coming in at 10 1/2" tall.

Paint - ***1/2
A big improvement, although it's subtle, is the paint work on the face. The original version had some shading, particularly around the nose but also on the cheeks and eyes, that aged her.

That shading is gone. The bright, wet eyes have life, the translucent skin tone is realistic, and the eyebrows and lips are super clean. She looks younger, more vibrant, and the improvements in the paint work, while minor, make a huge difference.

Articulation - ***
The underlying body is the same of course, and it can manage most poses. This isn't an outfit that lends itself to ninja battles, with a tight fit through the torso and hips, and that will reduce the usefulness of the articulation. The ball jointed neck has plenty of tilt and lean though, and the boots are the same two piece design as the original release, allowing the ankles plenty of rocker movement.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is the elbows, where the fake skin cover makes it hard for them to bend, and harder to maintain any bent pose.

Accessories - **
While this was billed on the box as a 'deluxe' release, it does not sport the sort of accessories normally associated with a deluxe figure.

There are four additional hands to go with the relaxed pair she comes wearing. One is a set of fists, the other a set of gripping hands. Since she has nothing to grip, you probably won't be swapping out of the relaxed set.

She also comes with the silver dragon wrap necklace. While you could count this as part of the 'outfit', I'm not. That's because I'm not a huge fan of the appearance with the necklace in place, even though it's part of the onscreen look for this costume. If she wears it slightly to the side, as she does in the marketing photos, it sticks out and looks odd. Move it slightly more to the left (her right), so it rests more evenly on her chest, and it looks much better, but still takes away from the overall appearance of the costume. It has a cheap, plastic appearance that does not enhance the costume, and is large and busy. I did include one photo with her wearing it, but I'll probably skip it on the shelf.

Outfit - ****
I love this outfit, once you get rid of the necklace. It's not obvious at first, but there are multiple layers, and the tailoring is impeccable.

She's wearing lycra pants, with a inner robe and outer dress. The outer dress includes the half cape that drapes beautifully over the shoulders. The bright white material is soft and smooth, and hangs perfectly, standing out on a shelf of brown, black, and gray.

While the boots are the same as the first release, they remain an excellent execution. The sculpted two piece sections have a leather wrap - don't remove a foot if you can avoid it, because getting the wrap back in proper position can be quite tricky.

Fun Factor - **1/2
This isn't a figure you'll pose over and over. Most likely, you'll find a stance that speaks to you and she'll stay that way for a long time.

Value - ***
At less than $180, she's a solid bargain, even without a ton of extras. Getting licensed sixth scale figures in that price range is tough, and getting quality work even tougher.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing. Of course, be careful when handling the bright white, super clean costume, but there's nothing here that's easy to break or difficult to work with.

Overall - ***
While the first release was not one of their best, it was also not their worst. But they learned from the release, and this is an improvement - a big positive for the company and the line. I assume we'll get a final season release as well, and I have high hopes that it will be a further improvement. Until then, I can't wait to see the Arya, Jaime, Sansa, and Tormund already on pre-order.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ****
Sculpting - ***
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - ***
Accessories - **
Outfit - ****
Fun Factor - **1/2
Value - ***
Overall - ***

Where to Buy 
This was a very limited release, only available through a few outlets. It was at the threezero store for $178, but is sold out. Online options still include searching ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Other threezero GoT sixth scale figures include their first Dany, as well as Bran, King Joffery, the Night King, the second Jon Snow, season 7 Tyrion, Brienne, Cersei, a White Walker, Arya, Daenerys, the Hound, Jaime Lannister, the first Tyrion, Ned, and the first Jon Snow.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

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