Review of Pennywise IT vinyl figure
Defo-Real Series

Introduction

As it so happens, I ended up with two Pennywise goodies in the same week, and the new movie is still months away! With several more scheduled, including the One:12 Collective release, the Qmx sixth scale figure, and the big 1/4 scale figure from NECA, I suspect I'll be reviewing quite a few more items before we see the cruel clown on the big screen again.

Star Ace is a division of X-Plus, and for many years X-Plus has produced amazing vinyl figures. It's no surprise to see them producing similar releases under the various licenses Star Ace now holds.  IT is once such beast, and they have two versions of Pennywise coming soon. The first, reviewed tonight, is the 'standard' look, while the second has the wide open face appearance, just before the Deadlights glowed. There's actually a version of this open mouth look with and without a light feature, so there's technically three distinct releases.

This standard version will run you around $50 - $60 depending on the retailer, and should start shipping any day. He's part of a new series of vinyl figures called 'Defo-Real'.

Packaging - ***
The window box shows off the figure nicely, and has basic information including revealing the other two versions available. It's collector friendly, and it's sturdy enough to hold up to general shelf wear.

It's worth noting that some marketing info and some sellers have called these 'Deform Real' figures. The package declares them 'Defo-Real', and that's what I'm going with.

Sculpting - ****
The figure stands at 6" tall, not including the balloon. Like most vinyl figures, he has an oversized head, and stubby body. Unlike most, he has a very complex, detailed sculpt with a ton of texture.

The skin texture looks fantastic, and the large forehead sports the crackled skin. The wrinkling and overall skin texture is extremely detailed and nicely done, and this level of fine detail extends into the orange hair. The costume is also very detailed, with a realistic texture to the various pieces of clothing.

The balloon is extended on a very hard plastic 'string', and it is not removable from his hand.

I'm quite impressed with the level of minutia, texture, and detail for a vinyl figure, giving it a lot more realism than the big head style usually exhibits.

Paint - ***1/2
The paint work is also much more complex than usual, and the eyes, skin color, mouth, and lips look terrific. The lips even have a variation in the color, much like you see with lipstick applied. The outer edge is very dark, while further into the mouth a more natural color takes over.

The edge of the hair has overspray on purpose, probably used to smooth the transition from face to hair. I'm not sure I'm loving that feature, but the remainder of the paint ops look fantastic.

I will also note that the red balloon varies in color from the top half to the bottom half. Again it's intentional, mimicking the way the top half is stretched out tighter, making the rubber thinner and allowing more light to pass through. I think this effect works a bit better as well.

Articulation - N/A
While it should come as no surprise that a vinyl figure like this has no articulation, I thought it was worth pointing it out just to be safe.

Value - **
Vinyl figures aren't cheap, unless you're talking Pops. Something like this, imported to the States, is always going to cost you a bit more. You should be able to pick up this regular version in the $55 range, and while it's a bit of a tough sell, regulars in the market will understand.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing. Do keep in mind that the 'string' on the balloon is not bendy - don't try.

Overall - ***1/2
Not everyone collects every thing. It's nice to see fans of a particular license get a wide range of collectibles to choose from, and the IT franchise is a great current example. Some of us are big fans of the character and tend to buy everything - others can focus on particular collectibles that fit in nicely with their other passions.

These new Defo-Real figures are definitely more detailed and realistic - or as realistic as you can be with a deformed vinyl style - than most in the market. The quality of the sculpting and paint work is very high, and if they pick the right characters for the series, it could be a solid hit for them.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - N/A
Value - **
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
I just checked out the Accessory Set from NECA, as well as the Wellhouse version, the exclusive, and the first regular release. There's also the 1990 Tim Curry version from NECA.

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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