Review of Killing Joke Joker statue
Version 2

Introduction

There are certain iconic looks that will always be appealing. While the quality and importance of the graphic novel The Killing Joke might change with the times, the impact of the cover art remains strong. The image is so strong that Kotobukiya is re-releasing their exceptional statue based on the design, and it's selling out on pre-order.

The first release, from 4 years ago, included a light up feature and a slightly different base. The result is just getting ready to ship, and will cost you around $95, depending on the retailer.

Packaging - ***
The graphics are attractive, and the large window allows you to inspect the statue you're buying. The inner trays keep it quite safe, and everything is collector friendly. There's no Certificate of Authenticity or numbering, since this is not a limited edition, but like the previous release, they only make so many.

Sculpting - ***1/2
This is the same statue, at least in terms of the Joker, that they released before. The sculpt remains excellent, with a ton of detail in the grinning teeth and wrinkled face. Smaller details, lie the flower or the buckles on the coat belt, look terrific, and you won't be disappointed in the quality of version 2. I love the loose hairs falling over the forehead, and the overall internal scale is excellent.

Speaking of scale, this guy stands about 12" tall including the base. They call him 'sixth scale', but he's a little small for the designation.

The base is different, of course. Gone is the light feature, and the imp and crate have been replaced with the Joker's Red Hood costume. Some may find this preferable, others not, but it will be a highly personal decision. I prefer the original base, but to each his own.

My only complaint that brings the score down slightly is with the placement of the camera. It is actually a separate piece, and you wedge it between his hands. I dinked around with it for quite awhile and still couldn't get it quite as straight as I wanted. Hopefully you'll have better luck.

Paint - ***1/2
Great paint work once again, and very similar to the original release. All the colors are deep and vibrant, and the coverage is consistent and even.

The best work is on the teeth, lips, and gums. The maniacal grin lends the perfect amount of crazy to the overall pose, and his expression exudes homicidal maniac. The clean paint work helps add some comic book style realism, but I do find the darkened wrinkle lines a bit too inconsistent. Some are dark and obvious, some light and unassuming, and others completely unpainted. The inconsistency throws off the overall look for me, but your mileage may vary.

Value - **1/2
The overall quality of this statue is well above that of most others in this scale and style. Of course, the use of PVC and ABS, rather than resin polymers, creates an attitude among statue collectors, who view it as less expensive. The reality is that it holds sculpts and paints better, creating a much better overall look.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing. You might try heating up the hands and arms a bit before inserting the camera - I'm going to give that a try eventually to see if I can get a slightly better angle.

Overall - ***1/2
For owners of the original, this one isn't a must have. But that statue has been a popular one, often selling for two to three times its original cost on ebay. I'm not sure this release will slake the fan's thirst for the first one, thanks to the redesigned base, but it will certainly give them an option when considering their wallet.

The good news is that the quality of the paint and sculpt remain at the high level we expect from Kotobukiya. If you missed out four years ago, you now have an option that will give you a great statue based on the cover art, without completely killing the demand for the original release.

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

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth is also at $95.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Three years ago, Kotobukiya did the first version of this statue, which I reviewed at the time.

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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