Review of Griphook - Harry Potter
Sixth Scale Action Figure

Introduction

I know what you're thinking - Michael, you already reviewed the sixth scale Griphook figure from Star Ace. What's up with this? Ah, but they did two versions!  The first I checked out a few weeks ago, but I thought there was enough difference to do a review of the variant as well.

Why two versions? Because Griphook was one of the few characters in the Potter universe to be played by two actors. Vern Troyer played him in the Sorcerer's Stone, while Warwick Davis took over in the later movies. The version I reviewed first, often called 'v2.0' in the marketing materials for some reason and SA0060 on the box, is dressed in the more traditional suit from the first film. This version is wearing the more modern suit based on his look in later appearances, and is numbered SA0058 on the box. Hmmm - what's SA0059?

This guy is now shipping (as is the other version), and will run you around $140.

Packaging - ***
The packaging for both figures is identical, showing this version in the large cover photo. That makes the box a bit more appropriate for this figure, and to be sure you know which one you're getting, there's a specific sticker on the bottom front corner.

It's all very collector friendly of course, and no damage is required when freeing the figure and accessories. There's some very basic instructions, but there's nothing complicated or confusing here.

Sculpting - ****
I really, really like this sculpt. As I compared it to various screen captures, I was even more impressed. The wrinkling might seem harsh, but it actually matches the look from the film extremely well.

The detail on the hair is quite impressive too, much better than we usually see with Star Ace sculpted hair. The two versions do not have differing portraits, and while that's clearly a cost saving measure, it's also acceptable thanks to the heavy makeup. While it was two very different actors playing the role, they worked hard to make them look as much alike as possible. That's different from Dumbledore, of course.

He stands about 7" tall, making him quite small, but the height is appropriate for the character. Again, I have no doubt that the Troyer version was shorter on screen than the Davis version, but they went with the same body for both.

Paint - ***1/2
While the paint may appear a bit heavy handed at first, it actually matches the weathered rough look of the character quite well.

The gray hair is also nicely applied, and is a tough look to get right. With multiple colors and application techniques, the appearance is close to reality, and much better than a rooted alternative.

The eyes, eyebrows, and lips are all quite realistic as well, and the overall paint application is one of their better in recent memory. Even the fingers and fingernails look great, thanks in part to the detailed paint work.

Articulation - **
Ah, but here's the rub. As I mentioned, they've used the same body with both versions, and since the body is where I had my biggest issue the first time around, it's no surprise it's where I have my biggest this time.

The ball jointed neck works great, and you can add a ton of personality using it.  The shoulders and elbows are tight and don't have a huge range of movement, but the wrists make up for it a bit. The hands swap pretty easily as well.

The ankles have some forward and back movement, but not quite as much as I'd like. There's also some rocker movement, but there's no worry with keeping the feet flat on the ground in deep stances, since there's no chance to alter the stance.

That's right, the entire torso is a one piece chunk, with no torso, waist, hip, or knee articulation. While that's pretty limiting, it's also true that this is not a character you'll be putting in a Ninja stance. The ankles still need more mobility though, because I found it difficult at times to maintain his center of gravity with the limited range of movement.

Accessories - ***
Pretty much the same as the other version, with one notable exclusion.

There's the critical horcrux's of course, including the sword of Gryffindor and the Hufflepuff cup. Both have nice sculpts, although the paint work is a bit understated.

He has one additional right hand, designed for gripping the sword hilt. The hands swap easily enough and remain in place while posing him.

Finally, there's the bank clank, sculpted in one solid piece. This ultimate manual alarm system can be held in one of his standard hands.

That's it, and observant readers will notice that there are no glasses this time around. If you want the specs, you'll need to pick up the Sorcerer's Stone version. EDIT - I lied! Mine came out of the tray, but were floating around in the package and I overlooked them. While they aren't listed on the marketing materials, the glasses do come with him.

Outfit - ***1/2
Ah, here's the big difference - the costume. While the previous version had the old time suit, this one is wearing a much more modern pinstripe vest, pants, shoes, and dress shirt sans tie. The costume is more GQ, and matches the later film appearances.

The quality of materials and construction is excellent, and the smaller details, like the buttons and pockets, are properly in scale. Yes, the pants are a little baggy and the tailoring might seem off, but it looks very much like it did in the movies.

Fun Factor - ***
He pairs up nicely with the older Harry of course, and putting him back to back with the other version makes an interesting conversation starter.

Value - ***
At $140, this is a pretty cheap sixth scale figure. Of course, that's because he's 7" tall and not 12", and re-using much of the figure for two versions helps defray the fixed costs. But it's still a solid value, and one I wish more companies would pursue.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.

Overall - ***
If not for the lack of articulation, I would have gone another half star here. It's the one category that pulls him down, but it's also the one I understand. It wasn't an issue of quality or a mistake - it was a conscious decision to save some bucks.

I know someone will ask me "If you could only get one, which would it be?" That would be a very hard choice for me, because both have emotional strong points. This one is more recognizable, and perhaps a better overall representation of the character, but the first one has a much more interesting costume, and I love how he looks in the glasses. I'm glad I got both, but if you'll only get one, you'll have to decide which factors matter most to you.

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

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
I already looked at the first Griphook. Other Star Ace Harry Potter figures include the prisoner version of Belletrix, the regular Bellatrix, along with the other Star Ace Harry Potter figures like Lucious Malfoy, Newt Scamander, teen Hermione, Dobby the House Elf, Dumbledore (Gambon), Teen Harry,  young Draco Malfoy, the Draco/Harry two pack in their Quidditch gear, the casual dress Hermione, the Casual Ron and Harry, Dumbledore (Harris), Hagrid, Snape, Tri-Wizard Harry, the young Hermione, young Harry and Ron, Voldemort, Sirius Black, Mad Eye Moody, and Sirius in his Prison Garb.

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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