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Introduction
Contrary to popular belief and my bank account, there are plenty of characters I don't collect. As a rule, I'm more of a DC man than a Marvel man, but certain lines create a completist compulsion, so that no matter who they produce, I buy it. One of those lines is the One:12 Collective.
So when they announced Gambit, a character I've never really cared all that much about, I still pre-ordered him. While the comic character has potential, they've never really done him justice outside the original format, with no movies or shows giving him much of a chance. So this was a figure I solely ordered because he was in the One:12 format. And I'm very glad I did.
He's just started shipping, and will run you the usual $85 for a One:12 figure. He has no special features or extra goodies, and this is a standard
release.
Packaging - ***
The packaging is the usual, with a slip cover that has the simple classy style of the rest of the series. Everything is packed in a collector
friendly set of double plastic trays inside, and you should have no trouble opening him up and getting everything out without damage to the packing
materials.
Sculpting - ****
There are two portraits, one with a serious, stoic look, and the other with a slight smirk. They aren't extremely different, but that's fine by me.
Getting the second portrait, even when it isn't radically different, does give you the chance to add some personality to particular poses, and make
your display somewhat unique.
Both portraits are very realistic, even for a comic based design. Remember, these are in a rough 1/12 scale, coming in at about 6 3/4" tall with the big boots and even bigger hair. The stranding in that hair is pretty impressive at this scale, and the detail work on the surface of the costume and skin is terrific. The subtle facial hair is particularly impressive, something that is difficult for companies to do at twice the size.
The torso is covered in armor plating, but even here the changed things up a bit between sections to add realism. The sculpted two piece boots don't quite have as much rocker movement as I'd like, but they look great.
Paint - ****
This is another stellar paint job from Mezco, and they are really setting the bar for production paint operations at this scale.
The skin tone looks amazing, just slightly translucent to add depth. The eyes, eyebrows, and lips are super clean, as are the edges around the face. The soft beard has just the right amount of color, with some variation to add realism.
The armor is bright and glossy, with a very consistent finish. The smaller details are sharply defined, and the bright boots look almost chromed. Various ignited cards have translucent effects, all with a nice color and transparency.
Articulation - ***
The overall articulation is pretty much in line with the series, but the torso armor is restrictive.
The ball jointed neck allows for some decent tilt and lean, and while the jacket is a little tight, the shoulders, elbows and wrists work together to produce reasonable arm poses. The hips and knees are pretty much unrestricted, but the ankles have less rocker movement (even with the two piece boots) than I'd hoped.
The solid torso armor takes away almost all the tilt and lean in the upper body, but you can still get a little with a bit of patience. The coat has a wired edge as well, making it possible to do some nice dynamic poses with the bottom.
Accessories - ***1/2
I already mentioned the two heads, and that's a huge part of the score here. They swap easily, and add a lot of value and fun to the figure.
He also has several sets of hands. He comes wearing fists, but there are tight grips, as well as wide grips for the various cards. There are two additional lefts as well, sculpted into two different energy effects.
There is a single playing card, and a set of five sculpted together. There is also an 'energized' single card and set, which can be held in the various hands. The hands all swap easily, and I had no fear of breakage.
Gambit also has his staff, which he can hold in various one or two handed poses. Nothing super special about it, but it was a critical addition.
Finally, he has the round display base (this time with the X symbol) which he can use with a simple foot peg, or with the large, clear plastic support rod for jumping and leaping poses.
Outfit - ****
This outfit is a terrific mixture of cloth and plastic parts.
We already discussed the outer armor and boots, but under these is a tight fitting black body suit. They attached patterns to the legs with the laser cut vinyl, a technique they've perfected to great appeal.
Over all this is the long coat. I love this thing! The wire along the bottom edge works great, and the large collar is actually pretty appropriate for the character. The fit is nice, with good tailoring all around, and the quality of the material is impressive. I particularly like the unique pattern on the inside of the collar and lapels.
Fun Factor - ***1/2
With plenty of accessories and couple great portraits, you should have plenty of posing and re-posing options. This is a figure I can see revisiting
over and over again, rather than leaving it static on the shelf.
Value - **1/2
At $85 he's not cheap, but that's been the norm for the usual One:12 releases for awhile now. I'm hoping it stays that way, at least for the
foreseeable future, although we've seen them pack the releases with extra stuff in recent days, driving up the cost.
Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing. I had no worries with swapping the head or the hands, and the accessories are sturdy.
Overall - ****
Sometimes you get the best surprise from the thing you least expect. I had no real expectations or anticipation around this figure. But when I
got him out and started posing him, I fell in love. He's a terrific representation of the character, and they successfully executed on a great
design.
Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ****
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - ***1/2
Outfit - ****
Fun Factor - ***1/2
Value - **1/2
Overall - ****
Where to Buy
Online options include these site sponsors:
- or you can search ebay for a deal.
Related Links -
Other recent One:12 reviews include John Wick, Captain
Marvel, and Moon Knight. I've covered many of the previous releases as well.
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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This product was purchased for the review by the reviewer. Photos and text by Michael Crawford.