Review of Captain Picard - First Contact
Star Trek Sixth Scale Action Figure

Introduction

While owning physical media means you can rewatch a show any time, the reality is you're far less likely to do it when it's not streaming. The beauty of streaming is the convenience - you can watch any episode from any season on any device with a few clicks. While I own much of the Star Trek universe (and recommend everyone invest in physical media of their favorite shows), I'm doing a complete rewatch of all the shows right now, thanks to the ease of streaming.

I'm almost done with STTNG, near the end of the sixth season. And at the same time, EXO-6 is just getting started with their stellar series of sixth scale figures based on the overall franchise, starting with TNG. Just a few weeks ago I reviewed their first release, Data, and tonight I'm checking out the second - Captain Picard. This version is based on his look in the terrific film First Contact.

The figure just started shipping, and will run you around $190.

Packaging - ****
EXO-6 is going for top level quality across the board, and this includes the packaging. Of course it's all collector friendly, with no damage necessary to remove the figure or accessories. And of course the design is great, showing off the figure nicely and including some good text.

But it goes a step further than that. They want to ensure that those people concerned about the box itself and the condition it is in get one with no damage. They've added plastic corner pieces between the shipper and the art box to ensure it arrives crunch free.

They've also considered the contents. This Picard comes with his vest - more on that in the Outfit section - but rather than simply fold it up and put it in a bag as most companies would, they've kept its form intact by putting a foam torso insert inside it. No wrinkles, no creases, just a perfect looking vest.

Sculpting - ****
If you own the QMX Picard, you'll know how good the sculpt can be. The folks behind that figure are now at EXO-6, and their dedication to perfection shows. But they also knew that lots of Trek fans would have that earlier Picard, and they avoided giving you another that is too close in appearance.

This is a slightly older Picard, and he's pissed. The expression is quite appropriate for the context of the movie, and it also sets this release apart without going into too much of a dynamic look. Picard was never extreme in his facial expressions, which also set him apart from his predecessor.

The face is a little more gaunt, a little more aged, and very much on target. It's clearly Picard, and the life-like skin and realistic textures make it pop on the shelf.

The high quality sculpting is also evident on the hands and accessories, where the attention to detail is impressive. More on that in the Accessories section. He stands almost 12" tall, and fits in nicely with the earlier QMX and EXO-6 releases. I have included a photo of the two Picards at the end of the review, and while it might appear there's a slight height difference, that's due largely to what they are standing on.

Paint - ****
The paint work on the head and sculpted hair is impeccable. The skin tone is realistic, with life-like shading and a translucent quality. The eyes are very clean, with properly shaded lips. The gray hair is subtle, with a color that is much more accurate than most. Gray, like blonde, is a tough hair color to do, but they nail it here.

If I had one complaint, it would be the eyebrows, where the edges could be a little more feathered and less sharply defined. But as nits go, this one is super small, and I honestly couldn't be happier with the final appearance of the portrait.

The accessories sport some amazing paint work as well, particularly the tricorder and phaser. These both have extremely tiny details, some paint, some print, and they capture every bit of the minutia.

Articulation - ***1/2
In the review of Data, I showed you what the naked body underneath looks like. I've included that shot here again.

Unlike a lot of small companies starting out in sixth scale, EXO-6 didn't simply find the cheapest generic buck on the market and go with that for their first releases. Instead, they designed a new body, and included some key features.

First, it has all the articulation you expect, and more. The shoulders allow for a tremendous range of movement in the arms, assuming the costume isn't too restrictive. And all the joints are tight and hold poses long term.

Second, they added some weight to the legs, making it easier for them to maintain stances. With this lower center of gravity, even deep and dynamic poses will be possible to maintain long term.

And third, they designed the arms with more space between the upper arm and the torso. This gives the figure a better look in shirts and multiple layers of clothing.

The hands swap easily as well, making the base body overall one of the nicest on the market.

So why the half star deduction? Well, it's a personal posing quirk. EXO-6 prefers the single neck/head portrait, going for a more realistic look there. I understand the decision, and it does look great, but I'm also a fan of the separate head and neck, allowing for greater tilt and lean at the top of the neck, and more personality in the posing. It's another of those minor nits, and it won't ever be a deal breaker.

Accessories - ***1/2
We don't get a ton of extras this time, but we get a couple key features.

He comes wearing a set of relaxed hands, and there's a set of fists and two sets of specific gripping hands you can swap in. These are designed to work with the other accessories, and their sculpts are just about perfect for the purpose.

He also has the phaser and tricorder, specific in design to the film. I mentioned the fantastic details earlier, but it's worth talking about again. If you have good enough eyes, you'll be able to read the screen on the tricorder.

The tricorder has the same two piece design as the earlier releases, with a strong magnet that holds the top and bottom together. This is a fantastic design, allowing the tricorder to be open or closed without any hinge that would be obvious or easy to break.

They also use magnets to hold the tricorder and phaser holsters to the uniform. This is a design carried over from QMX, but they do it better, with stronger magnets that are pretty much invisible to the eye.

For a more specific look to the movie, he also has the large rifle. He can hold this perfectly in the included hands.

A special feature with the entire line is the display base. The black hexagonal base has two different plastic covers that you can use. One is an individual transporter pad, while the other is designed to be used with multiple bases interconnected, forming the overall transporter floor. There's a crotch support of course, and several black connectors for attaching multiple bases together.

There's also a clear plastic piece that might be confusing. This attaches to the base, and you can insert the 'Starfleet Personnel File' identification card, displaying it with the figure. You could use this as an autograph card as well.

There's also an additional costume piece - the vest. I'll discuss it more in the Outfit section, but it's worth noting it's inclusion here as well.

While the quantity is reasonable, I did deduct slightly because there's so much re-use from Data. He was also a First Contact figure, and they spoiled us a bit with the second portrait. Still, you're getting everything you need here to set up a great looking Picard on the shelf.

Outfit - ****
If you're looking for one single best feature, look no further. The costume on this guy is outstanding.

The tailoring is just about perfect, whether you go for the jacket or the vest look. Both fit the torso neatly, and the thin velcro in front holds tightly. It's a super clean, sharp look all around. Just like the actual costume, the pants have straps around the bottom of the boots to keep them tight there. And this figure has suspenders keeping them tight at the waist and crotch, a much better solution than a belt.

The red, long sleeve shirt looks great, although if I had one nit, I would say the sleeves could be just a smidge longer. Still, it's another of those ridiculously minor nits, and you can generally pull them down far enough to cover the wrists, depending on the pose.

Giving you the vest also makes a huge difference in separating this figure from the QMX release, and in matching the First Contact look. Swapping between the coat and vest is super easy as well, far easier than most costume changes.

The stitching, the tailoring, the rank insignia, the communicator badge - it's all perfect. It's not exactly screen accurate, since you won't have to tug the jacket or vest down every 30 seconds. Yea, that's a joke.

And in fact, it is extremely accurate, thanks to the obsessive love for all things Trek that the folks at EXO-6 possess.

Fun Factor - ***1/2
While he doesn't have a ton of extras, there's enough here to swap things up regularly. Go from phaser pistol to rifle, add in the tricorder, and even swap between the coat and vest with little effort. He's also the perfect companion for their First Contact Data.

Value - ***1/2
At $190, you won't get many sixth scale figures of this quality. EXO-6 is setting a standard that I hope they can maintain, and that will drive other companies to achieve. We are seeing Hot Toys attempt to charge $250 for a basic figure now, and I'm hoping that the price points of EXO-6, Asmus, and Threezero will force them to reconsider.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing. I had no worries when working with the figures or accessories.

Overall - ****
Sort story - this is a fantastic figure, and sets the stage for even more great releases from EXO-6.

But the real question for the big Trek fans is...if you already have the QMX release, do you really need this one? The answer is definitely yes.

Sure, the accessories and portrait aren't the big difference makers. But the costume is well above the QMX release, and looks fantastic. It gives him a very distinct look, and makes him a perfect companion for the previous Data.

Janeway has already gone up for pre-order, and isn't going to last. If you think this is a line you're interested in, I really suggest pre-ordering. Otherwise you're going to end up paying a much heftier price tag on the secondary market.

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 
I suggest pre-ordering the EXO-6 Trek figures moving forward. Finding this guy at retail is going to be tricky, and Janeway is going fast. Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth is also sold out, but still have Janeway at $190.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Of course, you'll want to check out the EXO-6 Data, but don't forget the QMX Picard, Kirk and Spock, McCoy, Sulu, Khan, and Scotty. And you're display needs Kirk's Command Chair!

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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