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Packaging - ***
The packaging on this set is nearly identical to the first set and also in
line with the rest of Rocket USA’s Futurama merchandise.
It uses the same two color orange and blue design to give it a more
“retro” look. The look
works for these products because it fits the classic toy style of Rocket
USA’s Futurama toys. The
card that the figures come on could be slightly sturdier, but it’s not a
major complaint.
The writing on the back
also brings up the grade by a star for me.
The style is written from the perspective of Professor Farnsworth,
and is quite hilarious. One
sample quote : “Millions of models available, collect all eight!”
The writing is very on character for Farnsworth, and it’s one of
the few times that toy packaging has made me laugh out loud.
Sculpting - ***1/2
The sculpting on the original set was ok, but nothing extremely
impressive. That isn’t true
with the second series though. The work on these guys seems to have been stepped up a few
notches. All four of
the characters are represented very well, with Amy Wong and Dr. Zoidberg
being the two standouts.
Amy’s facial
expression is perfect and very in character.
Hermes could use a little improvement in the facial area, but
he’s nowhere near as off model as Bender or Leela were from the first
line.
Paint - ****
The paint jobs on these guys is just fantastic as far as I’m
concerned. There are very few
sloppy applications and all the paint seems to be in the right places,
even in the small corners. Even
Nibbler, the tiniest of the set, is very well done.
I really have no complaints in this department.
Value - **1/2
Here’s where this series looses points.
The average price ranges from $10 or $11 for each set.
This isn’t horrible, but for two figures in a set and one clicker
to go along with each it makes you wonder why they didn’t put them in a
four pack like the first series. Also,
Rocker USA could have easily made the Hermes/Nibbler 2-pack into a 3-pack
with any of several other supporting Futurama characters, such as Kif,
Zapp Brannigan, Mom, Cubert or Scruffy, just to name a few.
However, they probably want to extend this line for at least a 3rd
series of figures if possible, and that’s fine by me!
Overall - ***
Overall this set is really a great buy for those diehard Futurama fans who
are looking for a substitute for a full-fledged action figure line.
It seems that the second series of MAC figures is dead, so this
isn’t a bad alternative. It’s
nice to have the entire Planet Express crew out and on display too.
Where to Buy -
As I said before, I ordered my sets from www.jgptoys.com
and I remember Tower Records being the place that I found the first set,
so they should be popping up there if they already haven’t.
I’m also certain that many comic shops will have these sets in
due time as well.
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