Packaging - ***
The interior art is interesting, since they went with sort of a 1950's art
deco kind of style. Proof that will a little creativity, you can come
up with some interesting ideas for package art and still get the point
across.
It's a clamshell as well of course, and it's worth noting that I haven't
opened a toy that smelled this strong in a long time. Perhaps it's the
black paint...
Sculpting - ****
Sculpting Elvis isn't easy, but at least he's a man with a lot of
'personality' to his face. When you've captured it, you know it.
Just as with the other figures in this series, McToys has done a superb job
nailing his appearance.
Naturally, the face sculpt is critical. Here we see him in
mid-song, mouth open, eyes closed, with lots of emotion. The hair has
a wild tussled look, with just the right amount of fine detail to make it
look realistic but not harsh.
The body is clothed in the jailhouse garb, which was mighty stylin' for a
con. The body is in a tremendously dynamic, yet signature pose,
straight from the performance in the film. The coat flows naturally
with the movement, and the creases and wrinkles in the pants, shirt and
jacket match the dynamic flow of the body.
They've used steel pegs in each foot to ensure a strong, solid fit in the
base. It's unlikely the hard plastic legs will ever wilt, and this is
a figure that should maintain this pose, painful as it is, for a very long
time.
Paint - ***1/2
The paint is damn nice, although not quite perfect. The hair and face
are well done, with an even skin tone and perfect color for the lips and
tongue.
Most of the stripes and small details on the suit are good, although I
had a few stray marks and spots here and there. They eyebrows are a
little thin and oddly placed, but it doesn't detract too much from the
overall quality.
Articulation - **
If you're looking for super articulated karate Elvis, this ain't
it. This is a little plastic statue, intended to look great but in one
pose.
He does have cut shoulders, and a cut neck. However, the neck
doesn't have much range of movement, and the arms look best one way.
Accessories - ***
The accessory is his base, designed to capture the look of the film.
There's a couple sections of bars, with a "Jailhouse Rock" placard
to one side. The round base has the imprint of a record album, but it
actually calls this an 'action figure'. Amusing since this Elvis isn't
seeing much action.
Value - **1/2
At around $12, he's coming in at a standard rate for today's
market. I'm not particularly happy about it, but hey, we're going to
be wishing for these days in the not too distant future.
You may find him as cheap as $10 or $11 at some stores. I believe
the previous Elvis figures were in that range at Toys R Us and Meijers.
Fun Factor - *1/2
This isn't a toy, and really won't be much fun. The dynamic pose won't
suit a play situation, and there's not a whole lot of kids looking to play
with Elvis anyway. There may be some adults, but I really don't want
to go there.
Things to watch out for -
On the bottom of the base, there is a small plastic bag with an even
smaller peg. This peg is easy to overlook, but it connects the placard
to the section of jail at the top.
Overall - ***1/2
I'm not a huge fan of most Mcfarlane music figures, since they tend to
lack the kind of dynamic style that the Elvis series has. This was a
man that liked to move, and his fans certainly loved him for it. Big
fans of the King are sure to enjoy this, and more than one mobile home is
going to be sporting the entire set on the knick knack shelf.
SCORE RECAP:
Packaging - ***
Sculpt - ****
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - **
Accessories - ***
Fun Factor - *1/2
Value - **1/2
Overall - ***1/2
Where to Buy -
Online options are your best bet right now, but some brick and mortar stores
should be getting these as well:
- CornerStoreComics has
this one for just $12.50.
- Amazing Toyz has this version
for $13, as well as the Rockabilly version for just $10.
- Killer Toys has Jailhouse Elvis
for $13.
- Circle Red doesn't have the
Jailhouse version listed, but they still have the Rockabilly version for
$13.
- Clark
Toys has him listed for $13.
- Yikes Comics doesn't have this
one listed yet, but they have several of the previous versions for $16 each.
Related Links:
I've only reviewed one of the other Elvis' - the 68
Comeback version. He was mighty well done though!
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