Review of Doc Holliday
Premium Format Statue

Introduction

I just recently reviewed Sideshow's Original Premium Format statue of Blackbeard, the actual pirate so many fictitious versions were based upon. When I did, I mentioned that I'm not normally drawn to the historically accurate characters, and generally stick with just the movie characters instead. But if there's something I love more than pirates, it's gunslingers. And when it comes to gunslingers, the men who fought at the OK Corral are at the top of my list. So when Sideshow announced that they were doing a Premium Format version of both Wyatt Earp and his homie Doc Holliday, I was sold.

I will be honest though - I would have preferred a Kurt Russell Earp and a Val Kilmer Holliday, but I'll take historically accurate, no prob.

Doc Holliday hit first, with Earp shipping very soon as well. As usual, there's a regular version of Doc (edition size of just 350) and an exclusive (edition size of just 125). Sometimes the term 'limited edition' is thrown around willy-nilly, but not this time.

The exclusive that I'm reviewing here includes an extra right hand. The normal hand holds a second smaller gun, while the exclusive hand holds a small dagger.

Packaging - ***
The color has that old west tin type sepia tone feel. and the photos show off both Premium Format statues. Oddly, both PF's are on the box though, with some text on both characters - I'm assuming I'll be getting the same box again with Wyatt. That's the first time I ever remember them double dipping on a package like this.

The interior tray is one of the tricky ones as well, with the base packed on the side. You can certainly put things back after the fact, but you'll want to be careful when you do, since once the tape is cut it's quite easy for the heavy base to fall out.

Sculpting - ***1/2
The sculptor working on Doc Holliday (unlike Blackbeard) had the advantage of actual photos to work from, and they managed to capture his appearance quite well. It is worth noting though that the most famous photo of him, referenced in that link above, may not be him, and there has been some debate about it's validity.

The huge 'stache, large bushy eyebrows, thin nose, and square jaw looks just about right (assuming the best known photo is actually him), and the expression implies a thoughtful consideration of your obvious fate. There are earlier photos of Doc with a soul patch to go along with the mustache, and it was a popular addition at the time.

I also like the look of the slender body, where the internal proportions are accurate. The stance is relaxed but deadly - the perfect combination for a killer like Doc. This pose also reminds me very much of the Kilmer character, when he hid a revolver behind his back out on the street of Tombstone. Since the head comes as a separate piece, wouldn't it be cool if Sideshow gave us a second head later on of Kilmer? Hey, I can dream, can't I?

The only thing pulling this score down slightly is the ET fingers. I don't know why it's so difficult for sculptors to get the proportions on human fingers correct, but once again these are slightly too long. It's true on both the hand holding the butt, as well as the hands holding the semi-hidden weapons.

The only other change that I would have liked to see would have been a slight alteration to the tilt of the arm and hand, so that the gun (and knife) would be a little bit more concealed behind his back when looking at him from straight on. I'm not deducting from the score for this issue, but it's an aesthetic change that would have made me happy.

Paint - ***
The work on the skin is excellent, and the hair is better than average. The weapons are good, although the small cartridges are a little sloppy. Nothing major there, considering how small they are and how they are hidden within the cartridge belt.

The issue that pulls the score down is the bleed into the steely blue eyes. It hurts the overall quality of the paint work, and takes a little away from his deadly stare.

Articulation - Bupkis
No, no articulation. Not supposed to be any, so I won't be deducting anything from my overall, but it's worth mentioning in case you thought the neck might turn, etc.

Accessories - ***1/2
Most statues don't have 'accessories', but this one certainly does.

First, the exclusive has the extra knife hand, and it's a good addition. In fact, it's good enough that I'm still unsure as to which one I'll use for long term display.

The hands swap easily enough, and the magnetic attachment is very tight. That's true with the head as well, which comes as a separate piece from the body.

The holstered gun is a separate item as well, and fits perfectly in the holster. I love the leather holster and belt, both of which are very realistic. 

They've also included a ton of cartridges, all made of metal. These slip into the appropriate loops on the gun belt, and there's just enough to fill 'er up.

Outfit - ****
Another outstanding PF outfit, and this type of character is the perfect stage for the mixed media format to shine. The clothing is perfectly tailored and cut for this specific solid body and specific pose, and everything fits perfectly.

The clothing is also made from extremely high quality material. The vest is beautiful, with realistic buttons and a metal watch chain. The cravat (tie) has a stickpin that he was very well known for wearing, and the shirt collar is stiff plastic. He even has gold cuff links! This figure could never be done in full resin or plastic and look this good.

Value - ***
Sideshow's Premium Format statues are certainly 'premium', particularly when it comes to price. We're starting to see more and more of them run close to $400, as was the case with Blackbeard. This guy is around $275 at Sideshow, and the regular version is closer to $250 at some sites.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing!

Overall - ***1/2
I'm very happy with this version of the famous gunfighter, and he (with his partner) will take a place of honor on my shelves. He might not be the movie version, but this is one of those times when the historically accurate appearance works just as well - if not better.

I must admit though that by himself he's not nearly as good as he will be when paired with Earp. As in life, these two men need to stand together to be at their best.

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

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- you can still get on the wait list for both the regular version and the exclusive at Sideshow's website.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Other reviews that are related include:

- if you like historical figures, check out the Blackbeard PF as well.

- Many years ago, Sideshow did a series of 12" figures based on historical western characters (including Wyatt and Doc) that was the start of Six Gun Legends.

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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