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Sculpting - ****++++++++
Exact opposite to the packaging. Nothing is basic, it’s outstanding and
astounding. A true deluxe sculpt. This is my first NECA and if this is
the kind of products NECA is aiming for…. “I am a believer” (Singing in
the voice of Shrek’s Donkey, with my huge teeth shining). The head
sculpt of Gollum and Smeagol are spot on. It’s understandable that this
is a replica of a CGI character, but a character nevertheless and NECA
has given every bit of expression to the head sculpts. I cannot say
that there was any better expression for either of them as the
expressions chosen gives the insight of the person at a glance itself.
Smeagol looks dull, tired, frightened and always ready to cry or hide
the moment you raise your hand, even if you are going to pick up your
remote, on the other hand, Gollum might slit your throat in sleep. The
eyes, the skin texture, the nose, the wrinkles, the scars on the back,
nails, the tiny teeth and even the inside of the mouth is
sculpted with attention to the smallest of details. The body is another
piece of art. The joints are very smartly sculpted so that even when
the characters are standing upright, they are still crouching, being
hunchbacks. Great work by NECA
Paint - ****
NECA has done a phenomenal job on this one as well. The skin is pale
with great detailing towards the old scars on the back, the under eyes
and the ears, which show kind of redness, or should I say numerous skin
allergies unattended. The nails and the teeth are beyond realistic, you
can see what happens when you avoid even looking at your nails and eat
raw fish for centuries. The eyes are glossy with really patched and
yellowish brown eyeballs, something you might expect from a 500 years
old creature. The paint chosen for the somewhat cloth he is wearing
makes it look and feel like it’s made of the bark of an old tree. Also
important to mention that the weaved hair colour is completely movie
accurate and makes Gollum/Smeagol look like real creatures sitting next
to you.
Articulation - ****
As I said before, it’s great due to the masterful thinking while
sculpting the joints. The neck however is restricted, but I can live
with it. As per NECA, its 25 points articulation and I think it’s
enough to support the figure and give it almost all the movie poses.
Nicely done.
Accessories - Bupkis
Nothing????? Seriously…. Nothing????? Not even the Precious. How can you make these characters without the Precious. The
guys do not come with any accessories. I would have loved if they came
with the LOTR ring and extra hands to go with. It feels wrong
especially looking at the way Smeagol looks at you, so I made a ring
for each of them myself, phew… we three are content. Fun Factor - ****
If I loved it, my mom is amazed to see the characters, my wife wants
one of them on her shelf, my nephew wants to kill me for this, then
yes, this is fun for all the generations alike. A true masterpiece to
look at.
Value - ***
Its ¼ so as per my calculation, considering that a hobbit is 3.5 to 4
feet tall, and that Smeagol/Gollum were the shorter ones, its stands 10
inches (crouching a little) and so is perfect for ¼ and goes well with
1/6 as well. No accessory is a real disappointment or else I would have
given it a full score.
Things to Watch Out For -
Nothing as such.
Overall - ***1/2
Beautiful piece of art and great fun as a toy (OK Fine… as a
collectible). I hope NECA improves the creativity of packaging and
always consider adding accessories to the products as they mean a lot
in emphasizing towards the nature of the characters. Great for me
though.
Score Recap:
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - **** ++++++++
Paint - ****
Articulation - ****
Accessories - Bupkis
Fun Factor - ****
Value - ***
Overall - ***1/2 Discussion:
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