Review of Argus Filch - Harry Potter mini-bust

Introduction

While the Gentle Giant Harry Potter series of mini-busts has not always produced perfect representations of every character (the poor females in the series have taken the most abuse), it has given us a nice range of characters. Put them all together on the shelf, and the total looks even better than the individual members.

Gentle Giant started a collector's club a few years ago, called the Premier Guild. Members get first shot at some releases, early ordering on the SDCC exclusives, and other perks. Along with that, they also get one free bust (although it's technically not free since the membership costs $60), and for 2010, one of your choices was Argus Filch.

Sometimes companies advertise their collectibles as a limited edition, and they stretch the bounds of that term to almost breaking. But this time, when Gentle Giant says these are limited, they ain't lying, with only 400 produced.

Packaging - ***1/2
The box is no surprise, and includes the best features of the past - a window to see the actual bust at the dealer, and the very cool baseball card sized Certificate of Authenticity. The interior foam trays are also very dense and solid, and will easily protect the bust.

Sculpting - ***1/2
The Harry Potter line has seen some real ups and some serious downs when it comes to the sculpting. This is one of those times where they pull off the unique look of the character (and actor) extremely well.

It helps that Filch has tons of 'personality' in his look. The shape of his nose and head, along with the cruel expression, gives the artist something to work with.

One of the complaints that I've had in the past with GG busts is the lack of texture, especially on the clothing. It's nice to see that corrected here, at least to some extent. The outer coat looks more like actual material and less like stone, while the face has not just wrinkles and facial hair, but pock marks as well. He's a rough looking old bastard, that's for sure.

He includes his cat of course, as well as his lantern and even the keys on his belt. Everything has good detail, and I love the translucent amber look of the glass.

Paint - ***
Paint quality has been an issue for Gentle Giant for many years. While their sculpts are often exceptional, they are often let down by the paint work.

Things aren't that bad here, but the paint could still be a tad better. This is solid B work, with clean lines and realistic colors for the most part.

The teeth are particularly well done, with a wet, glossy appearance. The eyes could use the same touch, but they have a flatter finish, and have catch lights painted on.

The outer coat and rock base have a wash to bring out the highlights, and the costume makes good use of a handful of colors.

The hair line could be a tad cleaner, and there's a few issues with the skin tone especially on the hand, but for the most part the issues are minor.

Value - **1/2
It's hard to argue with free, although technically he's not. He's a 'free gift' when you paid $60 for your 2010 Premier Guild membership, which also allowed you other benefits like ordering the SDCC exclusives early. Getting an additional bust, which would cost about the same as the membership, is a pretty decent deal.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing!

Overall - ***1/2
Unfortunately, some of the humans in the Gentle Giant Harry Potter busts have been at tad weak, but I have to give them credit on Filch. He's a very accurate sculpt, and they deserve extra points for adding some texture to the clothing and skin.

There's still some paint issues, but this bust is an improvement over the last couple releases. With such a limited run, he's likely to become one of the rarer releases in the series, so I'd recommend picking him up sooner rather than later.

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

Where to Buy 
Originally this was free with your $60 Premier Guild Membership with Gentle Giant, but now ebay is probably your best bet.

Related Links -
I've covered quite a few of the Harry Potter busts:

- most recent was the Cedric Diggory bust.

- others include Kreacher and the second Sirius Black,  Ginny Weasley and Ron in his Quidditch gear, two Lupin's, the Weasleys, light up Harry, Cho Chang, Luna Lovegood, Draco Malfoy, Merperson mini-bust, Voldemort, Hagrid and Mad Eye Moody, Ron and Hermione, Snape and Dumbledore, Dobby and Dementor, and a guest review of Harry and Sirius.

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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