Packaging - ****
I don't have a single complaint on these boxes. Terrific graphics,
with excellent background text on both characters, and collector friendly
to boot. Even if you have no interest in packaging, you have to
admit that these are practically a work of art.
Sculpting - ***
These are both sculpted by, who consistently does nice work. Of
the two, I prefer the sculpt on the Scottish fighter, but they are both
good in a generic sense.
The down turned mouth and
grimace on the German detract a bit from the figure, whereas the Scottish
figure has a surprised look. He looks like there may have been a
sudden rush of cold air from below.
But even with those minor
quibbles, both are appear German and Scottish, the most important issue.
My only other problem with
the sculpting is the hands. You'll recognize these hands from some
of the other figures, and while they work well for the more 'creepy'
characters, the fingers are a bit long and unusual for a standard
character.
Paint - ****
The major paint ops are on the faces here, and both are nicely done.
There's no slop on the hair line, and their eyes are extremely well done.
The paint ops on the
accessories are more basic, since most military figures don't get to wear
wild colors, but they are all cleanly done.
Articulation - ****
These use the same body as the rest of the line. If you loved the
articulation before, you won't change our mind here. Both figures
hold tons of poses with no trouble, and I found no need for any sort of
stand or assistance.
I had no trouble with loose
hips or any other loose joint on these, and I'm really happy to see that
Sideshow has completely gotten past that issue.
Uniform - ***1/2
If I had to pick only one of these two figures, it would be the Scottish
figure. His uniform is certainly the more complicated, and also the
more interesting. His costume includes the tunic, Tartan kilt and
cover, boots with 'puttees' (the short leg wrappings), and helmet.
The only problem I had with this outfit was related to the helmet
strap. I had to loosen it all the way up to get it to fit his chin,
and even then it wouldn't really fit on top of the helmet the way I would
have liked.
The German uniform comes with
pants with knee patches, boots and "puttees", tunic, belt and 'Stahlhelm'
helmet. The quality on the uniform is great, although I had trouble
again with the chin strap. Even loosened all the way up I couldn't
get it to work on his chin.
Accessories - ****
Both these guys are loaded to bare. The German comes with a
haversack (bag), water bottle, bayonet and scabbard that fits on his belt,
shovel and cover, assault pack (bedroll), mess tin, hand grenade bag with
four stick grenades, gas can, gas mask and MP-18 submachine gun.
The Scot isn't quite as
heavily outfitted, but still has his fair share of equipment.
He also has a gas mask, cartridge pouches and belt assembly, haversack,
bayonet and scabbard, water bottle, entrenching tool (uh, shovel) with a
separate handle that fits on his belt assembly, and a MK III Enfield
rifle.
All the accessories are
extremely well made, with excellent details and styling. They
certainly rival Dragon and bbi equipment.
Value - ***1/2
If you can pick these up for under $25, you're getting a fantastic
value. At $25-$30 it's still a good deal, particularly if you're
looking to add some variety to your military theme.
Overall - ***1/2
This wasn't a series I really intended to pick up, but now that I've
been sucked in with this first series, I'm probably stuck for the long
haul. They really are terrific figures, and there aren't that many
nice WWI figures on the market these days.
Where to buy -
I don't know of any bricks and mortar stores carrying these, but there are
plenty of on-line options.
- Sideshow
themselves have them of course. They are $59.90 plus shipping for the
pair. (MROTW Affiliate)
- War
Toys has them for around $22 plus shipping, on special right now.
- Atlantic
Toys has them for $25 each individually, but if you buy the pair they
currently have a special for $45 for the two, plus shipping.
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