Packaging - ****
The text, graphics and design style of these boxes fits with the show
perfectly. Not only that, but they are completely collector
friendly. You can pop these out, and pop them back in any time,
without cutting even a single piece of tape.
Sculpting - ***1/2
If you liked the original Bender, you'll like Gender Bender, since
it's the exact same figure with the additions of the tu-tu and hair.
He has the same moving eyes and rotating mouth, and looks just as good.
URL also looks great,
following the source material very closely. These characters fit the
windup robot style much better than a character like Nibbler.
Paint - Bender ***, URL **
The ops on Gender Bender are a little better than the original version,
simply because he has more details. There's the new paint work for
his wrestling uniform, which improve his basic score.
URL isn't quite as
good. I don't know if it's just mine, but both shoulders had rub
marks in the paint, possibly from the production line or from package that
was too tight by design. Also, there are more stickers on URL than
Bender, with ones on his arm and face. I always prefer
paint, and the details here are very basic.
Walking Feature - ***
Both figures walked fine across the kitchen floor, and the mechanism
seemed tight and sturdy. The arm joints, particularly on URL seemed
a bit floppy, but the arms move well when they walked.
Accessories - Bender
***1/2, URL **1/2
Bender comes loaded again, with his cigar that fits in one side of his
mouth, his magic wand, and a can of Mom's Old Fashioned Oil. All
three fit in his hands perfectly.
URL only has his police
baton, and that's a bit light. I'm sure coming up with other
accessories might have been tough, but something else would have been
good.
Value - ***
These are a far better value this time. The first Bender was going
for $25, but I picked these up for just under $20 each. That's a
very good price for this quality of wind up robot.
Overall - Gender Bender
***, URL **1/2
Bender is a slightly better toy, with more accessories, moving eyes,
opening chest, and moving mouth. But if you have the original, you
really need to pick up URL. They look great together on the shelf!
Where to buy -
I don't know of any bricks and mortar stores carrying these, but there are
plenty of on-line options.
- Brandon
Toys has the best price I've seen around - under $18 plus
shipping.
-I picked these up at Comics
Infinity. They are one of my favorite on-line retailers because
of their terrific customer service. They were about $20 each.
The other sites I've seen are
charging even more. Shop around to get the best deal!
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