Review of Daenerys - Game of Thrones action figure

Introduction

The new season of the Game of Thrones is off to a great start, and fans are in for another overall terrific season.

Two companies are producing what can appear at first glance to be very similar figures under the license, but in reality they are quite different. Funko is doing highly articulated action figures in a 5" scale, while Dark Horse is producing PVC statue style figures in a 8" scale. I'll be doing what I can to cover both lines as we move forward.

Tonight I'm looking at the Daenerys figure from Dark Horse. She's currently shipping, and will run you around $23.

Packaging - ***
The box has two large windows, front and top, that allows you to see the figure you're buying right on the shelf. That's a big plus, especially since the paint work can vary so much from figure to figure.

The box is also collector friendly, although one annoying twisty tie will get in your way. You won't have to damage anything to remove the figure and accessories, and you can pop it back in again, easy peasy.

Sculpting - ***
The detail work is quite good, including the small details on the gown and wooden chest. The textures on the eggs and sand-like base are great, and the scale fits in well with the rest of the figures. She stands about 7 1/2" tall, including the base.

The likeness is a bit off, not really a dead on Daenerys portrait. I don't think anyone has managed to capture the look yet, including Funko or Gentle Giant.

I also have a little trouble with a couple of the more basic design issues. Her stance causes her to lean slightly, and while it's clearly intentional, I don't think it's the best overall pose for her body.

In addition, her hands don't quite come together on the egg.  I played around with all three eggs at various angles, and while they sit just fine in the palm of the left hand, the right hand doesn't quite line up.

It seems that pretty women offer the greatest challenge to sculptors, and Daenerys is definitely in that category. Still, this is a clean sculpt, with nice lines and well detailed hair. Fans may not be thrilled, but they should be satisfied.

Paint - ***
Like the sculpt, the paint is clean enough to be acceptable, but not quite up to perfection.

The face is clean, with good eyes, lips, eyebrows and skin tone. The brows are darker than the hair as well, as they should be.

Speaking of the hair, they've done a nice job on the washed out white color, coming close to the screen look.

There's some wash and dirt on the gown that doesn't really work though, and some of the smaller details on the clothing are sloppy. Still, overall it's solid B work.

Articulation - Bupkis
These are statues, and I wanted to make that clear in this category. This is informational only - it won't have any effect on my overall score.

Accessories - ***1/2
It's very unusual to get accessories with a Nerd Hummel, but Dark Horse has done it here.

The base is not an accessory - she is permanently attached. However, she comes with all three dragon eggs, each a slightly different color, as well as the cool wooden chest that can hold the three inside. The sculpt and paint work on these is terrific, and it looks great sitting on the base. They've carved out a flattened area on the base specifically designed for the chest - nice!

Value - ***
Getting a statue - even a PVC statue - in this scale for under $40 is pretty rare these days. These are a solid value, designed for fans of the show that aren't looking for 'action' figures, but rather 'collectibles' based on their favorite show. This is a price point that makes picking up the entire series possible, which is key for a license like this.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.

Overall - ***
Another solid release of a main character from the series. I'm not sure if this costume is the best representation of Daenerys overall, but for a first season look, it works. I'm assuming we'll see another release of a more warrior themed outfit for her soon.

If you were thinking about mixing and matching these with the Funko line, I included a photo to dissuade you from that idea. The scale is no where near compatible.

Collectors who are more into toys and action figures are likely to be drawn to the Funko series. But if you're a fan and collector that prefers a statue style collectible, these Dark Horse figures are the answer.

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

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth has her at $23.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
I recently checked out Drogo, Ned Stark, and Tyrion Lannister all from Dark Horse. Other Game of Thrones collectibles I've covered include the Daenerys action figure from Funko, the Daeny bust from Dark Horse, the Hand of the King pin, and the Catspaw Blade from Valyrian Steel.

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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