Packaging - ***
I've been a big fan of the art and style of the Muppets packaging from the
start. This figure will be the very last we see ship on the red cards, and
starting with wave 4 next month they'll switch to the blue.
Although I'm a big fan of the packaging, I took
off a half star here for a related problem. Every one of the four I've
seen have had crushed bubbles. I don't know if Toyfare was just unlucky
this time around, or I was just unlucky, but it seems that it's a problem.
I really prefer the small boxes for mailed exclusives like these, since they are
less prone to damage.
Sculpting - ****
Did you like the Scooter in wave 3?
Then you'll love this one. Going from that base figure, we're treated
to the addition of his superhero helmet. That's a key distinction for
this exclusive, since it's not simply a repaint, but a redeco of an existing
figure.
The helmet is not removable, but there's really
no need. The sculpting on the figure follows the usual Palisades level of
detail and quality, and I think Super Scooter has jumped to the top of my list
of favorite Muppets exclusives - at least until the vaudeville Statler and
Waldorf.
Paint - ***1/2
I had some problems with paint ops on the wave 3 figures, but even then
Scooter wasn't one of the big offenders. This time around he looks
terrific, and there's no sign of bleeding colors, inconsistencies, or edge
slop.
He does have the Muppets logo on the back of his
jacket, as did the original, although you can't see it while he's wearing the
outfit.
Articulation - ***1/2
Scooter has the same as the first time around - ball jointed neck, ball jointed
shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, hips and knees. You'll be able to
use him with these accessories, and the multitude that came with the original
figure. There are a ton of posing possibilities, enhanced by the inclusion
of the small foot stand.
Accessories - ****
Scooter comes with five accessories, all well done. There's the
necessary ladder, 'How to Fly' book, chest protector/emblem, small black
stand, and cloth cape.
The ladder is the big standout in this
set. It folds together and opens up smoothly, with a hinge just like the
real thing. It looks fantastic and works great. The scale is good as
well.
The book is the same sculpt as the one we got
with the Muppets Lab set. On the front it
says "How to be a Super Hero", "by Jim Henson and Frank
Oz". On the interior are the basic instructions for flying.
The cape looks good, both front and back, but is
a little thinner than I had expected. Still, it works well and is easy
enough to put on and take off.
His chest doohickey isn't easily removed, but
I'm counting it as an accessory any way. It fits him tightly, and protects
his chest and back. The star emblem on the front appears to be stitched
on, but is really part of the sculpt.
The stand is the same as we've seen with the
original Scooter, and works fine. It's not much to look at, but works just
as you'd expect.
Value - **1/2
Fifteen bucks is getting a tad too common of a price point these days.
That's about five bucks more than I want to pay for Scooter, especially
since you'll have to pay $5 in shipping on top of it. Still, the
exclusivity of this figure drives up the initial cost, so I can only
complain so much.
Overall - ***1/2
The only thing stopping this from four stars is the slightly high price
point. As I mentioned earlier, he's quickly become my favorite Muppet
exclusive to date, and that's saying a lot considering how many there have
been. He looks great with terrific accessories, and isn't hard to come
by. But do yourself a favor and pick him up now, rather than kick yourself
six months from now.
Where to Buy -
Eventually, ebay will be your only choice. Don't make that
mistake. If you're a big Muppets fan, pick him up on-line now at the Wizard
Store for $20.
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