Packaging - ***1/2
Another great job on the package by Rocket USA. Excellent graphics
and text, with a vintage look and feel. The packaging is also
collector friendly, and you can open him up and use the box to store him
in again any time.
The cardboard used is a
little thin, so shelf wear might be a problem for them over time, but
overall it's a great job.
Sculpting - ***1/2
I wasn't too sure on how well Homer would translate into a wind
up. Robots like Bender or URL work fine, but when they did Nibbler I
wasn't quite as thrilled.
Fortunately, they did a
fantastic job on Homer's head. The rounded nose, eyes and mouth are
all well done, something I thought wouldn't come out right in this medium.
The body is also
appropriately done, and he doesn't look 'robotic' at all. I'm not
sure if they've used something other than tin for things like the arms,
but it turned out great.
Homer is slightly bigger than
Bender, and I've included a photo at the end for a size comparison with
the other Rocket USA wind ups, and the WOS Homer.
Paint - ***1/2
The paint ops on the last two I picked up - URL an Gender Bender - were a
little sloppy, but there is no problem on my Homer. All the lines
are clean, with no bleed or over spray. The major colors like white
and yellow are consistent and smooth as well, and the pupils are centered
properly.
Walking Feature - ***
Homer has a fairly complicated walking feature, with a swinging left arm,
and his right arm bringing his Duff up to his mouth on every other
step. The motion on both arms worked well, and he walked very well
across a tile surface.
My only complaint here is
that he couldn't walk with the key in. It rubbed on the side of his
body, stopping his motion. Since I don't think the key is supposed
to be left in while walking, I can't complain too much, but I'm lazy and
would prefer to just leave it there.
Accessories - **1/2
This is the only category where improvements could be made. Unlike
Gender Bender or even the regular Bender, who had a couple accessories
each, Homer only has one. It's great, but it's still only one.
He comes with the required
can of Duff. The can looks exactly as you'd expect, and it fits
snugly in his left hand.
Value - ***
As you might expect, this depends on what you pay. Pick this guy up
for $20 or less, and you're getting a great value. Pay more than
$20, and take a half star to a star off. I'm going with the average
here.
Overall - ***
This figure was a borderline ***1/2. Just another accessory,
like the drum stick that's coming with the exclusive version from
Universal Fun, and he would have made it.
Still, the average Simpsons
fan should really enjoy this cool tin toy. Rocket USA is doing a
great job with some very unique ideas, and I look forward to the rest of
their product this year.
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, but you have to mention you
read about it at MROTW! At only $16.97, they'll be tough to
beat. This is a special deal only for my readers though, so you have
to use the link from this page to get to it. Use the link above, or
you won't see the special price! Shipping should be about $6 for
one.
- The next best price on the
web is at New Force, where
they are $19.99, plus shipping.
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