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Packaging - ****
If you're going to do this sort of unique line aimed at collectors, you
need to make sure the packaging adds to the overall appeal. They've
done that almost perfectly.
First, they've done them with a
very retro feel to the overall layout. The basic design of the cards
and bubbles will remind you of your old Megos.
Second, they went with some
terrific - and I mean terrific - card art. The character is done up old
school movie poster style on the front and back, and it adds a
tremendous appeal to the card. In fact, it broke my heart to open him
up, always an indication of an excellent package design.
My one gripe is that by opening
it, I destroyed the card. Something like this really needed a more
collector friendly design, or at least a design that would allow for
the cardback to remain undamaged.
Sculpting - ***1/2
If you thought you were going to get soft, poorly detailed Mego
sculpts, you'll be happy to know that's not the case. There is a
ton of sculpt detail on the head, hands and feet, where the cross
between Nixon and the Creature is excellent.
If
you were wondering why they picked the Creature to mix with Nixon, I'd
assume it's because of the jowly similarity. The back of the head and
hair is done up with the Gill Man's famous gills, and the nicely
defined bags under the eyes, widow's peak hairline, and Nixon nose all
work in the context of this particular monster.
The feet and
hands have plenty of detail as well, including webbing and scales, and
I love the sculpted "V for Victory" finger pose.
Paint - ***
While solid work, the paint isn't quite at the same level as the sculpt.
There's
a nice blending of the green and black on the hair, as well as an
appropriate greenish hue to the skin. Small details are done well, and
I like the 'monster' eyes. There's another version that had normal eyes
as well, but I like the less human appearance that the slitted yellow
amphibian eyes have.
Articulation - ***1/2
The underlying body doesn't appear to have any bands, thank God.
Instead, the ball jointed shoulders and hips are more modern, and can
take and hold just about any position. I was pleasantly surprised by
how tight the arms could rest against the body, and how far they came
across the chest.
There's still just a cut neck,
but with the ball shoulders and hips, pin elbows and knees, pin and
post ball wrists and ankles, and an ab crunch waist, he's far better
articulated than most of the current 8" crop.
The waist is a bit weak though,
and was the only joint that didn't want to maintain a pose particularly
well. The rest were tight and solid, and the quality of the body is
quite high.
Accessories - Bupkis
I'm not sure what would have made sense to include (a roll of tape?),
but I don't believe any of the seven figures come with an accessory.
Outfit - ***1/2
The outer suit is weathered and worn, more than just the obvious tears.
They've added dirt as well, and have tiny tears along with the big rips
at the ends of the legs and arms. the tailoring is great too - much
better than we usually see in this scale.
Underneath
is a body suit printed with scales and lines to emulate the Creature's
body. This fits the retro style quite well, and works for me.
Fun Factor - ***
While I'm not sure any modern kids would find a Nixon Creature all that
amusing, the folks at Heroes in Action have retained everything that
made Megos great toys, and improved on them with the better underlying
body.
Value - ***
At $25, you're getting a much, much better figure than either the Retro
Action Heroes from Mattel or the various 8" figures coming out of Bif
Bang Pow right now. I'd say that makes him a solid value, and one that
is making it hard for me to pass up on the others.
Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.
Overall - ***1/2
This idea seemed odd on paper, but after seeing the execution, I have
to say I think they're terrific. While maintaining a retro feel with
the scaly body suit and figure size, they improve on the old Megos with
better sculpting, paint and articulation. They've also matched up the
Presidents with classic monsters extremely well, creating a fusion that
actually works.
Score Recap:
Packaging - ****
Sculpting - ***1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - Bupkis
Outfit - ***1/2
Fun Factor - ***
Value - ***
Overall - ***1/2
Where to Buy -
Online options include these site sponsors:
- Big Bad Toy Store
has them singly for $25, or they have sets of two, three or four
figures that can save you some money.
- or you can search
ebay for a deal.
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