Review of Robb and Arya Stark - Game of Thrones action figures

Introduction

When it comes to figures of their favorite characters, fans of the Game of Thrones have two options. They can go with the action figures from Funko, or the figures/statues from Dark Horse.

There are two critical differences: the Funko action figures have articulation, and are in a 6" scale. The Dark Horse statues do not have articulation, and are in a 7" scale. Those will be the likely deciding factors.

To help further refine - or muddy - that decision, I'm checking out the latest pair from Dark Horse. They've just released the brother and sister Stark, Robb and Arya. You can find these at most retailers for around $22 - $23.

I have a number of reviews of other figures in both the Dark Horse and Funko series as well. Please check the 'Related Links' section at the end of the review to find them all.

Packaging - ***
Each of these comes in a box, with plastic trays holding the statue/figure. There's one twisty holding them in, but that's it, and the package is otherwise completely collector friendly. I also like the personalization, including a short bio of the character on the back. The boxes show off the figures pretty well, with a window in the front as well as the top.

Sculpting - Robb ***; Arya **1/2
When it comes to sculpt, both series are very similar in quality. In fact, when I looked back at the Funko Jon Snow, I was shocked at how much they looked like brothers - perhaps more so than on the show!

The Robb sculpt is solid work, although it is a bit obfuscated by the plain basic paint. The pose is interesting, if a bit awkward, but isn't the standard 'sword fight' stance. That at least gives it a little uniqueness on the shelf. Rob stands about 7.5 inches tall with the slight knee bend.

Arya's head sculpt isn't quite as nice, although you will know it's her immediately. She has the wide set eyes and tall forehead (fivehead!) but the face is just a little too broad. In person it's not quite as bad as in photos, but it's still excessive. Add in a rather long neck, and you end up with an Arya you'll recognize, but not love.

Her stance is decent as well, although like Robb, she seems just a bit off balance. Posing her with Needle at the ready was a smart choice, and the costume detailing is very nice. In fact, the costumes are well done on both figures, with plenty of small detail work and texturing.

Arya is smaller of course, coming in at 6.5 inches tall. Both stand great on their own, but that's because they are permanently attached to the large, basic bases.

Paint - ***
The basic quality of the paint work is very good, with almost no slop. From a technical perspective, it's very clean.

There's no weak cut lines or sloppy edges, including the hair lines and eyes. They both sport well defined eyebrows and lips, with straight line eyes and even finely detailed lashes. The colors on the costumes are consistent and even, with just the right amount of wash and highlighting.

So why the average score? Because it's not entirely about technical prowess - there needs to also be a life to the work, something that takes them out of mannequin mode. I think it has a lot to do with the flat, light colored skin tone, and flat expressionless eyes. They need a little more life to really allow the sculpt to shine through.

That being said, they are very clean, and I think most folks would prefer clean and life-less to total slop.

Articulation - Bupkis
This line is the definition of Nerd Hummel.  These are plastic statues, with zero articulation.

However, that's exactly what they are supposed to be. This score will have no effect on my overall, but I wanted to point it out, since some folks will have no interest in these if there is no articulation.

Accessories - Bupkis
Technically, you could say Robb has an accessory. His long sword is a separate item, and you place it in his hand for final assembly. But considering how silly he'd look without it, I'm not counting it as an extra.

Arya has none, since her sword comes already permanently placed in her hand.

Like Articulation, this score won't have any weight with my final Overall number, but is provided for information only.

Value - **1/2
You're going to find these for $22 - $23 at most retailers. The Funko action figures, slightly smaller but with articulation, sell for around $20, depending on the retailer. That's not surprising - 'statues' like these tend to command a slightly higher price, since they are not 'toys'. It's one of those psychological goof ups.

Considering that the Dark Horse resin statues run 10 times more, you can certainly argue that the price point ain't all that bad, but I'm only willing to go average on this one.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.

Overall - ***
When it comes to sculpt, paint and value, the Funko and Dark Horse lines are pretty much a dead heat. It's all about the articulation - do you want to pose your figures, or do you want them posed for you, without any joints to damage the clean lines of the sculpt? Answer that, and you'll know which you'll prefer.

I think the quality of these is pretty much in line with a $20 statue. While they have some areas where they can improve, they are a great option to the much, much more expensive resin statues.

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

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth has them for $23.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Other recent Game of Thrones reviews include the Dark Horse Daenerys, as well as Drogo, Ned Stark, and Tyrion Lannister.

Funko is also doing figures, and those are slightly smaller and articulated. Most recent was the Walgreens Tyrion, who was proceeded by the first wave of figures that I covered in three sets, here, here and here.

Other Game of Thrones collectibles I've covered include the Daeny bust from Dark Horse, the Hand of the King pin, and the Catspaw Blade from Valyrian Steel.

Discussion:
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