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Packaging - ***1/2
I like clamshells, and NECA is really
the only company left doing them right. You'll need a serious blade to
get the figures out - and even with an impenetrable case there's still
a damn twisty holding each in - but the case can hold up to wear really
well. The interior card art is nice, and there's some basic
character personalization. There's the silver Toys R Us exclusive
sticker as well.
Sculpting - ***
Thees are a 6 - 7" scale - Rue is about 5 1/2" tall, while Cato (one of the largest kids in the Games) is about 6 3/4". My
daughter, the Hunger Games fan, saw these and said "they don't look
anything like the characters". I think she was being a bit harsh, but
they aren't as good as some past portraits we've seen. Rue is the
better of the two, and I do think that anyone that sees her will
recognize the character. Cato is decent enough, but the work on his
face and ears is a bit more rough, and like the previous Peeta figure, the neck
and lower jaw are too large. The work on the clothing and bodies
is better, with good textures and realistic wrinkles and folds. Small
details are well done, especially on the boots. They both stand well on their own, a key aspect when there's so little leg articulation. They both also have sculpted right hands designed to hold something - sadly, neither comes with anything to hold.
Paint - ***
There have
been times when NECA's paint work has been atrocious - other times,
it's been outstanding. This time around, we get something in the middle. The
applications on the portraits are decent, but not exceptional. The face
work is good, with an even skin tone and clean eyes, but the skin work
on the hands and arms (in Cato's case) is a bit gloppy and uneven. Then
there's the blue striping on the jacket - step back and it doesn't look
too bad, but on close inspection (even with the nekkid eye) you'll
notice a very sloppy edge pretty much all around. While the paint
has a few issues, it is better than some of the more recent Harry
Potter releases, and is a step in the right direction.
Articulation - Rue ***; Cato **1/2
These aren't super poseable, but you can get them to take a couple key stances and keep them upright. The
necks are ball joints, and Rue's works terrific. Cato's not so much,
and this lack of tilt and lean action ends up dropping him a half star
below Rue. There's the usual 'NECA' shoulders, sort of a pin and disc
ball joint. There's also cut wrists and pin/disc elbows, which makes
the arms the most poseable aspect.
To round out the legs,
there's a cut waist and cut boot tops. That's enough to maintain
an even center of gravity, but you better like the general leg pose
they are sculpted with since it isn't going to change.
Accessories - Bupkis
With
all the weapons, packs and other accouterments that were seen in the
movie, you'd expect SOMETHING to be included. You'd be
disappointed. There's not a spear, a knife, or even a rock.
Re-using the spear included with the series 1 Peeta with Rue might have
been a tad tacky, but something was really necessary. At this price
point, no accessories is going to be a bit hit to the Overall.
Fun Factor - **1/2
These
aren't really toys. They aren't quite Nerd Hummels either, but with the
limited articulation they're pretty close. With no accessories at all,
these are even less fun to play with. They're for the older fan who
wants the characters on their shelf, not in their sandbox.
Value - **
You could come up with the first series for
around $15 if you worked at it. Since these are exclusives, you're
probably going to get stuck paying the $17 retail. With no accessories,
it's hard to say they're really worth that much green.
Things to Watch Out For -
I
suspect that the paint work will vary on these across the run, so when
you pick them out on the shelf, take your time and get the best you can
find.
Overall - **1/2
These aren't terrible figures, but with
average sculpts and paint, no accessories and a fairly high price tag,
they take a hit overall. While NECA did great with a plethora of
Hunger Games merchandise at every retailer, I don't think the figures
have done particularly well. It's a pity, but we may not see any other
tributes, at least until next year when things start heating up for the
release of Catching Fire.
Score Recap:
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpting - ***
Paint - ***
Articulation - Rue ***; Cato **1/2
Accessories - Bupkis
Fun Factor - **1/2
Value - **
Overall - **1/2
Where to Buy -
Your best bet is, of course, Toys R Us. That's where these two are an
exclusive, and they run $17 each.
- or you can search
ebay for a deal.
Related
Links -
Other reviews include series 1 of the figures. Sadly, no higher end companies have announced anything yet.
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