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Packaging - ***1/2
SPDD. Same package, different day. I don't like it any less, but there
is less to discuss.
I
will note though that the figure isn't wearing his armor this time, but
rather, it's packaged to the side in the interior bubble tray. I can't
think of any good reason other than someone thought the presentation
looked more menacing that way, since it sort of implies that the spider
legs, which are packed behind him, are coming out of his
actual
body. Either that, or Mattel is trying to force me to count the armor
as an accessory. It's a conspiracy!
Sculpting - ***1/2
If you own Skeletor,
then you own the basic components of this figure from the neck down.
There's some slightly different armor, but that's it. The
basic
body in this line, especially with the shin guards and three toed feet,
looks great, and you have to give the designers (Four Horsemen) a lot
of credit for coming up with a basic physical architecture that could
be re-used so many times in such an effective way.
That leaves us
with the head. The design goes back to the old school version, and yet
it adds a bit more menace than the 80's toy was allowed. The double
tusk-like fangs look great, and by including the upper pseudo-eyes on
his head, they add to the overall impression of arachnidity. I wouldn't
advise using that word in a game of Scrabble.
Paint - ***
I just mentioned in the previous review of Jake Sully that I'm a
big fan of blue, so it should be no surprise that I really like the
color palette here.
There's
not a whole lot of true paint ops though, since the majority of the
figure is cast in the color you see. Most of the paint work is on the
face, with the eyes, teeth and secondary 'eyes' on his forehead having
actual paint applied. The work is fairly clean, although the edges of
the eyes could be slightly improved.
My big issue is the
inconsistency in the actual cast blue, particularly on the chest, where
rub marks have appeared already. In normal circumstances is would be
minor but this is a pretty expensive figure, and you should have high
expectations. The funny thing is, if he'd been wearing the armor in the
package like the other figures have, I might not ever have noticed, and
he might have scored a little higher here...
Articulation - ***1/2
Since the underlying body is pretty much the same as every other figure
in the line, the score here is pretty much the same too.
The
ball jointed neck works quite well here, and the range of movement for
the rest of the joints is comparable to past releases.
I'm always
impressed with how natural of a pose you can get out of this body. He
won't look stiff, uncomfortable or toy-ish in even a basic stance.
All the joints were also tight,
and the posts, discs and balls they've used are all very high quality
and quite sturdy.
Accessories - ***1/2
Webstor was going to get the big four stars here, but one little issue
held him back.
It's
not a quantity problem. He has his very cool blaster, with it's
Spaceman Spiff retro design, he has his spider legs back pack, which
includes his retractable (sort of) grappling hook, and he has his chest
armor.
Yea, I know - I normally don't
count their armor. But he
came not wearing it this time! I'm telling you, they did this
just so I'd count it as an accessory...I'm going to start wearing the
aluminum foil hat again.
It fits great, looks great, and
covers
up those annoying rub marks on his chest. The spider leg back pack fits
in the four holes on the back of the armor, and stays in place pretty
well.
The back pack itself is great.
The four spider legs are
very menacing, particularly if you have a bit of arachnophobia like any
sane human being. They are also articulated at the base, with a ball
joint (the peg/disc kind, often used in shoulders), to allow a very
full range of movement and posing.
The grappling hook has a
strong rope attached, which runs through the center of the back pack
down to the bottom, where a plastic 'tab' keeps it from pulling all the
way through. Pulling on the tab pulls the string through the other way,
as you'd expect. There's no mechanism here, just a string running
through the middle of the pack, like dental floss through your teeth.
You know, you really should floss more often.
That might annoy
some folks - not that you're flossing more, but that the string doesn't
automatically retract - who remember the old figure fondly.
But
Mattel made it clear from the beginning that there would be NO action
features in this series, so I'm not surprised. Collectors are well
known for hating action features, so dropping them entirely was an
admirable principle for the line. I have no problem with the decision,
even if this would be an action feature that would not interfere with
the sculpt or articulation of the figure, the number one complaint
collectors have with most such features.
No, my big problem is
with the super soft shaft of the grappling hook. While the hooks
themselves are quite rigid, the shaft is like butta', and I thought I
might tear it right off when I was placing it in his hands or on the
intended slot on the pack.
If Webstor's tool had a rigid
shaft, I
would have given his performance in this category the full four stars.
Admit it, when you read that sentence, the little Michael Scott voice
in your head said "That's what SHE said!".
Fun Factor - ****
I don't understand why it is that the very best action figures Mattel
is currently producing are in the collector line, not their mass market
line. And by 'best', I don't mean the finest sculpts and paint
(although they're pretty damn good), but the best action figures as
actual action figures. You know, toys? The DCUC and MOTUC lines are
excellent toys, with a ton of fun oozing from every accessory. I'm also
impressed with the recent Movie Masters Avatar figure, but I can almost
guarantee that the actual mass market line designed for kids will blow
chunks like a frat boy on Saturday night. I'm hoping Mattel will prove
me wrong, but I certainly wouldn't bet real money on it.
Value - **
These figures are still twenty bucks, which isn't cheap even with
today's market. Considering the amount of re-use, the margins on this
line must be amazing.
Things to Watch Out For -
The soft handle on the grappling hook could tear, particularly when you
are putting it in one of his hands or on the pack. Otherwise, this guy
could get run over by a truck and come out fine.
Overall - ***1/2
I think Webstor is my favorite in the line. I realize that this will be
heresy for most folks, since he was never a particularly important
character. But I just love the articulated spider legs and head sculpt,
and the color palette is tops for me. Had there not been just a couple
minor issues, he might have been my first four star figure in the line.
Of
course, there's still Hordak, who's pretty sweet. And of course,
Man-At-Arms turned out better than I expected...okay, so picking a
favorite in this line is no easy task. Isn't that the hallmark of any
great series?
Score Recap:
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpting - ***1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - ***1/2
Fun Factor - ****
Value - **
Overall - ***1/2
Where to Buy -
Matty
Collector was the place to pick him up, but sadly, he's sold
out. Ebay is now you're next best bet, unless you can find a local
dealer or trader.
Don't forget that Teela goes up
for sale on October 15th, as well as a repainted Zodak.
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