|
Packaging - **1/2
The package isn't really what you're buying this for, and they didn't
spend a ton of time on it. It's a fairly simple cardboard box, but
it's sturdy and will survive shipping just fine. The exterior has a
cool label done in pseudo-sepia colors, and I recommend cutting the bottom
flaps to keep the label nice. You can always use the box later for
storage.
Inside, the gun is merely wrapped in bubble wrap for protection.
The extras were rolled up, and everything made it safe and sound to my
doorstep.
Sculpting - ***1/2
The actual stunt pistol used on screen was a solid block of material,
which is common for guns and weapons in movies and TV. However, QMX
knew that wasn't going to be what fans wanted, so they took it a bit
further. The gun was molded using the actual stunt pistol, but then
broken down into separate pieces (about 8, I'm guessing) to be assembled.
This gives it a more realistic appearance, even up close.
The sculpt does appear to be quite screen accurate, at least to the stunt
pistol. Obviously, when you see close ups of the gun on the show, they
are using the much more detailed version, and this one doesn't come close to
that level of detail in person.
The best work is on the fake wood grips and the small fake steel screws.
There's plenty of detail here, and they are extremely realistic.
The main brass-like body is a little less detailed however, and the light
weight nature of the material used means that the minute you touch it, you
know it's fake. Any fan of guns, knives or swords knows that how the
weapon feels in your hand, the balance and symmetry, is a huge part of the
attraction. That's something you won't get here, since this is
designed to be very lightweight, easy to use in cosplay, and good enough
looking for that purpose.
Paint - ***
The paint is applied to replicate the look and feel of the various faked
materials - steel, brass, wood, etc. However, it's clear that they
were going not for a highly detailed prop replica but rather a cosplay
accessory.
The quality of the 'realism' varies by the material being faked.
The wood is the best, and you won't be able to tell from looking at it that
they aren't actually wooden grips. The steel is in the middle, looking
good, but close examination (without picking it up of course) will still
reveal that it's not actually metal. The brass falls in last, probably
because it's the largest surface area and therefore the most obvious, but
also because of the finish. Metal always has some gloss, even worn
metal. Here, the matte finish gives it away even from a couple feet
away.
Quality - ***
The general quality of this item reminded me of the FX lightsabers from
Master Replicas. Well, without the metal and rubber. And without
the sounds and lights. But you get the generally idea.
I think I've beat the point into the ground by now - this is a great
costume accessory, but only a so-so display prop replica.
Accessories - ***
Yep, not a category you usually associate with a prop replica, but since I
was one of the first 1500 (the sale-meter says they're at 1250 at this
point), I got the extra printed goodies.
The quality is quite nice, especially to the Barlow's Guide page.
There's also a Moses Brothers Firearms Certificate of Authenticity and a
license issued by the local authorities on Shadow that entitles the holder
(there's a place to enter your name) to carry this sidearm, and these are a
bit smaller, measuring 8" by 11" and 6" by 8" respectfully.
I may frame the Barlow's Guide Page, or come up with some creative way to
frame all three that will look good as a backdrop to the gun. But I
have to admit that these are a bit of a conundrum with the gun, because they
are clearly intended with the prop replica collector in mind, not the person
buying this to use with their costume. And yet the gun itself is more
in line with something for the CosPlay fan. They're trying to hit both
groups with this inclusion, and I'm not sure it really pulls it off.
Fun Factor - ***
Usually I don't have a 'fun factor' section in a Prop Replica review, but I
thought it was warranted here. While I'm not hugely keen on the
lightweight nature of the replica, that's because I'm looking for something
to put in the home theater on display, not something to carry with me as a
part of my SDCC costume. If you're going for the latter, this is going
to make for a much more fun item.
Value -**
It's tough to really draw a comparison here to other current products.
Since this is designed more toward cosplay and dressing up as Mal, I liken
it to the Force FX sabers from Master Replicas, which run around $120 SRP
(although getting them for around $100 is not uncommon). Of course,
you could argue that it's more in line with their LE line, and those run in
the $350 and up range. But the reality is that the MR LE line uses
much more realistic materials, and is really designed more for display than
play.
In the end, I came out feeling like this guy was just a bit overpriced.
I think something in line with the $100 - $120 range would have felt much
more in line, but I'm betting that the size of the company and the risk
involved is what kept the price a bit higher for this release.
Things to Watch Out For -
Not much. Obviously you don't want to smack it up against anything,
but the poly resin seems a bit more resistant to damage than same, a
mini-bust would be. They clearly knew that folks would be carrying
this thing and designed for it.
Overall - ***
If you're buying this as a cosplay accessory, to add to your already
kick butt Malcolm costume, then it's exactly what you're looking for.
The fairly sturdy, lightweight materials will make it ideal to holster on
your hip and carry around all day at the San Diego Convention Center, and it
will look a lot better than most home made versions. It's a little
expensive, but not nearly as bad as what the 501st pay for their blasters.
|
Stumble It!
