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Packaging - ***1/2
Nothing new here, but why mess with something that works? The retro
style packaging looks great, keeps the figures safe, and doesn't block
too much of the view. There's the usual bio info on the back as well,
for those interested in this guy's backstory.
Sculpting - ***1/2
We know full well that the Four Horseman can do great anthropomorphic
elephants, but this time around it's a mechanical head sculpt, not an
animal one. That
doesn't slow down the FH from doing another great job, bringing out the
various mechanical parts nicely, including the rivets and connectors.
Something about the design is very 80's to me, and yet it's a huge
improvement over the original. The snout is a softer rubber,
allowing the wire inside to bend and hold positions. Yea, it's a tad
phallic. Okay, it's a lot more than a tad, and if you display this one
at work, expect the other 'adults' to have great fun putting it in
awkward x-rated poses for you to find. Both hands are sculpted to
hold the accessories and work well, and the figure stands great on his
own. Remember, these are close to a 7" scale, with Spout coming in just
over that mark.
Paint - ***
There isn't a ton of paint work here, but the few details that are added are generally good. The
eyes are particularly clean, and the yellow and black striped
combination makes me think of the signs you see in industrial
workplaces. While most of the work is decent, there's a bit more
slop on the black rivets than I think is necessary, pulling the score
down a bit.
Articulation - ****
The body has the same articulation we've seen with every MOTUC figure -
ball jointed shoulders and hips, pen elbows, knees and ankles, cut
wrists, boot tops and waist, and an ab crunch. The costume does not
restrict these joints in any way, and while rocker feet would be a nice
addition, what's here works extremely well.
I'm bumping him up slightly this
time due to two factors. First, his ball jointed neck has an
exceptional range of movement this time, with lots of tilting in every
direction. Even with the heavy trunk, it holds most positions.
Which brings us to the trunk -
the bendy trunk. The soft rubber has a wire inside, allowing you to get
it into a variety of poses. Thank God for that, since it's the only way
to break free from the rather phallic look of the nose. It's
also worth noting that his ears move forward and backward slightly.
It's not a deal maker or breaker, but it is a nice extra touch.
Accessories - ***1/2
Remember, this guy is a fire fighter, and his accessories are intended
to save more than slaughter. Ironically enough, he can also use them to
kick Skeletor's ass.
He has his fireman's ax,
complete with a U shaped end on the handle. This can be used to trap an
opponent's hand in battle, or as a brace to hold up and aim his big
nose. Kid's are more likely to find it useful in the former context.
The sculpt is great, but the basic silver color with no additional
paint work is a bit disappointing.
He also comes with his own mini
version of the jaws of life. These can be used to pry open car doors,
lift heavy timbers...or more likely, clamp around the neck of a member
of the Evil Horde.
The red backpack and gray
harness are also removable, so counting them as additional accessories
wouldn't be out of reach. Mine also came with a large sticker sheet,
outside of the normal package but inside the mailer box. I'm assuming
they all came with this, and it might be useful for your display
depending on how you have things set up.
Fun Factor - ****
Masters of the Universe Classics are fun toys - well made, sturdy,
great sculpts, excellent accessories, everything you want in an action
figure. It still never ceases to amaze me that these are some of the
very best toys (not collectibles) being produced by Mattel right now,
and kids will never see them.
Value - **1/2
I've grown less annoyed by the $20 price tag on these, but that might
just be because they are wearing me down over time. The two accessories
plus the cool bendy trunk make up a bit for it this time around.
Things to Watch Out For -
While the bendy trunk seems pretty sturdy, I'd still take a little
care. I remember breaking the wire in plenty of bendy toys when I was
younger (I'm looking at you, Major Matt Mason!), and with enough posing
I bet it could happen here too.
Overall - ***1/2
I wasn't a big fan of the silly looking Leech, but this animal cyborg
gets back to what I consider the best design elements of the series.
Starting with the basic body, the FH have created an interesting and
unique character that fits in well with the mythos of the series. Even
when you serry these guys on the shelf, Snout Spout is going to be a
stand out.
Score Recap:
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpting - ***1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - ****
Accessories - ***1/2
Fun Factor - ****
Value - **1/2
Overall - ***1/2
Where to Buy -
Matty Collector was the place to pick this guy up originally, but you
have a couple options now. Big Bad Toy Store
is selling him for $32, or you can search
ebay for a deal.
Related
Links -
I've covered lots of MOTUC figures:
- seems like just yesterday that
I reviewed the October release of Icarius.
- prior to that was Leech, who didn't do a
whole lot for me.
- the large Megator was a bit
more to my liking, and similar to him is the giant Tytus.
- other figures include Clawful, the Faceless One, Catra, Sy-Klone, King Hssss, Vikor, Buzz Off, Grizzlor, Roboto, Gygor, Chief Carnivus, Whiplash, Orko, Count Marzo, She-Ra, Optikk, Evil-Lyn, Moss Man, Trap Jaw, Adora, Scare glow, Teela, Man-at-arms, Hordak, Zodac, Faker, Mer-man, Stratos, Webstor, Tri-klops, and starting
out with He-man, Skeletor
and Beastman together in one review.
- I also covered Battle Cat
and Panthor,
the big kitties.
- check out the cool MOTUC Display stands.
- I've also looked at the cool custom swords and shields you
can get from SpyMonkey Creations.
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