Review of Cersei Baratheon - Game of Thrones figure

Introduction

We're still months away from finding out just what happens to our favorite Game of Thrones characters (even if you've read the books, surprises exist), but with the Christmas season upon us, we can manage our addiction with just the right GoT gifts.

Dark Horse's latest release of their statuesque figures included one of the most hated in all of Westeros - Cersei Baratheon.  She's currently on shelves, both real and virtual, and will run you around $22 - $23, depending on the retailer.

Packaging - ***
The boxes are a bit flimsy, but they are collector friendly (no need for damage in removing the figure), and they have large windows that allow you to inspect the figure before purchase. That's assuming you have a local store that carries them, of course.

There is one twisty around her waist, and it's not really necessary, but I'll cut them a little slack this time around. With the thick, solid skirts, she's heavier than earlier releases, and they may have been concerned that weight could shift in transit.

Sculpting - **1/2
This is one of those sculpts that if you turn your head just right, squint a bit, and then quickly smack yourself with a rock, you'll recognize Cersei.

There is a hint of her in the pretty face sculpt, especially in the nose and mouth. The wide mouth and full lips have just the slightest smirk, a trademark expression.

But if the outfit was anything else, you'd have a tough time guessing who this was. As I said, she's pretty - but there's more to a great female sculpt than pretty.

The hair has some issues as well, with some pretty thick stranding. The way it's been sculpted and attached to the head gives it a helmet-like appearance, with a very abrupt hairline.

The Dark Horse series is a larger scale, and Cersei fits right in with the rest of the line at almost 8 3/4" tall, including the base. Her base raises her up higher than most of the others, but the figure itself is in line with the rest of the series.

Paint - ***1/2
The paint work is quite clean, particularly in the small details on the bright costume. The patterns have been reproduced well, and the trim, especially on the sleeves, looks great.

The face is a bit lifeless, but the work is certainly clean. The eyes, lips and eyebrows look great, and the soft skin tone works.

I'm also quite fond of the clean work on the necklace, where there's very good separation from the skin tone around it.

The wash on the hair isn't great though, adding to the tootsie roll effect. It's also a bit too dark, throwing off the recognition factor. It's a minor quibble at best, however.

Articulation - Bupkis
This does not effect my overall, but is intended as informational. In case you weren't sure, there's no articulation here.

Accessories - Bupkis
As with Articulation, this is an FYI. No accessories come with this figure, and nothing is removable.

Fun Factor - **
This is a statue, plain and simple. A very sturdy, unbreakable statue, but a statue nonetheless. For collectors of this series that value the sculpts and scale over the articulation and posebility, that's not going to be an issue.

Value - ***
While these aren't quite at the quality of $80 statues, they are damn close...especially considering they cost 1/4th the price. That makes them a better than average value, especially for the Game of Thrones fan.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.

Overall - ***
Fans of the Game of Thrones have been fortunate this last year, at least when it comes to collectibles.  The Dark Horse series has delivered at a decent price point, something rare these days.

Cersei is not my favorite, however. While the overall design and the paint work is solid, the likeness throws her off.  If you're a completist with the series, you'll still be happy to have her, but she's not one of the stronger releases in the line.

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

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth is also at $23.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Cersei's brother, Jaime, was the last review I did for a Dark Horse GoT, but before that we had White Walker, as well as their Daenerys, Drogo, Ned Stark, and Tyrion Lannister.

And Funko has also done Jaime and Brienne, Arya and Robb, and the second release of Danaerys, along with her beau Drogo. Before that we had the Walgreen's exclusive Tyrion, Drogo and Daenerys, and I reviewed the first wave of figures in three sets, here, here and here.

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

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