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Packaging - **1/2
The packaging features the Dragonball Z logo at the top with a blue
field taking up most of the package. The blue field has a
large "Z" logo with some Japanese characters along the left edge.
The cards for this series also feature a red border which
differentiates newer DBZ figures from those in older series.
Series 4 also had the red border. The back features
all 5 of the figures from this series. Cards are identical
for all characters in a series with a paper insert in the blister
containing the character's name and the episodes from which this
version of the character was drawn. Episodes are broken down
into arcs called "sagas". The packaging is better than it was
during the release of the original set of figures but could still stand
some improvement.
Sculpting - ***
The figures are very good likenesses of the characters from the show.
Some of the posing is odd, most notably Goku's hands. They
just don't look right. Gohan has a hard plastic cape that is
not removable, thus limiting the usefulness of his leg articulation.
This line also has a problem with scale. Gohan is
just about as tall as Goku when he should be about a head shorter.
Paint - ***
Generally the paint is neat, especially on the faces. There
is a little bit of paint that tends to bleed at the edges of gloves and
boots. These are, however generally very minor bleeds and not
noticeable unless you are looking for a flaw.
Articulation - ***
While the original DBZ figures were basically statues, the newer
figures are actually capable of a good range of motion. All
have neck, shoulder, hip, and knee articulation. Dr. Gero
also has elbow and bicep joints. All of the others have ball
jointed shoulders. Gohan and Goku also have wrist
articulation. The articulation on these figures is pretty
generous when you compare it to a comparably scaled figure from
McFarlane, Hasbro, or Mattel. Considering that these are
supposed to be martial artists, ball jointed hips would have been nice
but that is a fairly minor quibble.
Accessories - **
Each figure comes with 3 Dragonballs and a medallion coin which depicts
a scene or character from the show. The Dragonballs are fine
and an appropriate accessory. It is difficult to get all
seven that have the correct numbers. The medallions are
basically worthless. It is a numbered set and the highest
number that I have is 55. Nobody, be they collector or
kidlet, is going to ever collect a complete set. I would
rather pay a little less for the figure and let them keep the
medallion. Dr. Gero also comes with a hat. It looks pretty
goofy but it is a very appropriate accessory as it covers his bubble
brain in the show.
Value - ***
At $6 a piece they are not a bad value. They are good
representations of the characters, have sufficient articulation, and
come with some fairly appropriate accessories. They are $6 at
Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart. The last time I saw them at
a Target(which has been a while since there isn't a Target where I
live), they were $7. They are $9.99 at KB.
Overall - ***
This is a really good set of figures. If you are into
Dragonball anyway, you'll probably already have this set of figures
having never read the review. These figures are nicely done
and complement the rest of the Dragonball series very well. There just
isn't a standout figure that would make me run out and buy him if I
weren't already collecting these toys.
Thanks to Colin for another great guest
review! If you're interested in doing something like this,
check out this page.
Thanks!
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