Packaging - ***
The packages aren't highly decorted, just done in the stand colors of the
show. They also have the show logos, and photos of each of the
ornaments on the back. They are also collector friendly, or more
accurately in this case, Christmas friendly, since you can put the ornaments
back in the boxes quite easily for next year.
Sculpt - Buffy, Illyria ***; Angel, Spike, Fred **1/2
These are fairly small - they are ornaments to hang on a tree after
all. The sculpted heads are actually smaller than the 6" action
figure line, but just a smidge.
None of the sculpts is outstanding, and none really rival the plastic
versions. These are definitely made out of resin however, as I found
out the hard way after I dropped Illyria on a concrete floor. She'll
never quite be the same.
Buffy and Illyria look the closest to the real people, although the paint
work doesn't do much to help out. Angel, Fred and Spike aren't as good
as their action figure counterparts, which is unfortunate.
Paint - **1/2
The sculpts and paint are both adequate but not exciting. The work on
the torsos, including the shirts, buttons and tampos, is very good, but
around the face and hair, you see more slop. Areas like Illyria's hair
line, Buffy's eyes, and Angel's eyebrows all are good examples of the sloppy
small detail work.
The names on the front of the stands aren't painted on, but are tampos.
You can tell right away, because several have been applied crooked.
Design - ***
These are done in a very standard mini-bust style. All the bases match up,
and a string hanger is attached to the top ring.
Value - ***
While the quality isn't perfect, the price isn't bad - for
ornaments. Ever look at the price Carlton and Hallmark are charging
these days? At $13 each, these are cheaper than most of those, and
just as nice.
Things to watch out for -
Since you can see these ornaments in the package, be sure to pick out the
best paint ops possible.
Overall - **1/2
The sculpts and paint aren't perfect, but they aren't awful
either. The sculpts could actually be a little better than I'm giving
them credit for, but I suspect the paint work is hurting them.
If you're a huge fan of either show though, these will look good on your
tree, and will allow you to let your freak flag fly, even during the
holidays.
SCORE RECAP:
Packaging - ***
Sculpt - ***
Paint - **1/2
Design - ***
Value - ***
Overall - **1/2
Where to Buy -
Your online options include:
- Amazing Toyz has them for $13
each, along with some upcoming characters as well.
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