Now in for the big guys, this company founded in 2000 in Hong Kong used to mainly produce a 1/6th scale military unit action figure along with their customizable equipments. I still remember the first collection I had, that sadly currently is no longer with me (due to theft). Over the time though this toys manufacture now more focused on creating a replica of characters from the movie blockbusters. They are now have gotten so big, several big name distributor are selling their product worldwide, and the fans have been dying to get the hand of their new product release. This is Hot Toys.
I think the legend starts as they enter the movie blockbuster line up. What used to be we saw the replica of military soldier with all their gadgets and weapons, now they sculpting for the resemblance of movies and popular characters. The feeling may be like having a scaled model of Madame Tussaud replica in your own home with movable limbs. But no one thinks about that, because Madame Tussaud is wax based while Hot Toys is pvc hardenend and sometimes die-cast based. The success started as they releases more and more character resembling the movie original. But in my experience, the boost started as they release Iron Man and Marvel's Avengers. Honestly I started collecting the Hot Toys figure again only after I see how Iron Man mk. VII is sculpted, and I immediately looking for one to own it.
Not all of their figures are perfect though. On the earlier model developed, people have been critical about the character resemblance. But over the time, the sculptors and the production team has been learning and developing from their earlier model. Many recurring characters, especially from the Marvel Avengers series that earlier are nothing near resemble the character in the movies, have later been developed near resembling the character. Just like Black Widow from Iron Man and Avengers series, on earlier model the sculpting is nothing near Scarlet Johanson, the actress playing Black Widow, but then on the Avengers series we can see how the development has changed and looking just like the actress herself.
Now with all the history and personal experience have been described, let me share with you reader my own experience of owning the figure by Hot Toys. One thing you should know and probably expected from this figure is the price. Hot Toys now have different line up of toy collectibles like bust figure, 1/4th scale, cosbaby, etc. But for the 1/6th scale only, most of the figures costs more than at least USD250 Special limited series figures sometimes could cost more than USD700. If that is overpriced or not, I leave all the judgement to you readers or collectors. I myself only could get a hand on several figures that I really REALLY liked. Due to its price, I tend to keep them on the box, or place it on a special showcase (one that is dust proof and humid balanced). That is why I usually look one on bargain price from old model, which usually dropped the price depending on the bargain or the condition of the figure itself.
So about the figure itself? Well - looking for character resemblance from the movies or references are the point of this figure. The articulation of the figure is well made - some wide range of pose can be made, but there's some limitation although not too significant. Some parts are replaceable, and the details are pretty amazing. If you happen to have character that have a light up perks on the screen, the figures might also able to project the same light up like one on the movies. Particularly on Iron Man and Darth Vader model, where they provide batteries for the model so it can light up the arc reactor and hand blaster, or even make Darth Vader speaks some famous words.
Since I like to travel around and took photograph, sometimes I like to take some figures to go and pose them on the background of real landscapes or natural background. I can bring the 6" and 7" figures without a problem, but taking 1/6th scale is just too demanding. This figure is not for adventurous type who wanted a real backdrop for their figures. It will mostly end up indoors or in a studio and showcases.
That being said, I recommend the Iron Man line if you ever wanted to start a collection from Hot Toys. They have different kind of line up for Iron Man only, bust collection, mini bust, 1/6th scale, and cosbaby. The figure itself requires a bit of maintenance, especially for woman characters, because the hair sometimes requires special gel so it may retain it current shape.
Like I said, it is up to you to decide whether it is a good selection for your toy collection, or if you think it is a way overpriced. In my opinion though, sometimes they are all right. It can be overpriced if you don't really know what you're looking for, and end up placing a not fully satisfied piece of object on your surroundings. However, finding the one you liked and placing it can sometimes be a center piece and something to bring up the conversation.
No comments:
Post a Comment