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Introduction
It's only been a year, and yet EXO-6 has announced and shipped five - FIVE - sixth scale action figures. Their latest release is their first based on the original series, Spock from the Mirror Universe. This is a much beloved episode, and an iconic look for the classic character.
This is a slightly early review, but he should be shipping to those that pre-ordered very shortly. He was around $200 originally, depending on the retailer, and there's still a few where you can jump on the pre-order bandwagon.
And before you say anything, I know this particular background isn't show accurate for Mirror Mirror Spock, but I don't get to use the 'cheesy 1960's planet' set up very often.
Packaging - ***1/2
The heavy cardboard and extra plastic tray add a lot of durability
and strength to the package itself, while the graphics are
attractive and interesting. The overall design is quite collector
friendly, with no need for damage to the packaging when removing the
figure and accessories.
Sculpting - ****
When I saw some early photos of the portrait, I was slightly
concerned. The hair seemed a bit too soft, too smooth. But in hand,
those worries are completely gone. The strands are nicely detailed,
and even the Van Dyke has every hair sculpted.
This is also a fantastic Nimoy as Spock portrait. Remember when Qmx did their classic Spock? You should, but if you don't feel free to check out my review here. While I'm still quite happy with that release, this one blows it away. The likeness is dead on, and it's improved by a perfect expression. Throw in the hyper realism of skin texture and contouring, and you have the best Spock likeness we've seen in any scale.
Another issue with the older figure was the bulky body. This version, while still fairly tall, is thinner and more in line with Nimoy's actual build. I've included a photo of the two of them together near the end of the review.
Paint - ***1/2
The paint work on the skin, eyes, and eyebrows is the highlight of
an overall excellent job. There's so much realism to the slight
mottling of the skin, the sharp hairline, and the searing eyes, and
they really make this figure stand out from the pack.
I did take a small bit off due to the facial hair. There's a little bit of hair that's not covered in the hair color, and the edges are a little off. It's a minor nit though, with an otherwise excellent paint job.
Articulation - ***1/2
This body has all the articulation you expect, and the costume is
not overtly restrictive.
The ball jointed neck can lean and tilt, allowing you to add some Spock personality to any pose. The shoulders, elbows, and wrists can take natural arm poses, and the tunic does not interfere with most movement. The torso crunch and turn is a bit restricted, but Spock tends to be a rather rigid personality, and straight lines are actually part of his look. The hips, knees, and ankles work well, and thanks to the very soft boots, the ankles will allow you to keep both feet flat on the ground even in very deep stances.
I was particularly impressed that the arms could cross far enough over the chest to do the Terran salute. I wouldn't recommend trying it yourself in public.
This version of Spock - or any version for that matter - isn't really a candidate for ninja poses. This figure can take natural stances, and maintain them without using a display stand.
Accessories - ***1/2
While he's not heavily outfitted, he does have some key extras.
There are a number of extra hands to go with the relaxed pair he comes wearing. There's a set of fists, the Terran salute right hand, a couple different grips, and even a mind meld left hand. These all swap easily with no fear of breakage.
As with the other Trek releases, he has his phaser. This time it's the classic phase 1 and phase 2 style, and yes, the smaller phaser can be removed from the larger body.
Specific to this character in this episode, you also get the 'agonizer'. One of the gripping hands can hold it perfectly. There's also the special dagger that Spock work on his side, and like the phaser, it is held in place with a strong magnet.
As with the other releases, there's the transporter style base and crotch support rod. The base can have the smaller single transporter pad graphic, or you can attach this base to others and use the graphic that creates a larger pad.
Unlike other releases, there is not a character or 'signature' card this time.
Outfit - ***
The one area where I have a minor complaint is the costume.
Considering the overall quality of the outfits so far from EXO-6,
even a minor issue was a surprise to me.
The blue tunic has all the proper medals and the Terran Empire badge. They look great, and are permanently attached. The gold sash can be adjusted by you, and the material is very nice. The short scarf is tacked in place on the shirt and to itself so that it will remain in place while working with the figure. And the tall boots are a work of art, pliable enough to allow for great posing yet stiff enough to maintain those poses.
But the tunic itself has a couple issues. The biggest one is the collar. There's no wire in the edge, and the short ends of the collar do not fold down properly in front. Along with that, the velcro closure on the front is a bit weak, and may end up exposed at the top as it opens up.
While those are the biggest issues, I also felt that the pants were sagging a bit too much at the crotch. None of these concerns are deal breakers though, and on the shelf the overall quality of the costume is apparent.
Fun Factor - ****
If you have the Qmx figures, this guy is a lot of fun to add to the
mix. If you don't, I'm sure you'll get a Kirk and McCoy from EXO-6
eventually.
Value - ***1/2
Nobody else is giving you this sort of quality for $200 and below.
And they are doing it on a quick schedule, with seriously fast turn
around times from pre-order to shipment.
Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing. Everything was sturdy and well made, and I had no
worries about breakage.
Overall - ***1/2
This is an iconic version of Spock, a figure that can stand out on
his own on the shelf. That's the important right now, when EXO-6
hasn't yet released their own Kirk and McCoy. I'm hoping we see them
- along with a regular Spock- announced soon.
We really need some new announcements from the company. Right now, Q is the only other figure announced, and he will be shipping fairly soon as well. I know I'll be after any character they announce, no matter which Trek show or movie it's based on.
Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - ***1/2
Outfit - ***
Fun Factor - ****
Value - ***1/2
Overall - ***1/2
Where to Buy
You could pick this guy up right from EXO-6 for $198, but they sold
out fairly soon after the announcement. Online options
include these site sponsors:
- Entertainment Earth is also at $198.
- or you can hsearch ebay for a deal.
Related Links -
Other EXO-6 releases include First Contact Data, First Contact Picard, Captain Janeway, and the Doctor (EMH).
You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.
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This product was provided for the review by the manufacturer. Photos
and text by Michael Crawford.