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Introduction
Good news, everyone! Okay, so that's about the lamest possible opening to any discussion of Futurama. Let's try something else, just as appropriate for this review - Just Shut Up And Take My Money!
Quantum Mechanix has been creating scaled replica vehicles from various licenses, and have done some VERY expensive, VERY detailed science fiction ships, like the Serenity or the Enterprise. They've done a few on a much less costly scale too, and the most recent release in this line up is the Planet Express, straight from Futurama.
This one will cost you around $60, features a light up function, and should start shipping shortly.
Click on the image below for a Life Size version
Packaging - ***
Fairly standard box, with Futurama graphics all around. It's collector friendly of course, as you'd expect with something like this, and there's simple instructions for
putting in the batteries.
Sculpting - ****
This is a sweet looking ship, no doubt about it. Fans of the show will love it, and while it's always tricky to capture an animated vehicle of any kind, they've done a
great job creating something that approximates the look overall.
The turret on top doesn't turn, but the vehicle does detach from the base so you can fly it around...uh...or something. I'm a huge fan of the show, and I love the look - my teenage son is equally enamored with the adventures of Fry and gang, and he already latched onto this for his room.
The ship is about 12 1/2" long from tip to tail. It's a nice size for display without taking up too much space on the shelf.
Paint - ***
The paint work is fairly clean, but there are a few edges here and there, particularly with the darker green, where things could be better. The logos look fantastic,
and the clear plastic windows allow plenty of light to flow through. This isn't a vehicle with a lot of paint detail, but that's to be expected with an animated style.
Things are consistent in tone and finish though, a critical feature when large areas are the same color.
It's worth noting that the top of the base is a sticker, not paint. Mine looks terrific, with no bubbles or bumps.
Accessories - ***
I'm counting the base as an 'accessory', since it's not necessary and you can remove the ship in whole from it. The ship is held in place with a strong magnet,
and you can actually attach the ship to pretty much any hunk of metal you'd like.
Light Feature - ***1/2
You can insert three AAA batteries into the base (included), and flip a switch on the back to illuminate the ship. Obviously, this means the ship has to be attached to
the base for the lights to work, but that's a minor issue considering how good they look.
The light inside the ship shows through the front and side windows. There's also one that lights up the tail, all in bright blue. The lights are bright, and you can see them even in a well lit room.
Fun Factor - ***
This vehicle isn't what you'd call traditionally fun. It's not really a toy, and you can't pose it and re-pose it on your shelf. But the light up feature works great,
and if you're a huge fan of the show, just seeing it on the shelf will bring you a smile.
Value - **1/2
This isn't a cheap vehicle at $60. It's all plastic, but it does feature both the magnet attachment to the base and the terrific light up feature that's easy to
use. Sure, closer to $40 would have been great, but I'm not expecting it on the current market, especially with the likely low production run.
Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.
Overall - ***1/2
Futurama is a show that simply doesn't get enough love. While I will always love the Simpsons, Futurama was consistently superior from start to finish.
Sadly, we don't get a lot of collectibles these days, so pretty much anything produced is met with excitement by fans.
This Planet Express will look great on your shelf, and unlike far too many illuminating collectibles on the market these days, you will actually take advantage of the light feature.
Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ***
Accessories - ***
Light Feature - ***1/2
Fun Factor - ***
Value - **1/2
Overall - ***1/2
Where to Buy
Online options include these site sponsors:
- you can pre-order it directly from the Quantum Mechanix store for $60. It will go up on their site when it actually starts shipping to them from the factory.
- Entertainment Earth is at $60 too.
- or you can search
ebay
for a deal.
Related Links -
Other Futurama goodies include the figures from Toynami, like Wooden Bender and URL, wave 8 that included Mom and another Bender as well as completing the BAF of Roberto, the first half of Roberto, Hermes and Farnsworth, series 6 with Amy and Clobberella, series 5, series 4, as well as the Robot Santa and Santa Bender SDCC exclusive, and series 3 in a couple reviews, since I didn't get them all at the same time. Here you can
see Bender and the Robot Devil BAF, and here's Kif. I also covered the second series and first series as well.
For more Futurama stuff:
- Toynami got their feet wet with the Futurama I-men.
- there's the series 1 set from MAC, along with the Toyfare exclusive Leela. There was also some Christmas ornaments, a larger scale (8") Nibbler.
- Rocket USA did some cool die cast figures and the tin wind up Bender.
- there were also quite a few bendies, including Kif and Leela.
- and if you're looking for the unique, try the Horrible Gelatinus BloB, or the Brain Slug!
You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.
Discussion:
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This product was provided for the review by the manufacturer. Photos and text by Michael Crawford.
