Packaging - ****
I really can't find much to complain about with the current Sideshow
packaging. It looks terrific, it's sturdy, the number of twisties is
kept to a minimum (most of the time), and it's completely collector
friendly.
There's good news too - the
annoying twisty that had been wrapped around the chest and shoulders on
some of the recent figures has gone back to being just around the neck.
The text on the interior flap
is very informative as well. I'm impressed by the amount of research
Sideshow does. The only oddity here in the packaging is the twisty
tie around both the bayonet and the bayonet scabbard. I understand
trying to keep it looking good in the box, but that's a bit much.
Sculpting - ***1/2
Both head sculpts look good, generic and yet realistic. Even the
hair styles are done in a period appropriate manner.
When it comes to generic
sculpts, I prefer the work Sideshow is doing to Dragon and 21st Century,
both of which appear more zombie like to me.
Both these sculpts have
realistic facial expressions, serious but not silly. I'm always
reminded of the tin type photos of the period, and I suspect that the
sculptors have looked at quite a few to get a feel for the proper look.
The only thing that might
cause you a little trouble is the fact that the Wisconsin Infantryman
looks an awful lot like Andy Richter to me. Really. Take his
hat off, and look at him just right...
Paint - ***1/2
There's not a lot of complicated paint ops here outside of the face, but
that's done extremely well. The skin tone on the face is
particularly good, avoiding too much gloss or too much variation.
The eyes are well done on
both figures, and that's crucial for this type generic figure.
Articulation - ****
The standard for sixth scale articulation hasn't changed much in the last
year, and it probably won't for some time. We've got just about all
the points of articulation you could reasonably want, although some
companies produce a higher quality body than others.
Sideshow ranks up there with
Dragon and bbi with one of the best base male bodies available.
Uniform - ***1/2
Both uniforms show excellent quality and details. The stitching,
buttons, snaps and material are all top notch.
The Confederate soldier
uniform includes his heavy frock coat, trousers, belt, shoes and Texas
cap. It isn't mentioned on the box, but he also has a full shirt
under the coat, including snaps at the wrists, even though you never see
it under normal conditions.
The only negative here is the
re-use of the sky blue trousers. I can speak to the accuracy of both
figures wearing the same pants, but fortunately the U.S. soldier has a
pair of very nice leggings that make it a little less obvious.
The U.S. solder also has a
belt, frock coat, 'hardee' hat, and shirt underneath. All have the
same excellent quality as the Confederate soldier uniform.
Accessories - ***1/2
As usual, there's a ton of accessories. All are well sculpted,
and good quality.
The Confederate soldier
includes: Musket with moving hammer, knapsack (which can be opened if
you'd like), bayonet and scabbard, cap pouch, cup, cartridge bag with
strap, canteen, and haversack. The cup fits in the hook on the front
of the haversack.
The U.S. soldier includes:
knapsack with blanket roll (which can come apart, but might be tough
getting back together), bayonet and scabbard, musket, cartridge pouch with
strap, cap pouch, cup, and haversack.
There's quite a bit of re-use
between the accessories, although I'm sure that many of the same items
were used by both armies. The cap pouch, bayonet scabbard (but not
bayonet), cup, and haversack are identical. The canteens are the
same sculpt, but each have a different 'flocking' on the outside. The
muskets are not the same though, although at first glance you might think
they are. That kind of attention to detail helps make the other
identical accessories easier to take - that and the fact that the South
and North did use much of the same pieces of equipment.
Value - ****
The value ranking always depends on the price you pay of course. If
you end up paying around $30 including shipping for these, take of a half
star. But if you can pick them up for under $25, or $25 including
shipping, then these are a fantastic value.
Overall - ***1/2
The figures are extremely nice, and I'm very happy with the series.
Since most retailers are charging $30 or more, the overall score ends up
taking the half star hit. But at $25 or less, these figures are well worth
your time.
And if you know a Civil War
buff, I'd suggest considering picking one up for them as a present - who
knows, you might influence another convert!
Where to Buy -
I know of no bricks and mortar stores carrying the Brotherhood of Arms
line, but there's plenty of on-line choices.
- Sideshow
has them of course. They charge $80 a set. (MROTW
Affiliate)
- I picked up my set at TNC
Universe, where I found the best deal. They were shipped to me
for $50 - yes, that includes shipping!
- Aisle
Sniper has them for $25 each, plus shipping.
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