Review of Matt Groening Simpsons vinyl figure

Introduction

There have been an awful lot of Simpsons action figures over the years, although I have to say that Playmates World of Springfield were my all time favorite. In more recent years, Kid Robot has been producing some very cool small figures in their trademark designer style, not just for the Simpsons but for South Park, Futurama and Family Guy.

Personally, I think their style fits best with the South Park license, and worst with Family Guy. In the middle is their work on the Simpsons and Futurama.

I've pretty much avoided all the lines though, due in large part to the blind boxed nature. I don't mind getting extras if they're a buck or two, but ten bucks? I don't think so.

But when they announced they were producing a version of Matt Groening, creator of the Simpsons, in the larger size (6" instead of 3") I simply couldn't resist.

This guy is now shipping, and runs around $45, depending on the retailer.

Packaging - ***
The box doesn't have a window, and these aren't any sort of limited edition, so there's no numbering. But I do love the use of the many previous Kid Robot figures around the box, with Matt done in full color.

Inside is a double plastic tray, which holds the figure safe during transit and is completely collector friendly.

Sculpting - ***1/2
Matt Groening has a rather unique look, but I think they've done an excellent job translating that into this design and style.

The mouth is smiling, just as you'd expect, and they've gone the extra mile by including lens in the glasses. There's not a ton of detail work or texture, but that's part of this style.

He stands great on his own, and both hands can be used to hold the accessories.

As I mentioned earlier, this is not one of the standard smaller figures. He stands a full 6" tall from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head.

Paint - ***1/2
While most of the colors are fairly basic and straight forward, it's important to note that there's no real slop anywhere, and the cut lines are, for the most part, very clean between colors. The coverage is also quite consistent, with only a rub mark or two. My only complaint is around the mustache, where a bit of the brown rides up on the face.

On the front of his jacket it says 'Matt', and on the back is a tampo sticker of the Simpsons characters...done in the Kid Robot style. Cute!

Articulation - **
There's not a ton, but it's what you'd expect from Kid Robot. There's the cut neck, and cut shoulders. On these larger scale figures, it always seems a bit lacking even when you consider the design.

Accessories - ***
There are two accessories - a pad of paper with a Homer drawing on the top page, and a large pencil. While more accessories would always be better, these two are key considering the subject.

Fun Factor - **1/2
These aren't really toys - they're collectibles. While millions of kids have loved his creations, not many would recognize him.

Value - *1/2
At $45 - $50, there's no doubt these are too expensive. It's a vinyl figure, not much different from the Hasbro Star Wars vinyl figures we were able to get at Target for $10. The fact that they are imported takes the price up some, but not 5 times.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing!

Overall - ***
While I won't be running out to buy the other Kid Robot Simpsons figures, it is nice to have this version of their creator. I'd be much more inclined if they weren't blind boxed, but such is life. I can recommend this one, since there's no chance you won't get exactly what you expect.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ***1/2
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - **
Accessories - ***
Fun Factor - **1/2
Value - *1/2
Overall - ***

Where to Buy 
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- or you can search ebay for a deal.

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