Packaging - ***
Hasbro has improved upon the packaging since last year by using sturdier cardboard and using a standard box shape.  The box also benefits from the improved design and graphics.  Both the left and right side of the box features different stills from the film, which I applaud them for doing.  The back of the box offers some good detail of what's included as well as some information of the Gamorrean gear.  The bubble is nice and open, giving carded collectors a great view of the product.  As effective as the packaging is for containing the figure, it still leaves something to be desired visually.  But it is certainly better than where they were at a year ago. 

*My guard was shipped from the online site and it came in perfect condition.  I won't guarantee that everyone will be as fortunate, but I just had to share that I had no problems with KBtoys.com shipping methods.

Sculpting - ***1/2
Hasbro's been known to be much better at sculpting helmets and aliens than their human characters, and the Gamorrean Guard does not disappoint.  The figure actually has more sculpting work than most other 12" figures since it's completely new: the head, arms, body shape, and legs are all unique to this figure.  Where most 12" figures would have cloth apparel, some of the gear here is sculpted on making this more of a large counterpart to the 4" line.  All in all, the sculpt is terrific. 

Paint - *1/2
The paint application is damn near.... horrid to be completely honest.  Where the sculpting was top notch, the paint fell way down in priorities.  There are times when I wish I was a good painter so I could improve upon some figures or even repair damage that was done.  This, my toy collecting friends, is one of those times.  It isn't hard to see what is so wrong with the paint job.  Heck, they even provide two samples from the film of what it is SUPPOSED to look like.  This figure is SO close to being a 12" replica of everyone's favorite man-in-a-pig-costume but falls flat into the slop that it probably eats.  The colors on the face are so poorly applied (not to mention inaccurate), and we can't dismiss the solid plain dark area applied around the eyes... making it look more like a Gamorrean Bandito.  Even the mouth area is completely void of real detail.  It really does show in a figure of this size when something is done half-assed.  Shame on you Hasbro!  This was so close to being perfect, yet so far away.   

On the plus side, the shoulder armor and gauntlets are painted pretty decently and some wrinkles in the legs are done fairly well. 

Articulation - **
Let's pretend that the 12" figures are just action figures for giants.  They shouldn't contain any extra points of articulation from being bigger.  The people who buy these toys don't really care about posing the characters in cool positions with other figures.  All they want to do is have toys that stand there doing absolutely nothing. 

:::sigh:::  I know it sounds like I'm being extremely hard on this figure, but it really is disappointing when the 4" version of the figure can rotate at the waist when the 12" version cannot.  Heck, the 4" figure can even SIT DOWN!  For $30 + tax (and shipping), I expect to have not only a large figure for my collection but I also expect it to do a whole lot more (like juggle and ride the bike).

There are seven points of articulation total on old Gammy:  Neck, shoulders, wrists, and thighs.  The legs do not move too far forward so any thoughts of a Kung-Fu fighting guard is completely out of the question. 

Accessories - ***
Gamorrean Guard comes with two different axes.  One vibro axe even has some blood detail painted on... not expected from Hasbro, but it looks cool nonetheless.  Both axes are sculpted very nicely but do not fit in his hands incredibly well. 

There is one extra accessory, which is the outfit.  While the helmet, sandals, shoulder armor and gauntlets are all part of the sculpt, the main body suit is part cloth, part fur, part pseudo-leather.  The look of this body suit really is something done very nicely and the fur on the lower portion is awesome.  The belt is also seperate and holds together quite nicely.

Value - ***
This KB exclusive is retailed at $29.99, which is $10 more than the standard 12" figure.  The KB exclusive clones were priced at $24.99, so to pay $10 for this larger Gamorrean Guard isn't too unreasonable.

Overall - ***
As disappointed as I was with the Gamorrean Guard's paint and articulation, I can't dislike the figure, being the Gamorrean Guard fan that I am.  The scale of the figure is impressive when displayed with the rest, and the sculpt is superb - catching the guard's disgruntled lazy expression exactly.  If there was a 12" exclusive to sell well I hope this one is it.  It would be great to see Hasbro put out more 12" figures of this scale and hopefully they'll pay more attention to the paint next time.

Where to Buy - 
The Gamorrean Guard is a KB Toys exclusive and can be found both in the stores and online for $29.99.