Frank Miller's 300 figures by NECA

The great comic author Frank Miller finds the Spartans and their history fascinating. This is revealed in his adaptation of one of the greatest battles - the Battle of Thermopylae – into a terrific comic book. Critics deem it a fascinating read while it is not entirely historically accurate. It has been selected and produced into a movie (just like Frank Miller’s Sin City film adaptation) which has been released recently in the UK. We at QO, are looking forward to watching this movie in the very near future.

The first four figures have been released by NECA who have the rights to produce them based on the film. The figures released so far are King Leonidas, Queen Gorgo, Immortal and Ephialtes. We have these figures in stock – you should try and grab the collection while you can. NECA has been doing a great job so far producing these figures but they seem to be on the verge of breaking out of the pack becoming the industry leader this year. Some of their major licensing deals include Pirates of the Caribbean, Grindhouse, Harry Potter and 300.

Picture in your mind the figures made by NECA to date – Gorgo is the most beautiful female form NECA has ever made. The high cheekbones extenuate that perfect Mediterranean face, a regal expression with perfectly sculptured hair flowing over the back and shoulders. The body sculpt consisting of long white robes fold and layer well, is very impressive. It is sculptured in a manner that brings out the true beauty of the character.

Leonidas is sculptured based on a warrior pose where the figure stands on the ball of its right foot making it awkward to stand without its base. The body of the figure is well proportioned and looks very realistic with the King’s muscled body. Both heads, helmeted and the one without the helmet, blends in well with the rest of the body further proving NECA’s impressive production of the figure series. The robe appears very realistic with its cloth like textured surface. The figure is sculptured with the hands designed to hold accessories but care must be exercised when handling, as the hands are hard moulded plastic.

It is important that the paintwork on the figures be consistent in almost every level. The Gorgo figure has well balanced paintwork – the folds in the robes are well painted as well as the body with a perfect skin tone. The curvaceous body of the figure has been painted well bringing out the true beauty of the female form. King Leonidas’s figure seems to have a minor inconsistency in the skin tone on his chest and the head without the helmet appears shiny. Apart from this the figure is painted well with the robes painted to depict a dirty worn out look with the right blend of red shades on the robe.

The figures are not super articulated although there are some joints allowing a degree of articulation. The heads can be tilted to a certain extent because of the ball joints at the neck but care must be taken in fixing accessories in to King Leo’s hands due to the hard mould. King Leo has ball-jointed shoulders so the arms can be stretched away from the body and over the head. However the Gorgo figure does not have any ball joints in her shoulders. Leonidas has a waist joint while Gorgo does not although it appears she does. Both figures have cut joints on the legs and ankles although Leonidas cannot stand upright without the stand. The Gorgo figure does not have any accessories while the Leonidas figure comes with the extra head without the helmet, the sword, battle-damaged shield and a spear. One has to be careful with Gorgo’s earrings, as they seem to come off easily.

All four figures come in NECA’s standard clamshell packaging with single sheet inserts. The front graphics on the insert show unlucky Persians toppling off the cliff. On the back there is more character personalization. We think NECA has produced their best line of figures so far and some of the figures may even be chosen as the best in 2007.

The Latest MARVEL LEGENDS Face-Off Set - HULK VS LEADER Figures

NEVER HAS GAMMA RADIATION CHANGED TWO PEOPLE SO DRASTICALLY...OR SO DIFFERENTLY! CAUGHT IN ITS BLAST, ONE MAN WAS IMBUED WITH BRAWN WHILE ANOTHER WAS GIVEN INCREASED BRAIN CAPACITY. BUT IT IS THE MISUNDERSTOOD HERO - THE MONSTROUS HULK - WHO MUST WATCH HIS STRENGTH AGAINST THE SUPER-INTELLIGENCE OF THE VILLAINOUS LEADER AND HIS INTRICATE PLOTS. NEVER BEFORE HAS SUCH A GREEN-SKINNED GRUDGE GROWN TO SUCH GIGANTIC PROPORTIONS, AND AS EACH OF THE LEADER'S PLANS ARE FOILED, THE WORLD WILL NEVER KNOW THE DEBT THEY OWE TO THE JADE GIANT KNOWN AS THE HULK!

Over the years, Toy Biz has churned out many different Hulk Figures, yet has not been exceptional in appearance…until this latest version – this time, they’ve finally got it right! A great looking rampaging Green Hulk.

This figure is quite large – the largest Legend needing no additional assembly. When standing upright he measures approximately 8 ¼” in height. This means when compared to figures such as Sasquatch, Juggernaut, Rhino or Sabertooth, this new rampaging Green Hulk is enormous. The figure has been designed well – it doesn’t seem that Hulk’s too thin or too large – just right – very proportionate. He’s got big feet though, which also provides for a good base. The texture of his skin is varied and the purple pants seem to strain due to his size.

There are several points of articulation on the hulk figure – he’s articulated at the neck, shoulders, waist, hips, biceps, elbows, writs, fingers, knees, ankles and the toes. His facial features are painted well – overall a decent paint job on the figure – nice shade of green and purple. However, there is a washed off look too but that blends well giving the figure the desired look.

When compared to the Hulk Figure, Leader is quite small. He stands upright at approximately 6 ¾” in height. Like the hulk figure, sports a decent paint job with a good choice of colours. Comprises of points of articulation at the neck, shoulder, waist, hips, elbows, forearms, wrists, fingers, knees, shin and the ankles.

This Hulk vs. Leader Face-Off pack also comes with a reprint 32 page comic book as well as a Marvel vs. System Trading Card for added value. This set includes a Diorama backdrop that slots on to a base that has a few impressive blast holes. The backdrop is of an advanced military base while a Hellicarrier is launching a jet in the sky above. Advancing towards you are a few droids with their weapons firing out blasts.

Variant Figures - The difference between the “standard” Hulk and the “variant” Hulk is all in the face of the figure. The “standard” hulk appears relatively calmer showing a gritting teeth action while the “variant” appears much more aggressive with the mouth open as if to shout out something angrily.

In the Leader figure, the difference, once again is in the head region. The “standard” figure sports a huge forehead and the head is shaped like a mushroom. The “variant” Leader is like when he first appeared on the scene, with a tall head with hair, different chin and mustache. Complete structural change of the face.

All in all, ToyBiz have offered the fans two brand new figures packed along with a few extras. The figures are excellent and great value for money… an excellent collector’s item. A must have even for the modern collector.