Ame-Comi - Series 2: Wonder Woman

Okay, I've been busy.  I guess we all have been a tad bit busy.  School starting and all.  I will try to make some of it up, but you know how it goes.  

Distributor DC Direct
Sculptor Sam Greenwell
Size 5"h
Type PVC Mini Figure
Release April 2011
Price $49.99
Sale $39.99 

Zimm's Two Cents
I bought my sister-in-law the Wonder Woman from the first series, and the piece was AWESOME..  (You have to say 'awesome' in an awesome way.)  Only hard part was trying to figure out how to put the sword on.

Points in Favor

• Great addition to the series
• Always great colors with Ame-Comi.  (Ame-Comi don't make me eat my words.)
• Still has the great swordMini-Figures = Smaller but Affordable.
• I think Sam Greenwell has done some great pieces.  I think there is some research required.

Points Against

• In relation to other Ame-Comi pieces, this one doesn't have much wrong with it.

Recommendation:  Buy it - and put it next to your other Wonder Woman.

Bishoujo Emma Frost

I was looking for something different - other then a statue, and I kept coming back to this one.

Distributor Kotobukiya
Artist ???
Type Bishoujo Statue
Size 8" Tall
Release December 2010
Regular $59.99
Sale $49.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I think the Batgirl was the first Bishoujo that I really liked, but I'm getting a kick out of this one. Also, she is not as 'trampy' as some of the other Emma Frost's statues out there.

Points In Favor

• Price. With the economy the way it is, people may be able to handle the $50 a little easier; thus, it makes this one a good gift.
• Good colors - especially with the shades of blue and gray to contrast the white.
• Don't mind the face or hair.
• It's a good pose. I'm tired of all the same poses and facial expressions.

Points Against

• That's a base?
• Not really a statue for the younger X-Men fans.

Recommendation: For the price point, it's a buy. If you do buy it for the younger fan, just wait a while to give it to them.

Robert's Two Cents
At first my hangup was the "floozy factor", but actually after reflecting a bit, it's not that bad and there pieces where Emma Frost looks more like a hooker than she does here.

I think I actually like this one. They've done a good job integrating her two classic looks. There's the Hellfire Club Emma frost wearing a bustier, panties, boots, and a cape. And there's the X-Men Emma Frost where she basically almost looks like a street walker with the white too low cut pants and corresponding top with white lip stick.

Points In Favor

• The lip stick color. I hate the white lip stick that Emma Frost wears these days. Nothing says hooker like white lip stick.
• Her face. They made her look appropriately japanimation enough, but with her curled brow they kept her dark side. There is just enough balance of detail and cartoony to make the face work.
  
• While lacking the finer detail of a Bowen statue, the hair is nicely posed and conveys the movement this piece calls for.
  
• The pose is a classic Emma Frost pose without being an over used tired pose. I'm not sure what she's doing with her left hand, but then she does the same thing in the comics.
• The clothes, while trampy, are a good blend of her two looks. The boots and the bustier are definite throwbacks to what she wore when as the White Queen of the Hellfire Club and the pants and jacket are from her current look. The gloves, jacket/cape, and boots help make the transition between the two eras of her career.
  

Points Against

• I don't think I could carry it to the office, nor should it be in a room where my kids will be. But that's Emma Frost for you.
  

Recommendation: It's a Buy. I like it. I

Apocalypse Supergirl Maquette

Based upon the Superman / Batman: Apocalypse DVD, this looks to be another great piece from DC Direct.

Distributor DC Direct
Sculptor Phil Ramirez
Type Statue
Size 11.25"
Release September 2010
Price $99.99

Zimm's Two Cents
Surprisingly, DC Direct has done several really good Supergirl statues, and this looks to be another one. However, this is the second strong statue from DC Direct.

Points in Favor.

• Like the colors - but they didn't do anything beyond the DVD.
• Unique pose. Its always nice to see something different.
• Based on the DVD, I like the face and hair of this character.
• Really clean sculpt.

Points Against

• Bland Base

Recommendation: Buy. I like this take of Supergirl, and I hope that they do a few more from this DVD. Or have they done some and I have missed them.

Hmmmm - time for some research.

Robert's Two Cents
Really sharp. It's clearly from the Superman/Batman: Apocalypse which is an adaptation of the comic, Superman/Batman: Supergirl with art by Michael Turner.

Points in Favor.

• It's simple...in a good way. Not over done. Very nice.
  
• Great pose. It's a tribute to the cover of her first appearance Action Comics #252
  

Points Against

• I don't have anything. The base is plain, but that's intentional. All of the maquettes based on the DC DVDs has the same plain base.
  

Recommendation: HOT BUY! This is probably the best Supergirl in years. I have the Kotobukiya Supergirl with the same costume and the difference is that one is a bit on the sleazy side, but this one is more tasteful. It was a great redesign when Michael Turner did it and I think it works even better here.

Bowen Designs: Tigra

Distributor Bowen Designs
Sculptor Mike Cusanelli
Size 13"H
Type Statue
Release November 2010
Price $175

Zimm's Two Cents

I thought the fur kept her warm. Okay, never mind.

This is a pretty piece.

Points in Favor.

• Incredible colors and paint job.
• Little pieces of detail that stand out. (e.g. claws, belt, pendant.)
• For a museum based statue, the base is nice.
• Long Hair on statues tends to be a difficult thing, but this one doesn't look that bad.

Points Against

• Could she really go into battle with a wedgie?

Recommendation: Buy. This one would stand out. Colors, pose, and something different.

Robert's Two Cents

Sorry, I'm late to the game on this one. I was a huge West Coast Avengers fan back in the day. Tigra was one of my favorite characters. Then again I even liked Wonder Man back then. There's no accounting for taste.

Points in Favor.

• Awesome paint job.
  
• The stripes, color and paint are fantabulous.
  
• It looks like Greer. I'm amazed at how good the face and hair turned out.
  
• Her feet. They even have her walk perfected. She was prone to walk on the balls of her feet. It was a cat thing.
  

Points Against

• I don't really have anything. It's a great piece.
  

Recommendation: I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I'm giving it a HOT BUY! It's simple and yet the details are great. I'm a fan of the character. Tigra may be tied with the first Black Widow statue for best female sculpt from Bowen Designs.

Sideshow Collectibles: Morgul Lord

I promised you more TLOTR, so here is another one. Well, I promised, and Bayard liked this one. At least, he said that he did.

This one has been out for a bit, but it is still worthy of a review.


Distributed By Sideshow Collectibles
Artists
Kevin Ellis
Martin Canale and The Gore Group
Joe Allard
Heath Hammond
Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Type Premium Format Figure
Size 29"H x 14"W x 17"L
Release 4th Quarter 2010
Price $289.99

Zimm's Two Cents

What is a "Premium Format Figure?" For almost $290, I think they should call it a statue. Definitely, a statue.

Points in Favor

• Black cloak is actually material. Looks GOOD.
• Paint job is incredible. Check out the dirty boots.
• Again with detail. Take a close look at everything from the gauntlets, to the sword, and mace.

Points Against

• Who is "Morgul Lord"? And what did he have to do with the endless walking of the trees? Seriously, those trees walked way to much.

Recommendation: For those TLOTR fans, this is a nice piece. Buy.

Bayard's Thoughts
All of the pieces in this series are evocative. They capture the world of the novels, as well as the character. I like the pose on this one; he is a predator, watching potential prey. If I could juggle the books to slip the $300 past the wife, he would be perched on the shelf, waiting for an opportunity or a Hobbit. BUY.

Robert's Two Cents

I agree that at that price point, it should definitely be a statue. Then again have you seen some of the Tonner Dolls?

Points in Favor

• I agree with Zimm about the attention to little details. This is a well made piece.
  
• He's very evil looking if a toy can be evil looking.
• It's a great companion piece to the previously mentioned Gandalf.
  

Points Against

• I know it's sacrilege, but I'm not a big LOTR fan. I love the Hobbit, but the sequel(s) never really did much for me. As a matter of fact I gave away two sets of the books before I could finish reading them. Plus where's Beorn?
  

Recommendation: I'm going to rate this purely for myself: Neutral. It's gorgeous, but it doesn't appeal to me.

Bayard's Response to Robert's Sacrilege
I agree--to an extent. I did enjoy LOTR (both the movies and novels). But it did not move me like The Hobbit.

I have a host of Tolkein's other works squirrled away around the house, waiting in the que to be read. None, though including LOTR, capture the gentle beauty and power of The Hobbit. If I could explain the difference, the reason The Hobbit lives and LOTR entertains, I would be a novelist.

(And just for the record--my attempts to get jiggy with the family funds have failed.)

Sideshow Collectibles: Tooned Up Spike

Or 'Ultimate' Spike.

But of course - it's part of Buffy. We have to talk about it.

Distributor Sideshow Collectibles
Manufactured By Electric Tiki
Size 10" H
Type Polystone Statue
Release 4th Quarter 2010
Price $129.99

Zimm's Two Cents
And here I thought that they were only doing a few in this series.

Points in Favor

• It's part of a complete series.
• Boots. Very cool boots. Wonder what the niece thinks of these. If she doesn't like them, then I can't show her my boots.
• Smooth design.
  
• Great colors. Black and red. LOL
  

Points Against

• While the face fits the character, I like the friendlier Sideshow Exclusive Edition.

Recommendation: Buy. This entire series is worth collecting. Or am I giving it a 'buy' because it's Buffy. Probably.

Robert's Two Cents
Spike who? Buffy? He looks kinda like the guy who played Brainiac on Smallville or one of Captain Jack's former flames on Torchwood.

Points in Favor

• Seriously though, it looks cool. I would consider it myself even though I was never a fan of Buffy.
  
• This one looks more like the actual actor than any of the others even if it is a tooned up version.
  
• The boots and the jacket are very cool. They take me back to the 90s when all of the cool characters had a trench coat and lots of buckles.
  

Points Against

• I am not a Buffy fan. I just never got into it. I did buy the trades of the 8th series from Dark Horse, but I'm a huge Georges Jeanty fan.
  

Recommendation: Neutral. I like it but it's not my thing.

Ame-Comi: Jessi Quick as the Flash

Yet another one!

Distributor DC Direct
Sculptor Jack Matthews ... again
Size 9"H
Type PVC Statue
Release February 2011
Price $70.00

Zimm's Two Cents
I do enjoy this series. Ame-Comi does a good job on reinterpreting the characters.

Points in Favor

• Great Colors - but that tends to be standard with Ame
• I think my Niece would give up points for the boots, so I will for her.
• The hair - lightening bolts.
• I like the overall costume design.

Points Against

• Is that a natural poise?

Recommendation: Buy - definitely, a good buy. Especially if you collect the series.

As a side note: John Matthews is doing a good great in this series.

Robert's Two Cents
I love this series, but I don't like this one.

Points in Favor

• The shoes. They are great and perfect for SheFlash...I mean Jesse Quick.
  

Points Against

• The face is off. Almost plastic looking. No pun intended.
  
• Weird pose.
• I don't like the costume. It's a basic Flash rip off, which Jesse Quick is not.
• The costume is also generic off the shelf spandex, which Jesse Quick is not.
  

Recommendation: Pass - Just not feelin' it.

As a side note: John Matthews is doing a good great in this series.

Bowen Designs: Sabertooth

Produced By Bowen Designs

Sculpted By Mark Newman
Type State
Size 12" H
Release Date September 2010
Price $245.00

Zimm's Two Cents
In a previous article, I sung my praises for Mark Newman's work, and while I am not 100% certain about this piece, Mark still did an incredible job.

Points in Favor

• It's a Bowen piece by Mark Newman, so you are going to like it.
• Incredible base. Did you see the skulls.
• Face has a good expression, but I'm not that certain though.

Points Against

• Lots of splotchy painting - as Robert would say.
• Not quite certain about the face.

Recommendation: Buy. Not that I am 100% certain about this piece, but as I have enjoyed all of my Mark Newman pieces that I have purchased, I am quite certain that you will enjoy this one.

Robert's Two Cents
It's a great statue. I'm not sure what I'd pair it with though and it looks like it should obviously be paired. I'm pretty sure I don't need another Wolverine anything in my life these days.

Points in Favor

• It's a very nice piece.
  
• The base is phenomenal. Although, I would think the skulls would be fresher since it's Sabretooth.
  
• This one is going to shock Zimm, but I love the paint. This is one of those times where the "splotchy" or textured paint effect works. I've always pictured this version of Sabretooth's costume to have a furry effect, almost velour-like. But that's just me.
• This costume of Sabretooth's is one of my favorites in X-Mendom. Yes, I did just make up a word.
• It's a great non museum piece. There haven't been enough of those in recent years.
  

Points Against

• It looks like part of a set or series. I'm not sure I'm ready to plunge into another series right now.
  
• I like the face, but it feels over done. It's almost a caricature of Sabretooth.
• I don't think I want to buy another Wolverine to go with it.
  

Recommendation: Neutral. I'm not ready to buy into another set right now. It's not one that I have to have.

Bowen Designs: Kitty Pride

Produced By Bowen Designs

Sculpted By Roberto Von Behr
Type Statue
Size 14" H
Release Date September 2010
Price $175.00

Zimm's Two Cents
I've been waiting for this piece. I saw it as a sneak peak at Statue Marvels. Very exciting piece.

Points in Favor

• Great paint on this one. No smudging.
• Includes Lockheed!
• I like the phasing through the base.

Points Against

• I don't like the way that they painted her hair.
• Not an overall exciting base - but an integral part of the statue.

Recommendation: Buy. I want to see the alternative version, but if you like this one, then you should grab it.

Robert's Two Cents
I want one. Well, I think I'll actually like the variant one better, but still.

Points in Favor

• I love Lockheed and they did a great job with Lockheed.
  
• Great pose and using the base as part of the design showing her powers was a terrific idea.
  

Points Against

• As Zimm said, the base is bland. But it coordinates with the X-Men Beast statue.
• Shouldn't this one really be called Sprite?
• On Zimm's comment about the hair, he's right, I don't think I like it either. The paint job is great, but the way the hair is coming out of the back of her mask is weird. Unfortunately that's the way her hair worked when she wore that costume. That's the beauty of some of the later costumes she wore; the masks didn't cover her hair.
  

Recommendation: Buy. I think I'm probably going to like the variant better, but this one rocks.

Blackest Night Bust: Green Lantern Hal Jordan

Sitting on a plane with a 2 hour and 55 minute delay is a wonderful way to end 3 weeks of chaos, exhaustion, and

So, I apologize. I apologize for the delay. I apologize for the lack of communicating. I apologize for not taking better care of myself.

But did you see this!!!!!! My opinion on this series may be biased, as I truly enjoyed this series, yet I never liked Green Lantern before this. I guess that should speak volumes.

Distributor DC Direct

Artist Ivan Reis
Sculptor Jean St. Jean
Type Porcelain Bust
Size 6.25"H
Release January 2011
Price $70.00

Zimm's Two Cents
I've been waiting for a Green Lantern statue / bust, and whether you realize it or not, I have given some of the previous statues the benefit of doubt - as I really, really want a Green Lantern statue and/or bust. With that said, this may be the one. I could really get into collecting the entire line of busts from this series.....except maybe Rage.

And Love.............not sure about avarice. Hmmmmmm. Guess I will take them as they come.

Points in Favor

• Incredible colors.
• The little pieces of detail. The different lantern symbols, the creases on his costume.
• It's Hal Jordan. (Yes, I know. I am not a lantern-junkie, but I do love the classics.....or at least this classic. Not the Flash classic. Sorry about the sidebar there.)
• His lantern symbol is 3-D.
• There are going to be 12 busts released throughout 2011. What a collection! What a way to release them. Bowen take notes!

Points Against

• DC is still having some trouble with the paint around the hair and face.

Recommendation: Buy...BUY! BUY!!!!! Not necessarily certain if this is a Hot Buy, but if you are listening Tommy, this is a BUY!

Note: Tommy is my dealer. You can find him at Best Comics.

Note to Robert and Baynard: I'm stuck on a plane and did this to pass time. Ignore all typos and any issues that you might have with my grammar.

Deformed Iron Man

Distributor Marvel
Artist Oliver Coustan
Sculptor Peter Mook
Type Statue
Size 8"
Date August 2010
Price $150.00
As Low as $118.99

Zimm's Two Cents
Drool! I love this piece.

Points in Favor

• Internal lights in hands, chest and vizor!
• Great colors!
• Love the lines - or the detail in the armor.

Points Against

• Guess you have to enjoy the 'deformed' style.

Recommendation I'm biased. I like it. If I could, I would say, "Hot Buy." But to be honest, it should only get a 'buy.' It is a 'movie based' statue, so it might not hold up as a collectible.

I'm going to order it though. I need an Iron Man statue. Does this count?

YES!!!!!! Droool. Internal lights!

Robert's Two Cents
Wow! Where did you find that?

Points in Favor

• It's a cool cartoony proportioned version of Iron Man that is completely detailed.
  
• The detail of the armor and the internal lights.
  

Points Against

• Not much. Maybe I'd like it to be a bit bigger than 8".
• Not really a point against, but I'm surprised they've gone with the triangular repulsor in his chest for the second movie.
  

Recommendation I'll give it a HOT BUY not for collectibility, but just because it's cool. It is a bit pricy for the size, but so is everything these days.

'The Duel of Light and Fire' - Gandalf vs. Balrog

Manufactured by: Sideshow Collectibles
Artists:
* Adrian Taboada
* Pablo Sapia
* Martin Orona
* Pablo Viggiano
* Tom Gilliland
* Anthony Mestas
* Darth Rimmer
* The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Type: Polystone Statue
Size: 18"H x 14"W x 12"L
Price: $299.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I realize that I forgot a major point within the Trilogy. There were lots of trees. For some reason, Tolkein really likes the trees. The trees were so important that he allowed them to move from one plot point to another. He moved them from the (ever so exciting) forest to a (small, but supposedly important) battle. I didn't need any trees in the battle. I was already enjoying all of the death and mayhem.

Points in Favor

• Great detail. I especially enjoy the wings.
• Good colors. Balrog's mouth to Gandalf's robes.
• Right size. If your going to do a diorama, then it needs to be sized appropriately to capture all of the details.

Points Against

• Reviews point to the attachment point for Gandalf to the Balrog not being seamless.
• Something isn't right about the translucent flames. They throw me off a bit.

Recommendation: Buy, or consider the faux-bronze piece. It has to be a decent piece, if they made a faux-bronze version of it.

Bayard's 25 cents
This is a great scene for a statue. It marks one of the deaths that Zimm mentions; Gandalf the Grey dies. And I think that is key to success of any portrayal of the battle. Gandalf teaches the fellowship how to die.

Points in Favor

• The wings are wonderful. They are full of movement--past, present, and future.
• The red of the mouth highlights.
• The figures are intertwined; you have to find Gandalf. Perfect.
• The statue is perched on the base; it looks as if it is unstable, falling.

Points Against

• Something about Gandalf is not quite right. I would like a closer look. He almost looks wooden ( a problem in this series).
• The Balrog's flaming whip seems cheap.

Recommendation
I am not sure, but it might have been more telling if Gandalf had looked to be getting the worse of the fight. Follow the advice of a collector (Zimm). Buy.

Bowen Designs: Black Widow

With the upcoming release of Iron Man 2, what did you expect? Bowen had to have some related pieces.

Distributed by Bowen Designs

Sculpted by Tim Miller
Size 12"H
Release July 2010
Price $175.00

Zimm's Two Cents
Okay, I have to put aside the fact that she is appearing in Iron Man 2, and I have to put aside the fact that she has never been a character of interest.

Points in Favor

• Great face, and the faces are one of the pieces that usually turn me off. Even the hair looks pretty good.
• Detail. The gun. The zipper line.
• Museum piece fits the Black Widow. My view of her is that she is too classy for anything flashy.

Points Against

• The base is bland for a Bowen. . Seriously, Tim, a little more on your next one.
  

Recommendation: Buy. It's a good piece, but be certain to look for her in Iron Man 2

Ame-Comi: Catwoman (v.1) Purple Suit

Same piece, purple costume.

Distributed by DC Direct
Sculpted by Jack Mathews
Size 9.5"h
Type PVC Figurine
Release Nov. 2010
Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cents
Not going to give this one much of a review, as it is basically a 're-release.'

Recommendation: If you didn't get the first one, you might as well grab this one. Buy.

Sideshow Collectibles: Ms. Marvel Statue

Where did this one come from? Just goes to show what you miss when you aren't paying attention.

Manufacturer Sideshow Collectibles
Artists
* Tim Hanson
* Tim Miller
* Jared Chapman
* Seth Rinaldi
* Joe Allard
* Pascual Wawoe
* Mike Najera
* Anthony Mestas
* Bernardo Esquivel
* The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Type Statue
Size 21" Tall
Release December 2010
Price $259.00 -- Order Here.

Zimm's Two Cents
WOW!

Points In Favor

• Belt is wired so that you can customize it.
• Hair looks good.
• Did they actually put reflections in the boots?! cool.
• Different pose from the standard frontal positions. She looks like she is about to be hit by something.....but isn't one of the reflections cap?
• Colors - Clean nice paint job.

Points Against

• Face. I want more of a "Just Try It" type of look. Or, a "I am definitely going to kick your ass."

Recommendation: Buy. Sideshow did a good job on this one. Only the price gives me real pause on this one. Sideshow needs to put out some affordable marvel mini-busts.

Sideshow: Silver Surfer

Distributor Sideshow Collectibles
Artists
* Michael Allen
* Tony Cipriano
* Seth Rinaldi
* Tom Gilliland
* The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Type Polystone Statue
Size 24"H x 11"W x 22"D
Price $324.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I'm split on this piece. Part of me likes it and then part of me doesn't. I actually like the hands with the trailing power cosmic, but if you don't, they have alternative arms without power cosmic.

Points in Favor

• 3 Heads and 2 Set of Arms means you can really make this your own piece.
• Nice little features. The angle of the board. The form of his body.
• He's mostly silver. I know that sounds weird, but sometimes people try to add in more then they should.

Points Against

• I don't like 2 of the 3 Heads.

Recommendation: I am still split, but it looks to be a good BUY. If I hadn't seen the other two heads, there probably would have been no doubt in my mind.

Robert's Two Cents
Just a quick comment. It's a decent statue. The multiple heads & arms seem to make this one a good idea. However, There have been at least three other Silver Surfer statues in recent years, including at least one that basically did this same pose and did it much better and was about half the price.

I'd definitely rather have the recent Bowen Silver Surfer. Plus they offered a smaller scale one to go with the Galactus statue if you had bought it.

If you haven't picked one of the other Silver Surfer pieces up and you like this one definitely pick it up. It's a good piece. I'd probably be all over it if I hadn't seen the other pieces that have been made available in recent years. Neutral.

Additional note: You can still find the Bowen one on eBay for a little more than half the price of this one. The base isn't as nice, but the statue is its equal. Or you can get the Galactus scale one for less than $100.

Bowen Designs: White Queen

Over the holidays, Bowen release a series of statues from Ultimate Captain America, Modern Black Panther, and two versions of the White Queen. Two White Queens!

Distributed By Bowen Designs
Sculpted By Mark Newman
Release
-- Modern April 2010
-- Retro May 2010
Size 12" H
Price
-- Modern $180
-- Retro $170

Zimm's Two Cents
Sometimes you can have to many Queens in one place, but I don't think that this is one of the times.

Points in Favor

• You get to pick the one that you like more. I like the Modern version.
• Mark Newman is the sculptor. If you've been reading some of my posts, I tend to like his work.
• Slightly different poses for the same character. Instead of the same pose with costume change.
• Little touches of detail. The lipstick change, the belt, the boots.
  

Points Against

• Base is bland for a Bowen - bet it heads to the Bronzer.
• Not sure I like the lipstick colors - even though they are accurate.

Recommendation: Buy. These look to be some nice pieces, but HEY, I warned you. I tend to enjoy Mark Newman's stuff.

Also, some guy's might enjoy having a scantly clad White Queen hovering around their office, so it is probably more of a buy for you.

Robert's Two Cents
Zimm, this is a side of you I didn't know existed.

These are both very nice. I do prefer the Diamond Select White Queen statue from a few (several now) years ago (Google it).

Points in Favor

• I like the modern one too. The exception is I prefer the hair, face, and red lipstick on the retro one better.
  
• This is going to sound like I'm singing along with the choir with Zimm this time around.
  
• I like the multiple poses. The poses actually fit the eras from which Emma Frost wore these two costumes.
  
• A side note based on the previous bullet point: the retro White Queen looks older than the modern White Queen. The same thing is true in the comics. The classic White Queen (think John Byrne era) looks older than the modern one (John Cassaday).
• Base? There's a base? Didn't notice.
  

Points Against

• This isn't really a point against the statue, but the character design itself. I don't like the white lipstick on the modern one.
  
• The pose of the retro one is a bit too tame. She was fierce even then.
  

Recommendation: Buy. I'm really surprised Zimm and I agree on this one based on the subject.

Very nice. Buy whichever one you prefer. Me, I choose the modern one.

Sideshow Toy: Scrooge McDuck Bust

Licensed By Disney
Manufactured by Enesco, LLC
Type Polystone Bust
Size 8"H
Ship Date 1st Quarter 2010
Retail Cost $64.99
Find it Here Sideshow Toy

Zimm's Two Cents
What a BEAUTIFUL piece. I'm not a Disney collector, but some of the pieces that they are coming out with are just too fricken sweet.

Points In Favor

• The Colors - Bright, sharp and clean.
• The amount of detail in this piece are not usually seen in busts in this price range. The glasses, the coins, the facial expression.
• It's Scrooge - my favorite Christmas character. Don't ask.
• Awesome Base. I wouldn't expect this much of a base on a bust.

Points Against

• Not quite certain about the texture of the jacket or the safe.

Recommendation: Buy. This would be a nice holiday piece to pull out every Christmas. Take a look at the other pics at Sideshow Collectibles.

Robert's Two Cents
Wow! I haven't seen this one before. They nailed Scrooge. Disney does great stuff with great licensees (licensors?).

Points In Favor

• The details.
  
• I love the safe base. And all of those coins dumping out.
  
• That facial expression is all Scrooge. You couldn't ask for a better Scrooge face.
  

Points Against

• Too bad it's not a statue.
• I gotta figure out where to put it.
  

Recommendation: Buy. I love it. Of course Scrooge McDuck is my favorite Disney character. I loved Duck Tales back in the day. I'm not much of a Disney collector either. I have a few pieces. This would be a super piece to own.

Uni-Formz: Green Lantern - Blue Lantern

I'm actually enjoying this series; however, I don't remember them promoting a Blue Lantern? In fact, when I went back to look at Robert's post earlier this year, it was "Power Glow" figure.

Manufacturer DC Direct
Designed & Sculpted by Monster 5
Dimensions Over 8" tall
Articulation 12 Points
Type Vinyl Figure
Edition Size Limited Unknown
Release Date December 16, 2009
Retail Price $99.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I actually prefer the Blue Lantern over the Power Glow version. It fits with the recent 'Blackest Night' storyline; however, I would almost ask that they start putting out other ringed characters as well, which would take away from the 3-set pieces that they have been creating.

Recommendation: Great Buy.

Robert's Two Cents
I like it, but it's $100. There's lots better I can do with $100. Plus, is Hal a Blue Lantern now?

Recommendation: Neutral.

Bowen Designs: Ant-Man statue

Produced By Bowen Designs
Sculpted By Jason Smith
Size 12"H
Type Statue
Release March 2010
Retail Price $160

Zimm's Two Cents
This is another good piece by Jason, and I am enjoying the sneak peaks into the alternate version.

Points in Favor

• Realistic in the sculpting piece - he doesn't have an 8 or 10 pack stomach.
• Nice detail. The eyes are visible inside the helmet. The seams in the boots.
• I like the colors; however, you have to be okay with the 'shadow' effect that he puts in the colors.

Points Again

• Not an elaborate base. I realize that this is more of a museum pose piece, but I still like more in the base.

Recommendation: It is a good Buy; however, the real Buy is going to be the alternative piece coming out in a few weeks.

Robert's Two Cents
I like it. I think I would like the alternate version better. Zimm, I think the shadow effects that Bowen's artists put in most of the time are one of the biggest dislikes I have of Bowen's pieces. I've really liked that they've been doing less of that.

Points in Favor

• I love the helmet.
  
• The quarter makes the perfect base for Ant-Man
  
• Good pose.
  

Points Again

• Not a point against per se, but I'd almost like it to be smaller. It just doesn't seem to make sense to have an Ant-Man at this scale.

Recommendation: Buy; but I agree with Zimm the alternate is the one to get.

Is it Scott Lang or Henry Pym?