Collectible Time #55: Atlantis/Revell Flash Gordon/Martian and Polar Lights Headless Horseman Reissue Kits

In 1965, to compete with Aurora's vast monster and superhero model-kit lines, Revell issued its own variations, one being Flash Gordon. Atlantis has now reissued the famous kit, culled from the original molds: a dream come true for those who either had the model in their youth or wished it had come their way. (I purchased my reissue last week at the always reliable Z&Z Hobbies.)

In a general way, the sculpt does capture Alex Raymond's spectacular spaceman (and I do sense a trace of Buster Crabbe and Steve Holland in the features, but maybe that's just because I want such to be there). Nonetheless, this 1/8 scale, styrene Flash could be any number of intergalactic adventurers, but what a cool, retro piece it is, all the same.

The kit also comes with a swell, little Martian (perhaps dropped from a scene in "Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars"--ha, ha), along with spiffy, reproduction box artwork. 

On the whole, this reissue does a fine job of capturing the essence of the carefree adventures of the past, and on this rough-and-tumble planet, we sure do need all the innocent thrills we can get. 

Though Atlantis caters to science-fiction themed products, I'd sure like to see the company reissue Revell's Phantom/Voodoo Witch Doctor kit next. For now, though, Flash and his Martian pal should more than satisfy all on their own. 

Also, for the sake of a reissue, I nailed the Polar Lights "Sleepy Hollow" Headless Horseman kit (again thanks to trusty Z&Z).

This 10.5" entry originally connected with the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp 1999 film adaption of Washington Irving's classic tale, but with Fox's "Sleepy Hollow" now so popular, it was only a matter of time before this one again made the rounds. 

The detail on this (slightly retooled) piece is sharp, dynamic and really stands as a genuine diorama, consisting of not only the Christopher Walken Horseman, but his mare and an atmospheric base (equipped with accessories). In many ways, it mirrors McFarlane's Horseman action-figure/movie diorama, which also surfaced upon the film's release.

The "Round 2" packaging is a fiery work of art, which holds its own with Aurora's finest examples. 

On the whole, the reissue is worth having even if one was fortunate enough to seize the original release.