Thanks to my parents' Christmas generosity, I've gained two more "Star Wars" 31" JAKKS' Big Figs: nifty follow-ups to my recent Death Trooper procurement (see "Collectible Time #75", Dec '16).
This representation of Anthony Daniel's iconic C3PO is a real attention grabber and an ideal companion piece to JAKKS 20" R2D2 (see "Collectible Time #47", Dec '15).
I must confess, for sentimental reasons, I prefer C3PO in his middle-trilogy look. In the latter mode, he stands more as a male counterpart to Fritz Lang's Maria Robotrix, even with the black/wired midsection. Nevertheless, the crimson-arm "Force Awakens" distinction does add a swell splash of color to the design, so why complain?
Next up (and straight outta this season's smash hit, "Rogue One")...K-2SO!!! With his imposing, lanky limbs, Alan Tudyk's great, gray droid comes to imposing life, at least, that is, for display purposes.
To me, K-2SO's look is a throwback to those automatons that adorned so many old, pulp covers. In this regard (to those not in the "Rogue One" loop), K-2SO could be perceived as either friend or foe, depending on one's imaginative disposition.
I fancy all JAKKS figures, but among the "Star Wars" additions, the 31" examples might be the most satisfying (well, at least next to the 48" ones). Also, for a measly $30 - $40, the Big Figs are the most cost-efficient way to bring high-quality, "Star Wars" collectibles into one's home. Do yourself a favor and invest in one or two today!!!
JAKKS marches on with another timely "Star Wars" 31" Big Figs salute...the stunning "Rogue One'" Death Trooper.
In gleaming black, this menacing soldier is a showroom stopper, all set for stately display with his fashionable blaster.
The figure's sleek look is bound to catch many a collector's eye, while conveying the perfect, sinister agenda: Maintain Imperial Command!!!
Like other Big-Figs when they first hit the scene, the Death Trooper is a tad elusive. I was lucky to grab one at my local K-Mart; nonetheless, when available, this fine piece goes for about $30-$40 at most retailers...
Also, I managed to procure (where I get all my model kits--Z&Z Hobbies) a terrific, "commemorative" reissue of AMT's "Graveyard Ghoul Duo" set, which contains George Barris' "Munsters" Couch and Dragula.
I had this kit back in '73, upon its initial release. Over the years, I've purchased several representations of both classic vehicles, but it was the sentimental packaging on this one (with that cool ghoul side-pic) that made this reissue a must-have. (I can still recall that long-ago Friday night when my parents, along with my brother and grandfather, made a casual trip to K-Mart--yep, same one where I purchased the Death Trooper--and guess what just happened to end up in my lap! Ah, memories!)
These 1:25 scale models are intricate, though like all AMT kits, never a hassle to construct. The "Graveyard Ghoul Duo" goes for $35-$40 at most hobby shops: a reasonable price for any "Munsters" or novelty-car completist.
