Post by donlock on Apr 2, 2010 1:19:35 GMT 1
The set contains a 5” plastic Dalek and a poseable action figure of the seventh Doctor, as portrayed by Sylvester McCoy.
The Packaging
The items come in a bubble pack, the opening of which will require a pair of scissors or some careful work with a scalpel. Inside there is a clear plastic packing piece, to which the figures are attached with a few twist ties and some low-tack Cellotape to hold the Dalek's arm and the Doctor's umbrella in place. The ties and tape were all easily removed to free the contents. The product information panel on the rear of the paper insert states that the item had been manufactured by Character Options Ltd. for Underground Toys.
The Seventh Doctor Figure
A reasonable facial likeness which, however, isn't nearly as good as that shown on promotional photographs of the figure. The outfit carries some nice detailing, including the scarf and a gold watch chain. The umbrella accessory, complete with distinctive question-mark handle, sets off the Doctor's faithfully reproduced attire. The figure is articulated at knees, hips, shoulders and elbows, with additional rotational points at the thighs, biceps and wrists.
The Imperial Dalek
The Imperial Dalek is up to Character Options' established standard in terms of build quality and finish. It certainly look striking in its cream and gold paint scheme. As some will be aware, however, this release has attracted criticism and it's unlikely to satisfy the keen fan of the Imperial variant.
The problem is that this offering fails to capture the unique look of the Imperial as it has been based on the mouldings for the Mk 1/2/3 Daleks previously released. This is particularly noticeable in the use of the standard skirt and neck bin designs. The stepped fender, hexagonal chest plate, flattened dome lights and moulded-on slats have all been recreated in miniature, but the gun-box bosses are missing. The eye is a reasonable stab at the Imperial design, although some might query the decision to paint the lens blue. Disappointingly the only concession made to the unique Imperial 'manipulator' is the presence of two small notches in the front rim of a standard plunger, and painting it gold. Neither is the 'shock absorber' assembly, by which the device was mounted to the arm of the full size props, represented. An 'un-crimped' gun puts in an appearance at last, however.
Conclusion
The figures look good on display and certainly won't disgrace any collection of 5" Doctor Who figures, but this set is unlikely to satisfy the fastidious collector. Doubtless commercial considerations have been an overriding factor in CO's decision to re-use existing tooling for their Imperial Dalek, but its inaccuracy coupled with the unfulfilled promise of a really good Sylvester McCoy likeness ultimately disappoints.
DIY Improvements
Folk with moderate modelling skills might consider applying a dab of gold paint to the eyeball and mirror-finish adhesive gold tape to the slats and neck bin mesh. For the slightly more adventurous, replacing the plunger with a conical item and fabricating the gun box bosses from slices pen cap or similar shouldn't prove too challenging. Unfortunately only a major scratch-build project would resolve the skirt and neck bin issues.
I obtained my CO Seventh Doctor & Imperial Dalek Set over the internet from Forbidden Planet at £27.48 delivered.
The Packaging
The items come in a bubble pack, the opening of which will require a pair of scissors or some careful work with a scalpel. Inside there is a clear plastic packing piece, to which the figures are attached with a few twist ties and some low-tack Cellotape to hold the Dalek's arm and the Doctor's umbrella in place. The ties and tape were all easily removed to free the contents. The product information panel on the rear of the paper insert states that the item had been manufactured by Character Options Ltd. for Underground Toys.
The Seventh Doctor Figure
A reasonable facial likeness which, however, isn't nearly as good as that shown on promotional photographs of the figure. The outfit carries some nice detailing, including the scarf and a gold watch chain. The umbrella accessory, complete with distinctive question-mark handle, sets off the Doctor's faithfully reproduced attire. The figure is articulated at knees, hips, shoulders and elbows, with additional rotational points at the thighs, biceps and wrists.
The Imperial Dalek
The Imperial Dalek is up to Character Options' established standard in terms of build quality and finish. It certainly look striking in its cream and gold paint scheme. As some will be aware, however, this release has attracted criticism and it's unlikely to satisfy the keen fan of the Imperial variant.
The problem is that this offering fails to capture the unique look of the Imperial as it has been based on the mouldings for the Mk 1/2/3 Daleks previously released. This is particularly noticeable in the use of the standard skirt and neck bin designs. The stepped fender, hexagonal chest plate, flattened dome lights and moulded-on slats have all been recreated in miniature, but the gun-box bosses are missing. The eye is a reasonable stab at the Imperial design, although some might query the decision to paint the lens blue. Disappointingly the only concession made to the unique Imperial 'manipulator' is the presence of two small notches in the front rim of a standard plunger, and painting it gold. Neither is the 'shock absorber' assembly, by which the device was mounted to the arm of the full size props, represented. An 'un-crimped' gun puts in an appearance at last, however.
Conclusion
The figures look good on display and certainly won't disgrace any collection of 5" Doctor Who figures, but this set is unlikely to satisfy the fastidious collector. Doubtless commercial considerations have been an overriding factor in CO's decision to re-use existing tooling for their Imperial Dalek, but its inaccuracy coupled with the unfulfilled promise of a really good Sylvester McCoy likeness ultimately disappoints.
DIY Improvements
Folk with moderate modelling skills might consider applying a dab of gold paint to the eyeball and mirror-finish adhesive gold tape to the slats and neck bin mesh. For the slightly more adventurous, replacing the plunger with a conical item and fabricating the gun box bosses from slices pen cap or similar shouldn't prove too challenging. Unfortunately only a major scratch-build project would resolve the skirt and neck bin issues.
I obtained my CO Seventh Doctor & Imperial Dalek Set over the internet from Forbidden Planet at £27.48 delivered.
