I’ve said it before. If only they would have nailed the sculpt a bit more I would have been quite happy with my Asmus Aragorn.
I would have too, especially factoring in costs and what you get. Haven't had an issue with ASMUS costumes, accessories, etc.
In general, overall I think ASMUS makes better use of fabrics, or chooses better fabrics, keeping within its cost point.
My cons over this fig so far:
1) At least with mine, this hair is a lot of work.
2) The tunic is too short and IMO should have been made of a microsuede, not whatever this thin napped polyester/nylon is. It's a bit stiff. (Although, to be fair, possibly the tunic proportions are better for a 12 inch figure; than a 6 foot human, on how that looks. Maybe adding that extra length would make a 12 inch figure look dumpy - haven't tested that).
3) The elven cloak, while it flows nicely, just comes off a bit cheap fabric-wise. No edge finishing. Should have been a woven fabric.
4) The sculpt isn't all there. It's probably the best Aragorn out there, but IMO is at 90-95%. Very close, but not quite it. (On the other hand, Aragorn can look different scene to scene, so....)
5) Straps appear to be "bonded leather" or something with a cloth backing. Which means potential peeling. Maybe. The quality of "bonded leather" varies.
6) The Ranger cloak mess.
7) More arrows needed tho that is a minor point and the arrows are really well done. (I just think someone in the wilderness would carry more arrows).
Overall, out of the box for the price point, I'd say ASMUS' Gandalf the White is "better", or at least made me happier, straight out of the box with minimal fuss and beautiful details. GTG with new head sculpt, Thorin, Gimli, Elrond, are at least "equal" if not "better" if you factor cost to what you get IMO. (Also, switching hands/stability isn't an issue).
That said, there's a lot of good things about this figure as well, some very nice work. I'm reasonably satisfied tho I haven't done hand switching yet and am concerned about reports of weak pegs. He will look very good on the shelf. There's some real good stuff like the hair seems to be solidly implanted and is natural fiber; the weapons, boots, vambraces, adding a "leather" patch on the right arm of the coat (the real one had leather embroidery), solid feeling body, nice paint, metal buckles, weathering; the eyes are nice tho I don't plan on moving them much (I'd be happy without moving eyes).
Having a real string wrapped around the bow impressed me, I though it would be plastic. Assembles easily enough. The metal Evenstar is impressive. Even the ring he is wearing has a tiny color on the "stone". With today's prices, the development of the fig, licenses, casting the diecast sword and knife, hair implantation, paint, etc. dunno that the price is "fair" but I don't think it's unreasonable - especially since compared to HT these are fairly limited production runs. Whether people can afford it is another issue.
My biggest issue with InArt so far is I feel like I can't count on them to produce
, at least I can't avoid massive waits apparently. Which I've done with Hot Toys but they are a known entity. I don't know a Legolas will show up, or a Thorin will even get made. It feels like those snooty clothing stores where you need to book an appointment and you are lucky if you get anything, peasants
.