Some of you are probably on the BCS Facebook group, but here I am again anyway
I had some VAT issues that slowed down mine getting posted out, but it just arrived today. Wow, wow, wow. Let me join in the almost universal praise of this figure. I've got all their Doctor Who stuff that's been released so far and Big Chief seems generally to be improving with each figure, but they really raised the bar with this one. I am a Hartnell fan and it is like having a real Bill on the shelf. He is standing there, looking stately, like he is facing down a war machine ...
I had a moment of terror when it arrived. The outside box was fine, but the tray inside was cracked, and the cane, glasses, and watched appeared to be missing. They were there, though, having fallen in with the figure himself, and miraculously they were all undamaged - even the glasses! (though saying that may make the glasses issue folks hate me).
I did have an issue with the seams on one forearm having come unglued, but I emailed Big Chief for advice and after some quick home gluing the Doctor is healing up. Should hopefully be no problem. I noticed a small black mark on the knuckle of one of the hands that came attached. I think the cloak colour leeched into the plastic. It is not unsightly, though, and it just looks like an old man's bruise if I even notice it. Someone on Facebook mentioned a similar issue that was worse on theirs. That made me worried that the hat might stain the head, but a friendly guy at Big Chief replied to that question as well, and assured me there would be no problem.
But, yes. Overall this figure is really quite amazing. The skin has a sort of subtle translucent quality that makes it look even more realistic in hand. It makes me very excited for the second Tom Baker head, and for all the upcoming figures.
My girlfriend is not a fan of my 'man Barbies' and she has no interest in any era of Doctor Who, but she's already named this figure her favourite of my collection. Hartnell just looks so
classy. I can almost hear him mispronouncing my name.
I'd love to know if Hartnell's relatives have seen it and what they think of it. I think the man himself would have been chuffed.
A couple of pictures, though these are all very informal:
I've just moved overseas so all my other figures are still back in Australia, in boxes, waiting to get shipped over. It will be fun when I get to unite all my Doctors and set up my new display! Without the others on hand, and taking into account the affection one feels for one's latest purchase, this still seems like a contender for 'Big Chief's best figure'. Might be knocked off its peg when the new Tennant comes out, though, cause the prototype for that looks amazing. Tennant 2 might have to join the angels as the only ones I've skipped if I don't prop up my finances soon!
(jk)
