I have so nearly come to buy this guy for the last week it's unbelievable. I had never seen then movie, I had never heard of the character. The first time I saw this baby was in Forbidden Planet, they had stacked it high up but it immediately caught my eye. I really stood there staring at how beautifully this figure was despite it being a devil, the detail, the colours, I was mesmerized! They say the devil comes in forms and shapes that you will love the most, and this guy is proof! Anyway, later I found it on Sideshow, and I read this over-excited thread, and today I saw the movie (director's cut) and I loved it. I've even found an exclusive for around $400 delivered (is that a good price?).
There seem to be quite a few of these on the Bay anyway, and they are not really flying off the shelf per say.
Now the thing is, there is a battle in my brain and I am sure most of you have gone through it. This is probably the best PF Sideshow has ever produced IMO, but you know what... that's all it has going for it. The movie is not that well known, and not a major favourite, so there isn't much there to connect this figure to. On face value, this is a devil, and devils represent certain things to certain people, mostly bad things. I'm pretty sure a lot of people would question if I bought it for the statue or for what it means. You would probably have to explain who he is to every single person coming to your house, and I think I'd be tempted to "hide" him so I wouldn't have to explain. It's definitely not a statue for the sitting room (although that's where I would like to put him).
Why should I care what people think? Well... I mean c'mon! We spend so much money on these things, and they are things that are meant to be displayed, enjoyed, envied... especially envied!
For me this will go down as the best PF ever... but also the most unfortunate one due to all the things going against it. Ironically, it is the same fate that Darkness has in the movie: "I am part of you" he says, "we are one", "no good without evil", and we all agree... I agreed.... he should live... but the thing is... this is art. And in art humanity likes to project its desire to be seen as all pure and innocent, to be forgiven. Through art we are compensated for what we are not. So Darkness has to die... and this piece... apart from the hardcore fans.... will be left alone.
Doom was a bad guy too, I know. But he comes from the comic book world. His evil is part-disguised. Your mum wouldn't mind you having him and your friends wouldn't think you were a devil worshipper. He has a large history and also a lot of other characters to go with him. His audience is wider. Which is why he sky-rocketed. Whereas this guy never will, check out how many there are on the Bay and how many have sold.
Phew! After a week of torment I have put my brain to order again!
Sorry for the large post, would be nice to hear some opinions on it.
Spartan
