*Sigh*
I assume this will be an unpopular post, so I want to start off with some context.
I have always loved Star Trek. From the run-runs of TOS when I was a kid, all the way through TNG, all the movies, to Discovery and SNW.
One of the most powerful ways I connect with these shows is to own a piece of them through collecting. I was beyond excited when Nanjin headed up the production team at QMX and began producing high quality sixthscale for my beloved Trek.
And while some could argue that the QMX offerings were not perfect (lack of custom bodies by individual figure is probably the best example) they were still awesome to collect because the head sculpts were almost all very strong.
Enter EXO-6
Great customized bodies, next level attention to detail in the accessories, the best wardrobe tailoring I think I’ve ever seen in sixthscale. Incredible.
But the head sculpts
I’m sorry, but they are just not good enough.
All those other amazing items are very important in creating a top tier 1/6 figure. But (for me anyway, and I can’t believe I’m alone in this) the single most important element that MUST be there for a worthy top shelf release is a jaw dropping sculpt, and EXO is just not there.
I really like their Data release, but not really interested in collecting First Contact. I loved the movie, and I assume there might still be a non-compete something or other that won’t allow EXO to repeat QMX releases (or maybe just good business sense not to launch a new company by offering figures a high percentage of the target audience already owns) but either way, I knew I didn’t want to invest in a FC line up right away and with my TOS and TNG collection woefully incomplete.
But other than Data, (and with a few other possible exceptions) I have found the sculpts soft and unconvincing.
The best example here is Janeway. She is definitely recognizable, but her features look melted to me, and the hair looks like something a baker would create using frosting as the media to make a Voyager tribute cake for a fan’ 9th birthday party.
Anyway, some are definitely better than others, but as a line, I’ve found myself often hovering my finger over the Add to Cart button at both Sideshow and EXO direct, but just can’t make myself pull the trigger because all in all, the EXO figures are just not there……yet.
I still remain hopeful that later lines and later releases get me there. The STTMP figures look pretty damn good, and the TWOK could be a game changer, and I wish Nanjin and the company only massive success.
So for me, EXO is an optimistic work in progress. Not ready for me yet, but hopefully soon!
