FRODO'S UP!!

[Viking28]

I think he needs more "volume" or something added to the hair where its not clinging to the head.

 

[MisterToyNYC]

From all the disappointed comments here, I'm not sure if I'll be carrying this one. I'm gonna wait until I see it in "person" at Toy Fair this Sunday. Hopefully it'll look better. I'll try to take some pics and post them here.

Eric

RED PLANET TOYS
www.redplanettoys.com

 

[RickDTM]

Gotta give this one a big pass. I own the Weta Frodo bust and statue, so I don't need another Frodo who doesn't look like the actor IMO....and I had high hopes for this one. Damn.... making me contemplate killing Lurtz as well. Don't get me wrong, Lurtz ROCKS, but I'm not feeling the love for this line now...

 

[leebgb]

I think he needs more "volume" or something added to the hair where its not clinging to the head.

I agree. I wish the hair sculpt was taller of the head to give it a more full, shaggy look like it had in the film. It looks like he just got out of the rain as it is.

 

[LOTRFan]

Without the Ringbearer can you really collect this line, it certainly would be a glaring omission in many collections. For me personally, I would never place Frodo as my favorite of the SSW pieces, but you HAVE to have him - he is so integral. I don't think anyone would argue he is the most visually exciting piece, but he definately is a cornerstone.

 

[Seretur]

That's an old argument. What the piece represents, vs. what the piece really is.

Yes, if you want to collect the PF line, you need Frodo, I guess. But you shouldn't be forced to buy expensive statues that leave quite a bit to be desired because of that.

 

[LOTRFan]

I agree in theory, but how can you really display a LOTR collection without Frodo. You could arguably do without Pippin or Merry, but certainly Gandalf, Aragorn and Frodo would have to be there, right?

Personally, I have always considered the PF line a way for me to obtain pieces for their detail, a la: Galadhrim Archer, Theoden in armor, and on from there. However, for those who were going to part with their Weta pieces in favor of an entirely new line, I can certainly understand the dilemma.

A piece being what some may say is passable is hardly exciting enough to want an entire Fellowship or to consider it much improved. Your point about not "having to get expensive statues" is precisely it, the $$$ and the product to some, doesn't add up. And how can you have a PF LOTR collection, even a sampling without Frodo?

I want to also make it clear that I am in fact going to get this piece, and am not in anyway trying to incite things. I will be getting it however at WAY below retail and that is my real solice.

 

[Seretur]

And more power to you, Matt!

For me it's much simpler. The SS/W items were done by the same people who did the films. If they couldn't nail a likeness, at least they were depicting characters as they saw them in their heads -- the collectible making process followed hot on the heels of the moviemaking itself.

Sideshow's stuff, on the other hand, is done by a specialised company that used to have a connection with Weta, but doesn't anymore. If they're going to impress, they need to work really hard -- they're professional collectible makers who need to excel solely by the virtue of their product.

I was quite excited when Sideshow took off on their own, but so far, the PF stuff leaves me with mixed feelings. I'm however getting all the 12" figures from both SW and LOTR, simply because they're cheaper, and their quality doesn't seem far off from the PF pieces.

But, you know. Nothing will ever replace the almost magical Weta-LotR connection, as far as collectibles go. It's mostly an emotional thing.

 

[LOTRFan]

But, you know. Nothing will ever replace the almost magical Weta-LotR connection, as far as collectibles go. It's mostly an emotional thing.

I couldn't agree more, it is hard to compare ANY line with that!

 

[Customikey]

I think a piece should stand on its own. If it's only justifiable as part of a collection, it's not worth your money.

 

[The Josh]

I agree with ya Matt. I can't imagine not having a LOTR collection without a Frodo. To me I see EW on this piece which is great for me but for those that don't I do feel bad. Actually, I think this looks more like EW than the SSW piece does. For the money these costs I also understand people wanting them to be as close as possible, but for me since I guess since I see it I have no issues pulling the trigger on him.

 

[KAOSINLA]

Without the Ringbearer can you really collect this line, it certainly would be a glaring omission in many collections. For me personally, I would never place Frodo as my favorite of the SSW pieces, but you HAVE to have him - he is so integral. I don't think anyone would argue he is the most visually exciting piece, but he definately is a cornerstone.

I am one who can certainly collect this line without Frodo as I have with the SSW line and others. This is not meant to be insulting, but I don't collect, nor arrange my collection, based on trying to create a storyline. I don't purchase just for the sake of purchasing. The books, movies, and my mind keep the story complete, not my shelf. I collect for the simple pleasure of admiring the sculpts and their individual merits that I have deemed worthy enough to be displayed in the place of my liking. I feel that there is no protocol other than personal taste when one chooses to collect anything. I have a purchasing attraction to the so-called "bad guys" of certain lines. Many of my SSW pieces are "bad guys". So, I guess that makes my collection sub-par. So far, with the PF line, Lurtz is the only one I feel has earned the right to be displayed. Frodo is not what he should be in my eyes. What's the use of having a "cornerstone" if it is cracked through a personal collectors eyes.

Another example would be that I just received my 1:1 Darkness bust, but feel no need for one of Jack (Tom Cruise). I'm getting the Alien Queen Bust and Warrior, but have no desire to have Ripley (Sigourney Weaver).

I'm sorry to sound abrupt, but the only piece I HAVE to purchase is one that I like.

 

[moonlightdrive21]

Gotta give this one a big pass. I own the Weta Frodo bust and statue, so I don't need another Frodo who doesn't look like the actor IMO....and I had high hopes for this one. Damn.... making me contemplate killing Lurtz as well. Don't get me wrong, Lurtz ROCKS, but I'm not feeling the love for this line now...

Rick, I'm right with you on this. But Lurtz is in a whole other league - don't even think about canceling him.

Dave

 

[Darklord Dave]

Photoshop is fun!

 

[The Josh]

Nevermind you fixed it.

 

[HighElven]

Thanks Dave, that pic proves us bad-likeness sayers right!

IMOMIMIMPOMIMOMIMOMIMIMIMIMIMIMOMOMIMIMOMIMIOIMPMIMIMIMIMOPMIMIMOMIMMIFYJIMO.

 

[Mookeylama]

actually the photo is helpful. u can tell that his eyes are set too far (deep) back into his head. i'd think that wouldn't be that big of a project to fix. just sculpt new eyes on top of the old.

and his nostrils could be a bit bigger.

 

[Deadly Dagger]

Gonna pass on this one...and wait for another baddie... I think it looks "ok"...Frodo is a tuff little hobbit to sculpt...haven't seen a really good one yet, but this has to be the best attempt.

 

[KAOSINLA]

That's one thing I think everyone can agree on.....It's been the best attempt to date!!!

 

[HighElven]

I disagree. Enough of me being a ********. I actually think the Weta one...dare I say it... captures the essence of Frodo far more than this piece. I think the sculpt looks extrememly soft, giving the look that he is much younger. I just dont think the likeness is there, and its a bad sculpt (I think).
I dont mind if the sculpt isnt perfect, but still looks respectable (ala Legolas statue) I'll buy it. But its when it looks silly, its a no buy for me (such as this piece).
I really want Sideshow pieces to be good, that means I can get them, but when they are like this one I cant help but feel disapointed, and feel the need to express my opinion.
I just dont get why sideshow had to go for a action heavy pose (in terms of the PF) for Frodo, the simple hobbit from the shire....