HCG Joker 1:1 bust arrived today, and I just finished opening him up. This bust will not disappoint.
I received
#069/750. The cost was $699.00 which was paid in the 6 flex-pay option. The wait was definitely worth it!!! The sculpt is top-notch Bobby C.... it's exactly what I expected. The endless talk about paint application as usual became horrible myth and legend before anyone even had the bust in hand.
I very much like the paint application. Please don't be put off by the endless negative reviews you have heard about this bust... If your a TDK movie fan, Joker fan, Batman fan or collector of movie 1:1 bust, props... Your really going to love this bust. The real shirt and tie blend in nicely with the the sculpted clothing, and adds a bit more realism. I do not believe the eyes are acrylic, but ended up being molded... with that being said the pupil paint app is nice with gloss added to simulate wetness. The white face paint is not a solid application as seen in some pics, and has flesh showing through as well as a nice texture. That also goes for the black around the eyes (bit of white mixing around edges), and the red around the mouth/scars. The hair is expertly detailed, and the addition of hanging strands help add volume to the head. In-hand inspection will reveal details not seen in the photos as well as coloring.
I actually am quite surprised about the cost complaints. Sideshow's Thor 1:1 bust is in this price range as are others and this is right on par with them. In fact I doubt if any non-collector would be able to tell the difference between the two companies in this instance.
I look forward to the Dark Knight bust coming next year, and if this is a bust your on the fence about...give it a second look! As always these are just my personal thoughts and feelings about this item, and no clowns were injured during this review...
****Photos were taken with my iphone 3Gs