InArt: The Lord of the Rings - Aragorn 1:6

[QuiGonFishing]

 

[Gipetto0812]

The hair on mine was applied with no nuance whatsoever, some of the longest strands/chunks are actually right at the edges of the face where Viggo had shorter bangs in real life. For the price I should not have to cut the damn hair myself. For now I’ve tucked it into the Lothlorien hood.

I agree. While I expect some futzing to be required given the nature of rooted hair, I don't think an almost complete restyling should be necessary. Wetting the hair some and using some tweezer to move a few strands should be the most work needed imo.

The body proportions are weird in the chest/shoulder area, the shoulders are way too wide and combined with the thicker jacket material on the final product just makes him look weirdly ‘roided up in that area. Like dude has been skipping every day except shoulder day apparently. So far I’ve not been able to totally get rid of the gap in the armpit area in a natural way no matter what the pose is.

I noticed the shoulders being a bit too wide as well and have been considering ways to bring them in some; but, that would require some surgery and not sure the juice would be worth the squeeze in the end.

The accessories are nice. Wrapping up each piece is complete overkill and kinda makes the unboxing process unnecessarily tedious. The stand sucks and there’s barely any pull or stability with the magnets. I just took one of the environmental bases from the Boba 2-pack and put him on that instead.

Also, agree. My main pet peeve is more with how the wrapping doesn't allow them to fit properly into their cut out spaces, (at least for some of the accessories like the sword and bow). They're just sort of floating there

For printing such a large and fancy instruction booklet, the diagrams are sometimes nearly impossible to read, and they also did not bother to show things like how/where to add pieces like the rolled up cloak, blanket, or pipe onto the figure. Just one additional unnecessary step you have to take to go look up photos online of how everything is supposed to be attached.

Also agree. It looks nice and fancy but the simple fold out instructions by HT are are way more effective than these InArt booklets. I'd go as far as the instruction sheet given with the ThreeZero GI Joes is more effective

Overall the figure is basically what I expected from photos and videos, with some extra disappointment from not being magically “better in hand” like so many collectors are obsessed with saying in an effort to gaslight anyone who has a disappointing initial reaction to the first photos and videos.

 

[Brett Banner]

I agree. While I expect some futzing to be required given the nature of rooted hair, I don't think an almost complete restyling should be necessary. Wetting the hair some and using some tweezer to move a few strands should be the most work needed imo.

I noticed the shoulders being a bit too wide as well and have been considering ways to bring them in some; but, that would require some surgery and not sure the juice would be worth the squeeze in the end.

Also, agree. My main pet peeve is more with how the wrapping doesn't allow them to fit properly into their cut out spaces, (at least for some of the accessories like the sword and bow). They're just sort of floating there

Also agree. It looks nice and fancy but the simple fold out instructions by HT are are way more effective than these InArt booklets. I'd go as far as the instruction sheet given with the ThreeZero GI Joes is more effective

Gipetto, I’m starting to think you’re my spirit animal on this forum lol. This guy InArts.

 

[webhead05]

Guess I've gotta check myself into a mental institution for thinking mine actually is better in hand. I didn't know I was lying or delusional for having an opinion different from someone else's.

 

[i_amjam]

I got my Aragon out and set up. Prepare for some hot takes.

Honestly, I don’t like the head sculpt almost at all, and basically feel the same way I did when I saw the first photos and videos months and months ago. There’s a Neanderthal like aspect to the sculpt—literally all I can see is “caveman Jesus.” It is also, just like the InArt Joker, slightly too big for the body. The Batman sculpt is under-scaled, so I think it’s safe to say they have trouble getting the sculpt size right so far in production.

I'm definitely not going to forget the name "caveman jesus" when looking at my figure from now on.

I'm glad that got someone else lmao. Caveman Jesus got me bad

 

[Rzeznikk]

I'm glad that got someone else lmao. Caveman Jesus got me bad

I stopped reading at "Caveman Jesus" FFS. Hyperbole is strong with this one.

 

[batsheva]

Guess I've gotta check myself into a mental institution for thinking mine actually is better in hand. I didn't know I was lying or delusional for having an opinion different from someone else's.

 

[Brett Banner]

Sorry, I guess I take it for granted that we read posts on here and know to take it as that person’s opinion. Not trying to tell people to feel one way or the other, just my reactions. Many years ago when I was writing my dissertation it got hammered into us not to use phrases like “in my opinion” or “I think such and such” because it is redundant—the reader already knows that it’s your opinion since you’re the one who wrote it.

Thrilled for those who love the sculpt. My wife never comments one way or the other on my figures when I get them in, but she’s a fanatical LOTR fan and told me how blown away she was by Gandalf when I got that earlier this year. Aragorn got a pretty neutral “eh, looks good but definitely not as good as Gandalf” reaction from her.

 

[HyperDrive]

IMOs need to be used in this hobby or else you’d have people who take it the wrong way, get insanely offended or send personal threats lol.

I also agree the portrait isn’t that bang on to the source, but I guess I differ in feeling it’s not a deal breaker at all. The prototype never captured the likeness to begin with and this is the same sculpt, albeit degraded.

 

[webhead05]

It gets said all the time in this hobby, but I don't mean it as a platitude: Folks are allowed to like or dislike whatever figures they want for whatever reason they want. I just take umbrage to the framing of any one opinion as "gaslighting," really. I speak for myself at least when I say I'm not here to change anyone's mind on anything; until such time as one of these companies wants to start paying me, it's no skin off my back if you hate a figure I like or vice versa.

I'll admit that Gandalf is by far the more impressive sculpt. Having upgraded from the sculpted Aragorn to the rooted one, though, I see a difference, and together they make the most impressive shelf in my collection. It's affirmed my decision to preorder Legolas and reinvigorated my excitement for Paul Atreides, a figure I'd considered cancelling (only because my preorder list has grown substantially).

 

[Rzeznikk]

IMOs need to be used in this hobby or else you’d have people who take it the wrong way, get insanely offended or send personal threats lol.

I also agree the portrait isn’t that bang on to the source, but I guess I differ in feeling it’s not a deal breaker at all. The prototype never captured the likeness to begin with and this is the same sculpt, albeit degraded.

The Prototype was so good. 11/10.
Probably one of if not the best prototype out there. I think you are the first person that I've read saying it "never captured the likeness"

That's why so many people have been upset. Because they were expecting the proto level sculpt. Factory paint and differing levels of hair have dropped it down in some cases.

 

[webhead05]

That was the single best prototype I've ever seen, even better than Gandalf, honestly -- which probably makes it less of a surprise that it couldn't deliver. What we got still impresses me, but yeah, the proto pics are breathtaking.

 

[Brett Banner]

It gets said all the time in this hobby, but I don't mean it as a platitude: Folks are allowed to like or dislike whatever figures they want for whatever reason they want. I just take umbrage to the framing of any one opinion as "gaslighting," really. I speak for myself at least when I say I'm not here to change anyone's mind on anything; until such time as one of these companies wants to start paying me, it's no skin off my back if you hate a figure I like or vice versa.

I'll admit that Gandalf is by far the more impressive sculpt. Having upgraded from the sculpted Aragorn to the rooted one, though, I see a difference, and together they make the most impressive shelf in my collection. It's affirmed my decision to preorder Legolas and reinvigorated my excitement for Paul Atreides, a figure I'd considered cancelling (only because my preorder list has grown substantially).

I definitely stand by that statement though. Not aimed at you in particular of course, but that mindset runs rampant on this forum and the Facebook groups. Just go look at the Deadpool 3 thread and see how many people’s instant reaction to the terrible QC on the foot pegs was “oh that definitely must have been a new collector who doesn’t know how to handle a figure properly.” Also see: everyone in the InArt Joker thread initially talking about how people must be terrible at posing if their figures kept tipping over from the crap magnets.

 

[webhead05]

I definitely stand by that statement though. Not aimed at you in particular of course, but that mindset runs rampant on this forum and the Facebook groups. Just go look at the Deadpool 3 thread and see how many people’s instant reaction to the terrible QC on the foot pegs was “oh that definitely must have been a new collector who doesn’t know how to handle a figure properly.” Also see: everyone in the InArt Joker thread initially talking about how people must be terrible at posing if their figures kept tipping over from the crap magnets.

In that aspect, I agree. As with all forms of consumerism, there's a weird habit of defending the multi-million dollar corporations from deserved criticism. I just think that's distinct from the idea that you can feel differently about a product in your hands versus seeing someone else's pictures. Not a guarantee or a magic spell, certainly... Sometimes (hell, most times), a thing is exactly what it appears to be.

 

[batsheva]

The Prototype was so good. 11/10.
Probably one of if not the best prototype out there. I think you are the first person that I've read saying it "never captured the likeness"

That's why so many people have been upset. Because they were expecting the proto level sculpt. Factory paint and differing levels of hair have dropped it down in some cases. View attachment 743229

I agree.
This is the best likeness for Aragorn in 1/6.
Even with some level of degradation from the amazing prototype, the actual production piece is still amazing, and the likeness is still best for 1/6 Aragorn.

 

[HyperDrive]

The Prototype was so good. 11/10.
Probably one of if not the best prototype out there. I think you are the first person that I've read saying it "never captured the likeness"

That's why so many people have been upset. Because they were expecting the proto level sculpt. Factory paint and differing levels of hair have dropped it down in some cases. View attachment 743229

At this point, I’ve seen so many reference images of Mortensen’s Aragorn and the INART portrait (proto/final) isn’t bang on 100%. Nothing hardly ever is, but this is a bit off, IMO.

I still think the final production piece is a nice sculpt however. It’s just degraded from the proto pics.

I’m also not saying it’s utter trash, nor do I agree it’s a Neanderthal-like portrait or Caveman Jesus, despite seeing where Banner is coming from.

 

[HyperDrive]

I agree.
This is the best likeness for Aragorn in 1/6.
Even with some level of degradation from the amazing prototype, the actual production piece is still amazing, and the likeness is still best for 1/6 Aragorn.

Yes. I agree with this.

 

[Rzeznikk]

Yes. I agree with this.

I think you misspoke with the "never captured the likeness" then.

Even if it's not 100% (nothing is). No 1:6 sculpt will ever been 1:1 perfect. So having things "off" doesnt mean it didnt capture the likeness.

This is still by far the best Viggo sculpt out there right now and its undeniably Viggo/Aragorn. (Especially the proto). Ray showed the quality of the sculpt with his repaint/rework. And its sure as **** ain't "Caveman Jesus".

It's unfortunate that there's such a wide variance in the hair between batches where people may be disappointed.

My 1st batch I was just "content" with it, but wasn't blown away like I was with Gandalf (which is also not 100% perfect either), but my 2nd batch (or latest batch) Aragorn blew me away. Paint was on point and hair was much more Viggo/Aragorn without the perm like look.

On a side note: I noticed my Aragorn 2 eyes are a lot tighter than Ver 1. Ver 1 eyes are very very loose. I almost thought they were going to fall out of his head.

 

[Wor-Gar]

Aragorn has become the 'Joker' of LOTR. Divisive.

Thank goodness no one cares too much for Legolas... he should be a hit all the way 'round.

 

[webhead05]

Aragorn has become the 'Joker' of LOTR. Divisive.

Thank goodness no one cares too much for Legolas... he should be a hit all the way 'round.

How dare you, sir. That golden-haired pretty boy is my favorite -- though my standards are pretty middle of the road, so yeah, I won't be picking nits, admittedly.