Mine arrived today. No damage thankfully and she looks impressive overall. My biggest concerns were the paint app on the spear hand and also the exclusive axe arm not fitting seamlessly. Happy to say no problems on either!
This was my first PF that didn't use magnets for extra parts though and I have to echo others' concerns about the use of pegs. They're just clumsy to attach and feel unreliable. I was also really nervous having to use force to attach her hair and arms so I was being extra cautious. I kept asking myself why didn't they use magnets? I could have been done assembling her in a fraction of the time. Definitely a step backwards for SS on this one.
My only issues on my particular piece are a few paint imperfections (what else?
). The paint app is a bit uneven on one side of her bikini bottom around her right butt cheek. It looks like they had some trouble staying in the lines. I wish the sculpt had more definition on the edges of her bikini bottom because it might have made it easier to paint. Not really noticeable from a distance though. Considering I got an otherwise decent body, I don't think I'm going to report it though.
However, the uneven paint continued on the shield rings. Some of the gold paint bled into the red and blue. Strangely, the smallest details like all the silver stars were perfect. Go figure.
Also, a couple problems with the base beside it being hollow. It looks like there's a glob of glue that dried on the side of mine. I'm afraid to try and remove it because it may cause damage. Also, I could hear something rattling around inside. A loose piece of polystone, I guess.
I'll take some pics of the shield and base then send them Sideshow's way to see what happens. Otherwise, I'm happy with this representation of her. She looks like a strong, determined warrior and not the supermodel version we can get almost anywhere else.
EDIT: Forgot to mention the helmet doesn't sit flush on mine either if I set it straight down into the base. If I sort of tilt it to the left (towards the sword), that helps to stabilize it where it doesn't wobble. Not sure if that's how it's intended to be placed. Can anyone confirm?