Time to play...er, I mean look at this week's selection of cool toys. Last week I actually had no idea what would be featured in today's column but as I took a chance popping into the store, I was surprised to find Jonah Hex from the DC Universe Classics Wave 16.
The reason I was surprised is this isn't exactly brand new. It was released earlier this year but a Target store in my area happened to have some figures from this and another line. Regardless of the why they were on the pegs in the action figure aisle, I was happy to get my hands on Hex.
It could be that I'm a fan of the character (and desperately trying to forget the movie was ever made), it's great to see Hex in action figure form. Keep in mind, Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray's series lasted for 70 issues. I really think that says a lot. I was never a fan of Westerns but there's just something about Jonah Hex as a character.
You can see from the pictures that Hex comes with a couple firearms. They are both removable. The gun fits in his holster on his right side and the shotgun fits on his back.
As with the DC Universe figures, there is plenty of detail and articulation. The details of the bullets and the notches on his belt (see the image below) are incredible. For me one of the biggest tests is whether or not the figure can stand on its own. You can see that Hex had no problem standing on an uneven surface. You could move his legs around to have him stand in several different poses. Jonah Hex is a cool character and one of the better figures in this line.
Check out these other pictures. Be sure to click to enlarge.
I believe it was 2003 when this next figure was released. It's Hellboy but not just a regular Hellboy figure. this is probably the coolest Hellboy I've seen and one that still remains displayed in my collection.
This Hellboy was designed by Eric So. Eric is an artist responsible for creating some amazing Asian Vinyl pieces. If you're familiar with these types of figures, you've heard of him. This wasn't a figure you could find just anywhere. Retailing for just under two hundred dollars, the figure was limited to only 999 pieces. That might seem like a lot but it's a pretty low number when you really think about it.
Standing at eleven inches, this Hellboy will tower over your other figures. He came in big sturdy red box (seen below) and comes with an art card and a numbered certificate of authenticity signed by both Eric So and creator Mike Mignola.
As for the number on the figure, to be able to tell that your figure's number matches the certificate, there is a metal plate on the bottom of his foot.
That's not the only bit of metal. His gun (the Good Samaritan) in his holster is removable and is also made of metal. There is a big of detail on it (see image below) which is a little surprising considering it will spend most of its time in the holster when the figure is displayed.
Don't expect much in terms of articulation. That shouldn't be the reason you'd get this. This is a piece you'll want to proudly and safely keep on display. I actually got this from Red L.A.M.P. as a gift back when it came out. Every now and then one will pop up on ebay. For example, I just searched for 'Eric So Hellboy' and found one on ebay going for $562.43. That is a lot of money but it's a really sweet Hellboy.
Check out the rest of my pics and be sure to click to enlarge.
That's it for this week's edition. Both choices are really cool but because they're not full on mainstream characters, I understand they might not be everyone's cup of tea. Obviously I think they're really cool. We'll have another installment with more selections next week.