Saturday, May 14, 2011

REVIEW III: Jessica Biel as Abigail Whistler from "Blade: Trinity" by Hot Toys

This final review shows Hot Toys MMS128 (Movie Masterpiece Series) 1/6th scale Abigail Whistler (Jessica Biel) Limited Edition Collectible Figurine from "Blade: Trinity" as she is meant to look, complete with her compound bow, quiver of arrows plus cool red and brown colored leather jacket.


After having seen Hot Toys Abigail Whistler 12-inch limited edition collectible female action figure in the earlier two reviews covering the packaging and contents, and her other accessories and weapons, let's now look at her with her long range weapon i.e. the compound bow.

So what does Hot Toys Limited Edition mean? or is it just a marketing ploy? No one really knows for sure. What we do know is that pre-orders ensure you get the figure because Hot Toys will take all the pre-ordered quantity and produce according to what people have ordered, and then some. This would ensure that they don't flood the market with figures and de-value their own figures. That's why most Hot Toys products once released are quite hard to find on the secondary market. They are "limited" in that sense. And usually upon their release, demand will exceed supply because people who did not pre-order now want the goods and then there are those who just chance upon pictures of older figures and want them bad too.



The other thing is, Hot Toys products are value-for-money IMHO. So far all their figures have mostly impressed and satisfied with their high quality and accurate intricate detailing which has elevated their products to works of ART. Other manufacturers are still playing catch up and some have come close but thus far, Hot Toys is untouchable. The recent previews of their "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" Jack Sparrow DX figure and "Iron Man 2: Mark II (Armor Unleashed Version)" are just what I mean.


This Hot Toys MMS128 (Movie Masterpiece Series) 1/6th scale Abigail Whistler (Jessica Biel) Limited Edition 12-inch Collectible Figurine from "Blade: Trinity" is no exception. My only gripe, if I have to pick one is her multi-layered stereoscopic hair sculpture. I'm not sure how it can be improved but then again, I'm no toy designer, just a toy collector who enjoys well designed toys and action figures, even if they are female action figures which is rather rare in this male dominated market.


Hot Toys Abigail Whistler's ultra-cool red and brown colored leather-like jacket has additional zips along the outside of the sleeves which when unzipped, shows off her well toned arms (made of rubber, same as her torso / chest - don't ask me how I know ;p)


As any archer will tell you, the leather sleeves would impede movement especially when drawing the arrow and getting it ready so this solution works well.


Besides her leather jacket and compound bow, Hot Toys Abigail has her quiver of arrows (6) slung on her back, ready for action when needed.


The scale of Hot Toys Abigail Whistler's outfit / costume is most accurate and fitting without looking too tight and really makes the female figure stand out. Even though everything is in 1/6 scale, the stitching as well as material used all come together nicely for a well worn look and nothing seems to be out of whack (oversized or otherwise) and I LIKE it :)


Close-ups of the Hot Toys 1/6 scale red and brown leather-like jacket worn by 12-inch tall Abigail Whistler action figure - she's HOT!


Here's another close side profile of Hot Toys Abigail Whistler


Abigail with her quiver of arrows


Did I mention that the zippers on the sleeves work? The jacket came with the sleeves intact i.e. all zipped up but me thinks Abigail prefers to show off a little skin. The front of the jacket cannot be zipped up because she is quite well endowed ;p


All in all, a pretty nice figure IMHO. I like that this Abigail Whistler female figure can look feminine and yet be as tough as nails. Hot Toys Abby is no Barbie dollie, that's for sure


Another look at the fine 1/6 scale head sculpt of Jessica Biel as Abigail Whistler from "Blade: Trinity". The resemblance to the actress and likeness is quite spot on with the realistic skin tone and paintwork done on the eyes and other features. 12-inch figures have certainly come a long way from their humble beginnings as Barbie doll & G.I. Joe action figure.


Here's a closer look at Hot Toys Abigail Whistler's compound bow. A compound bow is a modern bow that uses a levering system, usually of cables and pulleys, to bend the limbs. [source: wiki]


The limbs of a compound bow are much stiffer than those of a recurve bow or longbow. This limb stiffness makes the compound bow more energy-efficient than other bows, in conjunction with the pulley/cams. The use of this levering system gives the compound bow a characteristic draw-force curve which rises to a peak weight and then "lets off" to a lower holding weight.


Closer view of the intricate details Hot Toys has put into this 1/6 scale compound bow


The bow is useless without arrows to shoot with. Shafts of arrows used with compound bows are usually made of an aluminium alloy, or carbon, or a combination of these. Hot Toys has included including six (6) arrows without arrow heads to go into the arrow pouch (quiver) and additional three (3) arrows with arrow heads.


Check out the arrow heads. They are very detailed and bada$$. In the movie, the arrows have time-delay explosive tips.


And finally, Hot Toys Abigail Whistler also has her ultraviolet arc (UV bow)



Earlier Hot Toys Abigail Whistler reviews:
REVIEW 1: A look at the Hot Toys 1/6 scale Abigail Whistler Packaging and basic 12-inch female figure
REVIEW II: Abigail Whistler (Jessica Biel) with her Smith & Wesson Model 686 Magnum revolver, folded regular bow, right forearm gauntlet with retractable knife and "retractable" blade (silver spike) that shoots out from her right shoe

4 comments:

One Shot said...

Alex, I have both this Abigail and the Blade figure (Boxed...just cause i never got around to opening either of them) But recently I have had a few people VERY VERY interested in buying them from me. I can't get myself to sell them though...you know how it is. I guess eventually I should break them open and display them. Blade just has too many options that come with him. LOL!

alex teo said...

hey George, don't sell. these two Blade figures are two of the best with value-for-money outfits and accessories with LOTS of posing options :) break them open & release them from their prison; go OUTdoors, pose them & shoot hem ;p you are sure to enjoy these two CHEERS

Unknown said...

Bro, I also have Abigail. If were to sell, what is the reasonable price to list?

alex teo said...

Check eBay for the sold prices. That should be a good indication.