Magneto X-Men Sideshow Comiquette Statue

Up next, we're talking the X-men today. Villains, yup we're covering our first villain. According to IGN he is the best comic book villain. For a guy with a bucket for a helmet...ok it blocks psychic attacks...I think he isn't a terrible villain. Also he has been around forever he just doesn't seem to go away. Now he's arrived here on League of Fiction. Not sure if he'll make the list for best villain statue.


First impressions:
The piece being a comiquette is just another fancy word for a statue. Instead of being like a premium format this one is completely solid, no cloth or fabric. Its made of polystone and not hollow. That is what made this pose possible. This is one of those special sideshow pieces that seem to defy gravity. It's a very cool feature but with it comes a sense of over precaution. Seeing a piece in your display case worth $150-$200 looking completely unbalanced but still standing, gets a collectors heart racing. First of they are already fragile the last thing would be to see it fall over because it was produced with the right center of gravity.

The facts about the piece are this. Sideshow has a nack for making doing this and getting it absolutely right. I can pretty much say this piece will probably never topple over if placed in a protective display case and not pushed or shaken (typical statue care procedure). For a Magneto this is exactly what it needed to make it awe inspiring statue. Even I think he looks pretty awesome. Whether or not the pose should be for Magneto will be discussed.


The goods what you care about:
4 color box, sorry no brown box, (rarely do I ever get these with the purchase), if you're disappointed may I suggest visiting a postal office storage place to get your fix. Its purple...not a favorite but it gets the feel across of magneto. The back shows the entire statue and the amazing pose that they have sculpted it in as well as a blurb on the back with back story.

Styrofoam.
Typical sandwich style, statue in the middle two styrofoam blocks to protect the middle from damage. Statue comes in 2 pieces which may pose a little tricky to take out. I grab the base and set that up first. Then grab the cape and the leg, lift the piece straight out. Then mount the statue on the base before taking off any of the protective wrappings. Just make sure you get a good grip the wrappings are a little slippery with the statue underneath. From a boxed side angle the statue looks cool. I'll cover that in the next section. *****Remember when putting the piece back in, if its in a plastic bag you will probably want ot cut a hole where the out stretche hand will touch, the pressure from the bag being pulled may break the fingers.****

 Note: Grab the cape piece in the middle just behind the back and the leg and pull straight out. Try mounting the statue on the base once its in the right spot then take the plastic off the statue.

The Statue.
The detail is really good, they managed to get every muscle on top of muscle to show with this piece. The base of the piece is pretty plain, I'm not sure if they really needed to put the name of the character on the bottom. If you didn't know who he was before reading the name won't really help to tell you who he is, but that's me being picky. The pose is pretty incredible and seems to defy gravity.

The Teeth look like
Chicklets, the face
doesn't work either

The paint job is as usual very good, with a great sculpt getting every little detail to help bring this to life. The crimson rd of the costume makes you forget that the rest is purple. I thought the base was a little small for this piece. Now the pose is where the statue starts to get a little weird. It's an awesome pose but unfortunately not suited for this character. It feels more of like maybe a Storm pose or change the cape to fire and make it an Iron Man statue. Well what's done is done. My last concern is to do with the face sculpt, I'm not a fan of it. The white eyes ust didn't really fit the pose, ya I know he's using his power etc. but its just weird. Now the teeth on this statue from a far look great but close up it's really bad. They look like chicklets painted in place of his teeth.

If you are a magneto completest you'll probably love this and want to get this piece. For all others depending on your taste I would probably have this piece lower down on my list. Finally it was tough to find a good angle to shoot the statue at. The back was kind of to big at the top and the 3/4 quarter view I normally use looked just like the front. I think the statue looks best with the out stretched arm at the back and the left arm in the front, that way you don't see the face. I can only hope that Sideshow does another magneto... better next time, with a better pose and face sculpt.

2 Chicklets out of 5 Chicklets

Star Wars Obi Wan Kenobi Premium Format Sideshow Exclusive Statue

It wouldn't be a fiction blog without this. STAR WARS, that's right it's here. As expected we couldn't have this blog without it. On the block. Obi Wan Kenobi exclusive version premium format statue from Sideshow collectibles.

First Impressions:
With premium formats the name only helps to build and set a certain standard for what the product should look like. Along with the price tags they come with it, you would expect nothing less then a premium piece.

The Goods what you care about:
The four color display box. This box style was a little odd. The functional design elements didn't suit the product. I'll explain. The box has a sleeve around it (that's where the pictures are) that makes it really difficult to get a good grip on and transport. In most cases you'll probably pull the sleeve off and then move the product box. Also with a matte finish the scuff marks just show up so easily.

Sliding the sleeve off reveals a high gloss black box. Lay the box down and find the side flap that opens (it opens much like a treasure chest would), the product doesn't just slide out. Now on a first time opening it looks really cool but its a really pain to get the product out. Print and artwork is pretty simple and minimal, to accompany the style of a full black box.

Styrofoam. With this one the styrofoam is great and fits perfectly around all the parts. Now here's the tricky part if you had once opened the statue before, you'll notice that you probably re-tied the twist ties. Trying to get Obi Wan out of the box now is tricky because you have to lift the bottom styrofoam piece out because Obi Wan is stuck to it. How? well the easiest way is to put the  styrofoam top back on and flip it over and drop the whole thing out gently. Which for most collectors can be quite the task and scary. So don't tie the twist ties back it'll save you time and a hassle. Unfortunatly the base is protected from scratches using a hard plastic... which usually scratches high gloss pieces. So either put some paper between the base and the plastic or take your chances with just the plastic. Other then that every thing is packed really well. They even had enough sense to split the lightsaber far enough down the hilt that it wouldn't get jostled and broken in shipping. Also making it easy to put the lightsaber together for the light up feature. From the pieces in the box this is a really easy set up and wont take long before it's ready for display.

The Statue

Wow, wow, wow. This is another example of what a premium format is supposed to be. As usual pictures can only come as close as possible without seeing the real thing, we did our best to capture it. The statue is 20 inches high with the face sculp being fantastic with lots of detail especially for the hair. They even managed to get right down to the details of veins on the hands. The robes are really well made with good fabric, even his belt was included on the waist which is incredible. To go to such great lengths to bring this piece together it truely is something to look at. Normally you would think with robes it would be hard to get them to flow in the right manner, not with this statue. you can even decided whether you want the hood up (with the EP4 "these aren't the droid you are looking for style) or down (showing the full face). My only issue is that the ears look kind of big from the back, but who looks at the back of a statue.
On to the lightsber, trust me it really needs its own section. THE LIGHTSABER LIGHTS UP. YUP it lights up, this is included in both versions exclusive and regular. It's a little tricky to get the lightsaber connected as you have to be careful to slip the lightsaber into his hands. Just make sure the notch goes with the other notch.

 Probably the most exciting part of the statue the light up feature. Seen from all angles of the statue.

Training Remote
Exclusive

Now the exclusive. For this particular statue the exclusive addition is a Jedi training remote with matching style base. Let me make this point it's not essential and I don't think it adds that much value to the piece. But thats the exclusive and it is more rare so that's a personal preference. The training remote does have amazing detail and sculpting which is very impressive, not skimping once on the quality.

 From Top clock wise: Obi Wan Kenobi without hood, below Obi Wan Kenobi with hood on. Lightsaber not illuminated.

Final thoughts:
This is yet another premium statue that raises the bars for all other companies in order to be competitive. SIDESHOW for the win. Recommendation i would go with getting the regular if you are tight on cash. The exclusive isn't realy worth the extra $300+ you would pay for the training remote. Get this statue becuase of the light-up lightsaber it totally changes the dimension and the cool factor of the whole thing. This is a must for Obi Wan Kenobi fans. It'll ad the grown up professional tasteful feel to your collection. Sideshow tends to do that very well and they have so far managed to keep the quality exceptional. Get the regular version unless you can get the exclusive for a price matching the regular version price.

4.5 "Force" hand waves out of 5

Sideshow Captain America Premium Format Exclusive Statue, Modern or Retro that is the question

A shield, tights and 2 wings on his head? What more could you ask for from one of the marvel universes biggest freedom fighters. Next on is the highly anticipated Sideshow Captain America Exclusive Premium Format Statue. Premium format?!?! Well in my most simple words it's a statue with clothing. No, it's not a barbie doll with plastic arms or a really bad imitation of a superhero with "life like accessories". The premium format is so many levels above that and you'll soon see why.

Back Story: Captain America (Credit goes to Sideshow Collectibles)
Steve Rogers had one ambition - to join the army and support the America he loved so loyally. Steve was intensely disappointed when he was rejected, thanks to his frail frame and physical limitations. Noticing Steve's determination, General Chester Phillips offered Steve a spot in a top secret government experiment named "Operation: Rebirth." Steve was injected with chemicals, a mixture called the_ 'Super-Soldier Serum,' which increased his strength, senses, and agility. With his newly gained abilities, Steve trained in all forms of military combat and tactics, and was outfitted in the colors of the American flag. A new, better man, Steve serves his country on the battlefield as Captain America, the living embodiment of Freedom!  

First Impressions:
When I got this about 5 years ago it was a steal from today's current $800-$1200 going price (I think that beats inflation). As typical with all sideshow products there are 3 layers of packaging, the brown shipper, the 4 color box and the styrofoam. When I got my piece I managed to get the illusive brown shipping box as well as a nicely slapped on Canada post customs form. I guess most boxes weighing 30lbs and 3 feet high, warrant some kind of attention... I guess. If you're shocked so was I. Actually I got one of those delivery slips that required I pick it up from there, seeing the post office lady struggle to get the biggest box to the exit so i could carry it out made me excited to see what was inside.
Another fact, this was my first premium format figure (I almost had the incredible hulk too missed by a little bit though), so I didn't know what to expect. I even happened to stumble across the item and wanted it enough to pay for it. (Blessed and favored, I am)

The Goods: What you need to know and see
The brown shipper
Has the distinct Sideshow style, the red of their logo on each short side. Except this one being one of the older creations didn't have the sideshow logo on the short sides I'm not sure they had a logo yet. The long sides of the box have the standard fragile and other shipping symbols. In the middle the description of the item, look closely for the word Exclusive. In this case, pay close attention to these highly sought after 4 letters "EXCL". That's what will set this statue apart from the regular/normal version.

The 4 color box aka "original box"
Like most sideshow boxes looks amazing. I'll let the pictures explain it for you. The print is a high gloss finish (which sadly shows scratches to easily).  The colors look great and the best part is that they use the actual statue for the box art. Rest the box on its side so the flap opens up like a garage door. Then proceed to slide out the piece. I found this works best to not damage or loose grip while pulling the piece out.

--->Pull

Open like so. Make sure its flat on the floor and follow the arrow -------->-----> pull out this way ----->-->

The Styrofoam
Typical sideshow grey with the statue resting perfectly inside each of the specially made cavities. The great thing is that they do this so well that its quite rare to ever hear of anything breaking while in transit. It even came with a sideshow catalog. Which was very professionally done giving the piece that added bit of weighed anticipation. The unpacking is tricky, the foam has 2 layers.
The top (the correct way facing up) has the sideshow catalogue. Pull that styrofoam layer off to get to the first set of goodies. Underneath the styrofoam slab is the shield (for the exclusive it's shields). A spot for the modern (the round) and the retro (the triangular shape). The base and a piece of metal that will be attached to the base for final assembly.
Finally lift that up and you'll find what you've been waiting for. For the exclusive version you'll see an unusual site, 2 Captain America heads, 1 Robotic Ultron head, and a helmet. You'll also see the headless/decapitated body of Captain America. Not to worry though this is how the exclusive is supposed to be. It will all make sense upon final assembly.

The Shield alone is about 6 inches in diameter. That's how big this thing is. HUGE!!!!

Final assembly
Usually I start with the base, check the underside to make sure it matches with the bottom of the box. Grab either the helmet or Ultron's head its a tough decision, which ever you choose that will be what Cap will stand triumphantly over (I know tough choice Nazi's or Ultron). Next grab the body and mount it both pegs in to the holes, left foot (of the statue) on top of the head or helmet and the right foot into the ground. Next up the shield this you can have some fun with, either you can go with the modern or retro version whichever you like. Once picked carefully slide the shield arm into the peg hole, you will want to make sure the magnet securely catches on to the arm (move some of the arm fabric if you have to). Just don't want that shield falling and getting dented or anything.
Finally on to the head. This one can be fun too, you can pick any head you want, you can even make your own parallel universe cap and mix the parts around, modern head, retro shield, ultron head or what ever combination of 3 you want. There's 8 combination's to choose from (thanks data management for that flashback math lesson on combinatorics AKA combination's and permutations). Can't believed I actually used it.
Once you have your combination set Cap is ready to display modern, retro or parallel universe he still looks amazing.

The Base with the Edition Number and the Statue description. Underneath the 4 items you can pick to switch up or mix and match how you want Cap to look on final assembly.

The base with the the metal accessory attached (top right) NOTE the magnets on the piece makes contact with the magnet on the base. Now its ready for your choice of parts.

It's your choice either Modern or Retro. I wasn't much of a fan for the alternate universe versions (mix and matched retro and modern parts). It just didn't have the same feel none the less I will post those options in an edit later on.  

Which version looks best? I DON'T KNOW!! All I can say is that... without getting the exclusive you wouldn't have this amazing dilemma on your hands. Depending on your feel... go the modern route or go old school with the retro.

Final thoughts
The first of what seems to be a lot more mixed media statues to come from sideshow. If they can keep this standard of quality there's not one premium format I'd want to miss. Right down to the leather gloves and individual scales on his upper torso there's not a flaw I can find. Even the spandex fabric is awesome it folds all in the right places and the muscle sculpting comes out perfectly. They even managed to craft a leather belt with a metal belt buckle for the tights. The attention to detail is amazing, it's amazingly lifelike right down to the rubble strewn on the floor of the base. The pose is triumphant exactly the way any Captain America statue should be standing, its almost as though you'd want to throw a salute his way whenever you walk into the room.
There's not much more you could wish for here except for maybe a lower re-sale price point. If you can drop the $800+ (if you're lucky) for one then do it. Your next best option would be get a desktop wall paper of it. It is really that good or just drop by the blog anytime and check out our pictures.

5 Great American Salutes + 1 Modern Vibranium Circular Shield out of 5 Great American Salutes