The Hobbit figures 'wave 2' Review

I've made no secret about the fact that I am not very impressed with The Bridge Direct's decision to release only one new figure as part of the Desolation of Smaug  1:18 scale toy line, last year The Bridge were my favorite toy company, I went crazy buying all their stuff and purchased doubles for customs. Then I moved on to the 6" line. I hope things change, but I get the feeling these may be the last toys of theirs I purchase, because I fear this is the end.

I watched The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug last night and I loved it, lady Elf and all! Review to come later, I have to watch the film a couple more times first! The film motivated me to review the New Hobbit figures, I purchased them a while back online: They cost more than they should! so I stuck to the 'Mirkwood Hero' pack and Radagast the Brown in the 6" scale. I went looking for the other 6" figures at Toys'r'us after I watched the film, but all I could find were wave 1 Bilbos (1:18 scale) and 6" Tauriels. I may buy Azog, later but he really isn't a favorite of mine, seeing as he should have died at the battle of Moria, but I won't ramble, this time.

Anyway, while I'm still upset they didn't release the remainder of the Dwarves, which would have been my first choice, I'd pay a fair bit for that complete set of the  Dwarves they teased us with at toy fair. But as it stands I'm glad they released Thranduil, I've always liked the character and Peter Jackson has done him justice. The same is true with the choice of Radagast, a character that has always fascinated me as have all the other Istari, especially those that are barely mentioned by Tolkien, At first, I wasn't sure about his characterization in the film, but it works! I wish that Radagast had been done in the 1:18th scale, but who knows what motivates the bridge to do what they do.

I will let the pictures do the talking and then I'll do the usual likes and dislikes. Obviously I will not be reviewing the 'custom fodder' included in the Mirkwood pack, if you'd like to see those figures reviewed go here. Now to clarify: I still think that the toys are awesome, and as long as they are released I'll keep buying them, I mean, I still buy the movie themed stuff at the cinema! 

Dear Bridge, release this pretty please!

Thranduil

Likes
- The figure's likeness, for it's scale, is very true to the film
- While the robe hinders the articulation of the legs, it's still included and the figure is still very poseable.
- Although the robe does not reach all the way to the ground, the figure still stands very well, much better than some of the other figures
- The included accessories are appropriate, a sword and a staff are included

Dislikes
- There is a distinct band (see picture) between the hair and face of the figure, I'm not sure what it is, maybe it's a joint between the hair and the head? I didn't notice it at first but when I did I couldn't 'unsee' it and it affects the figure's appearance

The Seam

Radagast the Brown

Likes
- Likeness to the screen wizard is great, if a little serious
- Sculpting is great, from the beard to the face to the robes, it's what you'd expect from a 6" line, I think he is a much more superior figure than the Gandalf they produced last year, that figure felt like an upscaled version of the 4" figure and his likeness was not very close to Ian McKellen
- Hat is removable and you can see the bird nest in his hair
- The staff is very cool, I'd have preferred a crystal like stone in the staff rather than it being painted. Radagast can hold it and this is always a plus!

The Istari

Dislikes
- The scale, I would prefer a 1:18 figure, I know most people would disagree
- Under the robe, he is wearing a brown onesie with very little detail. However, this isn't a big issue at all, as the beard and robes make it difficult to see underneath anyway. You have to remove the head and part of the robe to see it.
- While I'm not a fan of all the bird poop on Radagast in the film, I would have liked to see it sculpted onto the figure, instead it is painted on and it just looks like a lighter patch of beard

I have included a few photos of Gandalf below, comparing him to his Toy Wiz counterparts, which in my opinion are superior to the first wave of 6" figures by The Bridge. However, the Bridge figures are much better than the wave 1 figures presented by Toy Wiz and I would argue that Radagast is at the same level as the 'final' series of Toy Wiz figures, which had better actor likenesses and were 'super poseable'. I have to thank The Bridge for staying far, far away from 'action features'

The Bridge Direct Gandalf, Toy Biz Gandalf with 'light up' staff, Toy Biz 'Super Articulated' Gandalf

Close up

Anyway, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year! and I look forward to all the new toys the year will bring!