In this review we will analyze the Frodo Baggins action figure, from “The Lord of the Rings” and produced by Diamond Select Toys
After moving from the far distant galaxy and the comic book universe of Marvel, our Nerd Stuff section was still missing something. Something that, not only cinematically speaking, has marked the fantasy genre. We are obviously talking about the trilogy of “The Lord of the Rings“. Despite the fame, the Oscars and the huge fanbase, of action figures from Middle-earth we don’t have that many, perhaps for the rights that are not so easily obtainable.
Well, Diamond Select Toys she succeeded in the hard work, creating a series of figures from the Peter Jackson trilogy. We are ready to analyze the “Series 2”, composed by the protagonist: Frodo Baggins and dal Nazgûl. So let’s start with this review of Frodo’s figure from The Lord of the Rings produced by Diamond Select!
The packaging – Diamond Select Review: Frodo – The Lord of the Rings
Let’s start, as usual, by taking a look at the presentation of the figure. There packaging presents a large front window from which it is possible to see practically all the content. The window also extends to the upper side. The box has a blue coloring with shades tending to greenish and black. The background is represented by an illustration of the map of Middle-earth. The “The Lord of The Rings” logo is present both on the front, accompanied by an image of Frodo, Gandald and Sauron, both on the sides and on the back. The back, in addition to the image of the wave, contains a brief description of the figure.
As can be seen even before opening the package, our Frodo will not be alone. A special feature of this Diamond Select collection is the possibility of building our Sauron in 1/10 scale! In addition to the action figure of the Hobbit, in fact, we can find the Fiala at Galadriel and the torso of the antagonist, in addition to his own long cloth cloak. But the vial is not the only accessory given that the sword placed in the scabbard is removable.
Let’s analyze the accessories
Frodo’s accessories are therefore: his sword and the glass vial. As fans of the opera will know, the weapon is not really a sword, but an elven dagger called “Sting” that previously belonged to his uncle Bilbo. This accessory, despite being quite small (about 6.0cm) enjoys an enviable attention to detail. The blade has the elven engravings, as well as the handle has the various grooves of the case. The sculpture is excellent, as is the painting.
He convinced us less, instead, the vial. The tiny accessory (1.7cm) has the same silver color applied to the dagger blade and the sculpt makes it look almost like an awl or a small weapon. We would have appreciated if, instead of this painting, they had used a transparent color to give the idea that it was glass.
Nothing to say about the bust of Sauron, excellently sculpted, with sharp shoulder straps and angular armor. The cloth cloak, then, is a real gem. What can I say: we can’t wait to see the antagonist figure in all its glory!
The action figure – Diamond Select Review: Frodo – The Lord of the Rings
Let’s now pass to the figures of our Hobbit. This Frodo reproduction is 1/10 scale and, therefore, boasts aheight of 13.5cm. Let’s start immediately with the thing that most amazes when observing the figures: the resemblance to the actor who plays the character. Looking at it from the front, the affinities with Elija Wood’s face are really numerous. The sculpture of the latter is well conceived, managing to emulate the actor’s features well. Curly hair is also nicely sculpted and enjoys the iconic hairstyle.
Our Frodo owns the typical long jacket in brown color made of soft plastic. Below we then have the vest, always in a brown color (but slightly lighter), while from the chest we can glimpse the White shirt. On the left side, the jacket has a fold that allows the weapon’s scabbard to appear on display. It too well sculpted, with various elven references, is held by the belt in two points. Although it can fit, in fact, we will be able to move the case thanks to the strap that keeps it anchored to the belt, also in soft plastic. Below we have the classics 3/4 pants ee even more classic large hairy feet.
As already anticipated by the face, the sculpture of this figure is really well done. There is no lack of textures changes regarding the jacket compared to the other garments, together with the various folds of the case. Even hands and feet are really excellently sculpted!
Painting
One of the points that struck us most was the painting. While not clearly hand painted, the figure has details we weren’t expecting. We have already pearled the face which, despite the absence of shades, has a consistent coloring, as well as the hair. The jacket, albeit in a very light way, has light shades of color. The difference, however, is made by the matte finish of the latter, in slight contrast to the glossy one of the vest.
The best parts are, in our opinion, just the sword with the scabbard and the feet of our Hobbit. Not to pass as fetishists but, the legs and feet of the figures enjoy nuances not present anywhere else. With very pronounced dirt details, a duller color and the fuzz, are certainly the most detailed part of the figure.
Clearly there are slight smudges here and there, but nothing transcendental if we consider the sale price at which it is offered.
Posabilità
And while the painting turned out to be surprising at times, posability is, for us, the critical point of the figure. The head can rotate 360 °, however the lack of joint in the neck limits the up and down movements. The joint the shoulder allows the arm to rotate, but that at the elbow it is very limited and it even prevents you from bending your arm to get a 90 ° angle. The same joint was placed on the knees, also limiting the lower part.
Good about the legs, with a joint the sphere which allows them to be easily moved forward and sideways (thanks to the soft plastic jacket and gun case) however limited on the back, where the sculpt of the trousers prevents movement. There is a joint on the thighs that allows the entire leg to be rotated. Also here both hands and feet are confirmed as excellent, which can be well placed both forward and backward and have the ability to rotate.
The figure, so, it does not appear to be well posable, forcing us to expose it in fairly static positions.
Let’s sum it up – Diamond Select Review: Frodo – The Lord of the Rings
Prodotta da Diamond Select Toys, this is one of the few action figures dedicated to the Lord of the Rings and represented Frodo, affordable price. While we are writing the review, in fact, you can make it yours at a price of €37,00 on Amazon. Despite the poor posability, we would still like to recommend this product which, from an aesthetic point of view, has really surprised us in a positive way. If you would like to complete Sauron in 1/10 scale, it turns out to be a mandatory purchase.
Thanks to Diamond Select for providing us with this “Series 2” on LOTR and we remind you that our analysis of the Nazgûl will be out soon, so stay tuned!
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Points in favor
- Very pleasant painting
- Really high resemblance to the actor
- Goad done really well
- Contains Sauron’s torso and cloak!
Points against
- Very limited joints which reduce its posability
- Unconvincing Galadriel vial