Review: HBII: BPRD Buddies

A while back I looked at a two pack of Mezco's new BPRD Buddies, which I showered with praise.
At the time I mentioned I'd think about picking up another pack. Well... I did.
These are from Hellboy II, a great movie deserving great collectibles. So far, I've been very happy with the work I've seen from Mezco. In addition to today's review, expect to see some more reviews of the seven inch characters soon: turns out those have started showing up on clearance, and I'm a sucker for a deal.
The BPRD Buddies two-packs are still going for retail, of course, but it turns out I'm also a sucker for adorable two inch badasses.
These have finally started showing up at Toys R Us, where they cost MORE than the comic store I've been getting mine from. That's a little frightening.
At the time I mentioned I'd think about picking up another pack. Well... I did.
These are from Hellboy II, a great movie deserving great collectibles. So far, I've been very happy with the work I've seen from Mezco. In addition to today's review, expect to see some more reviews of the seven inch characters soon: turns out those have started showing up on clearance, and I'm a sucker for a deal.
The BPRD Buddies two-packs are still going for retail, of course, but it turns out I'm also a sucker for adorable two inch badasses.
These have finally started showing up at Toys R Us, where they cost MORE than the comic store I've been getting mine from. That's a little frightening.
Appearance: 9/10

I can't go to ten this time: sorry. Lets take these one at a time, because they're quite different.
Hellboy is by far the better of the two figures. I don't like him quite as much as the version that came with the Golden Army Soldier, but it's close.
In case it's not easy to tell from the photos, this is an entirely different sculpt, though the expressions are similar. The eyes on mine are a bit off, though I'm betting that won't be the case with most figures. Other than a smudge on Hellboy's right sleeve, that's it for the production issues. I have one VERY minor design complaint, though: I feel like there should be some version of the "baby" icon painted on the gun handle.
But, overall, this Hellboy is almost on par with the last. The sculpt and paint work is phenomenal, particularly with the right hand and the gun barrel. The coat, sculpted from a soft plastic, also looks great.
Hellboy is by far the better of the two figures. I don't like him quite as much as the version that came with the Golden Army Soldier, but it's close.
In case it's not easy to tell from the photos, this is an entirely different sculpt, though the expressions are similar. The eyes on mine are a bit off, though I'm betting that won't be the case with most figures. Other than a smudge on Hellboy's right sleeve, that's it for the production issues. I have one VERY minor design complaint, though: I feel like there should be some version of the "baby" icon painted on the gun handle.
But, overall, this Hellboy is almost on par with the last. The sculpt and paint work is phenomenal, particularly with the right hand and the gun barrel. The coat, sculpted from a soft plastic, also looks great.
On his own, Hellboy could conceivably have pulled a ten, though there are just enough minor issues to cast some doubt on that. But this is a two pack, so the appearance is dependent on both figures. And Abe Sapien, while very good, is a long way from perfect.
The largest problem here is the paint work, which is still very good for this scale but below the quality of the other figures. In some spots, the work is just a tad sloppy and uneven, though the head is near perfect (I particularly love the paint on the goggles). In addition, while the other figures in this line have the "Hellboy II" and "Mezco" information on their feet, Abe's is in his back. It's not a huge deal - you won't even be able to see it in the pictures - but it is a problem. Finally - and I hate even bringing this up - the joints on his arms are a bit obtrusive. I feel like a hypocrite, since I'd have complained more if they'd been omitted, but those are the rules. Abe is awesome; on his own, he'd still command a high eight or maybe even a nine. So, however you want to do the math, a nine it is for the pack. |
Packaging and Extras: ----
Here's a picture of the packaging, though it's more or less identical to last time:
I don't have much more to say. I still like the design here, and it does its job keeping the figures safe. There are no accessories, but I wouldn't expect there to be. No change.
Play and Display: +1

For the record, this is a less reluctant bonus than last time.
Hellboy basically has the same joints, but they work better here. The real difference is due to the fact his gun is held at rest rather than aimed. This means he can hold it cupped in his hand, aimed at the sky, or whatever else you want.
This does leave his right hand a bit awkward, but you can position it like he's inviting an enemy to try him. That seems appropriate, given the gun.
Once again, his head turns from side to side. This time, the collar doesn't restrict its movement, so you can turn it wherever you want it.
The tail looks to be articulated, but the coat pretty much renders the point academic. Still, the rest of the articulation more than makes up for it.
Abe has articulated shoulders, and that's it. While I'd have liked a neck joint, I appreciate the breathing apparatus would make that difficult. At least the poses of his arms are dynamic, meaning you can get some use out of them.
I've said it before; I'll say it again. At this scale, any articulation is a gift. And these joints do give you some options.
Hellboy basically has the same joints, but they work better here. The real difference is due to the fact his gun is held at rest rather than aimed. This means he can hold it cupped in his hand, aimed at the sky, or whatever else you want.
This does leave his right hand a bit awkward, but you can position it like he's inviting an enemy to try him. That seems appropriate, given the gun.
Once again, his head turns from side to side. This time, the collar doesn't restrict its movement, so you can turn it wherever you want it.
The tail looks to be articulated, but the coat pretty much renders the point academic. Still, the rest of the articulation more than makes up for it.
Abe has articulated shoulders, and that's it. While I'd have liked a neck joint, I appreciate the breathing apparatus would make that difficult. At least the poses of his arms are dynamic, meaning you can get some use out of them.
I've said it before; I'll say it again. At this scale, any articulation is a gift. And these joints do give you some options.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 10/10

These are great figures; no question about it, and I'm thrilled I picked them up.
That said, at the nine dollars I paid, I can't say they're really worth the cash. The sheer size of the Golden Army Soldier made it easy to justify last time, but this time around there's no giant to fall back on. These are no larger than the Marvel Superhero figures, and they're more money. In my opinion, the Superhero Squad figures are already overpriced.
What's more, it's starting to look like I got a bargain. Toys R Us is charging $10.50: more than five bucks a figure. Come on: these are two inch figures! But, honestly, if there'd been no other option... I'd probably have paid it.
You can decide whether these are worth nine or ten bucks to you; they certainly were to me. Just don't assume you can get them cheaper at larger retailers. This time, you may be better off with the specialty shop.
That said, at the nine dollars I paid, I can't say they're really worth the cash. The sheer size of the Golden Army Soldier made it easy to justify last time, but this time around there's no giant to fall back on. These are no larger than the Marvel Superhero figures, and they're more money. In my opinion, the Superhero Squad figures are already overpriced.
What's more, it's starting to look like I got a bargain. Toys R Us is charging $10.50: more than five bucks a figure. Come on: these are two inch figures! But, honestly, if there'd been no other option... I'd probably have paid it.
You can decide whether these are worth nine or ten bucks to you; they certainly were to me. Just don't assume you can get them cheaper at larger retailers. This time, you may be better off with the specialty shop.
Remember, geeks: there's always a chair for you in The Middle Room.