Review: NYPD Asian Organized Task Force Detective “Chow”
Posted by Lindsay

This is one of those random figures picked up on a whim. 
Detective “Chow” is from Dragon, and is marked 1999. 

What he was doing at National Wholesale Liquidators marked at ten bucks is somewhat beyond me.  

I don't collect Barbies because I think they're aesthetically superior to other 12” figures.  Okay, I do think they are aesthetically superior to some other 12" figures, especially for female figures.

But mostly I usually can't afford high-end 12” figures.  If I could find more cheap nice figures like Chow here, I would certainly buy them. 

Appearance and Construction: 8/10

Clearly the head-sculpt is based on Chow Yun Fat.  It's a fair likeness, not perfect, but given the quotes around “Chow”, I expect they were trying to introduce a generic element as well.  Trouble with copyright?

The paint on the facial features is nice and subtle, but there's some slop around the hairline.

The costuming is really nice.  The only nitpicks I have are two.  The lack of socks means that his ankles are visible between the shoes and the pants when his legs are bent.  Also there are visible snaps when the jacket is open, although that may be a necessary design choice.

Packaging and Extras: +2

The package is pretty boring, holds up okay on the shelf, but that's all.  Some of the research I've done since picking this up seems to indicate that this figure was an early member of a series intended to be cheaper than Dragon's usual fare, and the packaging also seems to imply this.  I was actually worried at first that it was a  knock-off. 

For example, the front of the packaging notifies you both that small parts make this toy not for children under 3, AND that it is a collectable [sic] item, “Age over 14”.  

The other amusing part of the packaging?  On the side it notifies you that “This figure is not an official NYPD product, and has not been endorsed or sponsored by the NYPD.”  In case you were wondering.

But all is forgiven, because the ugly package meant that they weren't all bought, and some ended up on clearance. 

The accessories are really nice.  The costume consists of a shirt, pants, shoes, jacket and belt.  The jacket has actual metal studs for buttons, the NYPD symbol on the jacket is clean and bright.  Both the jacket and the pants have real pockets.

He also comes with a handgun, handcuffs (with actual metal links), a walkie-talkie, and a mini flashlight.  All these props can fit into the pouches on his belt (which all open and close), and he can hold everything except the flashlight.

Play and Display:  +1

The articulation on this guy is really nice, but I wouldn't expect anything less from Dragon.  

He has:
Ball jointed neck
Shoulders function as ball joints (although these joints click and feel a bit cheap)
Cuts on bicep and wrist, upper thigh and ankle
Double hinge on elbows and knees
Pins on wrist and ankle
Hips function as ball joints
Cut on lower abs, 360 rotation and “crunch” joint on chest.

The amount of posability this gives the figure is nothing short of awesome, although his jeans do constrict the more extreme leg angles.

Special Section: Analysis of Custom Potential

This is a great base body.  I have no plans for him, currently, but couldn't resist a well-articulated figure, plus good accessories.  I'm sure he'll come in handy.

Price Tag and Final Analysis: 10+/10

For ten dollars, I immediately snapped up a figure of this quality.  Then when I got to the register, it rang up at 6.50.  That's... insane. 

A bit of searching, however, tells me that this guy can be had online for $20 or so, original price cited at $50.  Twenty isn't a bad deal itself, if you have a use or desire for a “Chow” look-alike.  

But really he's another great example of the bargain toy collector's habit, keep your eyes open and you never know what someone will just have pulled out of a storeroom.

Want to kill some more time?  Look at pictures of my customs here, or read about my book habit here,
or as always, check out Erin's geeky ramblings at The Middle Room.