Review: Mighty World: Major Mac
Long time readers of The Clearance Bin will no doubt recall Ken and his kayak adventure, a "Mighty World" set I picked up at FAO Schwartz a while back.
For months, FAO Schwartz was the only place I saw these: I actually suspected they might be exclusives or something. But recently I found myself in a Target, where I came across a shelf full of Mighty World figures, vehicles, and playsets.
As a concept, Mighty World is a little difficult to get one's head around. I guess they're sort of similar to Playmobil toys, but - intentionally or not - there's something oddly subversive here. When I reviewed Ken's Kayak Adventure, I mentioned that Ken really looked like the kind of "adventurer" who decapitated coeds with a hatchet. The fact mine came with a hatchet reinforced this hypothesis (I've heard that the accessories vary from pack to pack: at least one person I know got a machete instead of a hatchet).
Anyway, I was curious about this new line of Mighty World figures, so I grabbed Major Mac.
For months, FAO Schwartz was the only place I saw these: I actually suspected they might be exclusives or something. But recently I found myself in a Target, where I came across a shelf full of Mighty World figures, vehicles, and playsets.
As a concept, Mighty World is a little difficult to get one's head around. I guess they're sort of similar to Playmobil toys, but - intentionally or not - there's something oddly subversive here. When I reviewed Ken's Kayak Adventure, I mentioned that Ken really looked like the kind of "adventurer" who decapitated coeds with a hatchet. The fact mine came with a hatchet reinforced this hypothesis (I've heard that the accessories vary from pack to pack: at least one person I know got a machete instead of a hatchet).
Anyway, I was curious about this new line of Mighty World figures, so I grabbed Major Mac.
Appearance and Construction: 9/10
I do have some issues with this pack, but they're not going to be classified under this heading. Just keep in mind that I'm scoring Mac against similar figures - Lego men, Playmobile, and that sort of thing.
Overall, this is a great looking figure. Like with Ken, Mac has a mean expression on his face. Where Ken's was more calculating, Mac has an almost sadistic grin. Once again, this probably isn't a great choice for the little ones, but I kind of dig it.
I should take a minute to point out that there are PLENTY of Mighty World toys that look perfectly kid-friendly. I just wasn't as drawn to them.
The sculpted uniform looks great, with plenty of detail and fine work. His pockets and pouches have a nice, textured look, and he's even got a holstered sidearm sculpted into his side. While the scale of the sculpted gun is very different from the gun he comes with, it's still a nice added touch. In addition, I want to call attention to his boots, which contain distinct, cleanly painted laces. At this scale, this is a great touch.
Overall, this is a great looking figure. Like with Ken, Mac has a mean expression on his face. Where Ken's was more calculating, Mac has an almost sadistic grin. Once again, this probably isn't a great choice for the little ones, but I kind of dig it.
I should take a minute to point out that there are PLENTY of Mighty World toys that look perfectly kid-friendly. I just wasn't as drawn to them.
The sculpted uniform looks great, with plenty of detail and fine work. His pockets and pouches have a nice, textured look, and he's even got a holstered sidearm sculpted into his side. While the scale of the sculpted gun is very different from the gun he comes with, it's still a nice added touch. In addition, I want to call attention to his boots, which contain distinct, cleanly painted laces. At this scale, this is a great touch.
Like Ken, this is a solid figure, clearly built to hold up to play. I don't expect this is going to break anytime soon. I am going to partially consider one accessory in this section, because it has a direct effect on the figure's appearance: the hair. This gives you the option of swapping out the helmet without being left with that ugly hole in the head. This was something Ken was missing. Ken received a very respectable eight, and I mentioned at the time that he'd have gotten a nine if it weren't for the hole in his head left over when you removed his hat. Well, they've found a solution, so it's only fair that Mac goes up to nine. |
Packaging and Extras: ----
Unlike Ken, who came in a cardboard box, Mac comes in a clear plastic package. This means, among other factors, that you can look at the figure you're buying to make sure the paint ops are to your liking.
In addition, I really like the packaging here. It's nothing unusual, but the color scheme and design just kind of work for me.
The first thing I expect you'll notice is that Mac didn't do quite as well here as Ken. While he still has a nice haul of extras, it's nowhere near as impressive. Ken came loaded with goodies you'd never expect at his price point: Mac... is about right. There are six extras you get. First of all, Mac comes with a head of hair and a helmet, giving you the option of how you want to display him. Both of these are beautifully sculpted and painted. Next, you get a pair of guns: an assault rifle and a sidearm. If there's one accessory I'm disappointed in, it's that assault rifle. Compared with most of his accessories, it just looks childish. This becomes even more noticeable if you hold it beside the sidearm, which is identical to the one Ken came with. Deceptively realistic, the sidearm contains a lot of sculpted detail. I loved it before, and I love it now. |
Another reuse, Mac has the same radio phone Ken came with. And, once again, it's unpainted, making it pretty much useless. Finally, he's got a what I assume is a canteen. This is much better, with nice paint and detail.
Update (01/19/10): A reader pointed out that "canteen" is actually a teller mine. Thanks for the correction, Kenneth!
Update (01/19/10): A reader pointed out that "canteen" is actually a teller mine. Thanks for the correction, Kenneth!
I'll cover this more in a moment, but I do want to mention that Mac has some issues holding several of these accessories. Of course, all of these are compatible with other Mighty World figures, so Ken can finally get a head of hair or a second gun. In addition, that brings up something else. A reader wrote in after my last review wanting to know whether these accessories were compatible with Lego figures. I was actually surprised to discover the answer is yes. In fact, in some cases I had an easier time getting accessories into Lego hands than I did with larger figures. Since I imagine there are a lot of Lego fans out there looking for additional accessories, I thought I'd pass the information along. |
While there are some great extras here, I really see Mac's haul as being somewhat needed to justify his price tag, so I can't give him a bonus.
Play and Display: -1
In terms of articulation, there's no real change from Ken. You've got a neck joint, shoulders, legs, and cut wrists. That's still not bad for this scale, though it isn't anything shocking.
He stands up well, and, unlike Ken, he can actually sit down, although the pieces on his back keep him leaning one way or the other.
The reason he's getting hit with a deduction are the hands. I don't know whether they're having some problems with the molds, but, for some reason, his grip is a little too tight. He can hold his sidearm all right, but it takes effort to get the assault rifle in his hand. In fact, you can see some strain on the plastic on mine as a result of trying to get pictures like the one to the left.
In addition, there just wasn't enough thought given to making the accessories work with the hands. Mac is better at looking at his guns than he is at firing them, and he can't hold the radio at all.
I let Ken get away with a few odd extras, because there were so many others that worked. But Mac doesn't have the luxury: he comes with a relatively lean assortment. When half don't work the way you'd like them to, that's a bit of a letdown. So I'm going to have to dock him a point.
He stands up well, and, unlike Ken, he can actually sit down, although the pieces on his back keep him leaning one way or the other.
The reason he's getting hit with a deduction are the hands. I don't know whether they're having some problems with the molds, but, for some reason, his grip is a little too tight. He can hold his sidearm all right, but it takes effort to get the assault rifle in his hand. In fact, you can see some strain on the plastic on mine as a result of trying to get pictures like the one to the left.
In addition, there just wasn't enough thought given to making the accessories work with the hands. Mac is better at looking at his guns than he is at firing them, and he can't hold the radio at all.
I let Ken get away with a few odd extras, because there were so many others that worked. But Mac doesn't have the luxury: he comes with a relatively lean assortment. When half don't work the way you'd like them to, that's a bit of a letdown. So I'm going to have to dock him a point.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 8/10
I have to admit, I'm find this line really intriguing. On the surface, it seems like a very kid-friendly line, but when you look a little closer, there's a real dark subtext to it. I have no idea whether it's intentional or not, but either way, it's kind of cool.
I bought Mac at Target for five bucks, which was the full price. Between the figure and extras, I felt like this was fair but not a bargain. If you're willing to spend a bit more, there are some sets that include vehicles for not too much more: those seem like far better deals.
Somehow, I doubt Mac will be the last one of these I pick up. While I have some complaints with Mac, he's still cool. And, once again, that expression is sufficiently creepy.
So far, I've seen these at FAO Schwartz and Target. In addition, you can always pick these up online.
I bought Mac at Target for five bucks, which was the full price. Between the figure and extras, I felt like this was fair but not a bargain. If you're willing to spend a bit more, there are some sets that include vehicles for not too much more: those seem like far better deals.
Somehow, I doubt Mac will be the last one of these I pick up. While I have some complaints with Mac, he's still cool. And, once again, that expression is sufficiently creepy.
So far, I've seen these at FAO Schwartz and Target. In addition, you can always pick these up online.
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Before you go, make sure you say hi to Ken. Oh, yes. He's back. And he missed you....
Before you go, make sure you say hi to Ken. Oh, yes. He's back. And he missed you....