Review: Captain Kirk and Commander Spock "Amok Time" Set
Compared to my Star Wars collection, I have very few Trek toys. While I love both franchises, I prefer the space ship designs from Star Wars. Still, I couldn't say no to my own version of the Enterprise when I found one on sale last year, and my wife and I have been picking up the occasional toy from the new movie.
Likewise, I wouldn't be much of a geek if I turned down the opportunity to get a set of action figures from one of the original series' most iconic episodes at a fifth its original cost.
And that brings us to Diamond Select's Amok Time set. I believe these are the first action figures I've reviewed from this company (though they did make the aforementioned Enterprise NCC-1701).
Diamond has been producing collector-quality action figures for this franchise for years. In addition to the vehicles and these two-packs (a large number of which feature versions of Kirk and Spock), they also sell single-packed figures. These are about seven inches tall and, overall, I've been impressed with what I've seen.
Likewise, I wouldn't be much of a geek if I turned down the opportunity to get a set of action figures from one of the original series' most iconic episodes at a fifth its original cost.
And that brings us to Diamond Select's Amok Time set. I believe these are the first action figures I've reviewed from this company (though they did make the aforementioned Enterprise NCC-1701).
Diamond has been producing collector-quality action figures for this franchise for years. In addition to the vehicles and these two-packs (a large number of which feature versions of Kirk and Spock), they also sell single-packed figures. These are about seven inches tall and, overall, I've been impressed with what I've seen.
Appearance and Construction: 8/10
Ah, the law of averages strikes again. Spock is easily a nine, while Kirk would be lucky to get a seven. Let's discuss, shall we?
Spock's head is almost perfect. In fact, from a few feet away, it is perfect. From close up, the paint gets a bit sloppy, particularly with the eye shadow. But as soon as you back away, the illusion falls into place.
Kirk isn't quite as lucky. I've heard it said that Shatner is one of those actors whose likeness is almost impossible to capture. On the other hand, I was in the Museum of the Moving Image last week and saw a doll from the 70's that duplicated his face accurately. At any rate, this face isn't great, but it's better than most toys I've seen of Kirk. In addition, the paint on Kirk's head isn't as good as Spock's, but I'm sure that varies from set to set.
In general, loose clothing doesn't work well with action figures, but Diamond Select pulls it off here surprisingly well. The shoulders still look a little awkward, but that's always the price of retaining articulation on toys like this. Kirk's torn shirt looks good (though the cut underneath could be better), and Spock's sash is fantastic.
Spock's head is almost perfect. In fact, from a few feet away, it is perfect. From close up, the paint gets a bit sloppy, particularly with the eye shadow. But as soon as you back away, the illusion falls into place.
Kirk isn't quite as lucky. I've heard it said that Shatner is one of those actors whose likeness is almost impossible to capture. On the other hand, I was in the Museum of the Moving Image last week and saw a doll from the 70's that duplicated his face accurately. At any rate, this face isn't great, but it's better than most toys I've seen of Kirk. In addition, the paint on Kirk's head isn't as good as Spock's, but I'm sure that varies from set to set.
In general, loose clothing doesn't work well with action figures, but Diamond Select pulls it off here surprisingly well. The shoulders still look a little awkward, but that's always the price of retaining articulation on toys like this. Kirk's torn shirt looks good (though the cut underneath could be better), and Spock's sash is fantastic.
Packaging and Extras: +1
While not exactly conserving space, the packaging does a good job showing off the toys and property. The design might be a tiny bit childish for something aimed at adult collectors, but it's still a good looking product:
The back focuses on the episode, rather than the toys, demonstrating Diamond's confidence in the figures' ability to market themselves. The inclusion of a Star Date at the top is a great nerdy detail.
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I'm happy with the quality of all the extras. If they'd thrown in some stands or something, I could have gone to a +2. As it is, the Lirpa are pretty much required, while the gong and hammer are worth a bonus point.
Play and Display: +1
I'll say this: I'm far happier with both the articulation and balance than I expected to be. Both figures have ball joints in their shoulders and the base of their necks, cuts on their forearms, wrists, upper legs, and upper ankles, and pins on their knees, elbows, and ankles.
I'd have loved to see some hip joints similar to the ones on Mattel's DC Universe Classics figures, but that's my default critique of everything toy that's not made by Mattel. The only other joint I wish had been added is a cut waist, which could work here.
But the joints available give you a great range of poses. The joints are a bit stiff, but they work well. The figures are able to balance well in several positions and can sit naturally. While there's nothing here you haven't seen before, Diamond Select has made good use of the joints. I'd say that's worth a point.
I'd have loved to see some hip joints similar to the ones on Mattel's DC Universe Classics figures, but that's my default critique of everything toy that's not made by Mattel. The only other joint I wish had been added is a cut waist, which could work here.
But the joints available give you a great range of poses. The joints are a bit stiff, but they work well. The figures are able to balance well in several positions and can sit naturally. While there's nothing here you haven't seen before, Diamond Select has made good use of the joints. I'd say that's worth a point.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 10/10
It's not that there's anything in particular that's great here: they just do everything well. The appearance, while taking a few more shortcuts than I like to see in the collector market, captures the characters well. And, while I'd have loved to get some stands, the accessories are all well made. The joints are nothing unbelievable, but the articulation gives you some great options.
And, taken together, these are really good figures.
According to the price tag, these started at twenty-five for the set. Honestly, I think that's a bit optimistic: most comic shops I've seen these at had them for thirty to thirty-five.
I got lucky, though, and stumbled across the pair at Toys R Us marked down to five bucks. Needless to say, they're worth more than that. Unless you NEED a pair of "Amok Time" figures in your collection, I wouldn't suggest these at thirty-five. If you can pick them up closer to twenty, they're a good enough deal, and even twenty-five wouldn't be a rip-off. Of course, as always, get a sale if you can.
And, taken together, these are really good figures.
According to the price tag, these started at twenty-five for the set. Honestly, I think that's a bit optimistic: most comic shops I've seen these at had them for thirty to thirty-five.
I got lucky, though, and stumbled across the pair at Toys R Us marked down to five bucks. Needless to say, they're worth more than that. Unless you NEED a pair of "Amok Time" figures in your collection, I wouldn't suggest these at thirty-five. If you can pick them up closer to twenty, they're a good enough deal, and even twenty-five wouldn't be a rip-off. Of course, as always, get a sale if you can.
Hey, it's that time again! Time for self-promotion! Look, a blog! Or, if you want something more concrete, I've got a book out. With pages and everything. You can find more information about that over here.
