Being unboxed today is a non-licensed (but clearly brand-inspired) figure from SooSoo Toys. SooSoo Toys produces 1/6th scale multi-jointed action figures (the same scale as both the similar style Hot Toys figures and standard Barbies). Their bodies general have between 15 and 17 points of articulation, generally come with multi-piece fabric outfits, and retail in the range of $130-$160 USD.
The figure I bought is named "Paranormal Detective" but is clearly meant to be the DC Comics character John Constantine. The box art and head sculpt are very clearly designed to resemble Matt Ryan, the actor who plays the character on the TV series "Legends of Tomorrow" (and who played him in the short-lived series "Constantine" and who voices the same character in the animated films "Justice League Dark" and "Constantine: City of Demons"). If you've followed the blog for a while you'll know that I'm always drawn to Hellblazer/Constantine collectibles.
There is, of course, a bit of a moral question when it comes to picking up a figure like this since it is very clearly labeled in a way that avoids having to pay licensing fees. I definitely see the issues there, but at the same time have picked up low-end knock-offs in the past, so I decided that I don't really have a real personal stance on the issue. Your mileage may vary.
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| The front of the box. |
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| The back of the box. |
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| The inner packaging. |
This figure comes with an extra pair of hands (in fists) with extra wrist joints, a display stand, a full outfit (included the trench coat, tie, shirt, undershirt/vest, black trousers) and several accessories (two plastic balls of fire, a cigarette and box of cigarettes, a bottle of whiskey and a watch).
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| Inside the box. |
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| Close-up of the accessories |
The shoes on this figure take the place of feet and are jointed at the ankle. The quality of the clothing and the figure itself were in-line with similar figures that I have from Sideshow Toys and Hot Toys. The head sculpt and paint create an excellent likeness to the actor.
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| Yup, looks a lot like Matt Ryan. |
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| The base of the stand (with a fist and a fireball in the background) |
The pose-ability of the figure is in-line with other dolls and figures of this size with similar levels of articulation. In terms of posing, he is very similar to my
Hot Toys Wolverine.
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| Casting a spell. |
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| Having a smoke. |
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| Holding a fireball |
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| The moment when I realized I'd positioned the cigarette was the wrong direction. |
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With DC Superhero Girls Bumblebee.
A comparison to a DC Comics character aimed at a completely different market. |
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| He looks like he's hunched over from the cold, doesn't he? |
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| A parting glance. |
This was my first experience with a SooSoo Toys figure in person, and I have to say that I was very impressed with the quality. The pose-ability of the figure, the detail of the clothing and accessories and the likeness of the head all exceeded my expectations. While I'm still a bit conflicted about such an obvious likeness being non-licensed, I can't deny the impressive work!
Hello jSarie,
ReplyDeleteThe sculpt is really well done and he has great accessories.
Big hug
Giac
Thanks, Giac! The face sculpt really impressed me beyond my expectations. :)
DeleteHi JS, Congratulations on your new arrival. I'm quite impressed with this figure, I like that his face is quite realistic and the accessories are great. Can't comment favourably about the clothes as I'd need to see them IRL, they look great, but if there is any Velcro, it would put me off. Overall he looks good value for money spent.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs,
X
Thanks, X! :)
DeleteThe back of the "buttons" on the shirt and behind the belt are velcro, so that definitely could have been done more nicely with snaps.
Still, I'm so impressed with the face sculpt that I can't complain much.
I loved the voice used for Constantine in "Justice League Dark." His relationship with Zatanna was also interesting in that show.
ReplyDeleteYeah, they're definitely an interesting non-couple couple. There's a great statue of Zatanna that has Constantine as a tiny bunny smoking a cigarette and wearing tie on the base (she turns him into a rabbit in one of the comic storylines). It's too expensive for my tastes, but it just says it all!
DeleteI missed this post for some reason. The likeness to Constantine is definitely there in the features. It's a shame that show never got a Season 2. I enjoyed Season 1. I really love that figures are coming out these days with a lot more posing ability. His clothing looks pretty well made too. Oh and I just noticed how they painted his hair. Looks quite life-like. It took me a second to realise it was sculpted hair!
ReplyDeleteThe painting and sculpting of the face far exceeded my expectations. I honestly wasn't expecting him to be anywhere near this quality, so it was definitely a pleasant surprise!
DeleteLegends of Tomorrow has hinted at some of the old backstories from the solo show, but they don't seem to be planning to really continue the dangling plotlines, which is really too bad. Although if the character stays on the show maybe they will in the future!
Comes w/booze & smokes, nice! I like the clothes on this one, the coat & tie look nice in the pics...
ReplyDeleteThe accessories were definitely perfect for this one!
DeleteI am not familiar with this detective John, so I had to google a bit. Learned a lot :D and I can see the actor in this doll. Well done by the sculptor! Liked the props and the details are really good! Congrats on the new arrival!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm really impressed by the sculptor's work here. :)
DeleteHe is a really great likeness to the actor, and the outfit looks great too. I think these little figures are really interesting.
ReplyDeletex
They did a great job on the head. Once I have access to more of my collection I'll have to take some comparison photos. I really think he's better quality than some of my more expensive ones of comparable size!
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