Toy Bender

While out here on “vacation” I was unable to resist the urge to buy toys. After seeing the Indiana Jones figures in stores a few times, I finally broke down and picked a couple of them up. I don’t share my toy purchases online except for notable cases, and boy this sure is one. Not only are these figures by Hasbro toys that fans of the Indiana Jones series ones that should have been made a long time ago, but they are not without controversy.

Before I get to the figures in question, I’ve got two caveats. The first is the price. Where I’m right now (Wisconsin) the Indiana Jones basic figures cost 7.49 at Target and slightly less at Toys R Us and I can’t figure out why. It’s at least a fifty cent jump from Star Wars and now G.I. Joe figures and it’s not like there’s a whole lot of difference between the lines. I’m really hoping that the higher price difference isn’t something that will destroy the line, because parents might just apt for a cheaper figure if they are choosing within the 3 3/4ths spectrum. Anyway, the other caveat is that I’m not a “professional” toy reviewer. I’m better at news and boob jokes. If you want to see real toy reviews try this site.

Now on to my reviews!

Indiana Jones - Raiders of the Lost Ark

The most obvious thing that’s “wrong” about this Indiana Jones is the fact that he really doesn’t look like Harrison Ford. It made a must have purchase to a one that was slightly questionable. I mean, why would I want an Indiana Jones figure that doesn’t look like Indiana Jones? What’s really disappointing is the knowledge that the Indiana Jones figures are made by Hasbro’s Star Wars team. You can’t tell me that the same team that has gotten Harrison Ford’s face down to 3 3/4th inch size almost perfectly in the last several years makes an Indiana Jones figure that looks closer to Clark Gable* than the actual actor that plays him.

Despite the bad facial sclupt I’m glad I did get the figure, since he’s a pretty decent toy. He’s got a good amount of articulation. While it’s not as good as G.I. Joe’s 25th, he’s got enough to put him in some cool poses.

When it comes to the accessories department, Dr. Jones has a decent amount of goods. He comes with a molded plastic whip that poses well in an action ready stance. He also comes with another molded whip that’s coiled up and can be placed on Indiana’s belt. Finally, he comes with his pistol (why does his pistol sound like a tank when it’s fired?). My only problem with the pistol is his holster that holds it. The holster is huge compared to the size of the pistol, something that you don’t see with G.I. Joe figures. The holster’s flap can snap shut, but it’s fairly hard to secure it and the tab that holds it in place seems a bit flimsy, so you’re better off either leaving it closed or opening it and closing it once.

Indiana Jones also comes with the golden statue from the infamous opening scene in Raiders. Finally, Hasbro’s little “bonus” is a hidden relic. I’m not sure if these are packed randomly or not, but I got something called a Chachapoyan Temple Carving that is a flat piece of plastic that looks like a stone face. I also got a sticker of the face. It’s not super great, but it would be a neat play accessory for kids.

If you can get over the horrendous likeness and annoying premium price, this is a pretty great action figure. It’s almost like when Kenner started doing Star Wars figures in the 90s, sure Luke didn’t really look like Luke, but you wanted the figure anyway if you were a fan. At least this Indiana Jones doesn’t have He-Man’s body. I’ll give this figure three Short Rounds out of five.

Indiana Jones with Horse - Raiders of the Lost Ark

First off, this figure set is for my fiancee and by that I mean I bought it for her, but I’m going to play with it and pose it along side my G.I. Joes. No other action figure goes as well with a horse as our beloved Dr. Jones so this deluxe pack makes perfect sense.

Let’s start with Indiana. The same horrid facial sculpt that plagues the other Indiana Jones figure is also present here. In fact, this is pretty much the same figure as the previous one, but this time with legs that are spread a bit further apart so as to allow him to sit on the horse better. The only other real differences include a non-functioning holster and different weather effects with the paint. In fact, I prefer the weathering on this figure. It is also notable that this version of Indiana only comes with the curled up whip, so if you want an Indiana that is ready to lash some Nazi ass, you’ll have to buy another one.

The horse is… well a horse. It’s got some decent articulation, but it’s head didn’t move as much as I was hoping. The horse doesn’t really come with any accessories unless you count the saddle that comes off if that’s you’re thing. Indiana Jones sits rather securely and looks pretty good on it.

For the value, this is a must have toy if you’re going to dig into the line a little bit beyond the main characters. The Indiana Jones figure is decent and the horse is probably the best horse you’re ever going to see in this scale, so pick it up if you have the chance. I’ll give this four Short Rounds out of five.

* What’s funny is that I showed this figure to both my parents at different times and they both said he looked like Clark Gable. They also questioned themselves why they didn’t give me up for adoption.