Just finished watching the Big Bang Theory’s latest episode and once again the show delivered. Funny, clever, Wil Wheaton… wins all the way across the board. But then I got to thinking about their recently renewed contract for three more seasons. Can they do it?
Will they jump the shark and bring in a baby? Will one of our favorite of the three couples split up causing factions in the fan base: Team Sheldon vs. Team Amy? Only time will tell but one things for sure… tiny Sheldon and I will watch religiously with baited breath. I have a feeling he already knows but doesn’t want to ruin it for me. Dang you Mr. Cooper, you snarky tease.
What do you think? Can the writers pull it off or will we be seeing Howard on a rocket powered tricycle jumping over a pool of sea monkeys? Actually I think that would be kind of cool 😉
Overview: No other figure (or property) released to date by Bif Bang Pow makes as much sense as this Sheldon Cooper, 8 inch classic style action figure. The former champion of this distinction would easily be the Venture Bros but this one here has something special; Mass market appeal versus a narrow genre and niche. Plus this figure is top shelf on every level but one. Keep reading to find that one thing out.
What it is
Sheldon Cooper 8 Inch Classic Style Action Figure from the Big Bang Theory as produced by Bif Bang Pow
Where he came from
Sheldon was provided by Entertainment Earth for the purpose of this review.
The Pro’s
Likeness – The stock pictures of this figure that have been released really don’t capture how great this likeness really is. The folks at Bif Bang Pow did a fantastic job of capturing Jim Parson’s “happy moments” as Sheldon. A snarky variant could be fun too.
Body durability – EMCE toys is the king of the rubber band, classic style body. The plastic is super durable. In undressing and then redressing Sheldon I didn’t hold back in the process. To be honest I was nervous at the stage. There is always the possibility of breakage with this particular type of toy. After my experience with the S-Type body I was really worried that this body was going to let me down. Not only that but if it did break it would do it on camera. Being an honest reviewer I’d have to tell you that, and that would suck.
Thankfully that was the furthest thing from the actual outcome. Again, the king of the traditional Mego style body is the house that Dr. Mego built. And as a fitting tribute of shorts here’s a little video showing the durability test with an homage to EMCE.
Clothing (feels odd to call it a costume) – I was pleasantly surprised in this department. The decision to make the shirt a solid piece versus a Velcro backing makes for a smooth presentation. The extra step the Bif Bang Pow designers took in throwing in some stitches to simulate pockets was also a nice subtle touch.
The Con’s
The packaging. You have to destroy it to open it. Then again I have gotten spoiled as of late with FTC’s DC World’s Greatest Heroes line of Mego Reproductions.
Why you should
As a fan – Simply put, it’s a must have. To have a “tiny Sheldon” as Sheldon has a “tiny Spock” is cathartic and damn funny to me. Sure there are bobble heads, cute little Pop Vinyl figures, awkward looking plush’s, mini figures and a new line of 3&3/4 action figures coming soon but to have Sheldon in the style of a toy that the character himself had is almost as perfect a collectible as an officially licensed Darth Vader fire retardant suit. It just makes sense.
As a Mego collector – Everything about this figure captures the “Mego style” perfectly. From his Joker type generic brown shoes to his rubber band constructed body, Sheldon fits right in. Plus with all of the Mego style figures on the horizon it’s only logical to Collect ‘Em All! This most vertainly means YOU to those who have a set of the Walton’s on the shelf.
As the non-Mego collector – Give this scale and style a shot. You’ll be glad you did. While the Mego style may not be a part of your specific nostalgic recollections once you bite you’ll be hooked and it’s an addiction you won’t regret. Especially considering the resurgence of the style. Not as big and clunky as the 12inch… not as small as the 3&3/4… and no where near the space eater s the 1:4 and bigger scales. It’s just right. Plus with all of the new figures coming out in the scale (more Venture Bros., and the Ambiguously Gay Duo from Bif Bang Pow, and the slew of figures from Figures Toy Company and ZICA/ Castaway) you are going to really be missing out if you shun this scale and format.
Why you shouldn’t
The only thing that would be a slight deterrent in my opinion would be the inability to reseal him on the card. But that’s it.
In Conclusion
The 8 inch Sheldon Cooper is a figure I am more than happy to have in my collection. Not just because he was provided by the good folks at Entertainment Earth, (he was already on the want list), but because this figure fits right in with my love and appreciation of the Big Bang Theory, its cast of characters and its humor. And all of those characters are very near on the horizon. And while their are already variants of Sheldon on the release plate, this particular starting point variant with the Batman shirt will be gone before you know it. Plus the overall quality of this figure makes it totally worth the MSRP. That’s why I’m off now to go buy another one to keep on the card and tack up on “The Wall”. This Sheldon however is going to remain by my side as we patiently wait for the rest of the gang to come over for a night of Chinese food, Dungeon’s & Dragons and the occasional Bazinga worthy prank.
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