Art Design: Another solid execution by IGNITE of a nice painting on the cover of the five panel box. The Viking action figure is depicted standing guard before a scene of fire and devastation in the background! It conveys a historical picture of a town in the throes of a Viking raid, looting, and free-wheeling devastation.
Headsculpt: Yes, it looks like ARNOLD when he was young and lean. Not from the CONAN era, but perhaps more similar to the STAY HUNGRY era of Arnold Schwarzeneggar's career. The face is lean, and it looks very good. The headsculpt also has a nicely painted beard. The face has a lot of character sculpted into it. A truly outstanding work by the sculpt artists at IGNITE TOYS!
The Outfit: Let your eyes absorb the majesty of this Viking's chainmail! The only time I have seen anything similar to this Viking's outfit was on the Cotswold site where the Knights are sold for around $200. each. The chainmail is made out of some kind of fabric that interweaves silver and black material so that it really looks like chainmail. It is very silver but it also is constantly changing from silver to black as you move the figure and the light hits the chainmail at different angles. The effect is very spectacular. It looks like the light kevlar-laced chainmail that I recently saw on an episode of the Discovery Channel. Since this Viking depicts an earlier era, the Chainmail is more in keeping with the overcoat style that was built by linking metal wire through fabric. Regardless of its historical pedigree, it looks great! The Viking also includes a cloth head covering with drawstring and a Chainmail hood that provides additional protection to the neck and shoulders. The boots are straight out of a history book. They are made of rubber, but they look perfect. They have working shoelaces too. The pants are plaid cloth, and have a drawstring at the waist. The Viking also has a long white Undershirt edged in blue. But the most amazing part of the outfit is the LEATHER TUNIC!!! WOW! Underneath the chainmail is a complete Leather Tunic that in my humble opinion looks as good or better than the chainmail!
This Viking could really outfit two figures, if you put the Leather Tunic on another figure and did some kitbashing. Anyone who has ever seen the movie THE VIKING with Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis will remember the Leather Tunic was what most of the Vikings wore in battles. Not all of the Vikings had the deluxe chainmail like this Ignite Toys' Viking!
The Gear: Still more fascinating attention to details, workmanship, and quality! The shield has a leather sling and the inside of the shield is textured and painted to look like wood. The outside has a metal cap over the hand grip so that a warrior's hand is protected while defending himself with the shield. The hunting knife has an Ivory (styled) handle and diecast metal blade. It includes a what feels like a cowhide sheath that attaches to the leather belt. The Sword is diecast metal and looks incredible! The scabbard looks like bound leather and has a metal tip and a leather sling also. There is a leatherette pouch which attaches to the leather belt, and it has a small Ivory (syle) clasp for closing the pouch. The diecast metal pike has a sharp point, so do not give this Viking to small children. The box says Adult Collectible, and this Viking is for Adults or mature youth. The Battle Axe is so cool that you will want to immediately pull a GI Joe from your collection and let the Viking split his skull with it! The Battle Axe is also diecast metal with a wood textured handle. It looks realistic. Perhaps the most detailed work of art in this set is the diecast metal helmet. It has a protective nose piece. It also has dings etched into the metal! The helmet arrives battle-tested and battle-scarred!
Price: Around an MSRP of $89.00 and it can be found at various online dealers for around $50.-$60. The Viking is much less expensive than any similar warrior sold by Cotswold or online customizers. The incredible quality of the materials and the attention to the detail make this Viking a good deal even at the MSRP. But look around and you can find it at a lower price!
Grade: A+
