Packaging – ***1/2
Medicom packaging tends to always be short on text, which is my biggest issue with it. Okay, so even what text it has I can’t actually read, but I’d like to see them giving a little better background on the characters.Still, this box has a terrific mechanical appearance in the color and graphics. The steel color works great with the license, and the collector friendly packaging – you can easily remove Al without any damage to the box or trays – is a basic expectation with figures in this price range.

There’s some extra packaging material around Al’s neck, so be sure to pull that chunk of plastic out. It’s in there to protect the black paint from rubs, and it works well in that regard.

Sculpting – ****
Al is part of the VCD line from Medicom – Vinyl Collectible Doll. This line is predominately made up of superdeformed style figures, so many people mistakenly assume all VCD’s are super deformed. Not so, and Yoda is probably the best example of that NOT being true. Al is another in that same vein, designed in sixth scale but under the VCD logo because they’ve used the vinyl rotocast style of manufacturing.

So yes, that means Al is hollow. Technically, so is the actual character, since he’s a suit of armor. That reduces his weight significantly, which is a huge plus when it comes to keeping him standing. However, like most rotocast toys, he does not have the same level of articulation.

Back in the old days, another negative to rotocast was a lack in overall definition in the sculpt. Small details were lost, and figures came out looking more like dog chew toys. However, in recent years that’s not been the case. Companies like Mezco, Toybiz and Medicom have pioneered new methods of rotocast that have significantly improved the look of the sculpts. Al is a perfect example.

While most of the armor is going to have a smooth texture – of course – the sharp points and lines are absolutely spot on. There’s nothing soft about this sculpt, from the feel of the materials to the definition of the details. And a great sculpt it is, capturing Al’s appearance extremely well.

The sculpt is also designed with the limited articulation in mind, and the two work quite well together. The proportions are generally good, and his height is about 12 1/4 inches. This is perfect for the Ed figure that Medicom released, and he should stand about head height at Al’s elbow. Check out the end of the review for a comparison shot of these two together.

However, because Ed is actually a little short (by about an inch), Al is also a little short. He’s supposed to be over 7′ tall, and in sixth scale this would really be around 14″. Still, because of his sheer bulk, he still looks great next to other sixth scale figures.

Paint – ****
When it comes to paint, there’s not a lot of variety here, but the important colors are done consistently and very cleanly.

Of course, the steel color of his armor is the most critical, and it is bright, solid and very consistent. There’s no blemishes or variations in thickness, and this gives it a much more realistic appearance. While much of the figure is this blued steel color, there’s also some browns, whites and blacks mixed in. Everything has sharp clean lines, and excellent definition.

Articulation – ***
Being rotocast, there’s obviously less articulation than a standard sixth scale style figure. However, Medicom has done a great job getting enough joints in here to make him plenty poseable.

The neck is a ball joint at the top, and can also turn inside the torso. The range is a bit limited by the design of the armor, but it still worked better than I had expected.

Likewise, the cut shoulders and cut hips are designed in such a way as to provide a greater range of movement than you’d assume. Combine these joints with the pin knees and elbows, cut wrists, cut waist, and ball jointed ankles, and you get quite a bit of posing choices, including deep stances. The large feet and light weight nature of the figure allow him to stay standing without any additional support or assistance.

Accessories – ***
Unlike Edward, there’s not a lot in the extras department here. What is here is extremely well done however.

There’s an extra set of hands, done in a knife hand style. The hands pop on easy enough, but be careful with the many points on Al’s armor. You won’t damage them, but they may damage you! They’re very sharp, and there’s a lot of them.

There’s also the extra cylindrical head, and the head’s go on and off easier than you might first realize. I know I was trying very hard at first, but when you get them lined up just right, they slide right on and off. There’s no need to get cranking on them, but rather take your time and they’ll lift straight off and drop right back on again.

There’s no display stand with this figure, but none is actually required. There’s also the loin cloth, which attaches to either hip, but is not removable. And no, I have no idea why he needs a loin cloth.

Fun Factor – ***
This is actually a great toy, and not just a pop culture collectible. Then again, any great pop culture collectibe based on action figures shouldn’t forget its roots. Medicom knows that, and has done a terrific job translating that understanding with this figure.

Of course, the odds that this guy will end up in the backyard battling Spider-man are pretty slim. And if he did, the kid would probably put his eye out with one of the spikes. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have a ton of fun before the terrible accident.

Value – **
Both Ed and Al are expensive figures, running about $25 more than you probably expect. Well, more than I expect. For regular buyers of imported Japanese figures, the price tag won’t be a shock – for buyers of $8 action figures, it might give them pause.

We’ve seen some truly amazing rotocast work in the $70 – $80 range, and those were figures in a much larger scale and much smaller production runs. While you can’t deny the cool that is this figure, the price tag is going to be tough to swallow.

Things to Watch Out For –
Not much here. Try not to puncture yourself with his armor – and don’t let the kids hit the cat with him.

Overall – ***
Of this pair, Al is probably the more visually impressive figure, especially at first glance. He has bulk, he has shine, and who doesn’t love a suit of armor? But the hollow rotocast figure, with fewer accessories and less articulation, becomes less substantial in person. Of the pair, I’m more impressed with Ed.

That being said, both are pretty damn cool collectibles for the big FMA fan. It’s unlikely you’ll ever find a better representation of these guys produced by anyone, but be prepared to part with some serious cash to add them to the collection.

Where to Buy –
Southern Island is the place to pick this guy up if you’re in the States. They have him as the exclusive distributors at $125.

Related Links –
Don’t miss my review of Edward as well!

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