Sunday 16 June 2013

Toybox REVIEW: Doctor Who 3.75" Scale Dalek

2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC

With series 7 of Doctor Who having just drawn to a close, it's time for Character Options to wheel out their newest range of figures to help tide us over until the 50th Anniversary special in November. What makes this first wave of series 7 figures special is that it marks the debut of the 3.75" scale for Doctor Who figures, which all of the modern series figures will be in for the foreseeable future (the classic figures retaining the old 5" scale). Whether you are for or against this change, this is the standard for figures these days and so it was an obvious business move for Character Options to move into this scale. As I'm not a fan, I'll only be picking a few choice figures up for review. And first up is what should have been a given - the Dalek.

2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC

2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC

There isn't a whole lot to say about the packaging as it's pretty much the same as all the Matt-Smith era figures have been, albeit scaled down. The back features a breakdown of the figures in the wave, which are the Doctor, Clara, Ice Warrior, Cyberman, Weeping Angel and a Dalek. Also included are pictures of the two currently released playsets for the figures - a Cold War set and one based on a modern Dalek Invasion of Earth. While the other 5 figures include stands, much like the Character Building micro figures the Dalek does not and so is the only thing included in the package.

2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC

2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC

For what is a very small figure in comparison to the modern series Daleks that have come before it, this new scale version is surprisingly impressive. The only real detail that has been lost in scaling things down is the ID tag under the eyestalk - something that's never been referenced to in the show and perhaps only the most dedicated Who fans know about. The dome grooves and rivets adorning the slats and base and fully retained, and not only that this figure has perfected the overall shape and proportions of the Dalek (something that's been progressively improved with the 5" range). Dare I say it aside from the ID tag this is perhaps the most accurate bronze Dalek figure to date! If only Character would decide to use a darker shade of blue for the eyestalk...

2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC

On the articulation front its obviously STILL a bit too much to ask for a rotating mid-section, as all we have is the usual rotating dome and moveable appendages. I was hoping this might be a chance for them to do a Dalek that can look down too, but nope the eyestalk can't move down any further than horizontal. Disappointing.

2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC2013 Doctor Who Dalek Figure 3.75 inch scale Series 7 Character Options BBC

Above we have some comparison pictures with earlier Dalek figures, and put next to the 5" Crucible Dalek you can see just how small this 3.75" one really is. Not only that but the colour differences can also been seen a little clearer - this smaller Dalek is much darker (almost copper rather than bronze) and the base is a much darker grey. The second picture includes size comparisons with the aforementioned Crucible Dalek, a standard Dapol Dalek, a Product Enterprise talking Dalek and a Character Building bronze Dalek.

While personally I'm still not enamoured with this new scale, there is very little to complain about this pint-sized pepperpot of death. While Character Options sadly haven't taken the decision to spice up the bronze Dalek with some new features, they've done a spectacular job of scaling it down to this size and not having the mould suffer any because of it. If you're a fan of 3.75" figures and want a Dalek to hang with your Star Wars or Marvel Comics figures, then this guy definitely comes recommended.

1 comment:

Action Ranger Timmy said...

I can't wait to get my hands on thi.