REVIEW: Dark Horse & ReelArt Studios Moon Maiden Statue

The second piece in a line of Frazetta-inspired statues...

Check out DarkHorse.com and ReelArtStudios.com for more information on this statue.

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One of the most influential fantasy artists of the twentieth century, Frank Frazetta has created some of the most amazing artwork ever. From Conan to Death Dealer to John Carter of Old Mars, Frazetta brought each and every one of them to life - including the fan-favorite The Moonmaid (above).

As the second in a line of statues by ReelArt Studios, Frazetta's sultry maiden and barbarous centaur come to life in three dimensions and will no doubt impress both fantasy and Frazetta fans alike.

PACKAGING:
The full color box features an image of the statue super-imposed upon the painting's background on the front, an images of the original painting on the back, two close-up photos of the statue on one side and a product description on the other. Thanks to a cutout styrofoam lining in which both the statue and base lie, the Moon Maid statue should have no problems arriving in mint condition at any collector's doorstep. Durable as necessary, the statue features attractive box art which should impress both fans and retailers.

SCULPT:
At 10" tall and 8 1/2" wide, this magnificent statue makes an impressive display piece and captured both the Moon Maid and her savage centaur with minutely detailed sculpting. With spot-on likenesses thanks to the super-talented Tim Bruckner, the original Frazetta painting comes to life and makes for a gorgeous fantasy statue.

The wind-blown hair, seductive curves, and youthful face of the Moon Maid instantly catch the viewer's eye while the barbaric centaur too features wind-blown hair, taunt muscles and a savage scowl across its monstrous face. Anchored to the base via a protruding rock near its midsection, the centaur comes sculpted - as seen in the painting - bounding through the air with the Moon Maiden upon its back.

Each and every small detail - from the tooth necklace around the centaur's neck and golden hoop earring in its right ear to the Maiden's golden hairpiece and flapping orange cape (above/below) - help give this piece attitude and show it to be truly a masterful work of art.

PAINT APPLICATION:
Beautifully rendered in gorgeous bright colors by Bruckner, this statue - a three dimensional representation of the original painting - demonstrates why critics and fans alike believe Dark Horse and ReelArt Studios continue to produce some of the most magnificent pop culture collectibles today. From the Maiden's large violet eyes and pale white skin to her orange flowing cape and voluptuous curves, the female form as only Frazetta can create takes shape here.

Likewise, the beastly centaur's muscular body - a gray blue with light brown shading - features black spots along its backside and flanks.

"The challenge of interpreting a work like Moon Maid, with Frazetta's very personal anatomical dynamics and painterly aspects, into three dimensions could be daunting," says David Scroggy, Vice President of Product Development for Dark Horse Deluxe. "In lesser hands than (Tim) Bruckner's, one might find the sculptor's fingerprints to be more prominent than the artist's brush strokes, (but) not so here. I think we have arrived at a collaboration that furthers Frazetta's vision by bringing it forward into three dimensions while leaving the greatness and personal style of the original source material intact."

Agreed, while minute portions of the statue have been left to the artist's choosing (such as the slight color change in the centaur's fur), it's important to remember it's not so important each and every single detail be the same as it is the original feeling and mood upon seeing the statue resonates with that of the painting. Thankfully, the colors and sculpting of this statue truly reflect the original painting and pay proper homage to Frazetta's work.

COST & OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Having captured and/or created so many amazing characters and scenes over his long career, Frazetta continues to be appreciated by old and new fans alike. Not only does his artwork deserves to be reproduced in three dimensions, it demands it. Fans therefore can be grateful artists like Tim Bruckner and others working for Dark Horse Deluxe and ReelArt Studios continue to produce this quality of statue.

With a retail price of $175, the Moon Maid statue will no doubt be a showcase piece for fantasy fans and specifically Frazetta fans looking to add a unique statue to their collection. Thanks to well-detailed sculpting and beautifully rendered colors, this piece - like the painting - shows both gorgeous majesty and fierce grace.

Be sure to check out the photo gallery below for 50 images of the Moon Maid statue.

Dark Horse Moon Maiden Statue Photo Gallery