I dunno about you, but I love sprinkling stylized figures into my display. It breaks up the hyper-realistic monotony, adding some visual fun and a bit of whimsy to my favorite collectible properties. Quantum Mechanix (QMx) is acutely aware that collectors have different tastes. The company has built their business around producing not only awesomely accurate replicas and 1:6th scale figures, but it also has an entire division devoted to the cute and collectible: a series of stylized mini figures called Q-Figs.
Launching a few years back with characters from Star Trek: The Original Series, the Q-Fig line has since grown to incorporate a ton of hot licenses, including DC Comics, Marvel, and Harry Potter. Today I’m taking a look at three recent releases in stores now: Marvel’s Captain America and Spider-Man, along with a playful take on Wonder Woman from DC Comics. Measuring 3-5 inches tall, each figure retails for an affordable $14-$19 and can be purchased directly from QMx at qmxonline.com or through a variety of fine retailers, including BigBadToyStore.com and ToyWiz.com.
Each Q-Fig ships in a squat square window box. Panes on the front and top of the pack allow for a clear look at the figure inside. The Q-Fig branding instantly catches your eye in the lower corner, while character specific logos and figure photos carry your attention all around the box. In the case of Wonder Woman (but oddly absent on the Marvel figures) there is a call-out on the back for future Q-Figs to collect. QMx did an admirable job on the Q-Fig packaging design, each box unique and a joy to look at.
The trick to having a successful stylized figure line is to have a unique design identity that collectors dig. In that regard, Q-Figs hit it out of the park. While there is an obvious Chibi influence going on, Q-Figs stand apart from other designs with a playful child-like approach to each character. Of the three figures, the Wonder Woman Q-Fig conveys this styling the best; the petite Amazonian Princess sculpted running carefree with a toy invisible jet in her hand. The innocence captured in this piece is incredible.
Another thing that Wonder Woman has going for her is the addition of a whiteboard speech bubble. Started with the Star Trek Q-Fig series, the plastic word bubble comes with a removable text sticker and includes a marker for writing your own phrases or sound effects.
Representing a running design change, the Marvel Q-Figs do not include a speech bubble as collectors indicated they weren’t using them; instead they feature more elaborate, themed display bases and highly-detailed sculpts.
Of the two Marvel dioramas, Spider-Man is my clear favorite. The composition is unlike any Q-Fig made before, with Spidey defying gravity hanging upside down from a lamppost. Amazing Spider-Man, indeed! A soft, rubber-like plastic is used for the webbing that holds Spider-Man in this pose, so there’s no real worry of breakage. This is also one of the larger Q-Figs, Spider-Man measuring a good 5 1/2 inches tall.
Captain America stands tall upon a rocky base in a very patriotic pose. While the First Avenger throwing a salute is fitting, I wish the piece had a more lighthearted Q-Fig approach. Perhaps Cap shooting off fireworks or waving around sparklers/ mini American flags? Small critique aside, it’s still a solid Q-Fig and Captain America fans will no doubt enjoy it.
When Q-Figs first debuted, I was immediately drawn to their adorable appearance. I’m very happy that these found an audience and that Quantum Mechanix has added more licenses. Classic Trek was a great starting point, but with Marvel and DC Comics now in the mix, the sky is the limit to what can be done in this cute and collectible figure format. Here’s hoping for even more licenses and characters!
Stay tuned next week for part two of our review as Toyaddict26 gives us a look at the Harry Potter Q-Fig , along with Supernatural’s Sam and Dean Winchester from QMx’s new Mini Masters line!
Scroll on for more photos!
Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor
Review Samples Courtesy of Quantum Mechanix
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