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[HR][/HR]Yamato USA continues to keep the fantasy alive with their stunning series of Fantasy Figure Gallery PVC statues. Their latest release returns to a veteran artist of the collection - Luis Royo - this time taking on his sensual masterpiece: BLACK TINKERBELL.
Fans that couldn't wait to get their hands on this winged beauty had the opportunity late last year to purchase an advance resin release (read our review HERE). While knock-out gorgeous, the statue version of Black Tinkerbell wasn't priced for the casual collector, the limited edition 500 piece run retailing at $249 each. I also feel the release of polyresin statues contradicts with the original purpose of Fantasy Figure Gallery; the line of PVC statues was initially marketed as offering all the fine sculpt of a resin statue, but at a fraction of the cost in plastics. I suppose it's great to give collectors a choice, but I also believe that brand recognition and continuity is just as important. Things start getting a little confusing when two versions of the same product are offered, but cast in different materials.
But back to the topic at hand - the PVC version of Luis Royo's Black Tinkerbell. Priced at $119.99, this wonderfully piece - as stated above - perfectly illustrates Fantasy Figure Gallery's true intent: amazing value for an amazingly detailed collectible. Measuring 11.25" tall from the bottom of the rusty steel girder base to tip of her leathery bat-like wings, Black Tinkerbell is alot of fantastic babe for your buck.
That value becomes even more apparent when placed next to another Royo work, Touch of Ice (see our review HERE). While the female characters are just about the same size, Black Tinkerbell simply dwarfs Touch of Ice in scale. Granted there is a price difference (Touch of Ice was $89), but regardless, Black Tinkerbell's value is clear.
It's all about the wings, a first for the series and something I hope we get more of in the form of flirting pixies, she-dragons and sexy succubi. Collector's have to place these appendages on the statue, a process as easy as plugging them into her back. Another assembly step is arming the dark fairy with her lethal spear. An incredible design, the barbed lance slides into her right hand and rests snug in a hole on the base.
Speaking of, Black Tinkerbell's base is one of Fantasy Figure Gallery's best - a twisted steel girder from some crumbling civilization... perhaps our own. Where past pieces have just included a simple name-plated disc for the statue to rest on, Black Tinkerbell's base actually becomes part of the statue, a very welcome addition. It all makes for a much more dynamic display.
Resin or PVC, the choice is yours, but for all it's worth, my money is on the PVC version of Black Tinkerbell. Packed with lovely detail, soft and sensual paint apps and a cool composition that's hard to miss, Black Tinkerbell is the best that Fantasy Figure Gallery has to offer. Easily my favorite piece in my collection so far, Yamato continues to do Luis Royo justice by exploring his imaginative art in three dimensions.
Fans can order their own Fantasy Figure Gallery Luis Royo's BLACK TINKERBELL today directly through Yamato USA's website, or via many fine retailers such as the ones listed at the top.
Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor
Review Sample Courtesy of Yamato USA
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