by Michael Crawford
Today's review is sort of a catch-up - I reviewed the Spawn Reborn Clown a few weeks ago, and I'm finally getting around
to the rest of the set this week. This series is a repaint/slight re-deco of six past figures, and doesn't actually count
as a “regular” Spawn series. They slipped it in between series 22 and 23.
There are six figures in the complete set. I reviewed Clown awhile back, and at MROTW I have a review
up of the Domina, Wings of Damnation Spawn, and Redeemer. This review will cover the last two, Curse of the Spawn and
Raven Spawn.
You can find these at most Gamestop, Media Play, or Electronics Boutique stores. I have a great on-line option listed at the
end of the review as well. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, you can
always reach me at mwc@mwctoys.com. If you enjoy this review, take a minute to check out my
other site at Michael's Review of the Week, and let me know what you think. Now on
to the review!
"Spawn Reborn Raven Spawn and Curse of the Spawn"
Packaging - ***1/2
The clamshell packaging continues to work just as well as before. Small, compact, tough and easy to store, I like this style of
packaging quite a bit better than the average cardboard backer/bubble arrangement. I just wish we'd get more text on the attractive
insert, particularly for unusual figures.
Sculpting - Curse of the Spawn ****; Raven Spawn ***1/2
Both of these figures are really just repaints, although Curse has a nifty new cloth cape. As such, the sculpts won't be any
surprise to those folks that have bought the original versions. Curse has lots of excellent detail work, especially around the
rotting flesh and exposed muscle beneath. Actually, both of these have terrifically
detailed sculpts, but Raven Spawn seems
on the small scale. He doesn't seem to fit in overall quite as well with the complete line, unlike Curse. Both figures stand
perfectly fine on their own, and the sculpt doesn't overly restrict the articulation.
Paint - Curse of the Spawn ****; Raven Spawn ***1/2
The paint ops on the average McToys figure has continued to improve, and I haven't gotten a bad one in ages. Curse does
slightly better in this category due to his greater amount of paint detail, and a slightly better looking color scheme. It's a pretty
close call though, and you won't be disappointed in either one.
Articulation - Raven Spawn ***; Curse of the Spawn **1/2
Neither of these figures are on the cutting edge of articulation, although both work adequately. Curse of the Spawn has neck, shoulders, wrists,
left elbow, and hips. It allows for some basic arm posing, and to adjust his legs to stand.
Raven Spawn has neck and shoulders as well, but they are both restricted a bit by the plastic cowl/cape. He also has elbows and wrists, hips,
knees and cut thighs. The leg joints work well to allow for some various poses, although the thighs might look a little weird around the cut joint
when you move it around.
Accessories - Curse of the Spawn ***; Raven Spawn **1/2
The accessories are a bit on the skimpy side, especially for ten dollar (or more) repaints, but at least there's something with both of
them. Curse has the better set, with two 'bat clusters' that attach to his bony
horns protruding from his back, and a weird scythe type
weapon. The weapon doesn't fit particularly well in his left hand, and he lost points because of it, but the bats look terrific.
Raven Spawn has only one accessory, his staff weapon. It doesn't fit in his hands great, but it's better than Curse. He also has
a real chain around his belt, but it's not removable.
Value - **
You'll pay $10 for these if you're lucky, and at that price they aren't better than a two star value. God forbid if you end up paying
$12 or $13! You're going to feel ripped off at this price if you already own the originals.
Overall - ***
Of the set of six Reborn figures, Curse of the Spawn is my favorite. He's a little different than the original with the cloth
cape, the color scheme is interesting, and he has decent accessories. Next up is Wings of Damnation Spawn, then Raven Spawn, clown, Redeemer,
and finally, Domina. The last few Spawn series that have included female figures seem to have them just thrown in as extras, without nearly
the same level of detail as the rest of the line.
Since these are just repaints though, and fairly expensive repaints at that, none of them can rank higher than three stars. If you missed out
on them the first time around, they are worth a look, particularly Curse of the Spawn and Wings of Damnation Spawn.
Where to Buy
Check your local Media Play or Electronics Boutique. On-line:
-
Beans Toys has a great price of $54 for the set of six, and a couple of the figures
are also available singly. Check under their McFarlane section.
