Toy-Review: Smirking Python in 1/6 by POP Prolific

Back in 2010, TOYSREVIL collaborated with Justin Volpe of POP Prolific to release an exclusive TOYSREVIL-Edition SMIRKING PYTHON articulated action figure in 1/6th-scale (I love my 1/6, remember?). Limited to only 20 pieces worldwide, with pre-orders closing on October 22nd (ironically, 4 days after me being in Stroke on the 18th, and did not have a chance to further promote the figure-release), whereby a selection of folks scored themselves a slice of 1/6-coolness, IMHO. Of course I am biased, but this is one product I stand by, and recommend anyone who is considering procuring a Justin Volpe-product.

SMIRKING PYTHON is a figure after Hollow Walker [Link features a Q&A with Justin too]. Another figure named Python Acolyte - featuring a silver-painted headsculpt - has since been released after Smirking.


PACKAGING: The box is a surprising delight, featuring a wrap-label and a hand-made box fitting the figure perfectly within, without any other pomp and frills. The figure was wrapped in many folks of black "tissue" paper, to both protect it and I suspect a sense of exclusivity expected from a hand-made figure. In this, I think the notion succeeded.



INSIDE: Within the package, also contained ziplocked baggies of weapons and accessories. As well a extremely small but swish name-card of POP Prolific was included.




FABRIC DESIGN: Nothing can really describe the fabric and it's immaculate tailoring involved in this figure. Featuring a print design from Justin, and printed himself, the folding of the tunic is as well exceptional, although a tad wrinkled due to the wrap-packaging - which is a slight waste, as I am less likely to iron the folds out, least I unravel the tunic and am unable to put it back together again!


TAILORING: The images show the sewing details and eveness in a hand-made product, IMHO. The hoodie's edge has a built-in/sewn-in wire for possibility (but only hampered my actions somewhat). The waist-wrap was a beautiful and clever concoction whereby they are clip-tagged at the back, and not wrapped around as it looks to be. Real cool this.


HEADSCULPT: This particular headsculpt is an exceptional piece of work from Justin, and is one of the highlights of this figure, without a doubt. Notice the eyes is not a simple paint-on, but is instead a literal-slit sculpted in. I had not attempted to ascertain the neck-joint for the figure, but I reckon I do not need to, as I am not about to remove the head from the figure for any kitbash, innit? LOL


BODY: The figure is layered over a Barrack Sergent female body-form (to provide it a measure of slimness). The hands are painted to match the headsculpt. Although the exposed elbow underneath the tunic shows the original caucasian-toned figure underneath, it is a small slight. Being a nick-picker for 1/6th-figures, I wished this was remedied somewhat, if not in paint, then in wrap to hide the gap.

As well one negative aspect of the figure, is it's inability to stand steady (at least my edition could not). The wrap-around design for both the gels and legs are pretty nifty and I reckon unable to be removed (I sure as heck's not going to try, mind). But to be fair I had not spent any additional time attempting to make it stand - although truth be told, I should not have to need to, IMO.


ACCESSORIES: One thing to note here, are the hand-mace and throwing-stars / shuriken and spear-head (I don't know what else to call it LOL), are die-cast metal! The shurikens are sharp, folks! Exceptional details, this! Unfortunately, the handle for the mace weapon is way too small for the figure's hand-grip.

There are addition 2 x grenades and 2 x frag-grenades, to give that slight update to the figure that otherwise will be identified as a "period piece" instead. Do also note that the weapons for this set were meant to be "blind boxed", meaning there was a variety of weapons to be randomly scored by buyers, which also included a musket (which had been the most asked about weapon thus far into the order LOL).

My particular figure got the "works" - featuring accessories from 2 sperate figure accessories! (A) Sword (metal) & Sheath (random color) set w/ 2 Throwing Stars and (B) Mace & 2 Smoke Grenades = so I is a happy 1/6-loving-man, I am :)


WRAP-UP: Price-wise, this figure set is slightly higher than regular brands like Hot Toys or Medicom Toy, as well other mass produced 1/6th-figures, but in reality, these are literal hand-made clothes and sculpted resin heads from an artist that is of a concept of his own, and not a license or a property other than his own. The price at US$195 (sans shipping) is about right for a slice of artistry, for this figure is subtly but surely in abundance of, IMHO.

In short, the TOYSREVIL-Edition of SMIRKING PYTHON is no longer up for orders, and I can hardly recommend you search online auctions for it. It would be best if you look up existing POP Prolific figures instead to sate your desires. Major kudos and a sharp salute goes out to Justin, for sticking to his vision, and bravery in continually releasing 1/6th-scaled figures of his own creation! And thanks for the figure!

Here are some studio shots from Justin instead to view:

[29 x images in slideshow above]

SMIRKING PYTHON STORY: "Orphaned after a raiding party descended on her families’ nomadic caravan, she was discovered by the Hollow Walker beneath the charred husk of an ox cart. Raised by outcasts and bandits, she was trained in a variety of martial arts and weapons based combat from masters all over the known world… and beyond. The Smirking Python’s tale is one whose twist and turns are more suspicious than her many guises."