Toy-Review: Inspector Cumulus by Crazy Label

Based on a character created and illustrated by United Kingdom's Jonathan Edwards, Hong Kong's boutique toy-label Crazy Label has adapted that exact drawing into a vinyl toy figure! Standing 8" tall, and housed in a printed cardboard box with a window-display, the SRP for Inspector Cumulus is US$39.95, with a production limit of 500 pieces.

Available both via CL's online shop and via select retailers - this design rests neither snuggly in the realm of "urban art toy", or "action figure", but stands tall singularly as a non-media licensed creation, based on a 2-dimensional illustration. If we need "labels", then this is a swell representation of an exceptional "toy adapted from an illustration". But if "labels" are not your cuppa'tea? Then this is simply a swell vinyl toy to be had.



The smoke-clouded "head" of the character is represented by a milky-tinted (ever so slightly) translucent vinyl sculpt, while the body hands and trousered-legs retain the illustrated characteristics seen in the drawing which is also posted on the display box.

The execution of the sculpt is pretty amazing, in that it managed to depict a 2D-illustration convincingly into a 3D-sculpt - utilizing the design language which even carries unto the figure's squarish-hands. And while the relief detailing on the figure's coat is not as ingrained as one would dare expect, the effort and result is a real treat, and I am thankful not much weathering was done for them, IMHO.


[Note: Video-image above is reversed] Articulation comes from the shoulders and neck, and even wrists (which is really cool), while the leg and feet are straight-up non-articulated. And I've tried to have the Inspector's "hand" try to grasp the smoke-less pipe, it does not work, and neither does it matter.

Essentially we do not actually need as much articulation for this figure, as a lot of emphasis no doubt is focused on his upper-torso. The folded arm is a nice touch and actually provides the figurine with a semblance of "mid-motion", IMHO - and something not highly regular in a lot of figures released these days standing straight like a "statue".


One aspect of the figure had me splitting my personal assessment of whether this figure is a MUST HAVE or a CAN HAVE, is the Inspector's fedora hat. The accessory is to be "placed" on the cloudy-head without the aid of a peg or socket - which is both a boon and bane.

Without the protrusion of a peg, both the head-surface is "clean" and smooth, as is the integrity of the fedora. Really appreciate that actually.

But in an instance where I had brought him out for snaps, it was quite a struggle getting the hat to stay when pictures need to be taken (but of course I am not out running on 100% of my physical abilities ;p), but frankly, tis nothing a little pre-prepared "blu-tack" could not have solved. As would the need for it if you are not prepared to just let the fedora sit, while he is being displayed at home, IMHO.


As with the production choice from Crazy Label, the final product never actually sits perfectly in any genre-mold, and with a track record like Treeson, Seamour Sheep and even Di Di and Mei Mei from House of Liu, the "boutique toy" aspect of this production is very strong, and as a stand alone figure, this piece is pretty exceptional. Grab it while you are able, and while they are still available.

"Introducing Inspector Cumulus! Scotland Yard's leading cloud-headed detective. Feared by criminals and colleagues alike due to his short temper and cantankerous nature. "Don't make me Cumulonimbus, you wouldn't like me when I'm Cumulonimbus!"