Conan of Cimmeria (Conan) 

by McFarlane Toys

Over the last few years I’ve been collecting anime figures and statuettes. We’re all aware by now how stylish the characters usually look, but now it’s time to go back to my roots as a child when I loved such characters that looked and acted more primitive and barbaric. Thanks to Armchair Empire, the opportunity has finally arrived. When I opened my package the other day, my head just instantly filled with memories and I was brought back to when I was about 8 years old and cherished the wrath and might of Conan the Barbarian.

Conan is very well sculpted from head to toe and he’s in an impressive battle pose. He looks more than ready to counter an enemy attack. He stands 6 inches tall and articulation is included on the neck, shoulders, biceps, wrists and waist. There is a total of eight points of articulation. Out of the 3 Conan figures that I’ve received, Conan the Cimmerian definitely has the most detail. He perfectly fits the description that I mentioned above – he seems ready to kick some major ass. What makes Conan the Cimmerian more detailed than the other figures is probably because he’s not topless and has a detailed chest plate. His paintjob is also very well done using nice darkish shades.

Conan comes with three accessories, which include his trusty sword, battle-axe, and base. His sword can be placed in either his right hand or the sheath on his belt. If not cared for the battle axe in his left hand might go missing but with the arm position and all, it just looks funny if he’s not holding it so I don’t see any reason why people would leave him empty handed in the first place. The biggest problem I found with Conan is balance (even though it’s really not that bad). A little adjusting might have to be done here and there but overall it’s not near as irritating as some other Mcfarlane figures that I’ve encountered in the past.

Is Conan worth your money? Well if you’re a fan of the franchise, without a second thought you should go to your local store now and pick him up. Hell, even if you’ve never heard of Conan before but are into barbarians, I would more that suggest buying this figure.

- J'Tonello

(October 1, 2004)