Hank Scorpio (The Simpsons)

by Playmates

Hank Scorpio, possibly the world’s best boss but also a megalomaniac bent on world domination, finally has his own action figure.  But that’s not all; he comes with the coolest Simpsons accessory yet, a flamethrower!

As always, Playmates has done a great job translating Hank’s cartoon likeness.  (I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, Playmates has these figures down to a science now.)  He stands about 5” tall and is in proportion to the other figures in the Simpsons line.  The color and sculpt is first rate. (Just take a minute to compare cartoon and figure likenesses.)  Articulation is limited to the traditional 4 points: neck, waist, and shoulders.  His neck doesn’t have much mobility because of his shirt collar, but poseability has never been one of the Simpsons strong points.  However, there’s enough mobility to get his wicked flamethrower in place.

The flamethrower looks downright cool – Hank looks the paragon of evil.  Not only that, it can be fitted to a few other Simpsons figures.  Accessory compatibility has always been one of the Simpsons line’s best features and it’s no different with Hank.  He also comes packed with a grenade and remote detonator.  (Paired with Prison Sideshow Bob and his nuclear bomb, the two are unstoppable.)

Display factor doesn’t rank quite as high as it could.  He’s tippy.  Not quite as tippy as the aforementioned Prison Sideshow Bob, with his huge hair and giant feet, but still tippy.  He seems to balance on his heels so it’s more likely he’ll fall backwards.  Install him on a playset or having his back to a wall is the only way to be certain vibrations won’t send him tumbling.

Playability is generally good.  If you’ve just got a few Simpsons figures, Hank’s a great addition.  He has the toughness that has always been a part of the Simpsons figures and fits right in with the other characters.  One 

hit to the score are the small accessories, which can be lost.  The other hit is that the straps of the flamethrower can be snapped off if not careful (or you attempt to force another Simpsons figure to wear it.)  Don’t get me wrong; the straps are relatively strong but kids will put him through the ringer and back again.  Kids might be a bit disappointed that he’s only compatible with two environments: Main Street and Burn’s Manor. (I know I was because I have neither so I didn’t get a chance to actually hear him “speak.”)

Minor issues aside, Hank Scorpio is a worthy addition to your Simpsons collection – if anything, get him for the flamethrower!

- Omni

(January 22, 2003)