Craftsmanship: 8.4 out of 10

- Only four points of articulation

- Captures the essence of Homer

- Easy to stand

- Hair is painted too thick

Playability: 9.3 out of 10

- Small accessories can be lost

- Fits in with the other figures in the Simpsons line

- Tough

- "#1 Hand" fits easily

- Says amusing things when installed on compatible playsets

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Sunday Best Homer (The Simpsons) by Playmates

I recently read a newspaper clipping regarding an upcoming book that presents the notion that the Simpsons is actually a great example of a Christian family. They go to church, they pray, and God has shown up at least three times to directly intervene in their affairs. Adding fuel to that idea is Sunday Best Homer, complete

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with portable radio (to keep up on the game he’s missing), a "Good Book," and a big #1 foam hand.

The head is not much different than the regular Homer figure – the differences being the paint job on the hair, which seems to be darker and thicker than it probably should be, and the facial expression. Overall, the

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sculpt is very good and manages to capture Homer’s likeness, "stupid itchy Church pants," included. The #1 Hand fits easily and snuggly over his left hand. The "Good Book" fits nicely in his right hand but the radio doesn’t fit in either hand. Size and shape of the accessories allow them to be used by other figures in the series. Homer’s proportions are in line with the other figures in the series, which spells FUN if you’ve got other Simpsons figures.

What really bugs me about Sunday Best Homer is that he’s limited to four points of articulation: neck, shoulders, and waist. This problem goes for all Simpson figures. I know why it wasn’t done but I still lament the lack of seam joints at the wrists, especially for figures that have long sleeves.

Part of the draw of the Simpsons figures is installing them on the Intellitronicä playsets. For display purposes, having your figures on the playsets is the best way to go. Plus, every time you pass by you can hit a button to hear him spout some dialogue from the show. (His only new line of dialogue over the regular Homer figure on the Living Room set is, "Stupid itchy Church pants.") Standing Sunday Best Homer isn’t a problem on any flat (level) surface. If there are kids around the house and you leave your figures at easy grabbing level, he’ll get played with. (I recommend keeping the accessories hidden away or at least used in a controlled situation like a locked room with a white floor so they don’t get lost.) The size and articulation of Homer makes him a tough toy so you don’t have to worry about limbs snapping off.

For collectors, you need this one. Christians, get him to teach the importance of going to church.

- Omni