When I was asked to pick what I thought was the best figure of 2017, I had to really dig deep into my soul. It was a hell of a year for action figures. HELL of a year. I had to whittle down a list as long as my arm, and at the end of the day my pick might not be my ultimate favorite, but it sticks out the most. Today anyway. Ask me again tomorrow it’ll probably be something different.
And thinking about it now that I’m lying text to screen, some may not even consider the Bandai General Grievous model kit a true action figure or toy, at least not in the traditional sense. You don’t just buy it and commence playing. You have to put some elbow grease into it. I’m not one of those people. Neeners.
I say this about every Star Wars figure kit that crosses my review space: the work is half the fun. The assembly gives a lot of insight into how action figures work. It’s exciting to look at a sprue and think, “Holy shit, I have no clue where this is going!” Then as things start piecing together and forming familiar parts, a sense of accomplishment starts to wash over you. And the final pieces are awesome display pieces for the shelf. Not to even mention the pride in the plastic.
“Where did you get that awesome General Grievous??”
“I built it.”
BOOM!
To top it off, for some reason no other company has given us a General Grievous. Well, he did show up in the Disney Elite line, but I don’t count that monstrosity. And I say “monstrosity” in the bad sense of the word. It’ll do in a pinch, but don’t touch it or try to position it in a different stance. Tamashii Nations has teased a Grievous at a “NO PICS ALLOWED” show but nothing since. A Hasbro Black Series listing popped up in Italy (I think it was Italy) but again, nothing since. Bandai usually release their model kits after some other company has done the character. Not this time. They swung for the fences and knocked it out of the park. And really, if I sit and look at the figure on the shelf, I’m not sure anyone would give us anything better. The articulation, scale, and look are all outstanding.
It all comes down to the work involved though. If you hate building models, pass this by. If you want a figure without having to paint the weathering or details, this isn’t for you. There is nothing wrong with that, I completely understand. I’m sure another General Grievous will come along eventually. And I’m that guy that will buy it too to make sure I’m not missing something. But if you enjoy the mechanics of action figures and painting and absolutely need a Grievous on the shelf, this kit is right up your alley. I can’t recommend it enough.
