Art Design: This five panel window box is the same for every 12" action figure in the Star Trek series.The only variations are on the colors of the box, and the information and photos which are printed on the back of some of the boxes. This Commander James T. Kirk is a special edition reflecting his look in the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. STII is often considered to be one of the best of the Star Trek movies. Featuring lots of battle action, the destruction of the U.S.S. Enterprise, and Ricardo Montalban as Khan (in the best shape of his life); ST II was excellent! William Shatner was still in his forties, and he looked young enough to be in an action film. Sadly, there is no Khan 12" action figure.
The Headsculpt and figure: The main reason for me to buy any of the Star Trek sets is so that I can remove the headsculpt and put them on a better articulated figure with a similar (GI JOE or Ultimate Soldier) neckpost. James T. Kirk looks good. This is the face that he had during the 1980s, when he did most of the Star Trek movies and the T.J. Hooker TV series. The head fits very easily onto any GI Joe, Action Man, or Ultimate Soldier figure. Since Shatner was usually kind of chubby, the buff Action Man figure is a good choice. The head can be a bit loose unless you wrap a small rubber band around the neck-post before putting the head on it. Then it fits fine. The Playmate's 12" action figures all have molded-on boots. That makes it hard to change pants on these figures. They are also poorly articulated and they do not have very good posing ability.
The Outfit and Gear: After switching Kirk from the Playmates body and onto an Action Man body, then it is time to find some Astronaut outfit or other cool outfits for Kirk and the Star Trek crew. The various Star Trek uniforms usually look like waiter outfits and hotel Bellboy uniforms. I wonder what kind of space federation would use velcro snaps on all of its clothing? But at least Star Trek has uniforms. By comparison, the Star Wars characters are wearing brown bedsheets, shawls, old pajamas, and whatever rags they can find at the Goodwill Stores of the Middle East. The Playmates characters usually bring a phaser, communicator, and tri-corder. The phaser & communicator are about the right size, but the tri-corder looks too big for 1:6 scale. Spock brings a Vulcan violin with him, for those moments after the Vulcan Mind-Meld when he starts sobbing uncontrollably.
The Price: This set was originally $24.99 and that price is way too high. The gear is pathetic, and the uniforms are OK only if you want to display the figures standing on The Bridge. The actual figures are hardly more than statues. Recently, Kirk and Spock were on clearance for $14.99 at KB Toy Stores and KB Online. Even at that price, it is not a real bargain. Hopefully the next makers of Star Trek action figures will try to provide a good value to fans, collectors, and children.
Grade: C
