Art Design: An Ignite Toys five-panel box with a photo of the Hoplite Greek soldier in front of a background illustration of an ancient battle. The inside cover has a synopsis of the history of the Greek Hoplite foot soldier. The Greek word for weapon is hoplon. The Hoplite soldiers were often the subjects of Greek literature, sculptures and vases. Ancient Greek warfare focused on hand-to-hand combat and the strategy of phalanx formations for infantry warfare.
Action-Figure: This is the Ignite Toys version of a Dragon ultra-articulated body. The plastic used seems to be more brittle and the hands are softer. Since all of the weapons that Ignite produces are made of metal, the figures would be better with harder hands.
Headsculpt: Collectors should love this very distinct, awesome face. It looks like one of the traditional portraits of Jesus Christ, but the face has a certain hard edge that makes him look even more realistic. He looks a bit like Max Von Sydow in The Greatest Story Ever Told; or Jim Caviezel in The Passion of Christ. This headsculpt looks like a fair man who has had to put his sword into a few enemies. He has that hundred-yard stare. He looks like someone who would be a good friend or a dangerous enemy.
Gear: This Greek Hoplite foot soldier brings a large Etruscan shield and a metal sword with a scabbard and adjustable sling. Also included is a 13" spear with two different styles of metal blades; one blades is more square and pointed, apparently for poking through shields. The other point is a flat blade, similar to a bayonet. The spear has a simulated wood grain texture on the plastic shaft.
Armor: Like most Ignite Time Silhouette figures, the armor is outstanding. This Greek Hoplite has a gold muscled metal chest-plate (cuirass), golden metal shin-guards, and a Corinthian metal helmet. The metallic cuirass and shin guards have a polished sheen. The shin guards have real leather laces. The metal helmet is not shiny like the armor. You can literally see mirrored reflections on the armor. In the days before rifles, seeing an army of soldiers who were reflecting the harsh glare of the sunlight must have been an intimidating sight for enemies to behold. The armor is made of a very hard but thin metal.
Outfit: The Hoplite soldier is dressed in a handsome blue tunic with leather thong sandals. These sandals are made of rubber however they display very well as simulated leather.
Overall: This set retails for $74.99. It is available from Merit International. The armor is outstanding. This Greek Hoplite warrior is a historical display piece that would look good in any home or office.
Grade: A
