The Crusades was one of the darkest times in human history that started with a call to arms by Pope Urban II at the Council of Clermont in 1093. Pope Urban  spoke of the Invading armies of the Turks against Christian lands and the atrocities against their people. It is believed that these claims by the Pope were false, however the Pope succeeded in moving his people and starting the first Crusade.  With the assurance from the Pope that there would be a remission of sins for anyone killed in the Holy Land or anyone who died on the way to the Holy Land; Knights (mercenaries) in the name of Christianity raged war against the Turks and anyone else who did not agree with the papacy. Even though those who raged this war claimed it was in the name of Christ and all that was holy it was really a war for conquest and empire expansion.

Ignite's Crusade collection has brought two crusades to light. The first is a member of the order of Hospitallers.  The Hospitallers were both knights and Monks that devoted themselves to caring for pilgrims and are known for the hospitals and hostels they built. The second Crusader is a member of the  Knights Templar (limited production of 1000). The Templar's were also a military order who's members took a vow of poverty and protected the Holy Lands.

Both of the figures and costumes are basically the same, however there are differences that help each figure stand on its own merit.

The Knight of Hospitallers

The first Knight in the series belongs to the order of Hospitallers. As with all of Ignite's figures there is a wealth of historical data on the box, and this box is definitely no exception. The figure comes in a book type box with a lid that opens to reveal the figure and its accessories. The box is is beautifully decorated with images of the figure ready for battle. The inside lid has brief history of the Crusades and how they started. The back of the box there is a history of the order of Hospitallers and what they stood for. Like all of Ignites figures the box makes a excellent display case and is definitely part of the collectible appeal of their figures.

When you first look at the Hospitaller you will notice he has a more than striking resemblance to Sean Connery. The head sculpt is excellent and is  fantastically painted. While examining the head sculpt in great detail I could not find even the slightest defect.  The body is very articulate and has a great weight, however out test figure's left knee seemed a little loose and made it hard to pose the figure. All and all the body is of average design and quality but the head sculpt deserve high marks.

The costume is outstanding, it is a multilayered suite consisting of a white tunic with black leggings and a leather garter supporting the leggings. Next is a blue padded tunic with side clasp, the detail on this piece is very nice. A full suit of chain mail covers the entire figure. The chain mail is a cloth with metallic fabric woven in it. The final piece to the costume is a red tunic with the knights crest embroidered on it. The crest is a lion in a fighting position. The detail on the crest adds to the presentation of the costume and adds to the WOW factor of this piece. To wrap up the whole costume there is a set of vinyl belts that looks like leather with brass buckles.

The figure comes with some really outstanding accessories A die cast helmet that covers the entire head, set of spurs made of leather and chrome, A plastic shield with the lion crest that I swear looks like wood an leather. Die cast sword and axe. As with all Ignite accessories that are extremely detailed and accurate and superbly crafted.

The Knight of Templar (limited Edition)

The second Knight in the series belongs to the order of Templar. Like the Hospitaller figure the box has a wealth of historical information and is also a book type box. Also like the Hospitaller figure the Templar's box is beautifully decorated with imagers of the figure ready for battle. The inside lid has the same story of the Crusades as  but the back cover has a more detailed history of the Knights of Templar.

The  head sculpt on the Knight Templar is outstanding and like the Hospitaller figure it is fantastically painted. As with the Hospitaller figure I could not find even the slightest defect on Templar's  head sculpt this is a tribute to the quality and craftsmanship Ignite puts into their work.  The body is the same as the Hospitaller figure however it is a little tighter in the joints which made posing the figure a lot easier.

The costume used for the Templar is almost identical to the Hospitaller, it consist of a  white tunic with black leggings and a leather garter supporting the leggings. It has the same blue padded tunic with side clasp as the Hospitaller figure . A full suit of chain mail also covers the Templar figure. The major difference in the costumes is that Instead of a red tunic the templar has a white tunic with red lining and the crest of the Templar's printed on. Templar also has a set of blue belts with brass buckles.

The knight Templar is equipped with the following accessories; a die cast helmet , set of spurs made of leather and chrome, plastic shield that looks like wood an leather, die cast sword and axe. The Knight Templar also has a collectors card with the figures number imprinted on it, remember this is a limited edition of 1000 pieces.

Summary

Both figures are pretty much the same but they each have a slightly different flavor which makes having both in your collection a wise decision. The Knight Hospitaller has a more detailed tunic and looks like Sean Connery, but the Knight Templar is a limited Edition and will be harder to find making it a possible classic.

 Score Card

The scores are on a scale of 1 to 5. 1 is the lowest and five is the highest.

Scale

  Classic Action figures  © 2003 - 2004 J.C.Kaniecki

Legal Notice: No part of this site including photos, reviews, how to tips or any intellectual properties may be used, copied or distributed for any purpose without written permission. (C) 20030-2004 J.C. Kaniecki