When you first look at the Viking you can’t help but notice the box, the box is as impressive as its contents. The packing is the typical book type box with a lid that opens to reveal the figure and its accessories. The front cover depicts a Viking standing at attention and what appears to be a battle raging in the background. When you open the box you are presented with a history of the Vikings and their origins, this story is also continues on the back. I found it a little difficult to read the small type on the dark background but it was very interesting and definitely adds to the overall experience.

After opening the front cover you get your first look at the figure, immediately you will notice that the head sculpt bares a string resemblance to a young California Governor (Arnold Schwarzenegger). The details on the head are outstanding. The painting and coloration are top notch, the hair is more of a modern day style; this was probable done to enhance the figures likeness of Arnold. The figure itself is very articulate but a little on the light side. The joints have a ratchet feel to them which adds to the figures possibility. The joints at the hips were a little loose on my test figure which made it a little difficult to pose the figure with full gear.   This figure will definitely benefit from a display stand. Finally the wrist only articulate in a rotation movement and do not move up and down.

The figures clothing are very impressive with three very detailed layers to his ensemble. The first layer is protective chain mail made of a black and silver woven metallic fabric. The second layer is a leather tunic which upon closer inspection reviles the level of detail that Ignite has gone through to create this piece. The tunic gives the impression of being made up of separate pieces of leather sewn together. The clasp in the back is a hook type clip adding to the look of the tunic. The third layer is a white cloth pullover tunic and plaid pants. The cloth tunic is nicely trimmed along the bottom in green. The plaid pants are held in place by a string tied in a bow this gives the suite an authentic look; after all I don’t believe the Vikings had snaps or Velcro. In fact no ware on this figure will you find snaps or Velcro. To finish the costume off ignite has given the Viking a set of authentic looking boots with working ties, both a cloth and chain mail hood, and a leather belt with a metal buckle. All in all this is an excellent costume.

The accessories for the Viking are extremely impressive. The Viking comes with a pike, sword, knife, Ax, working pouch, and shield. All of the accessories with the exception of the shield and pouch are die cast. My favorite is the sword it comes with a simulated leather sheath and it is chromed. A word of caution this is not a toy but a detailed collectors figure the accessories are not suited for small children and contain many sharp objects.

The only negatives here are that Ignite gives you such a detailed snapshot of the Vikings and their history, but mention nothing about their weapons or defenses. I would have also liked to see a more realistic hair style I don’t know how many Vikings had time to have their hair so well coffered. The figure's loose hips make it difficult to display holding the shield. It should be noted I am being extremely picky here. The Viking is very well executed and a fantastic piece.

It is obvious that the Viking was a labor of love, a lot of thought, research and planning must have gone into the creation of this action figure. Ignites attention to detail needs to be commended, I am awestruck by this figure and  recommend The Viking for any collection. The Viking sells for between $40 and $70, I have seen it as low as $35 on eBay. Don’t despair if you paid the full retail price for this figure it is a great value even at the $70 level.

 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 dot com © 2003 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) 2003 J.C. Kaniecki