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Top 5 Hot Toys sculpts: First half of 2020
Words by guest writer Alan Hemmings – @awesome_geeky_stuff
Artwork by @BG_toyart | @onesix_shooter | @ultraben235
2020 has been quite an eventful year so far – It’s hard to believe we’re only six months in! Despite the world at large seemingly falling apart, Hot Toys have been quietly working away on some pretty awesome looking figures from a bunch of different licenses and being half way through the year, it’s a great time to take a look at five of their best head-sculpts from the first half of 2020
5. Hawkeye
Marvel’s Avengers Endgame
Starting the list off is one of Hot Toys’ most recent releases: Hawkeye from the Avengers Endgame line. If I was to nitpick I could say that sure, the face could maybe be a bit longer, but it’s worlds apart when compared to the previous versions and with the deluxe version offering so much in terms of accessories, it’s the definitive Hawkeye in my opinion.
Artwork by Alex Brooks | @bg_toyart
4. Han Solo
Solo : A Star Wars Story
Artwork by @ultraben235
Back in May Hot Toys released Han Solo based on his appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story and the likeness to lead actor Alden Ehrenreich is spot on. The actor had the unenviable task of portraying one of pop culture’s best-known characters made popular arguably because of Harrison Ford, and he didn’t do too bad a job. Hot Toys similarly rose to the task and put a lot of effort into representing this new take on the character in one sixth scale. The hint a smirk, showcasing the character’s trademark swagger and devil may care attitude is a nice touch, and what more could you want from everyone’s favourite scruffy looking nerf herder, no matter who embodies him?
3. Black widow
Marvel’s Avengers Endgame
Artwork by Alex Brooks | @bg_toyart
If there was ever an argument against using rooted hair at one sixth scale, the Endgame version of Natasha Romanov might be the embodiment of it. I would argue that this is the first figure to really nail the likeness of Scarlett Johansson. Now, I’m not necessarily Anti-Rooted hair – in fact I’ve seen some amazing examples of it. But it’s mostly from the really talented customisers, and not generally from any of the big companies. Now obviously it’s not just down to the hair: the paintwork is glorious as well. But I feel like Hot Toys made the right decision to sculpt the hair on this occasion and I’m hoping they stay on this path for any future Black Widow figures (we’re bound to get at least one more, aren’t we?).
Artwork by Alex Brooks | @bg_toyart
2. Thanos
Marvel’s Avengers Endgame
Artwork by Alex Brooks | @bg_toyart
Hot Toys got the year started with a bang with this figure. It’s intimidating and awe inspiring in equal measure, and because the armour hides pretty much all of the joints, he looks incredibly lifelike. Both sculpts that come with this figure are reused from the Infinity War version (albeit with a slightly different paint app) and with good reason: they were amazing the first time around. The addition of the helmet only elevates the likeness and gives it that battle hardened, warrior look.
1. Director Krennic
Rogue One : A Star Wars Story
Artwork by Trevor Williams | @onesix_shooter
Both Krennic and Thanos could have taken the top spot in all honesty, but Krennic just swoops in there due to the fact that the sculpt is based on a living person in Ben Mendelsohn as opposed to a CG character in Thanos and that sheer amount of craftsmanship just gives it the edge. There are no ifs or buts: It’s undeniably Mendelsohn, and its Hot Toys best work of the year so far as likeness goes in my opinion. As Krennic himself would say: “oh…it’s beautiful”.
Do you agree with this list? Let us know down in the comments below and keep it locked to Exclu for all the latest news and previews from across the toy community.
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Last modified: July 28, 2020
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