So many incarnations, so lil' time! Though THIS is the very first rendition of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century to see the light of day as Minimates! First appearing 87 years ago (circa 1928) as the fictional character by Philip Francis Nowlan in the pulp novel Amazing Stories the man from the future was also known as Anthony Rogers. Since he's been made into a comic strip, a radio series, movies and television - and even the center of an upcoming Frank Miller (Sin City, Batman, etc.) vehicle.
So here we have the 4-pack of the day, the Buck Rogers in the 25th Century Minimates by Diamond Select Toys. It's a great looking set before you open it up to inspect more closely, with six additional accessories including two helmets, light brown hair, a few ray guns and a sword. Individually they are: Captain Buck Rogers, Colonel Wilma Deering, Princess Ardala and Tigerman -- with a bonus Twiki (1" non-articulated figure). This really brings back memories of Gil Gerard in a white spandex leotard from which I would guess this is adapted. Let's open these up....
Just gorgeous in their sheer retro-ness. The star here, by far, is surely Princess Ardala with her kooky lamé headdress and other gear fit for a, well, princess! She's got some cool gold highlights: bracelets, cap and details for the ankles and cape. Buck and Wilma are decked out in their space-gear and rainbow armband, including the aforementioned swapable helmets. Cool utility belt strip breaks up all the white here. Oh, their ray guns fit nicely into side holsters on both figures too. I prefer Buck with helmet and Wilma with a hair piece. I only wish the helmet came with a partial hair piece for her though, that might change the perspective. These guys were so much fun to pose around a neighbor caught me in the act and chicken-necked me (blush). Big kids have more fun.
Twiki is a mushroom headed lil' silver soldier of sorts. Though he features no articulation, he is painted really well for such a small piece. This bot makes a perfect sidekick for these guys, and I thinkI like the Colonel with lighter hair a lot better!
And when it comes to the Minimates there is no skimping or hiding, the back of each figure can tell as many stories as the front-facing, as you can clearly see here. The detailing in Ardala's cape attests, as do the lil hatch-marks in the sculpts.. This are spacey. I also like the choice of gold paint here, it's a nice mix of tone and isn't too gaudy.
Boys will be boys. Tigerman is armed and ready, even against good guy Buck who could kick his way outta this situation if need be. The Tigerman costume is really unusual, almost Asian in flair, but the details that stand out most are his chiseled facial features, and injured eye. You gotta love and laugh at the tiger print codpiece though.
RATING: 9.5/10
The adventures continue....Collect 'em all.