Asmus Toys: Gandalf the White

[karamazov80]

I'm not a huge LOTR fan, but when I saw this on BBTS I thought the likeness was pretty off. Reminds me more of the art associated with the book version of Gandalf than McKellen to me. I think the SSC likeness is better, though obviously the paintwork is bad on that one.

In fairness, HT didn't have likeness rights for the Aliens guys, so they intentionally look generic, but the paint work was nothing to write home about at that time, either.

 

[hoodonit00]

I'm not a huge LOTR fan, but when I saw this on BBTS I thought the likeness was pretty off. Reminds me more of the art associated with the book version of Gandalf than McKellen to me. I think the SSC likeness is better, though obviously the paintwork is bad on that one.


In fairness, HT didn't have likeness rights for the Aliens guys, so they intentionally look generic, but the paint work was nothing to write home about at that time, either.

Constantly amazes me in this hobby that 2 people can look at the same thing and come up with view points 180 degrees apart. Of course you are entitled to your opinion but to me the Asmus headsculpt as it is is much closer to McKellan than the SST one. Cheers though.

 

[karamazov80]

Of course you are entitled to your opinion

As are you. The nose looks like McKellen's, and he's got a lot of wrinkles, but. . .I'm not seeing much of McKellen at all in the eyes or facial structure. Neither one is great, but the SSC one looks more like the actor to me, when you can look past the paint.

https://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l272/jjaysmall/IMG_0576.png

 

[Wor-Gar]

Found small-studios repaint on a google search, maybe its a fairer comparison...

 

[Gipetto0812]

I like them both. SSC's doesn't stand up paint wise and I would've proffered it to have a softer beard and hair to allow for more head movement but I think it's still a great sculpt just as much as this one is.

As are you. The nose looks like McKellen's, and he's got a lot of wrinkles, but. . .I'm not seeing much of McKellen at all in the eyes or facial structure. Neither one is great, but the SSC one looks more like the actor to me, when you can look past the paint.

https://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l272/jjaysmall/IMG_0576.png

not even in the unpainted sculpt?

 

[karamazov80]

The details on the droopiness is definitely better with this new one. The detail in general seems much better, though we've only seen the prototype. I think it hints at him, but looks more like a caricature of McKellen than a realistic version of the guy.

In any case, I'm just a casual observer and not a LOTR expert, so I'm OK with my opinion not meshing with the consensus. It just struck me when I saw this on BBTS that the likeness was a miss.

 

[pixletwin]

Why compare SSC's GTG with Asmus' GTW? Two different characters. both great sculpts.

 

[Wor-Gar]

Why compare SSC's GTG with Asmus' GTW? Two different characters. both great sculpts.

Good point, very good point.

I posted the Gray sculpt just because it was getting bashed so hard just on its own, but I wholeheartedly agree with you. That, plus its been 5 years between sculpts... which in this hobby is a lifetime.

 

[hoodonit00]

If you look on all the pics in small print it says "concept only". That's what worries me.

 

[Saphron123]

I think that's a really nice head sculpt

 

[superdoug]

If you look on all the pics in small print it says "concept only". That's what worries me.

I don't even know how to take that. In my experience "concept only" is normally ideas, outlines, sketches and maybe 3D modeling on the computer. "Concept only" makes me think they haven't cost this out yet or they borrowed somebody's homemade sculpt and outfit to see what they would like theirs to look like in the end. Hopefully its something that is lost in translation and it really means "prototype" and "pending approval".

So far I am happy and excited to see what Asmus does with this whole line so I am not goign to worry about things like this yet.

 

[The Chev]

I Personally see a good amount of IM in the sculpt. The eyes look good except the actual color of the eyes looks strange. I don't know why, but maybe it's the lighting.

 

[jago72]

That's borderline delusional.

Sorry but HT would wipe the floor with this even in the early years. (And i say this being a fan of the SSC fig)
I think if Asmus can match or surpass the SSC fig, were all in for a treat.

Hope this holds up

I'm sorry but you picked the worst photos I've seen in my life .. my version is not like that

 

[jago72]

Found small-studios repaint on a google search, maybe its a fairer comparison...

now we talk ...

 

[Gipetto0812]

If you look on all the pics in small print it says "concept only". That's what worries me.

Gothmog's pics say that too...like Superdoug said above, it's probably their way of saying "prototype only"

 

[RIDDICK]

Great McKellen likenes, but overall sculpt... The anatomy is atrocious, another case of "head flattened laterally".
Also hair & beard don't look as detailed & well painted as the face.

Lining on the vest is poorly made and... NOT white for some mystical reason.

Fixing these issues shouldn't be a problem for AT, I'll w8 and see.

 

[shocktrooper_au]

I like both sculpts, I think I like ssc a little better when painted well. Just cause I don't think I need every wrinkle showing

 

[The Chev]

Great McKellen likenes, but overall sculpt... The anatomy is atrocious, another case of "head flattened laterally".
Also hair & beard don't look as detailed & well painted as the face.

Lining on the vest is poorly made and... NOT white for some mystical reason.

Fixing these issues shouldn't be a problem for AT, I'll w8 and see.

Asmus seems to actually listen to collectors, so there's hope.

 

[SithThundercracker]

Soooo bad.

 

[dominishin]

Sarcasm? That comparison shows that the sculpt is VERY close...

Only hair/beard is off.