Review: #203
Name: Crimson Typhoon
Brand: Pacific Rim (NECA)
Allegiance: Jaeger
Year of Release: 2013
Size Class: 7" figure (Series 1)
Variations: there is a black version as a SDCC exclusive
FIGURE:
Crimson Typhoon is the Chinese Jaeger with the unique functionality of being piloted by three people. Unfortunately, while he looked impressive he was killed off pretty quickly in the movie.
Now in action figure form, it captures a lot of the details seen in the movie, to the point where you have to be impressed. The sculpted goodness is fantastic.
Only complaint is how the head sculpt doesn't quite capture the model's. I think if they had painted the face lens metallic yellow or even better, used transparent yellow plastic, it would have been a lot cooler.
There are a few details which are painted on, such as the "Wei" insignia on his left shoulder guard.
The symbol is also present on his chest, as well as "Crimson Typhoon" (in English and Chinese) and marks which I assume is some sort of kill tally (?).
While on the left forearm are "Pacific Defense Federation" as well as their symbol.
The other defining feature of Crimson Typhoon are the two right arms. Once again, the sculpted details show through very well.
Each arm's shoulder are a separate balljoint to allow individual articulation.
In terms of size, he is roughly 7", he feels very hefty though but also quite rubbery due to the nature of the material used.
You can see from the back his three thrusters as well as all the mechanical elements behind his legs.
He looks good with three of the four remaining Jaegers in the movie. He is taller than Striker Eureka but shorter than Cherno Alpha.
This would have blown the budget but I think Crimson Typhoon would have really benefited from metallic red instead of the flat matte red he has now.
He has a fair number of joints which aid in posing but if you've handled one of these Pacific Rim figure before, you'll know that posing isn't their strong point.
He has joints for his shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, head, ankles and double jointed knees. In theory this sounds great but they are all very limited in range.
He stands and balances well but I find that bigger feet would help his balance somewhat. The double jointed knees are also annoying in that once they become loose with age, he'll collapse under his own weight really easily.
Just as a disclaimer, I got the "Essentials" re-release of the figure which to my knowledge, bears no difference to the original release apart from the packaging (and even then, the packaging is not remarkably different).
Crimson Typhoon can still pull off some good poses but if you want him to execute the agile moves he did in the movie, you're out of luck.
A good looking figure and one of the best designs from the movie.
OVERALL:
NECA did a fantastic job as bringing the complex designs into toy form without losing all the detail. The sculpting on Crimson Typhoon is very impressive. He is also a decent size and heft, he's not to the point of feeling like a premium product but he does feel that the designers put effort into the figure. The poseability is a bit limited but he displays well. He was a popular figure and it's awesome that he was eventually re-released at a more affordable price. Recommended.
--------------------------------------
Check out other toy reviews, as well as other Pacific Rim figures, on this page.
