BOSTON AREA TOY COLLECTORS CLUB
Tonner Doll Reviews
By Scott Burke
A stunning variation of DC's Warri or Princess, this 16” Amazonia Wonder Woman debuted along with a 22” inch version, on Saturday, May 19 during a breakout session at the 2012 Flights of Fancy Tonner Convention in Lombard, Illinois. This wonderfully detailed Victorian styled version is based on a DC Comics “Elseworlds” tale appropriately titled Amazonia. The "Elseworlds" name, copyrighted in 1989, was the publication imprint for a group of comic books that took place outside of the normal continuity of the DC universe. It allowed writers and artists to take existing characters, such as Wonder Woman, and present them in an entirely new idea or concept. Amazonia, the only Elseworlds title published to date in an oversized 8" x 11" "Graphic Album Format" rather than standard comic book size, was first published in 1997.
In this reality, the entire British Royal family was wiped out in an explosion in the 19th century, all except for the Duke of Clarence, who is injured in the explosion and uses a wheelchair, and a distant American cousin, Jack Planters, who becomes King. Planters ends up being Jack the Ripper and under his rule the British Empire steadily becomes more violent towards women and their rights. Wonder Woman, taken from Paradise Island by Captain Steven Trevor and the Royal Marines, is forced to marry Trevor and becomes the star of a London theatrical show. Eventually she shows herself to be the great heroine she is, freeing oppressed women from all over the Empire and taking on the terrible reign of King Jack.
In the same way the Elseworlds imprint benefited comic book writers and artists by allowing creative twists on familiar characters, it also provides a great source of potential ideas for the creative minds of Robert Tonner and his entire staff. For comic book fans, it’s a real treat to see not only the “base” versions of heroes and heroines like Batman, Supergirl and Wonder Woman brought to 3d life, but some of their “alternate universe” renditions as well. It’s a trend that hopefully continues (“Gotham by Gaslight” Batman, anyone?)
As for the figure itself, it holds up to the usual high quality standards of the Tonner Doll Company. The construction is sturdy, with multiple points of articulation, including knees and elbows, allowing for a variety of poses. The face captures the right combination of strength and beauty that would be expected of Wonder Woman. The hair is particularly impressive, with a bun and ponytail that truly represents the Victorian age.
As has become customary with any Tonner doll, the costuming is exquisite, matching the graphic novel version almost perfectly, with the one exception being calf high blue boots in place of the ankle high red ones shown on the cover. The Tonner boots actually give the figure more of a power look and are a welcome variation. The figure comes with interchangeable hands, one blue set to match and combine with the long sleeve “gloves”, and a normal set for those inclined to change outfits. The bracelets WW is so well known for (think Lynda Carter in the TV show fending off bullets, with the catchy “Wonder Woman” them being sung in the background) are enhanced as they are in the graphic novel, again potraying the look of strength in the figure.
One small frustration came as a result of trying to determine the best way to secure the tiara, which comes with a small but strong elastic to wrap around the head. Given the extensive hair style, it seemed like the elastic could snap at any point. One possible suggestion for the future would be for the Tonner Doll Company to include some instructions with certain figures, or perhaps simply have them somewhere on their website. But once the tiara was in place, the figure became the embodiment of “Wonder Woman Amazonia”, a terrific addition to one’s collections of dolls, figures or even comic books. Highly recommended.
Mr. Robert Tonner has long been a fan of the power and intrigue of DC Comics characters and with adding Harley Quinn adds another sometimes overlooked villain to a great lineup of dolls. This doll is approximately 17” tall and crafted in fine quality vinyl/hard plastic with multiple points of articulation for super posing ability.
A Woman, Yes, But Is She a Wonder?
Recently I purchased the latest 2011 version of Wonder Woman as created by Robert Tonner of the Tonner Doll Company of Kingston, New York. It is Tonner's latest addition to his DC Stars series of Character Figures from his Pop Culture Line. It is a limited edition of only 1000. It retails at Tonnerdirect.com for $139.99 plus. Now the question is, do I like this representation of Wonder Woman? The simple answer is, "Hell Yeah!" While I am mostly an action figure collector, I have no trouble sliding this beauty along side my other Woman Woman's from DC Direct and Mattel.
Unlike an action figure which is usually totally plastic or vinyl, this is a fashion doll. So you're supposed to enjoy the presentation of the outfit more so than the actual figure. This figure is the same one that Tonner uses for all his 13" Fashion bodies. It is also the same face sculpt as some the other 13" DC figures like Supergirl and Aretmis, just different hair and makeup. I am sure if you had a lot of his DC Stars line put together these characters would seem like twin sisters to each other. I guess that Tonner does this to reduce costs. Can't afford to make a new face sculpt for every different character--too costly. Her hair is raven black and ample. If anything, there may be too much hair.
For a Woman Woman figure, the template doll that Tonner uses is too lean. Woman Woman should be curvier with more muscles. At 13" the doll is good sized but may be to too tall to accurately capture Wonder Woman. Because of this the figures chest is diminsihed. For a Wonder Woman, her chest should be healthier, like what Tonner did with his 2010 Power Girl. I wouldn't mind it if the figure were even shorter. But again that would add extra costs to the figure.
As for the outfit, it is an excellent depiction of a modern Wonder Woman, much more accurate and improved over the Tonner's 2003 and 2010 Wonder Woman edtions. The breast plate is electroplated and shines appropriately. Also sparkling are the doll's boots, belt and body suit. This Wonder Woman is a red, white and blue jewel--absolutely just shimmers. Figure also comes with a golden lasso attached to the hip. I wish the lasso were thicker and stronger. The head piece is also electroplated and nicely golden. This is the outfit that Wonder Woman would wear for a press conference or other public event. It doesn't seem like one she would wear into battle with some super villain.
Figure comes with a clean, generic display stand. While necessary for long term display, the display is not always required. Figure is very articluated and poseable and I was able to get the doll to stand and display on her own. Included in the package is a removeable DC Stars tag.
As I wrote earlier, I am an action figure collector in general but specifically a MOC figure collector. I rarely open my action figures. I would really love to see Tonner start to use window boxes. I believe that it would at least inmprove the collectablity of the figure. It could improve sales, I believe. I think that I am going to customize a window box for Wonder Woman.
IN conclusion, this Wonder Woman is a keeper and I am grateful for the opportunity to purchase her. She will be a valued piece to my DC figure collection.
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The doll I wanted to review was the Black Cat, (www.marvel.com) I wanted to devote my time to review the figure in memory and remembrance of Club member #100, Ron Krzywonos, a lover of all felines. So, Ron please enjoy the review and fellow club members as well.
Between 1979 and 1983, Spider-Man (Peter Parker) had to face his life without Mary Jane Watson, his longtime love interest whom he wants to marry one day in the future. Yet alas, during this romantic time-out from Mary Jane, Peter’s love life will take an unusual turn when he encounters Felicia Hardy. The talented and very bad girl, a platinum blonde bombshell known as the Black Cat, makes her debut in 1979 in the Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #194. This New York City cat burglar has been an occasional criminal, an occasional hero, but always a thorn in Spider-Man’s side either as a villain stealing diamonds, or as an on-again/off-again girlfriend stealing his heart. The Black Cat introduced an element of really emotional chaos into Peter Parker’s life who is steadily maturing, and thus even more the serious hero. She is the daughter of the renowned cat burglar, Walter Hardy, who follows her father’s footsteps after he is imprisoned for life. She tries to change her life around and turn over a new leaf, and even earns a legal pardon for her past crimes. She becomes Spider-Man’s wall crawling partner in crime fighting. This doesn’t last too long. Her former adversarial relationship with Spidey blossoms into a real romance, (in which Spidey confides in her his real identity.) She then finds Peter Parker boring. (Bad girls love Bad boys.) Being the bad girl that she is, she has interest in Parker’s costumed persona and the freedom and excitement it represents.
Robert Tonner has again captured the accuracy and essence of the good/bad girl figurine of the female action figures. From head to toe her all black fitting costume is “wicked sexy”. She has platinum blonde hair, her black leather suit covered in a V-shaped fur collar, a fur lining of her wrist and black gloves, and her black high heel shoes with a white trim fur to compliment her costume. Her accessories are an extra pair of hands, her black mask to disguise who she is, and her sexy black neck collar adorned with a bell. Black Cat is approximately 16” and Robert Tonner has designed a sleek costume that betrays her delicate features and her deft touch. This alluring Spider-Villain wears her classic costume from the 70’s and is display-ready for the action figure collector. Her approximate price range is $159.99 and worth every dollar. Visit the Tonner Doll website or www.marvel.com for more information on Black Cat and how you can adopt this figure to your Tonner Doll collection. Meow to all cat lovers!
Review: Tonner Doll Co. - Captain Malcom Reynolds from Firefly
Deluxe Dressed Tonner Character Figure
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The TV show Firefly was the anti-Star Trek. Instead of being about the captain and crew of an gigantic starship, striding heroically across the impressive, state-of-the-art sci-fi bridge and backed by a Federation of thousands of planets throughout the galaxy, it was instead about a captain who was on the losing side of a recent civil war, trying to scrape together enough money to keep his small, second-hand spaceship in fuel. His spaceship (which had no "warp speed") was so small compared to most that it "class" was designated "firefly". His crew was made up of misfits and mercenaries. The gigantic federation considered him mostly beneath its notice, but would probably just as soon throw him in prison if it got the chance.
If you cannot tell, I am a huge fan of Firefly and it's sequel movie Serenity. Though not a mainstream success, the show has achived cult status with a very loyal and vocal fanbase. Although the last TV episode was broadcast in December 2002 and the Feature Film left theatres in 2005, companies are still finding some incentive to continue to release books, comics, figurines, spaceship replicas, and now Tonner Dolls.
When I heard that Tonner Doll Co. was releasing Firefly figures, I was extremely pleased. The only action figures of the characters were 6" versions released by Diamond Select in 2006. No one did 12" size, so this 17.5" tall figure is a welcome arrival.
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Tonner Doll Co. - Captain Malcom Reynolds from Firefly
The overall look of the figure is excellent. This is an accurate re-creation of the costume and look of Malcom Reynolds as played by Nathan Fillion in the TV series. The burgundy shirt with tan striped trousers; the belt and suspenders along with holster and brown boots all look very nice.
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Captain Malcom Reynolds - Not quite Nathan Fillion
The craft and attention to detail on the character's clothing is happily up to Tonner's second-to-none standards. Captain Mal's boots are gorgeous with wonderful stitching details and working zippers!
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Captain Malcom Reynolds - The boots are particularly nice
Having dealt with 12" action figures with removable boots many times in my life, the zippers are a welcome feature. Most toy companies deal with booted figures by sculpting a stiff boot, which if you remove it, makes it nearly impossible to get back on the figure's feet. This character's boots go on and off with ease.
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Captain Mal's nifty boot zippers
The suspenders are perfectly detailed, with small faux-brass buckles and the fabric of the suspenders themselves have been stitched to look like an elastic material. That's a very impressive attention to detail, which is largely par-for-the-couse with Tonner Dolls.
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Captain Malcom Reynolds - Suspenders (Buckles and all)
(Photos courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Captain Malcom Reynolds - The holster conundrum
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Captain Malcom Reynolds - Mal's pistol
The reproduction of Mal's pistol is very nicely done, especially because Mal's gun is unique to him, not just a generic pistol or six-shooter. Tonner dropped the ball, though, by not sculpting Mal's hands to hold the gun. I was very surprised by this because I know in the past Tonner has provided multiple replaceable hands for characters to hold props, make a different gesture or (in the case of Power Girl, below) show gloved and ungloved hands. (Another point off for Tonner showing multiple pictures of Malcom holding the gun on their website, which could only be achieved by gluing the gun into the character's hand.) The only way I could get a photo that looked even remotely like Mal holding the gun was to place the character flat on the ground and place the gun carefully on top of it (see above photo).
The figure retails for $159.99 and can be purchased here.
But wait, there's more! Available separately is the Browncoat accessory for $39.99. You can buy it here and it is beautiful.
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Firefly Browncoat - Mal figure sold separately
Mal's signature brown longcoat is reproduced wonderfully and with great attention to detail. The sleeve cuffs look weathered and dirty and the clasp buckles and straps are represented well. Where Tonner really stepped up to the plate and showed that they are making these for fans who notice such things is on the coat's left shoulder. The coat used in the TV show had a small repair on the left shoulder where it had been torn or worn through. Tonner Doll's designers added the same repair to the replica coat here. That is care and detail work worthy of respect.
(Photos courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Firefly Browncoat - That repair is genius
I like that Tonner is selling the coat separately because it lets them to keep the price of the Captain Mal figure down, while allowing those who want the coat to get one.
My overall grades:
Captain Malcom Reynolds figure: B+
Firefly Browncoat accessory: A
The fact that Tonner Doll Co.
is doing more Firefly figures: A++
For more information, see tonnerdoll.com and tonnerdirect.com.
I was able to get a good look at the prototype for the next character in Tonner Doll's Firefly series, Jayne Cobb. The prototype was displayed among some other Tonner Doll Co. prototypes at the BATCC's 10th Annual National Toy Event. (Click here for more on the event.)
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Tonner Doll Co. - Jayne Cobb from Firefly
The figure looks great and the cherry-on-the-sundae feature is Jayne's self-described "cunning hat". Supposedly knitted for Jayne by his mother, Tonner includes a fully knitted, to-scale, wool hat with the figure. I don't know how you knit to-scale, but the final result is shockingly good.
(Photos courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Jayne Cobb - Portrayed by Adam Baldwin (no relation to the Baldwin brothers)
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Jayne Cobb - Some of Jayne's smaller weapons
The figure retails for $179.99 and can be purchased here. It is being released right about now, so I hope to have a full review for you soon.
Also, click here for a look at Tonner's next Firefly figure, Zoe Washburn! (Woo hoo!)
Like Superman and Supergirl, Power Girl is a Kryptonian as well as their cousin, albeit one from Earth-2 in the DC Comics mythology. Comic book fans/geeks know what I am talking about. For non-fans, know this: Power Girl is the all-American, big bosomed blonde—a figure of my (as well as every red blooded 14 year old boy’s) dreams. She is a goddess dressed in red, white and blue—a vision in extra-terrestrial feminine bliss.
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Tonner Doll Co. - Power Girl Deluxe
Recently, toy figure makers have tried to capture this female wonder in the form of an action figure. Most prominent in this endeavor, by sheer volume of units produced, has been Mattel Inc. with their DC Universe Infinite Heroes and DC Universe Classics line of figures. Those could not capture the glory of Power Girl properly since basically they are just too small, especially DCIH which is only 4” tall maximum. DC Comics toy subsidiary DC Direct has made a number of six inch versions for their various comic book tie-in’s and has also produced a 13” figure.
Now comes the biggest Power Girl yet: the 17” Power Girl Deluxe DRESSED TONNER CHARACTER FIGURE by the Tonner Doll Company for their DC Stars Collection, which describes her as follows: The buxom heroine arrives wearing her classic white bodysuit with signature cut-out, glistening faux leather belt, and sleek red cape. Gleaming faux leather gauntlets, pantyhose, interchangeable Caucasian skin-tone hands, and faux leather boots also included.
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Power Girl Deluxe - Costume cut-out
In terms of size, this doll is just right. Tonner has correctly portrayed her with appropriately large breasts. As the character is supposed to be buxom, Tonner has done the right thing by not diminishing this attribute. What Tonner got wrong for their Power Girl doll is the shape of the signature cut-out. There should be a round hole showing Power Girl’s cleavage. Tonner has made the cut-out much too large, expanding all the way across her chest. The cut-out shows too much of her chest. Who’d a thunk that I would be complaining about that?
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Power Girl Deluxe - Boots with working zippers
As for the rest of the outfit Tonner has done a typical quality job. The cape, bodysuit, and boots are spectacular recreations for Power Girl. I am puzzled, however, by how Tonner presents Power Girl’s gloves and gauntlets. They produced her with blue hands to represent how she appears gloved. I am guessing that Tonner thought using blue hands would give more definition to her hands and fingers when gloved. I do not believe that the blue hands and gauntlets are a color match; they are different tones of blue. Tonner has also included an extra pair of flesh-tone hands for when Power Girls is not wearing gloves.
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Power Girl Deluxe - The gloves don't match the gauntlets
As for the rest of the doll: the more I look at it, I really like the doll’s hair. Tonner has gotten the shape and color perfectly. What I do not like are Power Girl’s eyes. They are too sultry. In my opinion Power Girl should seem innocent; her eyes do not convey that. She is more Power Vixen than Power GIRL.
With 15 points of articulation, posing her is easy.
Overall, I would rate this doll a B; I like this Power Girl. I would buy the figure if I could afford the figure. I wonder how many times that I have said that in the past. MSRP is $189.99 and can be purchased here. I have seen this doll on sale for $150.00 at Bigbadtoystore.com.
If you like her and want to buy her, you better move fast. Tonner’s Power Girl is a limited edition of 500. For more information, see tonnerdoll.com and tonnerdirect.com.
In the blockbuster book and movie series Twilight, the two main characters are Edward Cullen and Bella Swan, one a vampire, one human. The Tonner Doll Company has produced two of the best and most realistic character figures I have seen and personally own. In my opinion, Tonner Doll has surpassed any and all other companies, to produce such detailed and beautiful dolls.
(Photo courtesy of G. Sullivan)
Tonner Doll Co. - Edward and Bella from Twilight
Based on designs from the movie series Twilight, the Tonner Doll Co. has done an outstanding job of featuring incredible likenesses of Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan) and Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen). These two figures represent the teen-vampire juggernaut that has taken over the globe.
Edward Cullen and Bella Swan from Twilight
Edward Cullen is approximately 17 and a half inches tall in well-cut jeans, T-shirt, along with a dark grey peapod coat. Classical lace-up boots complete his clothing ensemble.
Edward with peapod coat Coat (detail) Jeans (detail)
Edward's Boots (detail)
Edward Hair and face (details)
In addition, the family crest arm band (which Edward wears on his wrists) is showcased. Befitting the Cullen’s Family Crest, the wrist guard is “like” a coat-of-arms that relates to perpetuity, danger, and courage. The suggested retail price for this well-sculpted character figure is $139.99. Trust me when I tell you that fans of the Twilight movie phenomenon would be well advised to include this treasured character doll in their collection. It is well worth every dollar.
Edward's Family Crest (detail)
Bella Swan is just as beautiful and realistic as the Edward Cullen figure. Bella is approximately 15 and a half inches tall, wearing corduroy jeans and a beautiful brown/tan hooded jacket. Matching dark shoes complete her ensemble.
Bella with coat Coat (detail) Jeans (detail)
Bella's Shoes (details)
Bella's Hair and Face (details)
This well-designed doll is also priced at $139.99 and is a must-have for the completist of everything to do with the Twilight movies.
As a side-note to this review, also look for New Moon Tonner Doll Character Figures (Second film of the Twilight Saga) introducing the Laurent, James, and Victoria (the nomads) Figures. Retail price for these character figures is $179.00. Also new is the teenage wolf boy Jacob Black (played by actor Taylor Lautner). He retails for approximately $149.99.
Edward and Bella
Some people have asked me “what category” these character figures fit into. In my opinion, the character figures are not gothic horror mixed with comedy. I like that the Tonner Doll figures don’t fit into a category at all. The figures are coming-of-age characters that appeal to the romantics.
My verdict – Two thumbs up for the Tonner Doll Character Figures of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. These two are important, main figures among my very vast collection of Twilight Movie memorabilia. This collector says to purchase both dolls NOW!!! Keep on collecting.
For more Tonner Doll information on Twilight and many other character figures, please visit www.tonnerdirect.com.
My next review will be on other Tonner Doll character figures.
