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Like the Essex range, Minifigs are astoundingly consistent. Not just in size, but in style, pose, and detail. Like Essex, if you like one, you will probably like all of them. On the other hand, if this one doesn’t excite you, probably none will. Hey I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. Measuring in at 14 mm, accounting for the body lean he would probably be about 15.5 mm from foot to eye upright. Its the poses that usually get me - a little too melodramatic for my taste. To their credit they are beautifully cast, have an enormous range, are a good value, and the service from their US manufacturer is fantastic.
Detail on Minifigs is usually moderate and very low contrast. Straps, as seen here, are often marked by etched lines, instead of being raised relief. This may be more “accurate” but it certainly runs counter to most gamers’ expectations. It also requires a slightly different painting technique (dry-brushing especially). That said, any detail you find will be crisp, clear and elegant. The Feldzeichen is ridged and detailed, the shoulder straps (those epaulette looking things) easy to see. (Note: Many Minifigs have separate backpacks which you may glue on or not.)
As with all of the Napoleonic Minifigs in 15 mm, the proportions are very, very good. While Minifigs tend to wear their headgear low, often obscuring most of the face, the sculptor’s familiarity with the human body clearly shows. Proportions, girths, relative scale are all real strengths.
As I said above, it’s the pose I have issues with if anything. This one is actually pretty reasonable. Minifigs can often be over-the-top, but this is a good aggressive pose, lunging, but balanced, and under control.
One note: these are packed out differently in the US and Europe. In the US they are generally 24 per pack (comprising 2 poses and including command) while in Europe (where I buy mine) they come 8 identical figures to the pack. I buy the smaller packs so as to minimize the cost and inventory build up associated with this web site!
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