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Background

As the days get longer and the temperatures get hotter, it’s a perfect time to think about the winter holidays. Right? Several months back, G999 and the Hong Kong based artist Patrick Chow released a ball-joint figure that poses the question: Ever felt lonely during Christmas? Meet the [X’mas Ballmer].

Standing on one foot in the snow, [Ballmer] represents single and lonely people searching for companion during Christmas. He looks through the window where other families ad friends gathers and shares, but the only thing he sees are glittering lights of Christmas tree reflected on his golden icy eyes…

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Packaging

The figure is packaged in a white window-front box. Decorated in gold snowflakes, the sides have illustrations of the [Ballmer] character. The rear of the box features the background story that is reprinted above, as well as an illustration of the inner working of the [X’mas Ballmer].

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The Figure

The [X’mas Ballmer] ball-joint figure stands approximately 13” in height and features three points of articulation (neck, midsection and boot).  The rotocast vinyl figure has a single elastic band that runs from the head down through the body to the boot. This allows all of the pieces to move independently of each other.

The figure has a slit down its stomach. However, if you’d prefer to display the [Ballmer] standing up, you can spin the midsection around to hide it. The sculpted hat is also removable. So if you’re not in that cheery, holiday mood…you can go hatless.

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Our Opinion

If you’re like me, sometimes you need an excuse to display your collectibles outside of your assigned room. So it’s not often that you can find a good reason to allow your toys to meander outside of their normal nerdy confines. Toys that have some type of holiday connotation are the exception.

The [X’mas Ballmer] has just enough of that Christmas feel to be allowed a place on the mantle next to your stockings or Santa Clause. Yet, it wouldn’t look out of place in among other art toys.

If you’ve never seen a [Ballmer] figure, there are hooks (inside) on the top and bottom of the figure. Then an elastic piece threads and holds the ball joints in place. The elastic is given some wiggle room, which is how you can pose the figure in a seated or standing position.

The vinyl is of decent quality. I prefer hiding the open slit that’s in the figure’s stomach, which gives it a piggybank look. The oversized sweater  and hat almost give the character an ice cream appearance.

G999 and Patrick Chow have created a fairly unique toy. And while this piece might only appeal to collectors who celebrate Christmas, it’ll give you a reason to begin decorating for the holidays in November.

You can pick one up at the following:

Wizard Sleeve Toys: $39.99

[X'mas Ballmer] Grades:

Quality: 7/10
Paint: 7/10
Packaging: 7/10
Durability: 8/10
Hype: 8/10
Fun Factor: 8/10
Value: 7/10

Overall: 8.4/10

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What do you rate this figure?

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