Background
Before Flash Gordon, Superman, or Star Wars, there was one hero among the stars that would define pop culture, science, and the comic book hero. In 1928, Buck Rogers blasted off in the pages of John F. Dille’s National Newspaper Service syndicate. Buck Rogers is the original sci-fi comic hero! Of the many eras and derivatives of Buck Rogers, never before have these amazing designs been captured in an authentic 1:6 scale figure.
In steps Go Hero, the company previously best known for their original Mechabot character. Not only have they released a full-scale replica of Daisy’s 1930 Atomic Disintegrator, but they also dropped a 1:6 scale version of the “Man of Tomorrow”. Fans and collectors now have a chance to pick up their very own Deluxe Buck Rogers 1:6 Scale Figure.
Buck Rogers 1:6 Scale Figure
Manufacturer: Day2Day Trading
Designer: Go Hero
Material: Articulated plastic body
Dimensions: 12” tall
Points of Articulation: 25+ (ATOMedia body)
Outfit: Removable flight helmet with die-cast visor; Clear glass space helmet; Cloth outfit with jodhpurs (riding pants) and a knit shirt; Vest with die-cast emblem; Faux leather belt with silver buckle; Boots
Accessories: Die-cast Atomic Disintegrator and holster; Jet Pack with switch operated LED flames; Two pairs of hands – gauntlet gloves and bare; Remote control (Go Hero Exclusive)
Edition Size: 1,000 pieces
The figure comes packaged in a laser etched maple box with sliding lid. That lid has the Buck Rogers in the 25th Century logo (and character) etched drawing on it. There’s also the limited edition number (out of 1,000) engraved into the bottom right hand corner. On the rear, there’s a little background info as well as a list of accessories.
Inside, the figure is secured in a trio of plastic trays. There’s a hand-numbered Certificate of Authenticity, as well as directions for operating the ATOMedia body.
Our Opinion
Even though the figure slightly resembles Larry “Buster” Crabbe, it’s not an authorized likeness of the actor. (Go Hero does have the license to produce a Crabbe Flash Gordon figure) It also isn’t made to look like the Buck Rogers that many folks remember – Gil Gerard from the 1979-81 Buck Rogers in the 25th Century television show. This version appears to be an amalgam of all the previous (dating back to 1928) iterations of the Man of Tomorrow.
The first item that needs to be addressed is something you can’t really tell from photos. It’s the new ATOMedia body. Frickin’ brilliant! I saw this several years ago – thanks to Go Hero’s Steve Forde – and it is going to revolutionize the 1:6 scale marketplace. Not only does it have an MP3 player built in, but the articulation is right up there with Hot Toys’ products.
Looking at the internal media device, it includes episodes of the original Buck Rogers Radio Show (including classic commercials). You can also record your own MP3s using a microphone in the body, or you may download more content via the included USB cable. The control panel on the figure’s back allows you to scroll through content and change the volume, but there’s also an optional remote (included with the Go Hero Exclusive).
The accessories and outfit are all very well produced. The brown portions – gloves, helmet, vest, boots and holster – are actually a rubbery, flexible plastic and not faux leather. And the amount of die-cast pieces reassures you that you’re getting a quality product. Finally, be very careful with the glass helmet, because, yes, that is real glass…and it will break like real glass.
There’s really only one thing I could question. Where’s the display stand? It’s not important, because the figure stands on its own rather well. But if I am going to put that glass helmet on Buck…I’d want a stand securing him on the shelf.
Overall, Go Hero has exceeded all of my expectations. When you consider how new they are to the 1:6 scale figure genre, it’s like hitting a home run in their first big league at-bat. If you don’t believe me….check it out for yourself.
You can pick one up at the following:
Go Hero: $175.00
Panik's Toy Box: $174.99
Buck Rogers 1:6 Scale Figure Grades:
Figure Quality: 9/10
Sculpt: 9/10
Paint: 9/10
Accessories/Outfit: 10/10
Packaging: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 9.6/10
What do you rate this figure?
I have purchased this figure, but in the picture up in the left hand corner of the box Buck comes in, the blue and white emblem (?) is missing. Is this missing piece essential, or even, “what is it?”
That’s the remote control. It was a Go Hero exclusive, so if you ordered it through Go Hero – you received the blue and white remote. It’s not a necessary piece.
I have purchased this figure, but in the picture of Buck’s open box, there is a blue and white symbol missing on mine. Is this missing piece essential, or even, can I ask, “what is it?” Otherwise, all the equipment is there as in the picture of him in the box.
That blue and white thing isn’t a symbol…it’s the remote control.