Background
While it seems that a lot of Erick Scarecrow's time has been going to small run resin figure releases, he recently dropped a new colorway of one of his more popular vinyl figures – Medusa. The Poison Berry Konstricta Medusa features a much more vibrant color scheme than we've seen from ESC Toy's previous Medusa versions.
The Facts
Poison Berry Konstricta Medusa
Series: Medusa
Manufacturer: ESC Toy
Artist: Erick Scarecrow
Material: Vinyl
Dimensions: 10” tall
Points of Articulation: 9 (right foot, neck, hair bunch, 6 snake heads)
Edition Size: 100 pieces
Packaging
The Poison Berry Konstricta packaging is the same as previous versions of the Medusa figure. There are plastic windowpanes on both the front and one side. The cutouts are shaped like a snake's open mouth. Inside, the vinyl figure is contained within two snapping plastic trays.
Our Opinion
I think that Erick Scarecrow's complex Medusa vinyl might feature one of the most underrated sculpts. There is a lot going on with the figure. From her hairdo of snakes to the long snake that winds its way into her shoe, it's one of the more interesting pieces I've come across.
The first Medusa version (Black Mamba) was released back in February 2009 at the New York Comic Con. In late 2009, the Brooklyn Boa colorway was released. But those two color schemes pale in comparison to the Poison Berry Konstricta.
It's somewhat shocking how a different color combo can completely alter one's opinion. I rated the Black Mamba version an 8.5, but as you'll see below, the combination of bright blues, purple and pink fits this design much better.
Looking at the design, it features limited articulation – most of which is in the snake heads. The snake head that is in Medusa's head is packaged with a piece of plastic holding it in place. I removed that piece, thinking it was just to keep it in place in the box. But I wish I had left it intact. The snake, which is flexible, doesn't set flush to the hand without it.
I had commented, in the Black Mamba review, that one of my favorite parts of this figure was the left shoe. Well, that hasn't changed. I like how the snake winds down into the shoe and appears to have transformed the sneaker into a snake.
OVERALL: It's amazing what a new color scheme can do for a sculpt. The bright “berry” combination of blues, purple and pink brings out the sculpt that was somewhat hidden by the darker colors of previous Medusa colorways.
You can pick one up at the following:
Are you going to NYCC 2010? If so, you'll be able to pick one up at the ESC Toy booth #2781 (around $60.00). They will also begin hitting retailers this fall.
Poison Berry Konstricta Medusa Grades
Figure Quality: 9/10
Sculpt: 9/10
Paint: 9/10
Accessories/Outfit: N/A
Packaging: 8/10
Durability: 9/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 9.1/10
