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Background

The So What line of vinyl figures comes to us from Taiwan’s PhalanX Creative.  The 4.5” figures are designed by artist Mark Chang, who obviously has been influenced by the work of Michael Lau. 

FreeBento.com has sent us the So What Robot figure for this review.  Robot is from Series 1.5, which was released in July 2005.  That line consists of 5 designs…as well 3 exclusives.

Packaging

The So What figures are packaged in a window box that is then inside of a sleeve.  The sleeve is made with a graffiti-like stencil cut into it.  Just in case you want to let everyone know of your latest toy purchase…you can spray paint the town red!

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The Figure

The 4.5” Robot figure is made of PVC vinyl – as opposed to the softer,
rotocast plastic you might find in say…a Dunny.  With multiple (6)
points of articulation, you can pose these toys in basically any manner
you like.  The lower body, however, is oddly designed.  The feet are a
little oversized, so they hit into each other and don’t actually move.

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Our Opinion

I first saw the So What line last year at San Diego Comic Con.  I was
very interested, especially considering their suggested retail price.
However, it seems like news from Asia always filters in a little
slower.  So, I’m not sure if there will be any more series forthcoming.

The one concern I have is the figure design. I’ve never been a fan of
ball joints for arms.  They seem to get worn out quickly and lose their
poseability.  Also, I already spoke about how there is no space in
between the figures’ feet.

There are a number of lines out there that have drawn on the work of
Michael Lau.  The box-like hands and the urban motif.  There’s a market
for them since Lau’s figures often run over $100. 

For only $15, you
can pick up the So What figures from FreeBento

So What Robot Grades:

Quality: 7/10
Paint: 6/10
Durability: 7/10
Hype: 7/10
Fun Factor: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 7.3/10

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