Background

Wheaty Wheat Studios and MedFed have joined forces to release a long anticipated vinyl figure - Dolly.  The giant pill has been released in several color variants, with Sideshow Collectibles distributing the line.  We’re looking at the standard version.

And if you thought Dolly was just a cool-looking giant capsule, there actually is a background story to this vinyl.  Inspired by the pantone-colored covers of Jacqueline Susann novels, and named after her most famous work "Valley of the Dolls," Dolly captures the retro feel of this classic 60's novel, where Valium was taken openly, with an updated urban sensibility.

Packaging

The Dolly vinyl figure is packaged in a window-front box that’s decorated with stereo speakers and a psychedelic theme.  The piece is contained within dual interlocking plastic trays, making it a great option to display in the packaging.

The Figure

Dolly is approximately 6.5” in height by 5.5” wide and has zero points of articulation.  The top, clear portion of the pill capsule can be removed if you’re looking to get to the drugs inside.  (They aren't rea, kiddos!)  The vinyl has a matte feel to it, while the painted portions are glossy.

This standard edition is limited to a run of 504 pieces.  Other variants include (with run numbers in parenthesis): Sideshow Exclusive – Black Beauty (84); Gage Mono (150); Red Devil (204).  In a move we always love...each piece is numbered on the bottom of its feet.

Our Opinion

It’s been about a year and a half since I first saw the Dolly sculpt at the 2007 VTN show in San Diego.  (It had previously been shown the year before at SDCC) The same thing that drew me to some of the trippy work from artists like Thomas Han made me like this figure. Maybe this piece is making a social statement about prescription drugs, or maybe MedFed just wanted to make a fun vinyl figure.  Whatever it is, I don’t think I’d be able to choke down one of those pills.

Coming from Wheaty Wheat, I knew this would be a quality piece.  At first, I thought there might be some balance issues since the piece appears to be leaning back…but it stands up just fine.  The removable clear plastic dome works well.  For some reason, I like the fact that it can be removed instead of being a sculpted part.

I would have liked to see Dolly with some articulation (maybe in the hands).  And I know this might be a strange complaint, but I am just not getting the sneakers and socks this figure is wearing.  They stick out and make it look a little TOO cartoon-y.  I would have preferred to see something very simple (all blue?) similar to what the other colorways sport.

Remember that there are currently four color variants available, so you can probably find the cure for what ails you.

You can pick one up at the following:

Frozen Empire Toys: Standard - $49.95

Sideshow: Standard - $59.99 and Black Beauty - $89.99

Tainted Visions: Standard - $59.95 and Gage Mono - $79.95

Tenacious Toys: Standard - $54.95 and Red Devil - $64.95

3DRetro: Standard - $58.99 and Red Devil - $68.99

Dolly Grades:

Quality: 8/10
Paint: 8/10
Packaging: 8/10
Durability: 7/10
Hype: 9/10
Fun Factor: 8/10
Value: 7/10

Overall: 8.6/10

Have this figure?  What do you rate it?