Background

Zog is the first vinyl figure for both artist David Lanham and the toy’s producer – Strangekiss.  Currently, there are two versions available: the standard purple colorway and the Kozik variant.  Today, we’ll be looking at the standard Zog.

We’ve compiled an abbreviated version of the story behind the character:

Years ago, a nameless King was betrayed and cast from his land into the swamps.  In his absence, the kingdom grew poor and famine befell the villages.  People became desperate and turned to their pets as food.  The frightened creatures fled from the villages to the swamps, crying for help since they had never been and knew nothing of survival.  They stumbled upon the old King.  In thanks they named him "Zog," and he called them his "Marshmello troops." Since then, the new friends have left the swamp together to explore the forgotten world.

Packaging

The large rectangular box that encases Zog features a plastic window panel on the front and the story of the character printed on the rear.  There are several drawings of Zog on the sides and bottom of the box.

Inside, the figure is packaged in a bag and then has foam material protecting the sides, back and top of the piece.  Also, the hands have plastic bags over them so there is no rubbing against the body during transport.  (No...they're not plastic mitten accessories)

The Figure

Zog is made of rotocast vinyl and stands approximately 7” tall (10.5” with his arms extended above his head) by 8.5” wide.  The figure features 2 points of articulation, at the shoulders, and has a bottom jaw that is semi-flexible.  This piece has sculpted bumps on its head, back and arms (maybe a bad case of backne?), as well as sculpted stubble on its chin.  And is that marshmallow or a goatee?

The standard version, which is based on David Lanham’s original character design, is limited to a run of 300 pieces.  And they are all numbered on the bottom of the figure’s feet (along with a stamped signature).

Our Opinion

While Strangekiss has predominantly been known as an online designer toy and art retailer, their first foray into the production arena has been a “large” success.  If you’ve religiously read my reviews, you might know by now that I am a fan of big rotocast vinyl figures.  But they don’t just have to be big; they also need to be well produced.

Zog is a beefy figure.  (And that’s not in reference to his floppy man boobs)  He’s solid…and surprisingly well sculpted.  Just glancing at the piece, you probably don’t get a good sense of how detailed the sculpting work is.  These include: all of the bumps on his back, head and arms are different shapes and sizes; the hands and feet have sculpted nails; there are the aforementioned man boobs; defined back muscles; a bellybutton; and then there’s the figure’s head.

The head is attached on the front side of the body, to give Zog a hunchbacked appearance. The bottom jaw has been sculpted separate from the top, allowing for the slightest amount of movement (and a sculpted tongue in there).  But be forewarned!  I wouldn’t put undue pressure on his noggin because of the uniqueness of this sculpt (try not to pick him up by his head).

Are there any downsides to the figure?  Not really, but if I wanted to be nitpicky, I guess I could say the teeth.  There’s a slight seam along the bottom row.  No biggie though.

Overall, I'm loving Zog. (Not in the biblical sense!)  Strangekiss and David Lanham have teamed up to create one of our favorite vinyl figures of the year.  Pretty amazing considering it’s their first shot at the production side of things.

You can pick one up at the following:

Strangekiss: $79.95

Zog (Standard Edition):

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

Overall: 9.6/10

Have this figure?  What do you rate it?