REVIEW: Gandalf the Grey

Background

Sideshow Collectibles really gained notoriety with their The Lord of the Rings license. They released busts, dioramas, scaled replicas and statues during the heyday of LOTR collecting mania. More recently, they’ve released several of the most popular characters as a part of their 1:6 scale line. The most recent addition to that line is Gandalf the Grey.

As a member of the Istari, the ancient and powerful Gandalf the Grey is sent to Middle-earth to orchestrate the forces of light against the growing darkness. Gandalf is a trusted ally and provides wise counsel to the many peoples of Middle-earth. First to discover the true nature of Bilbo's Ring, Gandalf guides Bilbo's heir, Frodo Baggins, to Rivendell. There, Frodo takes up the responsibility for the Ring's destruction. Guide and mentor to Frodo in his quest, Gandalf leads the Fellowship of the Ring on the path to the fires of Mount Doom.

Packaging

The packaging for Sideshow’s The Lord of the Rings 1:6 scale line is just slightly behind the quality of their Star Wars figures. The Gandalf box has dual front flaps that attach via Velcro. Underneath, there is a plastic windowpane as well as information about the character and a few select accessories.

On the rear, there is a pair of photos of the figure and a short write up of The Lord of the Rings. And, inside, the piece is secured in dual interlocking plastic trays.

The Figure

The Gandalf the Grey 1:6 scale figure stands approximately 12” in height and features over 30 points of articulation (Sideshow’s Art S. Buck body). The face sculpt is an authentic likeness of actor Ian McKellen

Outfit consists of:

Brown, mid-shin high boots; Blue pants with a green design; Matching blue-grey hooded cloak and robe; Additional blue tunic; Brown shirt with thumbholes; Plastic, sculpted hat; Woven brown belt with buckle; Leather belt with silver details for scabbard.

Accessories include:

Glamdring Sword and scabbard; Dark brown wizard staff with crystal; Light brown wizard staff with removable pipe and tobacco pouch; Two sets of interchangeable hands; Grey haversack; Display base with The Lord of the Rings logo.

The figure is available in two versions – Sideshow Exclusive includes Balin’s Journal (1,250 figures) and Regular Edition (to be determined).

Our Opinion

Collectors have had to wait a little while to get their hands on the bearded wizard (that sort of sounds dirty), but it was well worth the wait. After releasing lesser characters such as Boromir and Faramir, they have brought Gandalf the Grey (remember there was a Gandalf the White character) to 1:6 scale format.

The price point for this figure is slightly higher than previous LOTR 12” collectibles, but the quality of this figure reflects that. The outfit is well produced, with our favorite part being Gandalf’s long sleeved shirt with its thumbholes. The design on the bellbottom pants wasn’t something I’d have expected. And you probably won’t use the additional tunic, because the cloak he’s sporting looks better with the outfit.

In addition to the treasure trove of accessories included with the figure, you have to appreciate Sideshow’s amazing sculpting work. What could have been a difficult job with the long hair and beard, turned out being a strong point of the figure. It might be the best job of sculpting from this past year. It’s a perfect likeness of McKellen as Gandalf, with the work around the eyes really standing out.

Also worth mentioning is the paintwork on the face. While Sideshow often uses a slightly glossier look, it almost appears that he’s wearing powder on his face. And that’s good. It looks extremely natural and we’re hoping they choose this style with future pieces.