Background
It's quite possible that you heard of this little film trilogy known as The Lord of the Rings. The three movies were released between 2001 and 2003. With strong licensing tie-ins, the action figure and collectible market really hadn't seen such saturation by a film since the original Star Wars trilogy.
The Lord of the Rings is actually such a popular license that new series are being launched nearly nine years after the film's release. That's what happened with Tonner Doll Company and the 2010 launch of their Dressed Tonner Character Figure Series based on The Lord of the Rings. The first character released was an interesting choice – Arwen Evenstar.
The Facts
Arwen Evenstar
Series: Dressed Tonner Character Figure
Manufacturer: Tonner Doll Company
Sculpted by: Robert Tonner
Authentic Likeness: Liv Tyler
Material: Articulated body with vinyl head and rooted saran hair
Dimensions: 16” tall
Points of Articulation: 17 (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, chest, waist, hips, knees, ankles, feet)
Outfit: Purple soft velvet gown with shimmering lace sleeves flowing into metallic sleeve drapes; Pantyhose; Gray faux suede boots
Accessories: Includes flat and high-heeled feet
Edition Size: 1,500 pieces
Packaging
The Arwen TCF is packaged in a black rectangular box with The Lord of the Rings logo on the front. Inside, the figure is secured in place using ribbons and Styrofoam.
Our Opinion
It makes sense that Tonner would choose a female character as the first figure released from The Lord of the Rings line (although Aragorn was probably released around the same time). Tonner has a reputation for nailing the sculpts on their licensed female Character Figures. So, how did they do bringing Liv Tyler and her Arwen character to doll form?
I'm pretty sure I should never look at prototype photos. The finished product either thoroughly disappoints or happily surprises me. Luckily, in the case of the Arwen Evenstar TCF, it was the latter. I hadn't seen a strong resemblance between the face sculpt and the actress, but after seeing the figure up close...it's a great likeness. They just nailed her mouth and nose. And if it wasn't for the elf ears, I could totally reenact Aerosmith's Crazy video in stop-motion.
I looked for a movie still of Arwen wearing this specific gown, but I could only find very small images that didn't show the entire outfit. I somehow remember there being a purple hood attached to the outfit, but that might have been a shawl worn over this gown. The quality is great on the outfit, and really shows Tonner Doll Co. at their finest.
But what about the Evenstar pendant? That's sorely missing from her attire. I checked Aragorn, who she presented the Evenstar to, and his TCF did not include the piece either.
Overall: I'm sure that any fan of The Lord of the Rings trilogy would be pleased to add the Arwen Evenstar TCF to their collection. The price ($144.99) is about average for a Tonner doll of this size and quality. Personally, I think it's going to be difficult for any other character from this line to top the amazing sculpting work of the Arwen TCF.
You can pick one up at the following:
Tonner Direct: $144.99
Arwen Evenstar Grades
Figure Quality: 9/10
Sculpt: 10/10
Paint: 9/10
Accessories/Outfit: 8/10
Packaging: 7/10
Durability: 8/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 9.3/10
