Background
The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was released in theaters between 2001 and 2003. Yet, it remains a favorite license of collectors. In 2009, Tonner Doll Company revealed that they would be creating two figures based on the film – Strider (otherwise known as Aragorn) and Arwen. Since that announcement, they've added several other characters to their LOTR lineup.
We'll be taking a look at Tonner's Strider, Ranger of the North. Played by Viggo Mortensen in the film version of The Lord of the Lords trilogy, the Aragorn Tonner Character Figure is sculpted based on the facial likeness of the actor.
The Facts
Strider, Ranger of the North (Aragorn)
Series: Lord of the Rings Tonner Character Figures
Manufacturer: Tonner Doll Company
Sculpted by: Robert Tonner
Authorized Likeness: Viggo Mortensen
Material: Fully articulated plastic body with rotocast head that features rooted hair
Dimensions: 17” tall
Points of Articulation:
Outfit: Gray cotton shirt; Faux leather jerkin (inner jacket); Distressed, faux leather jacket; Trousers; Faux leather belt; Distressed boots with long laces; Fingerless glove
Accessories: Resin sword with scabbard; Dagger with sheath
Edition Size: 1,500 pieces
Packaging
The Aragorn Tonner Character Figure is packaged similarly to other figures from Tonner's The Lord of the Rings series. It's a simple, black rectangular box with The Lord of the Rings logo on the front. Tonner always strives to take the utmost care with your figure, by placing individual items in separate bags and securing the piece using ribbons and padding.
Our Opinion
I'll be honest. Based on the prototype photos, I wasn't expecting the Aragorn figure to live up to the amazingly crafted Arwyn character figure. I think it was that the hair was slicked down and I didn't get a good close-up view of the face sculpt. Nonetheless, it's a different story with the figure in-hand.
Let's first look at the face sculpt, which will always be brought up when discussing Tonner's male character figures. You need to realize that Tonner isn't going for the ultra-realistic Hot Toys or Sideshow sculpt. They shoot for a facial likeness, superior quality and amazing clothes.
The more I look at the figure, the more I think that this might be Tonner's best male face sculpt yet. I especially like how they went with the textured sculpt to give the appearance of facial hair. That doesn't always work...but it works here. The only issue with the head is the hair. It's a little too “poofy” for me, but I guess you could bust out the 1980's Aqua Net to get the perfect 'do.
Outfit-wise is where the Strider figure shines. The distressed look on the faux leather jacket is top notch. You can definitely go minus the jacket if you like, but I wouldn't recommend it. The boots have extremely long laces, so you'll need to tie them up similar to what I attempted to do.
Aragorn also comes with a few cool accessories. I didn't know that the sheath for the dagger should actually be tied on to the sword's scabbard...as you'll notice from the photos. These accessories are why I'd love for some alternate, grasping hands. You can't really display the sword in an open palm hand.
OVERALL: Aragorn is arguably the best male Tonner Character Figure that the company has released. The face sculpt, albeit slightly soft looking, is one of the stronger male likenesses we've seen from Tonner. And, like most Tonner's products, the attire is impressive...especially those given the distressed look.
You can pick one up at the following:
Tonner Direct: $149.99
Strider, Ranger of the North (Aragorn) Grades
Figure Quality: 9/10
Sculpt: 8/10
Paint: 9/10
Accessories/Outfit: 9/10
Packaging: 7/10
Durability: 8/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 9.2/10
