Background

Published on a semi-regular basis since 2000, Popbot is an award-winning prestige format comic book written and illustrated by Ashley Wood. The comic features an eclectic cast of characters starring a talking rock star cat, his robot bodyguard, sexy women, robot-ninja assassins, and more.

Ashley Wood and ThreeA Toys have ripped Popbot from the pages of his graphic novel. They've released the Popbot collectible figure (as well as the all black Badbot). Thanks to Sideshow Collectibles, we'll be taking a look at Popbot and his Kitty pal.

The Facts



Popbot
Manufacturer: ThreeA Toys
Artist: Ashley Wood
Material: ABS, PVC and Rotocast Vinyl
Dimensions: 15” tall
Points of Articulation: Over 35 points of articulation
Accessories: Long barrel pistol; Shoulder bag; Kitty (in one of ten color variants)

Packaging

The Popbot comes packaged in a plain white box within an outer sleeve. That sleeve features a great piece of Ashley Wood Popbot artwork. I'd go as far as suggesting that you cut it up and throw it in a frame. Inside, the figure is secured in a plastic tray and lid. One thing to note, is that there are two spaces for guns, but the standard Popbot only includes one of them.

Our Opinion

It was probably around seven years ago or so that Sideshow Collectibles released Ashley Wood's Popbot character as a polystone statue. That version was a little more cartoon looking than this current - ThreeA – iteration.

Upon opening the Popbot packaging, the first thing I noticed was the smell of fresh paint. After touching his tube-like innards, I realized why. There was some undried paint still on them. I'm guessing that the material wasn't meant to be painted, because I've heard about this same thing with other Popbots. It's an issue...but not a huge issue. Just be forewarned.

The accessories include a shoulder satchel that's been given a nice paint antiquing, a rather large pistol, and Kitty. There are ten different Kitty variants, and the one we received features a blue bottom half, red top half and a white patch around its eye. You can actually tuck Kitty away in Popbot's shoulder bag (as we have in a number of these photos). But these are packaged blind, so you won't know which Kitty you're getting.

The Popbot figure is rather imposing. Standing in at 15” in height, it will likely tower over most pieces in your collection. (It's a top-shelfer) ThreeA's robot paintwork is on par with Hot Toys' human paintwork. They have somehow perfected this rusted, stained, weathered look. And Popbot is no exception. He looks like he's been sitting outside for five or six years. Yeah...that's a good thing.

The figure sculpting is spectacular as well. Even though it's a huge toy, you can really pose Popbot. He has a fully articulated hand with knuckle joints. This lets him realistically grip the pistol. The other hand actually isn't a hand, it's a chain and hook. If I could have had one additional accessory, I think ThreeA should have included a left hand here that you could swap out.

OVERALL: In spite of some wet paint, it's tough to top the quality of the Popbot collectible figure. Ashley Wood and ThreeA Toys really bring it with their robot series, with innovative paintwork and highly articulated sculpting defining the company. So, I guess the only question is...which Kitty did you get?

You can pick one up at the following:

Sideshow: $149.99
Frozen Empire Toys: $139.95

Popbot Grades

Figure Quality: 9/10
   Sculpt: 9/10
   Paint: 9/10
Accessories/Outfit: 9/10
Packaging: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 9/10

Overall: 9.3/10