Review-- "There and Back Again" by Toybiz

[wallace_trust]

 Well, it's that time of summer when we're all scrambling (no matter how slowly) to prepare for the rest of the year.  I am currently hip-deep in too many projects-- putting new floor tiles in the master bedroom at the farm and setting up to clean and paint (with help from friends) my mother's darling "Crickhollow" cabin-- when I haven't been just laying around under the AC trying to survive the heat and smoke that's been plaguing our neck of the woods for a week now.  So I haven't been spending much time looking through my fanworks for stuff to post.  

That will change as fall progresses, but for now, I'll make do with posting a photo of the Wonderful hobbit set I was recently given by my dear Mother as a special birthday gift!  
 

Being based in the bookverse, and so often oblivious to what's going on in the wider world, I realize I'm just a little late to the party when it comes to reviewing some of these movie-based LOTR toys; but maybe it can still be useful.  
 

"There and Back Again" is carefully crafted to appeal to fans of both the books and the films.  The five hobbit "action figures" are adorable-- first Frodo in a lovely grey brocade with his hair neatly combed back, then Sam in his very best homespun.  Bilbo is nestled in the center of the group with a bright grin on his face, dressed finely but plainly; and lastly, Merry and Pippin, both dressed in their best.  All five hobbits are ready for a night out on the town!  A little journal is included which is designed to look like the Red Book.  
 

The background of the display box is a lovely photographic panorama of the Shire.  And I like the arrangement of the hobbits in their display; particularly I like the idea of Sam being tucked cosily among the Bagginses, where he belongs.  The star on the cover of the Red Book journal is just behind them and over their heads, and I find this a very thoughtful touch.  
 

On the back of the box is a map of the travels of all five hobbits, with a detailed legend.  I actually learned a couple of small things as I examined this  map.  The packaging is very sturdy and makes its own display case.
 

In conclusion, this play set is beautifully thought out and deserves an AAA rating.  It would work very well as a grand prize in fannish contests.  As for what I'll do with mine, well, I'll put it on the shelf and be careful to dust it off once in awhile, and even unopened it will be a source of enjoyment for years to come!  :)  

 

Comments

[ink_gypsy]

I have that set. Frodo is even missing the tip of the finger that Gollum bit off. They're meant to be able to sit down, but Sam's jacket is so tight that his legs won't bend. :-)

[wallace_trust]

I thought Frodo's fingers looked uneven, but was unable to make sure without opening the box. :)

Poor Sam seems to have a 'cross-platform' problem with sitting down, as more than one of his action figures has this issue. One would think the manufacturers would catch these basic errors in R & D o_O;