View Full Version : Dr. Strange - Bowen Designs
JerrySmith
04-24-2006, 10:20 PM
This week I purchased the Bowen Designs statue of Dr. Stephen Strange, Marvel’s Master of the Mystic Arts, from my local comic store, Comic Book World in Florence, KY. It was a special order. Here is a full report:
First, the costume. Perfect. Exactly as portrayed in the finest Dr. Strange stories, the run by Roger Stern and Paul Smith in the early ‘80s. Sure, the Lee/Ditko stuff was mind-blowing, but Stern and Smith brought the Doc screaming into the modern age and gave him a reason to exist. No one has done him better. Anyway, all the familiar trappings are there—the eye of Agamatto, the sweeping hooked cape with gold edge drooping slightly over Doc’s shoulders, and the gold waist sash. Kudos to the colorist here—Bowen’s pieces are always colored well, but he is one of the few 3D artists that can tell yellow from gold and use it to spectacular effect. DC Direct has this problem, they tend to color belts and bronze things yellow. It comes off as garish and cartoony. Doc’s sweeping cape, etched with a frenzied string design, is done in a dark bronzed gold that is perfect for the piece. From Doc’s puffy sleeves to the folds in his cape, the piece bursts with realism. No detail is omitted, including the black “Kirby dots” on the top of Doc’s gloves! This is detail, ladies and gentlemen. Any representation this detailed shows a true love and respect for the character.
Next, the sculpt/pose. Again, perfect. Doc is doing his usual spell casting with one hand extended and one by his side. Is there any other Strange pose we would accept? Yet it’s not clichéd, it’s totally true to the character. The facial features are strong yet delicate, showing that he is a physician turned magician, not some gym-addicted body builder. The facial expression is stern yet serious, perhaps even slightly arrogant. The high cheekbones and delicate features are reminiscent of a real person. Did someone model for this, or is it taken directly from Smith’s art?
I have heard complaints that Doc’s sweeping cape makes this statue too wide and takes up too much space. Geez, can you have too many chocolate chip cookies? The bigger the better. Cape size—perfect.
Finally, the base. It’s a simple round base inscribed with Doc’s famous mystic symbol. What else could it be? Simple, yet it brings this piece of art together as a whole.
There may have been bigger statues of more popular characters, but I will submit that no artist working in 3D has ever captured the essence of a character the way the Kucharek Bros. have captured Dr. Stephen Strange. Perfect.
Jesse321
04-24-2006, 10:38 PM
Couldn't agree with you more ... this piece has become one of my favorites in the Bowen line ... I can't wait to get the Hulk and Namor, so we'll finally have all the Defenders together.
moon_knight1971
04-24-2006, 11:16 PM
Love your review but WHERE ARE THE PICS!?! :banghead:
twisterred
04-25-2006, 12:31 AM
great review...makes it harder to hold off buying this fella...
Couldn't agree with you more ... this piece has become one of my favorites in the Bowen line ... I can't wait to get the Hulk and Namor, so we'll finally have all the Defenders together.
i agree, i saw it this past weekend and it's awsome. :), the neck it's just fine.
Jesse321
04-25-2006, 01:11 AM
great review...makes it harder to hold off buying this fella...A couple of people have mentioned that this was going to be a sleeper piece, and I think they're right .. I think that in the long run the value of this piece will eventually rise.
i agree, i saw it this past weekend and it's awsome. :), the neck it's just fine.After looking closely at my statue, I sort of agree with BC in a way, but I think that it has more to do with the the size collar around the base of the neck where it connects to the shoulders, I think that it needed to be just a bit bigger in circumfrance, it appears to be a bit too small and the effect that it's having is that it would be choaking him, like a tight neck-tie would be uncomfortable to wear.
But either way, it's SO minimal a fault, that's definately not a deal breaker in my eyes .. I still love this sculpt!
buchieboy
04-25-2006, 05:46 AM
Great Sculpt@!
Definitely better than DST's version
A couple of people have mentioned that this was going to be a sleeper piece, and I think they're right .. I think that in the long run the value of this piece will eventually rise.
After looking closely at my statue, I sort of agree with BC in a way, but I think that it has more to do with the the size collar around the base of the neck where it connects to the shoulders, I think that it needed to be just a bit bigger in circumfrance, it appears to be a bit too small and the effect that it's having is that it would be choaking him, like a tight neck-tie would be uncomfortable to wear.
But either way, it's SO minimal a fault, that's definately not a deal breaker in my eyes .. I still love this sculpt!
like you say nothing that would make it unbuyable, the colors are outstanding.
JerrySmith
04-25-2006, 12:25 PM
Love your review but WHERE ARE THE PICS!?!
I feel your pain, brother! Unfortunately, I'm a technical moron and have no idea how to display photos. Fortunately, plenty of detailed photos are featured here in numerous Dr. Strange threads in the Bowen forum, and are also available at www.bowendesigns.com. Check 'em out!
Bullseye
04-25-2006, 12:28 PM
I have heard complaints that Doc’s sweeping cape makes this statue too wide and takes up too much space. Geez, can you have too many chocolate chip cookies? The bigger the better. Cape size—perfect.
Nice review. You should include pictures also. I do think the cape issue is a legitimate concern. It looks dramatic but it does take up too much space on the shelf. I have it and i know what I'm talking about.
Jesse321
04-25-2006, 01:18 PM
Nice review. You should include pictures also. I do think the cape issue is a legitimate concern. It looks dramatic but it does take up too much space on the shelf. I have it and i know what I'm talking about.Placement and angle is the key to successfully displaying this statue. The cape does make it a bit more difficult to display, but it's far from an impossible situation.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/Jesse321/P4120021.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/Jesse321/P4120022.jpg
bat_collector
04-25-2006, 01:23 PM
Dang it look at that pic and tell me that his head doesn't look like its about to fall off!
Maybe I'm knitpicking, but when the sculpts head does not look like it belongs on the body its a big mistake to me.
OK, I'm looking at it just like I looked at mine again last night and the head doesn't look like it's about to fall off. It's angled, sure. But it doesn't look like it's stuck on or about to fall off.
Dang it look at that pic and tell me that his head doesn't look like its about to fall off!
Maybe I'm knitpicking, but when the sculpts head does not look like it belongs on the body its a big mistake to me.
not at all. :peoples:
Bullseye
04-25-2006, 04:40 PM
Looking at mine and certainly the head does not look like its about to fall off. Neck does not look too elongated either.
Jesse321
04-25-2006, 05:08 PM
I'm telling you guys ... BC is on drugs ... and they're cheap drugs too, it's that 5 dollar a bag crack! :eplus2:
MiamiLoco
04-25-2006, 05:30 PM
I'm telling you guys ... BC is on drugs ... and they're cheap drugs too, it's that 5 dollar a bag crack! :eplus2:
Well, what do you expect, he needs the rest of his money to give to Ray, so he can make him some Wolverine custom statues, LOL!!
Jameshowlett
05-17-2006, 07:58 PM
Thanks to this review I just went and bought a Dr. Strange FS. You have convinced me that it is one to own, especially if it is true that you think that no one has caoptured the essence of a character as well as this one and Jessie agreeing with you doesn't hurt. But after I saw that pic, I also had to grab a Magneto FS. I can't believe I waited so long for that piece.
Now I can't afford any more reviews! :laugh:
The Fog
05-20-2006, 06:31 PM
Is Bat Collector a sculptor or Artist, he seems really depressing and depraving on alot of items, the FS of Dr. Strange is one of the best mass market statues of any character anytime, anywhere, from anybody, but that's just my opinion.
It's certainly better than most of what's out there, like the character or not, it's just a great all around piece and if you get it or just see it you'll understand.
Sorry BC but the head on the sculpt looks fine to everyone but you, you probably don't like the leaf on Michelangelo's statue of David.
Conehead
05-20-2006, 07:18 PM
Is Bat Collector a sculptor or Artist, he seems really depressing and depraving on alot of items, the FS of Dr. Strange is one of the best mass market statues of any character anytime, anywhere, from anybody, but that's just my opinion.
It's certainly better than most of what's out there, like the character or not, it's just a great all around piece and if you get it or just see it you'll understand.
Sorry BC but the head on the sculpt looks fine to everyone but you, you probably don't like the leaf on Michelangelo's statue of David.
Well said!!! :buttrock:
Batwing
05-21-2006, 10:59 PM
Overall, an awesome FS and befitting of the one true Master of the Mystic Arts!
The only observation worth raising--this is the first FS with a square peg instead of a round one to attach the statue to the base. Physics-wise I had quite a challenging time attaching him to the base.
Anyone else notice the square peg or encountered similar difficulties?
furie
05-21-2006, 11:25 PM
Maybe the best FS in years.
Maybe the best FS in years.
Absolutely! I love looking at this on my shelf every time!!!
Is Bat Collector a sculptor or Artist, he seems really depressing and depraving on alot of items, the FS of Dr. Strange is one of the best mass market statues of any character anytime, anywhere, from anybody, but that's just my opinion.
It's certainly better than most of what's out there, like the character or not, it's just a great all around piece and if you get it or just see it you'll understand.
Sorry BC but the head on the sculpt looks fine to everyone but you, you probably don't like the leaf on Michelangelo's statue of David.
I think that Bat Collector is, like many of us, a collector that likes to express his opinion. He like many others here give praise when it is due and criticism when it is due. (Of course it is his opinion) One thing he also does is speak his mind candidly and directly. He is a contributor to this forum in many ways, and as you can tell by the many barbs and pokes his way, many people here feel comfortable enough to give him crap in a playful way. Not trying to jump on you here, but I don't think its called for to call him out for his opinion. Even if he clearly has no taste when it comes to his comic book company allegiance.
...I don't think its called for to call him out for his opinion. Even if he clearly has no taste when it comes to his comic book company allegiance.
:laugh:
Cage, I love your brand of hypocrisy!! :)
lord odin
05-22-2006, 04:34 PM
Ok I saw this last week and I passed on it the neck IMO looks too long but other than that it looks good.
Bullseye
05-22-2006, 04:48 PM
The cape is stunning but there are technically far superior sculpts from Bowen in Phase 2. From a purely perfect anatomy I would say Sabretooth from Ray is the best.
Sam Wilson
05-22-2006, 06:05 PM
I think that Bat Collector is, like many of us, a collector that likes to express his opinion. He like many others here give praise when it is due and criticism when it is due. (Of course it is his opinion) One thing he also does is speak his mind candidly and directly. He is a contributor to this forum in many ways, and as you can tell by the many barbs and pokes his way, many people here feel comfortable enough to give him crap in a playful way. Not trying to jump on you here, but I don't think its called for to call him out for his opinion. Even if he clearly has no taste when it comes to his comic book company allegiance.
Goddamn straight. Bats has every right to express his opinion, no matter how wrong ;), whenever and wherever he wants, and he takes time to do his reviews so other people can benefit. So yes, he is tasteless :p , but he has every damn right to be.
PS. Love ya mike. :)
Overall, an awesome FS and befitting of the one true Master of the Mystic Arts!
The only observation worth raising--this is the first FS with a square peg instead of a round one to attach the statue to the base. Physics-wise I had quite a challenging time attaching him to the base.
Anyone else notice the square peg or encountered similar difficulties?
I had a little trouble, but I didn't need to press down on the statue to get the doc on the base
I had a little trouble, but I didn't need to press down on the statue to get the doc on the base
Same here. Eventually he just fit right into the base. Didn't have to force it.
Portugueezer
05-23-2006, 10:03 AM
I finally saw this piece at my lcs.
Have to agree with Bat Collector.While I feel that the statue as a whole works great (awesome and classic pose, amazing cape, etc.),there is something about the neck that really doesn´t work.
Sort of kills it for me really.
Jameshowlett
05-23-2006, 07:06 PM
Overall, an awesome FS and befitting of the one true Master of the Mystic Arts!
The only observation worth raising--this is the first FS with a square peg instead of a round one to attach the statue to the base. Physics-wise I had quite a challenging time attaching him to the base.
Anyone else notice the square peg or encountered similar difficulties?
Well, I had noticed that Juggernauts peg is square, and Thanos's peg is sqaure as well so ...there you go. :inquisiti
Jameshowlett
05-23-2006, 07:08 PM
Goddamn straight. Bats has every right to express his opinion, no matter how wrong ;), whenever and wherever he wants, and he takes time to do his reviews so other people can benefit. So yes, he is tasteless :p , but he has every damn right to be.
PS. Love ya mike. :)
Jeezz nobody said he didn't have a right.
Batwing
05-26-2006, 12:00 AM
Well, I had noticed that Juggernauts peg is square, and Thanos's peg is sqaure as well so ...there you go. :inquisiti
My bad. Dr Strange is the first statue I've bought with the square peg--hadn't known about these two you mention. Thanks!
Batwing
05-26-2006, 12:01 AM
I had a little trouble, but I didn't need to press down on the statue to get the doc on the base
Mine's still levitating 2 milimeters off the base although the left foot is touching the base.
Varangian
05-26-2006, 12:46 PM
when i first saw it i said "no don't buy it !! you don't like the character....it's useless and it is not so great!!"
After weeks watching the pics on bowen's website it became interesting...
i showed the pics to my wife and what was her answer???
Are you crazy it's a great piece and i love it...It was done i had to buy it!!!
NO REGRETS it's certainly my best buy!!!
huge
beautiful
not enough words to explain what i feel when i see it!!!
when i first saw it i said "no don't buy it !! you don't like the character....it's useless and it is not so great!!"
After weeks watching the pics on bowen's website it became interesting...
i showed the pics to my wife and what was her answer???
Are you crazy it's a great piece and i love it...It was done i had to buy it!!!
NO REGRETS it's certainly my best buy!!!
huge
beautiful
not enough words to explain what i feel when i see it!!!
I couldn't agree more. This piece just looks better every time I look at it. A masterpiece.
deaconbluezzz
05-27-2006, 10:46 AM
I couldn't agree more. This piece just looks better every time I look at it. A masterpiece.
That it is. I just got mine yesterday and I'm VERY happy with it. The good Doctor wasn't high on my list of FS statues to purchase, but the colors, sculpt and pose are just so dead on perfect, I couldn't pass him up.
...add to this the fact that you can pick him up all over eBay for under $100 in some instances, and you'd be nuts not to buy it. I really believe this will be a shining example of hindsight being 20/20 when people reminisce about how cheap Dr. Strange used to be a year or two down the road.
Varangian
05-27-2006, 11:07 AM
Amen!!!
I think it looks great but his head is just sort of floating there. It looks off for some reason.
buchieboy
05-28-2006, 05:34 AM
ditto!
but there are some angles where his head just looks right :)
Just got mine, and it is truly fantastic. The head seems repositioned compared to the box pictures, but I think that is so he's actually facing whatever he's casting a spell at - it potentially makes display a mite more tricky, but it's still a great piece.
Just got mine, and it is truly fantastic. The head seems repositioned compared to the box pictures, but I think that is so he's actually facing whatever he's casting a spell at - it potentially makes display a mite more tricky, but it's still a great piece.
I think this actually helps the display. I have the statue turned slightly so his arm is outstretched slightly toward you as oppoesed to off to the side. This way he's facing you at an angle as well and make the display easier, space wise, as the cape doesn't take as much shelf space as it's not streteching out across the shelf and he's looking off at bit of an angle only.
Batwing
05-28-2006, 09:43 PM
This statue is truly a remarkable piece.
Normally I'm character-driven and Dr Strange wasn't high on my list (yes, I have a scorecard!) but aesthetically, this one was too good to pass up!
Jameshowlett
05-30-2006, 07:34 PM
This statue is truly a remarkable piece.
Normally I'm character-driven and Dr Strange wasn't high on my list (yes, I have a scorecard!) but aesthetically, this one was too good to pass up!
Hewy batwing. I looked at my Dr. Stranges peg and realized that his peg is the only one I've seen that is sqaure on a round base. All the other sqaure pegs are on the haevier pieces ar pices that are on different type bases. All my FS can be rotated on the base but not this one, so in effect, you were right! And it does look better and better evry time I look at it.And I wasn't gonna buy it.Glad I did.
Batwing
05-30-2006, 11:50 PM
Hewy batwing. I looked at my Dr. Stranges peg and realized that his peg is the only one I've seen that is sqaure on a round base. All the other sqaure pegs are on the haevier pieces ar pices that are on different type bases. All my FS can be rotated on the base but not this one, so in effect, you were right! And it does look better and better evry time I look at it.And I wasn't gonna buy it.Glad I did.
Mine's still levitating 1 milimeter off the base!
This statue is truly a remarkable piece.
Normally I'm character-driven and Dr Strange wasn't high on my list (yes, I have a scorecard!) but aesthetically, this one was too good to pass up!
I think we all now want to see Batwing's scorecard...;)
I've got mine turned 3 quarters to the right, it works nicely
Batwing
06-01-2006, 01:24 AM
I think we all now want to see Batwing's scorecard...;)
Check your email!
Scorecards 'R Us! (the RIGHT way to use Microsoft Excel)
F.O.O.M.
06-01-2006, 02:20 PM
Can't see no probs with the head or neck, my concern is, the waist sash, shouldn't there be the extra where it's wrapped & tied around his middle...? Or am I being too picky and maybe thinking of the 60's & 70's Doc...? I've even thought of buying a piece of gold sash and wrapping it around his waist just for comparison.
Grumpy
06-12-2006, 12:19 AM
I didn't pick this one up but am certainly thinking about getting one after reading this thread. Thanks for all the comments guys.
I didn't pick this one up but am certainly thinking about getting one after reading this thread. Thanks for all the comments guys.
You should get it, Grumpy! Outstanding statue!!!
claws181
07-24-2006, 09:58 PM
Anyone have pix of the "Kirby-esque spots" on the gloves?
madjazz
07-24-2006, 10:11 PM
This sculpt is one of the centerpiece FS in my collection. I would expect no more from the founder of the greatest non-team of the 1970's, The Defenders!
I'm glad there's more love for this FS on the forum, MadJazz! :thumbs2:
nbr3bagshotrow
07-25-2006, 02:09 PM
Just got mine yesterday. Sweet! I think it's a great piece.
Alex655321
07-26-2006, 03:26 PM
Dr Strange was never one of my favorite characters, but the pictures convinced me to buy.
When I recieved it I was pleasantly surprised that it looked more amazing in person! The base and cape are just amazing :buttrock:
One of my favorites for sure!
I see where some people say the neck looks a little elongated if you look at it a certain way, but I would not change a thing on it.
Equinox24
07-29-2006, 04:00 PM
Is Bat Collector a sculptor or Artist, he seems really depressing and depraving on alot of items, the FS of Dr. Strange is one of the best mass market statues of any character anytime, anywhere, from anybody, but that's just my opinion.
It's certainly better than most of what's out there, like the character or not, it's just a great all around piece and if you get it or just see it you'll understand.
Sorry BC but the head on the sculpt looks fine to everyone but you, you probably don't like the leaf on Michelangelo's statue of David.
Wrong again. He's just honest. BC hits the nail on the head. He's not the only one that sees the problem, it's been brought up before. So unless there is some history on Dr. Strange that says his father was Mr. Fantastic or a damn giraffe, his neck is too long. Other than that it is a real good sculpt as I saw it in person. Paint was well done. But that elongated neck wasn't a photo angle problem, it's the same in person. For those that have it, good for you. Some just want others to justify their purchase.
Fact is, if there isn't anything wrong with Dr. Strange's neck, then there isn't anything wrong with Hawkeye's ankle either. And the neck is the more obvious of the two just because of where it is on the human body.
Good review though.
F.O.O.M.
08-13-2006, 10:07 AM
Thought some people might be interested in this... slightly modified the good Dr's waist sash. (pics abit blurry, but should get the idea)
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j105/x-Closet-x/untitled.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j105/x-Closet-x/12.jpg
pspiwak@sbcglob
06-05-2008, 09:47 PM
HEAD IS GOOFY LOOKING IN REAL LIFE --- DAA !!!
Conehead
06-07-2008, 04:23 PM
dig the shash,nice touch.I love this piece for so many reasons:buttrock: :buttrock: :buttrock:
Conehead
06-07-2008, 04:25 PM
This statue is truly a remarkable piece.
Normally I'm character-driven and Dr Strange wasn't high on my list (yes, I have a scorecard!) but aesthetically, this one was too good to pass up!
Well said:thumbs2:
Well said:thumbs2:
Agreed. Love this statue and disagree that the head is goofy. Awesome statue all the way around.
bat_collector
06-14-2008, 04:35 PM
I stand by my assertion.
Conehead
06-14-2008, 06:27 PM
Agreed. Love this statue and disagree that the head is goofy. Awesome statue all the way around.
Oh yeah!!!:thumbs2:
JonoJ108
06-16-2008, 03:03 PM
i actually wish that the belt were blue & that the "gold" detailing (gloves, trim on cape) were more of a rich 70s-ish yellow than glossy gold.
pspiwak@sbcglob
09-26-2008, 11:55 PM
HEAD DOES NOT FIT BODY --- CAN'T BE MORE HONEST !!!
Sniper
09-27-2008, 12:06 AM
wouldnt take the statue for free, not a fan of the charcter or the sculpt
gammaguy
09-28-2008, 08:49 AM
Awesome statue. I did not like it at first (Because I'm not a big Dr. Strange fan) but now it's one of my favorite statues.
They did a great job on it.
Force of Nature
09-28-2008, 03:26 PM
I am not a big fan of Dr. Strange either but I certainly do love this statue. It looks great IMO and it shows the sorcerer supreme in full action.
Below you will find a pic of my statue:
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk317/Force-of-Nature-2008/DSC01377.jpg
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Nothing can stop The Juggernaut... NOTHING!
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