My Verdict
Juggernaut: number 64/5000
Jean Grey: number 1415/5000
Storm: 1026/5000
I have said it in the previous edition of the
BUSTed!-series and I will say it again: as different as these three busts are from each other, they also have a lot in common.
All three busts are in their own way great representations of the respective characters and each of these busts could rightfully and proudly take their place into the collection of any fan or collector out there.
In my verdict below I will not so much comment on the strengths and flaws of each bust separately but much more compare the busts with each other to see how they score in comparison to each other.
The goal is not to conclude which bust is best (that may be different for all of us) but only to indicate what I like about these busts and where I feel there is possibly room for improvement.
For each criterium I will, if possible, point out one bust which scored the highest and explain why in relation to the other busts.
Of course there is nothing more personal than pointing out the merits and flaws of any statue or bust and your mileage may vary from my scores below.
I will give it my best shot however and hope you will find my views understandable and useful even if you’d feel differently than I do.
Should you feel differently though please let me know and please feel free to let me know as well which bust
*YOU* like best!
With that in mind and without further delay ladies and gentlemen, please find below the verdict of the jury:
Sculpt:
Juggernaut
Perhaps you know that I am a big fan of The Juggernaut and I therefore looked at all three busts long and hard because I wanted to avoid that my choice
would be based solely on my personal preferences. And let's be honest I like the translucent ring of energy around Jean being an awesome reference to
the Phoenix Force controlling her or the illusion of a stormfront building up when you look at the bust of Storm (the fact that Storm's cape and hair are flowing
in the same direction looks really cool and with a bit of imagination you can almost feel Storm manipulating the mighty winds roaring around her) .
Compared to the busts of Storm and Jean Grey, Juggernauts bust looks a bit plain and simple.
But looks can be deceiving and when taking a closer look at Juggernaut you get an idea of the enormous strength of this big guy.
The bent arms, clenched firsts and slightly forward leaning pose make you realise this is indeed a near unstoppable behemoth powerful enough to smash
through anybody foolish enough to stand in his way. Power and devestation are the words which come to mind when looking at Juggernaut and that sure is no mean feat
for a sculpt which at first looks deceivingly simple and uncomplicated. Jean and Storm are awesomely sculpted in their very own way but Juggernaut really is the icing on the cake.
Paint & Mixed Media:
Jean Grey
All three busts are painted flawlessly and I have no complaints whatsoever regarding the respective paintjobs of each busts.
Juggernaut's helmet looks like it's made of of incredibly strong cracked stone whereas his armor looks like it is made of real leather.
Jean and Storm do not look any less impressive though: Storm's tight bodysuit looks like it's made of some hightech material invented by Mr. Fantastic whereas Jean
looks like she is wearing expensive designer clothes emphasizing the beautiful and strong woman that she is.
If you look closely all three busts have their own little treasures but for me Jean's bust is the winner here due to the cleaver usage of the translucent ring of energy around Jean.
It's a little extra the other two busts do not have.
The Phoenix Force is flowing through and around Jean and it makes you realize what an incredibly powerful weapon of mass destruction she has become.
Jean was powerful but with the Phoenix Force she has become almost omnipotent. The materials used in this bust make you realize that awe-inspiring truth and
for that alone Jean's bust is a real winner.
Design:
Storm
This was a close call but Storm deserved to win in this category in my humble opinion. Jean looks great but somehow I get the feeling that her arms might be just a tiny bit too long.
Juggernaut looks impressive but even though the bust is sculpted masterfully, the design in itself is groundbreaking original.
What about Storm then? She looks majestic and almost devine while busy controlling the elements and I really like the fact that Storm is standing sideways when looking at her from the front.
It gives this bust a little twist and it makes the bust more exciting to look at. Besides Storm's flowing cape caught by the blowing winds looks perfect and it complements
her powerful stance with her left arm stretched out controlling the storm roaring around her.
The elements are hers to control and you can almost hear the crackling sound of lightning and thunder around her.
Very impressive!
Production & Build Quality:
Draw
I would be a little bit careful with Jean's and Ororo's outstretched arms and vingers and with the rind of energy around Jean when picking up or moving their busts but other than that
I believe all three busts are well made and should last you a lifetime if treated with a little bit of TLC.
All three busts feel solid and are made to high quality standards. They might not be as strong as Wolverine's adamantium claws but then again what is?
Treat them with care and respect and these busts will take their proud place in your collections for many, many years to come.
Please feel free to let me know in case you agree or disagree with my views and thank you for reading this review.
More of these reviews will follow in the (near) future so please drop by to check out the review section regularly!
Thanks!
Rainer