So, I mentioned something about not dropping any spoilers in Part 1. In the course of writing Part 2, I decided it was inevitable. So if you haven’t seen The Pandorica Opens yet, and you don’t want anything ruined, you better tread carefully here. On the other hand, it was broadcast a long time ago, so go watch it already, eh? The next two figures we’ll take a look at from the Underhenge set are the Roman Autons. These are both exactly the same sculpted figure, but one is a regular variety and the other has a petrified stone finish. I was a little disappointed that this sculpt doesn’t include anything at all to signify it as being an Auton and not just a regular Roman soldier. I really would have liked it if CO had incorporated the same kind of removable half-hand that they did on their older Auton figures. Granted, we spend most of the episode, The Pandorica Opens, unaware that the Romans are plastic agents of the Nestene Consciousness, so I guess I’ll have to give CO a little wiggle room on this point.
So which parts are new, and which parts have we seen before? The legs and the armored torso are both the same, although this new figure has a new soft plastic skirt and a completely resculpted belt. The new figure is also wearing a soft plastic removable cape, which further helps to distinguish him from the older figure. Both the sword and the dagger are the same, although they have been switched on the new figure so that the dagger is on the right and the sword is on the left. As with the original figure, both weapons are removable from their scabbards and can be held in his hands. The biceps are the same ones used on the old figure, although the forearms are new as the Underhenge Roman is wearing armor here. The headsculpt is completely new, although there are a lot of similarities between the two helmets. The new figure is clean shaven whereas the old one wore a beard.
The paint job on the new Roman also serves to distinguish it form the older one. The armor has a more tarnished, weathered look and both the scabbards and hilts of the weapons have new decos. One strange thing on the new figure is the dark color used on his legs, which doesn’t match the skintones on his face, hands or feet. It almost looks like he’s supposed to be wearing some kind of leggings, but I doubt that was the intent.
I don’t have nearly as much to say about the Petrified version of this figure. I was expecting it to just be a solidly grey repaint, but as it turns out, CO actually did some texture work on the figure to make it feel gritty like stone. The only place that isn’t covered with the petrified finish are the blades of his weapons. It’s a really cool and realistic effect and a nice example of CO going above and beyond. However, even as well as this figure is executed, it’s still something of a toss-aside for me. Apart from standing in the backdrop, the Petrified Autons didn’t feature at all in the storyline.
Both figures feature the exact same articulation. The head rotates. The arms rotate at the shoulders, have swivels in the bicep and wrist and hinged elbows. The legs have universal movement in the hips, swivels in the thighs and ankles, and hinged knees. The figure also swivels at the waist.
The Roman is an absolutely beautiful figure and should be a double treat if you’re just into historical figures. The attention to detail is great and he supplements the older Roman figure nicely. Still, I don’t think these two figures are going to persuade anyone to buy this set if you weren’t already convinced. I suppose you could just pretend the Roman is Rory, or perhaps try your mad custom skills at making him a Rory head. As for the reasons I think most people are going to buy this set? We’ll get to them in Part 3.
FigureFan Zero 