The Nacelle Toy Company has been making their mark with some interesting licenses lately, among them a reboot of Robo Force, Biker Mice From Mars, and Sectaurs. But they’re also producing a series of figures showcasing some of the legends of stand-up comedy, one of them being a veritable National Treasure of one-liners and comebacks: The one and only Joan Rivers. And what’s even cooler is the figure received an Exclusive edition from Stand Up! Records to commemorate her second album release in 1969, The Next to Last Joan Rivers Album. I know I’m dating myself, but back in the day my brother and I used to listen to our parents’ stand up comic records, and I have fond memories of running down the grooves in many of these albums, particularly Bob Newhart, Jonathan Winters, and yes Joan Rivers! So, naturally as a fan of classic stand up and a vinyl record collector, this was right up my ally. This exclusive edition is limited to only 500 figures and the folks at Stand Up! Records were kind enough to send one along for a look!

The figure comes in a collector friendly window box, completely redesigned for this limited edition with a red carpet and velvet ropes illustrated on the box and some curtains on the card behind the tray. It makes for a fantastic presentation and the figure displays very well in the package. As someone who grew up with major insomnia, I used to watch a lot of the late night talk shows, and over the years, Joan Rivers has put in some masterful appearances on them. I definitely recommend hitting Youtube for some of these appearances, because they are still as funny as ever. Later, I would get my fill of Rivers on her own talk shows in the late 80’s and early 90s. Younger folks, or just those who are more into pop culture than classic comedians, may better remember her as the voice of Dot Matrix in Spaceballs, not to mention Rivers becoming an official member of the MCU with her cameo in Iron Man 3. Yup, she’s canon! Joan could dish it out, but she also had a special brand of self-deprecating humor as well, and was all too willing to point that rapier wit back upon herself. I think that was a big part of what made her comedy work so well. In the end, she would point out that comedians were “here to make you laugh. If you don’t get it, then don’t watch us.” And with that having been said, let’s welcome our next guest of the program… Joan Rivers!

The figure comes out of the box all ready for display and looking great! Seeing her immortalized in plastic reminds me of her quip, “I’ve had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware.” Solicitation photos for the standard release show her in a black evening gown and a white boa, whereas the Stand up! Records limited edition presents her in colors to match her 1969 album cover. And I have to say I dig the combination of midnight blue dress and bright mauve coloring on the boa for this edition as it really makes the figure pop on the shelf. The dress is all one solid color, but you get some expertly sculpted stitching, wrinkles and rumples, especially around the bottom where the plastic garment pleats around her feet. I’ll spare Joan the indignity of being flipped upside down, but she does have fully sculpted high heels under there and she has no trouble standing on her own.

The head sculpt depicts Joan in her heyday and I think Nacelle has done a great job on this portrait. The painted skin tone is warm and even, and the painted detail on her eyes and mouth are both absolutely immaculate. The hair is sculpted as a separate piece from the head, giving the portrait a lot of depth and allowing her bangs to hang over her forehead, while it also sweeps away at the bottom so you can even see her sculpted ears. It’s very nicely done without any of the flubs I’m used to seeing in some of the larger figure companies’ releases. As Joan would say, “My makeup team was nominated for Best Special Effects.”

Ms. Rivers sports several points of articulation, including rotating hinges in her shoulders and pinless double hinges in her elbows. I’m just going to let that sink in, because Hasbro has only recently been doing pinless double elbows for some of their 6-inch female figures, and here’s Nacelle giving them to Joan Rivers right out of the gate. She also has swivels in her neck, waist, and wrists. There’s no leg articulation (well, technically there are no legs!) as only the feet are sculpted, but the plastic dress wouldn’t have supported much movement in the legs anyway, so I’m fine with that. Joan said it best: “If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor.”

Does she come with accessories? You betcha! Sure, we’re used to seeing a lot of guns and swords with figures around here, but in this case you get a microphone and a stand: The perfect arsenal for a warrior of wit! The mike is painted in silver with a black grip and can sit in the cradle of the stand or she can hold it in her right hand for that perfect pose!

It’s surprising to me that the great Joan Rivers has not been immortalized in plastic before now, especially with how many companies are doing more and more focused and unique licenses. Still, it seems like a no-brainer for MEGO or even NECA, who has turned out their fair share of musical performers and TV personalities. Heck, how has Mattel never made a Joan Rivers Barbie? Well, whatever the case, it’s cool to see this Queen of The Salty One-liners finally get her due. Likewise, it’s great to see Nacelle executed this figure with such panache. She may not be super articulated, but the quality of the sculpt and paint are top notch and definitely sets her up to stand proud with the big boys of the action figure market. And while the regular retail release looks great, I think the colors and presentation of this Stand Up! Records limited run shines a bit brighter! And at the time of writing this, she is still available for purchase on their website!