Animal Playset

I received my Animal playset right after returning from my holiday in Houston. Here are my thoughts:

Packaging: ****1/2
Love the red and yellow, but I can't wait until Palisades changes the packaging with series 4 or 5. I'm ready for something new. The set is packed really tight so the pieces don't break. Kind of difficult to get out of the package, but I'd much rather have the safety of my investment than an easy-open box. The twist ties are much longer this time.

Playset: ****1/2
Looks even better in person! I never noticed that the famous mouth logo on the front of the stage has an embossed effect. The speakers are simple and nice. I would have maybe liked to see some faux brand name on them like "Mayhem" but that's extremely picky and just an afterthought. The drums are so detailed! The symbol stands swivel too. Nice touch. The only thing I would have liked is the option to remove the drums from the playset, but I can see why they are grounded. It would be hard to pack all of the pieces and set them up etc. Much more room for breakage and probably more expensive. The floor has pegs to help position Animal, but I don't really need them. The neon sign is really cool! I wonder if glow in the dark paints would have been more expensive, but it really doesn't need them. Just thinking outside the box here. The posable lights are a nice touch too. I placed some on the sides of the catwalk frame. I also wish the Mayhem had room to fit on this thing, but when you see it, you will know why they don't. Maybe some stands can come with the other characters. I also think a cool club extra would be to make some hollowed out lights that we can stick some of those mini Christmas light strings into. Just an idea. To make this A level set a super A++. Easier said than done though.

Animal: ****1/2
He seems to be closer to the correct color than the pictures show. His legs/knees are the only questionable part of this figure. Joints there would have been nice, but he stands perfectly. I was surprised at this because it looks like he'd be wobbly. Definitely not the case. The drumsticks are a snug fit, but are easily inserted into his clinched hands. The paint application on him is wonderful. This really is the Animal we know and love. His hair has a good degree of wildness to it and has a subtle wash over it to give it more substance. The ball-jointed head is a nice touch too. I am so glad they were able to make the jaw open and close. When you lift the head up, you can wee how they accomplished this. I hope they will do this with more characters (when appropriate). His eyebrows were kind of stuck when I first got him out of the package, but I got them to work. Sometimes putting these things in the freezer for a short period can help stiffen the plastic and make it easier to rotate joints that may be stuck. The collars around his wrists, ankles and neck are a great addition to this character. It also allows for more articulation. And the hanging chain is perfect. Grade A work here...and the rest are going to be even better? I can't wait!

good review! I too can't wait for the rest of series 2...I've only got 2 so far...

hmm..might be better in the action figure section tho'

Great review! I can't wait to get my hands on the series 2 stuff, especially ANIMAL!!!

I agree...why the heck isnt the drum kit removable??? Arghhhhh

It is probably a breakage issue. By anchoring the drums, they can probably get more detail into the piece without worrying about getting it to stand and all the little pieces. If it were loose i could see an issue with lost pieces etc. I guess it would have been nice if they anchored it on a flat piece of plastic to place atop the stage , but I'm sure they thought of every solution. It really is a picky comment, but that would make this A level playset an A++.