ARCHIVE: McFarlane Toys' 12" Spawn i.095

Article originally published 12/14/2005 at figures.com

These days, bigger is definitely better. The market for large-scale 12” and 18” figures has never been better than right now. Thanks, in part, to quality offerings by a number of toy manufacturers, a plethora of film-based large-scale figures have provided numerous companies a competitive edge over other toy manufacturers.

McFarlane Toys has made great strides in recent months with their efforts to expand their large-scale Spawn figures. Utilizing the same mold as the 6” scale version from last year’s Spawn Series 25, one of these figures includes the new 12” Spawn Issue 095.

PACKAGING
Packaging for McFarlane Toys’ 12” figures has remained consistent; a large window box with beautiful graphics on both the front, both sides, and the back; the 12” Spawn i.095 window box package allows for a clear view of the figure, and sits on shelf nicely (for those who prefer to keep their figures mint in package and unopened).

SCULPTING AND CHARACTER LIKENESS
While it is true that McFarlane Toys’ competitors have made significant strides in the past years in sculpting quality (editor’s note: many of them began their careers at McFarlane Toys), most fans recognize McFarlane Toys’ Spawn action figure series’ sculpting as some of the finest available in the toy industry. Each Spawn figure gets better and each and every new Spawn action figure series proves it. The same is true for the 12" figures.As previously mentioned, the 12” i.095 is based on the 6” figures Spawn i.095 from McFarlane Toys’ Spawn Series 25.

Flawlessly adapted into the three-dimensional realm from Greg Capullo’s amazing cover art, the 12” i.095 highlights one of Spawn’s most recognizable features: his massive cape.In this case, the cape features a wrap-around wind blown look that wraps around the figure and fully encompasses Spawn’s body. Its form-fitting look doesn’t interfere with the overall aesthetic of the figure itself, but rather becoming a part of the figure and enhances the overall appearance.

PAINT APPLICATION AND COLORS
With this figure, we are really dealing more with shading than color. Most prominent are the black, white, red and silver colors that make up almost every version of Spawn in the history of the character. However, it is the shading in this figure which helps highlight the detail in the sculpt. Spawn’s cape features darker paints that enhance the folds, tears and wrinkles to help bring the figure to life; and Spawn himself is given a crisp black and white paint application highlighted by his haunting green eyes. The paints on the figure I received seemed crisp and clean, with little bleeding; and in my efforts to move the figure’s joints, I was not able to make the paint near the twist joints flake or rub off.

ARTICULATION
Fans of McFarlane Toys’ figures have come to compromise limited articulation in exchange for enhanced sculpt and detail. I believe that this is a fair trade, especially when it comes to the company’s 12” line. These truly are stunning display pieces. The 12” i.095 Spawn does feature 12 points of articulation, including cut joints on Spawn’s legs waist and arms. This does allow for limited posing of the figure, but too much movement of his arms or legs simply won’t allow him to remain standing. This Spawn’s primary out-of-box pose is the sturdiest and allows for the best chance of keeping the figure upright.

ACCESSORIES
Not much here, but most Spawn figures don’t generally ship with many accessories. On this particular figure, the only accessories are the real metal chains that come attached to Spawn’s waist. Long enough to be wrapped around the figure, the chains allow for some custom "chain positions," they add to the overall appearance of the figure. After all, what would Spawn without them?

VALUE AND OVERALL IMPRESSION
Retailing for anywhere from $25-35 (standard for most of McFarlane Toys’ 12” figures), the 12" Spawn i.095 is, in my opinion, money well spent. The design is based on one of the most amazing Capullo covers ever (see top) and the sculpting and paint at this scale are both well done.

Overall, the 12” Spawn i.095 is a beautiful rendition of one of the most recognizable comic book characters in a classic pose that is easily recognizable at any comic store. I’m sure this figure will be a sought-after display piece for both new and old Spawn fans. Be sure to check out the McFarlane Toys' 12" Spawn i.095 photo gallery below for more pictures of this awesome figure.