ARCHIVE: McFarlane Toys - Pop Culture Masterworks, Led Zepplin 1

Article originally published 05/19/2006 at figures.com

This year, McFarlane Toys ventures once again into the world of popular music for a new line of sculpted products. However, unlike their previous efforts - which have produced an impressive list of music-themed action figures - the Spawn house has opted to recreate a number of classic rock album covers in amazing 3D form.

While this may seem like an unlikely choice, especially coming from an established action-figure company, it gives McFarlane Toys a chance to show the extraordinary depth of their sculpting staff. These 3D album covers are the first of a new line entitled ‘Pop Culture Masterworks’ which will also include sculpted movie posters as well and the first of the album covers to be released is Led Zeppelin’s landmark debut, ‘Led Zeppelin I’.

PACKAGING
This piece displays nicely in its standard McFarlane Toys clamshell packaging. Being only 7” by 7”, it sits fully revealed in the clamshell tempting the avid opener to keep it unopened and dust-free. The paper insert provides a brief history of Led Zeppelin’s monumental first album including the release date and song listing.

SCULPT AND CHARACTER LIKENESS
‘Led Zeppelin I’ is easily the band’s most recognizable album cover. The vivid black & white image of the Hindenburg disaster has served as a trademark of the band throughout rock history and, keeping that in mind, the sculptors at McFarlane Toys knew this would be the way to pay homage to this legendary rock band. Of course, nothing less than a seamless transition from 2D to 3D art would suffice and I can honestly say that as I pulled this piece from its packaging, I could not distinguish the 3D sculpture from the original 2D album cover.

The picture-perfect detail in this piece is truly amazing. From the three-dimensional zeppelin flying out of the base to the forced perspective of the multiple layers of smoke, every detail from the original source material has been included

PAINT AND COLOR
When you’re dealing with a piece whose primary colors are black and white, one would think that the paint applications would be fairly straight-forward. Not so with this 3D album cover. Special attention has been paid to the multiple layers of sculpted smoke. The different gradients of black & grey help to illustrate the flow of smoke as it rises from the doomed zeppelin and the airship itself is painted nearly solid black, which provides a stark contrast to the solid white background. This of course makes the ship jump out of the sculpture even more.

ARTICULATION
None asked for and none given. This is a display piece only and will look great on your desk or wall. Don’t expect it to have kung-fu grip.

ACCESSORIES\BASE
I absolutely love the multiple ways you can display this piece. The back of the album flips out to allow the piece to be stand as an easel. Peg-holes allow the album to be displayed proudly in your home or on your cubicle wall. Either way, you can show off your McFarlane Toys and/or Led Zeppelin I pride with this awesome sculpture.

VALUE AND OVERALL IMPRESSION
The line of 3D album lists for approx. $20.00, but you may be able to find it for a few bucks cheaper at your local specialty or record store. If you are a Led Zeppelin fan, this is a piece you will instantly fall in love with; for the casual rock fan, the higher price point may be a deterrent.

However, if you appreciate superior sculpting and a unique pop culture collectible, this is an item you’ll want to own and enjoy. And with more sculpted album covers - featuring Metallica, The Sex Pistols & Jimi Hendrix – coming fan’s way later this year, the McFarlane Pop Culture Masterworks line has a very exciting future.