After spells with Diamond Select and McFarlane, the Star Trek line has returned to the ownership of Playmates who ran the master license between 1992 and 1999, releasing a large range of 5-inch scale figures from the Star Trek Universe. This new relaunch of the line pays homage to the original 1990s range both in scale and aesthetics albeit with some improvements to likeness and body proportions.
The launch wave includes three figures from the fan favourite 1982 Wrath of Khan movie. Admiral James T. Kirk is one of the trio, depicted in his Starfleet uniform of the era. There are two card versions available for the Wrath of Khan figures - a retro-inspired version that seems to be very much found in the US. There is then a generic shaped card back for the Star Trek Universe as seen here - this is the one released in the UK. Each card is specific to the front in terms of the character with an image of Kirk top left, and his name and rank on a white side panel to the left of the blister. The rear of the card is the same for all the releases - the opportunity of including some form of bio, or even a movie synopsis has not been taken.
Kirk stands 12.5cm high, which is just under 5 inches. He is therefore much smaller than the more common 6-inch scale figures and is also undersized next to the Doctor Who line of 5.5-inch figures - so there go some iconic crossovers. The likeness to Shatner is passing but is more ‘retro’ in its execution than the more realistic head sculpts and decor we do see on collectors' lines currently. The uniform is accurate enough and cast in base colours with added detail on the collars, trim, and Starfleet insignia - these are bright gold. While I appreciate the need to include copyright info on the figure, putting it on the back of the figure in such a large text is a little distracting. There are no complex washes or other paint apps and the whole thing is perhaps a touch too shiny.
Articulation is spread across 13 points with single joints on shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. There is a ball joint head with the head sitting on a fixed neck and rotating fully with some level of tilt up and down. The wrists are plugged in so only rotate, and there is an ankle rocker of sorts to aid posing. There is sufficient articulation for generic posing, but nothing dramatic, and I wouldn't think that were we to get a Bridge or Captains Chair playset that Kirk could sit down all to well even though the skirt of the Starfleet tunic under the belt is a soft rubber and has some play in it. The joints are also very loose, especially at the hips and ankles.
Playmates have gone retro with the accessories too, following the same unpainted oversized accessories as the older line complete with wrist clips where needed. Kirk comes with a Wrath of Khan era phaser as well as a tablet of sorts and a communicator. Detailing on all of these is soft and they are also oversized in scale. The Trek figures also all come with a grey plastic Starfleet insignia stand with one peg that can fit into peg holes on either of Kirk’s feet. It is a shame that they didn't go as far as making the badge era-specific, and also the shaping of it makes posing the figure with both feet on the stand difficult. I have found that the circular stands used for Vintage Star Wars figures are also a good fit and a little easier to use.
I already own some Star Trek Kirk figures from both Diamond - more of a statue - and McFarlane (very short-lived) and while these are better looking, the Playmates version is much more fun. The accessories won't be for everyone, but the look of the figure is good enough and once you work around the articulation and loose joints they do look the part on display. The smaller scale also means they are less draining on shelf space and does open up future possibilities for playsets, dioramas, and maybe the odd vehicle.
If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports
About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...