Advent is coming to a close and Christmas is almost here! Fittingly, it's time to take a look at a few action figures that are perfect for this time of year and today I'm starting with Jacob Marley from Funko's A Christmas Carol series. Last year Funko released characters from A Muppet Christmas Carol but this year they've gone with their own take on the timeless Christmas classic and have released these vinyls under their Funko POP! Books series. As a child my dad and I read A Christmas Carol every year from the version with illustrations by Greg Hildebrandt, so this is the first version of Jacob Marley I remember. While so many different actors, animators, and illustrators have put their own touch on the character, Funko's POP! vinyl really captures the most typical, recognizable take on the figure. I found the entire set of these back in early October at a GameStop while they were on sale and ended up scooping up the entire lot. Ready to receive a visit from Jacob Marley? Then join me after the break...
Height: 4 1/2 inches (floating)
Articulation: Swivel head
Accessories: None
Non-Scalper Price: $10-$12 dollars
The Positives:
* There are a couple things that stand out about Jacob Marley's POP! vinyl. First of all, he's dead. Dead as a doornail. Second, he's on a larger base. Not a deluxe thing like a full display but a small base that looks like bricks with snow in the crevices. Third, he's a bit taller because he's floating. His head moves, too, though Marley did see things without having to even look at them.
* Dressed in the garb of a Victorian businessman, a waistcoat and boots, now a pale, ghostly light blue, Marley is also fettered with chains and cash boxes. His legs and feet are posed straight down, hovering, showing off his nature as a spirit doomed to roam the earth. His hands are also out in front of him, grasping at the living world. The colors complement each other nicely, all blending into a look that immediately screams classic ghost.
* Marley looks troubled. Yeah, he has no mouth and just a simple nose, but his cheeks are sunken in, his eyebrows show his concern, and his eyes look like pale, ghostly orbs. He's got some wild hair, too. It looks like it's floating around! He also has the handkerchief tied around his head, keeping his jaw in place. Some have speculated that Marley may have tied of an infected tooth or oral cancer. Gruesome, right?
* There are a couple things that stand out about Jacob Marley's POP! vinyl. First of all, he's dead. Dead as a doornail. Second, he's on a larger base. Not a deluxe thing like a full display but a small base that looks like bricks with snow in the crevices. Third, he's a bit taller because he's floating. His head moves, too, though Marley did see things without having to even look at them.
The Negatives:
* This is just a minor design flaw I thought I'd point out: The handkerchief on Marley's head should have had a slightly different color to differentiate it from his hair. Still ghostly and ethereal, leaning into the pallid blue and greens seen here, but just enough to help it stand out.
Looking for more of Jacob Marley? I've also reviewed the Figure Obscura The Ghost of Jacob Marley and Jacob Marley (along with his brother Robert Marley in the Funko The Muppets Christmas Carol set of The Marley Brothers.
As much as it bugs me that Funko Pops are everywhere, I do love that they make some properties that deserve some merchandise. That's why I have a few myself. I regret passing on the Muppet Christmas Carol figures. May have to make amends to that.
ReplyDeleteThey do tend to make figures of stuff no one else will. Some of their designs look much better than others and feel way less generic. This set feels very inspired and recognizable.
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