Some fantastic news from Hiya Toys this week.
Hiya Toys, best known for their 1/18 scale ultra-detailed action figures is throwing its hat into the ring for its new 1/12th scale articulated line of toys. This puts them in direct competition with Hasbro, Neca, and Mattel, among others.The Hiya Toys 1/18 line was known as “The Exquisite Minis”, so it’s fitting for them to choose to call this new line “The Exquisite Supers”.
The announcement also came with a look at their first action figure at this scale. It is John J. Rambo based on the Sylvester Stallone movie, the first of the series, Rambo: First Blood.
What a great license for an action figure line. John J. Rambo never looked better. They did a fantastic job capturing Stallone’s likeness.Rambo: First Blood
The movie came out in 1982. I was too young to watch it at the time. So I didn’t catch it till years later as a video rental. VHS rental if I remember correctly. The movie was a gritty portrayal of Vietnam veteran John J. Rambo. It begins with John’s search for a long-time friend in an unfamiliar town. Unfortunately for him, he is met with intolerance and brutality at the hands of the local sheriff, Will Teasle.
Rambo is then captured, restrained, and shaved by the local deputies. Causing John to flashback to a moment in his past. What he remembers is the brutality of being a POW in the Vietnam War. Triggering his military survival instincts and unleashing him as a one-man army against the Sherrif and his deputies. His motivation is to stay alive at all costs. The movie was great as I remember. It was different than many action movies of the time. It was darker, grittier. I’ll have to rewatch it to see how it stands up. The sequels were more formulated. More action less dialog. But that’s what made the first one so good. Dare I say it, John felt like a real person.On a side note, I later found out that the writer, David Morrel went to my high school!
Rambo The Action Figure
Back to the action figure, the solicitation shots look absolutely killer! Take a look at the detail. Not only on the figure itself but also on the accessories. The guns have real straps! The paint apps are spot on. It all looks amazing!
Rambo will stand approximately 6.3″ tall with 25 points of articulation. The outfit is full on fabric! Much like Mezco action figures. He will come with 3 interchangeable head sculpts, 6 sets of interchangeable hands, a machine gun, a rifle, ammo belts, a removable poncho, a knife, a spear, a walkie-talkie, and a display stand. It is a little pricey though, but you get a lot for your buck. This action figure will be sold at 79.99 USD at all your usual online retailers. I am personally all in when it comes to nostalgic properties. I just recently ordered the Robocop lineup released by Neca earlier this year. So Rambo is right up my alley. I am very excited about this new line. I will be keeping a close eye on Hiya Toys to see what other licenses they will be producing. But for now, I will be anticipating the arrival of John Rambo. Can’t wait to get this one in my hands. When I do, expect a full review.