Tag: tolkien

Recommended music: Howard Shore – Sons of the Steward

It’s #TolkienThursday, so let’s take a look at the ToyBiz Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Boromir, Captain of Gondor figure!

Boromir is a brave warrior and the oldest son of Denethor, the Steward of Gondor. He joins the Fellowship to protect Frodo, but his mistaken ideas about the One Ring’s power lead him to become fascinated by it and want to claim it for himself.

Though ToyBiz had already released a half-dozen Boromir figures in their Fellowship of the Ring line, he was not included in the initial half-moon waves of figures for The Two Towers, as the character only shows up for a moment in a flashback to Moria. However, Boromir’s inclusion in the Extended Edition released in November of 2003 made him a great candidate for inclusion here in the third wave of the carded series figures for the film, also known as the Trilogy line.

In The Two Towers Extended Edition, Boromir appears in Faramir’s visions. Faramir sees his brother’s body floating down the Anduin, and there’s another scene, which shows Denethor’s favoritism of his eldest son, and Boromir’s compassion for his brother. Finally, when Faramir is presented with Boromir’s broken horn, he remembers a moment in Osgiliath where they are in armor and victorious in battle.

I’m really glad these scenes made it into the film because they give more depth to Boromir’s actions in The Fellowship of the Ring and help explain his heroism and redemption after being tempted by the One Ring. The figure resembles Sean Bean, who played Boromir, and fits well with other Gondorian soldiers. The armor is detailed, though the scabbard is on the wrong side. He also comes with a cool tattered soft-goods cape, a sword, and his signature Horn of Gondor.

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Recommended music: Warg – Tales From The North

For this #TolkienThursday, let’s check out the ToyBiz Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Warg Beast!

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, Wargs are a type of wolf that lived in the Misty Mountains and served Sauron and his followers during the Third Age. They often worked with the Northern Orcs and were used as mounts by the Orcs of Isengard and Mordor.

In Peter Jackson’s The Two Towers movie (and also in Return of the King and The Hobbit), the Wargs look more like hyenas than wolves. The Orcs of Isengard and Mordor breed them, and a pack led by Sharku attacks the refugees of Rohan on their way to Helm’s Deep. Sharku fights Aragorn, and his Warg famously falls off a cliff into a river with Aragorn’s hand caught in its harness. This scene isn’t in the book, but it helps the movie’s story by separating Aragorn from the group.

ToyBiz released this Warg figure with a fun jaw-chomping feature as part of a deluxe set that comes with Sharku. The figure is detailed, with well-painted hair and mouth. If you press the button on the Warg’s hip, its mouth closes. The legs also have a good amount of joints, so you can easily pose the Warg at different heights—perfect for building an army of Isengard Orc riders.

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Recommended music: Jacob Banks – Unholy War

On this #TolkienThursday, we’re having a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Sharku!

Sharku, an aged and severely scarred Orc veteran of the Goblin Wars, serves as the chieftain of a tribe of Warg-riding Orcs who support the fallen wizard Saruman. Saruman channels Sharku’s aggression to lead the Warg-riders in mounted raids against the Rohirrim of the Plains of Rohan.

Although J.R.R. Tolkien’s books do not name any specific leaders of the Warg-riders, the character of Sharku was introduced in Peter Jackson’s The Two Towers. The name derives from Saruman’s nickname “Sharkey,” meaning ‘old man,’ which appears in the “The Scouring of the Shire” chapter of Return of the King, a section omitted from the films.

ToyBiz released this Sharku figure, featuring “knife slashing action,” as part of a deluxe beast and rider set with the Warg Beast. The figure is well-painted, displaying a yellow skin tone that is uncommon in the toy line and, in my observation, not accurate to the film costume, which appears gray. Although ToyBiz designed Sharku with flexible legs to improve his attachment to the Warg, the absence of ball hips and knee articulation limits his positioning. As a result, the figure only grips the Warg’s back or saddle pad with his thighs and appears to float above the animal, resembling a jockey in a two-point stance.

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Recommended music: Georges Bizet – Carmen, Act 1: Habanera “L’Amour est un oiseau rebelle”

On this #TolkienThursday, we’re thankful to have a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings Return of the King Arod!

In The Two Towers, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas meet the Riders of Rohan for the first time. Eomer gives them two horses to make up for the supposed deaths of Merry and Pippin at the hands of the Orcs and to help them reach Meduseld in Edoras more quickly. Since Garulf, the original rider, died in battle, Aragorn gets Hasufel. Legolas is given Arod, a smaller, lighter, and spirited horse. Gimli does not get his own horse, but he rides behind Legolas after Arod’s reins and saddle are removed.

Arod’s story is a little different in the books compared to the Peter Jackson movies, but the horse appears in many later scenes when Legolas needs a ride. Arod takes Legolas to Edoras, the Paths of the Dead, and, in the books, carries Legolas and Gimli back from Minas Tirith after the War of the Ring.

ToyBiz released this Arod figure as part of a deluxe horse-and-rider set with Legolas, though the horse is unnamed on the box. While the blue packaging accurately features The Return of the King, I have always chosen to display this horse with my figures from The Two Towers.

While the white paint shows some yellowing, the detail and articulation on the ToyBiz horses still hold up, even after 20 years. The scale matches the figures well, and the “deluxe horse galloping action” works with a button hidden on the horse’s hindquarters. This horse is great for army-building since it is plain enough for any Rohirrim figure to ride.

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Recommended music: Howard Shore – The Wolves of Isengard

On this #TolkienThursday, let’s go take a look at a ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings Return of the King Legolas!

Although the Fellowship that departed from Rivendell was reduced to three members, the bond of friendship among them remained strong. In the face of significant danger, Legolas and Gimli demonstrated steadfast loyalty. Wherever their companion and leader traveled, both the Elf and the Dwarf accompanied him. When Aragorn fought on horseback, Legolas and Gimli also fought alongside him, using sword, bow, arrow, and axe in coordinated efforts.

ToyBiz released this Legolas figure (featuring Dagger-Slashing Action) as part of a deluxe horse-and-rider set, which includes his horse, though the horse is unnamed on the packaging. This is the only horse set to feature a Legolas figure. Although the packaging identifies it as part of the Return of the King line, I have always chosen to display this pair with my figures from The Two Towers. The epic maneuver by Legolas to mount his horse when the Warg-riders ambush the Edoras refugees on their way to Helm’s Deep is unforgettable cinema.

While the figure’s nickname matches a Legolas from the Fellowship line due to its action feature, this version appears to be a completely new sculpt. The head, arms, oversized quiver, and rubbery, flexible legs indicate that it is more than a simple repaint. The addition of a soft-goods cape and skirt really makes the figure look great on horseback.

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Recommended music: The Rolling Stones – Gimme Shelter

Take a gamble this #TolkienThursday as we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Gamling!

The warrior Gamling was a loyal soldier of Rohan and a member of King Theoden’s royal guard. During the Battle of Helm’s Deep, Gamling is seen nearby Theoden in multiple scenes, acting as his primary bodyguard. Gamling is experienced with both a lance and a sword, which was useful not just for defending Helm’s Deep, but was also valuable during the years of defending Rohan from both Orcs and Wildmen. Both The Two Towers film and Return of the King change up Gamling’s role a bit as the character becomes an amalgamation of multiple book characters, and doesn’t fight on either the Deeping Wall or in the Glittering Caves as he did in the book.

This Gamling “In Rohan Armor with Weapons” figure was released in the third wave of Trilogy carded series figures for The Two Towers in 2003. Contrary to the packaging name, the figure only comes with a sword and sheath, omitting the lance and shield seen with other Rohan figure releases.

The sculpt and paint are detailed as expected, but the head could be any old man of Rohan and doesn’t bear a great likeness to New Zealand actor Bruce Hopkins, who played Gamling. In fact, I’ve got one normal picture of Gamling here in a scene where he’s telling everyone they are abandoning their home to shelter at Helm’s Deep, and there is a cool board head fountain in the foreground. I also have a second picture that is more how I’ve had Gamling displayed for years, ready for battle with a borrowed Rohan helmet, lance, and shield, and not just holding Theoden’s armor as he can get dressed on his own.😄

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Recommended music: Elvis Presley – Take Me To The Fair

Fair enough, #TolkienThursday is back. Today, we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Faramir!

Captain of the Gondorian Rangers, Faramir was the youngest son of Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor. Faramir was also Boromir’s brother, who had perished defending Merry and Pippin, unknown to Frodo and Sam when they first met. “It would grieve you then, to learn that he is dead?” Unlike his brother, Faramir was not beloved by his father and spent many years as a ranger, scouting and protecting the wild borderlands of Gondor in hopes of earning his father’s affection.

This “Sword-Wielding” Faramir figure was released in the first wave of half-moon packaged figures for The Two Towers, ahead of the film’s theatrical release.

The sculpt and paint are excellent, and the head bears a decent likeness to Faramir actor David Wenham. Like the Gondorian Ranger figure, a removable hood would have gone a long way for display options. Fortunately, ToyBiz did include his sword, an impressive five arrows, and his long bow. In addition to the button hidden on his back for his swordplay action feature, Faramir can really launch the arrows with a pull of the bow string.

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Recommended music: Matchbox Twenty – If You’re Gone

We’re not going gonzo this #TolkienThursday, but we are taking a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Gondorian Ranger!

Under their Captain Faramir, the Gondorian Rangers patrolled the narrow wilds between the lands of Gondor and Mordor. Faramir’s men were skilled in woodcraft and knew all the secret ways and places of their realm. None could pass through Ithilien without their knowledge, and many servants of the enemy (both Haradrim and Orcs) met their doom at the point of Gondorian arrows and spears without ever knowing they were being watched.

This Gondorian Ranger “Outfitted with Weapons” figure was released in the first wave of half-moon packaged figures for The Two Towers, ahead of the film’s release. I’m not sure why ToyBiz thought to include him in Series 1 with the Easterling army builder and three main characters from the film. He doesn’t work great as an army builder himself, as there is no great alternate way to display the figure. Including an alternate head or a soft goods hood or mask would have helped sell many more of this peg warmer.

The sculpt and paint are solid, but he’s just a generic Ranger, and the “Outfitted with Weapons” moniker is very misleading. The figure does not come with the pictured bow, only packed with a single sword (and a sheath to store it in). The open left hand and closed quiver make it very difficult for this character to be an archer. Again, the inclusion of a bow, arrows, and an open quiver would have really gone a long way for this figure. Fortunately, Toybiz did include these accessories with Faramir and the eventual release of the Gondorian Swordsman.

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Recommended music: Howard Shore – Exit From Edoras

Ay yo there, Ringers! This #TolkienThursday, we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings Return of the King Eowyn!

The niece of King Theoden, Lady Eowyn of Rohan, is both beautiful and strong. Despite her noble blood, Eowyn is not one to shy from combat. Adept with both a sword and shield, the Lady is quite capable of defending herself. When the men of Rohan leave to do battle in defense of their realm, Eowyn longs to be allowed to take up arms herself and join them, though her gender and office forbade it.

While this Eowyn “with Sword Attack Action” figure was technically released in the third wave of half moon packaged figures for Return of the King, I’ve always displayed it with my display from The Two Towers. Pressing the button on her back causes the right arm to strike down, which matches right up with this specific outfit and scene that takes place in Edoras. That’s right, just halfway through The Two Towers, before the departure to Helm’s Deep.

Unfortunately, this Eowyn figure does not have the strongest likeness to Australian actress Miranda Otto compared to other figures in the line. I do think ToyBiz nailed the sculpt for the rest of the figure, and I appreciate this color scheme being included in the line. We’ll get to the updated version sometime next year. 👍

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Recommended music: Howard Shore – The King’s Decision

Happy #TolkienThursday, Ringers! It’s almost the weekend! Today, we’re looking at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers King Theoden!

Monarch of the land of Rohan, King Theoden was a courageous leader and soldier til the end. Saruman used the cunning machinations of his servant, Grima Wormtongue, to subvert and poison Theoden’s mind. This act temporarily plunged Rohan into darkness and despair. Nevertheless, through Gandalf’s intervention, Theoden was freed from Saruman’s influence. Restored to health and soundness of spirit, the King banished Wormtongue from his hall and once again led his people. With wisdom and bravery, Théoden decides to leave the Golden Hall to take his people to the refuge of Helm’s Deep, a fortress that has saved Rohan in the past.

The Toybiz King Théoden “with Sword Attack Action” figure was released in the second wave of half moon packaged figures for The Two Towers, close to the film’s theatrical release. Pressing the button on his back causes the right arm to strike down, which is an oversight as Theoden is left-handed and really only uses his right arm for his sword when leading the “Ride of the Rohirrim,” which occurs during The Return of the King. Toybiz did manage to accurately attach his scabbard to his right side.

The figure bears an incredibly accurate likeness to the Theoden actor Bernard Hill. The face also reminds me of a bearded version of fellow Titanic actor Victor Garber, but the point is that the sculpt and paint are great. The vinyl cape is helpful in case you want to put Theoden on a horse, but I’m just glad Toybiz released the character in this costume as it appears in several scenes following Theodred’s funeral and before the Battle of Helm’s Deep.

[Pay no attention to an upside-down Legolas casually mounting his horse in the picture.] 😄

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Recommended music: Peter Gabriel – Sledgehammer

Hello Ringers, I hope your #TolkienThursday is going according to plan. Today, we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Hama Royal Guard of Rohan!

In medieval times, and possibly more recently, for all I know, there was a military position known as a doorward. A doorward is someone who has the responsibility of guarding the king’s door, thereby protecting the king’s property. This role is then passed on to the doorward’s heirs.

As J. R. R. Tolkien loved incorporating ancient languages and concepts into his writing. It’s no surprise that he created the character of Háma to be the doorward of Meduseld, also known as the Golden Hall of Rohan. In fact, the name Háma even means “home” or “house” in Old English.

This captain of the guard is the one given orders by Grima Wormtongue to disarm Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas before entering the king’s hall. He does so, but conveniently allows Gandalf to keep his staff as a courtesy to the elder appearing wizard after delivering this memorable line:

“I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Grima Wormtongue.”

In The Two Towers book, Hama died at the battle of Helm’s Deep defending the gates of the Hornburg and was buried there after the battle. For Peter Jackson’s The Two Towers film, Hama did not make it to Helm’s Deep as he was killed by a warg on the march there, and his body was left behind. He is mentioned one more time later in the film as a new character, Haleth, was created for the film and plays Hama’s son.

The Toybiz Hama figure was released in the fourth wave of carded figures for The Two Towers. It bears a great likeness to the Kiwi actor and the costume as seen on screen, complete with a vinyl cape in case you want to put Hama on a horse, and is likely the only action figure this character will ever receive.

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Recommended music: Armored Sound Productions – Fork in the Road

Today’s figure is quite the charmer. This #TolkienThursday, we’re looking at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Troll in armor!

In The Two Towers film, when Frodo, Gollum, and Sam come across an army of Easterling warriors entering the Black Gate, the gates are powered by armored trolls. With Sauron’s darkness attracting many evils to the black lands of Mordor, not just orcs and fallen men arrived, but also cave trolls. These hulking beasts are well-suited to carry out the heavy work Sauron’s lieutenants put them through. Multiple trolls are constantly laboring to operate the doors of the towering Black Gate.

The “Electronic Sound & Action” Armored Troll deluxe figure arrived in 2003, when all packaging had switched to Return of the King blue, even though this figure is correctly labeled as being from The Two Towers.

This oversized 11″ figure is a highly detailed sculpt and requires AA batteries to power the troll roaring action. He also has two levers on his back, amongst features copied over from the earlier Cave Troll release for chain jabbing and chain slamming action. The chains are a great addition to the figure. Though they are made of a light plastic, the chains are painted well and are long enough that you can position the trolls for laboring poses. The troll also sports a new helmet and soft goods loincloth for an added realistic look.

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Recommended music: Howard Shore – The Black Gate is Closed

Rising in the east this #TolkienThursday, we’re taking a look at the ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Easterling!

In The Two Towers film, the depiction of these troops doesn’t stray too far from the books. Frodo, Gollum, and Sam come across an army of Easterling warriors entering the Black Gate. Despite trying to stay hidden, Samwise ends up falling down a hill of loose rocks near the troops. Fortunately, Frodo hides them both under his elvish cloak, which is disguised as a boulder. Though a pair of Easterlings notice the commotion and leave their formation to inspect the rocky area, they eventually return to their company and march into Mordor.

The Easterling “With Highly Detailed Armor” figure was available in the first wave of The Two Towers, packaged in the red half-moon, and hit stores ahead of the film’s November 2002 theatrical release. While an additional Easterling with a banner was planned for the line, the figure never reached retail.

The figure is a really solid sculpt with good detail on the armor. Unfortunately, the thin plastic on the shield has become brittle over the past 20 years, so you’ve got to be careful with these guys. The paint application is also thorough, with wear painted on the hood and subtle gold on his lance and shield. With ample articulation, my biggest criticism of this impressive army builder is probably the “bunny ears” on the helmet starting to warp. Unlike some other troops in the line, the scale is actually right on as the figure dwarfs the hobbits and stands eye to eye with soldiers from Gondor and Rohan.

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Recommended music: Kirin J Callinan – Big Enough

Showing up big time this #TolkienThursday, we’ve got a ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Shadowfax!

When The Two Towers begins, the fellowship is divided into three directions, and it appears Gandalf was lost as a result of his epic showdown with the mighty Balrog. When Gandalf returned from beyond hope to muster the forces of light, the wizard called upon the great stallion Shadowfax with a memorable whistle. Wild in spirit and temper, Shadowfax was considered untamable by anyone but Gandalf. The wizard rode bareback, clutching the silvery hair of the mount’s mane as no other horse in Middle-earth could equal the stallion’s grace and speed.

Shadowfax (with Gandalf the White) was available only in a Deluxe Horse and Rider Set. The Two Towers set was rereleased for The Return of the King in the blue ROTK packaging.

The Shadowfax figure is a solid sculpt and paint job, but there are some opportunities with the release. I had to give him a custom paint job with a brighter white paint and really could use a larger flowing mane, as the final product didn’t really match up with the shade seen on screen. He comes with a button to activate the “Deluxe Horse Galloping Action,” but the leg in the air makes him less stable on the shelf and unable to do neutral poses.

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Recommended music: Howard Shore – Gandalf the White

Going on this #TolkienThursday, we’ve got a ToyBiz The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers Gandalf!

At the beginning of The Two Towers, it appeared Gandalf had passed permanently out of Middle-Earth following his epic duel with the mighty Balrog. When Gandalf returned from beyond hope to muster the forces of light, the wizard shed his previous gray identity and took up the title of Gandalf the White. From the stables of Rohan, Gandalf also took the great stallion Shadowfax. Wild in spirit and temper, Shadowfax was considered untamable by anyone but Gandalf. The wizard rode bareback, clutching the silvery hair of the mount’s mane as no other horse in Middle-Earth could match the stallion’s speed and grace.

This version of Gandalf the White came with Shadowfax in a Deluxe Horse and Rider Set. The set was rereleased for The Return of the King in the blue ROTK packaging, with no changes besides the film name. As Gandalf’s steed appears the same throughout much of the final film, there were no changes made to it.

It’s a really great-looking Gandalf figure and is a solid likeness of actor Sir Ian McKellen. The articulation is just average, with an action feature built into his right arm for the signature “Sword-Slashing Action” or staff slashing action for smacking Denethor. The rubbery legs help Gandalf stay on his steed and are almost completely covered up by his soft goods pants. There’s a cloth robe and a skirt piece made of some white leather-like material. I wish Toybiz had also included Gandalf’s gray outer cloak in this release, as pictured on the box, but it wasn’t included. Thankfully, ToyBiz had a few more versions of Gandalf the White on the way.

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