Bone
Series 2 figures
by Cartoon Books
Review
by : Troy
Brownfield
Bone
on their Own
ReSaurus
Toys surprised a lot of people a couple of years ago when
they unveiled the first wave of Bone action figures, based
on Jeff Smith's terrific comic series from his own Cartoon
Books. The four figures (Fone Bone, Smiley Bone, Thorn, and
an amazing stupid, stupid Rat Creature, plus an exclusive
Phoney Bone as Captain Ahab) were distinguished by great sculpting
and a distinct flavor of fun.  Turns
out though that Mr. Smith brought the Bone figures in house,
and now they're being produced by Cartoon Books themselves.
Let me tell you: the quality hasn't suffered at all.
The second
Bone series retains the scale and dynamic sculpting of the
first series. Adding three important characters to the line,
this series reminds you at a glance of just how good the comic
series is. As a bonus, each figure gets a packed-in comic.
Gran'Ma
Ben: Thorn's tough-as-nails granny with a mysterious past,
Gran'Ma Ben, has been captured beautifully. With her very
distinct jaw, the likeness of the figure to the pencil-and-ink
page is tremendous. Gran'Ma Ben also comes with one of the
greatest accessories ever: a cow suit that fits onto the Smiley
Bone figure. Long-time readers will recall The Great Cow Race
as one of the funniest bits in comics history. Racing cows
rule.
Phoney
Bone: The conniving Phoney looks pissed. Wouldn't you
be if all of your schemes failed? Actually, this is another
great representation. He's a major player in the series and
the detail is great.
The
Hooded One: Like the spectre of Death itself, The Hooded
One has haunted the pages of the comic since its early days.
Readers now know the truth of its identity, and that truth
is well done in figure form (for the sake of those who haven't
read the series and yet might, I won't give it away here).
Overall, it's another nice addition to the line.
Cartoon
Books took a risk by taking on the figures themselves. However,
Jeff Smith has proven that he's not afraid of risks as long
as they produce quality, entertaining items. His comic continues
to be great, and from the looks of it, so will the figures.
Bone fans
should remember that a separately packed HUGE Kingdok figure
will also be available in the near future. I saw one at the
Wizard World Con last summer, and it's a beauty.
Troy
Brownfield is the Editor-in-Chief of Shotgun Reviews. If you're
curious about the Bone comic, a great deal of the series is
readily available in trade paperback form. Email Troy at psikotyk@aol.com.
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