Durham Red - Epilogue

To paraphrase Dickens, "It was the best of figures, it was the worst of figures. . . "

Technically speaking, there was absolutely nothing wrong with this figure. As I have indicated earlier, my sample was not of the exceptional casting quality we have come to expect from DWC; however, it was certainly no worse than VG+ on an absolute scale. Which means it was better than most figures you are likely to acquire today!

Artistically, however, I found this figure a bit "toothless"--literally in my sample! While we know it is based on Mark Harrison's cover of the "Empty Suns" graphic compilation, I think that a con- scious-- and selective!--mash-up using the cover of "The Vermin Stars", etc. as additional source material would have better served the final product: if for no other reason than to provide readily available reference material to the miniaturist. As I was a Red "virgin", I was forced to scrounge the Web for all my painting references, especially as Durham Red publications are virtually impossible to find for sale!

There appear to have been any number of production expedients exercised. Nothing major, mind you; but this is not the first time DWC has taken a "short-cut" that I feel is unnecessary--and potentially detrimental. 2000AD fans are no different than comic-geeks anywhere: they have a concept of what their favourite character/s should look like, and they get quite vocal when they feel that their canon has been violated. Don't believe me? Read a review of ANY of DWC's Dredd figures! It is a testament to Rin's commitment to the cause that he is even still in the game!! But
I digress. . .

I made quite a number of what I feel were essential additions to this figure that have changed the entire character and presence of the subject. In the interest of full disclosure, there were some items that I just passed on due to my lack of intimacy with the subject. As the end-user, I should neither be finishing the figure for the manufacturer, nor agonizing over what to include--or not. The only good that will come of my additional effort is that my rendition will be truly unique--and afaic tell, accurate to the source: a one-off in every sense of the word! Unfortunately--to say nothing of ironically!--that sort of initiative is not very welcome by the supply-side of the equation these days! So don't expect them to sing your praises for going the proverbial extra-mile!! 

So much for the "worst". I have enjoyed--and am enjoying!--this figure IMMENSELY! As I de- scribed my project to Rin, it has been a "delightful challenge"!! You are provided with virtually everything you need to create a showstopper--imagination, commitment & research, paint, brushes, glue and display base not included!!! This is an artistic hobby, fer crissakes! BE CREATIVE! BE RESOURCEFUL! RESPECT YOUR CANVAS--AND THE SOURCE OF THE VERY SAME! AND ABOVE ALL, CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH EACH AND EVERY PRO- JECT YOU UNDERTAKE!!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003