Rambo 2

As Sideshow Collectibles became more popular and profitable it acquired the rights to distribute Hot Toys figures in the U.S.

Hot Toys is well known for the quality of its 12-inch figures and the fit was perfect.

One of the first figures released in the U.S. by Hot Toys was John J. Rambo in First Blood Part 2.

Back in the 1980s when Rambo was at the height of his popularity Rambo 2 basically recast Rambo as a super-soldier.  Sure he still had some psychological problems and resentment toward the military and society that basically set him on the curb.

Rambo was an angry man and only agreed to go on a rescue mission in Vietnam to find POWs so that he could regain his freedom.

He was the perfect icon for the 1980s Ronald Reagan American-tough, resilient, non-nonsense and patriotic spirit.  Rambo loved his country even though it sometimes let him down-or rather the people in charge did.

At one time I was a huge Rambo fan but like the aging Rambo himself I’ve had to change with the times.  Only in Rambo’s case his raging bull is caged and at any moment can break its bonds.

Sylvester Stallone captured the isolation Rambo felt.  Trained to be a killer, Rambo regretted his past and wanted only to be left alone and to heal his physical and mental wounds inflicted by the war.

The Hot Toys Rambo figure is unlike most of the Hot Toys 12-inch figures collectors are familiar with.

Hot Toys actually hid the articulation points and understructure of the figure beneath realistic looking plastic skin.  The figure bends and poses naturally without any evidence of mechanical articulation points.

This type of figure sculpt did not last long as rumors suggest there was problems with the rubber-like covering cracking and restricting some movement.

Rambo was the first figure I received for review from Hot Toys.  I really didn’t know what to expect because up until that point I had never heard of Hot Toys.

The figure arrived in a plain cardboard box.  Once opened I was greeted by a slip-sleeve figure box with a foil Rambo logo and brilliant, almost iridescent image of the man himself: Rambo!  The back of the box featured three images of the figure within.

I carefully slid the sleeve off the figure box and again was hit with a close-up photo of Rambo-only this one was one of the enclosed figure.  I could not believe the likeness to Sylvester Stallone. It was amazing!

Now I was really getting excited.  I flipped open the flip lid and WOW!

The inner side of the flap also had a close-up of the Rambo figure and to the right was the figure itself.

The figure and accessories were cradled in a form-fitting, clear plastic cocoon alcove and lid with the figure held in place by additional wire straps.

Wait a minute!  Where are the mechanical articulation points?

That’s the beauty of this figure.  They aren’t seen.  The figure consists of a molded torso and head of Rambo with the articulation areas hidden by realistic skin.

Every muscle, sinew and vein is clearly visible on the figure as well as Stallone’s distinctive features including face and body scars.

His beard stubble is even visible!  Rambo’s long hair is molded plastic but looks very realistic as it has clusters of hair and strands that falls like real hair over the figure’s back and shoulders.

Rambo’s cold stare, firm lips, sharp nose and angular chin are all there.

He wears his red headband of real cloth and a necklace with jade ornament.  Shirtless, the figure wears solid black long pants and black belt with black buckle.

He also wears black military boots with heavy heels and soles and laces.

Included with the Rambo figure are his custom made bow with strings, a set of four arrows (two with regular tips and two with explosive tips) and a black carrying case for the arrows with a shoulder strap

Hand weapons include Rambo’s long-blade survival knife with sheath and strap, a two-sided blade knife, shiv, bow adjuster, twin throwing knives, wristwatch and an automatic rife with wood stock, shoulder strap and extra clip.  An extra pop-on left hand is also included.

Here are the amazing parts.  The bow strings and mechanism actually adjust, the arrows fit into the real zipper sheath, the knife fits into its sheath at Rambo‘s waist, Rambo hold all of the weapons firmly, the rifle clip removes, you can open Rambo’s pockets and the figure can stand on its own or with the assist of its base and support wire frame.

The boots are so detailed you can see the separation of the laces, boot stitching and leather wrinkles.

Figure articulation is a little tight and care must be taken not to over-bend the figure as it may tear and crack the molded torso.

Detailing is amazing as is the clothing that falls and fold naturally despite the pose, coloration matches Stallone’s tan complexion and accessories are accurate right down to every screw, clasp, button and clip.