Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle Of Rum!--Blackbeard The Pirate




For a short period Sideshow Collectibles expanded its 12-inch action figure line to included historical, military and classic TV characters.

One such historical character they released as part of Sideshow’s Live By The Sword series was Captain Edward Teach “Blackbeard The Pirate”.

Eight figures were created for the series, the regular 12-inch Blackbeard The Pirate being one of them.  A separate Prestige version was also released.

I’m a big fan of pirates.  There’s something about their freewheeling and scallywag ways that appeal to me.

I love Disney’s Pirates Of The Caribbean films and many of the early pirate films Hollywood turned out in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

Sideshow has done an excellent job of capturing the buccaneer bad boy Blackbeard decked out in his pirate regalia.

The Blackbeard figure is one of the most elaborate figures Sideshow had created early in its company’s history.  It really is remarkable in its costuming and accessories.

Starting with the face sculpt the figure features a remarkable degree of detail.

The figure wears a tri-corner brown hat with twin rows of silver piping all around it and a large red ribbon.

Blackbeard wears a bandana underneath.  His long hair is braided in gray and ends in blunted ends with embers that smoke to intimidate his crew and enemies.

He has a long mustache and an equally long beard.  His beard has four braids ending in bright red ribbons-emulating red embers.

Blackbeard’s face s a study in fury with his heavy black eyebrows, scowling eyes, wrinkled brow and mouth agape with jagged discolored teeth.

His beard flows over his chest and he wears a red buccaneer coat with large upturned cuffs with three gold buttons each.

His coat hangs open and goes past his waist.  

A long row of gold buttons cascade down the front right of the coat and two large pockets with flaps also has gold buttons.

Over the coat two leather belts crisscross over his chest.  They hold the three ornate single shot pistols.  Attached to one belt is a brown ammo/powder container with a single brass button.

All three pistols sport wooden handles and elaborate silver firing mechanisms.
 

One firearm (more like a small rifle/blunderbuss) is larger than three pistols.    It also is of wood and metal.

The three pistols attach to the leather straps and the larger firearm is tucked in his looped belt with gold buckle.

Underneath his coat Blackbeard wears a light brown tunic with a row of gold buttons.  It appears to be made of a rough fabric almost like burlap.

His pantaloons are of a similar fabric only they are a light brown and end mid-calve.

Under the pantaloons he wears burgundy socks /inner pants.  His shoes are dark brown, almost black, and have large discolored buckles.

Also included with the figure is a large curved sword with a large wood and metal pommel and guard.  It is blood splattered.  

The figure and accessories are secured in a clear plastic cocoon and covered by a clear plastic sheet for viewing.

The box holding the figure showcases Blackbeard on its front and its lid opens up to reveal the figure and accessories.

Figure articulation is smooth, easy to pose and allows the figure to easily stand on its own.  The figure’s hands are well suited to hold the weapons and the fabrics slide smoothly over the figure with no resistance.

Folds and stitching look natural, as does the fit of the various articles of clothing.

It’s a remarkable figure with outstanding accessories.

Take a moment to look at the details on the weapons and the clothing.  Each and every button has a corresponding buttonhole and the belts actually function.

The price of this figure continues to rise over the years.  Currently the figure goes for $200+.


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