Austin Powers

Back in the late 1990s actor Mike Myers presented to the world one of the most iconic an original characters ever seen on the Silver Screen.

Taking his inspiration from the James Bond films and other spy films from the 1960s Myers created Austin Powers The International Man Of Intrigue.

Myers both starred as the perpetually horny British super spy Austin Powers (bad teeth and all) and his nemesis the nefarious Dr. Evil (fashioned after James Bond nemesis Ernst Blofeld)

Austin Powers proved so popular that two more films were produced that introduced even more Mike Myers characters including Gold Member and Fat Bastard.

With tongue firmly planted in cheek the Austin Powers films made fun and paid homage to the spy films of the 1960s.

Catch phrases such as:

• Because you never kill him when you get the chance to and you’re a big dope?
• Can I have hug?
• Do you know what’s remarkable? It’s how much England looks in no way like Southern California.
• Dr. Evil! I didn’t spend six years in evil medical school to be called
• Oh behave!
• Oh groovy, baby!
• Shall we shag now? Or shall we shag later?
• Who throws a cupcake? Honestly.
• Why must I be surrounded by frickin’ idiots?
• Zip it!
• ...and many, many more!

McFarlane Toys nabbed the Austin Powers toy license for the films and turned out some of the most hilarious, clever and well-done figures at that time.

I’ve chosen two figures from the first series of figures: Austin Powers and Dr. Evil.

The sculpting work on both match the look of the characters as played by Mike Myers is amazing.

Both figures are partially articulated and come with small sound boxes that spout famous phrases from both figures.

Along with figures are special Austin Powers display stands that hold the sound mechanism and a small tab that hold the figures upright when posed.

The packaging consists of a clear plastic front with interior plastic cocoons for holding the figures and stands along wit individual accessories.

The colorful card hangers can also set on shelves.

The Austin Powers figure is posed in Austin’s swinging sixties stances: with both legs slightly bent, arms drawn to his sides and hands pointing.

The figure comes dressed in Austin's trademark red velvet suit with frilly collar shirt, Nehru jacket, tight pants and pointed black boots.

Austin wears his black rimmed glasses and sports his silly grin-bad teeth and all.

Included with the highly detailed figure are a British flag, book and an extra hand holding a gun.  “Yeah baby, yeah!”

“Why must I be surrounded by Frinkin' idiots?”

Does that phrase sound familiar?  It should, it’s one of Dr. Evil’s catchphrases and it’s exactly what the 6-inch, McFarland Toys 1st Series Dr. Evil says.

Dr. Evil is dressed in his drab gray suit with its long doctor frock suit coat and white shoes.

The Dr. holds his right pinky to his mouth and looks as if he is about to utter, “One billion dollars!”

Included with the figure are a bundle of money, Mr. Bigglesworth the bald cat, with collar.

Paint application on both figures is clean, smooth, has no rough edges and matches their namesakes coloring.

Articulation is well hidden on the figures.

The Series 2 Carnaby Street Austin also is posed in one of Austin Power’s outrageous outfits.  Legs slightly bent with his right hand flailed out and his left on his hip the laughing figure has brand new fixed teeth, shaggy hair, and black rimmed glasses.

He comes with an elaborate dental kit of toothpaste, a toothbrush and various picks and cleaners.

He’s dressed in a loud white, light blue and dark blue stripped two-piece suit with blue and white neck kerchief, red shirt and pointed high heel ankle boots.

“What do you think of my shag pad darling?” is his catchphrase.

“Welcome to my moon base” is the phrase the Series 2 Moon Mission Dr. Evil plays.

Dr. Evil comes in a full body, silver  suit spacesuit with heavy boots, striated gloves, a large breathing/communication chest mounted apparatus and a clear fishbowl space helmet.

The Dr. stands saluting with two fingers.

Included with the figure s a silver suitcase full of cash and a tube containing Austin Powers’ mojo.

Sexy Series 2 Vanessa Kensington is all business; “You can address me as Agent Kensington.”

Decked out in a solid black leather body suit with the chest zipper pulled seductively low the Vanessa figure smiles her pearly whites and stands with legs slightly apart with her right handed posed to hold the accompanying champagne glass.  

Included with the figure are a champagne bottle, a magnifying glass and a laptop computer with her boss’s face on it: Basil Exposition.

She’s a raven hair beauty with plenty of brains and Austin is crazy about her-too bad she’s a Fembot!

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." — Proverbs 3:3-4