I usually try to get these reviews up before the items are released, but I didn't get my Review Set until today.
Now, without further ado, let's look at the toys!
Marauder, Inc. Series 3Series Overview:
As you can see by the photo above, this release marks a departure from the standard Marauder, Inc. offerings. This is the first release to offer a wide range of accessories beyond the firearms which have made Marauder, Inc. a household name among action figure lovers.
While some fantastic firearms are still present in this release (and I'll discuss them a bit later on in the review), the real stars have to be the "other" items. This release contains what I believe to be the very first realistically scaled cellphone for a 1/18 scale action figure as well as a few other "firsts". The Claymore anti-personnel mine seen below is the first time one of these weapons has been offered in any toy line. The closest we got to them in the past was in the old "G.I.Joe" line, but they were way undersized and only existed as sculpted details on an action figure's accessory.
Claymore:
Cellphone:
The grenades are very well sculpted and are realistically scaled unlike alot of "major companies'" offerings in the recent past.
This flashlight is a great update of everyone's favorite Survivalist's most unique accessory from back in the day. Although this release is far more detailed and guaranteed not to break anyone's thumbs off.
Sadly, I was unable to get decent pics of the details on the very tiny items so I had to steal some pics from Marauder's site
The real "non weapon" star of this release is the gun rack. Dioramaists, collectors, and casual fans have been clamoring for someplace to store their extra rifles for years and Marauder, Inc's gun rack does not disappoint! This is the only item in the series not cast in Marauder's trademark semi-gloss black plastic. The gun rack is cast in a dark gunmetal and really sets it apart from any rifles that you may decide to store in it.
Back in Series 2, Marauder, Inc. began their new tradition of adding bladed weapons to their (and our) arsenal. Marauder, Inc. continues that tradition with two new entries in this release. The first is a fantastic machete that would make Jason Voorheese proud. This accessory serves as a great upgrade to any jungle or swamp fighter's kit. The second bladed entry is a spectacular combat knife that would turn Rambo green with envy. Trust me, you will want alot of these knives to outfit your entire army!
Machete:
Combat Knife:
Once again, Marauder, Inc. gives us some great new handguns, including one of the most requested 1/18 scale weapons of all time- the German Luger! The second handgun in this release is a fantastic snub-nosed Magnum revolver (the handle is very thick though so I'd only recommend using it on "new sculpt" or other modern figures with soft plastic hands to prevent thumb breakage).
Luger:
Magnum:
Now we get to what made Marauder, Inc. famous in the first place- well detailed rifles from around the world (and from around the universe). Marauder serves up only 4 rifles in this release, but they in no way disappoint. First, there is a fantastic little sawed-off shotgun very reminiscent of the one carried by a certain post-apocolyptic drunk driving Australian action hero in the film that made him a star.
Sawed-off Shotgun:
This weapon works particularly well with figures that have "angled" wrists and extended fingers like the good Commodore above.
Next, we have a pair of superior upgrades to one of Marauder, Inc's very first offerings. These two AK-47 variants (one with bayonet, one without) feature much more detailing than their original release and also feature the very first 1/18 scale removable ammo clips!
AK-47 (no bayonet):
AK-47 (w/bayonet):
I have saved my personal favorite item in this release for last. For years, fans of a certain science fiction Trilogy have been wanting a hyper-detailed version of one of the sereis' iconic weapons, complete with option of opening the stock like in several comic book appearances of the weapon. And now we have one. This weapon is the first truly accurate-scale release of this weapon ever. coincidentially, this is the single best selling item in Series 3!
"Modified British Sterling":
Stock in closed (top) and open (bottom) positions
Comparison Pic:
Top: Kenner/Hasbro 1995-1999
Middle: Marauder, Inc. 2006
Bottom: Hasbro 2000-current
I plan on picking up 200 of these rifles to arm all of my troopers and to retire all of the Kenner/Hasbro ones in the next 2 months!
Sculpt:
As usual for Marauder, Inc., the sculpts are dead-on to their real world counterparts. Every detail you could ever want or expect is present. From the tiniest buttons on the cellphone to the fire selector switch on the AK-47. From the pin on the grenades to the on/off switch on the flashlight. I honestly do not see how these accessories could be sculpted any better than they currently are, but I have confidence that Marauder, Inc. will continue to up raise the bar with each release.
Construction:
Like all of Marauder, Inc.'s past offerings, this series is cast from a sturdy black plastic. These accessories are not resin casts of other companies' offerings. They are professionally produced with the highest quality plastics in an overseas factory.
A great side note to any customizers- the plastic used for these accessories takes paint very well and can be Krazy Glued(tm) without turning white!
Affordability/Availability[/b]:
One of the best things about Marauder, Inc's offerings is that they are very affordable. With money saving sets available, you can equip all of your troops without breaking the bank. Marauder Inc.'s wares are available 24 hours a day via their website:
http://www.marauderinc.com/servlet/StoreFrontI proudly give Marauder, Inc. Series 3 the "Spectre Seal Of Approval!
Here's a bit of a "sneak peek" at an item coming from marauder, Inc. this spring:
The beret seen in this pic was mistakenly reproduced too small for "average" action figures' heads (which is why 'ol pinhead here is modeling it
) by the overseas factory. Correctly-scaled ones will be available in the spring for all of you troops' fashion needs.
