Release Date: January 2022
RRP: $27.99/£31.99
While the Lightning Collection does have a rather unfortunate focus on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers for the most part, at the very least Hasbro have shown fans that they are prepared to do some interesting things within the confines of that original series. Rather than just getting the rangers themselves ad nauseum (although that isn't to say that isn’t a problem as well), we've also had our fair share of villains – from core characters to episodic monsters. But those episodic monsters are nothing without their creator, which the arrival of the Lightning Collection Mighty Morphin Finster was such a pleasant surprise. Rita's chief monster maker comes as a somewhat special release exclusive to both Amazon and Hasbro Pulse.
Despite technically being considered an exclusive figure, Finster comes in the standard white boxes previously reserved for retail releases. Admittedly there aren't a whole lot of specific-store exclusives any more, so it'll be interesting to see if coloured boxes carry on (especially with the packaging going windowless in the near future). It's the same standard packaging you see across the Lightning Collection, but the great thing about the non-ranger figures is that you get to see a bit more detail in Tom Whalen's artwork – Finster definitely being no exception there. The back of the box sports a CGI render of the figure, while the real thing (along with all its accessories) is neatly stored inside on the usual moulded plastic tray.
Immediately upon opening Finster you can see exactly why this figure cost a little bit more than your average Lightning Collection release - the level of detail on this figure is jaw-dropping. It's another one of those instances where no matter how much appreciation you have for the original suit, you'll have that much more once it's been shrunken down and in your hands. From his furrowed goblin-line face to all the folds and tool tucked away into his monster maker's apron, nearly every part of Finster has some sort of detailing to be appreciated. His ears and apron are made from a soft plastic to make them a little less brittle (and in the apron's case, not get in the way of articulation quite as much), as well as giving the overall figure a bit more variety when it comes to textures. Paint application is a consistent problem in the Lightning Collection but you wouldn't believe it looking at this release, which has absolutely immaculate detailing - particularly on the glasses and the various tools that have been sculpted directly into the apron. Compared to some of the other figures that have come out of the Lightning Collection it's hard to believe this comes from the same line. Sure this one costs a little more than the Tenga Warrior (hard to tell if this is due to better tooling or rising costs though), but it's another case of being amazed this wasn't passed off as some sort of deluxe release because it sure feels like it.
Due to their more unique sculpts/builds the monster figures tend to have slightly different articulation to the "standard" ranger figures of the Lightning Collection, and Finster certainly isn't any different in that respect. Altogether he features;
- Ball jointed head, waist and hips
- Hinged jaw
- Swivel hinge shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and ankles
- Butterfly shoulders
- Thigh and boot swivels
The main things that stand out here are the swivel hinge elbows and knees, which is something more commonly associated with the Star Wars Black Series line these days as opposed to the Lightning Collection. They work very well here though, especially as Finster doesn't need to have quite the same level of poseability as a ranger figure. Even with the soft plastic apron limiting how much forward movement the legs have there's still a whole lot to like here, particularly the use of ball joints for both the head and waist. He even has a moving jaw! That's such a small detail Hasbro could have easily left out, but making it that little bit closer to the suit makes it so much better - especially with all the detailing they managed to pack inside the jaw as well.
On top of being a fantastic looking figure, Hasbro really nailed it with the accessories on this release too – with all of the pieces here not being the usual generic items you see with Lightning Collection figures. Altogether Finster comes with two alternate hands, a magnifying glass which can sit around his neck, two larger tools that can fit in his apron, a smaller scalpel-like tool, a case and two Putty Patroller figurines. The case features a moulded insert where the two Putty figurines can sit comfortably, joining a third figurine which is fixed inside the case. As was the case with Cybervillain Blaze's laptop, it's the little details like this can really elevate a figure and turn it into something truly special. Getting the tools as an accessory was a given (though the ability to place them inside the apron is a really nice touch), but the briefcase and figurines are the kind of accessory that shows off Finster's purpose in the show even if you are unfamiliar with the character. Short of this being an overly expensive deluxe figure that comes packaged with a full Monster-Matic, it's hard to be disappointed with anything that's included here.
Much like the Tenga Warrior, of all the figures I expected to be standout in this line a Lightning Collection Mighty Morphin Finster was not one of them. But here we are in this strange little timeline, and this mini masterpiece of a figure easily delivers the best rendition of the character there has ever been. If the sheer amount of detail on the figure wasn't enough to sway you, then the ingenious array of accessories Hasbro decided to include with him certainly will. As surprising as Finster's release was, he makes an excellent addition to the growing collection of Mighty Morphin villains and we can only hope Squatt and Baboo (as well as a single-pack Rita) are on the way as well.
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