Although the shipping was pretty fast, it still felt as though the days went as slow as seemingly possible. Despite that, my Animated Teal'c Maquette is here, so here's a review. Unfortunately, I can't add pics this time as my camera has decided to quit talking to my computer. Anyways...
Apparently it's sold well, as my edition is #601. I'm sure that might be a bit off though assuming they weren't grabbed in exact number order, but it still sounds promising.
First thing we see is obviously the box, with simple but attractive packaging. Definitely something you will want to display along with the figures - most likely as a background. The front is quite expected; a picture of the maquette with usual descriptive graphics of Stargate SG-1 and that it's "Season One" Teal'c. I'm quite curious if that means we'll see versions of characters by season. That could easily get quite interesting... Examining the packaging further leads you to find that the sides are adorned with versions of the original artwork. One side has an outline version, while the alternate side has the beautiful fully colored version. These are accompanied with the (artist's?) signature. The bottom is plain white, the top is mostly a repeat of the front, but the back strikes uniqueness as it's the rear of the maquette; very nice touch. Another great touch is that the box is not taped up. It's comforting not to have to worry about the tape tearing at the surface of the cardboard, or eventually yellowing.
Upon opening it up, you’ll find Teal’c entombed in a big block of styrofoam with two opening ends. This is taped up, but it doesn't concern me as much as tape on the exterior packaging. In one side, the diminutive maquette is wrapped in a plastic protector, and held firmly by the surrounding styrofoam. The base isn't present - found later in the other side - but the staff is. The staff comes in two pieces, connected to one another after sliding them through the maquette's closed fist. The sculpting of the staff is well done, as it's beautifully adorned with a complex array of sculpted lines on the head, as well on the rear spoon area. Interestingly, I notice quite a bit of similarity between it and DST's staff as they share inaccurate characteristics. Perhaps it served as inspiration for the artwork? Whether coincidental or inspirational, it works better in a stylized appearance than it does for DST’s line. I would prefer to see a more accurate version in the future, though.
After carefully removing Teal’c from the styrofoam, you really get the impression of the solidness as the pint-sized hero is accompanied with unexpected weight. However, disappointment is moderately present. Granted, measurements were known long before it's release, they just never quite prepare you for the real life version - especially as images go without scale reference. The height of the maquette without the stand is exactly the same height a DST's Serpent Guard (without helmet), however the maquette is bulkier, heftier, and not to get into cliches, but... his staff weapon is bigger. So, it does at least appear bigger than the figure.
Getting past the small stature of the maquette, the animated styling can now be fully admired. Despite the exaggerated styling, you still are quite sure it's Teal'c. Not simply because you know it's supposed to be, but rather that the artist and sculptor were both quite talented in capturing Christopher Judge's likeness and exaggerate it enough to be unique stylized, but not ridiculous. My only nitpick regarding the head is I would have preferred the Goa'uld logo in a more gold coloring rather than orange.
The rest of the body holds a fair amount of complexity with all of the armor’s lines being sculpted, and then filled in with paint. It's also decorated with what appears to be silver paint to simulate weathering, as though the armor has definitely seen some action. It works well - you don’t notice it from a couple away or more, but it leaves something to attract your eye as you take a closer look. This is carried out on all areas of the armor, even on the back and shin areas, so you shouldn’t be worried about displaying this at any angle, or with a mirror. Based on the artwork on the side, the sculptor(s) did an amazingly accurate job at replicating it into the 3D world.
As mentioned earlier, the maquette holds the staff by assembling it after sliding in the bottom portion through the fist, and then the top half slides onto that. This is where it's both fortunate and unfortunate; the grip is loose enough to not have you paranoid of breaking it when you insert it into the fist - although due to be careful regardless - but afterwards, it feels too loose. With the angling of the fist, he holds the staff over the side of the base leaving it to dangle for the rest of it's displayed life. Although it likely isn't a problem since it’s made out of rigid material, it still leaves me a bit uneasy as I would prefer it sitting comfortably on the base.
As for the stand, it’s a wonderful replication of the Stargate and features the limited number out of 1000 on the bottom amongst other details. The bottom also has four footpads are attached to keep the bottom from getting scratched, which is an unexpected but appreciated inclusion. Teal’c is attached to the stand by rectangular boxes sculpted on the stand plugging into his feet, which are made to not be too snug so hazardous amounts of applied pressure isn’t required to mount him.
Using the newsletter’s limited coupon which put it at $75 delivered, I feel it’s a great value compared to statues from other franchises out there. However, at $90 + shipping, I’m not so sure I’d feel as satisfied with the value/price ratio. Granted, it’s a great item created by a talented artist, sculptor(s), with an excellent hand-painted finishing, but there is still that feeling that it needs something more for $90+. I think, at the very least, a certificate of authenticity should have been included. After the great job that was done for the F-302’s certificate, it was disappointing to not have one included here. Overall, I have to say I look forward to future releases and feel that if you really have a passion for Stargate, you’ll love this unique item without any regret. Reservations regarding the price or scale perhaps, but definitely not regret.
Apparently it's sold well, as my edition is #601. I'm sure that might be a bit off though assuming they weren't grabbed in exact number order, but it still sounds promising.
First thing we see is obviously the box, with simple but attractive packaging. Definitely something you will want to display along with the figures - most likely as a background. The front is quite expected; a picture of the maquette with usual descriptive graphics of Stargate SG-1 and that it's "Season One" Teal'c. I'm quite curious if that means we'll see versions of characters by season. That could easily get quite interesting... Examining the packaging further leads you to find that the sides are adorned with versions of the original artwork. One side has an outline version, while the alternate side has the beautiful fully colored version. These are accompanied with the (artist's?) signature. The bottom is plain white, the top is mostly a repeat of the front, but the back strikes uniqueness as it's the rear of the maquette; very nice touch. Another great touch is that the box is not taped up. It's comforting not to have to worry about the tape tearing at the surface of the cardboard, or eventually yellowing.
Upon opening it up, you’ll find Teal’c entombed in a big block of styrofoam with two opening ends. This is taped up, but it doesn't concern me as much as tape on the exterior packaging. In one side, the diminutive maquette is wrapped in a plastic protector, and held firmly by the surrounding styrofoam. The base isn't present - found later in the other side - but the staff is. The staff comes in two pieces, connected to one another after sliding them through the maquette's closed fist. The sculpting of the staff is well done, as it's beautifully adorned with a complex array of sculpted lines on the head, as well on the rear spoon area. Interestingly, I notice quite a bit of similarity between it and DST's staff as they share inaccurate characteristics. Perhaps it served as inspiration for the artwork? Whether coincidental or inspirational, it works better in a stylized appearance than it does for DST’s line. I would prefer to see a more accurate version in the future, though.
After carefully removing Teal’c from the styrofoam, you really get the impression of the solidness as the pint-sized hero is accompanied with unexpected weight. However, disappointment is moderately present. Granted, measurements were known long before it's release, they just never quite prepare you for the real life version - especially as images go without scale reference. The height of the maquette without the stand is exactly the same height a DST's Serpent Guard (without helmet), however the maquette is bulkier, heftier, and not to get into cliches, but... his staff weapon is bigger. So, it does at least appear bigger than the figure.
Getting past the small stature of the maquette, the animated styling can now be fully admired. Despite the exaggerated styling, you still are quite sure it's Teal'c. Not simply because you know it's supposed to be, but rather that the artist and sculptor were both quite talented in capturing Christopher Judge's likeness and exaggerate it enough to be unique stylized, but not ridiculous. My only nitpick regarding the head is I would have preferred the Goa'uld logo in a more gold coloring rather than orange.
The rest of the body holds a fair amount of complexity with all of the armor’s lines being sculpted, and then filled in with paint. It's also decorated with what appears to be silver paint to simulate weathering, as though the armor has definitely seen some action. It works well - you don’t notice it from a couple away or more, but it leaves something to attract your eye as you take a closer look. This is carried out on all areas of the armor, even on the back and shin areas, so you shouldn’t be worried about displaying this at any angle, or with a mirror. Based on the artwork on the side, the sculptor(s) did an amazingly accurate job at replicating it into the 3D world.
As mentioned earlier, the maquette holds the staff by assembling it after sliding in the bottom portion through the fist, and then the top half slides onto that. This is where it's both fortunate and unfortunate; the grip is loose enough to not have you paranoid of breaking it when you insert it into the fist - although due to be careful regardless - but afterwards, it feels too loose. With the angling of the fist, he holds the staff over the side of the base leaving it to dangle for the rest of it's displayed life. Although it likely isn't a problem since it’s made out of rigid material, it still leaves me a bit uneasy as I would prefer it sitting comfortably on the base.
As for the stand, it’s a wonderful replication of the Stargate and features the limited number out of 1000 on the bottom amongst other details. The bottom also has four footpads are attached to keep the bottom from getting scratched, which is an unexpected but appreciated inclusion. Teal’c is attached to the stand by rectangular boxes sculpted on the stand plugging into his feet, which are made to not be too snug so hazardous amounts of applied pressure isn’t required to mount him.
Using the newsletter’s limited coupon which put it at $75 delivered, I feel it’s a great value compared to statues from other franchises out there. However, at $90 + shipping, I’m not so sure I’d feel as satisfied with the value/price ratio. Granted, it’s a great item created by a talented artist, sculptor(s), with an excellent hand-painted finishing, but there is still that feeling that it needs something more for $90+. I think, at the very least, a certificate of authenticity should have been included. After the great job that was done for the F-302’s certificate, it was disappointing to not have one included here. Overall, I have to say I look forward to future releases and feel that if you really have a passion for Stargate, you’ll love this unique item without any regret. Reservations regarding the price or scale perhaps, but definitely not regret.
Converting a human body into energy and sending it millions of light years through a wormhole. Bloody insanity! 
Come on, how often do you get the chance to go to an alien planet? 
I was a'ready on an alien planet!
Thanks for all the info, I can't wait to see Daniel and the Glider!
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