Using a process by which figure-makers scan the actual actors to create the sculpts for the figures, Toy Biz may have actually produced the best line of figures they have ever done. For a company who has been mired in years of mediocre X-Men and Marvel action figures, the Lord of the Rings line for the upcoming movie looks to be the quality break that they need. Of course, letting the actors have the right of first refusal helped in making these figures as good as possible.

Currently available are the first two series of 6" (average height) figure lines. I say average, because the line was done to scale, where one foot equals one inch. Because of this, the smaller figures will come with more items. That's not to say that the larger figures are getting the short end of the stick, either. Available are: Frodo, Witch King Ring Wraith, Strider, Legolas, Newborn Lurtz Urak-Hai, Gandalf, Gimli, Samwise Gamgee, Saruman, and the Orc Overseer. Each are excellently done and come with a number of items.

Also coming will be a series of 2-packs, including: Boromir & Lurtz/Uruk-Hai, Galadriel & Frodo, Merry & Pippen with Moria Orc. And, if that isn't enough, there are two horse sets - Ringwraith with Horse and Arwen/Frodo with Asfaloth.

To be honest, the only thing that seemed to be missing was the presence of Gollum, but I believe that's for a good reason. Apparently, the CG-constructed beast is under such heavy lock and key by the movie's crew that not even a prereleased figure will be allowed to spoil the surprise. This in itself is a pleasing move. I'd be willing to wait until December for this figure just to be surprised when I get to the film.

With Lord of the Rings being such a hot property, Toy Biz really put themselves on the line with this series. Messing up on this would have easily hurt any chance they had at being considered a quality toy producer. Any fan of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy should look into grabbing these up while they can.

- - Kinderfeld