The Rating System

Starting this blog, I decided I wanted to use a 10 point rubric per category to evaluate figures. 

So far, the system is...ok. Any of these systems ultimately has bias and isn't exact, however, I'll break down the system but I think a revamp soon is in order. Perhaps adding in a fun factor to the assessment? There is a certain quality that makes a figure fun to pose and play with regardless of how poor or good the paint, sculpt, accessories, and occasionally even the articulation. This will require further thought. 

Sculpting

 and Paint:  1 = No, or little paint anywhere, minimal sculpting. Basic body form only.

                     2 = No, or little paint, A little sculpting with some stylistic additions.

                     3= Some paint application, but no shading. Some sculpting.

                     4= Some paint application, some shading, some sculpted parts. 

                     5= Good paint application, some shading, some sculpted parts.

                     6= Good paint application, good shading, some sculpted parts

                     7 =Good paint, good shading, good sculpting. 

                     8=Excellent paint, good use of shading, excellent sculpted parts

                     9=Excellent and thorough paint work, excellent shades applied, excellent sculpted parts. 

                    10=One of the best designed figures: either perfectly stylistic to the character or perfectly realistic to the original source material                               (game, comic, tv, etc) 

Articulation:   1 = 5  or fewer points of articulation. Imaginex comes to mind or other childrens toys.

                         2 = 6-10points of articulation. No waist swivels, ankle joints, elbow joints (Old He-  man toys)

                         3= 11-15 points of articulation. No waist swivel, ankle joints. Poor design. 

                         4= 16-20 points of articulation. No ab crunch, ankle joints. Elbow/knee joints do have 90 degree flexion. No split capability with                                        legs. Hand and/or boot cut swivel.

                         5= 16-20 points of articulation. Elbows/knees have 90 degree flexion. Forward/backward ankle flexion. May have ab crunch and                               swivel.

                          6= 16-20 points of articulation. Ab crunch present, may have diaphragm joint. 

                          7= 21-25 points of articulation. Double jointed knees and/or elbows present. Ankle   rocker. Two point wrist articulation (Basic                                   Marvel Legends). 

                           8= 25-35 points of articulation. All the above plus diaphragm joints, butterfly shoulder joints. May include toe swivel or finger                                   articulation. (S.H. Figuarts figures). Design may limit some articulation. 

                           9 = 35+ points of articulation. Includes all the above plus sculpted parts that can move (capes, wings, holsters etc). Excellent                                design that does not limit movement. 

                         10 = An insane amount of articulation. You can pose this figure anyway, anywhere!

Price point/availability: After all, what's the point if you can't find or buy it reasonably? 

                      1= You will never find this figure and/or buy this figure. It isn't being made, and if i was sold, you'd need a trust fund to afford it. 

                      2= Few available, price is at 500% mark up. 

                      3= Few available, price is at 200-400% mark up. 

                      4= Few available, price is at 100-200%

                      5=Available online mostly. price is at 100% mark up. 

                      6=Available online and some in stores. Price is at a 50-100% mark up. 

                      7=Readily available in stores and online. Price is at original/current value. 

                      8=Readily available online and in stores. Discounted 15% or less. 

                      9= Readily available online and in stores. Discounted 30-50%. 

                     10=Readily available online and in stores. Discounted 50%+. Buy all the things!

Accessories: 0= No accessories. Boo!

                      1= 1 accessory. Poorly painted/sculpted. Not accurate in size or design. 

                      2 = 1 accesory. Some paint, decent design. Approximates source material. 

                      3 = 1-3 accessories. Some paint, decent design, approximates source material.

                      4 = 1-3 accessories. Good paint and/or design, but not both. Few inaccuracies. 

                      5 = 2+ accessories. One set of extra hands, or 2+ very well designed weapons/pieces.

                      6 = 2-5 accessories. Set of hands, and well sculpted weapons/pieces.

                      7 = 2 or more sets of extra hands and 1-3 weapons/pieces. Interchangeable body pieces.

                      8 = More than 2 sets of extra hands, weapons/pieces, interchangeable heads/faces.

                      9 = 4+ sets of hands, tons of hand held/body pieces, interchangeable heads/body pieces. 

                    10 = Everything you could want given the source. Deluxe sets, etc.

Note: This system is amenable to modification at any time! I will post a footnote update should it change. Not yet satisfied with it.