ansgarreview

"Ansgar"
Berlin/1945
(Dragon/Models)

Head Sculpt: This is a very good head sculpt. This was one of favorite head sculpts from Dragon in 2002. It has the stern determined look in the face and the coloring of the face, overall is remarkable. In fact this is one of my overall favorite head sculpts from Dragon period. The slight gray/black color around the beard are mixed very well.   It looks like a soldier who has not shaved in about a day or two. Outstanding job overall!
Grade: 10.0 (A+/Perfect).

Body/Articulation: Same type "Neo" body that has been around for some time, with stiffer joints. Again, as stated in other Dragon figure reviews I had the pleasure of writting, the bodies that Dragon produces are the best on the market. The clicking noise is the only thing I don't really care for on their bodies. BBI does a very decent job too, but the oversized hands are what hurts BBI. This figure comes with the gray "gloved hands". These hands are my favorite. They look the most realistic and they don't have that unneeded plastic shine to them. The shiney preformed hands that Dragon produces hold assessories very well, but look too fake to me. Hats off to Dragon for choosing the gloved hands. A very good choice indeed. These hands compliment this figure extremely well.
Grade: 9.8 (A+).

Uniform: Here is where this figure gets good. The late war tunic (short version) is done very well. The material that is used is very thick and sturdy. The only complaniant I have is the terrible "SS National Emblem" on the left sleeve. If you take a real close look at it, the eagle doesn't look like an eagle at all. This could very well be the worst national emblem I have ever seen on any German figure from Dragon. The M43 visor cap looks decent, but it appears a little big to me.   The cap has no SS national emblem or skull (plain), which makes it correct for the time period this figure represents (1945/defense of Berlin).   Shortages of material were one of the big reasons for the shorter tunic and plainer type headgear. Now the real charmer of this figure is the type camo used on the pants. The "Liebermuster" camo pattern is one of the most interesting patterns of camo the Germans produced during the war, yet you hardly ever see same in photos or artist drawings. I do not believe this camo pattern was mass produced, due to it being released at the very end of the war. The colors on the pants include: black, tan, green, brown and a very light pink/red color. Anyway you look at same, this pattern is very unique and has only appeared on this figure to date. The overall uniform quality is top notch and the workmanship is very good (no uneven pockets).
Grade: 9.8 (A+).

Field Gear/Equipment: Another big area this figure excels in. First, the autumn oak camo sniper face veil. This is another first by Dragon or any company. The material is very sturdy and the fits over the helmet very well (not too tight, not too big). The M40 helmet is the same standard issue that has been on the market for some time. The helmet cover is spring oak. Now, the MP44 ammo pouches are made of material. This is the first figure released by Dragon that had the cloth type ammo pouches. I must say that the quality and historical accuaracy is right on. The breadbag and water bottle are the standard issue that has been seen in other figure sets (water bottle has the "field worn" paint finish). The two grenades that are included in this set ("Potato Masher" stick grenade) have the pull cords, with the screw on caps.   I am very pleased with the new items and the old items that are packaged with this set. Grade: 10.0 (A+/Perfect).

Weapon: This figure is packaged with an MP44 with a funtional bolt and leather shoulder strap. A very professional looking weapon. What stands out in this set is the weapon attachment that can be put on the end of the weapon to shoot around the corners of buildings, without exposing the shooter. Again, this is the first time this weapon attachment has been released with any Dragon boxed set. A very distinctive piece that is done very well by Dragon!
Grade: 10.0 (A+/Perfect).

Overall Grade:    9.9 (A+).

Closing Comments: This is one of my favorite figures Dragon has released in the past two years. In a way this figure was a pivitol point in Dragon's creative arsenal. This was the first time cloth type ammo pouches were produced, sniper face veil, and MP44 angled barrel attachment. Great things have followed this figure, but this figure was a trend setter in the history of 1/6th scale German WWII figures. It should be interesting to see how far Dragon will push the realisim card with the release of the "Soldat" figure. Things can only get better, if Dragon continues with their top notch quality.

Review Posted: 7 October 2003