Doctor Who 5in. Action Figure

Approx. price: £6.99

Age range: 5+

Website: www.character-online.com

The rebirth of Doctor Who is what every TV producer must go to bed dreaming about, and the massive popularity of the new, hipper version of the old favourite has made Doctor Who toys some of the hottest properties each year.

These 5in. action figures are among the most popular for various reasons. They are affordable, they capture the spirit of the programme and they appeal both to serious collectors and children who just want to play with them.

The 5in. ‘Doctor in Blue Suit and Glasses’ figure is one of several Doctor figures in the Series 3 range (it’s just been joined by the striking ‘Doctor in S.S. Pentallian Suit’). The likeness to actor David Tennant is good, which is important, especially for collectors.

The figure has articulation at the knees, hips, waist, shoulders, elbows and neck. Articulation at the ankles and hands would have been welcome and the long torso does tend to look a bit stiff. Still, the Doctor can be made to stand up easily in a variety of poses (one unexpected area of flexibility comes at the hips, where the Doctor can actually perform the splits).

The suit is not simply hard moulded plastic, there is a flexibility built into the jacket, creating an illusion that this is a real garment. Attention to detail is excellent. There is button and pocket detail moulded in and the Doctor’s tie is knotted slightly off-centre, in keeping with the character.

Playability is a strong point and young fans will love recreating Doctor Who adventures or making up their own. The figure is tough and can stand up to rough treatment from baddies.

All in all, this represents very good value for money and will no doubt find its way into display cases and toy chests in large numbers.

Durability: 4/5
Longevity: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Score: 85%
Conclusion: A very impressive action figure that will tap into the huge popularity of the new Doctor Who.