Last year's release of "Hellboy" brought 12" fantasy and science fiction collectors a whole new series of great figures from Sideshow Toys.   This review will hopefully give a great insight into the Kroenen figure that is currently available from Sideshow. 

From the back of the box: "A long-time practicing occultist, Kroenen studied the black arts with noted wizards Aleister Crowley and George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff.  Specializing in the "left-handed" path of torture and pain, it was easy for him to devote his life to evil, particularly in its most arcane and superstitious form.  After the defeat of the Nazis in WWII, Kroenen chose to give up his mortal life and soul and accept evil as his master.

If you saw the movie, you know that Kroenen was a character that you just couldn't tear your eyes away from him.  There was something completely sinister and evil about him; we knew he was extraordinarily dangerous.  I think Sideshow captured that sentiment with their 1/6 version.  

Let's start with the box.  The front captures an awesome pic of the character from the movie.  The back shows a full-length photo of the figure, along with a the Abe Sapien and Hellboy 1/6 scale figures that are available.  Also shown are three photos from the movie. 

Next, let's look at the entire figure.  The figure is clothed in a full-body black lycra suit.  It looks good, but it would have been awesome if this had been a leather-looking suit.  Still, it displays very well.

The figure comes with two different masks.  The ceremonial masks is very detailed.

The four weapon accessories are shown below.  The blades look good with the figure, but I wish these had been diecast.  It would have really added to the coolness of this figure.  The two longer blades were slightly warped from the packaging, but straightened out okay with a little attention and applied pressure. The blades also fit good in the figure's hands. 

Ah-ha!  The stand!  How often do you see those in reviews?  *grin*  I thought I would show you the stand as well because it does add to the figure's display factor.

The next few photos show the detail of the figure's chest armor. This is Sideshow's strongpoint, in my opinion.  The detail is exceptional.  The rubber pieces look great with all lacing and buckles.

The scabbards are simple and don't overwhelm the fierce simplicity of this figure.

And now.... the headsculpt!  I don't know what I expected to be behind that mask.  It was still a bit shocking once I removed the mask.  As I removed the hood, it was very good to see the sculpt continued all around the head as portrayed in the movie.  Awesome job!

Another delight?  These boots!  Excellent sculpting, all the way down to the creases in the sides from the feet.  They're also very strong, helping to keep the figure stable, even without it's cool stand.

Limited to 4,000, this release of Hellboy's Kroenen is still available from Sideshow Toys for $34.00 (currently on sale!).  If you're interested in purchasing him, just click the banner below. 

Other Hellboy products from Sideshow Toys

2005 Comic Con Exclusive 12" Hellboy! 
Sold Out, but you can get on the Wait List and cross your fingers!