[OPEN BOX review] Last Mercenary by Mrtin

Company: Nuts Planet. Catalogue Ref: NP-75004. Sculptor: Alfonso Giraldes (aka Banshee). Box Art: Myeong-ha Hwang. Material: Resin.

Forward. My eyes lit up when I found out this release was wending its way to me, the box art looked superb and instantly grabbed my attention with this fabulous figure adorning the front. I was not to be disappointed, upon opening the box I discovered a kit that easily ranks as one of the highlights of my year so far. From the concept sketches seen below to the final production kit, I’m privileged to review what has been another genius release from the mighty Nuts Planet……. read on for my full assessment. Photos. Seen below are some of the pre production concept sketches. Come the day we are treated to a stunning release……..

First Impressions. As already mentioned, the box art can’t help but draw you in. The full colour photo that adorns the heavy duty cardboard box looks fantastic and gives a great impression of the wonderful kit inside. Upon opening the box you will find the parts extremely well packaged. The smaller and more delicate pieces are placed in zip lock bags while the larger pieces are lose. All are sandwiched between layers of protective sponge. As you might imagine everything arrived in perfect condition with no damage or missing parts. These guys have presentation and packaging down to a fine art. The Figure. This is a high quality resin kit requiring assembly and painting. There are 12 individual resin pieces (including the base) cast in a mid-grey colour. The quality of the resin is quite superb and a complete joy to work with. The extraordinary detail captured in the sculpt retains all of its finesse in the sublime casting. Very little is required in the way of clean up, only the absolute minimum of flash is present with seams almost non existent. Main Body. (photo below) a wonderfully sedate yet powerful pose, the figure shows all the traits of a battle hardened warrior veteran. The well pronounced muscular body shows great definition on the exposed flesh areas while the clothing and accessories add that all important depth and texture. Separate parts to add in the assembly include the arms and left hand…… after that there is a whole assortment of impressive weaponry to be applied.

(photo below) imposing and full of character, adorned in a mixture of armour, cloth , leather and bare flesh this figure has plenty for you to get to grips with. The sculpting is simply sublime and oozes detail, one of the most impressive castings I have seen ensures all of that glorious detail remains true.

(photo below) the figure looks equally impressive from the back as it does from every other angle, there is no let up in detail or quality. The recess holes are for accommodating the various items such as shield, swords, spear and axe, they allow for an accurate fit and work very well indeed. More scars are clearly visible across the back with muscle definition looking superb. The various straps and buckles sit naturally while the ragged clothing and armour work brilliantly well together.

(photo below) hats off to Nuts Planet, they have shown what it takes to release a top quality figure. I simply love the stuff these guys are turning out, the ethos of the company ensures quality time after time., this Last Mercenary figure is another prime example.

(photo below) the facial features fit the character to perfection. All look very well proportioned and in keeping with the rest of the figures appearance. The rugged jawline, sunken eyes, chin, nose, ears and mouth all help create this battle hardened warriors character.

(photo below) other details that help form the excellent appearance are the scars on the face, the well grown and impressive moustache along with the hair.

(photo below) scars are clearly visible on the chest in this photo. The combination of leather waistband and metal armour plates look excellent along with the natural looking cloth material worn under.

(photo below) stunning detail throughout, the armour plates are beautifully sculpted and undercut adding a superb third dimension to the appearance. The texture and depth to the leather padding under the armour is fantastic while the leather waistband is sublime in its detailing.

(photo below) the right leg is wrapped in cloth strips below the knee and has some armour plate over it. The foot is woven in cloth also but has no shoe revealing excellent detail in the toes.

(photo below) the left leg is wrapped in cloth and strips of material, seen below the material is an armour plate covering the shin. The cloth around the leg is held in place with thin rope adding extra detail and definition along with the folds and creases of the cloth.

Right Arm. (photo below) stunning detail seen in the hand with joints, tendons and nails all clearly visible. The metal armour worn over the cloth looks most impressive. The locating lug ensures an accurate and snug fit to the body.

Left Arm. (photo below) just breathtakingly beautiful detail at work here. We have the armour plates at the top, the decorative metal discs hanging over the cloth material follows and then comes the leather and metal armour of the arm protector. The recess at the end of the arm allows for a perfect fit of the hand seen below. Just look at the intricate detail such as the stitching on the leather and the wire keeping the discs in place, quite remarkable.

Left Hand and Flagon. If you want to see how even the smallest of details make a difference and set the quality companies apart from the rest, look no further than this piece. The hand detail is exceptional, not just in the fingers and the natural grip but the nails and the tendons on the back of the hand. If that were not enough look at the superb detailing in the flagon, the netting is outrageously good, brilliant attention to detail and exactly the quality that keeps Nuts Planet up there with the best of them.

Shield. (photo below) I love the shield, beautifully cast holding well the delicate detail in the scrolling and flowers. It perhaps seems odd for such a brutal, battle hardened warrior to have a shield with a floral pattern on it, but somehow it works here and looks the part!

(photo below) even from the back there is still plenty of detail to admire. The twisted rope and handles work well and add the rugged look we might expect for a shield befitting of such a figure. A little extra care required in removing the casting block but painted this shield is going to look magnificent and will be sure of being one of the many standout features. There is a recess on the back of the figure for an accurate fit of the shield at waist level.

Axe. (photo below) the first of many varied and rather awesome looking weapons bestowed upon our Mercenary. A simple axe with wooden handle and impressive looking head. Interesting feature added in the way of cloth material wrapped around the handle end, great attention to detail that definitely adds to the completed look. There is a recess on the back of the figure at waist level for an accurate fit of the axe.

Long Sword. (photo below) I totally love this sword, just a brutish looking weapon that fits the figures persona perfectly. Again we have the material wrapped around the handle adding great texture but we also have gouging along the edges and on the surfaces which adds so much character to the piece. Another stand out feature that looks exceptional.

(photo below) the cloth covered handle and the rugged gouging and chipping adds so much here. Get that metal appearance right and this is going to look incredible.

Medium Sword. (photo below) another sword is included, this time carried in its scabbard. A nice amount of detail has been added to the scabbard with the strapping that spirals much of the way along its length. The sword handle is nicely shaped with the hilt and butt adding to the overall impressive features. There is a recess just below the left shoulder for accurate placement of the word.

Dagger. (photo below) somewhat of a smaller weapon but still impressive looking is this dagger. A nice gentle curve to the shape of the blade gives it some character. There is a recess on the right side of the figure just above the hip for an accurate fit.

Short Swords. (photo below) two more swords, this time wrapped in cloth and secured with rope for attaching to the shield. The handles are highly decorative and the impressive looking blades beautifully shaped. Great definition on the rope and cloth help create a very authentic and convincing appearance. There is a recess on the front of the shield for accurate placement of this piece.

Spear. (photo below) this is a stroke of genius from Nuts Planet, the spear is actually metal rod coated in resin. I have to say it works wonderfully well at giving the piece strength and rigidity with zero warping like you would see if this were pure resin.

(photo below) following with the theme of wrapped cloth around the handle works very well again here giving a great textured appearance.

(photo below) the spear in all of its glory, very impressive and a great addition to the arsenal of weapons carried by our Mercenary figure. There is a recess in the figures back between the shoulders for accurate placement of the spear.

Display Base. (photo below) a nicely textured display base has been included, this can form the basis of a far more elaborate setting as seen in the awesome completed piece from Myeong-ha Hwang in the photos section below. Preformed holes allow for the accurate placement of the feet and long sword.

Photos. In the photos below we see Myeong-ha Hwang has produced a seriously amazing piece of art with his interpretation of the Last Mercenary. A stunning example of just what can be achieved with this fantastic release from Nuts Planet.

Photos. In the next set of photos we see the awesome 3D renders from Nuts Planet. A truly wonderful release that I have been incredibly pleased to have reviewed. Alfonso Giraldes has completed a sublime sculpt that has transformed these renders into reality, one of the best figure releases of the year in my opinion.

Synopsis. In case you hadn’t noticed I think this Last Mercenary figure is rather special. I completely fell in love the moment I saw it, having now reviewed it, I love it even more. In fact from a personal point of view I would say this has been my favourite figure released from Nuts Planet so far this year, I can tell you now, its going to take some beating! Alfonso Giraldes has sculpted an absolute masterpiece in my opinion, the casting more than does justice to it. To be honest the whole package screams quality in every aspect, this has been a wonderful year of prolific releases from the company who continue to take the figure world by storm. Quite simply I can find no fault with this figure but heaps to love and admire, trust me, do yourself a favour and grab an absolute gem of a release. Author and Publisher – Martin Philpott. (Martin’s Scale Models on Facebook) Thanks. My sincere thanks to Benny Sa of Nuts Planet and official sponsor of Martin’s Scale Models for this opportunity and review sample.