Series: Army of Darkness

Craftsmanship: 8.7 out of 10

- Plating could have been more detailed

- Tons of poseability

- Solid stand

- Very good likeness

Playability: 5.0 out of 10

- Not a kids toy in the first place

- Various straps are easy to snap

- Excellent compatibility to other 12” figures

- All-sorts of “Mini Evil Ash” possibilities

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Evil Ash (Army of Darkness)

by Sideshow Toy

Having cult status has its ups and downs.  The Evil Dead movies series is accepted as a “cult” film – not mainstream enough to be known by everyone, but known enough to enjoy continued success and notoriety as the years roll on.  It’s for fans of the movie that Evil Ash (from Army of Darkness) is clearly aimed at.  While I think those fans won’t be disappointed with their purchase there is room for improvement.

The armor plating is kind of smoothed over.  The plates and ribs lack any nicks or dings and any noticeable texture has been smoothed out (on the plating mostly).  The paint job makes the metal look suitably grimy, but because of the size of Evil Ash I expected more detail on the armor – at least, more than a few rivets.  However, the armor is also of some interest thanks to the leatherette straps that hold the whole works together.

Part of the allure of the 12” figures is the use of real cloth clothes.  Evil Ash is decked out in shirt and pants similar to Ash.  The clothes can be taken off but it takes quite a bit of effort – and it borders dangerously on “playing with dolls.”  The cloth itself is of good quality and it’s not likely to rip or fray, but loose enough to permit use of all the all the articulation.  These 12” figures are packed with articulation and poseability is extremely high.  Coupled with the stand, Evil Ash makes for a great mantle-piece display figure.  Put him in close proximity of Ash and you’ve got yourself some great face-off battles – the whole Good vs. Evil thing.

Equipping him with his scabbard is on the tricky side (not Sideshow’s fault, but my big fingers), but the effort is worth it.

Detail is very good, right down to the tread on his boots.  The highlight is the maggot-eaten visage dotted with a couple of most piercing eyes you’ve ever seen.  The sculpting is excellent.

Playability suffers somewhat by the ease at which the leatherette snaps.  He’s not a very playable toy at all.  Although he has good compatibility with other 12” figures, with great articulation and a blood-spattered sword, his armor is one of the main attractions and if the straps break it becomes a hideous example of frustration to repair them.  The cloth cape can also be ripped off.  The sword fits nicely in either his right hand (less so in his left) or the scabbard and will stay put for the most part so losing the sword isn’t easy, especially because it’s so big.  Besides play with other 12” figures, teaming him up with McFarlane’s Evil Ash (Movie Maniacs 4) provides for some amusing “mini Evil Ash” team-ups.

Evil Ash looks very good in his box but even better displayed on your TV or bookshelf.  While he appeals more to hardcore collectors and fans, he’s far better suited for display than for what a four year old could put him through.  He may have cult status, but he’s still a good figure.

- Omni

(August 21, 2002)