Toy Biz’s repetitious figures explained
By: Parmadur

I’m sure that many consumers are confused by the repetition in the Toy Biz figure collection. Are they the same? Are they different?
You will find these answers in this article, which explains the differences between the Fellowship characters and The Two Towers characters, however minute they may be.

(Figures are listed in alphabetical order)

Aragorn

–Aragorn with Brego: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
The only things this Aragorn features that the other one does not are his horse, Brego, and his Elven cloak (made from real cloth). He can be set in Brego’s saddle (who, by the by, gallops at the push of the button on his back).

— Two Towers Aragorn (picture in store – second page of “Action figures”)
Also fully poseable. While this character comes with neither the cloak nor Brego, he does come, however, with his bow and a quiver of arrows. Other than that, not much difference.

Arwen

— Arwen 12″ doll: (picture in store – first page of “Collectibles”)
This figure is true to its title: it’s a doll. She’s poseable, has “real” rooted hair, clothing made from real cloth, and her face is carefully detailed.

— Arwen with Asfaloth: (picture in store – first page of “Action figures”)
This version of Arwen is a bit different: she’s an action figure instead of a doll. While the cloth of her skirt is real, her tunic is plastic, along with her hair and the rest of her body. This figure is moveable at the joints, but is otherwise completely stiff and useless (except to sit on Asfaloth, who gallops at the press of a button on his back).

Frodo

— Frodo 12″ doll: (picture in store – first page of “Collectibles”)
Very similar to the Arwen doll (no mention of whether or not he’s poseable, but I’m guessing yes). All of his clothes are made from real cloth (the cloak is removeable, but the rest of his clothes are not). Frodo also comes with “real” rooted hair, painted blue eyes, and sheathed Sting (the hilt fits in his right hand).

— Frodo (comes with Arwen and Asfaloth): (same picture as Arwen w/Asfaloth)
Frodo’s wounded. He sits on Asfaloth. That’s about it.

— Frodo with Sam: (picture in store – second page of “Action figures”)
This twin pack comes with both Frodo and Sam inside the Elvish boat they used at the breaking of the Fellowship. The Elven cloaks are removeable; the figures can stand on their own; both come with swords (Sting is “impressively detailed”). They’re moveable in the joints, but nowhere else. Entirely plastic.

— Frodo 6″ figure: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
Frodo’s cape and vest made of flexible vinyl. With a slight squeeze of his legs, Frodo unleases sword-swinging action. The likeness to Elijah Wood is slightly more accurate on this figure, though not exact. He comes with a stand which rotates him 180º when Ring key is inserted and turned (as Frodo turns, a Ringwraith appears). Definitely the most active Frodo figure.

— Two Towers Frodo w/Sting: (picture from Gallery/Merchandise)
Now, what this figure actually does, I’m not sure, but the main difference is how closely this one resembles Elijah Wood (again, not entirely accurate, but close). Sting appears to fit in his hands in the way it fits with the 12″ doll and moves at the joints.

Gandalf

— Gandalf 12″ figure: (picture in store – first page of “Collectibles”)
Poseable. He comes with a very, very ugly “beard” and staff. I’d comment on the likeness, but it’s hard to tell behind that grey mop.

— Gandalf 6″ figure: (picture in store – third page of “Collectibles/Action figures”)
Comes with Glamdring and staff. I can’t find anything that says whether or not he has sword-swinging action also.

— Two Towers Gandalf the White: (picture from Gallery/Merchandise)
This figure looks more like Saruman than Gandalf. He comes with his new staff and Glamdring (both fit in his hand). Moves at the joints.

— Two Towers Gandalf with Shadowfax: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
Fully poseable. Comes with staff, Glamdring, and “sword-slashing action”. The likeness of this Gandalf is much more accurate. Shadowfax (like Asfaloth and Brego) gallops when the button on his back is pushed.

Gimli

— Gimli 6″ figure: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
This figure has swinging action similar to the 6″ Frodo, which is activated by gently squeezing his legs. He comes with two axes: one for regular battle and a breakaway axe to use in attempts to destroy the Ring (which is included, along with the stand). The detail on this character is amazing.

— Gimli (with Uruk-hai): (picture in store – fifth page of “Action figures”)
While he may look the same as the 6″ figure, this Gimli does have differences. The most noticable of these is the addition of a helmet and cloak (both removeable). He comes with four axes: two battle axes and two for throwing (yes, he does throw them).

Legolas

— Legolas 6″ figure: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
Comes with bow and a quiver of arrows. He’s all plastic and moves at the joints.

— Two Towers Legolas: (picture from Gallery/Merchandise)
Fully poseable. His “authentic fabric costume” is the one he wore in Fellowship of the Ring (sans Elven cloak) and he comes with his bow, a quiver of arrows, and his white knives. The likeness isn’t very accurate.

Lurtz

— Newborn Lurtz 6″ figure: (picture in store – fourth page of “Action figures”)
The only accessory he comes with is a whip. But, what he lacks there, he makes up in other areas. His arms move up and down, back and forth when the switch on his back is moved and he’s able to pick up, shake, and throw an opponent. Moves at the joints.

— Lurtz 6″ figure: (picture in store – fourth page of “Action figures”)
This figure comes with bow and arrow. Moves at the joints. The likeness is very similar to Newborn Lurtz.

Sam

— Sam 6″ figure: (picture in store – fourth page of “Action figures”)
Sam comes complete with sword, frying pan, and ladle. He has sword-swinging action like his Frodo figure counterpart, but is activated by a button on his back rather than by squeezing his legs. Base is Mines of Moria set, with an Orc in the background (moves head in and out of the base when Sam’s actions are activated). Moves at the joints.

— Sam with Frodo: (same picture as “Frodo with Sam”)
This twin pack comes with both Frodo and Sam inside the Elvish boat they used at the breaking of the Fellowship. The Elven cloaks are removeable; the figures can stand on their own; both come with swords (Sting is “impressively detailed”). They’re moveable in the joints, but nowhere else. Entirely plastic.

Saruman

— Saruman 6″ figure: (picture in store – fourth page of “Action figures”)
Moves at the joints. Saruman comes with his staff, palantir, and palantir stand.

— Two Towers Saruman: (picture in store – second page of “Action figures”)
Fully poseable. This figure also comes with staff and palantir, but instead of having the palantir set on a stand, it’s in his hand. This palantir shows the Eye of Sauron and has a bit more personality than the other (though it looks more like he’s holding an eyeball than a palantir, which is pretty gruesome).

Witch King

— Witch King Ringwraith 6″ figure: (picture in store – fourth page of “Action figures”)
Figure is entirely plastic and moves at the joints. Comes with sword (and what looks like sword-swinging action).

— Two Towers Witch King Ringwraith: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
This version of the Witch King has impressive detail and is fully poseable. He comes with his sword and Morgul blade. Costume made of authentic fabric.