Continuing with my Avengers TV series posts here’s something a little more up to date; John Steed & Emma Peel dolls from Product Enterprise, released in 2002.
This special edition set depicts the two super secret agents as they were dressed during the first Emma Peel filmed black & white season.
Both figures have a fairly monotone look. Steed is dressed in a grey suit, with suede collar, blue tie and red carnation. He wears his signature bowler hat, and carries his umbrella.
The likeness to Patrick Macnee is excellent, although if I’m being really picky the head looks to me to be ever so slightly too big for the body.
Mrs Peel is dressed in her signature all leather outfit, and carries a very nicely detailed gold coloured revolver.
How the doll’s likeness compares to Diana Rigg is debatable, but it’s unmistakably Mrs Peel.
The dolls have fully articulated bodies, although I’d recommend care when bending some of the joints, especially the ankles on Steed, which might need a little warm water treatment.
The set also comes with two tiny drinks glasses and a bottle of Champagne. Closer inspection of the label reveals a little in-joke; The label says it’s from vineyard ‘63, and signed Stephen Walker. Stephen, of course ran Product Enterprise, now Sixteen 12, and I believe was born in 1963!
As usual from Product Enterprise, the packaging is visually attractive and well designed. The ‘Avengers’ typeface is what was used on the fourth season, and the first filmed episodes.
To sum up, the set is a fine piece of retro Avengers merchandise, and certainly captures the essence of that Steed + Peel pairing.
In part 2 I’ll take a look at the Product Enterprise Steed & Peel colour season dolls.
I considered buying these when they came out Scoop, but, to be honest, it was the 'doll like' proportions that put me off.
ReplyDeleteSteed's head is way too big, as is hers (but less so), and his feet are way too small !
Ha, ha! and I thought I was being picky, Mish. ; D In spite of their shortcomings, I think they're pretty good. I don't really go out of my way to collect dolls, but as they were The Avengers I couldn't resist.
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