<<Ok, I'm confused. what do you mean only if you're doing the
small plastic figures? What other ones that size? >> OK, run down of the
toys...


Toy Biz has the movie 6" (aprox) toys - i.e. the small plastic ones. They
have some amazing detail for so little a toy. I know, I've sketches Gimli's
armor. Aprox $10

Toy Vault: Middle Earth Toys - these are licensed from the book, not movie.
Some toy stores are putting them together. Since both are based on the
descriptions, some of them are close-ish. Don't snap them up by mistake...
unless you just like them for the cool costumes.


Toy Biz 12" cloth... ho-hum... nice try w/ some details, but dolls that
small in cloth don't work too well. (But this is based on see only Frodo,
Arwen and Gandalf) They remind me of Barbie doll play - aprox $20

Diamond Select does the 2" metal miniatures which ya paint yourself and use
for gaming. haven't seen them up close so can't tell you how detailed...
though they've got a pretty good rep. Sets $40 (Can also get these at
bookstores)

Applause does 8" figures that are just coming out. They're part "hardened"
cloth. Limited editions. wonderful to look at. Think they're going to
have nice detail, but as Judy said, can't move their hair or check an under
layer. Nicest if you just want a character toy to put on a shelf. $20
(Haven't seen them at Toys R Us, just independent toy stores)

From there you jump into Sideshow/Weta's stuff for the non toy busts and
statues and helmets and medallions. If you're into the armor, the miniature
helmets are to die for... $50 on up... not toys. See 'um all at
http://www.sideshowtoy.com/lotr_home.html

-------------
About the toy packs at Toy Biz. Single toys went on sale before the movie
opened. Some figures sold out almost immediately (like Legolas) and I've no
idea if they are "limiting" or going to build more. Anyone out there got
any clues???? What they are doing are building "collector packs" or play
packs. Each set comes with good and bad characters so kids playing w/ them
(vs collecting) can have their battles... Oh, and if you're trying to
collect Legolas, you buy the pack and end up w/ characters you have already.
(Which was easier for me than hunting every K-mart in the valley to find the
one extra doll.) However, buying the group does cut down on hunt time...
but even at Amazon, they come and go in stock. <Sigh>

So, pick your fav and go a hunting.

-Cat-