Sinbad from Monarch Models – a first look
Monarch Models second kit is due in the next week or three, and we’re taking a first look at the kit. The model succeeds in as a new Aurora-styled kit. The figure is in a dynamic pose, on a detailed base which does not overwhelm the figure. The colorful box sports a beautiful painting of Sinbad by Gary Makatura. The box is a paper wrapped long box, just like the classic Aurora figure kits. The color instruction sheet is printed on sturdy, gloss paper, which is the biggest departure from the Aurora concept, but it is a welcome improvement. The painted kit on the back of the instruction sheet loos great and will make an excellent guide for many modelers.
The box is jam packed with parts. The kit itself is molded in three colors. The sprue trees are actually small, with only 3 or 4 parts on each. The green plastic is used for the tree, detail parts like the lamp and snake, and even the severed monster arm. This reminded me a bit of the Aurora King Kong base.
The figure itself is molded in a rich, redish brown plastic. The parts breakdown is much like most Aurora figures. Two part, front and back assemblies for the torso, legs, boots, armes and head. Be careful not to loose the thumb for the left hand!
The base parts are molded in a light, earthy tan. The detail is well done, especially on the Asian influenced statue head. The nameplate seems a little small in relation to the rest of the kit, but fits neatly along the front edge of the base.
I did a quick and dirty assembly of the kit to get a feel for the model. The base is shown here, put together. The trickiest part of the whole kit is attaching the tree to the head. You’ll need to cement the tree at several points. The branches don’t quite confirm to the contours of the big head, but you should be able to adjust it as necessary. You may want reinforce some of the joints for a stringer kit. Like most Aurora kits, unless this is built well, it may not stay together if bumped, dropped or otherwise jostled. This base could be considered an ultimate Aurora base, with little details like spiders, snakes, trees, etc. One of the coolest details is how the snake drapes around the stone pillar, and over the pitcher that sits on the base. Well thought out.
Here’s a look at the assembled figure on the base. Again, this was a quick and dirty build. The body parts all fit together very well, with no gaps. You’ll still need to do the typical seam work that you would find on any Aurora monster. Some can be simply sanded away, others may need a little filler, such as where the arms meet the torso.
The detail on the face is nicely done. The expression is realistic and the hair on the beard is well defined. The left foot of the figure rests on the tree branch on the base, so you’ll want to make sure the figure is firmly attached to the base.
The pose is very dynamic. Sinbad appears ready to confront another giant monster and make off with the treasure. I actually like this figure better than the Nosferatu kit!
The kit is due to arrive soon. You can still preorder this in the Cult Shop!
