Reviews  

 

A thorough review of Little Buddies Action Figures™


by Jim Buchanan, TKO 8 Television, Harrison Arkansas

November 19, 2010

Dawn O'Connell

Little Buddies Action Figures

Dawn is a fabulous sculptor and film maker who offers her talent's to the world by way of creating some of the most unique gift ideas I've ever seen.  Be sure to read my full review below...


 



Jim's Review of the Little Buddies Action Figures:


Overview:

Coming across a listing on ebay was how I first discovered the Little Buddies that Dawn O’Connell creates. Being the inquisitive type (and an action figure geek) I really wanted to learn more about the who, what, when, where, why, and how Dawn came about this novel idea.

This review will come from my own personal experience and my own Little Buddy that Dawn created of me. For the sake of full disclosure I would also like to note that I have not been compensated by Dawn other than the little buddy that she created for me. Also to note I am not an “official” spokesperson for Little Buddies or Dawn. I simply want to hopefully help others make an informed buying choice as per my own personal experience. And with all of that said and after having actually spoken with Dawn I can almost guarantee you that your experience will be the same. Before we get to both the “Pro’s and Con’s” let’s first break it down to the basics:

 



Who: Little Buddies Action Figures by Dawn O’Connell


 


What: Custom made action figures of YOU!


 


When: Available now.


 


Where: Online at www.littlebuddiesactionfigures.com


 


Why: A unique gift idea that is a wonderful keepsake that is truly one of a kind.


 


How: Dawn hand sculpts and paints the heads using only two photos (front and side profiles) provided by you. Dawn also creates the costumes by hand to your specifications.




 


Pro’s

 Head: Dawn uses Sculpy as her medium of choice and it works very well. The strong and durable nature of the product ensures that the Head will be around for a very long time. And while it is never recommended to put it to an endurance test I can say that my daughter did drop it and it didn’t break. As for the sculpting I am quite impressed. As mentioned in the overview Dawn really has a knack for capturing the essence of a person. You will know it is who it is supposed to be at first glance. Even my 11 month old daughter (I so wish I could have got this on tape) looked at it while I was holding it and started reaching for it saying “Dada!”

Body: Dawn offers three different styles of bodies, 8inch male and female as well as a more child style body standing in at about 5 inches. For mine Dawn used the standard 8inch Mego style body from Classic TV Toys. Being a fan and collector of the Mego style action figures I may be biased but I honestly think this style is a comfortable size for display on your desk, in a case, or on a shelf. Not too big, not too small. It’s really “FUN” size.

Clothing: This part really blew me away. On the site Dawn says that she can make costumes however you want. I requested a suit as you can see. But what really blew me away is I actually thought that it came from some other figure. Nope. Dawn informed that she did indeed create the suit from scrap material that she had on hand. This is very impressive seamstress works folk. The tie is also handmade as well as the socks. That’s right kids, SOCKS! I can honestly say this extra touch really added to my overall satisfaction rating of the Little Buddy.

Accessories: While I could have requested other items none really came to me at the time when Dawn was taking my “order”. Her site however does note that they are available upon request. Considering the level of detail and care that I see in my Little Buddy, I believe that whatever your heart may desire will be of very acceptable quality.

Other: since I am wanting to be as thorough as possible with this review I also want to note that the craftsmanship is really impressive especially with the suit. Specifically the buttons on the jacket, the metal snaps used for the jacket and pants and even a piece of double sided tape to hold the tie in place. Outstanding!.

Conclusion: The idea itself is wonderfully unique and fun. I’ve seen other companies who offer similar services as far as custom figures of “you” but their technique advertised takes away from the unique, organic feel that Dawn’s creations have. From tip to top I see that this action figure of yours truly isn’t just a slapped together assembly line item. I can tell that in creating “Mini Me” Dawn was dedicated and focused on this fellow alone. 

 



Con’s

 Head: To those who are looking for an exact reproduction of your head you may be a little disappointed. The nature of Sculpey leaves certain tell-tell signs that it is clay and not a molded plastic. But then again Little Buddies are not intended to be “life like replica’s”.

Body: This is actually the only really negative thing that I can point out but it’s not Dawn’s fault. The Classic TV Toys body used has certain quality issues that can take away a little from the final product. Not much mind you and to the non-toy geek you’d never know the difference. Personally (and being a toy geek) I would recommend using a body from Dr. Mego, Castaway Toys or ZICA. These three companies offer a much higher grade Mego style body that I do believe offers more possibility options for your Little Buddy. 

Clothing: No problems that I can see.

Accessories: Again I didn’t request any so I can’t give an educated opinion.

Other: This “Con’s” part was really hard for me to write. Not because I’m an easygoing guy. I actually am a pretty particular type when it comes to my most favorite hobby of action figure collecting. Plus I’m really cheap and hate the thought of anyone being ripped off. But honestly outside of the CTVT body I can’t find anything to really “slam”. And I also understand that Dawn’s creations are indeed pieces of art and not toys that are meant to be played with per se.

 



Final Thoughts

Little Buddies action figures as I keep saying are unique and fun. And in my honest and educated opinion more than worth the money. So in conclusion I have to say that if you’ve been on the fence about buying one of these from Dawn it’s time to come on over and play! The final product is excellent, the customer service is impeccable, the value is obvious once “you” arrive, and the memory and moment that your Little Buddy will capture is better than any HD high quality video you could ever record or 10 mega pixel photo you could take. My only regret is that I didn’t have Dawn capture the creation process in stop motion animation form like she has done with some of her other creations. But that’s my fault. Don’t let it be yours too. When you order your Little Buddy kick in the extra cash because it would be so worth it.


Jim Buchanan,

TKO 8 Television


Harrison, Arkansas


November 19, 2010

 

 

I now use New Improved bodies!

© 2010 - 2015 by LittleBuddiesActionFigures.com

I now use New Improved bodies, thanks to Jim for the tip!

I actually solely use Sculpey in the coloring of the head (no paint is needed)