Here be Dragons: Medium Sized Red Dragon

(Click the pictures for a bigger version)
This dragon is from Safari Ltd. Its size is 5.5" L x 4" H (14 x 10 cm) and is still available in toy stores that carry the Safari brand as well as at their web store here.

Overall, the sculpting is very nice, with the textures all crisply done. It reminds me of the artwork of Rankin-Bass' Flight of Dragons, especially the character design for Gorbash -- from the horns swept back with frills to the avian-like beak. The dragon's mouth is closed and its neck slightly curved. The eyes can also do with some repositioning of the iris because it seems to be looking straight ahead at something at the same level as its head. Some of the detail is very nice. I really liked the irregularity of the teeth. The hide is well marked with scales and this really comes out as visibly reptilian, armored and impervious. The claws are well sculpted but the paint job is rudimentary and can really benefit from washes. The dragon is on all fours but with its right forepaw raised.

As compared to the other dragons I purchased though, the prepainted color scheme leaves much to be desired with the eyes coming out so "bug eyed" and glaringly white. I think the painter made the eyes too long also and I'm hoping that this can be easily fixed by repainting. Overall, I think this demands a repaint. For around US$7, this is a nice bargain.

Here's the red dragon with a 28mm GW Man of Gondor from their LOTR line.

Comments

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