{"id":20484,"date":"2012-08-24T04:16:10","date_gmt":"2012-08-24T09:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=20484"},"modified":"2019-04-01T22:32:22","modified_gmt":"2019-04-02T03:32:22","slug":"mezco-earthworm-jim-review-hes-such-a-groovy-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=20484","title":{"rendered":"Mezco Earthworm Jim Review – He’s Such A Groovy Guy!"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>I can\u2019t believe Earthworm Jim is eighteen years old. That\u2019s not groovy. I haven\u2019t played the game in forever, but I burned many hours playing the first two games back in junior high. Jim has since fallen on some hard times, but Mezco has him back in the spotlight this summer. <\/p>\n

Earthworm Jim is the classic toy story, but with a video game twist. In the mid-90s, Playmates Toys was flush with cash from TMNT & Star Trek and wanted to expand with a new franchise. But unlike those fab 80s when franchises were given the cartoons we know and love, Playmates thought it best to kick off with a video game. They approached some top industry talent (namely Doug TenNapel & Dave Perry) and essentially struck gold, at least for a little bit. The first Earthworm Jim game was routinely listed on Top Lists for Genesis & SNES, the 2nd Earthworm Jim game is considered by many to be superior to the first, Jim ended up with his own cartoon series after all, and Playmates did finally get around to making action figures – though the toy line was tragically cut short. <\/p>\n

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For me, the appeal of Earthworm Jim was a mix of it’s ridiculousness and satire. Jim was your run-of-the-mill earthworm when this futuristic cybernetic suit fell out of the sky, landed on him, and makes him into the hero we know and love. He immediately runs afoul of the psychotic crow bounty hunter, Psy-Crow, who had been paid to steal the suit for Queen Slug-for-a-Butt. The evil queen becomes Jim\u2019s primary nemesis and ideally his future sister-in-law should he win the heart of Princess What\u2019s-Her-Name. If you\u2019re not already sold from that, I can get into Bob the Killer Goldfish, Evil the Cat, and Professor Monkey-For-A-Head. Sometimes, I think those games were made for me… <\/p>\n

Anyway, so toy collector, right? Earthworm Jim also represents one of my first real forays into complete and utter toy collecting disappointment. It was the 90s, so the action figure line consisted heavily of Jim variants<\/a>, but Playmates did manage two supporting cast members and three villains in the first wave. I never enjoyed Playmates habit of not painting accessories, but the toy line was otherwise awesome. At first.<\/p>\n

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The company that made the Earthworm Jim games would change hands, the original rockin\u2019 developers would move on, and the third Earthworm Jim game, for N64, just wasn\u2019t as cool (and was virtually impossible at times, more so than even the first game). The Game Boy port sucked. The cartoon ran its course. And the toy line never got a second wave. And worse still, we know what the second wave was<\/a>. Namely, we never got the Queen or the Professor, but there were some fun Jim variants and the Hamsternator on the chopping block as well. Ouch. <\/p>\n

And that\u2019s really been it for the last twelve years. Jim burned brightly, but went out fast. There\u2019s usually some rumor of Earthworm Jim 4 going around and I think Xbox released an update of the original game not too long ago, but it\u2019s been quiet otherwise. Until Mezco announced they were bringing Earthworm Jim back to plastic. <\/p>\n

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I get busy, so I was a little confused when I heard Mezco was making a new Jim figure. I didn\u2019t realize there are actually two versions. The one in this review is the regular release; I got mine from BBTS a few weeks ago, and this version features the standard deco and Jim\u2019s angry face. It basically recaptures the look of the box art from the original game. <\/p>\n

There is also a metallic deco that was released as an SDCC exclusive. It\u2019s still listed as available in the Mezco store and I have to admit I\u2019m mighty tempted. I don\u2019t need two Jim\u2019s, but that one features a smiling Jim head. Ugh! <\/p>\n

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Let’s focus on the worm in the hand. First off, I wanted to give a rare shout out to the packaging. It still ended up the recycle bin, but I liked that even it had a 90s feel to it. I loved seeing the box art from the PC game reused (though it makes me long for a game-accurate Pocket Rocket) and the copy on the back has the right tone for the figure. It was fun to rip open. <\/p>\n

The figure inside looks fantastic. The sculpt captures all the right details from the game version and the figure makes me happy just having him stand there – which is kinda all he does! As fantastic as the sculpt is, the articulation is limited to above the torso \u2013 a one-piece ball-joint at the neck, two-piece ball-joints at the shoulders, hinged elbows, and swivels at the waist and forearms. <\/p>\n

Honestly, it doesn\u2019t bother me that he\u2019s lacking articulation below the waist. One, we\u2019re not going to get a Pocket Rocket for him (though, hey Mezco, just make him some new seated legs and we\u2019re good to go\u2026) and two I think the articulation wouldn\u2019t work well given the design. Dem legs are spindly, no? For once, I think I can get behind the decision to cut the articulation. <\/p>\n

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The only thing I don\u2019t like about the figure is the eye placement. It\u2019s right on for the cover art, but it just doesn\u2019t quite work in three dimensions. In 2D the weird eye placement always looked fine, but with the figure, if you\u2019re looking at Jim any other way than to his left, you can\u2019t really see his eyes and it makes the figure look off. That kinda adds to my wanting the SDCC\/metallic version A his eyes are a little better placed. But really, I just wish Mezco could\u2019ve packed both heads with both figures and maDe them swappable parts. I won’t knock this figure for not measuring up to that ideal -the figure is awesome – but that would\u2019ve taken things to the next level easily. <\/p>\n

The paint work is fairly solid. The head looks fantastic, which is always key. Most of the other lines are sharp, but the blue straps are a little warbly. I don\u2019t think it detracts from the figure though. It seems more right with them being slightly uneven, even if it is a state-of-the-art cybernetic suit. <\/p>\n

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Jim did include two accessories. One, his trusty Plasma Blaster which looks game-accurate and really brings back the memories. The only issue is that this version of Jim can\u2019t look at where he\u2019s pointing the gun. He\u2019s got that \u201cgun drawn and coming around a corner pose\u201d down, but even with the great articulation in the arms, he feels limited. The other accessory is a pretty fun one \u2013 Jim sans the super-suit. Basically, it\u2019s a bendy worm (with a third Jim expression!). It feels sturdy like good bendy material should and it can stand up on its own, so it\u2019s another full of win accessory \u2013 though again I find myself wishing there was a way to attach it to the figure as an alternate head. I know, I know, I’m harping…<\/p>\n

I know most of my issues are about wanting more out of this figure while stressing that Mezco did a great job. I can’t help it though, I’d love swappable heads and more accessroies \u2013 I mean, really, no Snot? But that’s all just because I love Jim and because Mezco has whetted my appetite with this great figure. <\/p>\n

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He looks fantastic; like he walked right out of the game. It\u2019s an amazing figure that leaves me futilely hoping that Mezco will get deeper into the franchise and make Psy-Crow, Peter, or the Princess. Or at the very least, give me a figure that I\u2019m still crushed to this day Playmates never made, one that wasn\u2019t even in the canceled wave, one that would be delightfully easy for Mezco to do (I\u2019m desperate, I\u2019ll overlook the triangular collar), the twisted and evil copy of Jim, Evil Jim. Evil Jim is essentially Jim\u2019s Bizarro, created in a bizarre accident involving a photocopier and toxic waste (how can anyone not love Earthworm Jim…). I don\u2019t know how deep Mezco intends to go, but I’d like to see ’em try!<\/p>\n

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For more reviews, check out our Review Index<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/center><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I can\u2019t believe Earthworm Jim is eighteen years old. That\u2019s not groovy. I haven\u2019t played the game in forever, but I burned many hours playing the first two games back in junior high. Jim has since fallen on some hard times, but Mezco has him back in the spotlight this summer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_options":[]},"categories":[34,10],"tags":[1664,1665,322],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pObc6-5ko","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":19485,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=19485","url_meta":{"origin":20484,"position":0},"title":"Sponsor Announcement: Past Generation Toys","date":"July 7, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"This week @ PastGenerationToys.com PreOrders The new Spider-Man movie is here and we have the Diamond Busts and Status below MSRP + Free Shipping. The four include: Spider-Man Amazing Spider-Man Movie Statue (preOrder) Lizard Amazing Spider-Man Movie Bust (preOrder) Proto Spider-Man Amazing Spider-Man Movie Bust (preOrder) Spider-Man Amazing Spider-Man Movie\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sponsors"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":21828,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=21828","url_meta":{"origin":20484,"position":1},"title":"Review Round-Up (October 29th-November 4th)","date":"November 9, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"It\u2019s been a hectic last couple days, but I couldn\u2019t miss Review Round-Up! This week could be called Metalhead week! It\u2019s not all TMNT this week though. There weren\u2019t many comic book toys, but Hobbit figures are getting more love and we\u2019ve always got a healthy chunk of MOTU reviews\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Reviews"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":20036,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=20036","url_meta":{"origin":20484,"position":2},"title":"Vault Review: Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leo & Raph","date":"August 3, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"My most anticipated toyline of the year has to be the Nickelodeon relaunch of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.\u00a0 And judging by the response of our toy-reviewing colleagues, I think it\u2019s safe to say that I\u2019m not alone.\u00a0 So here\u2019s my review of the Nickelodeon Leonardo and Raphael. Unlike Noisy,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Reviews"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.itsalltrue.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/lart01.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":28856,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=28856","url_meta":{"origin":20484,"position":3},"title":"Mezco Announces One:12 6″ Line w\/ DKR Batman!","date":"July 23, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"","rel":"","context":"In "News"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":686,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=686","url_meta":{"origin":20484,"position":4},"title":"Mr. Rant says, “Stop showing unproduced figures!”","date":"July 28, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"img align=left src=\"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/resources\/images\/really.png\" hspace=4>Last weekend\u2019s Comic-Con gave us a ton of interesting news and great pictures of the upcoming toys this year. But there was one thing that stood out to me like a glaring imperfection, and it was something Mattel doesn\u2019t plan on bringing to the fans. After all\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DCClassics.Com"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":255,"url":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=255","url_meta":{"origin":20484,"position":5},"title":"Most Requested Figures: Hellboy Comic Line","date":"July 18, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"","rel":"","context":"In "Requests"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20484"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=20484"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20484\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33345,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20484\/revisions\/33345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20484"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20484"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20484"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}