TSS Review: Jazwares Metal Sonic Plush

If you used to watch a show called ‘The X-Files’ you know that poster Mulder has in his office? The one with the UFO and the words “I want to believe” below it? That’s how I’ve felt regarding Jazwares toys lately. Especially their Metal Sonic plush. Would you believe that this was first shown in a complete form way back in January 2012? Since then it’s been used on the Jazwares website, made a random appearance a year later at another toyfair event and been cancelled. With no new toys at this years fair and more cancellations of products… it didn’t look good..

But it’s here. It’s finally here and it’s real! The Metal Sonic plush is finally here!

Now, why is this a big deal? Well, Metal Sonic has only had 2 plush incarnations previously, both are extremely rare and extremely expensive, a lot of collectors and fans of the character have been crying out for a plush for a long time.

So how have Jazwares done? The short answer… Surprisingly, very well!

I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting much since Jazwares does have a reputation when it comes to quality, even I’ve been in toy stores and seen Jazwares products returned on the counter with a receipt next to it. So I was a little curious as to what the big problem would be.

And I’m pleased to say… there isn’t one… sorta.

Jazwares have done a very good job with Metal, considering his RRP, it’s very well done. The difficulty in making a plush based on a robot is that unlike an organic creature, robots have solid flat mechanical parts which are difficult to do in a plush form. Not impossible, but difficult compared to organic creatures.

However, for the most part, Metal Sonic is very accurate and looks very much like his game counterpart. The metal components on him are modelled very well, the stitching used is hidden and there’s even a piece of fabric used to give the tip of his engine as opposed to leaving it as a sticker/image.

Metal’s head however is both a hit and a miss. They’ve used some kind of card within the fabric which gives metal his metallic spikes which in a way looks better than the original plush since it’s a more solid structure. However, this cardboard can easily be bent out of shape and is hard to get back into position. If you postal order these, expect the spikes to be slightly out of place.

Another thing I don’t like too much are the use of stickers/paint/images for the jet turbine and the bolts, not quite sure what these things are but I’d rather it be stitching of some kind of buttons… but again, this would greatly increase the cost of the plush.

In terms of previous plush outings, Metal Sonic is certainly one of Jazware’s more prouder entries into the franchises, light years ahead of the old ‘dog faced sonic plush’ that has been doing the rounds for years. It’s hard to fault Metal Sonic when it comes to likeness, they really did a good job.

There is one annoyance, that being the cardboard tag, it covers a huge portion of his face and is difficult to move, so you’ll be quite tempted to just to remove it, but if you’re a collector, the idea of doing that will make you flinch a little.

Otherwise. Jazwares’ Metal Sonic plush is very very well made, except for one problem which I’ll address in a moment. His arms and legs are attached just below the elbow and knee giving him a robotic like stance which is true to the character.

Now during this review I’ve been hinting that there might be a slightly large problem with the plush… and there is. Jazwares, I know you’ve been trying lately, but… really?

How did… I had to double check since I couldn’t believe it. Nope, Metal Sonic doesn’t have 6 fingers. I have to admit I find this mistake quite hilarious and it’s hard to be mad at it, but it’s still a mistake/error and a very comical one. It’s most likely an isolated incident, at least I sure hope it is.

As of yet, this plush hasn’t been spotted in a store and is only available wholesale direct from Jazwares. So you’ll most likely have to deal with some extortionate re-sellers until they make it into toy stores.

Also if anyone from Jazwares reads this, please, we have asked repeatedly, can you do something about informing people when stuff is due out, because we actually want Sonic stuff to do well and when you tell wholesalers stuff has been cancelled or don’t have any information on the Sonic line other than the standard PR line, it really doesn’t do you or the brand any favours. When stuff randomly pops up in stores, it’s a nice surprise, but it’s a lot better if we know in advance when stuff is due out.

Certainly would help with the halt of misinformation being spread.

Anyway, to finish off, here’s a round-up of points.

You’ll Love

• + Finally a reasonably priced Metal Sonic plush!
• + Accuracy of the design
• + The plush actually looks like a robot
• + How the arms and legs are connected/move.
• + One of Jazwares’ best plushies to date.

You’ll Hate

•  – Stickers/images instead of buttons/sewing.
•  – Tag is in an awful location/covers up most of Metal’s face.
•  – The cardboard head spikes are very weak and can easily bend out of shape.
•  – He now has 6 fingers… though this might be a one off error.

P.S.