JOYTOY Imperial Knight Review: A Massive Poseable Action Figure Worth Considering

Introduction

The JOYTOY Imperial Knight is a ridiculously large poseable action figure that makes an immediate impression. It arrives in a substantial box with beautiful printing that shows off the figure inside, along with its poseability and included accessories. The packaging quality stands out, especially when compared to simpler model kit boxes that show little of what is actually inside.

The figure itself is already built, which is a major convenience. There is no need to spend hours assembling and painting. It comes with a range of accessories including separate weapons, a pilot figure, spare hands, and a spare head. The overall presentation is impressive, with a high-quality paint job that looks vibrant and detailed right out of the box.

First Impressions

Opening the box reveals a well-protected figure nestled in protective polystyrene. The paint job quality is immediately noticeable, with vibrant colors and fine detailing across the armor panels. The figure comes with a small pilot figure, described as a princess in the Warhammer universe, tucked away in a tiny bag. There is also a head included as a spare, which is a nice touch.

The box contains separate weapons that feel substantial and connect easily. The cannon is enormous, bigger than any of the weapons from comparable model kits. The figure’s pistons work, and the cables are made of soft rubbery material that moves and flexes naturally. This adds a satisfying tactile quality to the figure.

Assembly and Setup

While the figure arrives pre-built, there is still some assembly required to attach the arms, head, and weapons. The process takes a bit of effort, as the connections are stiff and require a firm push to lock into place. The instructions are minimal, so some trial and error is involved. One small armor panel popped off during handling but pushed back on easily, though it might need a touch of glue to stay secure.

The head attaches with a satisfying click once you figure out the correct angle. The eyes can be removed to install a small battery, which powers LED lights in the head. The battery is not included, so you will need to source a CR927 battery separately. The cockpit hatch opens to reveal a space where the pilot figure can be placed, which adds a fun interactive element.

Articulation and Poseability

The Imperial Knight offers a generous amount of articulation. The knees move, the legs move, and the feet are articulated in four directions, though the toes do not move, which means they may not sit flat on the ground in some poses. The arms have multiple articulation points, allowing them to move outward and downward. The shoulder pads also have a huge amount of articulation, accommodating a wide range of poses.

The gun and cannon can move in the same ways as the chainsword arm. The chainsword itself has chains on little wheels inside, so they can be spun by hand, which is a delightful detail. The armor panels are made of hard plastic, while the cables and dangly parts are soft, flexible, and squishy. The large danglers at the back are quite rubbery and jiggle when touched, though they might look a bit oversized.

Cockpit and Pilot Figure

The cockpit hatch opens to reveal a small interior where the pilot figure can be placed. The pilot is a tiny figure with nice detailing, reminiscent of G.I. Joe figures. Getting the pilot into the cockpit takes a bit of maneuvering, but once seated, the hatch closes securely. There is also a secret battery compartment behind a small vent, which powers small lights behind the pilot. This adds a nice touch of realism and interactivity.

Paintwork and Detailing

The paintwork on the Imperial Knight is exceptionally well done. The colors are vibrant and the detailing is sharp, with a level of quality that is immediately apparent. The figure looks visually impressive from every angle, with intricate panel lines and weathering effects that give it a battle-worn appearance. The shield can be posed and moved around, adding to the display options.

The overall build quality is solid, though the figure is quite chunky and large, which can make moving the legs feel a bit awkward at first. The armor plates shift slightly when you push, so it takes some practice to learn how to move the legs smoothly. Once you get the hang of it, the figure holds poses well and looks fantastic on display.

Size Comparison and Value

The Imperial Knight is essentially the same size as a Warlord Titan model kit, but there is a significant difference in how they are made. The Warlord Titan is a resin kit that takes years to build and paint, while the Imperial Knight is a plastic action figure that is ready to display out of the box. The Imperial Knight is also lighter, making it easier to handle and pose.

The price difference is notable. The Warlord Titan costs around £2,000, while the Imperial Knight costs around £500. For anyone who wants a large Imperial Knight for display or gaming purposes without the time and expense of building a resin kit, this action figure offers a compelling alternative at a quarter of the price.

Buying Advice

The JOYTOY Imperial Knight is a fantastic choice for collectors who want a large, detailed, and poseable action figure without the commitment of building and painting a model kit. It is ready to display right out of the box, with impressive paintwork and a wide range of articulation. The included pilot figure, spare head, and spare hands add value, and the working pistons and spinning chainsword chains are delightful touches.

There are a few things to keep in mind. The assembly process requires some effort, and the instructions are minimal. The battery for the head lights is not included, so you will need to purchase a CR927 battery separately. The toes do not move, which may affect certain poses. The large rubbery danglers at the back might look a bit oversized to some. The box may arrive with some damage depending on shipping, though this does not affect the figure itself.

Conclusion

The JOYTOY Imperial Knight is a visually impressive and highly poseable action figure that delivers a lot of value for its price. It offers the presence and scale of a much more expensive model kit, but with the convenience of a ready-to-display action figure. The paintwork is excellent, the articulation is generous, and the interactive features add to the fun. While there are a few minor quirks, they do not detract from the overall appeal. For collectors looking for a statement piece, this is a strong option worth considering.