Quantum Mechanix doesn’t seem to be slowing down much when it comes to shiny new Serenity stuff, and I’m glad to see it. Two new items just hit the pre-order lists: a scary-accurate scale replica of the Mule, and a River maquette.
The Mule is just gorgeous.
QMx has produced the first ever exact scale model replica of the Flying Mule as seen in the movie Serenity. Measuring 14.5″ x 10.75″ x 4.5,” the Mule replica is a highly detailed model, hand-painted to match the movie vehicle exactly, right down to the emblems and decals. Using the studio-supplied blueprints and AutoCAD model, plus extensive photographic reference, this Mule replica is the last word in accuracy.
Included with the Mule replica is a cast-resin diorama measuring 15.5″ x 10.75″ x 1.” This hand-painted base simulates the sandy surface of some Border moon perfectly.
The QMx Mule can be displayed in one of two modes: CGI mode, where two heavy-duty acrylic posts are used to hold up the Mule, simulating the hover effect. And Backstage mode, with a replica of the dolly used to store the Mule between shots that you can set your Mule on.
Mules don’t come cheap; retail is $349.95. But pre-order from TFAW.com and you can get it for $314.95 instead. Limited to 1,000 made, due October 27th.
Then there’s the River maquette:
QMx has dedicated our first Big Damn Heroes animated maquette to the awesome that is River Tam. The Big Damn Heroes line of maquettes feature more mature anime-style designs, including realistic wardrobe, props and settings. Significantly larger than our best-selling Little Damn Heroes, the new line adds a serious edge to it’s subject matter, offering a sexier, more heroic take on Big Damn Heroes.
River is captured in the midst of battle with the Reavers, her pose showing a dancer’s grace while her expression (and a copious spattering of her enemy’s blood) shows she means business. Great pains were taken to study both River’s prop sword and axe as well as her dress and boots, all of which are recreated in precise detail. Even the detailed, hand-painted base invokes the lived-in quality of Whedon’s Firefly and Serenity Verse.
Each River Tam maquette is cast in polystone resin and hand-painted, reflecting the high standards you’ve come to expect from a QMx maquette. River measures 6″ tall by 6″ wide without the base. The separately sculpted and painted base measures 5″x7″x1″. River Tam is being offered in a limited edition of only 1,500.
River runs a bit more reasonable like, just $69.95 (or $62.95 if you preorder). Hits the streets running August 25.
I have to admit I’m not as excited about the River maquette as I should be, largely because I already have a statue of her from that scene. Granted, the pose, anime-ish style and (I’m certain) quality will be far superior to Diamond Select’s doomed series, but I would have preferred to start this new line of maquettes with Mal or, hey, maybe one of the 4 characters who haven’t gotten a single toy or statue yet. Just sayin’. Most likely when I see the others in the set I’ll be more excited about this one. Looks awfully good, though…
“River runs” HAH!