Review date: 10/16/2004

Manufacturer: Sideshow Collectibles

Released: 2004

Availability: RARE

Type: Replica

 
 
Personal Story:
I'm a huge fan of Hellboy so I was interested in the San Diego Comic Con Exclusive Nazi Kroenen 1/6 scale figure from Sideshow. I wasn't able to go to the convention so I joined up the Exclusives mailing list to win a chance to purchase the figure. They also had this gun replica available so I joined up on their waiting list to purchase it. I was lucky enough to win a chance to purchase it during the last week drawing. I wasn't able to afford the 1/1 scale version (which was sold out anyways) so I snatched it up. The price wasn't too bad.
 
Introduction:
This prop replica was made by Sideshow Collectibles. The gun is based on the Samaritan from the comic book/movie, Hellboy. This replica was only available to people who went to the 2004 San Diego Comic Convention and to people who were chosen on Sideshow's exclusives waiting list. This was made in 1/4 scale. Limited to 3,500 pieces worldwide.
 

Sculpt:
Not bad. The look of the gun is just right. They managed to capture the look of the gun from the movie quite well. It has all the details of the actual gun and the sculpt is quite accurate. All the small details like the screws and BPRD emblem on the handle is well done. I can't really say there's anything wrong with the overall look. The added leather strap on the end of the handle was a nice touch. Just in case you're wondering, the gun was made from metal so it's quite heavy. I was actually surprised at how heavy it was when I had it in my hand. It adds a sense of weight and value to it which is nice. I can't really tell if the handle was made separately than the rest of the gun but it looks like it's made from a different material.

The bad thing about the gun is the lack of functions. Sideshow called this a "replica" but it doesn't have any of the functions a replica would have. The only thing you can do is open the gun's bullet chamber to put in the bullets. That's it. I mean, we could do the exact same thing with the 1/6 scale plastic version which adds nothing to this replica version. I was looking forward to certain features but they were missing. The gun's barrel is solid (just like the 1/6 gun) and you can't even move things like the trigger. I've seen more functions with 1/6 scale guns than with this "replica". This is more like a metal sculpture than a replica. I wish Sideshow had done a better job with it considering its exclusive nature. What a shame.

The bullets are nicely detailed with the minor groves like the real bullets. Other than that, there's nothing particular special about them. It would've been cool if they included the weird green tracer bullet that we saw in the movie. Actually, any other bullets from the movie would've been nice extras.

The base is interesting. The two "poles" where the gun is held is fairly solid. The prongs are a little too wide, in my opinion. But they do allow you the option to have some space for the gun to be tilted forward or backward on it. The actual base design is quite nice. The BRPD emblem on the base is clear and cool looking with its slanted look. The "Hellboy" title on the front is made of metal and very well done. My only complaint about it is that they added the "TM" on it. I mean, why bother? The holes for the bullets are okay. While they hold the bullets well, the bullets aren't flat on them. It's because I think there's a felt bottom there and they aren't even or flat. I had to mess around with the bullets until I got them right. I would've liked it if they had made the holes better so the bullets would fit more snugly. Oh well. I'd also like the point out that the texture of the base is rough which is cool. It's a cool looking base overall.
 

Paint:
The paint job is fairly well done. Instead of giving us a clean gun, Sideshow went for a used look. The black is quite nice and dark with a good amount of white and silver to indicate scratches on it. It gives the gun an aged look. The black looks like metal and not like some toy which is another plus so I was happy with it. The handle was made to look like wood. It looks quite convincing and the emblem's silver paint is good and clean.

The color of the bullets are made from a metallic bronze and silver paint and also looks quite good. It really gives the bullets a realistic look. But other than that, there's nothing special about them. The base is made of a nice shiny black glossy paint. The reds are nice and dark and very well applied. I didn't see any problems with it. Good job overall with the color choices.

 
Overall: B+
The gun is very nice and it's a good collectible for anyone who likes Hellboy or the gun's design. My main problem is the lack of functions since this was called a replica. But other than that, it's a nice piece to display.
 

Where can I find this?
 Rare. The gun was only available at SDCC and from Sideshow's exclusive wait list so I suggest Ebay. It's impossible to find anywhere else.

 
Other Images:


The box. Very cool design with clear photos of the gun. It would've been nice if you could see the actual gun inside the box.

 


The handle. Very nice details with the logo and paint.

 


The bullet chamber revealed. The only functional part of the entire gun...

 


The bullets.

 


The back.

 
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