.

In late 2006 DST tested the water with limited edition sets of Cylons both modern and classic, and it appeared they had a bit of a hit on their hands.This first wave of Battlestar Galactica (BSG) Minimates arrived in the first quarter of 2007.

Packaging

DST have gone for blister cards with these Minimates, and the design of the blister made me almost want to keep my figures carded. Almost! The Battlestar Galactica logo is on a cardboard inset at the top of the blister, while the bottom of the blister features the names of the characters within, and the Battlestar Galactica crest in the centre. The same card has a wing detail swooping up the sides. [I think the bubble is meant to be a represention of a Viper pilot helmet – Ed] The figures themselves are clearly viewed through the bubble and accessories are also on show. The backing card itself has a spacey nebula’ish background and is very nice indeed.

The rear of the card features a nice cartoony type picture of the BSG cast rendered as Minimates, and photos of all the ‘mates in the wave including the variant. It also features more logos than is good for it. There’s the Sci-Fi channel, Universal, Art Asylum, and Diamond Select Toys logos all in the bottom left corner of the card. What with those the CE information and that huge UPC window it’s a wonder there was any room at all for other graphics. Kind of a shame the back of the card is so busy when the front has such an elegant design.

The Figures

Admiral Cain

In the original Battlestar Galactica the Cain and Starbuck characters were both men. Now they’re both women, and both in the same pack. Admiral Cain is in charge of the Battlestar Pegasus and takes charge of the fugitive fleet when they catch up with each other. Trouble is, Cain’s much more of an authoritarian figure than Commander Adama and sparks start to fly.

Facially this is spot on (no pun intended). Admiral Cain is played by Michelle Forbes, one look at the Minimate and you know who it’s supposed to be. The expression with its slightly downturned mouth is right and the inclusion of the mole on the chin really clinches it. The hairpiece is new, if I had any criticism of the figure it’s that the hairpiece doesn’t sit quite right. It looks like it should rest on the shoulders, but the right hand side flares away from the face, making it appear a bit odd. The hairpiece has been cast in white and then sprayed with the hair colour, rather than being cast in coloured plastic. More on that later.

The body is done in a simple fashion, with a chest piece to represent Cain’s uniform jacket. It’s all rather spartan but well decorated all the same. Cain also comes with a belt. There’s some decoration on the left shoulder – I have no idea what it actually is, but will assume it’s the crest of the Pegasus. The paint apps that detail the cuffs are simple but well applied. There’s no decoration on the legs and the feet are plain black. From behind the figure is very non-descript. The only things breaking the monotony are the various Trade Mark indicia on the legs and the wrist bands on the arms.

Cain’s only accessory is a book. Presumably it’s for throwing at subordinates? Cain has C3 feet and a peg hole in her head.

In conclusion, a simple yet effective Minimate. It really catches the likeness of the actor that plays Cain. Another winner from DST.

MMC Score – 7 out of 10

Lieutenant Starbuck

Kara ‘Starbuck’ Thrace: Galactica’s ace pilot is hard-fighting, hard-drinking, hard-headed and all woman. Despite the initial furore over the character’s sex-change she’s one of the breakout characters from the show. Everybody loves Starbuck.

Facially this Starbuck Minimate is exactly the same as the Toyfair exclusive promo Starbuck reviewed by Danny. The face doesn’t really match the character, we need Starbuck with a wry grin, or a mischievous expression. Not all serious and moody. I also have a problem with the hair. Starbuck is blonde, the hair on this Minimate appears to be greenish yellow. It’s really not very good. Interestingly like Cain the hairpiece has been cast in white and then sprayed with the hair colour, rather than being cast in coloured plastic. Perhaps this is why it has such an odd hue?

Like Apollo, the body is where this ‘mate comes into it’s own, In fact, it’s exactly the same body as Apollo. Same chestpiece, same holster, same metallic sheen. It’s hard to review this figure with any enthusiasm which is weird considering how much I liked the Apollo ‘mate. There’s the same amount of detailing and sweet little touches here and there. But the sameness makes me go meh!

Starbuck comes with the same accessories as Apollo too – a blaster pistol which is a pretty good, and also a flight helmet. You have to remove her hair to fit the helmet over her head, but that’s to be expected. Starbuck has the C3 feet and requisite peg-hole in her head.

In conclusion, this version of Starbuck is too similar to the Apollo ‘mate to really light my fire. It’s still a good (though not great) Minimate and complements the rest of the set well enough.

MMC Score – 6 out of 10

Agree? Disagree? Why not vote for yourself below, or comment further over at the Minimate Multiverse MMC Review Forum.

Review and pictures by Stewart Kay

[starratingmulti id=”1″]

[starratingmulti id=”2″]