2011
01.06

The re-imagined Battlestar Galactica makes it to season 4 on the tube and wave 4 in Minimates. Up for review is the variant figure for this wave, Miniseries Gaius Baltar. Once again Baltar is packaged with Doc Cottle, but as the good doctor has already been reviewed only the variant will be covered.

Packaging

The packaging is exactly the same as the previous waves, with the obvious exception of the blister inserts, and the photos on the back of the card. It works really well so the fact it hasn’t changed isn’t really a problem. This set obviously has the big ‘Variant Enclosed’ sticker on the outside of the blister.

The rear of the card features same picture of the BSG cast rendered as Minimates, and photos of all the ‘mates in the wave including the variant, as well as the Previews exclusive Kat and Mortar Cylon.


The Figure

Miniseries Gaius Baltar

Silly vainglorious Gaius Baltar. This Minimate represents Baltar as he’s introduced to us in the miniseries which launched the re-imagined show.

Sigh, another Baltar Minimate – another sad case of ‘looksnothinglikejamescallisitis’. In fairness I have mentioned before that it’s a difficult likeness to capture but then again it’s been done fairly well with this wave’s regular Gaius Baltar Minimate. I think a lot of it comes down to that rather full top lip that he’s been given. Baltar has a thin mouth whereas this little chap is practically Mick Jagger.

It has to be said though, that the body is excellent. Having only watched the miniseries once I can’t say I recall seeing Baltar wear this particular ensemble. However it’s extremely well designed and put together, and looks suitably foppish. As with this wave’s Roslin it’s the attention to detail that gives this mate a ‘wow’ factor. Check out those pinstripes, line up nicely don’t they? Look closer, they’re double pinstripes. At this scale that’s really quite astonishing. Then check out the lapels, again more pinstriping. Now cast your mind back to DCD’s wave 1 Joker Minimate and the issues with the pinstriping on the trousers. Not that long ago, yet the quality in applications has come on in leaps and bounds. Beneath the jacket piece is a suitably dandified red shirt with collar frill. Another nice piece of decoration which really sets the ‘mate off.

Miniseries Baltar has no accessories.

In conclusion: A bad likeness doesn’t detract too much from an otherwise well presented Minimate.

MMC Score – 7 out of 10


Final thoughts on Wave 4

Despite some weaknesses in likeness, something that has plagued the BSG line, it’s still nice to get new characters. I’m particularly a fan of Baltar, Cottle and Cally, and with the Mortar Cylon there’s a nice variant for army builders, albeit an exclusive.


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

Review and pictures by Rad Kerrigan

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