could be of a delicate nature, the Persian threat to their freedom led many Greeks to unite SC together in an alliance. TH AL While the Persians’ superior numbers /6 E eventually overran the Greeks, the defenders’ 1 sacrifice has never been forgotten. Monuments to both the Spartans and the Thespians can be found at today. The last stand at Thermopylae has also captured the popular imagination thanks to books like Steven Pressfield’s fictional “Gates of Fire.” Movies include 1962’s “The 300 Spartans,” starring Richard Egan as Leonidas; and 2006’s “300,” with Gerard Butler portraying the Greek commander. showcase LION’S LAST STAND Leonidas, which is Greek for “Lion’s son” or “Lion-like,” was born around 540 B.C., the son of T Y King Anaxandrides II. At this time had two H kings who shared in ruling the state. One leader would be a descendant of the Agiad dynasty, as E M was Leonidas, while the other would be a S R descendant of Eurypon in this twin monarchy. IXTH A Leonidas was married to Gorgo, the daughter of his half-brother King Cleomenes I. At some point between 490 and 488 B.C., Leonidas became King after his half-brother went mad and committed suicide. Scott J. Dummitt and Bill Thomas Leonidas faced a difficult decision as the Persian invasion of Greece developed. Spartan cover the latest - law forbade him from leading the army out of the kingdom during a religious festival being held at the time. However, it would be unthinkable to not related items. If it’s new in the commit Spartan might and leadership to the coalition of Greek city-states being formed to hobby, you’ll find it here first! face the Persian menace. In the end Leonidas was able to march with his personal bodyguard of 300 men to contribute to the Greek force mustered to defend SPARTAN KING Thermopylae. BY IGNITE INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. The Greeks managed to hold off Persian King ’s multinational army for three days. Reviewed by: Scott J. Dummitt when 338,000 Allied troops Various accounts have placed the Persian strength were successfully evacuated It is said that history is from to fight another written by the winners. day against the Axis Powers. However, there have been Survivors from the British times in history when the Expeditionary Force would defeated have become the part form the core of the Army that of the story of a military rose from the ashes like the campaign that future legendary phoenix to emerge generations pay tribute to. victorious in World War II. Examples that come to mind Ancient Sparta’s King include Prince Mikhail Kutozov, Leonidas, the basis for a new the Russian army commander 1/6th-scale figure made by who repulsed the invasion of Ignite Industrial Co. Ltd., is French Emperor Napoleon’s probably the most famous Grande Armée in 1812. Despite example of a hero who lost a being defeated at the Battle of battle but through his Borodino, the Russian general inspirational example and was able to withdraw his army sacrifice helped to ultimately successfully. Then by retreating win a war. and drawing Napoleon into the Leonidas led the brave heart of Russia, Kutozov was stand of 7,000 Greek hoplites able to turn the tables on the defending the pass at enemy. Thermopylae against an Another moment in history invading Persian force 20 to 35 in which victory was snatched times their size in 480 B.C. At a from the jaws of defeat was time when peace amongst the 1940’s “Miracle of Dunkirk,” Greek city-states themselves

52 | Soldier & One of the first things I noticed was the figure’s realistic long hair. My research revealed that Spartan warriors were known to wear their hair long, so the new head style was most welcome. The outfit that the figure wears is truly fit for a king. The tunic is a deep burgundy with an elaborate design adorning the hem area. Like the “Spartan Warrior” issued by Ignite previously, this new figure comes with a heavy red cloak carrying an intricate design. The figure wears a stamped brass breastplate and back plate, as well as real metal greaves and sandals. The cast-metal Corinthian helmet has a black and white horsehair plume worn from side to side. Of great interest is the colorful Etruscan shield provided with the set. I had earlier seen the same shield emblazon on the 300 Spartan Warriors Website at www.300SpartanWarriors. com, so I contacted John Trikeriotis who runs it. Not only did he verify that it was the actual design that Leonidas had on his shield, John also told me that Ignite had contacted him for research information. Ignite’s figure carries two weapons: a spear with a die-cast spearhead and a die-cast “makhaira” (sword) with a sheath. The Spartan leader looks imposing posed with Greek hoplites issued by Ignite previously. I think a full beard would have been more appropriate than just a mustache for this figure. as high as 1 million men. and who apparently surrendered In addition, the body should have been made However, modern historians to the Persians as soon as they stiffer to support the extra weight of the helmet, estimate it was between 150,000 could) made a stand. armor and shield. Aside from these two small to 250,000 men. Leonidas was killed in the problems, I think this makes a great companion The vastly outnumbered initial stages of the attack. His figure to go with other Greek hoplites that Ignite Greeks were finally betrayed by Spartans rallied four times to has produced. a countryman who told the recover his body. But eventually The “Spartan King” sells for about $75 U.S. Persians of a mountain path the Greeks were all killed by More information can be obtained by visiting the around the narrow pass at Persian arrows. manufacturer’s Website at www.igniteco.com. Thermopylae. Most of the The defense at Thermopylae Greek army withdrew before did not stop the advancing getting outflanked and Persian juggernaut. But it surrounded. did buy the Athenians time But Leonidas and his fellow to assemble a great fleet Spartans, 700 Thespians, and that eventually met Xerxes’ approximately 400 Thebans armada at Salamis. There the (who were said to have been Athenians, who were kept as hostages by Leonidas, outnumbered by at least 3-to-1, defeated the Persians. The Greek naval victory threatened Xerxes’ supply lines. In addition, he was forced to return to Persia due to a rebellion in his kingdom. In 479 B.C., the Persians were finally pushed out of Greece after being defeated in the Battle of Plataea by a Greek army led once again by a Spartan.

REAL METAL ARMOR I was quite pleased to receive a new “Spartan King” figure for review from Merit International (Website: www.merit-intl.com), Ignite’s U.S. distributor. The China-based maker’s previous figures have been of a high Left, above and right: The new “Spartan King” figure inspired by Leonidas’ heroics at Thermopylae standard, so I expected more of comes with real metal armor. the same this time.

Toy Soldier & Model Figure | 53 showcase - 1/6TH SCALE THE SIXTH ARMY body armor (RBA) in the Woodland pattern and a snug- fitting personal armor system ground troops (PASGT) helmet with a Woodland pattern cover and night vision goggles (NVG) mount. The gear also includes an OD Omega-style assault vest. This is a nice touch because pictorial references show that Mullen uses one of these during military simulations. The Photo Courtesy of Echo Base Toys. equipment is rounded off with a Above: Retired U.S. Army Master pair of black Alta kneepads. Sgt. Howard “Mad Max” Mullen holds The weaponry is simple and the new Ranger figure modeled after him. once again accurate. The

Left and below: The Ranger figure is master sergeant carries an a superb likeness of the real man and M4A1 rifle with an AN/PEQ comes with lots of authentic gear. laser, Aimpoint optics and a foregrip. There are 10 M Series magazines to fill out the U.S. ARMY RANGER IN ACU: MASTER SGT. HOWARD `MAD MAX’ MULLEN pouches very nicely. There is no BY TOY SOLDIER & WORKSHOP secondary weapon in this set, but that is also accurate for a Reviewed by: Bill Thomas box itself is a small work of art 1990s Ranger when gear was a with crisp, full-color photos lot more straightforward. California-based Echo Base Toys continues showing what a collector will Only 800 of these to work closely with Toy Soldier & Workshop to find inside. The box also carries figures were produced by commemorate highly decorated U.S. military a brief biography. Toy Soldier & Workshop personnel with limited edition figures, and I have The figure itself is Toy (Website: www.toysoldier.com) to say the latest is a real gem. Soldier & Workshop’s T1 type exclusively for Echo Base Toys Master Sgt. Howard Mullen, known as “Mad with a superbly rendered head (www.echobasetoys.com), Max” due to his robust style of leadership, is one sculpture. Comparing the which sells it for $54.99 U.S. the Army’s most highly decorated Rangers. It is likeness to photos of the real I think the trend toward fabulous to see him re-created in 1/6th scale. man shows the sculptor has producing figures based on real really captured Mullen’s military personnel is a very appearance and determination. positive step forward. In other MAD MAX THE SOLDIER The figure comes dressed in toy soldier scales it is quite Mullen exemplifies what it takes to be a Ranger. the Army’s Woodland ripstop common to see limited-run He is one of a very few dedicated individuals to battle-dress uniform, a tan T- collectibles based on historical have served in all three Ranger battalions, the shirt, and black leather lace-up personages. At last 1/6th-scale headquarters element of the 75th Regiment, and boots. The Nomex-gloved hands figures are gearing up to join as a Ranger instructor. are slightly stiff but poseable. their ranks. His combat experience includes service in The equipment is incredibly Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada 1983) and detailed -- especially the scaled- Operation Restore Democracy (Haiti 1994). Mullen down LC2 load-bearing also co-authored the U.S. Army Combative Manual. equipment, which consists of The soldier’s service record reads like an four M16 pouches, a water action novel. Mullen’s awards and decorations bottle pouch, a first aid pouch are many and varied. They include the Legion of and a carrier for the included Merit, Army Commendation Medals, Ranger Tab, MX300 radio. There is Ranger Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Combat Infantry Badge and Expert Infantry Badge. He also holds parachutist wings from both France and , and the Imjin Scout Badge from the Republic of Korea. Now retired from active duty, Mullen still works as a leadership consultant, personal development trainer and motivational speaker. He also works with Lt. Col. Danny McKnight, Sgt. Kenn Miller and Col. Paul Longgrear (all ex-Rangers or Green Berets) as a team leader for the Operation Lion Claws series of military simulations. What a group!

MAD MAX THE FIGURE In keeping with Mullen’s period of service, the figure represents a Ranger from the 1990s. I can find very little fault with the uniform and equipment in the boxed set contains. And the

54 | Toy Soldier & Model Figure Sideshow Collectibles has produced BOROMIR FROM THE LORD OF THE RINGS a licensed figure of Boromir, a tormented soul from J.R.R. Tolkein’s epic trilogy, “The Lord BY SIDESHOW COLLECTIBLES of the Rings.” The author introduces the character in “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the first volume in the series. Boromir’s desire to act honorably is constantly at conflict with his urge to take the One Ring for himself and the benefit of his homeland, Gondor. The 1/6th-scale figure is modeled after actor Sean Bean, who played Boromir in director Peter Jackson’s 2001 film version of “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Bean, who is probably best-known for his portrayal of Richard Sharpe in the television series based on Bernard Cornwell’s Napoleonic novels, gave a credible Middle-earth performance as the son of Denethor, lord and steward of Minas Tirith. This Boromir actually marks the maker’s second Bean-based figure. Sideshow Collectibles previously released a figure modeled after Bean’s portrayal of villain Alec Trevelyan in “GoldenEye,” a 1995 James Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan as British secret agent 007.

ACCURATE RESEMBLANCE The Boromir figure comes dressed in dark trousers, knee-high boots, a chain mail undergarment, a fine burgundy satin shirt adorned in a zodiac pattern, and a leatherette over-garment, which would act as protection in battle as well as inclement weather. In addition, he wears molded leather gloves and leather armbands. Around his waist Boromir wears a heavy leather belt which carries sheaths for his sword and fighting knife. He also carries a leather-faced shield with metal banding on the perimeter and a leather sling to help carry the weight. Boromir has his great wild ox horn bound Sideshow Collectibles has issued a figure modeled after actor Sean Bean’s film portrayal of Boromir in “The Lord of the Rings.” in silver over his shoulder. Completing the set is a display stand bearing the words “Lord of Reviewed by: Scott J. Dummitt booted as if for a journey on the Rings.” horseback; and indeed though The facial sculpture of Bean’s character is And seated a little apart was a his garments were rich, and his quite accurate. The body articulation allows for tall man with a fair and noble cloak lined with fur, they were this figure to assume a variety of action poses. face, dark-haired and grey- stained with long travel. He had Whether someone is a Bean fan or a “Lord of eyed, proud and stern of a collar of silver in which a the Rings” fan, this figure is sure to please. Not glance. He was cloaked and single white stone was set; his only does it represent the spirit of the film, but locks were shorn about his the clothing and equipment also make this figure shoulders. On a baldric he wore a splendid addition to any medieval collection. a great horn tipped with silver The figure retails for approximately $60 U.S. that now was laid upon his Be sure to check out all of the “Lord of the Ring” knees. He gazed at Frodo and figures and accessories at the maker’s Website Bilbo with sudden wonder. -- at www.sideshowtoy.com. From “The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkein ABOUT THE 1/6TH ARMY TEAM Scott J. Dummitt retired from the Canadian Navy after 25 years of service. He is an avid collector of action figures and toy soldiers. He is also the proprietor of Scott J. Dummitt Presents, a Canadian Website (www.gijoecanada. com) and outlet for 1/6th-scale action figures and accessories. In addition, he produces 54-mm toy soldiers representing Canadian units. Expat Brit Bill Thomas now lives in Florida. He has been interested in military history, modeling and wargaming in all scales and eras for more than 25 years. He enjoys custom building 1/6th-scale modern figures.

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