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 Thermopylae 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 Sparta 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 action figure- 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 military 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 Xerxes I’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 France 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 | TOY SOLDIER & MODEL FIGURE 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.