Preacher is an AMC TV Series based on a stylish and over-the-top comic series by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon. The first season takes place prior to the events of the comic, and introduces us to the main cast of complex characters and the bizarre West Texas town of Annville, which they call home. Two of those characters are the Preacher with a checkered past and the power to make those do what he says, Jesse Custer and Cassidy, an Irish Vampire with a love of alcohol and the ladies. These two quickly become “best mates” and stir up heaps of trouble. They’re joined by Tulip and begin a road trip to find God, who’s gone missing from Heaven. If all that sounds completely insane, it’s because it is.
NECA is producing figures based on the show, and kicks off their first series with 7″ figures based on Jesse Custer and Cassidy. Each figure is fully articulated and include interchangeable hands and show themed accessories. We grabbed the figures from Toyark sponsor Dorkside Toys and have a full gallery and review to check out.
Related Dorkside Toys Links: NECA Preacher Series 1, All Preacher Figures, All NECA Figures
NECA Preacher Series 1 – Jesse Custer and Cassidy 7″ Figures
Pros
- Excellent sculpts
- Well done likenesses
- Good articulation
- Nice amount of accessories
- Tattoo detailing on Cassidy is impressive
Cons
- May be a hard sell for those unfamiliar with the show
Overall
The Preacher figures come packed in collector friendly window boxes. The packaging style is similar to those used in their Rocky and Ash vs Evil Dead releases. The design features promotional art from the Preacher series, with the back of the boxes featuring photos of the figures and character bios. The packaging is eye-catching and does a good job of showcasing the figures. Each figure sits on a plastic tray, held in by a single twist tie. Jesse includes extra interchangeable hands, beer bottles, a blue Hymnal book and a Coffee Can (which is the home of the power known as Genesis). Cassidy includes interchangeable hands, a whisk bottle, a beer bottle, and a red Hymnal book.
While I felt the first season of Preacher was a bit uneven, the last couple of episodes and the first season finale were pretty fun. The last few minutes of the finale were jaw dropping and unexpected and set up the second season quite perfectly. Even with some uneven pacing, I grew to really enjoy the characters from the show and though that the main trio had great chemistry. When NECA announced the license, I was and still am pretty excited. The show has the potential to give fans some incredible characters and if the show and toy line continue, some incredible figures. I think starting with Cassidy and Jesse was the right move (though a Tulip figure is sorely missed). Characters like Areseface, Herr Star and the Saint of Killers are eventually, most likely, to be more in demand. If series 1 is an indication of the quality we’ll be getting, then count me in for the further releases.
Both Jesse and Cassidy feature excellent sculpts, with nice attention to details on both figures. Cassidy is especially impressive with sharp and clean looking tattoos in his arms and hands. Both feature good likenesses to their respective actors, with Cassidy’s portrait probably gets the edge as the stronger of the two. The figure feature standard NECA style articulation with a great range of motion. Sadly, they don’t have double jointed knees or elbows, but it’s not really preventing them from doing any specific iconic poses or anything. The accessories included are a nice touch, as drinking and getting plastered plays a large part in the lives of both characters. The detailing on the bottles is excellent. Paint details on the figure is clean with nothing that jumps out as being an issue.
My biggest concern is that the show doesn’t have a big enough audience or collectors view these as two very regular looking characters and don’t support the line. That would be a shame, as these are solid figures and upcoming characters are only going to be more diverse and interesting. Check out a few select photos below and the full gallery after that.
Backdrops by Extreme Sets.
CompaniesNECA
CharactersCassidyPreacher Jesse Custer
Scale7 Inch