Prototypes - Bootleg or legit
 

Hi,

This is my first time posting here.

I recently came across this apparent prototype of the Violator character from Spawn.

I was told that it was a prototype that was acquired from the Chinese factory that produced early McFarlane toys.

I was wondering if anyone had any pointers on how to spot a actual prototype from a bootleg?

Any help would be great!

Cheers,

C.

Honestly with such a limited source of information this could be anything. It doesn't resemble any of the produced Violator figures so there is that, but then it could still have been a scrapped design. I'd maybe lean towards calling it a knock off or bootleg though since there's no way to 100% verify its origin and it not particularly resembling any actual Violator figure doesn't give it any credit. Regardless of its origin, be it a legitimate prototype test mold or a knock off, I'd highly doubt it holding any value if that's a concern since the original Spawn toys are hardly worth their original value today so a prototype of an unmade Violator toy would only be worth as much as a MoC series 1 Violator which is to say not a lot. It looks neat though so there is that.

Also, welcome to the Ark.

Hi,

Thanks for your reply,

It was mostly out of curiosity as I am not all that familiar with the intricacies of prototype collecting.

I have a fair few Spawn figures and I really like idea of having something a little out of the ordinary and a dubious origin adds to the fun.

Thanks again for your thoughts,

Cheers!

C.

Knock off or prototype, the chances of you ever finding a 2nd one are extremely slim. It's always a good idea to pick something like this up as soon as you see it.

Chances are high you won't get a 2nd chance. Good job on grabbing it when you did - especially if you are into collecting this particular range.

The other option is to pass on it because of doubt. Only to find you're kicking yourself later if you changed your mind and was gone.

-Windebieste.