Gandalf the Grey and Indiana Jones

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By Joseph Szadkowski

Thanks to the proliferation of film, comic-book and cartoon characters, companies are bombarding consumers with an incredible selection of action figures. With tongue in cheek, let's take a peek at some of the specimens worthy of a place in Zad's Toy Vault.

Gandalf the Grey

Sideshow Collectibles brings another of J.R.R. Tolkien's famed characters to three-dimensional life with its 1:6 scale tribute to one of Middle-earth's most powerful wizards.

The 12-inch Fellowship of the Ring: Gandalf stands next to a potent lineup of figures, starring Frodo Baggins, Legolas Greenleaf, Aragorn, Samwise Gamgee and Boromir: Son of Denethor.

Figure profile: From the packaging - As a member of the Istari, the ancient and powerful Gandalf the Grey is sent to Middle-earth to orchestrate the forces of light against the growing darkness. Gandalf is a trusted ally and provides wise counsel to the many peoples of Middle-earth.

Accessories: This version of Gandalf, sculpted by Tim Miller to look just like Sir Ian McKellen's portrayal in the recent movies, boasts more than 30 points of articulation.

He gets a cloth robe, tunic, shirt, pants and cloak, all finely stitched. He also comes with boots, his pointed hat, haversack, famed Glamdring sword and scabbard (faux-leather strapping no less), a pair of interchangeable hands and a display base.

I couldn't stop admiring the pair of staffs — one topped by a crystal (helpful in stopping pesky orcs) and one for physical support that includes a tethered tobacco pouch and removable pipe.

Price: $89.99

Read all about it: There's no "Lord of the Rings" comic-book series yet, but Eclipse Comics offered a three-part sequential-art adaptation of "The Hobbit," which co-stars Gandalf, in 1989. I read the original books, and the artwork by David Wenzel was gorgeous. Look long and hard online and in specialty stores to find a 2006 revised trade paperback of this gem (averaging $19.99).