I have just received this figure (from Red Lancers) and thought I'd give my 2 cents' worth. I can see why Ares (Draconia) named this figure 'Excelsy' - because it's excellent! The packaging is also different from the previous releases, so this may indicate a new direction in their fantasy series. As I have several Daconia figures, I feel I can make a pretty fair comparison. Previous figures have been pretty good to just north of so-so, but in general, the faces have been well done, and detail sometimes a bit soft, or just disappearing! Not so on Excelsy! I would compare the sculpting and casting quality to that of Pegaso/Romeo, or better Andrea figures. The metal quality is very good - hard enough to hold fine detail, yet soft enough for easy clean-up. Her facial features are well sculpted and very feminine (much better than that on some recent releases, which leads me to believe there is a new sculptor involved). Anatomically, she is well, and normally proportioned, without giant boobs, or hips, and is posed in a relaxed stance. Raised detail is fine and sharply defined, with convincing under-cutting and separation between armor plating, etc. Moulding seams are light and difficult to detect in places, but they are there, and will pop up under a coat of primer. The only place where I found the seams to be a problem (minor) was on her left arm shoulder armor (paldrons?) where a persistent seam ran through some raised decoration, and on her helmet. The helmet, BTW, looks a little undersized, and I think is in actual 54mm scale (as usual, the figure stands at least 65mm tall). In any case, in reality I don't think she could get her head into the helmet, but this is a minor issue as she's holding it, and it does have nice raised detailing. The only other reality issue I have is her sword, which seems to have been added as an after-thought. The sword (no scabbard) is just stuck between her back and her cloak, without any visible means of suspension or support. Maybe it's just held in place with rare earth magnates! I will add a strap or baldric to make it more believable. The sword, or half sword, is very delicate. Mine was cast slightly off-register and required very careful clean-up, so as to not damage or break the piece.
All in all, I would say this is Draconia's finest creation in this series, and compares very favorably to similar figures from more expensive manufacturers.

Why not making a real review so it stays on the site not just as a forum topic?

Mario

I wrote a review on Excelsy and would welcome another.

http://www.modelgeek.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=10875

I just meant it as general comments and not as a formal review. I also don't have any photos to back up my comments. I felt that this figure was such an improvement for Draconia/Ares and I wanted to share my enthusiasm for it.

Ah! I missed your review as it was posted in Model Geek. I rarely go there!

I put ModelGeek "What's New" post in the forums, but often times these get pushed down by other posts. As such, to see the latest Sci-Fi, Anime, Gundam, Comic, and Creature news and reviews, one needs to go to the ModelGeek homepage and see the entries.

I agree...Excelsy is an excellent figure...one of the best 54mm female fantasy figures on market today.