It Figures: Weird Al Yankovic

Today on It Figures, something a little unusual, which is itself a bit strange to say when this column usually features things like dismembered Statue of Liberty heads, muscleman Stan Lee and the Ninja Turtles cosplaying. Today's subject is an action figure of the sort I would barely qualify as an action figure. Today's subject is Weird Al Yankovic, from NECA's recent Simpsons 25th Anniversary line, which focuses on pop culture celebrities as they appeared on the famous television show.

I have very little knowledge or interest in The Simpsons. I know the general characters and the setup, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the early 90's arcade adaptation, but otherwise I could care less. The reason I felt the need to shine a light on this figure is the simple fact that there is now an action figure of Weird Al Yankovic. As a big fan, I have to say, it's a long time coming. It's interesting that the first and, thus far, only figure of him would happen in this series. A very possible explanation for this would be that his popularity was on a wane during the music action figures trend of the early 2000s. This toy itself just barely hits enough points of articulation for me to consider it a true action figure- it has swivels in the arms, neck, and waist. These just barely allow for some posing variation, and even then, the arms are clearly intended to do one thing- hold his accordion. It's a well-detailed accessory. The likeness is quite recognizably Al, even with the filter of the Simpsons art style.

Overall, this one is much more a matter of taste above all else. I can't really recommend this toy on its merits as such- it all depends on if you like Weird Al Yankovic enough to want a toy of him- and can tolerate the Simpsons enough to settle for this. It's a good toy for what it is- but what it is is very, very niche.