This is vinyl, the Glyos way. In case you missed it, Glyos is a line of action figures by indie toy maker Onell Designs with an emphasis on interchangeable parts and old school playability. Syclodoc’s place in the Glyos universe is explained thusly: “Specially developed for dark missions of questionable intent by Glyaxia Command, the Sycloriun Engineered Armodoc, or ‘Syclodoc’, possesses nearly limitless destructive capabilities.” Based on that description, I think I may have dated a Syclodoc once. Moving right along, let’s dissect this mofo and see why we’re PSYCHO FOR SYCLODOC!
SCULPT
According to Matt Doughty of Onell Designs, “This new sculpt is a tribute to the various cycloptic characters that we all grew up with, from the Zakus of Mobile Suit Gundam to Shockwave from the Transformers and especially those bad guy robots from the old Berzerk arcade game…” Don’t forget the Goonies‘ One-Eyed Willy, Matt!
But seriously, Syclodoc cuts his own unique figure in the pantheon of ‘clops. At 5″ tall, his squat legs and barrel chest give him a solid, powerful look, reminiscent of certain Mega Man bosses. The heavy plating on his chest indicates that he can weather a serious blasting without much trouble, and looks as though it could have been inspired by a crustacean’s armored shell.
Syclodoc’s non-gun “hand” raises some questions. It appears to be some sort of mechanical pincer or vice, certainly not a conventional hand or fist. Perhaps there is something in the Glyos mythology that explains it’s specific purpose, but I really can’t figure out what it’s supposed to be. Maybe I’m just not seeing it.
PAINT
Glyos System figures are offered in waves or “drops”, usually in unique color schemes that are never offered again. This plum/purple Syclodoc is an homage to the aformentioned Transformer, Shockwave, and likely contributed to the figure selling out in well under a minute.
The plum color is absolute Shockwave, and the overall color scheme creates a fitting tribute, without going too literal. It would have been easy to turn this into a Shockwave Mighty Mugg instead of a Syclodoc. One gripe is that the graphite color that fills in the body lines is somewhat distracting. Against the plum colored pieces, it creates the paradox of deeply carved areas that are highlighted instead of shaded. The lighter color also accentuates runs or blobs in the paint application of which there are a few.
Painted details such as the eye, an insignia on his shoulder, and the business end of his blaster really pop, and bring the design to life.
ARTICULATION
Syclodoc is surprisingly limber for a murderous goon droid. Like one of those NFL linebackers that takes ballet lessons (tutu optional). Even though all of his joints are limited to twisting/turning movements, the pieces have been designed in such a way that the arms and legs give the illusion of being bent in different directions when twisted a certain way.
It may be a simple thing, but I like that his head, with it’s unblinking eye, can be turned 360 degrees. I imagine him using that ability to keep a vigilant watch for intruders when posted on guard duty, or when hunting prey, like an Imperial Probe Droid.
FUN FACTOR
Better than average for a vinyl figure. More than a statue or a prop, Syclodoc is a fully functioning, vital addition to the Glyos world. He provides an expanded sense of scale to the figure line-up, and like the standard figures, Syclodocs can be completely disassembled and rebuilt using parts from other Glyos vinyl toys.
VALUE
Syclodoc has been tough to get ahold of since it’s introduction in December 2012. If you can get one in your cart and get checked out, it will set you back a cool $25, which is about three times as expensive as the standard 2 3/4″ figures. However, collectors looking for a particular color scheme are paying upwards of $100 in cash and trade for Syclodocs. “Value” is relative, but the quickness with which these sell out is evidence enough that the price is right. If you can find a cheaper and cooler vinyl inspired by a panoply of legendary 80’s characters with interchangeable parts and ten points of articulation, then by all means, get it.
VERDICT
Onell Designs continues to produce indie toys that rival the big companies and their licensed-into-oblivion movie and TV properties. Syclodoc is a mean-looking, one-eyed cuss towering over the Glyos universe, and comes highly recommended. I found that the slings and arrows involved in landing a Syclodoc only increased my desire to have one. Althought the Shockwave color scheme is no longer available, Onell is scheduled to drop some new figures TONIGHT at 9:30 EST, with a new Syclodoc in the mix. You can keep tabs on upcoming releases and other news from the Onell Designs website.
