Ok let me see, here is a personal review from me, hope you guys enjoy the read.



Packaging - ***
Well the packaging is the same hard grey styrofoam they use for the terminator salvation series, that can be found on the T-700 & T-600.
Its a simple design but good thing the HT team used compressed styrofoam so it doesn't get damage easily during transport.
Outer sleeve is John Conner in action scene for the front picture, and the back is their usual movie masterpiece design layout which is a good reference when attaching those pouches and accessories for those not familiar with military figures.

Sculpting - *****
Really gotta tip your hat to the new dynamic duo team of prototype sculptor Dickson Yap and Head sculptor Weapon X (KOJUN).
Its definitely a breath of fresh air also since most of the past sculpt was done by the beautiful korean chick Yulli herself. At least this proves how versatile the HT team can expand and find new industry talents that is masters in their own craft.
Personally i think this is the best sculpt so far for 2009 because of how accurate John Conner looks, its like he was copied and paste out of a movie still,
hence the 5 star rating. Lets see if Marcus Wright can be push a notch higher in the sculpting department.

Paint - *****
New technique being applied for the skin tones and facial hair takes the realism of this figure to a whole new level.
Detailing on the eyes, eyebrows and facial hair is spot on with added contrast on pores, wrinkle lines on the forehead, and slight weathering on both the cheeks and forehead. J.C. Hong, you are still the industry master. You rock dude!!

Articulation - ***1/2
Good thing is that the leather jacket didn't restrict any pose being carrying his rifle or handgun in combat ready positions.
Using the latest generation hottoys truetype body, is good to know you have over 38 points of articulation.
The reason the articulation department losing 1/2 a star is because on the lower body, because the utility harness and combat pants are design to be tight fitting.
Stretching the legs to make a wider stance pose, would be quite difficult and also risk ripping the pants in his crouch area.

Accessories - ***1/2
From the looks, John conner seems to be carrying less equipment. But think of it its sufficient firepower with the M4A1 with tactical red dot sight attached with XM26 LSS (lightweight shotgun system). The reason for him carrying this type of lightweight weapon is because he needs sufficient speed that packs enough punch when battling it out with the T600.
It was a good touch for HT to provide him with the Line launcher, Tactical fixed blade, pistol and C4 packs all which were seen put to good use in the movie.

Outfit - ***1/2
At first i thought they recycled his main brown leather jacket from the Leon S. Kennedy figure from resident evil 4 game series.
Seems the newer generation jacket is slightly more weathered and softer with extra stitching that is so fine and perfect only HT can pulled that off.
A nice touch was them giving his combat pants stitched on knee guard and extreme weathering finishing.

Fun Factor - ****1/2
Many collector might just think of it as another military figure with refined harness and such, but for me its a combination of military and movie line figure.
I prefer to think of this figure as the best bang for your money since, the headsculpt can be use to bash a majority of christian bale in his many role with this sort of hairstyle.
Pairing John Conner with the T-600 is the most fun anyone can get. Also if you don't collect endoskeletons, you can place him with all your military collection, he fits perfectly too and wouldn't look out of place.

Value - ****
I would say its definitly one of the best buys for this year. You can't get any better John Conner (Christian Bale) sculpt than this.
Refinements on his utility harness, magazine pouches and 'magic tape' make its unique.

Note: Many might think that this figure comes with the usual velcro for his magazine pouches, seems like HT is making another industry first with their unique 'magic tape'.
How it differs from the usual velcro fasteners is that you rub the magic tape horizontally and then compress the fasteners lightly and it fastened.
At first i thought what the hell is 'magic tape' but seems like its working wonderfully, and i prefer this than the usual velcro fasterners found on the older generation military figures.

Things to Watch Out For:
One good point to look out for is that, many might think that with the improved headsculpt, there is no need to take note when buying him.
There are difference i noticed. Some of the John Conner sculpt has more pale-ish dull look, whereby some has more natural red glow on his cheeks and forehead.
So depends on personally taste i choose the one that looks to have more life. The natural red glow look.

Overall - **** 
Overall for those that prefer the human figures in the terminator salvation movie. John Conner is the one you wanna buy. Currently the best sculpt for any human figure from the HotToys Movie Masterpiece Series. Let wait and see how whether they can top that with Marcus Wright being improved in the works. Fingers crossed.

Score Recap:
Packaging - ***
Sculpt - *****
Paint - *****
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - ***1/2
Outfit - ***1/2
Fun Factor - ****1/2
Value - ****
Overall - ****

Cheers guys