Undoubtedly Galactus represents a true challenge for any Company producing Marvel statues! The features of this charming character, in fact, are very hard to be depicted on a resin model, and this is true not only for the anomalous hero's size (which, of course, cannot be congruent either with tables of Comics or any other collectible), but also for the complexity of the suit and the sense of superior and unnatural look which permeates any appearance of the Devourer of Worlds. And yet, I admit my original skepticism on this Maquette was fully cancelled when I saw it for the first time: Sideshow was really able to materialize the true essence of this character, through a statue which I do not hesitate to define a real masterpiece! The piece was designed by a large team of artists and mainly sculpted by Pablo Viggiano; it was released in 2013 in a "Limited Edition" and now is sold out on Sideshow catalogue, although it is not possible to know how many pieces were actually produced. The piece is heavy (about 11.5 Kg) and huge, with a size of 41 x 54 cm and a height of 84 cm, that is one of the highest ever among the Marvel statues, which requires a space simply out of the ordinary. In spite of the height, the piece is very stable on the base, due to two metal pins, one of which is prismatic and quite large, acting as a electric contact for inner LEDs which illuminate the eyes, the circular protuberance centered on chest and the octagonal base. Aesthetically speaking, this piece has no weak points! The sculpt is outstanding and so much faithful to Comics so I would identify it more as a Comiquette, rather than a Maquette! The proportions of the body are perfect, with well defined muscles everywhere, emphasized by rounded contours on back, abdomen and arms. Both hands are open and beautiful, with gloves exhibiting a hyper-technological style, and the huge metal boots with reinforced edges. The costume shows centrally, on front and back, a large circular plaque attached to the belt, while big buckles with a metallic appearance embellish the belt at waist; the bust has a sort of vertically striped elastic suit which points out the abdominals and the large rib cage. The typical "skirt" below the belt (also decorated with a high-tech design) is rigid and made of resin, although it shows a perfect curvature along the sides and on quadriceps, as it were made of real fabric. The pose of the character is awesome, just like a true ruler of worlds, and contributes greatly to the extraordinary appeal of the piece. The colors are excellent, with an evident metallic tone, and highlight the powerful body by perfect darker shades on legs, arms and trunk. Also the base is simple and very well done, with a set of centered circles, various figures carved in relief and a bronze appearance which gives a fine chromatic contrast with the colors of the suit. At one side, you can find both the switch and the plug of the transformer to turn on the lights. The statue has two alternative faces, which probably could not be done better and, in my opinion, represent one of the many strong points of the piece: a classic version, characterized by an austere expression (vaguely reminding the Buscema style of Comics), and an alternative one, with teeth clenched in a grimace of angry rage! Both faces are colored in a masterful way and the tonalities used for skin stand out superbly in the metallic red of the surrounding mask, while the white and squared eyes can be turned on through two blue, inner LEDs. Note also the various gears at the level of ears and cheeks, and the typical, huge side wings of the imposing cylindrical headdress: an incredible care paid to details and a great similarity with the most classic Comics' representations of the character. The piece also offers two very small figures of Galactus' heralds, which can be fixed on the right arm, thus giving a clear idea of the true size of the hero, compared to a normal body. In conclusion, this statue is not only the best representation of the character available on market, but also (and above all) a spectacular collectible for all Marvel fans.