Patch-Eye Pirate Playmobil Set 4572 Review Capsule

One of the many illustrious "Specials" sets, this is one of two ghost pirate type figures. The other was intended as a Halloween costume, while this one seems to be designed to be more of an undead menace of the sea. Due to the nature of this toy, it's probably more likely to please older fans than younger ones. Our sample was purchased in a lot on eBay, the going rate of this figure is usually under $5.

Introduction

The Patch-Eye Pirate is a dead pirate, basically. Pale skin, purple beard, blue features. And nothing says "cursed man of the sea" like a giant baby blue feather.

Supposedly discontinued in 2001, samples of this toy are still available in many smaller Playmobil outlets in the USA and Europe.

Figures

As a basic design that has been augmented by a few accessories and paint, Playmobil figures are both very simple and very adaptable to pretty much any scenario. In the case of this figure, all it took was the creative use of some coloring to bring about a ghostly appearance of an otherwise typical pirate.

The figure is pretty much completely different from any other Pirate thus far, as he has a torn wardrobe and a very unique skin color. The purple hair and beard also seems to be exclusive to this particular figure, which should make this a figure worth tracking down for fans of the toy line as well as for those who just like wacky fun toys.

The typical figure sculpt is augmented by a bandolier which can carry a sword and has tabs for three small plastic objects which we presume are ammo. He also has yellow cuffs on his shirt which are removable as well as a decaying hat with a bright blue feather.

The figure's charm comes from its deco, which pretty much makes it a must-have for anybody that enjoys Playmobil, pirate toys, or otherwise unusual toys.

Accessories

Aside from the pieces which add to the figure's costume, he also has a single weapon-- a sword.

The figure and the sheath have no problem holding the weapon, which is molded in grey plastic and is on the whole, unremarkable. Still, it's a nice addition to the figure, and without it the pirate would be pretty boring.

Packaging

Set 4572 comes in a box typical for the "Specials" range. The back shows the box' contents, and the front shows it in an amusing boat scenario.

Fin

As a toy aimed at the very young, it's cute, but has many small parts which in all honesty are very easy to lose or to choke on. As such, if you buy one of these, buy it for yourself or for a friend of a slightly older age than the target audience. It's cute, durable, stands up well, and is a fantastic toy to keep by your computer to futz with. If you have the chance to get one on the cheap, you should definitely do so.

Reviewed and photographed by Adam Pawlus
Sample found on eBay in Summer of 2003
Reviewed on December 26, 2003.