For die-hard Doctor Who fans and discerning collectors, the term “grail piece” isn’t thrown around lightly. Yet, with the Character Options Quarter-Scale K9 Mark II RC Figure, we’re venturing into that hallowed territory. While initially released some years ago, this magnificent rendition of the Doctor’s beloved robotic canine companion remains a pinnacle for enthusiasts. Having explored various K9 figures before, none have quite captured the sheer scale and presence of this particular release. Back in 2007, when this gem first emerged, it flew under my radar. It wasn’t until stumbling upon a collector’s display showcasing this imposing K9 figure towering over standard Doctor Who figures that my obsession ignited. Inquiries revealed it to be Character Options’ Quarter-Scale marvel, inspired by K9’s NuWho appearance in “School Reunion.” The reaction was visceral – an immediate, desperate need to acquire one. However, the quest proved challenging, with limited availability on the secondary market, hefty prices, and the added hurdle of international shipping from Great Britain. The dream temporarily subsided until 2014, when Character Options revisited this masterpiece, re-releasing it as a definitive Classic Who version, much to the delight of long-time fans.
K9 Quarter-Scale Figure in Box
Behold, K9 encased in its impressive window box, adorned with the contemporary Classic Who branding from Character Options. To this day, the reality of owning this piece feels surreal. To truly grasp the elation, one must understand the deep-seated childhood adoration for K9, particularly the Fourth Doctor’s iconic companion. K9’s debut in “The Invisible Enemy” (1977) coincided with the release of Star Wars, a pivotal year in pop culture. While exposure to the episode came later, around age 12 or 13, K9 swiftly eclipsed R2-D2 as the ultimate robot crush. The aspiration to possess a truly exceptional K9 toy took root then and there. Fast forward three decades, and the collection boasts several commendable K9 figures, including Character Options’ 5-inch scale versions and an Eighth-Scale figure from Biff Bang Pow!. While satisfactory, these figures merely amplified the yearning for something closer to the unattainable dream of a life-sized, electronic K9. This Quarter-Scale figure, while not full-size, masterfully fulfills that desire.
K9 Quarter-Scale Figure Unboxed
Forgive the brief digression into personal fandom! Returning to the packaging, it adheres to the standard design of this toy line, albeit significantly larger. K9 is securely nestled within, access panel detached, and a “Try Me” button inviting a sample of his vocal repertoire. This is the moment to acknowledge the sheer joy of seeing John Leeson’s name gracing a toy box. Leeson, the original and definitive voice of K9, briefly succeeded by David Brierly, ultimately reclaimed and reprised the role in NuWho and the (less acclaimed) Australian spin-off series. Leeson’s K9 voice is an indissoluble part of sci-fi iconography, making this acknowledgement particularly gratifying.
K9 Quarter-Scale Box Size Comparison
The sheer scale of the box is truly something to behold! A comparative shot alongside a 5-inch scale K9 figure underscores its immensity. Unboxing K9 proved to be a minor ordeal. Secured by four plastic straps screwed in from the bottom, one screw promptly stripped, necessitating a 20-minute wrestling match to liberate him. However, once freed, the satisfaction was, in K9’s parlance, most satisfactory! While K9 includes AA batteries for the “Try Me” function, a 9-volt battery is required for the remote control, so a screwdriver remains essential. Notably, the US release features an FDC sticker on one of the compartments. Removal was relatively easy, though some residual adhesive necessitates further cleaning. But before delving into the electronic capabilities, let’s scrutinize the figure itself.
K9 Quarter-Scale Front View
K9 Quarter-Scale Side View
K9 Quarter-Scale Rear View
K9 Quarter-Scale Angle View
With minor exceptions, the attention to detail and screen accuracy of this K9 figure is commendable. Key features accurately represented include the antenna tail, the black base bumpers, the multicolored collar with dog tag, and the neck pull handle. The keypad is correctly positioned on his back, his nameplate adorns the right side panel with sculpted faux screws, and the computer monitor is present on his left side. Proportions are excellent, and while the coloring appears slightly darker than on-screen, this could be attributed to studio lighting variations. A minor drawback is the visible gray circular plugs on K9’s left side, concealing screws. While not screen-accurate and somewhat conspicuous, it’s a forgivable compromise. Had a mass-market toy manufacturer tackled this, exposed screws might have been the less desirable alternative.
K9 Quarter-Scale Head Detail
K9 Quarter-Scale Blaster Detail
K9’s head reveals further minor deviations from perfect accuracy. The ear antennae are solid plates instead of mesh, a sensible compromise for durability. Secondly, the blaster is positioned slightly lower than its on-screen counterpart, which ideally protrudes directly from his nose. This adjustment likely facilitates the internal mechanics. Lastly, the tape printer “mouth” slot is absent. These are admittedly minor nitpicks, insignificant against the overall appreciation for this figure. Pointing out these nuances is more about appreciative observation than genuine criticism.
K9 Quarter-Scale Access Panel Open
K9 Quarter-Scale Internal Detail
K9’s removable side panel unveils his “inner workings,” essentially a sculpted facade of components. Notably, this internal detail appears unchanged from the previous NuWho release, differing significantly from the Classic Who era’s depiction of K9’s innards as a tangle of circuit boards and ticker tape. Removing the panel grants access to the electronics. Switching from “Try Me” mode to “On” initiates K9’s boot-up sequence, illuminating lights within the access hatch, the keypad on his back, and the red panel on his face. Time to deviate from photographic norms and employ a phone camera to capture the electronic features in motion.
Indeed, that’s the unmistakable voice of John Leeson! The audio quality is exceptional. After experimenting with the “Try Me” function and initiating boot-up, it’s time to engage the remote control.
K9 Quarter-Scale Remote Control Front
K9 Quarter-Scale Remote Control Back
The remote control appears largely identical to the 2007 release, sans the prominent antenna. Dual joysticks control K9’s movement: pushing both forward for forward motion, pulling back for reverse, and combinations for turns. Control is responsive, and the loud electric motors authentically replicate the sometimes-obnoxious sounds of the on-screen prop. Buttons activate various voice clips, some offering different phrases with repeated presses. Another video clip showcases the voice commands, although the studio desk lacks ample space for extensive maneuvering.
The synchronized ear movements during “scanning” are a delightful touch, also occurring during motion. While the eye extension feature is absent, its inclusion would have undoubtedly increased engineering complexity. A hidden easter egg awaits discovery: activating buttons in a specific sequence triggers a “berserk” mode, causing K9 to spin erratically while uttering phrases about detecting Time Lords and recognizing his Master.
Finally, the blaster deployment:
As noted, the blaster’s lower positioning is a minor inaccuracy, but its impressive extension range and the authentic sound effects for deployment, firing, and retraction are faithfully reproduced from the Classic series. Intriguingly, K9 remains stationary when the blaster is extended.
K9 Quarter-Scale Blaster Extended
Having extensively discussed this robotic companion, the final assessment is that while not inexpensive at $100, the price is justifiable. While slightly more than comparable 12-inch RC Dalek or Davros figures, K9 offers a broader range of features. Is it objectively worth $100? Perhaps subjective. For long-time Doctor Who fans who remember a time devoid of readily available merchandise, this figure transcends mere monetary value. Recalling childhood yearning for even rudimentary Doctor Who toys, this Quarter-Scale K9 feels like a dream realized.
“Hypothetically, what would you pay for a Quarter-Scale Electronic K9 figure, remote-controlled and vocalizing?”
Response: “A BILLION DOLLARS!!”
“It’s priced at $100.”
Response: “SOLD!!!”
Thus, when a limited stock appeared online at Who North America, the purchase was instantaneous. Considering the exorbitant prices commanded by the original 2007 release on the secondary market, this Classic Who iteration is a welcome and superior alternative. While not a flawless replica, it excels as an exceptional and captivating toy. K9 is poised to become a fixture on the desk for an extended period, eventually transitioning to a prominent position on the Doctor Who display shelves – when not playfully pursuing the resident cat, of course.
