AOME LOTR - Easterling Warriors

Today is Sci-Fi and Fantasy Saturday and we continue our look at the excellent series of Lord of The Rings figures. These were made by Play Along Toys as licensed movie tie-ins to Peter Jackson's awesome movie trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's books. As the years have progressed I'm afraid I haven't read as much as I used to, limiting myself to the occasional magazine bought off the rack.but there's a little voice inside of me, telling me it's time for another sojourn to Middle Earth. And it will help set the mood for the upcoming 'Hobbit' movie - also from Peter Jackson! Lord amighty I hope Play Along, or some other company puts out a series of toys that tie-in with that movie. And of course, they'll need to be every bit as good as these!

On to today's selection - Easterling Warriors. These guys didn't have a huge part in the books or movies, but they did add another dimension to the battle scenes and to the whole panoply of multiple alliances outlined in the LOTR. Play Along Toys made many AOME (Armies of Middle Earth) sets and had several projects in the works which were ultimately canceled.  It's a shame that they never pursued the Easterling's beyond two sets (this one and a set titled, "Legions of Haradrim') as this would have been a bonus to diorama makers. But, it is what it is, and we have what we have - so let's enjoy what we have! And now, Easterling Warriors:

Easterling Warriors: Easterling Standard Bearer, Easterling with Shield, Easterling with Staff

Wave 3

Issued by: Art Asylum / Play Along Distribution

Assortment: 48100

Item Number: 48111

Issue Date: 1 Dec 2003

Issue Price: $8.99

Easterling Standard Bearer
Because of its design, with one leg raised without the benefit of a plastic base underneath, the figure had some issues with standing-up properly. I had to place a small block of Styrofoam underneath

Easterling with Shield

Easterling with Staff