"South Park" Action Figures Series 1

I'm not sure why these are called action figures. If you collect "South Park" because you're a fan, buy these toys. If you're looking for true action figures, skip 'em.

First, let me say I'm an avid action figure collector. I have a subscription to "Toyfare Magazine." So, I was excited when I heard that "South Park" action figures were coming soon to a toy store near me. I was sorely disappointed, though, when I first viewed these so-called "action figures."

These are figurines, not action figures. The "South Park" figures, as I will call them, have no moving parts, no cool sound bites to listen to, and no bases to stand them in. As I said, they're only figurines, much like ones you could get with a burger at a fast food restaurant.

As for the likenesses, though the figures look like the "South Park" characters, they're expressions are odd. They all look like they're starring in a bad slasher movie. Where are the silly smiles or sly, knowing glances?

And the even bigger question is, where's Kenny? Why was Butters included in this first wave of "South Park" figures and not Kenny, who completes the original four rascals? I would have loved to have seen his accessory, no doubt a bloody knife or a milk carton with his "face" plastered on it.

The accessories are fun, I admit. They remind me of some funny episodes of "South Park." Of course, any fan will ask why Butters comes with an Underpants Gnome. My guess is Mirage Toys confused the other blonde boy, Tweek, with Butters. A better accessory would have been a tin foil hat and mask.

All in all, this is a pretty poor offering for fans of "South Park."