**Algar the First Receiver (Last Scion)** **Romankey X Cowl 1/12 Scale Action Figure Review**

Watch my video review here:

2024 was the Year of the Dragon — which meant sooner or later, I *had* to add some kind of draconic badass to my collection. I’d never touched a “Dragonborn” figure before (my fantasy roots are pure Dragonlance, meaning Draconians are the only dragonfolk I knew), but the moment I saw Algar’s big flaming sword, that was it. Decision made. Any day you hand me a reptilian warrior with a fire blade the size of a small canoe? I’m in.

Image: Box content-Detailed dragon-like action figure with gold, blue, and purple hues, large sword, interchangeable head, multiple hand accessories.

[

]

…Even if the damn thing didn’t actually arrive until mid-2025.

Image: box back-Black rectangular box with a red futuristic symbol and red text, titled THE FIRST RECEIVER; two semicircular cutout tabs on each side.

[

]

But let’s talk about the figure himself — the toy that half the internet has praised as a “Figure of the Year.” Algar the First Receiver (also known as the Last Scion… whatever ancient prophecy that’s hinting at) comes from Romankey X Cowl, a studio known for great articulation, wild creature designs, and painterly finishes collectors go crazy for.

Image: box front with a dramatic, swirling black and red flame design in the center. The text ALGAR THE LAST Scion appears in white to the right of the design.

[

]

And look — I get why they love him.

**But for me? Algar is a figure I had to *grow* to appreciate.**

Image: card with a black and red crackled design and a white warning label with text in both Chinese and English.

[

]

---

**The Good Stuff (Because There *Is* a Lot of It)**

Image: Close-up of a detailed, textured creature toy or figurine, shown from above. The creature has reptilian features with blue and purple scales, ridges, and bumpy skin. Its limbs display large claws and a mix of blue, purple, and tan colors.

[

]

Let’s give credit where it’s due:

**✓ Sculpt & Details**

The scale texture, the horn ridges, the asymmetrical plating, the leathery skin — Romankey knocked this out of the park. Even though I can’t see the paintwork myself, every single reviewer on earth keeps calling him “beautiful,” “superlative,” and “among the best in the line.” The sculpting detail absolutely supports that reputation.

Image: Dragon-like creature figurine with a highly detailed, scaly body featuring shades of blue, purple, and tan. The creature has an armored chest with layered plates, a long neck, and a fierce face with yellow-orange eyes and several curved, pointed horns. Its mouth is slightly open, revealing sharp teeth. The claws on its hands are long and menacing, and its arms and legs are robust and muscular.

[

]

**✓ Articulation**

He moves better than most creature-type figures. Torso rotation, butterfly shoulders, double joints, bendy tail, solid posing potential — all there. Once I got past my expectations, the flexibility impressed me.

Image: A dragon-like action figure is positioned facing a backdrop that resembles a stone archway with twisted, bare tree branches set against a blue, night-sky background. The figure is posed dramatically, with its arms raised and claws outstretched, as if roaring or about to attack. The dragon has a long, segmented tail, scaly blue and tan skin, and an armored chest.

[

]

**✓ Accessories**

Image: Action figure accessories placed on a flat, light-colored surface. There is a circular, clear display base with white text that says "THE LAST SCENE." On top of it and next to it are other accessories: one is a brown, textured sword-like piece with a forked end, and the other is a vibrant, flame-shaped effect accessory that transitions in color from yellow and orange at the base to pink and blue at the tip. Also visible is part of a clear plastic articulated stand, which is often used to pose action figures or hold accessories. The objects may have some faint shadows, and the scene is brightly lit.

[

]

Two heads, flame effects, hands, a monstrous greatsword, cloth goods, and even a stand.

(That stand becomes *very* important later…)

Image: Two interchangeable dragon heads for an action figure, resting on a light-colored surface with some visible scuff marks and stains. Both heads are detailed and painted in a mix of dark blue, purple, and flesh tones, with yellow-orange eyes and multiple horns. The top head has its mouth open wide, showing teeth and a red interior, while the lower head has a fierce expression with its mouth more closed, displaying a grimace or snarl. The sculpting emphasizes scales, armored ridges, and a fantasy creature aesthetic.

[

]

**✓ Something New for the Shelf**

I genuinely love adding new creature types, and dragonborn/dragonling/whatever category Algar fits into is uncommon in my collection. He stands out. In a good way.

Image: Two fantasy action figures positioned as if fighting. The figure on the left has purple and beige scales, a beast-like face, and is standing on two clawed feet, holding a blade. The figure on the right is mostly white with yellow markings, wearing a black cape and red and gold belt, also holding a sword upright, clashing with the other’s blade. Both figures have dragon- or lizard-like features and are posed on a white tabletop with a yellow edge. The backdrop depicts a moonlit, fantasy stone archway with blue sky and dark, leafless tree branches, enhancing the dramatic, magical scene.

[

]

---

**Now… Let’s Talk About the Let-Downs**

This isn’t the figure’s fault.

This is 100% on expectations — fueled by an AI image misinterpretation that told me he was a massive, muscular dragon creature.

Image: Two fantasy action figures locked in combat. The figure at the bottom has purple and beige scales and is wearing tattered fabric, wielding a long sword angled upward to block an attack. The figure at the top is a larger, heavily armored dragon-like creature with dark gray, black, and gold coloring. This figure has a fearsome appearance with prominent horns, claws, and chains, and is striking with a large, serrated weapon.

[

]

I pictured something the size of Hasbro’s **Dragon Man**, or at least **Aracagorr** from Mythic Legions.

Instead, what arrived was…

**lighter. Smaller. Leaner.**

Closer to a NECA Panther Alien than a towering draconic brute.

Image: Action figures staged in a fantasy battle diorama. In the foreground, a bright green anthropomorphic frog figure stands upright, wearing a blue outfit with matching shorts and shirt. It is holding a large, silver, ornate staff topped with a stone-like element in its right hand, as if ready to strike.

In the background, a dragon-like humanoid creature with scaly, textured skin in purples and golds, patches of tattered cloth, and a menacing expression continues to appear. This figure is wielding a large sword and standing on clawed feet, with its tail and limbs spread out in a dynamic pose.

[

]

Once that disappointment hit, the flaws started becoming painfully obvious.

**✗ The Flame Effect Doesn’t Attach Properly**

Reviewers warned about it — and they weren’t exaggerating.

It’s too heavy, the peg is too small, and it’s basically a decorative projectile unless you use the stand.

Image: Dragon-like action figure posed in front of a fantasy backdrop. The figure, covered in purple and gold scales and wearing tattered fabric, is suspended on a clear plastic stand labeled "ALGAR" at the base. It is depicted breathing a dramatic, multicolored flame that transitions from orange to yellow, pink, and then blue at the tip, which extends out from its mouth. The pose has both clawed arms raised and its tail curved behind.

[

]

**✗ His Head Falls Off. Constantly.**

Both the roaring head and the movable-jaw head suffer from connection issues. And speaking of that articulated jaw…

Image: Close-up of a dragon-like action figure’s upper body and head. The figure has an open, snarling mouth with detailed teeth and a red interior, conveying an aggressive or roaring expression. The face is sculpted with sharp features, horns, and textured scales, painted in shades of grey, purple, and yellow, with striking orange eyes. Its body is covered in beige and pale blue scales, and there are red accents running down its chest. The figure is dressed in tattered, dark grey fabric resembling a cloak or robe. One clawed hand is visible and partially closed.

[

]

**✗ The Jaw Falls Off Too**

Why offer a moving jaw if it detaches every time you breathe near it?

If you’re already including a roaring head, just sculpt the flame + head as one solid piece!

Image: Close-up side view of a dragon-like action figure. The figure has a sculpted, snarling face with its mouth open, showing teeth and a red mouth interior, and is painted in dark greys with orange highlights around the eyes and mouth. It wears a tattered, dark gray hooded cloak, with the fabric fraying at the edges, partially covering its scaly, textured body. The scales on the arm are blue with gradients, and the chest area is yellow-beige with red accents.

[

]

**✗ The Sword Arrived Warped**

No amount of heat-straightening helped.

It’s floppy like a McFarlane accessory — and you know exactly what that means.

Image: Action figure of a dragon-like creature suspended on a clear display stand labeled "ALARA," elevated above a grid-surfaced tabletop. The figure is depicted in a dynamic flying pose with limbs and tail outstretched, mouth wide open, and emitting a large, dramatic, multicolored flame from its mouth. The flame transitions from orange and yellow near the mouth to pink and then blue at the tip. The dragon's scaly skin is painted in shades of gold, blue, and purple, and it’s partially draped in a tattered dark cloth. In one hand, it holds a sword. The background features a fantasy scene with a stone archway, bare tree branches, and a blue night sky, adding a mystical atmosphere to the setup. Bright lighting is visible along the right edge of the image.

[

]

**✗ He Suffers from Pinhead Syndrome**

Sculpt and paint aside, the proportions give him that “tiny head on a strong body” look several reviewers mentioned. It’s noticeable even without vision — the balance just *feels off.*

Image: A single dragon-like action figure posed on the right side of the image, facing toward a fantasy-style backdrop. The figure features textured, scaly skin in shades of blue, gold, and beige with horn-like structures on its head and back. Its arms are bent up, claws open as if ready to attack, and its long tail curls around dramatically. The background depicts a large, stone archway against a moonlit night blue sky with barren tree branches. The setting is on a white grid-patterned surface with a yellow edge, and a soft light source is visible in the right part of the image. The mood suggests anticipation before a confrontation or a watchful moment in a fantasy story.

[

]

**✗ The Cloth Goods Are… There**

A skirt and tattered cape/scarf thing that barely cover anything. Why even bother?

Image: Tattered piece of dark fabric lying on a surface and illuminated by dim, bluish light. The material appears frayed and worn, with rough, uneven edges and a central hole, likely designed to fit over the head or around the neck of a figure. There are several strips or flaps extending from the main section, enhancing the tattered look. The shadowy lighting and fabric’s distressed appearance give it a mysterious and somewhat eerie vibe, reminiscent of a discarded garment or cloak—possibly an accessory for an action figure seen in previous images.

[

]

---

**Final Thoughts**

**Is Algar a bad figure?**

No.

**Is he “Figure of the Year”?**

For me? …Not even close.

Image: Dragon-like action figure, posed in an aggressive stance, as if leaping or preparing to attack. The figure is detailed with blue, gold, and beige scales, a crest of pastel blue and pink along its head, large claws, and an open, fierce expression. Its limbs are spread dynamically and the long tail curves behind. The action figure is set in front of the same fantasy backdrop showing a stone archway, blue night sky, and bare tree branches. 

[

]

Once I got past the mismatch between expectation and reality, I found myself appreciating him a lot more. The articulation, the sculpt, the unique presence — those things are undeniable. As a collector who loves fantasy creatures, I *am* glad he’s on my shelf. He fills a niche no other figure in my collection touches.

Image: Two action figures engaged in a fantasy battle scene. The figure in the foreground is an anthropomorphic lizard or crocodile-like warrior, painted in shades of green with detailed scales. It wears red and black armor pieces, including a prominent red sleeve, black straps, and bracers. The figure wields a large, double-bladed weapon with black and silver blades and a gold handle, holding it overhead in a striking pose. It stands on a round black base.

In the background, the dragon-like figure seen in earlier images is posed with its mouth open, covered in tattered fabric, and ready to confront the green warrior.

[

]

But this wasn’t love at first sight.

This was more like:

**“Okay, you annoyed me…

…but you’re cool enough to keep.”**

Image: Two action figures posed as if about to engage in battle. The figure on the right is tall and slender, with pale skin and long blonde hair, wearing a long black coat with yellow trim. This figure stands on a round black base labeled "Warhammer 40,000" and holds an upraised blue, translucent, flame-like sword in their right hand, with the left hand raised as if casting a spell or preparing to attack.

In front and slightly to the left, the dragon-like figure from previous images stands ready. It has purple and gold scales, tattered cloth clothing, and holds a large, weathered sword pointed forward.

[

]

If you love dragonborn designs, poseable creature characters, or Romankey’s unique style, Algar will absolutely impress you. Just go in knowing he’s a nimble dragon fighter, not a hulking dragon monster.

And for me?

Hey — a dragon dude with a flaming sword is still a win.

Image: Two fantasy action figures in a dramatic battle pose against a backdrop of a moonlit stone archway and blue night sky. At the top, a dragon-like figure with purple and gold scales, wearing a tattered cloak, is suspended on a clear stand labeled "ALGAR." This figure is exhaling a multicolored flame (orange, yellow, pink, and blue) downwards.

Facing it from below, a dark armored figure stands on a round base, holding a large sword raised overhead. The sword is adorned with swirling orange flame effects, creating a sense of magical or fiery power clashing with the dragon's breath. The armored figure has a menacing, fantasy-warrior appearance, with horned headgear and sculpted armor. Both figures are in dynamic action stances, and the bright lighting highlights the vivid colors and details of the scene.

[

]

---

Image: Two action figures posed in a fantasy battle scene. The figure in the background is a dragon-like creature with purple and gold scales, wearing a tattered cloak and holding a long, dark sword. Its mouth is open as if roaring or about to attack.

In the foreground, a figure in vibrant red armor with gold accents and a dramatic, spiked gold helmet is seated or crouched low, possibly on a throne or decorative base with red and gold elements extending behind. This figure holds a sword with orange flame effects, adding a magical or fiery element to its appearance.

[

]

🔥 Explore my artwork, tactile creations, and projects at **TigerTactile.com**

🐅 Learn more about my music, martial arts, and life story at **JohnnyTiger.com**

#Romankey #CowlStudio #Algar #LastScion #FirstReceiver #Dragonborn #ActionFigureReview #1_12Scale #FantasyFigures #FigurePhotography #DungeonsAndDragons #MythicLegionsCompatible #Collectibles #ToyPhotography #YearOfTheDragon #DragonFigure