Toy2R has finally announced plans to release the eagerly-awaited Visible Qee by Jason Freeny (above left). News of “Jason Freeny’s 7-inch Visible Qee” comes a week after Toy2R’s announcement of a very similar anatomical Qee simply called “7-inch Visible Qee”(above right). The main difference between the two is that Freeny sculpted (and signed off on) the Freeny version, whereas the sans-Freeny Qee was inspired by, but not designed by Freeny.
It’s been about three years since I heard this was in the pipeline, and I wish I loved the Visible Qees more. The sans-Freeny Visible Qee is fine for what it is; it looks like any other paint-your-own anatomy kit/puzzle. But the Freeny version feels a bit disappointing. I think I might have liked to see it with Freeny’s now-signature cutaway, as shown in his original illustration (above left). Barring that, a few colorful veins and arteries imprinted on the plastic would have gone a long way. For comparison, look at Run’s Visible Dog 2.5-inch Qee (above right), which Toy2R released in 2004. It’s still a favorite in my Qee collection.
All that said, the non-Freeny Visible Qee could be a fun form for customizers. [I think I'm going to call that version the TSA-Visible Qee (as in this).] As for the Freeny version, it will allow casual collectors a chance to own a piece by an artist whose custom work typically starts at several hundred dollars. Jason Freeny’s Visible Qee will be released later this year for $80 each. Toy stores are encouraged to get in touch with their distributors to order now.
I would not have liked veins and such printed on the plastic. I think the Run Qee looks like shite. I do agree with you that it would look way better with the cut away like the original artwork. I actually still like the design of the Freeny version, the other “inspired” version looks pretty lame.