Fire Lion (Eldrador by Schleich)

Savage, searing, and strong, the fire lion is one of the Lava Kingdom’s most dangerous residents, and thus an ideal custodian of the much coveted “Superweapon.”

The fire lion is posed ready to strike, with its right front paw raised, its mouth open in a fiery roar, its body bent to the left, and its tail curled. It is an enormous monster, measuring 18.5 cm long from the claw tips on its outstretched paw to the curve in its tail, and standing about 11 cm tall.

The torso on this beast is mostly light orange with a red-orange and yellow tail. The limbs gradually transition to hot red, and are covered with black bits of hardened magma. The claws are yellow. The head is light orange with black airbrushing, red for the nose and tongue, and yellow for the eyes and fangs. And to really drive home the infernal theme, the lion’s underbelly and mane are entirely translucent red-orange and sculpted to look as though they are aflame. Same goes for the tail tuft.

In addition to the burning mane, this pyromaniacal predator has a slightly longer torso, a much shorter tail, and slimmer limbs than a real lion. The muscles are well-defined and the active pose really makes the beast seem alive and ready to do battle. The molten legs go great with the mane. And again, the sheer size makes the fire lion stand out among other Lava Kingdom toys.

The fire lion is only available in the “Battle for the Superweapon” set, along with the frost monster and the weapon in question. Methinks that the frost monster has his work cut out for him. The fire lion can’t grip the sword in his paws, but he can hold it by the blade in his jaws. Although wouldn’t that be a bit hazardous?

It’s hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this fire lion, what with its size, colouring, and detail. It is still available online and in many stores which stock Schleich. Only best to keep him away from the lava hyena. Old rivalries die hard.