The latest Marvel figure assortment offers a Universe of possibilities...
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The Marvel 3.75" Universe continues to grow and grow with every new wave of exciting figures released. Perhaps the best assortment of figures released so far is Hasbro's second wave of 2010 Marvel Universe figures which consists of the unstoppable Juggernaut, Colossus, Kitty Pryde, Archangel, Havoc and A.I.M. soldier.
This exciting new assortment's selection of characters packs a hell of a punch in terms of must-have characters and army-building possibilities. We are kicking off our in-depth review of this new assortment with Colossus and Kitty Pryde.
PACKAGING: The blister card design is unchanged from last year's Fury Files collection with the exception of the new Hammer Files logo and new artwork by comic artist Mike Deodato. The Nick Fury illustration on the back of the blister card has been replaced by one of Norman Osbourne. Each figure comes packaged with a Top Secret Hammer File envelope which includes a bio/art card, Hammer File web code and Secret File document about the character. Each figure also includes a display stand with the characters name, Marvel Universe logo and corresponding number in the assortment.
SCULPT: These figures are basically like Beauty and the Beast but the other way around. Colossus is the perfect example of the ultimate 3.75" scaled figure while Kitty is more like the Ugly Duckling with a rather bland head sculpt and awkwardly proportioned limbs. The Lockheed accessory that comes with Kitty Pryde is very detailed for its size. Colossus reminds me of the fantastic sculpts form the Toy Biz Marvel Legends days and you can tell that a lot of effort and skill was put into the creation of this figure.
Unfortunately, I have yet to see a female Marvel character in this line that does not look awkward. I think the main issue with the females is that Hasbro is making the arms and legs slightly thicker that they should be for the sole purpose of including more articulation in the bodies but the process results in a bee-stung swollen look which is just awkward looking.
PAINT: In regard to the paint application on both of these figures is very clean and accurately applied however; the paint details on Colossus is a lot more detailed and extremely elaborate which makes the piece stand out among Kitty Pryde and other Universe figures. The Colossus figure utilizes a much broader palette of colors than other Marvel Universe figures in the line so far.
One particular detail that stands out is the use of yellow highlights on the middle of the chest which really brings out the details of the chest muscles very well. The metallic parts on Colossus' body are painted in different shades of color giving the figure a more dramatic look that the usual flat colors that have been used in the past.
ARTICULATION: While the Kitty Pryde figure is rather limited in articulation, Colossus is completely the opposite and features a highly articulated and modified body that allows the figure to be posed in several dynamic styles. The new Colossus figure is the most versatile Marvel Universe figure released to date and seems a lot more like a shrunken marvel Legends figure.
OVERALL: I am a huge Marvel Legends fan and prefer the 6" scale over the standard 3.75" scale but I have to say that the Marvel Universe is getting better and better with every other new wave that is released. One of the best things that this line has going for it is the vision and dedication that head product designer David Vonner and his creative team have put into it. So whether you are a Marvel fan or just love collecting cool figures in general, picking up these new action figures should be an obvious choice. These figures are available for order through BigBadToystore.com right now so place your order now before they are gone.
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Review and Photos by Jorge Pelaez
Review Samples Courtesy of BigBadToyStore.com