By Chris Troy
This is a very unique February for Marvel fans across the US. Comic wise, Marvel’s launching it’s .01 initiative, special $2.99 priced 1-shots that help new readers get caught up to date on Marvel’s big heroes ( like Spidey, Wolverine, Iron Man…..Deadpool?!). Tonight’s the Super Bowl, which as a Jets’ fan, I’m once again super-bitter than Gang Green couldn’t get it done once again in the division finals (go Packers!), but we’ll be seeing trailers for both Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger. Also, in about 2 weeks, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 drops for the PS3 and Xbox 360, which as a Marvel AND a fighting game fan, I am 50 exciteds for. So, to complete this theme, today’s article will be on the latest wave of Marvel Universe figures.
Fair warning, my digital camera’s battery is shot and my wife’s not home with her’s at the time, and I dare not use cellphone photos for blog use, so it’s going to be Goggle-found image day! I found some pretty reliable images though,so everything should be okay. Anywho while this is technically the 13th wave, Hasbro is calling this Wave 3 series 1 as the difference is that Steve Rogers (aka Captain America) is now features on the box, replacing Norman Osborn, Series’2 representative, who originally replace Nick Fury. Back in the day, you got S.H.I.E.L.D or H.A.M.M.E.R file cards, which offered brief descriptions of the character you bought. Now you get a stand with the character’s name on it, which is extremely helpful, as these some of these figures aren’t exactly that great at standing to begin with. Why they are even bothering with slapping Steve on the box now is beyond me, but hey, it’s current with the current Marvel Universe in terms of who’s top cop, so I guess that’s cool. Anyway, this wave consists of World War Hulk, Doc Samson, Spider-Man 2099, Spider-Woman, Captain Marvel and Heroic Age Iron Man.
Doc Samson and Captain Marvel fulfill the role of unique entries from popular franchises (Hulk and Cosmic Marvel respectively). While again, the characters are unique entries, they’re also incredibly bland , as the both and pretty dead in the 616 Universe (I think, unless Samson was brought back during World War Hulks….no right?), and unfortunately, what you see is what you get. No cool accessories, just stands. Either way, this is probably the first and last time you’ll see Doc or the Captain get figures, so you may want to pick them up now and not miss out on the chance to have a figure to fight the Hulk/analyze X-Factor, or to fight your MUCH cooler Thanos Marvel Universe figure.
Okay, now things are getting more interesting! This isn’t the first time Spidey or the Hulk have received the MU treatment before, and well as their variant costumes. However, this is the first time we’ve seen any figure from the 2099 universe get an Marvel Universe counterpart (a well deserved entry at that, as there’s not exactly too many good designs from said universe) and Planet/World War Hulk was one of the more cooler events in recent Hulk history. Either way, the Hulk comes with some cool weapons, giving him a slick gladiator look, and it’s the best Hulk sculpt to date. I’m fairly certain the body sculpt for 2099 Spidey has been used before for a previous Spidey figure, but a very good paintjob makes up for Hasbro’s laziness. Again, 2 characters you’ve seen before, but great new spins regardless make they good figures!
Speaking of new spins on classics, oh look, it’s another Iron Man figure, as well a Spider-Woman, rounding out this wave. Again, not the first time we’ve seen Tony Stark in this line , but this time it’s his current Heroic Age era costume (aka modern for all of you who don’t speak nerd). To be honest, I’m not crazy about the design, but I have to admit, it’s a well made figure, with a solid shiny paint job. While the (cooler in my opinion) Extremsis armor figure is harder to fine, I would say go with this Iron Man for now, unless you want one of the hundred of Shellhead figures that came out around in the IM2 movie line.
Finally we have the sole female figure from the line, Jessica Drew aka Spider-Woman. While the female MU figures have been strictly hit or miss, Ms. Drew is a definite hit! While the hair sculpt is kinda “eh” (very professional speak here in the FPNYC blogs), the rest of the figure is solid, and the armpit webbing is secured to her arms via 2 rings, and doesnt restrict poseability too much. Most of the Spider-Woman’s I’ve seen on the shelf had decent paint jobs as well, and you’ll need her for a proper Avengers roster, aside from being one of the rare female figures in the Marvel Universe toy line.
Each of these figures go for around $12-15 each, which is a tad pricey, but at least you’ll be able to find them on our shelves! In addition to this wave, we have figures from previous waves in stock as well, so swing by the store today!
