Category: Action Figures

SUMMARY:

Released by Hasbro in 2022, this six-inch Marvel’s Spider-Man wears his black-and-white Future Foundation stealth suit for Fantastic Four missions. 

Note: Appearing in multiple languages, Hasbro’s small parts warning implies that this figure may have been previously released overseas, as early as 2019.

REVIEW:

Visually, this figure’s paint job and production quality delivers what its package hypes.  Closer examination confirms that this Spider-Man is really a display figure only, as playtime is hardly practical here. 

Mobility-wise, aside from its movable arms and legs, the head easily turns, in terms of a full sense of peripheral vision.  However, though not of shoddy construction, the elbow, waist, and knee joints are quite stiff.  The ankle joints sufficiently move to allow a standing display pose without assistance from a stand.

Overall, this “Future Foundation Stealth Suit Spider-Man” is a classy Hasbro product.  As it doesn’t reveal the actual figure, the sole caveat is how Hasbro’s package design pushes the consumer into taking a leap of faith.  Specifically, prior to purchase, one can’t preview possible flaws (i.e. its paint job) that this boxed figure may have.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The additional props are two white spider-lines, along with two alternate hands.  Though the figure has foot peg holes, a display stand isn’t included.

PACKAGING:

Without a clear plastic window, one is left to assume that the figure’s imagery is accurate.  In this instance, the backside portrait specifies all the contents.  As to the interior packaging, the figure is well-protected by extra cardboard and a thin sheet of white packaging wrap. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8½ Stars

SUMMARY:

Released through Hasbro in 2022, this six-inch Marvel Studios ‘Legacy Collection’ mass market figure is inspired by actor Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of King T’Challa/Black Panther.  His cinematic appearances include 2018’s Black Panther and later the two-part Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

REVIEW:

Visually, the figure’s look is superb, which matches his general durability.  In terms of its mobility, however, one’s options are limited.  Beyond his arms and elbow joints moving relatively well, the head pivots left and right to simulate peripheral vision.  Still, the waist is solid plastic, so there will be no twist-and-turning action.  His legs can do scissor-style kicking motions, but, without either bendable knee or ankle joints, that is as far as leg action goes.  The feet are at least well-balanced, which allows indefinite standing without a display stand. 

This Black Panther’s appearance is equal to any higher-end Marvel Legend figure.  Yet, despite the age ‘4+’ recommendation for playtime, the figure’s most practical potential is for display purposes.   

Note: For a child’s use, the most vulnerable area would be the elbow joints, in terms of breakability.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Included as a prop is a metallic spear ‘irradiating’ the fictional vibranium.  The figure can grasp this spear with either hand. 

PACKAGING:

It’s simple and effective, as the consumer sees exactly what one is getting.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7½ Stars

SUMMARY:

Released in 1998 by Toy Biz, this nearly 5.75-inch Thunderbird figure is likely the first to represent John Proudstar in his classic X-Men uniform. 

Reflecting his Native American heritage, Thunderbird’s red and-blue costume is painted with remarkable detail.  His red sleeve and boot tassels are tightly-secured plastic attachments.  The same can be said of the pair of white-and-black rubber feathers attached to his headband.  As such, the character’s appearance is faithfully rendered.  The figure’s articulation consists of: 1. His head swivels left and right.  2. Aided by strong elbow joints, his rotating arms have surprisingly good mobility.  3.  The waist swivels a full 360-degrees.  5. Aided by good knee and ankle joints, his legs have only adequate mobility.  6.  When positioned, this Thunderbird figure stands indefinitely for display poses. 

REVIEW:

Even it doesn’t match the production quality of a contemporary Marvel Legend, this competently-built figure is still good (including the likable paint job).  For fans of the original Thunderbird, this figure makes a nice display option.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The bottom of the figure’s boots have display base peg holes, but there isn’t any indication that the figure came with a base.   Also, his right hand is sculpted, as if to potentially hold some unknown weapon accessory. 

PACKAGING:

When purchased via auction, this loose figure came only in a sealed transparent plastic baggie.  Otherwise, whatever packaging Toy Biz may have included is unknown.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7 Stars

SUMMARY:

Released in 1998 by Toy Biz, this nearly 5.5-inch Sunfire figure is likely the first to represent the character in his classic X-Men uniform.  Reflecting his Japanese heritage, Sunfire’s painted red-white-black-and gold costume (including his mask) is faithfully rendered in precise detail.  The figure’s articulation consists of: 1. His head swivels a full 360-degrees.  2. Aided by slightly flimsy elbow joints and swiveling wrists, his arms have surprisingly good mobility.  3.  The waist swivels a full 360-degrees.  5. Hampered by stiff knee and ankle joints, his legs have only adequate mobility.  6.  When positioned, this Sunfire figure easily stands for display poses. 

REVIEW:

Even though it doesn’t equal the production quality of a contemporary Marvel Legend, this competently-built figure is still pretty good.  Its best asset is an impressively complex paint job.  For fans of Sunfire in his most familiar costume, this figure could be a neat display option for nostalgia.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The bottom of the figure’s boots have display base peg holes, but there isn’t any indication that the figure came with a base. 

PACKAGING:

When purchased via auction, this loose figure came only in a sealed transparent plastic baggie.  Otherwise, whatever packaging Toy Biz may have included is unknown.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            7½ Stars

SUMMARY:

Released by Toy Biz in approximately 2006, this 6-inch Cyclops is depicted wearing commando gear where his patented red optic blasts evidently can be channeled into a dual-barreled laser weapon.  As such, a button will simultaneously light up his visor and both barrels of his laser weapon.  This Cyclops has these articulation points:  1. His head turns slightly in both directions.  2. His molded right arm will only go up and down.  Below his left shoulder, both his arm and wrist have 360-degree rotation capacity.  His left hand will clinch (in part for the purpose of using his extra pistol).  3. The figure doesn’t bend at the waist, but the upper body and lower body separately swivel the full 360-degrees. 

Note: His rubber utility belt is a removable attachment.  However, his leg belts are painted on, as the left leg holster is securely attached. 

As to the lower body: 4. His fragile knee joints barely bend.  5.  The legs are surprisingly limber, so poses for walking, kicking, and even the splits are easily feasible.  6.  His boots swivel the full 360-degrees.  7.  The ankle and toe joints give the boots extra flexibility.  8. There aren’t any peg holes for display stands.  However, once the boots are positioned well, the figure will indefinitely stand for display poses.   

REVIEW:

Toy Biz does top-caliber work on this Cyclops’ paint job.  The triple light-up feature also makes a really cool feature.  The rubber-covered wiring set-up to the laser gun is also done in such a way not to impede playtime.  As one can guess, the wiring can only be detached by permanently severing the wiring.  The gun itself is screwed into the right elbow and likely glued (or it’s another screw) attaching the gun to his gloved hand.  Yet, how many firearms does this Cyclops really need, if he’s also packing a side holster?    

Please be cognizant, however, that that the knee joints are likely to break (if one actually tries bending them).  Though there is less risk, the same care applies to repeatedly working the left elbow joint.  Overall, this Cyclops is visually an intriguing sight (though this costume is purely a toy idea).  For practicality’s sake, it’s best utilized as a display option.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The attached dual ‘laser gun’ is permanently attached to his right hand.  There are three red lights: the visor; then, a second one simulating a cannon blast being generated and the third (in clear red plastic) represents a laser blast exiting the gun’s lower half.  A rubber-covered electric cable attaches the gun to the figure’s visor, implying that his optic blasts can be channeled through the visor into the gun.  Next to the push button, the battery is accessible through a small silver screwed-in plate in his back.  Though it isn’t included in the photo below, a separate silver plastic firearm is packed in his left leg’s brown rubber holster.  

PACKAGING:

To the best of this reviewer’s recollection, Toy Biz emphasizes this ‘stealth’ figure’s implied connection to the X-Men movie franchise.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6½ Stars

SUMMARY:

Released in 1995 by Toy Biz, this approximately 5-inch Iceman figure is among the first to represent the character as a toy. 

Noticeably, this Iceman doesn’t quite resemble his comic book counterpart.  For instance, instead of his normal icy white look, Iceman is built with translucent icy light blue plastic.  Only his eyes are white.  Also, unlike his comic book version, this figure shows his frozen hair.  Perhaps most distinctive is that this Iceman boasts a pro wrestler’s ripped physique vs. the character’s average-guy slimness.  The jagged ‘ice’ texture to the arms, legs, shoulders, and back implies that his body is crystallized.       

The articulation consists of: 1. His head easily turns both directions.  1. Both arms have full 360-degree rotation capacity.  2.  The figure bends at the waist.  3. Small silver screws seen on its elbow and knee joints add some extra flexibility.  4.  If positioned straight, the figure easily stands for display poses.          

REVIEW:

Its look is certainly unique, as this Iceman looks like a frozen water elemental.  Even though the figure isn’t too faithful to Iceman’s appearance, its sturdy production quality is admirable.  As mentioned below, his mutant ‘power’ is seen as a rising ice wall behind his head.  Presumably, Toy Biz couldn’t manage a lever simulating an ice projectile or an ice stream coming from his hand, so the manufacturer opted for a pointless wall.  As compared to Iceman’s eventual appearances in the superior Marvel Legends and the X-Men action figure lines, this Toy Biz figure holds up, if only for its novelty value.  Accordingly, it makes an okay choice to put on display.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A lever in his lower back pops up a readily-visible ice wall behind his head.  Whatever practical value this feature has for playtime is anyone’s guess.  The bottom of the figure’s feet have display base peg holes, but there isn’t any indication that the figure actually came with a base.

PACKAGING:

When purchased, this figure came loose without a product box.  Otherwise, whatever packaging Toy Biz may have included is unknown.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6 Stars