“There is no right or wrong in this debate. It is simply a matter of perspective, and it is not my place to influence the evolution of the superhuman role. “ – Dr. Strange. Civil War #6 (Feb. 2007).
Today’s the last day for the Hulkbuster wave’s single-figure reviews (I should probably take some Hulkbuster pics before the morrow…) and having processed through so many modern or recent looks this week, I think I need to accept something about myself… at least when it comes to recent development in comics.
I like change. It’s been fun in comics because it’s been temporary. When I was younger, I would get so annoyed at the people who got all bent out of shape over Electric Superman or Azbats. They were wasting their time & energy; things were always going to go back if they’d just wait. On the toy front, though, it kinda sucked. These temporary looks (some successful, some not – they weren’t all great) never really got toys. Well, if you followed DC, you didn’t get any toys at all and later you didn’t get any non-Batman toys. The idea to make the Metal Men or the Doom Patrol is still fairly recent (& seemingly already gone). Anyway, if you liked temp costumes, you had to get out your paints.
When the hyper-articulated 6″ trend started, Legends & Classics were write there in the title, but the lines thankfully blended new & old. (Strangely, I got my Electric Supes, but never a good Classic Supes?). DCUC was Super Powered up & Marvel Legends stuck (mostly) to iconic looks, but they veered modern now and again. For DCUC, it was manufactured. It was make Geoff Johns version or don’t get it all. For Marvel, I assume it’s more organic. We already have had a classic Vision, a Classic Valkyrie, a ton of Classic Iron Man, and even, yes, a Classic Dr. Strange. The comics go on marching on and it just makes more and more sense to do these guys in newer costumes even if they’re already old by the time they hit shelves?
When Marvel Legends came back around to Stephen Strange, did they need to go to the classic well one more time and give us a superior figure (as they no doubt would have)? Or do they need to do this new look to keep us interested? I honestly don’t know the answer. I want Hasbro to replace so much of what Toy Biz did. I mean, what Toy Biz started was Legendary and revolutionary. But a lot of those old figures haven’t held up. I’m happily snapping up new versions and selling the old (but the old ones for go for $, so I know my opinion isn’t the only one). I think I’m finally starting to lean towards classics, iconic costumes only for more collection. I know. I feel terrible.
I do still like this newfangled Dr. Strange figure, so don’t think I’m knocking it out of dislike. It’s a great design and well captured by the figure. It uses the basic buck again, but the add-on piece to get the sash and long robe looks sharp. The new, mottled forearms look good and, of course, we get those classic Dr. Strange hands. It’s a great figure and topped off by a snazzy Strange head sculpt. Continue to Page 2…
I still prefer the blue and wish Strange had come in a “Classic” variant. maybe next year when he gets Cumberbatched? As you noted in another review this week, we’ve hardly gotten any MCU versions compared to the comic versions, even in movie specific waves!
Yes, I know Strange is a good guy, but that outfit makes me think of a darker intent. actually, he does look like a good start for Black Tom Cassidy: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/xmen-battle-of-the-atom-mobile-game/images/c/ce/Black_Tom_Cassidy_HR.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20140702144700
and the Hellfire Guards
http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120725213126/avengersalliance/images/d/df/The_Hellfire_Club_Marvel.com_Art.jpg
which seriously, how crazy would an all goon wave sell? and what happened to the whole “sell full cases of single figures” we were promised by Hasbro??? We almost had them in TB ML13, only to get replaced by Onslaught. What about a wave re-issuing the recent Hydra and AIM, then add in Hellfire, SHIELD, Madrox, Skrull, Kree, maybe MCU Nova Corps? (if not panned for GotG2) and BAF ….Supreme Intelligence? Updated Ronan?
Granted, only Hellfire, Nova, and Madrox would be “new”, but only the heads. Nova Corps would be more of a SWAT jacket overlay on a buck (re: WWE Roman Reigns). think of the tooling cost savings!!!
then I look up at the flashing banner with SW Black 6″ and remember all the TIE pilots and other Stormtrooper variants that peg warm, even at $9 clearance….
oh yeah, that “spellcasting” pic is another great shot!
Clearly, the BAF should be the Mandroid (or something else along those lines), so you can army build it, too.
But, as you say, it’s not likely that they’d ever actually do an army builder wave, anyway.
Great, now I have to buy one to make Black Tom since Hasbro thinks muties have the Legacy Virus.
Spellcast also looks like a tittytwister. Just saying.
On my buy list for sure. Agree on the effects and extra hands for different spells easilybwoulda been nice just thinking where would the Hulkbuster piece go? That maybe why. Other thought is some dunno who Dr. Strange is parent would scream he has gangsign hands. Yes sadly can see that happening.
Anyway, great review and pics now where is this wave at cause wanna buy.
I would disagree that there was no good “Classic” Supes — the one that came in the Superman vs Parasite 2-pack was a nice update of the Super Powers figure, if not perfect.
The s-shield is too small and shaped incorrectly and the blue far too dark to be classic. Despite all their attempts they never got it.
How bout the “Super Powers” repaint? 🙂
That figure is awful! Ruben screwed the pooch on that one.
I very nearly bought those Super Powers figs, but in hindsight I’m glad I skipped. Might have been nice as carded displays if they were about half the price, though.
I’m sure my brain is playing tricks, but when I see that head sculpt all I can think of is a young Alex Trebek.
When I get this figure he’ll be hosting Superhero Jeopardy.
I managed to get the SDCC Book of Vishanti set, but it cost me more than I expected. I mainly wanted Magik and Hela, so the rest went on sale. Dormammu and Brother Voodoo were the first to go, but now I’m wavering on selling Strange because he’s a clear version of this Hulkbuster series figure, and I think it would be cool to have them both.
Look pretty cool. I will probably get him as he reminds me of Mandrake the Magician.
I have absolutely zero tie to Dr Strange. I never got into his comic, and I found his animated movie boring. However, your pics have made me really want this figure (that spellcasting one in particular)! I was going to get him just for the BAF piece, but he really does look good as a toy!
Has there been confirmation that the Cumberbatch Strange will have his classic comic costume? This darker color scheme kind of fits in the MCU costume style.
No word on Cumber-Strange’s costume yet, but I’d imagine it goes from MD/suit to maybe the blue blouse for “training”, then something like this for Final Battle. Unless they jump right into the already established Sorcerer Supreme, but with the Ancient One in the cast, there has to be at least some flashback training.