[Well, the whole “new review format” went over like a lead balloon with you guys. This review may read more like the newer format, but that’s only because I already did the definitive long-winded Wolverine figure review years ago.
While I loved Star Wars toys as a kid, I’ve never really been interested in 3 ¾”-scale action figures, and so neither Mattel’s Infinite Heroes nor Hasbro’s Marvel Universe hold much interest for me. However, I am obligated to buy any and all action figures of Wolverine in his brown-and-yellow costume, and so I dropped the (sigh) eight bucks for this figure when I saw it at Toys ‘R Us.
From what I can tell, despite this figure being part of a line called “X-Men Origins Wolverine,” it’s in scale with the Marvel Universe figures.
Packaging: Since this line is meant to tie in to the upcoming movie, it features Hugh Jackman on the front. There are some nice graphics on the back, along with a bio that appears to be specific to this particular version of Wolverine, since it describes events in the Wolverine: Origins comic.
Sculpting: The body sculpt is quite impressive for a figure of this size. There’s good muscle definition, and even some smaller details such as folds in the clothing. However, the face could be better; the nose looks smashed and the mouth looks less vicious than constipated.
The claws are both a solid piece, with black-painted plastic between each claw until about a millimeter from the end. Ironically, this means this is the first Wolverine in ages with perfectly straight claws right out of the package.
Plastic & Paint: I like the darker shade of yellow (goldenrod?) they used for the light parts of the costume. The paint apps are smooth everywhere except the head, which looks a bit sloppy.
Articulation: Wolvie features Marvel Legends-like articulation, and frankly, for a 3 ¾” figure, it’s impressive. He has ball joints at the shoulders, hips, neck, and upper torso; double-hinges at the knees; hinges at the ankles; swivels at the wrists; and those odd Hasbro half-swivel, half-ball joints at the elbows and ankles.
I’m happy with all of the articulation except for the neck: while it purports to be a ball joint, it barely moves up and down.
Of course, Palisades introduced this level of articulation on 3 ¾” figures years ago with their Army of Darkness line, but it’s great to see it becoming the norm (hear that, Mattel?).
Accessories: Wolverine comes with the red Muramasa blade, which is a bit odd, since to my (admittedly limited) knowledge the Muramasa blade was red when it was forged, but now looks like a normal sword in the comics.
A stand (like the ones that come with the G.I. Joe figures) would have been a nice inclusion, for action poses.
Quality control: No problems here. For such a small, well-articulated figure, Wolverine is surprisingly durable, and would probably survive plenty of child play.
Value: I read a lot of complaints about the $12 price point for DCUC figures, but eight bucks at retail for this thing? It doesn’t even come with a BAF part. Six bucks seems like a more reasonable price for these.
Overall: Wolverine is pretty good–for a 3 ¾” figure. The more I play around with him, the more I like him. If Mattel’s Infinite Heroes had sculpting and articulation of this quality, I’d probably be collecting it.
However, Wolverine’s limited neck articulation, lack of a stand, and price tag are disappointing, and cost him a couple ravens.
Poe’s Raven Rating:
[raven 3]