Iron Man - Marvel Universe

Originally uploaded by kenibatz

Marvel and Hasbro have taken a different and arguably better approach with their new toyline that is simply called “Marvel Universe”.

In contrast to the successful and popular “Marvel Legends” which boasted 6-inch scale action figures, this new toyline is only 3.75 inch scale.

This is the same scale as the G.I. JOE, Star Wars, and DC Infinite Universe toys. This means that if you wanted to build a diorama with Snake Eyes facing off against Daredevil or Darth Vader against Doctor Doom, then this would be the answer to your creative inclinations.

I only purchased the Iron Man figure because it was visibly the most impressive on the display shelf. Plus, this was the first Iron Man “Extremis armor” figure that I actually liked.

For such a small figure, the details are incredibly accurate. It boasts the standard points of articulation in a toy that would allow you to pose it in dynamic ways. Unlike the DC Infinite Universe, these figures come with accessories. Iron Man has his repulsor blast, Captain America has his shield, Spider-man has his webs, etc.

Each figure also comes with a S.H.I.E.L.D. dossier which gives a backstory to the events of the Marvel Universe during the launch of this toyline. The Iron Man figure also came with a Superhuman Registration Act License ID, similar to the ones shown in the comics; very nice touch. Finally, the figure comes with a secret code that when entered at their site, Fury Files, is supposed to decode the hidden message that came with the dossier. At the time of this writing, that online feature doesn’t seem to be working, though.

It’s also worth noting that the Hulk that comes in the next wave is larger than the regular figures so the scale factor was considered and respected by Hasbro. Hisstank.com provides more images.

Overall, these figures are pretty awesome. I’ve read somewhere that not all the figures are equal in design and quality, but the Iron Man figure is exactly as it should be.

My only nitpick with this figure is that it would’ve been cool if you could swap hands and heads because Iron Man is stuck with a closed left fist and a right hand in the blast firing position.

The only major negative issue I have with the 3.75-inch Marvel Universe toys (aside from the uninspired name) is that these toys are quite expensive for their size. They are significantly more expensive than their GI Joe and DC counterparts, and parents will probably prefer to get those brands instead.

Bottom line: Generally awesome figures, but the price may drive buyers/toy collectors away.

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Grant Morisson and Tony Daniel have taken the Batman franchise into a brave and bold new direction with the events of Batman R.I.P. and the repurcussions it will have with Battle for the Cowl.

Since Superman “died” in the “Death of Superman” way back in 1992, “comic book death” has been a fairly normal occurance. Any regular comic book reader knows that characters who have bought the farm will inevitably er… sell the farm again and be resurrected in a more powerful incarnation. Essentially, comic book death has become, particularly for the important characters, has become a marketing gimmick just to breath new life and interest into stories.

But Morrison takes a very intelligent approach and gave Batman a unique send-off (and has even left the door open for a reasonable return). The feeling that the story gives is that the demise of the Batman wasn’t done for the sake of a gimmick, but rather as a natural growth of all the characters involved, particularly Dick Grayson (a.k.a. Nightwing, the first Robin).

I find it interesting that Bruce Wayne’s final battle is not even in direct confrontation with his arch enemy, the Joker, but rather with his own inner demons as personified by Doctor Hurt and the Black Glove. The introduction of the Club of Villains is something that will probably be prominent in the mythologies of the Bat Family as a new “rogues gallery” for the new Batman.

Will Bruce Wayne return as Batman?

Most likely. After all, Hal Jordan and Barry Allen came back. But I personally hope that Bruce won’t be back anytime soon. Having been one of DC’s top cash cows since 1939, let’s give the guy a chance to rest and let one of his sons take over the cave.

The story itself is very good and takes the opportunity to plant storyline seeds for whoever inherits the cowl. Batman RIP is one of my favorite story arcs, along with Green Lantern Sinestro Corps and X-Men Messiah Complex. I look forward to getting the trade paperback edition for Christmas.

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Archangel - The Prayer

Originally uploaded by kenibatz

Toy collecting combined with photography can be a surprisingly rewarding hobby and a good exercise in creativity.

Toys based on human figures like the ones created by Figma, Revoltech and Marvel Legends (back when they were still developed by Toybiz) make especially good subjects. These toys have emotive facial expressions and several points of articulation that allow them to mimic most human movements and poses.

This composite image of X-Men’s Angel (or Archangel) was placed on a clear stand which was erased via Photoshop. I then added the background sky which I took from a trip to Bataan on a layer underneath and carefully blended the toy with it with a soft brush.

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