Hasbro, take note. Diamond Select toys just schooled you. Hard. Check out the awesome new unmasked Spider-Man figure from Marvel Select after the jump.
As I explained in my Marvel Select Avengers Hulk review last week, I don't normally collect Marvel Select figures. When I think of Marvel Select, I think of statuesque figures with limited articulation and not-quite-awesome sculpting. Well, I don't think I have the right to think that anymore. Diamond Select Toys continues to raise the bar in their Marvel Select line. If the Avengers Hulk weren't proof enough, just look at the awesome Amazing Spider-Man figures. When I saw this guy, I just had to buy him.
In addition to the standard Spidey and Lizard figures released to comic book stores, Disney Stores also got two exclusive editions of the web head - one being a metallic repaint of the standard figure, and another being this unmasked version.
The packaging for this figure is like the rest of the Marvel Select line. That is to say, it's a true collectors package. On the front, we've got the over-sized bubble containing the figure and his dio piece, the Amazing Spider-Man movie logo, the Disney Store exclusive logo, and the Spider logo on the bubble insert. The blue of the card back and the red behind the movie logo create a cool contrast resembling the textures of Spidey's new suit in the movie. The spine that runs along side the bubble features character-specific art from the movie, and the back of the card features the bio, product photo, and all your typical copyrights and logos. No cross-sell of other figures (like the Lizard), oddly enough. Overall, very nice packaing that I almost feel guilty for tearing open. But this figure's not going to pose himself in that over-sized bubble.
Speaking of which, this figure features an insane amount of articulation for a Diamond Select figure. I would say it's on par with most Hasbro Marvel Legends figures. The figure includes a ball jointed head and upper torso, ball hinged shoulders and hips, hinged elbows, wrists, and ankles, ankle rockers, double hinged knees, and swivels at the upper biceps, forearms, upper thigh, and calves. The joints all move smoothly, and the new hip joints are especially nice. They're designed to move forward without having to futz with the ball, and easily allow sideways movement without much hassle, either. And did I mention he has rocker ankles?
Despite all that articulation, the sculpt of the figure still looks great as well. All of the parts of the costume are intricately detailed and textured, included the hip balls. The web lines are actually sculpted on, not carved into the figure like some of Hasbro's versions. Even the eyes on the masked head sculpt feature texturing like in the movie. The Peter Parker head sculpt looks great too, but it doesn't quite resemble Andrew Garfield. Actually, it looks to me like a slightly older, more grown-up Andrew. But it is still unmistakably Peter Parker.
Where this figure really shines, in my opinion, is in the accessories department. Have I mentioned before what a sucker I am for secret identity figures? I love when a figure includes both masked and unmasked heads. I think EVERY figure should do this. What's even better with this figure, is he also includes un-gloved web-slinging thwippy hands, showing off Peter's web-shooters. Every figure should include swapable hands, too. Swapable heads and hands take a figure from good to amazing. This figure includes Peter's unmasked head, a masked head, un-gloved thwippy hands, and gloved fisty punchy hands. The only thing missing are the gloved thwippy hands that are included on the regular version of this figure. So if you want those (I do), you have to buy the regular version, or the other Disney exclusive version. I'm planning on picking up the other Disney version for his superior paint job. Look for that review soon.
Then there's the big accessory in the box, the brick wall diorama piece. I'm also a sucker for diorama pieces included with figures. This piece features two foot pegs so you can stick Spidey to the wall for some cool wall-crawling action. THIS is awesome. If the unmasked head and swapable hands took this figure from good to amazing, this functional dio piece takes this figure from amazing to AMAZING. Seriously. Are you taking note, Hasbro? THIS is how you make badass action figures. You'd think more designers would realize the potential for awesomeness with giving Spidey a wall he can stick to, but this happens surprisingly little. And I can't say enough how awesome this simple little thing is. Foot pegs on a wall. Genius.
Scale-wise, this Spidey looks great next to other Marvel Selects, like Hulk. Unfortunately, though, he's a little too big to pose with your Legends-scale figures. So you'll still need to get the 6-inch Amazing Spidey if you want him to go with your other 6-inch figures. Whenever Hasbro gets around to releasing him. It's not like the movie came out a week ago and they're missing the chance to strike while the iron is hot, or anything. But that's Hasbro for you. Side note: I really like that unlike most mass-release retail lines, Marvel Select figures all have set release dates when you can count on them to show up in comic book stores or other specialty stores. It makes it much more convenient, knowing when and where to go hunting for them.
So there you go. I'm not a Marvel Select collector, but if they keep putting stuff out that's this good, I will be. This figure blows away any version of Spider-Man that Hasbro has put out in recent memory. It's absolutely worth picking up, and is available in Disney Stores now.
I don't care to own one but this is a pretty cool figure. Good review and pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading as always, G-8.
DeleteAMAZING REVIEW AS ALWAYS! I seriously love this website. Im always in constant odds with the guy that runs our internet shows website cause im always wanting to post stuff about your reviews even tho it has nothing to do with the show haha. Anyways I have a question....could u possibly post a pic of this next to the 6 in avengers....i want to see what the scale is like and if i should get this one or the other line 6 in spidey. Thanks.
DeleteSure thing, Dustin. I'll take those photos when I do the shoot for the other Disney exclusive version of this figure (the metallic one), which should hopefully be arriving in the next few days. I can tell you right now though, this guy is too big to look good next to the Hasbro 6-inchers. Marvel Select are closer to a 7-8" scale. This Spidey is about a head taller than 6" Captain America. I haven't seen the Hasbro 6" Spidey in person yet, but personally, I'm planning on using that one to go with my 6" Avengers, and just leaving the Marvel Select for it's own little display.
DeleteI have seen the 6 inch amazing spidey figures in a comic shop near me. In the UK.
ReplyDeleteWow, does this mean we've got them here before you lot in the US?
I don't think that's possible.
Apparently they're "Previews exclusive", meaning only comic shops can get them, but I'm sure I heard somewhere they were going to be walmart exclusives...
Yup, the UK and Australia got them before us in the US this time. They're supposed to be Walmart exclusives here, just like the Avengers 6".
DeleteWoah... What hasbro have done with this distribution must cause the universe to end or something... We never get anything before anyone else...
DeleteUnless it's Transformers RTS Windcharger...
Feel lucky... we STILL haven't received Windcharger. I got mine froma UK friend at Botcon.
DeleteWe got Windcharger. Ross got a lot of them.
ReplyDeleteThis is why YOU hunt the toys...
ReplyDeleteSo how 'bout that Marvel Select Spider-Man, eh?
ReplyDeleteSorry for steering things of course there...
DeleteI've never been one foe buying select figures, just cos they're out of scale with figures from wider retail.
But, I might start, especially as their movie figures are so much better than what Hasbro churns out..
Haha no worries, I'm just giving Joe a hard time.
DeleteI agree though, I don't normally collect Marvel Select because they're out of scale with the rest of collection, but their movie figures are getting better and better.
Are you reviewing the marvel select avengers movie hawkeye and lizard?
ReplyDeleteLizard, yes, when it arrives (hopefully in a few days), Hawkeye, not sure. Haven't decided for sure if I want to do more Avengers in this scale, since there isn't a complete team.
Deletewell, you have TFA cap, movie Thor, Iron Man mrk 6, really just missing black widow
DeleteActually Hasbro helped select with this figure they're partners now, They also helped with that hulk figure, they helped with the articulation and other stuff, Select also helped hasbro with the avengers figures also, I just thought you'd like to know.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. What's your source for that info?
DeleteDiamond Select's Website shows that there partners.
DeleteAh I see, thanks for that info. I knew Gentle Giant helped with some of the sculpting, didn't realize Hasbro was helping one of their own competitors too. Interesting. Either way, this figure still puts some of Hasbro's stuff to shame.
Deleteagreed i just wanted to inform you about there partnership because when i read the first lines of your review it started off with Hasbro Take note you just got schooled, and i thought you'd want to know that diamond got help from hasbro on this figure rather than telling hasbro to take note on something they helped make, hope you put that in your next marvel select review, Also if you put that in your next marvel select review can you give me a shoutout as the guy who informed you about it, You can call me x
DeleteWell X, I've been researching this myself the last couple days, and no offense, but I can't find any information online that backs up your story. I did find info though indicating that DST and Hasbro have a licensing partnership, which I interpret to basically mean that Hasbro lets DST make toys based on their properties in exchange for a fee. That may or may not include Marvel. But nothing about Hasbro helping DST in the design or production of any actual products. So sorry, but I'd prefer not to report something as being fact without being able to back it up with a credible source. Hasbro's logo on DST's site doesn't prove that they helped produce any of their products. And to be honest, from a business standpoint, I don't see why Hasbro would want to directly help a competitor produce a product so similar to their own. I'm not calling bullshit on you, but I'm calling "citation needed" before I buy it.
DeleteHere's the Press Release Bio I found that mentions Hasbro:
About Diamond Select Toys
Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles, LLC, was founded in 1999 by sister company Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. Headquartered in Timonium, MD, Diamond Select Toys was envisioned to create unique and exciting collectibles for children and adults alike, and today the company licenses a wide range of pop culture properties from partners such as Marvel Enterprises, Microsoft, Universal Studios, Twentieth Century Fox, Hasbro, MGM and Sony Pictures. In 2007, Diamond Select Toys acquired select assets of the New York based Art Asylum, creators of the global Minimates brand. Minimates have been recognized as the #1 selling block figure in the world and were the first toys ever to be inducted into the ToyFare Magazine Hall of Fame. In addition to Minimates, Diamond Select Toys manufactures a broad variety of products for the specialty and mass markets, including figures, statues, banks, role-play items, replicas and housewares.
I'll dig up some more info for you if you'd like, I'll try to find something substantial, that backs up my story and gives cold hard facts that i'mnot bullshitting, Also it was noted before that toybiz was partnered with select when they where still in business, So i could see hasbro and select being partners to help improve each others products, With articulation and detailing Until Next time, My regards X.
DeleteCool, if you can point me to some concrete info to back up your statements, it would be appreciated.
Delete