Marvel Legends Wolverine figure review X-Men Build-A-Juggernaut wave
If we did awards for best wave of the year I don’t see how the X-Men Legends Series 1 doesn’t easily take the prize. Hasbro released definitive versions of some characters (Phoenix, Rogue) and great updates to others (Havok, Cable, Deadpool, Kitty Pryde). Not to mention a tremendous Build-A-Figure in Juggernaut. Now it’s time to save the best for last with Wolverine.
While Cyclops remains my favorite X-Man, Wolverine is definitely in the Top 5. He’s had some solid figures in the past, but Hasbro stakes claim on the definitive you won’t need another in this attire version with this release. And it’s hard to see how it could be topped.
Packaging: This is your regular Marvel Legends packaging with the dominant black and an accent color. The X-Men get a gold accent, which I really like.
I love the side portraits, but wish Hasbro put a little more attention on the bio. I’m sure there’s tons of volunteers willing to whip up a 3-4 sentence explaining the significance of this particular look for Wolverine.
Likeness: When I think of classic Wolverine, this is what comes to mind. This is the modernized version of my weaker, unimpressive Secret Wars figure in 2016.
I like the stoic head as opposed to a more feral looking head sculpt. To me Wolverine was always more intimidating when he didn’t look like he was going to rip someone’s throat out with his teeth. There’s a subtle menacing look to this figure that’s really well executed.
Scale: Hugh Jackman clearly has changed the public perception of Wolverine. For me, the ‘ol Canucklehead is the runt constantly looking up while he’s getting in someone’s face. That was part of the charm of the character for me and it was something largely ignored in figure form.
Hasbro nailed the scale this time. Wolverine is shorter than the others, but with a wide, broad torso. Going forward besides a Weapon X, Old Man Logan or New X-Men look, this is the body Hasbro should use for any Logan figures.
Paint: This is Wolverine in his iconic orange and brown attire. The biggest thing to watch out for will be the blending of the brown torso stripe. I haven’t noticed that to be an issue on the Wolverine figures I’ve seen in stores.
The most complex paint requirements are the belt buckle and the gloves’ claw points. It’s simple, but there’s no problems, which is most important. Maybe Hasbro could have added some hair on the arms, but that’s the only nitpick I can find here.
Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long for this figure to get repainted in the Tiger Stripe yellow and blue. Seems like an ideal repaint for a Giant Sized X-Men box set with Nightcrawler, Storm, Banshee and Cyclops.
[irp]
Articulation: For the price and the posing ability it’s hard to top Marvel Legends. Wolverine is definitely one of those characters who benefits tremendously from a well-engineered articulation scheme.
Hasbro gave Wolverine an additional forward and backwards moving joint in his shoulders. That allows for a better claw stabbing motion and Fastball Special.
Wolverine has:
- neck
- ball-jointed shoulders
- bicep
- elbow
- wrist
- wrist hinge
- torso
- waist
- hip
- thigh
- knee (double-jointed)
- ankle
Accessories: Short of an alternate unmasked head, Hasbro went above and beyond with Wolverine. The claws are removable so you can have Logan do his infamous claw threatening gesture or flick off a bad driver. Additionally, he comes with a separate set of fists.
To complete the BAF Juggernaut, Wolverine comes with the head.
Worth it? The going rate for this line is $20. Whenever Hasbro adds in logical accessories in addition to the BAF piece I’m happy.
Rating: 10 out of 10
Just like it’s hard for artists to top the classic costume designs, this Wolverine is going to be real tough to beat for best Wolverine. And possibly even Figure of the Year honors.
Where to get it? I’ve spotted the X-Men Legends wave at Toys R Us, Target, Walgreens and Gamestop. Wolverine is slightly trickier to find. Right now he’s available at retail price on Amazon.com.