REVIEW: Hasbro's Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark Figure Wave

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2008 has been a big year for fans of Indiana Jones. Between a new film and bevy of collectibles, fans of the world’s most renowned fictional archeologist had treasures of every kind to excite them.

The cornerstone of the collectible paraphernalia was Hasbro’s 3 ¾” figure line, which celebrated all four Indiana Jones film with a minimum of 6 figure releases per move wave, with Raiders of the Lost Ark getting the most extensive treatment of them all. The original, and arguably most popular, Indy film was captured in figure form by Kenner long ago, but Hasbro has updated the line for current collecting sensibilities, offering fans a basic core assortment with 7 different characters, plus additional thugs and alternate versions of Indy via deluxe waves. The core assortment featured 2 versions of Indiana, Marion Ravenwood, The Cairo Swordsman, The Monkey Man, a German Soldier, Belloq in his ceremonial garb, and Sallah. Regardless of one’s connection to any of the aforementioned characters in the film, each figure offers something to love.

The packaging on the figures is good. The bright yellows and Indy font are eyecatching, and the overall MOC presentation allows for fine display, with the figure in full view. The back of the blister cards feature a great paragraph on each figure, outlining who they are and their roll in the film.

Each figure includes a relic/artifact unrelated to their characters, hidden in a cardboard faux-crate. While the particular item is not specified on the package, the artifacts are not random. Each figure comes with a specific one that may or may not be related to their character. The cardboard boxes also include a mail-a-away sticker and order form for a Crystal Skeleton from this summer’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Redemption form must be postmarked by October 31, 2008, and 6 stickers are required.

The relics are not necessarily to scale, but they are interesting pack-in items, and I kept the crates for display. They are not very sturdy, but look fine. Now onto the figures.

Starting with the titular character, Hasbro released two excellent and different versions of Indiana. The “definitive” Indy figure of the hero in his jacket features fantastic articulation, showcased through a ball joint at the neck, ball hinges at the shoulders, elbows, ankles, and knees, and swivels at the hips, wrists and waist. He includes iconic Indy props like an uncoiled whip, coiled whip, pistol (with an unobtrusive holster on his waist), a scaled fertility statue, removable satchel and temple carving relic. The hat is sculpted to the figure, but it look much better than the removable hats on the KOTCS Indy figures. Frankly, this is my favorite Indy out of the half-dozen versions I’ve picked up so far.

The second Indy, the only figure with an action feature, lacks in the articulation department but he still features a good overall aesthetic. His right shoulder features “Whip-cracking action”, and as a result, he loses some articulation, but he’s still a solid and fun toy. POA’s include Swivel hips, waist, and right shoulder--all of which are engineered for the action feature, so that when Indy’s legs are squeezed, his arm moves. He also features ball hinged left shoulder and elbows and includes a pistol, soft goods whip (which is pretty awesome), and Grail tablet relic. Frankly, he looks better than the other version and the feature adds a distinct fun-factor, but the lack of the jacket and limited articulation makes him less iconic to me.

Either of these Indiana figures will display wonderfully with the hero’s original love interest, Marion Ravenwood. Dressed in her outfit from the Cairo sequence in Raiders, Marion features a ball jointed neck, ball-hinged shoulders and elbows, and swivels at the wrists, hips, waist and ankles. While the outfit is kinda dull, Marion still looks good displayed with the other figures, and she comes with a frying pan (which is great), sword, and “staff of Ra” Headpiece. She’s a cool female figure, and I love that Hasbro gave her that frying pan!

The third hero included in the series is the lovable Sallah, who still receives A-list treatment despite being a secondary character in the film. He features a ball jointed neck, ball-hinged shoulders and elbows, and swivels at the wrists, hips, waist and ankles, which is pretty solid articulation. His accessories include a torch, shovel, removable vest, and terracotta horse. His sculpt is fantastic, though I would have enjoyed a big smile on his face, as he is most memorable for his pleasant, friendly demeanor. Overall, though, he’s still a great figure.