REVIEW: Marvel Universe - ARCHANGEL & HAVOC

[JeffSaylor]

Our Wave 2 2010 review continues...

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For a great selection of Marvel Universe and other exciting superhero action figures, visit BigBadToyStore.com!

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The Marvel 3.75" Universe continues to grow and grow with every new wave of exciting figures released. Perhaps the best assortment of figures released so far is Hasbro's 2nd wave of 2010 Marvel Universe figures which consists of the unstoppable Juggernaut, Colossus, Kitty Pryde, Archangel, Havoc and A.I.M. soldier. This exciting new assortment's selection of characters packs a hell of a punch in terms of must-have characters and army-building possibilities. We are following up today with part 2 of our in-depth review of this new assortment with Archangel and Havoc.

PACKAGING: The blister card design is unchanged from last year's Fury Files collection with the exception of the new Hammer Files logo and new artwork by comic artist Mike Deodato. The Nick Fury illustration on the back of the blister card has been replaced by one of Norman Osbourne. Each figure comes packaged with a Top Secret Hammer File envelope which includes a bio/art card, Hammer File web code and Secret File document about the character. Each figure also includes a display stand with the characters name, Marvel Universe logo and corresponding number in the assortment.

SCULPT: These figures are mainly retools of previous MU figure releases and are not all that impressive in regards to sculpting. Archangel consists of a pre-existing slender buck body with a new head sculpt and brand new articulated wings that detach from two peg holes in his back. The metallic looking wings on Archangel are very well executed and look fantastic.

The head sculpt on Havoc is not all that great and he includes the same clip-on blast accessory that comes with Iron-Man figures with the exception that the one that comes with Havoc is molded in clear blue plastic.

PAINT: In regard to the paint application on both of these figures, the deco is not as accurately applied to the figures as with Colossus and other highly detailed figures. The paint details on Archangel are much cleaner and better looking than on Havoc but the wings would have looked better if they were painted to look metallic.

It's a real pity that the QC on this collection is not prioritized more on this collection and that some characters look much better than others.

ARTICULATION: Both of these figures feature the standard articulation featured on most figures in the inaugural release with less poseable joints than other MU figures. Archangel can barely be posed in flight positions due to the limitation in points of articulation. Archangel would have been a much better figure if it would have feature a swivel neck and better torso movement allowing him to be posed in dynamic flight stances and looking upward.

Havoc is not very versatile mainly due to the fact that his joints are not are as flexible and the figure does not stand up very well without his display base.

OVERALL: I am a huge Marvel Legends fan and prefer the 6” scale over the standard 3.75" scale but I have to say that the Marvel Universe is getting better and better with every other new wave that is released although there is a lot of room for improvement on certain characters. One of the best things that this line has going for it is the vision and dedication that head product designer David Vonner and his creative team have put into it. So whether you are a Marvel fan or just love collecting cool figures in general, picking up these new action figures should be an obvious choice. These figures are available for order through BigBadToystore.com right now so place your order now before they are gone.


For even more images of these figures, CLICK HERE!

Review and Photos by Jorge Pelaez

Review Samples Courtesy of BigBadToyStore.com

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[wesitron]

I still like the look of that Archangel, I figured I'd have to paint the wings myself. Havok, on the other hand, I think I'll pass. That possible variant figure with the classic headsculpt I think is much more appealing. Thanks for the review and nice shot of the play feature on Archangel's wings, I hadn't seen that before.