Hot Toys Mark IV and Mark V Busts

[JeffSaylor]

Tony Stark's armors get BUSTED...

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To date, Hot Toys has released several incredible lines of Iron Man collectibles, such as their realistic Movie Masterpiece series and adorable mini Cosbabies. However, these are not the only Iron Man collectibles that the company has produced. Their new Iron Man 2 ¼ scale busts are yet another great addition to any Marvel fan's collection, includign the recently released Mark IV and Mark V busts.

PACKAGING: Both quarter scale busts come packaged inside an ornate black window-box emblazoned with the Iron Man 2 movie logo. The box features a unique technical diagram design and is highlighted by a blue patterned grid. Also featured are thin plastic windows along the side panels providing an additional profile view of the collectible busts inside. Each bust is carefully stored within a form-shaped plastic tray with respective cover. While the package design on these is very plain in comparison to the dramatic designs created for the MMS figures, its what's inside that is a true gem.

SCULPT: Although the company does not specialize in producing quarter-scaled figures, the Mark IV and V collectible busts provide collectors with a sampling of what could be. The iconic look of both the Mark IV and V armors is captured flawlessly in each high-end bust. The Mark IV bust is heavy-set and bulkier than the lighter compact Mark V armor providing a realistic sense of scale when displayed next to one another. The Mark IV bust is made of a high quality plastic as that used on the MMS collectible figures and is perfectly symmetrical and movie-accurate. The Mark V serves as a teaser of what collectors can expect from the upcoming Mark V MMS figure and includes an immense level of complex detailing that is flawlessly rendered in three-dimensional goodness.

The sculpted details on the back of the Mark V bust is a true spectacle and visual delight. The partitions of the Mark V are perfectly symmetrical and the grooves are actually sculpted in which gives the piece a functional look making it's transformational attributes believable. The intertwining hinges on the back of the arms blend in seamlessly with the rest of the mechanical elements resulting in a flawless fusion of robotic perfection as only Tony Stark could create.

Each bust rests upon an modular black base with the film logo and armor name. Both busts include light-up eyes and chest reactor cores which require three AAA batteries to work. The lights on both the eyes and chest reactors is extremely bright on each bust thanks to the cell power of the AAA batteries giving each piece an extremely dramatic look when they are each lit. The switch and battery panel is located at the bottom of each bust base and the lid for the panel is sealed via a tiny screw. The heads on the Mark IV and V can be slightly turned to the left or right providing an extremely limited degree of display options to collectors.

PAINT: The amazing sculpt work on both the Mark IV and V are significantly enhanced by their high quality paint applications. The Mark IV is covered in a shiny Hot Rod red coat with randomly scattered metallic accents which give the armor a slightly worn look. The golden elements on the armor such as the face plate, rib cage, back and bicep accents are accurately colored in a shiny metallic gold with absolutely no running or paint bleed evident to the naked eye. The Mark V is accented flawlessly in metallic silver and red colors and just like the Mark IV, it also features randomly scattered dings and scratches all around adding that realistic worn look as well. The rivets on the Mark V’s back are colored in a lighter color that the other silver elements of the armor which a nice added touch by Hot Toys as they could have easily used the same color on all the parts but this comes as no surprise as Hot toys is always pushing the envelope in terms of craftsmanship and detail on all their products.

OVERALL: I have to say that this is my first time reviewing quarter scale busts from Hot Toys and as expected, I am extremely satisfied with this set. While would have absolutely loved a removable mask on the Mark IV with a Tony Stark head sculpt underneath, I can understand why it was not done this way. I love the way the busts look when they are fully lit up and these are fantastic collectible pieces that will look great on a bookshelf or desktop. The Mark IV and V busts each retail for approximately $65 to $75 each and are mostly sold out by now but you might be lucky and spot one at your local comic shop or by searching online. There are five busts in all that have been released so far including the War Machine and Mark VI and highly recommend picking these puppies up if you come across them if you’re a Marvel or Iron Man fan.

FOR OVER 80 NEW PHOTOS OF THESE TWO BUSTS, CLICK HERE!

Review and Images by Jorge Pelaez

Review Samples Courtesy of Hot Toys

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