REVIEW: Hot Toys Iron Man 2 MARK II - ARMOR UNLEASHED

[JeffSaylor]

Updated Armor Offers Up A Plethora Of Awesome Extras...

CLICK HERE FOR OVER 200 NEW PHOTOS!

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Hot Toys’ ever growing Iron Man sixth scale collection continues to grow exponentially with every new piece that is released. Although the initial Iron Man releases are very sought after and incredible overall, Hot Toys is always striving for the most excellent quality by releasing updated versions of some pieces that outshine the originals such as the new Mark II (Armor Unleashed) 1/6 figure from Iron Man II.

The box design for this updated version of the Mark II Iron man suit is both simplistic but elegant at the same time. The packaging consists of two separate components, an inner window box and an outer cardboard sleeve. The Mark II figure is housed within a plastic form-molded tray that’s sits on top of another black tray which holds the display base and adjustable grip attachment for flight stand. The display table included with this figure is actually made up of cardboard parts which are folded flat underneath the figure tray. The outer slip case features an oversized image of the Mark II head in the front and a symmetrical centered image of the Mark II body. The reactor core and eyes on the Marl II images in the exterior box are flat colored while the rest of the image is embossed in a metallic foil which adds a unique look to the package images.

This updated version of the Mark II suit consists of the same older Iron Man buck which was used on the first couple of figure releases based on the first film. Although this figure does not feature the updated body utilized on most recent Iron Man figures, the piece does includes several amazingly-detailed parts that reveal the inner workings of the suit. The exposed boots feature an amazing level of intricate details that reveal the inner mechanics and complex circuitry that make up the mechanical limbs. Rather than basing this second release of the Mark II on the first film, the Armor Unleashed Mark II is based on its appearance from the second Iron Man film. The Mark II Armor Unleashed features the highest piece count out of all the Iron Man 1/6 releases to date.

The figure includes the following interchangeable parts:

- Removable Chest Piece
- Interchangeable boots and lower legs (exposed and armored)
- Detachable Neck
- Light-Up Head
- Empty Helmet with Magnetic Face Plate
- Additional Helmet with James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) Portrait and Magnetic Face Plate
- Removable Bicep Armor Plates
- 2 Removable Back Air Brake Panels
- Display Base with Iron Man 2 logo

Unlike other Iron Man sixth scale figures, this specific piece offers collectors the chance to own their very own dissected version of the Mark II armor as it appears in Iron Man 2. The figure can be displayed atop a black work table as seen in the film scene where the suit is being dismantled by the military before turning it into War Machine. The packed-in table is made of reinforced cardboard panels wrapped in vinyl that attach at opposite ends via magnetic inserts. The figure also includes a light-up base just like the one included with the Mark IV and other Iron Man figures.

The articulation on the Mark II Unleashed is ample but not as versatile as the other Hot Toys Iron Man figures. The Mark II utilizes a buck body that is similar to the earlier Iron Man figure releases as it has no articulation at the torso. As a result of having no articulation in the mid-section or waist, the figure can only be posed in some simple flight and static poses. The piece feature additional articulation joints such as hinge joint in the jaw area of the helmet pieces and working ankle hydraulics on the exposed boots. This updated version of the Mark II figure features over 36 points of articulation throughout the body and its multiple interchangeable parts.

In terms of the paint application, the Mark II Unleashed features a very simple but striking deco. The entire body is decorated in shiny metallic silver resulting in a cutting-edge and classy look. While there is not a wide palette of colors utilized on this piece, the metallic silver deco on it is flawless and gives a real metal look to the figure. The exposed boots feature exposed wires which are colored in red and blue and the mechanical parts are composed of some matte gray pieces which gives the endoskeleton a unique and organic overall look. The hydraulics located on the back of the boots feature red and blue striping which adds contrast against the shiny metallic base coat. The exposed inner chest section is painted in various hues of matte gray which add realism and makes that section pop out visually. Regardless of the lack of varying colors on the piece, the Mark II Unleashed features a visually striking shiny metallic look that will compliment your Iron Man collection.

While it may not be the most colorful or dynamically articulated Iron Man sixth scale figure, but the Mark II Armor Unleashed figure outshines its previous release by leaps and bounds. This new updated version of the second phase of the Mark mech suit line offers up a plethora of awesome extras allowing multiple display options and playability. This piece has an MSRP of $200 which is a good price considering all the little extras it includes. The Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series Mark II Armor Unleashed figure is available now from many of our fine sponsors and the exclusive version is also still available through Sideshow’s website. Whether you missed out on the original release or want to fill in the gap in the ever growing Hall of Armors, I recommend picking up this great figure before they sell out as all Hot Toys figures eventually do.

CLICK HERE FOR OVER 200 NEW PHOTOS!

Photos and Review by Jorge Pelaez

Review Sample Provided by Hot Toys

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