REVIEW: Comicave Studios Die-Cast IRON MAN 1/12 Scale "Igor"

A Figure Worthy Of The Name "Iron Man"...

CLICK HERE FOR OVER 70 NEW PHOTOS OF COMICAVE STUDIOS' IRON MAN IGOR ACTION FIGURE!

As established in our previous review HERE, Bluefin has expanded their relationship with Singapore based Comicave Studios (comicavestudios.com) to distribute a series of die-cast metal Iron Man action figures. "Shotgun" was the first release and it's being followed by another Iron Man 3 favorite: the Mark 38 (Mark XXXVIIII), better known as "Igor".

What I really appreciate about this 1/12th (6-inch scale) series, aside from their awesome die-cast construction, is how Comicave is kicking the line off with Iron Man armors rarely seen as toy collectibles. The only other Igor action figure on the market (as well as the Shotgun) is a much larger 1:6th scale figure. While nice, it's not ideal for those that prefer their toys a bit smaller (and not quite as pricey). That Hot Toys Igor (see my review HERE) takes up some serious shelf real estate and will set ya back a cool $500. On the other hand, Comicave's Igor fits in very well with Hasbro's Marvel Legends (and DST's Marvel Select) clocking in at a hunched over 8-inches tall. It's still far from what I would consider cheap; BigBadToyStore.com has Igor for $184.99, but much of that can be justified by the figure's mostly metal construction, cool light-up features and other assorted goodies. Comicave is giving their die-cast Iron Man series all the bells and whistles.

The bells and whistles start with the packaging, a deluxe window box with magnetic closing flap. It's simple in design, but eye-catching, with a comic book style rendition of the Igor armor on the front and a slick rainbow line drawing of Igor's back, well, on the back! Super shiny foil text accentuates the die-cast metal feel of the collectible, with one call-out proclaiming "75% Die-Cast Metal". Let's open this puppy up and see...

Comicave's Iron Man Shotgun was a nice figure, but heck if it felt like it was made of 75% die-cast metal. Igor, on the other hand, is just what I was expecting: a hefty beast of metal construction. This is a figure worthy of the name "Iron Man". Collectors are going to flip over how solid this toy feels. What's even more incredible is the mount of detail and articulation Comicave Studios packed onto this metal giant. You wouldn't know it was metal just by looking at it.

All of Igor's distinctive features are here, from his snapping turtle-like head, to his fork lift-like arms. Tiny warning labels are nice and crisp for this scale, adding loads of realism to the figure. However, it is the use of realistic weathering that truly elevates this to a premium collectible. While it may appear too extreme in some of the macro close-up photos I took, in hand the painted rust, burnished steel and chipped white hazard stripes on Igor are remarkable.

As mentioned, Igor's mostly metal construction doesn't hinder his articulation one iota. Ratchet-style shoulder joints allow for broad positioning of the arms in poses that stay put. There's also a ball-jointed head, swivel cut at the upper arm, hinged elbows, rotating wrists, double ball-jointed waist, ball-jointed thighs, double-hinged knees, and ball-jointed ankles. All these joints are nice and firm for solid posing. In addition to all the primary joints, Comicave Studios tacks on a load of extras, including flaps on the back of Igor's legs that open, "spine" plates that articulate, the bars on his back lift up (slightly), and fully functional fork lift arms. These pronged devices flip open and better yet, actually slide forward on rails. Surprisingly, this sliding movement is something that the larger Hot Toys Igor didn't even feature. Comicave's 1/12th scale Igor also includes several sets of interchangeable hands: close fisted, slightly open, and a pair with fully functional fingers. Personally I feel the articulated hands are the only pair you need as you can achieve any pose you want with them.

Lastly, Igor features a light-up gimmick in his eyes and chest. Sorry gang, no light-up hand repulsors, an omission I totally understand given this figure's scale. Like Comicave's Shotgun figure, activating Igor's chest light is as simple as flipping a small switch on his back. Batteries are already installed. I absolutely love the no fuss approach to this light-up feature. Igor's head, on the other hand, is a bit of a pain. To light up Igor's eyes you have to remove his head, lift a concealed plate on the top of his head, flip the switch that's hidden inside, and pop it all back on. It's a lot of work to turn on/off a light, even though I'm not sure what else Comicave could have done without sacrificing head articulation with wires and such. Anyways, you all know my feeling on light-up gimmicks by now: you try it once, you oo and ah and then you never do it again unless showing off your figure to a friend. It's an appreciated gesture, but one that's not really needed.

Comicave Studios Die-Cast 1:12 Igor with DST's Marvel Select Hulkbuster

Ah, but what a remarkable action figure overall! Comicave Studios has hit all the right buttons when it comes to the 1/12th scale Igor. An impressive shelf-friendly scale, super chunky die-cast construction, wonderful detailing and paint apps, and useful articulation that makes posing Igor a pleasurable experience. This is one fun, well-built collectible. A $185 one? That really depends on your perspective. Play Arts Kai figures, which are about the same size as Igor, are averaging over $100 now, and they aren't 75% die-cast metal or have light-up features. Hot Toys' very own die-cast figures, while larger, aren't nearly as heavy as this figure and they retail in the $350+ range. Add on the fact that there just aren't many Igor collectibles out there and it boils down to this: How much do you like this Iron Man armor design? Personally, Igor is my favorite right after Hulkbuster. Badass and big, Igor's a brute of Iron Man strength.


CLICK HERE FOR OVER 70 NEW PHOTOS OF COMICAVE STUDIOS' IRON MAN IGOR ACTION FIGURE!

Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor

Review Sample Courtesy of Bluefin Distribution