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ADVANCE REVIEW: Comicave Studios Die-Cast IRON MAN 1/12 Scale "Shades"
I Wear My Sunglasses At Night...
Comicave Studios follows the release of their 1/12 scale Iron Man "Shotgun" (read our review HERE) and "Igor" (HERE), with Shades". An Extreme Heat Suit, the 6-inch tall Mark XXIII (23) action figure is the latest in Comicave's series of premium Iron Man 3 armors featuring 75% die-cast metal. High-quality construction aside, it's particularly nice that Comicave is rolling out House Party Protocol suits that have never been seen before on this collectible scale. Heck, I believe this is the first figure of Shades to ever hit the market. Pricing and a U.S. release date hasn't been announced yet for Shades (the figure was just revealed a few days ago), but he should be distributed via Bluefin and he should retail for around $140, similar to Shotgun.
The forerunner to the Mark XL Shotgun, Shades features the same body type, but is made even cooler with an awesome digital camo deco. While Shades is branded as an "Extreme Heat Suit," I see more of an all-purpose military design. It's a shame Shades doesn't feature a shoulder-mounted minigun - he'd give War Machine a run for his money in the style department. The name Shades is derived from the suit's ability to keep cool in high heat, however it doesn't hurt that the armor has a flip-up visor that resembles a pair of sunglasses. Dual meaning. Catchy.
Packaging layout, accessories, articulation and figure features are all identical to Shotgun (see my review HERE). I don't say that as a negative - this is a class act presentation and product, folks. I'm just pointing it out to save on repeating myself. Highlights include the return of the translucent flame effects that plug into Shades' back and set of splayed hands. The brilliant orange brings a pop of color and really enhances the display dynamics for this figure. The many sets of interchangeable hands are also a joy to play with - each pair easy to pop on and off. You get the usual suspects of fisted, slightly open (half-fisted?), fully splayed open, and two sets splayed open and bent at the wrist for repulsor beam or fire effect plug-in action. The included display stand with TWO display arms (clear and bendy metal) is also a very nice touch.
And then there is the LED light-up feature. I know I have mentioned many times on how I feel about gimmicky light-up features - you do it once and you're done with it. However, Comicave is - excuse the pun - making me see the light with their Iron Man figures. With batteries already in place, illuminating these figures is as easy as flipping the switch on the back. And if the batteries die? Comicave even provides a screwdriver to replace them with. Fan service all the way.
Like Shotgun, Shades didn't see a whole lot of action in Iron Man 3. It was really a blink-and-you-missed-it moment as all the House Party suits fly into action. So little scene time doesn't make this armor any less appealing. Shades sells on his good looks alone, especially being the only armor to feature miltary camouflage. It really helps Shades stand out from the pack and looks sooo cool.
Following Comicave Studios' Igor is a tough act to follow. That figure was large and in charge, the die-cast metal in Igor staggering to hold. Shades isn't as big, nor as heavy, but Shade's unique deco and sleek armor profile have quickly made him one of my favorites.
Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor
Review Sample Courtesy of Comicave Studios
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