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REVIEW: Comicave Studios 1/12 Scale Omni Class Die-Cast IRON MAN MARK XLIII
Premium Figure Series Finds Its Identity...
Comicave Studios' series of 1/12th scale (6-inch) die-cast metal Iron Man action figures have gone through some significant changes since we last reviewed "Shades" back in February HERE. Most all of these changes are to the benefit of collectors, though a few I find a small step backwards.
For starters, the premium figure line now has an official name: Omni Class. It's a good, sophisticated name and far superior than referring to the line as "those die-cast figures from Comicave Studios". The series finally has a solid identity.
Secondly, Comicave Studios has shifted North American distributors, suddenly switching from Bluefin to Global Holdings. I'm not too familiar with the whole distribution process, but I'm sure North American collectors won't notice a difference. If your favorite online retailer doesn't carry Omni Class Iron Man figures, there is always Comicave's new e-store where all their figures are just a click away.
Third, the Omni Class figures have received an attractive packaging makeover. Where past releases came in a small window box, Iron Man Mark XLIII ships in a super sleek box that unfolds via a magnetic flap to reveal two halves. Measuring only 7 inches tall, 3.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep, the compact design will no doubt save on shipping costs, not to mention allowing for more shelf display should you happen see these in a specialty store. As mentioned, the elegant box splits open on the side by lifting the magnetic flap. Inside, you'll find the figure stowed safely in a foam cutout on the right, with it's accessories nestled in foam on the left. To access, simply lift the clear plastic window panels off of each section.
Included with the Iron Man Mark XLIII are 5 pairs of interchangeable hands, blast effects for the hands and feet, as well as forearm and shoulder missiles. Missing from previous releases is a display stand, an odd omission seeing how blast effects for Iron Man's feet are included. Still, it's understandable given the smaller packaging, and to be fair, it does reflect in the figure's lower price of $115 (as opposed to around $140). One omission I truly miss is being able to light-up the figure by simply flipping the switch on his back. I did this, but nothing happened. Investigating to see if it might be defective, I cracked open the battery compartment carefully concealed on the figure's back... only to find batteries are no longer included. The LED function - which lights up Iron Man's eyes and chest - requires 2 small button cell batteries (L626). This type of battery isn't that expensive, which makes their omission on a $100 collectible all the more baffling.
Thankfully, the figure itself made me forget all about the light-up feature. This is a thing of beauty. Constructed of 75% die-cast metal, the Iron Man Mark XLIII shines with a quality feel. It's appearance is also a head-turner, the figure featuring intricate sculpted detail and a shiny sports car-like paint scheme. This is indeed a Ferrari of 6-inch action figures. Comicave Studios has also made nice improvements with articulation. Not only do you receive 20+ points of articulation where it counts, the figure goes above and beyond with opening flight panels on the legs and shoulders! Even the armor plates on the interchangeable hands are articulated, however I did find swapping hands a bit troublesome because of it. The blast effect accessories plug in easy enough, though you'll need the corresponding plug hands for repulsor beam action to work. The micro missile launcher for the wrist installs by taking off the existing armor plate and inserting the accessory. Nice and easy. On the other hand, the micro missile launchers for the shoulders were a bit awkward to install. There are tiny holes to insert the weapons, however the shoulder armor tends to get in the way (or pop off entirely - making it easier to plug in the rockets, but a pain to pop back on the pads).
No doubt about it, Comicave Studios' 1/12th scale Omni Class Iron Man MKXLIII is as nice as 6-inch action figures come. There are other high-end, hyper-articulated 6-inch figure lines out there, but the die-cast metal construction of the Omni Class puts Comicave Studios' figures in a class all to themselves. Having the best comes at a price... $115 isn't cheap. However, if you have the funds, the Omni Class Iron Man MKXLIII is money well spent.
Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor
Review Sample Courtesy of Comicave Studios
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