While I normally try to give a unique comment for each figure in a wave reveal, every one of X-Men ’97 figures carries the same analysis with a couple of exceptions: Rounding out the series, we have the Void Build-A-Figure. The Dark God counterpart to The Sentry, it’s hard for me to really summarize what The Void even is despite having read almost all of the material with the character. Folks seem to be pretty excited about this one, but I find it hard to find enthusiasm for any Iron Man figure made lately — especially when they’re based on the older MCU movies. MCU Bruce Banner Justice and Namorita will “sort of” complete the original 90s New Warriors lineup in 6” figures form, but not exactly. I think fans sort of expected Marvel Boy instead of Justice and white-skinned Namorita instead of blue-skinned. The Adventures in Collecting podcast and MCUcollector 24 give us our best look at some of the figures previously unseen (or “officially” unseen) Marvel Legends figures from the upcoming What If…? and Disney+ waves.

Next up is a set of figures that’s sure to be a hit with us old folks who grew up with the 90’s X-Men Animated series — or anyone who likes great toys, for that matter. For example, you may see a Thor action figure with the likeness of actor Chris Hemsworth (who is noted for playing the God of Thunder across several live-action movies), but this is contrasted with a comic-accurate Wolverine, outfitted in his signature yellow costume. Hasbro Marvel Legends Helmets I normally don’t even cover Hasbro’s current 3.75″ Marvel offerings. In addition to most of them having only 5 points of articulation, they tend to be grossly overpriced. It’s also where resources are being directed instead of a super articulated 3.75″ line, which makes me grumpy. The Hasbro Marvel Legends Series is known for having a huge selection of articulated action figures depicting popular characters. If you’ve followed these heroes and villains for any length of time, you’re no doubt aware that they have gone through many incarnations, taking on new appearances to reflect eras of the comics and transitions to movies, TV shows, and video games. What this means is that the team at Hasbro aren’t short on source material from which to draw inspiration for new toys.

Upcoming Teases

I don’t normally collect MCU figures, but those head sculpts might have me making an exception when this figure is released. MCU Iron Man (Mark II) I sort of miss double-hinged knees and elbows, but The Vision isn’t exactly a ninja needing that stuff. I am spoiled by the new-age pin-less Hasbro articulation and miss it here, though. There’s no cheaping out by Diamond Select here: from the Diamond on his chest to the angular boot-tops, all of the important details of Vision’s costume are fully sculpted and three-dimensional, not just painted on. The folds and wrinkles in the cape and Vision’s undies also give them a real feeling of being cloth.

Also, a huge thanks to TOYCOLLECTR for snapping some photos of this bizarre and wonderful figure that show just how cool the design is. Just when I thought Hasbro had produced every iteration of Namor possible (short of an old-school red trunks version), they go and hit us with a wild 90s Savage Namor Legends figure. The joint construction and quality control is also tops. Every joint is tight but moves smoothly, and none of the plastic feels cheap or rubbery.Equally—if not more—popular, will be the new classic Vision Marvel Legends figure. It’s absolutely astonishing that it’s taken this long for Hasbro to update this particular look for Vision, but the long overdue figure does not disappoint at all. The only downside to this figure is that it’s not priced for army building. Just look at all those awesome accessories! Luke Cage

Marvel Legends Crystar isn’t necessarily a marquee character kids will be going to stores hoping to see, but I think his unique and fun design will draw a lot of eyes and he will be popular with longtime fans and collectors. I’m not certain he’ll manage to be a hit in stores, but I think Crystar will still do okay for himself sales-wise.

Daredevil

There isn’t as much articulation as you’d get on a Hasbro Marvel Legends figure (that’s not DST’s jam), but I feel like all the points I really need are present, including: Marvel Legends Namorita looks phenomenal with the pin-less female super-articulation that Hasbro has just about perfected. I don’t love the pinned knees on Marvel Legends Justice, particularly since the bright blue plastic makes the pins quite apparent—but at least we’re not suffering through a pinned Marvel Boy fiasco. Never thought I’d want one of these, but it looks really cool — especially with the effect accessory.

Speaking of that alternate head, let’s talk accessories: Vision Select includes a spread of almost a half-dozen worthwhile accessories, including interchangeable hands, an unusually expressive angry head and 3 different energy effects pieces (one of which attached to an alt hand). The colors, articulation and construction of this new Vision action figure are all top-notch—every Avengers fan who collects comic-based figures is going to want this Marvel Legends Vision.

Women of Marvel panel reveals new ‘Spider-Gwen’ series and ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ series

Seriously, I love this forehead blast beam. I do wish it was compatible with the calm and placid-looking head as well (I generally picture Viz as a less crazed-looking dude), but I’m glad DST included this treat at all. And Power Princess looks gorgeous—more “Wonder Woman” than a lot of Wonder Woman figures that have been released. I know some fans will still balk about this not bring their preferred vintage version of the character, but I love this. Not familiar with this character, but that design all but demands a salute. It’s a shame the figure will end up costing so much due to its size. Crystar The aggro head with teeth showing is not only unique and distinctive, but also features perhaps the easiest to lose accessory of all-time: a removable forehead gem that’s every bit as minuscule as you might think. That’s okay, though, because removing the gem allows a forehead blast effect to plug in that looks visually stunning!