Welcome to another Dan's ToyBox two in one review! These figures have been getting solid reviews ever since they dropped, with some reviewers calling this one of the best Wolverine figures out there. I agree that there is a lot to like about both of them, but I do have some small issues which I'll get into shortly.
The Superior Spider-Man storyline is one of the most daring and controversial arcs in Spider-Man’s history. It begins when Otto Octavius, better known as Doctor Octopus, is dying from a terminal illness. Determined not to go out quietly, Otto devises a final, sinister plan to cheat death: he swaps bodies with his longtime enemy, Peter Parker, leaving Peter to die in his decaying body while Otto takes over Peter's healthy, super-powered one.
However, before Peter's consciousness fades away completely, a crucial moment occurs. Peter's memories flood Otto’s mind, giving him a firsthand experience of the trials, responsibilities, and heroism that have defined Peter Parker’s life. For the first time, Otto truly understands what it means to be Spider-Man. Stricken with guilt and newfound respect for Peter’s legacy, Otto vows to honor it—but in his own way. He declares himself the "Superior Spider-Man," determined to not just protect the city, but to be a better Spider-Man than Peter ever was. As the Superior Spider-Man, Otto’s approach is starkly different from Peter’s. He is ruthless, methodical, and efficient, using his genius intellect to improve on Spider-Man’s gadgets and tactics. He creates a network of Spider-Bots to monitor the city, adopts a zero-tolerance policy toward criminals, and even pursues a romantic relationship with a fellow scientist, Anna Maria Marconi. Under Otto's watch, crime in New York City plummets, but his heavy-handed methods alienate many of Peter's allies, including the Avengers. Throughout his time as Spider-Man, Otto faces numerous challenges, from the rise of new villains to the lingering presence of Peter’s consciousness in the back of his mind. Despite his arrogance, Otto begins to realize that being a hero is far more complicated than he anticipated. He struggles with the moral dilemmas that come with being Spider-Man, often teetering on the edge of villainy. In the end, Otto’s journey as the Superior Spider-Man reaches a critical point when he faces an enemy he cannot defeat alone—one that threatens the lives of everyone he holds dear, including Anna Maria. Realizing that only Peter Parker has the heart and experience to stop this threat, Otto relinquishes control of the body back to Peter, sacrificing his own legacy for the greater good. In doing so, he acknowledges that while he may have been a "Superior" Spider-Man in many ways, only Peter Parker is truly the hero the world needs.
Otto's time as the Superior Spider-Man leaves a lasting impact, not just on Spider-Man’s world, but on Otto himself. It’s a tale of redemption, hubris, and the fine line between heroism and villainy—an unforgettable chapter in Spider-Man’s history.
We all have heard Wolverine's story so many times... I'm figuring we know it by heart, so with that, I'll just jump right into the reviews!
Superior Spider-Man (Hasbro Marvel Legends)
Accessories: 9/10 Superior Spider-Man includes a generous array of accessories. The three sets of interchangeable hands (fists, thwipping hands, and open/grasping hands) provide excellent options for dynamic posing. The two backpacks, with one accommodating the four highly detailed waldoes, are a standout feature. Each waldo is articulated with multiple joints, allowing for flexible posing and creative display options. The inclusion of two head sculpts adds variety, with one featuring classic white lenses and the other showcasing a unique "building reflection" detail in the eyes, enhancing the figure’s personality.
Appearance: 9/10 The sculpt and paint applications on this Superior Spider-Man figure are top-notch. The sleek, black-and-red costume is sharply painted, with clean lines that highlight the spider insignia. The waldoes have that marbelled finish giving them a metallic look that contrasts nicely with the matte suit. The alternate head sculpts are both expressive, with the "building reflections" adding a cinematic flair to the figure. This is an excellent representation of the character from the comics.
Articulation: 8.5/10 Superior Spider-Man features the standard Marvel Legends articulation, with double-jointed elbows and knees, bicep and thigh swivels, an ab crunch, and a ball-hinged neck. The waldoes are a standout here, as each one has multiple points of articulation, including hinges and swivels, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. The only minor drawback is that the waldoes can be a bit finicky when trying to achieve more complex poses, but they still offer great flexibility overall. I would recommend warming them first because right out of the package, they are very tight. You can pose Spider-Man with the waldoes holding him aloft, but they aren't terribly sturdy and will likely collapse, so get your photos done quickly!
Affordability: 8/10 Given the range of accessories and the overall quality, this figure is priced fairly within the Marvel Legends line. It offers good value for collectors, especially those who appreciate Spider-Man variants. The detailed waldoes and extra head sculpts justify the slightly higher price point. He is available for pre-order on BBTS for $30.99
Overall Grade: 8/10 Superior Spider-Man is an excellent addition to any Spider-Man collection, with strong accessories, great articulation, and impressive appearance. The extra attention to detail in the head sculpts and the articulated waldoes make this figure stand out.
Astonishing X-Men Wolverine (Hasbro Marvel Legends)
Accessories: 8.5/10 Wolverine comes with a solid selection of accessories, including a masked and unmasked head sculpt, clawed hands, fists, a pointing hand, and a relaxed hand. While the variety is appreciated, especially the alternate hands for more casual or dynamic poses, an additional accessory like a slashed effect might have elevated the offering. Still, the essentials are all here for classic Wolverine action poses.
Appearance: 9/10 The Astonishing X-Men Wolverine is sculpted and painted beautifully. The yellow-and-blue costume is vibrant, with clean paint lines and a classic design that reflects his comic book appearance. The head sculpts are well done, with the unmasked head featuring detailed facial hair and an intense expression that captures Wolverine’s personality. The claws are sturdy, adding to the figure’s overall ferocity. Both head sculpts fit seamlessly, maintaining the figure's aggressive stance.
Articulation: 9/10 Wolverine boasts excellent articulation, featuring butterfly joints in the shoulders for enhanced range, double-jointed elbows and knees, and swivel joints in the biceps and thighs. The figure’s build accommodates the articulation well, allowing for dynamic crouches, slashes, and classic Wolverine poses. The articulation in the torso, combined with the ab crunch, allows for a good range of motion without breaking the figure’s silhouette.
Affordability: 8/10 As a standard Marvel Legends release, Wolverine is priced appropriately. The figure’s excellent articulation and overall appearance make it a good value for collectors. The variety of hands and head sculpts adds to the figure’s appeal, ensuring it stands out in any X-Men or Wolverine display. You can land one for $25.99 on BBTS as I did.
Overall Grade: 8/10 Astonishing X-Men Wolverine is a must-have for Wolverine fans, with superb articulation, strong accessory choices, and a striking appearance. It delivers on all fronts, making it a standout figure in the Marvel Legends line.
Both Superior Spider-Man and Astonishing X-Men Wolverine offer excellent value for their price points, with unique features that make them stand out in the Marvel Legends line. Superior Spider-Man's detailed waldoes and extra head sculpt add versatility, while Wolverine’s vibrant costume and dynamic articulation make him a top-tier X-Men figure. Collectors will be pleased with either figure, especially when posed alongside their Marvel Legends counterparts. Thank you as always, and until next time... GEEK OUT!!!
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