Retro Review: Hasbro Marvel Legends: Black Panther Wakanda Forever: Ironheart Deluxe Action Figure

In the wake of the tragic loss of T'Challa, the Black Panther, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" introduces the world to a new hero, Ironheart. Riri Williams, a brilliant young engineer, takes up the mantle of Ironheart to protect Wakanda and the world from emerging threats. Hasbro pays tribute to this character with the Marvel Legends Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Deluxe Ironheart Action Figure. I have not watched the film, so I'm basing this review strictly on information gathered online. (I think I'm starting to get "superhero movie" burnout... I've not watched Quantumania, or Guardians 3 yet either!)

As always, Dan's ToyBox discusses the four main categories of Action Figure Reviews: Accessories, Appearance, Articulation, and Affordability. Each is given a score and the figure receives an overall rating of zero to 10 ToyBoxes. I really don't have a lot to say about this figure, I honestly didn't intend to purchase it, but found it for a VERY reasonable price.

ACCESSORIES: 6/10

The figure comes with a reasonable array of accessories, including two sets of interchangeable hands, detachable jet/thruster packs, removable gauntlet-based weaponry, smoke trails, propulsion effects and both a masked and unmasked head. According to the packaging, and online photos, there should have also been a couple of repulsor blast effects. However, mine was not packed with any. Fear not though... I've got about a bazillion and three of those effects in my parts boxes. I am impressed with the fact that you can remove the wrist gauntlets and replace them with the cannon, which also has a hose like attachment that can plug into both it and the thruster pack on her back. Given Hasbro's predilection for relative accuracy, I'm assuming the unmasked face is a reasonable likeness to the actress from the film. For a deluxe figure, the number of extras is commendable, the fact that mine was missing repulsor blasts, drops the score a point or so.

APPEARANCE: 8/10

The figure's sculpting and design are admirable. Ironheart's iconic red and gold armor from the film, is beautifully represented, capturing the essence of the character as seen in the movie. The paint job is generally clean, with minimal paint bleed or smudges. However, some finer details could have been improved, especially on the unmasked face where the eyes and facial features lack the precision, we've seen previously in Hasbro collectibles. I was impressed with the eyes on the helmet though, the white center, surrounded by a light blue glow is applied very nicely. Comparing the figure to stills from the movie, it does look like Hasbro did a solid job nailing the look. I have to admit that the small, translucent blue flames for the thruster packs are a neat addition as well. They stand out nicely when plugged in and make for decent effects pieces. Truthfully, in spite of my initial reluctance to purchase the figure, I have to admit that it is a really nice-looking piece and, standing next to other Iron Man figures, makes for a good addition to my MCU display.

ARTICULATION: 4/10

The figure's articulations is questionable at best for dynamic posing. The best joint on the figure is the neck hinge for the head. The head can look up and down quite well and turns with ease. From there though, things go downhill fast. The shoulders barely raise to a T pose and can only fully rotate if the thruster packs aren't plugged into her back. The bicep swivel works fine. If you remove the gauntlets, her elbows can bend in very deep, and the wrists will hinge and swivel. With the gauntlets in place though, arm movement is dramatically hindered. Additionally, a greater range of motion in the torso and waist would have allowed for more expressive poses, but unfortunately the upper torso joint is trash. There is very little range of motion to it, other than some pivot and minimal side tilt. There is no waist joint at all. The design of her legs precludes any type of splits and prevent her from kicking forward, UNLESS you turn the thigh swivel. The knees actually bend in quite deep, which was a pleasant surprise. Sadly, even the wonderful ankle action is lost on this figure because of the design. Her "feet" hinge up and down. There is no rocker movement. Plus, she's so awkwardly bulky and balanced that I can't even get her into a decent vanilla pose without it looking like she's canted at a bit of an angle. Plus, something is going on with the left leg on my figure as it tends to angle a bit outward at the hip, not much, but enough to throw the look off a bit.

AFFORDABILITY: 9/10

The ONLY reason this figure received such a high score is because I only paid $9.99 for it at Ollie's Bargain Outlet. The regular retail price is about $34.99, but even BBTS has it marked down! I definitely can say I wouldn't have bought the figure if it weren't marked down. I passed it up numerous times before because I just wasn't interested enough in the character to plunk down $35. If you want to add one and can find it at an Ollie's... I'd suggest going that route! Otherwise, I don't think there's enough good to justify the regular price.

Overall, the Hasbro Marvel Legends Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Deluxe Ironheart Action Figure captures Ironheart's essence, but the overall quality leaves room for improvement. Accessories are satisfactory, but more unique items could have been included. The articulation, while decent, lacks some essential flexibility, and the affordability of the figure might deter some fans. With that in mind, I'm giving the figure:

6 out of 10 ToyBoxes

Note: The review reflects the figure's performance based on its portrayal in the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" movie and is not an endorsement or critique of the movie itself. Until next time... GEEK OUT!!!