S.H. Figuarts: Iron Man Mark XLV

It's been some time since I've jumped into a review, so here I am! What a better figure to get acclimated back into the groove than a brand new Iron Man figure form the AoU line up! Iron Man Mark XLV from Figuarts! I have to admit, the moment I saw this armor, I knew I was going to like it so I had to get a figure of it, glad Figuarts delivered! So, let's check him out!

The box is pretty familiar since one of my last few reviews involved S.H. Figuarts as well. Imports always have that nice box that shows off the figure and the capabilities of it. It's a nice box, suffice to say.

And of course! One of imports' most well known perk for their price: accessories, variant hands, and effects. Iron Man does not fall short of these and he gets 4 set of hands, two pairs of repulsor blast effects, and then some jet boots effects. Could have used a flight stand, but you know, that probably would have elevated the price to my disliking(this wasn't a bad price for what it is, honestly). And it would definitely have increased the rate if they had a Tony Stark/Robert Downey Jr alternate head.

Now the details of the figure is of course astounding. Now my main qualms with the Iron Man suit in the movies is that they all look almost identical. The changes are so miniscule that one can hardly tell the difference. One thing that Iron Man did do was always make his changes known; if anything else if they didn't want to go that route, at least they could have changed the helmets in all his different armors; okay in IM3 he had different armors and helmet, but still. Mark XLV is the first armor that showcases a far more comic recognizable design and a different helmet(small change, but bigger than the last few they have given). So as far as the figure goes, this one definitely captured the fine details of all the red, the touch of silver, and the subtle but very elegant gold all over his armor. The paint is of course very well done as I would expect. Partner that in with the details in the nooks and cranny of the armor, it's definitely an astounding piece of import.

Just studying underneath his armpit, there are little details in there that is definitely appreciated. The mold itself is always a unique feeling since I either don't buy enough Figuarts to know a recycled mold or it's just a completely new mold every time(which I'm willing to gamble it is). It is kind of hard to reuse the same parts for this particular armor since it is the most unique out of all of the main armors Stark has worn. It has a very durable feel to it to, diecast metal legs and all. If I was to make my complaints on the figure's aesthetics is that the hand guard is a bit too large; makes an awkward poses at certain angles(as this Type V3 Review pointed out). The arc ray and the repulsor hands don't have much paint details making them a bit bland for my taste. Small little mishaps, but still a greatly detailed figure with plenty of things to appreciate.

Articulation is of course highly in depth. An import usually has high standards when it comes to this department as well and I'm glad Mark XLV does not really disappoint. As you can see, if an Iron Man figure can do the Cinematic Universe signature pose, it's going to have a few good points of articulation! And him performing this said pose doesn't look awkward like some of the MLs either! He can vary with his poses and copy some of Iron Man's known figures like flight, repulsor blasts, and just simple posture that is all Iron Man like.

The joints are well covered enough so that it truly does give it a more 'realistic' look. Again some of imports' trademark signature is hiding joints so that posing the figure about is as flawless and aesthetic as it can be. Again going back on details, certain part of the joints are highly detailed that it truly does keep pegs and such as discreet as it can be. Speaking of joints and movability, Iron Man's head moves up and down decently; some neck pivoting and such. Ab crunch and swivel is ab it limited and I'm afraid that it might hurt the figure's paint to truly force certain things. Arm and hands are supported with hinges on his shoulder pads and ball joints that allow a great range of movements. The legs have the standard S.H. Figuarts signature; one can pull down Iron Man's leg so that the hip armor design does not get in the way. Feet have decent ankle pivot and some slight toe articulation. Oh yes, die-cast legs which I think I mentioned already.

All in all, I think this is a great package and a decent price. There are some slight things I wish they could have added like more varied repulsor affects and that opened helmet would make for a fantastic addition to fun factor. Oh and flight stand!

Would have been great if Iron man came with a flight stand of his own and I didn't have to borrow a sigma flight stand.

Mark III, Mark XLII, Mark XLIII, Mark VI, and Mark V

Here's Mark XLV with some of the other movie based Iron Man figures that I own. The Marvel Legends somewhat blend in and obviously the Revoltechs are a good comparison to Mark XLV.

And this is my new Iron Man in the "Red and Gold" Iron Man shelf. He just... blends right in doesn't he? He gets drowned out with all the Red and Golds, thus why he is front and center. Can you spot him?

In conclusion, I think this is my favorite import Iron Man figure thus far. Though not perfect, missing some key points to make it closer to perfect figure, I do believe the price point would have been raised if we received more detailed fire power, RDJr head, and flight stand... Though with great paint details, awesome articulation, and the fact that it's Iron Man's best Cinematic Universe armor so far, I think it's a great figure! One can't not enjoy AoU without this guy in your shelf!

Redundant? Nah!

As if adding in a new face for my Macbook(Gemini) wasn't enough! Let's decorate my iPhone 5 with some Tony Stark!!! Redundant? Don't think so! I think it's freaking cool!!!!!!

"Extreme Patriot"

Interchangeable hands makes more worthwhile postures. Too bad that the hands are off in regards to color and size otherwise I would've kept them on each other. One would fathom that since these two Iron Men are of the same mold but just repainted that there would be the same size in hands/fists. Guess not.

Thanks to "Shartimus Prime" for the review on Iron Patriot that helped me figure that minor fact out. 

A Stark Plummet ...

... To Someone Who Knows Too Much...

I'm not much to dish out spoilers but I have to say that there is a certain perpetual formula in trilogies that seems to end on a sour note.

Let me vent for a moment.

Spider-Man trilogy started mediocre, hit a pinnacle with the second installment, then crashed with the third one with the convoluted mess of Venom/Sandman/New Goblin/Black Spider-Man. I mean come on, really? It's easy to get Venom right. Would've been better if they just focused on Sandman and the Black Spider-Man conflict for the third and just made a fourth one. Perhaps it would have been prudent if Riami didn't listen to the fans for the third movie!

The Dark Knight trilogy was just a travesty from beginning to end. A boring first movie, a distorted sequel with even more sour tasting Joke, then we have the third one which I think the trailer summarized just how much of a debacle that movie would be so I dared not spend a moment of my life. Catwoman? Wow. Still, it got a fan base for some god awful reason. I honestly believe that Daredevil and Batman trilogy had a lot in common. That's how much I hated Nolan's adaptation of "Batman".

Now let's talk Iron Man trilogy. First movie was great. Second movie was good. Third... let's put it this way. They did a fantastic job distorting TWO MAJOR areas of the Iron Man lore from two different generation! There were a lot of good things about the movie, don't get me wrong. Still enjoyed it. But Mandarin? Extremis? That and the whole 'clean slate' protocol.... Damn.

Still, I'm not much for sour note since it was still a good trilogy. Maybe I should let the third one settle in a bit more then I can have a better opinion later. Maybe I know too much about Iron Man that deters me from enjoying the third movie in full. It did what Nolan and Riami did which is... BAD formula.

That's all. Nuff said.

Starkly Elating!

I was given no guilt trip, no encumbering words of 'should'! Instead I was merely given the permission to go. What a lovely life I live since I honestly thought I would miss this movie(and I had no qualms with doing so) on its opening 'night' because of the life changing event that had transpired! Guess not!

I have a REALLY strong feeling that this is going to be the best Comic Book Movie to flaunt itself on the big screen and the first major trilogy to do it right all three times.

So suck a big fat peacock Riami and Nolan!!!

Silver Centurion! Hoping for Hulkbuster! "Gemini"! Heartbreaker! Extremis/Mark 42!!!!

Iron Man 3

There is something to be said about this movie. It may be the final mark of a now inextricable face of Tony Stark which is Robert Downey Jr. There are hard hitting rumors that Mr. Downey may not be the Iron Avenger for the Avengers 2 movie set to be released in 2015. If that is the case, then this movie is even more of a prominent installment to the Shell Head's movie-verse. Regardless of the fact, there are many things that I am more than exuberant about when it comes to this movie. For one, we are introducing Tony Stark's ascension from a 'big man in armor' to a hard hitting pompous Iron Avenger(comic book wise anyways; movie aberration is yet to be seen if it adheres to that notion): Extremis Armor.

Extremis Armor!

Now the distinction between comic book and movie armor had always accentuated that the movie-verse's role is to be a stand alone entity with of course some major influence from its comic book counterpart. The armor alone that is donned "Extremis" has more than enough to signify that.

 

The images above are a Extremis Mark I(The 'Civil war' Armor, suffice to some people) and the Extremis 2.0(Bleeding Edge, or Heroic age armor, pick the poison, I suppose). They may look similar to the movie-verse armor, but again, they could be a different mark altogether. Regardless, it does look good in my opinion. the other things that did sprout out from the movie that may force some mastication(hahaha) of words from some comic-nerd-taboo ridden geeks are the possible homage of his 'hall of armors' showcase!

 

The Silver Centurion is one good example of a VERY popular armor that adorned Tony's stature during his early days. The second to have silver in the scheme as well, of course his VERY first appearance being the one to have the silver aesthetic first.

 

And I could be wrong, but this could be the same armor. Might be faux interpretation honestly! Though it could be the big 'arc ray' and the red and gold that is throwing me off. But they have revealed a whole hell of a lot more and there are others still remaining in enigma("Gemini Armor"). Can we have a fan service in the name of Hulkbuster anyone?

 

Some comic book exclusive names are also making appearances to accommodate for the story of the Extremis! Also, there are a LOT of rumors that Pepper might actually get her OWN 'Rescue' armor! Truthfully, I just saw her 'rescue' Tony Stark after being rescued BY Tony Stark. Yes, what an oxymoron. And of course the antagonist!

Mandarin is also in the big screen. Though I am not impressed that Mandarin is not casted by an asian actor since Mandarin is CHINESE! But again, premature opinion that might possibly change once I see the movie. Well, that's all for my jabber about Iron Man 3 which will be out in a month! Can't wait! Hopefully I am not disappointed!

The "Gemini" Armor

This movie is coming up fast! Real soon! And they have been going insane with all of the Hall of Armor releases as of late! Some are rather enamoring, while some are 'meh' and some are adhering to nostalgia for all of your comic book geeks(like myself!). But there is one that kind of stuck out to me that made me smile!

Mark 39: Sub Orbital Suit aka "Gemini". What?! Gemini?!

Yes sir! The Gemini indeed!!!! Now in regards to the color, it could've leaned on the red a bit more, but RED is his trademark shade so I suppose they needed to lean on something a bit different. I have to say, if they start releasing toys left and right, it will be a cash cow kind of deal, suffice to say!

So speaking of Gemini! So I am aware that this is from the Iron Man Hasbro line up called the 'concept series'. But They do rather concur with the notion of Gemini, don't they not? Anyways!

WOW

No other words will suffice. Underground HALL of ARMORS. Can't wait.

Iron Avenger

Bad ass.

This was the "variation" of Tony Stark's movie adaptation. Though he didn't receive a significant difference in every armor that adorned him in his three movie appearances(so far; and minus the Mark V, of course), I'd have to say, it's rather enamoring.

Though the Uni Beam was a bit underused... Rather odd. And Iron Man using that famous patent move as a gallagher hammer?!

Still, Tony Stark had a lot of redemptions to cajole me to forget the misuse of the Uni Beam. At least his Repulsors were not in any bad shape for the movies!!!

And I wish I can give proper credit for this art since it's freakin bad ass!!!

Suffice to say, he is my Marvel Icon of this year.