ML Absorbing Man BAF: Spider-Gwen

Well, the first of the BAF of 2016 has arrived! We'll talk more about the BAF later on obviously, but for now let's talk about the much anticipated Spider-Gwen! The star hitter of the Spiderverse storyline finally has her own Marvel Legends! So does she fit the hype of the character?

Well I'm going to spend a small time talking about the 'new' packaging of 2016. Well, honestly, it's not that new. The only thing really new about it are the nice new pleasantries of adding some flare and adhering to a 'new' title.

The side art is gorgeous and the new photography aesthetics for the back is something gawk at. OF course the bio doesn't mean much since they are so generic and terse, but again, Hasbro made an effort in changing things up a bit. Also, they seem to come into a pair and this one is labeled "Edge of the Spider-Verse", which is an adequate title for the pair of Gwen and Ben.

Also, the Spider log along with the 'Legends Series' title makes this new box exude a bit of 'newness' to it. Well, that's enough looking at the box. As for the figure:

Spider-Gwen as a character had a huge positive reception right from the get go. Honestly, I am very persistent in the notion that her popularity had some help from  the Amazing Spider-Man's Emma Stone depiction of Gwen. Everyone say what they want about the movie but Emma Stone was an awesome Gwen.

 

Now that we got that out of the way, Spider-Gwen's design is also a well received look. She is after all the rising star from the Spider-Verse story line and it really is a big help that her costume is easy on the eyes. The coloring scheme, the subtle hints of teal for web lines and flats really make some colors pop out against the black. Then there is the slight magenta that is the warm shade that replaces the standard Spidey red... yep. And the hood! Suffice to say, this figure does its wonders with replicating the color scheme. Though mine has quality issue with the white paint on her right breast; the black is coming out. Other than that, the paint is pretty much standard Hasbro (the better standard) and I am not complaining. The mold is the familiar Spider-Girl(Anya and May)/teenage body. I like the shape but again I have qualms with the articulation and we will be getting on to that in a bit. Overall, pretty good looking figure.

As always, this is Hasbro's main debasement! Okay so it's very pleasing that they gave us the alternate Gwen head and the 'downed hood'. But alternate hands is a must! Webbing! Something! And Spider-Gwen's BAF piece is Absorbing Man's ball and chain. So before we get into the articulation of the figure, let's talk about the head swapping options.

The standard masked head is great. Probably my favorite one. I really like what Hasbro did with the hood. Those web lines are all sculpted in and the colors pop out just right.

The second option is definitely just a neat thing but it is definitely not going to be my main way to display Gwen. While we are looking at this option, I like how Hasbro painted the pink 'shadowing' around the eyes. Really makes her mask seem more vibrant.

Finally the unmasked head. I'll be honest, this is not my favorite option. I wanted it to be and for honestly, compared to the past faces of Marvel Legends females (talking to you, Toy Biz), this is actually good but it just doesn't capture how I picture Gwen. Shame. Oh, and I wish the hood could fit  around this one's head but it could not.

Well as far as articulation goes, we have the same thing we have always seen with the teenage girls' mold. Again my complaint is that the legs cannot do what a spider can. Forget about the pervert train of thought about being able to spread her legs or what not... but some poses are essential to really grasp the Spider-y pose! That goes the same for male molds too. Having Spider-Man being unable to do the splits is quite ridiculous.

Regardless, Spider-Gwen is a fun character to take photos of. The head is not hindered one bit with hood on and thankfully I do not have quality issues with her hands like I did with U.Spider-Woman. Truth to be told, some alternate hands would have done wonders with more fun. And I wonder when Hasbro will add some webbing accessories? But regardless to say, I did have fun and took a bit more photos.

One thing, I did enjoy her height scale with other Spider figures. She looks just right with the original Spider-Woman:

While Jessica Drew is still my favorite Spider-Woman, Gwen does stand up tall with being second in place. Again, she scales rather well.

So as the first Hasbro Legends I reviewed for 2016, I say she starts it off right. She has defections that is for sure. Quality issue aside, we are still going against Hasbro's lack of with accessories and such, BUT they did put some thought into Spider-Gwen as they should. She is a great character and her introduction definitely kindle some fan followers! Now, to the other figures of the Absorbing Man BAF set!