Marvel Legends BAF: Hobgoblin(Goblin Knight?)

Spider-Girl, Anti-Venom, Spider-Man 2099, Ultimate Spider-Woman, Daredevil, Spider-Man

Another one of those characters that I know nothing about! Well, very little anyways. I won't count what I looked up quite recently as knowledge worth talking about the new Hobgoblin's lore, but I will say that his colors and goblin like face is very familiar to me! Suit might be different, but hey, one of the many goblins that Spidey has battled is back! And this time, he's the BAF of the second wave of the Amazing Spider-Man set! With a newly updated get up that goes along with the ugly mug, this guy is ready to give Spidey a fight of his life. Let's check him out and see if this BAF is up there!

I can't recognize any of his parts; I'm not sure if he is recycled(probably) molds are completely new just for Hobgoblin. I'd say there are plenty things new to him though even if some are reused parts. There are lots of detailing that goes along with him with all his accessories, straps, belts, and his new costume. One of the things I really like about him are his wings. Check out the wingspan:

He also has a nice little detail of an unsheathed sword, which is much smaller than his sheathed flaming sword... kind of funny. The rest of him is well done. The colors definitely says Hobgoblin of the old and the new. Again no paint detail, but he is done rather well. The mixture of the dark blue with the orange definitely translates well in action figure form.

To compare him with my last BAF, Thanos, he isn't any bigger. In fact, as a BAF standing next to the figures that makes him up, he isn't that 'impressive'. Though he definitely is a lot better in size than Jubilee was. At least he comes with accessories, details, and some uniqueness to him.

Hobgoblin comes with a fiery sword which is pretty well done. The translucent yellow with the orange tip really makes it fire-like theme. He holds it adequately, but only with the left hand; shame. The right hand is meant for him to hold his other accessory. It would have been great if he could hold the blade with both hands though, whether to trade grip or dual wield just to add more fun factor.

His pumpkin bomb, or should I say his fiery energy bomb isn't quite as fun as his sword. It has the same color scheme as the blade without the darker orange tips, but it is translucent. It has the traditional 'jack-o-lantern' face on it, which can't be seen quite as easily.

His articulation has a bit of issues. His head can't really turn due to the hood. His legs are also suffering in movement thanks to his costume design. Other than that, while he looks proportionally correct, moving certain part of his limbs make him look awkward; then of course some joints are loose and do not sustain a good posture thanks to the issue. Other than that, he doesn't do that bad. I didn't spend a ton of time trying to pose him, but what I did manage to shoot did well.

As a BAF, he isn't the biggest, but what he brings does make him a better BAF than last year's Amazing Spider-Man line; then again, I was never a big fan of the Ultimate Green Goblin both as a character and the figure. The new Hobgoblin, or Goblin Knight, does carry the mantle of the older Hobgoblin designs rather well but adds a new twist. The demonic Goblin has been done before, but this one is different enough to make him stand out from the older feral Hobgoblins or Demogoblin. As a figure, it forced Hasbro to make some different parts and truly make him stand out (in my opinion) as a different feel and not so recycled. He isn't the best BAF, but he isn't lackluster. The whole wave had its ups and downs and I can't say that this was a great BAF and a set. Though the additions of more Spider-Men/Women for my Spider-Verse is definitely a plus.

It's pretty obvious that I'm running out of room in my game room. An ongoing theme. Let's just see how much more space we have. In the mean time, Hobgoblin takes his place in the back where he still keeps a prominent presence.

ML Hobgoblin BAF: Daredevil

A Marvel Legends in review for August and it's none other than Daredevil! A little bit of fact: I used to be a big fan of Daredevil. I like his concept, his costume, what he can do, what he can't do, and I Just loved his ambiance. Over the years I started drifting away from him, but I always thought he was cool; even better when Iron Fist took on the Daredevil mantle for a bit. Fast forward a bit more, here we are with a new Daredevil Marvel Legends and it happens to be a part of the Spider-Man Hobgoblin wave! So how is this figure?

Nothing really special with the box so we're going to move on. Hasbro, I wonder what your next box is going to look like though...

Daredevil is as simple as they come when it comes to costume; the man is red all over with a few different shade of red to contrast the dominating blood red. The Double Ds(Ha ha! Wow that is hilarious) on his chest are matching red as his belts, eyes, gloves, boots, and weapon holder. Other than his chin, everything about this Daredevil is simple and adequate. He is using the same mold we have seen dozens of times before; sure wish they covered the 'shield' hole on his back so it's not blatantly obvious that it is a familiar Bucky Cap. Though overall, I have no complaints with this figure as a it is with the mold and paint(I'd sound redundant if I talk about lack of paint details; wonder when will Hasbro vindicate us of those complaints!).

The other complaint I have is the lackluster in the accessory department. Also, I'm more than sure that Daredevil came with red sticks. Wish they included an alternate 'wired' version that is signature to Daredevil's means to travel across Hell's Kitchen. Bleh. Suck-y department.

His articulation is pretty recognizable and still has the great features and the flaw. I won't go overboard with the scrutinizing, but do understand that if you are familiar with Hasbro Legends, this will come with no surprise. Take that as a bad thing or as a good thing, be content, or rage for a change, it all really depends on how you see this character and your rapport with the Marvel Legends line. I think it's decent in this department, but it's not something I'm impressed, I'm more 'content'.

The other 'feature' this figure gets is the ability to either have his sticks held by both hands or,

combined together and held as one 'weapon'. Same perk as Hellcat; though I'm sure from what I know about that feline character that Matt Murdock over here has the comic canon weapon and hers was just for 'fun' for the figure. So with all that said, I decided to have a bit of 'fun' with some old rivalry and love life:

The love of his life, Elektra, is in distress due to Bullseye's evil ways(wish this actually happened in the comic books).

He came in right on time!

Gave Elektra the opportunity to snatch her sai and help her boyfriend beat Bullseye to a pulp(Elektra actually never got free as a figure. She remains as one of the Damsels in my villain shelf).

Kingpin and Daredevil; classic rivals! 

In conclusion, this figure is mediocre. I do love the fact that I have him now because I've always wanted a much better Daredevil than the figure I once owned. Again I am not disappointed or bummed out because I knew what I was getting into... But you know. Eventually Hasbro has to step up their game. 

ML Hobgoblin BAF: Spider-Man

It's been a long time since we've had a classic Spider-Man take form in a Marvel Legends. Not to say that he's under used since Spider-Man has had a set in honors of the Amazing Spider-man movie(the franchise might be dead despite my dismay). In the past, there were also a myriad of Spider-Men that collectors and casual buyers could choose from when it came to the wall crawler; well that slowed down but I knew the day would happen when Parker would sling back into his classic duds and grace us Marvel Legends style.

Typical box. Not much to show here. Though one can really see just how much accessories he comes with.

While some would say that he is classic, I can agree, but he isn't the 'classic' Spider-Man with the web pits and all. He is more modern Spider-Man as one could say and somehow, with the brighter colors, he reminds me of animated Spider-Man from the 90s. The mold isn't that bad; in fact it's pretty Spidey accurate. Though his torso is a bit too long and at times he makes other Marvel heroes too short. Not scale accurate sometimes makes the character not as fun to pose with other characters.

Accessory wise, he comes with a decent amount. Three set of hands(fists, open crawling/holding pizza hands, and thwip hands), two variant faces, and a ... pizza? I'm not sure where that little idea came from, but it works. Oh and he comes with the BAF piece. This should be a standard accessory idea for all Hasbro Legends(would've worked well with Spider-Girl and U.Spider-Woman).

As far back as I can remember through the years with Toybiz and Hasbro, I don't think I have ever come across a Spider-Man with a variant head that sports the 'half mask' on. I do like it, and I'm more than positive that he will remain with this head for display since I have enough masked Spider-Men in my "Spider-verse" display. Speaking of display...

The webbing is of course 'custom', and it's as much of a toy artist as I can get when it comes to customization. Simple bendy wires that comes from certain toys and such. Makes an adequate webbing. But honestly, with that said webbing, it makes him a bit more fun and a little more 'Spidey' Dynamic. The only thing Hasbro needs to do with some of these nimble and agile characters are their leg articulations. Again, not to sound perverted(especially when I'm talking about female characters), they need to be able to spread their legs. Seriously! It gives them wider range of dynamic actions! But I won't be redundant on my comments about that. This Spidey was fun to pose.

Classic rivalry! This Green Goblin may be a bit outdated compared to this Spidey, but it still looks aesthetically pleasing next to the new Spider-Man.

Still one heck of a great punching bag for Parker too! I'm just imagining this is after Gwen's death so Parker is fuming with grief and rage(Spider-Gwen figure PLEASE Hasbro!).

As a former Spider-Man enthusiast, I would say that this figure is probably one of the best Spider-Man we got. He has issues like the legs, the height, and I don't know why the elbow pegs are red(as can be seen in this picture) and not blue. But honestly, despite all those flaws, he is great to have in the Spider-Man collection/Spider-Verse. He is also a necessary piece for the Hobgoblin BAF.

One thing about this figure, it does capture the humor that surrounds Spider-Man. 

ML Hobgoblin BAF: Spider-Girl

Another piece of the pie that is the Hobgoblin BAF(the third set of BAF that I have come across this year; and more coming). I have the Spiderverse saga to blame for me wanting/needing to get as much Spider-Man figures as I can! And I have yet to even read the said saga(will soon enough). Well, Spider-Girl is the next installment so let's see what this figure has to offer!

She shares the same box as Ultimate Spider-Woman, so not much can be seen here. Again no side art cover for this new Spider-Man wave.

Just to talk about the character a bit, Spider-Girl (May Parker), comes from an alternate world where Peter and Maryjane had a daughter. She inherited her father's spider powers and eventually made an identity for herself as Spider-Girl; for some reason, she took the mantle of Ben Reilly, her father's clone. Honestly, I love this costume. I like this said costume MUCH more than I like her original one. The web shooters outside is always a treat and the larger insignia and 'half boots' and 'red fingers' are always a better take for me(I do have Ben Reilly Spider-Man unopened from the Ares Wave. Tempted to open him now). Of course the mold is sexy and just right for a teen super heroine. A few paint scruffs and her right leg was distorted due to packaging methods; blow dry and cold water helped but there are still some issues on her over 'performance'. But aesthetically, it's not bad.

Now I'm not going to sit here and talk about the BAF piece. This department--the accessory department is the major downfall of this figure(as it was with Ultimate Spider-Woman). We finally got a better Spider-Girl figure and it lacks accessories like interchangeable hands, alternate unmasked head, webbing accessory, something! NONE! It really hurts the fun factor of the figure and we'll talk about that more in the next paragraph.

Well, the loose calf swivel makes it hard for her to stand sometimes, but beside from that little quality issue, May Parker still has the modern articulation we expect from the teen mold figures. Unfortunately, female figures in general really lack the ability to be 'flexible'! Due to the idea that they have to be voluptuous and sexy (according to comic book standards), the Spider-y poses are hilariously hindered, thus making them less and less appealing to their comic book counter part (action dynamic wise). Now that on its own is a major problem and another thing is that with both hands 'webbing' pose, she can't do much. She really, REALLY needs interchangeable hands. I can make do without the alternate head, but hands?! Come on! Suffice to say, she really suffers in articulation both in the common problem with female figures and Hasbro's lack of ability to provide more accessories.

Here's the other Spider-Girl in my collection.... well I guess in Carnage's collection. Because May lacked any articulation and accessory, she failed in rescuing Anya from the clutches of this deranged symbiote!

In conclusion, I really do like the fact that I have this girl in my collection. Again, it's a major Hasbro qualm I have that accessories, alternate hands/head are lacking, then the constant problem with the female molds and their articulation. OH and quality. I do recommend this figure to everyone who is into the Spiderverse saga, or just a big time Spider-Girl fan, period. I know May Parker has a huge cult following, so here's a decent figure of her. Don't expect perfection though.

ML Hobgoblin BAF: Ultimate Spider-Woman

Another piece of the Hobgoblin BAF that I was on the fence about getting; not anymore! I'm planning on finishing this set and well, here comes the Ultimate Spider-Woman crashing into my collection! So as a character, I'm not that big of a fan of her; I know right? She's Jessica Drew of the Ultimate Universe! She's Spider-Woman! Well truthfully, she's a clone of Peter Parker and ... she has no similarities with her Earth 616 version at all, minus the name and the alias. So as a figure, does she abate some of my dislike for the character?

You know, I don't know why they didn't do a promotional art for these characters. Would've been cool to see new art of these characters on the side of their respected box.

The figure itself does mirror Jessica Drew of the Ultimate Marvel Universe. Now right off the get go I wan to say that the costume design is something I don't really abhor. The moment I saw it, I thought it was decent; the lips needed to be exposed though to make the 'spider-girl' face complete... but alas, they chose this design for the mask. The logo is a tribute to the classic Symbiote insignia and the color is close to dark red, which again, isn't black for a good reason. It's actually a tribute to the black Spider-man costume, with the hair sticking out. This figure has a familiar and decent mold and the hair sculpted is great, in certain dynamic pose. I think Hasbro did a fine job detailing her out; not much paint scruffs on her.

I'm going to keep most of my articulation complaints on the next section but when we get a BAF piece and no alternate heads, hands, or anything to a figure that desperately needs it, well, simply put, it freaking sucks. A very important BAF piece, but again Hasbro, why are we feeling here on accessories? Why do I have to resort to making my own webbing? I mean, I know there are customizers out there for figures, and that's great, but, I'm not one of them. Hasbro, wake up on your next Spider-Man line!

Articulation is a standard female mold. Again with their legs hindered from doing the full on 'spread eagle' (and no, I'm not asking for it for perverted set of thinking, it's actually needed for her to do some of her Spider-Woman poses!), not a lot of the 'spider-y' pose can be replicated. The sculpt of the  hair, while gorgeous and it has dynamics, also has adds some hinderance. The one direction flow really defeats other poses because it just clashes with some of the direction she is implied to go to. Oh and my U.Spider-Woman has problems with her left(fist) hand since the quality seemed to fail on me. Long story short, the said wrist can't swivel, can't rotate up and down, and it was almost permanently off. Super glue fixed that.

Here she is next to her superior version, Spider-Woman from the 616 Universe! I'm not sure why they didn't just go with her mouth revealed with the mask.

And here she is next to the other Ultimate figures I won(forgot Beetle, oh well). I am not sure if her and Miles really fought Ultimate Green Goblin though. From my understanding, the Parker in that universe died and Miles came after.

In conclusion, this figure is cool to have. She is indeed part of the Spider-Verse shelf I am trying to make so I'm not all that bummed out about her mishaps. When it comes to these BAFs, Hasbro needs to realize that it's going to take more than fancy characters and a BAF to really start digging into fandom. Quality will always be an issue and I don't want that to forever be a disdain in collecting when it comes to the 'norm' and affordable figures, but come on. But some of the things that could have alleviated some of that are alternate heads, hands, a bit more accessories... etc. It probably means we pay a bit more(obviously) but for what they are charging, a bit more effort can't hurt. I mean why does some figures get more accessories than others? Ultimate Spider-Woman could have had more flare to her but unfortunately, this figure is almost as a bummer for me as her comic book version.