ML U.Goblin BAF: Superior Spider-Man(Reprise)

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This is my first repost of an action figure I have reviewed before. So what's new with Superior Spider-Man? Well, what Hasbro lazily didn't provide, a custom kit provided by a fellow collector rectifies Hasbro's short coming! So let's check him out then!

The 'web shooters' and the 'backpack' attaches quite snugly with a little bit of super glue! Again what an amazing addition and what art some of these customizers can do compared to what a main company like Hasbro can't provide! I mean:

RecklessHero

It's not like Hasbro didn't have the tools to see what he looks like right?!

The only thing missing from the kit(might be available later) are the spider-legs that signifies the whole 'Dr. Octopus' and Iron Spider deal.

Webbing accessory! He is missing some webbing accessory that is a must in this kind of shot! Though him just having the gauntlets/web shooters and backpack just gives him that much more fun factor in my opinion.

Out of all the Ultimate Green Goblin set, he was already high on my favorite list but with the kit, it just truly puts him on top!

All in all, the kit was worth it. It took a bit of time to get him for whatever reason, but here he is now all suited up for the next superior mission a Superior Spidey has to do! So anyways, my first reprise review so not much to truly scrutinize since this figure has seen the light before. Let me tell you though, if I get webbings and the legs, this guy might see another light of day in the spotlight!

ML U.Green Goblin BAF: Boomerang

This will probably be the last of the Ultimate Green Goblin BAF variant that I am going to get. There is one more and it's Toxin; that said figure is lame compared to Carnage, so without further adieu, let's talk about Boomerang! Who is this guy?! Last I checked he is one of the "C-List" super villains of the 'street heroes(Spider-Man, Daredevil, Luke Cage, Punisher, Elektra, Iron Fist, White Tiger, Moon Knight, etc)'. I believe he is part of the Sinister Six at one point, which makes the team's name number inadequate like the Fantastic Four. Oh well, let's talk about the figure then.

The variant of Ultimate Beetle is none other than this handsome fellow! Honestly, I like Beetle better, but this guy isn't half bad. Not at all.

To talk about Boomerang himself, I think this is accurate to one of his mundane costumes. It might just be his most recent suit since he has the Thunderbolts insignia on his belt, but I'm lost in translation in regards to the going ons of comic book nowadays. It's not bad if I am just to base it off the figure. Not much going on since his paint job is rather insipid. The sculpting isn't the pinnacle of Hasbro's work, but it does justice well enough with the things unique to Boomerang like his helmet and his.... 'boomerangs'. So now that we got that out of the way, it's time to talk about the mold for a little while. A lot of toy reviewers praise this mold, and honestly, I don't blame them. It has a lot of good in it and the articulation is one of the best(the mold was originally used for the "Bucky Captain America"). For your average male Marvel character, it does justice, but there will come a time that this will be diluted with the extreme amount of time it will be used. I hope Hasbro considers using variations in the future. Just saying.

Aside from the leg piece of Goblin that we have already seen with Beetle, Boomerang does come with FIVE accessories. Okay, I'm exaggerating since it's realistically just... not that honorable to say five. But regardless, at least we get something with this guy. I would like to extrapolate the notion that if Hasbro gives us more accessorized figures(weapons or variant heads/hands), we'd be happier collectors! But okay, Hasbro, I'll give you one pat in the back for this little gimmick!

Again, the mold offers a lot of articulation and plenty of dynamic poses! Boomerang was entertaining to pose here and there but I find the mold stale and maybe it's because the character isn't the best character out there. One thing I find rather flawed with this figure is his hands don't hold his boomerangs well, especially the small ones. Again, another bummer.

In conclusion, having Boomerang isn't something I'm doing backflips over, but he is a good addition to my rogue of villains. My advice, if you are collecting this BAF and have to pick between him and Beetle, pick Beetle. Though I do understand that Boomerang sticks with the 616 Universe and Beetle is Ultimate so... that might be a deal breaker or not. I personally think there are a lot more 'new' things to be offered with Beetle with sculpting, paint application, and just better looking to me.

By the way.... is Boomerang from Australia by chance? 

ML U. Green Goblin BAF: Spider-Girl

I've actually caught a figure this month, and what better way to start it than to get a "Spider-Woman"! Okay, she's not Spider-Woman. She's not Jessica Drew or even Julia Carpenter. Truthfully, I don't even know this girl's secret identity name, believe it or not! But knowing about this character and having a full blown bio isn't exactly the main purpose of this! It's all about the figure and all its wonderful assets! So...

Pretty standard packaging. She is the variant of the Black Cat figure I got earlier this year! Skyline sirens are what these two are called.

This mold is brand new and I like it. Mentioned more than once by a couple of other reviewers, this mold would be the perfect teenager lady of Marvel like X-23, Spider-girl(May Parker), Kitty Pryde, and so forth. I'm elated to see what Hasbro will do with this mold in the nearby(hopefully) future.

Spider-Girl's paint job isn't at all terrible but it doesn't offer something spectacular. As seen in the collage, her front has the painted on spider emblem; more or less this suit is from Julia Carpenter's 'Arachne' form so the paint does it justice. Then of course there is black everywhere and her back side offers very little to add designs(though the taut buttocks might be something for the perves).

In the articulation department, Spider-Girl has a lot of swivels in her lower body like her ankles, calves, and thighs. Though I feel that the feminine hips deters a bit of her agile poses since she doesn't seem to be able to do a full on split for me. Her upper body articulation is also lackluster compared to her legs and I seem to have tighter than normal arm joints. Head moves well enough though it did require a bit of forcing to really warm her up.

Just like Black Cat, she doesn't come with any interchangeable hands or any of the sort. In fact she comes even more short handed than Felicia since she has NO accessory AT ALL. Sure she comes with the Torso BAF piece, but that's it! Sure failed there in my opinion! A webbing, a variation in face, or maybe just more hands would've done this figure more justice!

Overall, Spider-Girl is a good pick. I don't regret getting her but she does come with some flaws. Again the main one is really lacking in accessories! Though I'll look into the bright side that this figure does pave the way for a lot of other characters both mold-wise and the idea that if a not very well known character like Spider-Girl gets out into the plastic open, why not others?! I mean... aren't we due for a Spider-Woman figure with the Black Cat mold?! 

ML Infinite Series: Ultimate Green Goblin BAF

Beetle, Superior Spidey, Black Cat, Electro, Carnage, Spidey

First and foremost let me just state that this is probably one of the best BAFs that Hasbro has dished out! In fact, it's the first BAF I have completed a full review on each and every single figure(something I will most likely make a habit out of). Hasbro's decision to make their BAF "Infinite Series" lines concur with the movies wasn't entirely well received for a little while though I understand why they did it! Nowadays people know Marvel Studios than the Marvel Comics itself so presenting their toy lines with a label that is familiar with casual fans will most likely have more fruitful result. My real qualms with that is the characters that would be provided; Will these characters be mainstream/movie characters? Or will Hasbro touch base with some of the not so popular characters in the comic books? Luckily this one did a great job mixing in recognizable characters from the movie but adding in some underground and popular comic book characters. The BAF may not be my personal favorite but this review will delve into what makes Ultimate Green Goblin worth it. Besides, isn't that face something anyone would love?

I'll give you the reasons why I'm not the biggest fan of this BAF right off the get go. First and foremost, this thing screams Hulk all over it. It's plainly obvious that it is from an Incredible Hulk mold! From what I know it was from the Avengers 6' inch action figure and they didn't do a very good job trying to hide it at all. I mean with the fact that they are both green and gargantuan it's a hard task to truly distinguish when using the same mold. I have no qualms with the mold, it's a good mold for large muscular characters, but they should've made him more like the very first adaptation of the Ultimate Green Goblin with the purple cloak and all. That and those denim jeans has got to go since it's the exact same ripping patterns as the Hulk I believe. But be that as it may, the details that are Goblin's alone like the spikes on his arms, the beastial feet, and the satanic creature of the black lagoon head mold does it justice.

And if the back looks too plain, there is always the flame affect that this figure is graciously rewarded with. Again, kudos for Hasbro for taking some tips from Toybiz and the imports!

I'm not entirely sure why the flame affect did it for me but what it accomplished made me like this figure that much. It has a pretty good mold and the paint accentuated a rather 'fiery' feel to it(as it should). The one thing about them is that they don't really hang on to Goblin as much as I would want especially the back flame. If one doesn't move him as much they'll stay, but literally they just hang and a slight angle it will make them just fall off. Still, the detail molded in them and the fact that they arm flames aren't identical, it's beneficial and it adds to the overall 'energy' of the figure.

Now in regards to his articulation, he has pretty much every standard bending ability as modern figures these days would ask for. For a big guy, he can be pretty nimble as a toy so I can take solace in that. I could pose him to do some pretty feral things that still makes him look like a juggernaut(sorry Cain Marko!) that he supposedly is(in the Ultimate line, he is responsible for Peter Parker's death).

But those Incredible Hulk pants though is killing off most of his aesthetics for me. He just reminds me of Hulk and/or Abomination! I really wish they put more effort into making him distinguishable than the other mean green giants of the Marvel Universe!

Speaking of giant, Mr. Ultimate Osborn doesn't quite stand up to the mighty Galactus. Well all joking aside, Hasbro still has yet to make a gargantuan BAF lately that matches up to the standards of Toybiz. Okay so maybe they had Fin Fang Foom way back when, but that's one out of how many BAFs have they made? They're more popular for BAFs like Hit Monkey, Puck, and Rocket Raccoon who are dwarfs compared to Apocalypse, Sentinel, Galactus, etc. So perhaps after the next two BAFs announced that Hasbro will pick up the size, huh?

Personally, Ultimate Green Goblin as stand alone figure doesn't have the compelling qualities that will get me just to buy him. With a very obvious Hulkness to him and the Ultimate universe has never been my cup of tea, this figure isn't making any top tier for me. Though what does make this BAF worth it are the pieces on its roster. Out of the six figures only one I barely didn't care for but ultimately with how the variant hands/heads are implemented, dynamic affects, new molds, and brand new packaging, I say in the end it was a note worthy catch. It was a hard toy hunt that I'm not doing again, but it was well worth it(now). 

ML Ultimate Green Goblin BAF: Carnage

The final piece of the Ultimate Green Goblin BAF! Cletus Kassidy! The one and only CARNAGE! Honestly I wasn't as excited for this figure like a lot of people were. For some reason I just didn't want another Carnage figure as much as I would've preferred other characters who haven't received the light of day. But somehow… this one had a touch that I didn't expect it to have. So let's have it then.

I like how red he is and he sticks out of the box with that color. The back shows that he is another one that will get a variant named "Toxin". Not too fond of that version of Toxin so I'll just pass on that.

And Carnage is one of the other pieces of the BAF that did not get a lot of care in regards to accessories. The tendril affect is the only thing he has going for him and that is rather disappointing since Carnage can morph his hands to any weapon he sees fit. That would've been rather cool if they added that in for him like an axe or a blade for interchangeable hands! Hasbro dropped the ball on this department for Carnage. And he comes with Green Goblin's head and flame affect.

Detail wise, it's a good looking figure. The paint job isn't extraordinary but the red and the clash of the black does concur well. He is an exact replica of the Carnage I remember from Maximum Carnage(comic book saga and the game). Though I did wish that the black tendrils or the symbiotic distortion are sculpted in rather than painted in like the old Amazing Spider-Man Carnage. But I suppose the black paint does fit this one well and it's not as messy looking as the other Carnage I'm comparing this one to.

His articulation is pretty smooth since this mold is pretty good in this department. He has all the great movements that collectors like myself can't really complain about but Toybiz still did very well with the finger articulation that added more exuberance in posing characters! And with Carnage missing variant hands, he is pretty limited in what he can actually do! I mean how awesome would it be to have him have his trademark axe or some kind of blade protruding out of his hands?! Going back to the idea of articulation, how about jaw articulation?! That would be something that fits the symbioses of the Marvel universe!

The classic rivalry that got a bit redundant at times because it was always Carnage… Venom… Carnage… VENOM! And… it got predictable. But these two are great in scale and awesome figures individually!

Maximum Carnage(s)! These are the other two Carnages I have in my possession. Both are the same mold and practically the same figures but altered slightly. The on the left is part of the Spider-man Origins line that Hasbro came out with and I think(minus the face) it's a great update of the Carnage on the right; it needs less black though. In contrast with the new Carnage, all three have their pros and cons. I think today's Carnage has a little bit more to offer.

Overall this is a good Carnage figure. Being the last piece of the BAF, I'd say this set is an overall success. They have their ups and downs individually but I will stand firm that Hasbro has made a vast improvement and with the variants actually coming out, I'd say they actually started listening to their fans! Speaking for just Carnage now, add in some accessories and he would've been a more than fantastic figure! But all in all, I like him. He impressed me far more than I thought he would! A must for any Venom fan so that Mr. Brock would have his most dangerous rival.

Coming up of course is the Green Goblin… my first BAF of 2014!

ML Ultimate Green Goblin BAF: Black Cat

Black Cat! Felicia Hardy! The Catwoman of Marvel! While Catwoman may have been first and in more ways than one is more popular than Black Cat there is one thing that Felicia Hardy does have over Selina: She has a better and good looking figure out right now! Though this one was a bit hard to get, luckily for me I did find her and now she is a part of my Marvel Legends collection along with the others!

As the box shows, Black Cat is the other figure that has a variant to her. The alternate looks interesting enough but I don't know if Spider-Girl is enough to compel me to get her. Spider-Woman would've been the more enticing choice for me(we are in dire need of an update picture).

Forget the left arm which is Electro. It wouldn't' come out once snapped in.

She holds the biggest piece of Ultimate Green Goblin but just like a couple of figures from this set, she really lacks accessories. She has her whip/hook but other than that no alternate hands or head. Honestly, she needs a few variant accessories. This lack of is probably one of her cons as a figure.

No doubt about it! She is a great looking figure! One of the things I must compliment about her is that her face looks great! Not a lot of female figures can be in that same notion though as Hasbro has dished out some atrocious looking ladies! But Felicia is indeed a beauty! The mold of her body is enamoring! The detail that screams Black Cat! It looks like the comic book figure no doubt! The paint lacks in some areas like her black suit, but then again from my knowledge she does wear latex so the black having no shading and depending on lighting to be its detail doesn't look so bad.

Now articulation is where Felicia suffers greatly. This mold does adhere to the more voluptuous femme fatale and no doubt will be recycled by Hasbro for good reasons(Moonstone is the first use of this mold from what Shartimus Prime mentioned). However the one thing is that certain areas lack articulation. Perhaps it will only be an issue on Black Cat, but the hips don't have a wide 'spread joint'… which insinuates that PERVERTS SHAME ON YOU for trying. She has no wrist articulation for up and down movements. Then we have her biggest articulation flaw: her head movement!

It's the hair! I know. Which is why I stand firm on the idea that perhaps Hasbro should've implemented some sort of variant head with the hair in a 'dynamic' pose. But that would've taken more space than needed I suppose. Some alternate hands would've sufficed since her slashing hand doesn't really concurs to what she can do in the comics. Perhaps alternate hands with longer claws?

Felicia isn't the easiest to stand either because of her heels. She does have peg holes on the bottom of her feet so perhaps that makes up for it, but I don't have stands like that for now so I don't think it helps me out that much at all. But she's standing in display right now so I don't have that much complaint. Posing her for poses though did have its mishaps.

So Black Cat is a good catch. For sure she is a must to complete the set. As a fan of Black Cat she is a must for me since I never bought her other ML aberrations from Toybiz's days(I have the Animated series version figure and the Diamond Select; then of course the Bishoujo). So in conclusion, Black Cat is a testament of a beautiful looking figure but suffers moderately in the articulation department. There are some ways to get around the qualms I had but again, perhaps with a bit more improvement with this mold Hasbro will one day dish out a PERFECT female figure(Spider-Woman in this mold please?!). Still a great catch though. Kitty cat does look good… =P

ML Ultimate Green Goblin BAF: Superior Spider-Man

So far, it's the last of the Ultimate Green Goblin BAF I have. Again, Carnage and Black Cat still remains out of my grasps and their prices are still sky high in my local online stores! But moving on to this guy… You know the story line that involves "Superior Spider-Man" is intriguing. It got a enough backlash from fans and some praise from others. Regardless of where it stood, it lasted a good few 13 months and a bit more until the second movie come out in theaters(that was predictable). One thing for sure that I like from that story line(despite me not reading ONE issue) is that Spidey got an updated suit!

There's two box theme for this series. One is the more comic book themed like we have seen in Beetle and Superior Spider-Man here, and then of course there is the movie theme that we have seen from Amazing Spider-Man and Electro. The symbol and the side art is the distinguishable signs that of what is movie and what is not. Curious, they only have 2 out of the 6 movie related and the running change variations don't have any other movie versions as well.

I'm a big fan of this costume design! Okay so a lot of the preferences I have for this thread is the fact that it adheres to my two favorite colors: red and black. If I remember correctly, Superior Spidey also has extra 'limbs' like Iron Spider-Man suit. I'm sure with Dock Ock being inside Spidey's body, that would make sense since that would feel right at home with his tentacle ways in his original body. Wish they added that in with the figure! But as a new mold and the paint job being above mediocre, I can't complain that much. Though he is missing something on his forearm which I assume are advanced web shooters or something… not entirely sure. Again, didn't read the comics(don't read comics anymore).

He comes with another leg of Ultimate Green Goblin and a pair of alternate hands. Again I'm glad they have these variant hands which adds a lot more pose options, but if only those 'tentacles' or 'spider pegs' were added in here!

On the articulation department, he reminds me a lot of the Amazing Spider-Man figure on this wave. He has the same amount of articulation with the same new mold that they use for a skinnier and more nimble looking Spidey!

And he is rather pose able might I add and very joint friendly! Though I will say now as a qualm I have with the other Spider-Man figure, he lacks the webbing accessory that would've made these web slinging shots a bit more convincing! I mean he has the flexibility for it, adding that web line would really make a few more great shots!

And those extra legs on his back… it would've been really nice!

Superior Spider-Man in red light!

Superior vs Scarlet!

In conclusion, I really like this figure despite the minor set backs or the lack of things that would've made this figure just plain 'perfect'! Basing it off on the character and the costume design and its action figure adaptation, I would say that this is my favorite so far of the four. But again, Carnage and Black Cat are still running rampant out there and not in my grasp so I'm sure there might be a change of opinion once I finally have them! As of right now, that's all in regards to this BAF. I will build him, just a matter of time!