SDCC 2012 Exclusive Marvel Universe S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier with Maria Hill and Captain America

SDCC 2012 Exclusive Marvel Universe S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier with Maria Hill and Captain America

First off, I’d like to apologize, we really were going for 11 days, 11 reviews but HasbroToyShop.com and Fedex had other plans, so I am sorry for the delay.  11 reviews in …12 days still isn’t anything to sneeze at.

And now! The moment I’ve all been waiting for! (Yes, I said that right), the 2012 SDCC Exclusive Marvel Universe S.H.I.E.L.D Super Helicarrier with Maria Hill and Captain America action figures.

I’ll start by saying, I don’t intend to keep this Helicarrier, that is, not for myself.  I’m going to review it, keep Hill, rebox it, and then I’m giving it to my son, who is 2, for Christmas…I may wait till Christmas next year, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to because once he sees it he will…probably crap himself, is my best guess and I can’t wait for that.  Just the kind of dad I am.

The Good:

Helicarrier – 

  • It is MONSTROUS
  • A lot of attention to small details, Stark Industries logos all over it, on one of the front flaps SDCC 2012 shows up.
  • A good chunk of figure pegs.
  • It’s kind of modular, each of the turbines pop off, the front antennae, the mid-ship battery, they all pop off.
  • Spring loaded ‘rockets’ have some reasonable distance to them, and guess what, the launchers all come off too!
  • Great spin on all of the turbines.
  • Lots of flaps and hatches to play with, some of which I don’t fully understand (the hatch at the back with a hinged cover…is kind of like an ash tray).
  • The only nice thing I have to say about the packaging, the Joe Quesada art that we have all seen before, it’s sick and huge! When I finally give this to my son and unbox it for good, I may posterize the back of this box.

Maria Hill – 

  • Brilliant figure, articulation for DAYS!  Ankles, hips, shoulders elbows..but some things are missing.
  • Excellent paint app.
  • Excellent head / face sculpt, she seems like a hybrid between Cobie Smulders Maria Hill and Comic Maria Hill and that certainly isn’t a bad thing.
  • Dual Holster (with a but).
  • It’s Maria Hill!

Captain America –

  • Bright colors.
  • Has a shield…it also says S.H.I.E.L.D. on the box…

The Bad:

Helicarrier – 

  • I’m going to try not to rant here but if I have to cut one more piece of black paper string I’m going to lose my flippin mind.  This thing was so needlessly tied down that it took me over an hour to unbox.  There were things tied to other things that weren’t even parts that could move or fall off, it was inexplicable and obnoxious.  I haven’t bought a vehicle since I was probably 12, and if this is where things went since then there is a good chance it’s going to be another 20 years before I buy another vehicle of any kind in a toy line for the soul reason that packaging is brutally obnoxious.
  • But wait! There was more string!  We are also graced with a mass amount of instances of the clear rubber band ties.  These were needlessly holding the rocket launchers in place.  My garbage pail was half full of rubber bands and black string before the end of the night…and those little black clips.
  • While it’s a modular Helicarrier (as mentioned in the good), it could have been more modular.  This is a monster of a vehicle and there are 3 main connection points that appear to be screwed together.  If clips or clasps were used this could have collapsed really nicely for storage.

Maria Hill – 

  • The only negative I can throw at Maria Hill is that she has no waist or torso articulation.  I don’t care though, awesome figure.
  • Oh wait…she also cost me $129.99 plus shipping.

Captain America –

  • This is not even really a repaint of a Cap from the Cap movie line, it’s just taken off a card and put into this box.
  • Really limited articulation, can’t even lift his legs at the hip.

The Rest:

Taking this thing out of the box was truly one of the worst experiences of my entire life, but it’s an outstanding item, well made, well put together and for the most part really well thought out.  The Maria Hill figure is outstanding and her biggest con is really more than the above, that I couldn’t just buy her on a single card.  Captain America is kind of a throw in and not really something anyone doesn’t have anyway.  I was planning at the start of this to give this to my son for Xmas 2012, but he’s still only 2.  While he loves the Marvel Universe line and always wants to play with a different figure, you’ve got a ton of small parts, a ton of parts that pop off, and darnit if this thing doesn’t look like one mean skateboard to eyes that don’t understand it.  The Maria Hill figure will stay in the main collection, the Cap will go back in the box, the carrier, back in the box, the box, back in the shipping box, and that box is going in the attic till 2013 / 2014.  When the little guy gets hands on though he’s going to love it.  I start my little guy young because I know what he’s capable of, and I monitor him whenever he’s playing with something not necessarily age appropriate, otherwise I don’t think I’d give this to a kid under 6.  The age on the package is probably above that.  Side note – final note – do NOT try to put a 2 month old on the deck of this helicarrier, the strut supports on the bottom will buckle out…:)

The Pictures:



SDCC 2012 Exclusive Masters Of Evil Marvel Universe Team Pack

San Diego Comic-Con 2012 has come and gone.  It left in it’s wake some outstanding collectibles and exclusives and MUReview.net is lucky enough to have gotten it’s grubby little mitts on one of our most anticipated exclusives, the Marvel Universe Masters of Evil 3-Pack from Hasbro.  The pack features classic Marvel villains Baron Zemo, Radioactive Man and Tiger Shark.  Being a very big Captain America fan, I couldn’t be more thrilled to finally get my hands on Baron Zemo and for the most part the figure doesn’t disappoint.  Tiger Shark is outstanding and Radioactive man is no joke either!

The Good:

Baron Zemo –

  • One of the most important things for me in a figure is that the figure accurately represents their name sake. Baron Zemo wins big here.  We don’t need another one, Hasbro nailed him here.
  • Zemo is based off of the ultra articulated recent Marvel Universe bucks so pose-ability is endless.
  • The trimmings on this figure are incredibly well implemented, the fur on the boots, the belt, the head band, the mantle piece, all great!

Radioactive Man –

  • Sturdy figure and highly pose-able.
  • The color and transparency really works here.

Tiger Shark –

  • I may be wild guessing here but I think Tiger Shark is made from the same base as Cable and Cable was awesome and incredibly pose-able, that carries through here.
  • We have another character that really in dramatic fashion captures what’s printed on the comic-page, well done Hasbro.
  • The shark fin is exceptionally well molded.

The Bad:

Baron Zemo –

  • Baron Zemo comes with a sword and gun and two hands that have no hope of gripping either appropriately.    This is really a little off putting because Zemo’s sword at least is one of the more iconic weapons of the Marvel Universe.
  • That’s pretty much it, I tried bending the hands into a closed fist as much as possible but the starting point is too wide and the weapon handles are just too thin.

Radioactive Man –

  • Radio Active Man’s tunic could have been cut a little better at the bottom..maybe if it was a little bit longer it wouldn’t make me feel uncomfortable when I look at it.

Tiger Shark –

  • No complaints here, I really like this figure. Not a huge Tiger Shark fan and he certainly wasn’t a character that I was thinking was a 3.75″ must have, but I’m glad I have him now.

The Rest:

If it is within your means by hook, crook or eBay, try to grab this set.  It’s great to be able to expand on the MU line villain count and your collection by three figures in one shot and all three figures are really well done.

The Pictures:





 

 
 MUReview received this product for free for review purposes.
HAPPY MUREVIEW.NET 1 YEAR BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!!! All over

HAPPY MUREVIEW.NET 1 YEAR BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!!! All over

All over.

Scroll down if you just want to look at Giveaway information.

Happy Birthday to us…Happy Birthday to us…Happy Birthday dear MUReview.net…Happy Birthday to us!  Just around this time last year, I had an idea.  Let’s see if we can give a good community of people a place to look for all the news they want to read about from the Marvel Universe (M U).  Our intent has always been to focus on the Marvel Universe Toy Line from Hasbro.  While we have remained true to that focus, we have branched out into so many other things, comic books, movies, video games, TV shows, Internet memes…We have even talked a little DC here…who’da thunk?  It all started with our first post about SDCC 2011 on July 24 2011.  That post was quickly followed with a slew of other incredible news out of SDCC 2011.  Looks like SDCC 2012 is a little bit earlier this year, so that’s already under our belt, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t going to party like we are one year old for our birthday!

Before I dive in, I do want to pat us on the back.  By the time some of you read this we will either be in day 8 of 11 days of new figure reviews, or we may be done with our 10-11 day streak.  Regardless, I’ve been on the Internet for a long time and I don’t think anyone else has done that.  Captain America / Magneto, She Hulk / Wolverine, Hulk / Wolverine, FF Doom / FF Spidey, Spidey / Rhino, Mandarin / Silver Centurion, the Masters of Evil 3-pack, the X-Factor 6-pack…and the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, 11 reviews in 11 days!  Go us!

We wouldn’t be here without our readers and we want to thank you with this celebration.  A celebration of generosity from all of the sponsors of MUReview.net, Big Bad Toy Store, Past Generation Toys, and all of our friends, Moonchie Customs, Imagination Toys, Issaim Customs, and! AND!! Some love from the man behind the Marvel Universe Toy line for years, David Vonner (Kasual Friday)!

This is just an amazing EPIC GIVEAWAY!!

What are we giving away?

1x Custom Hope Marvel Universe scale action figure WITH A GIANT FLAMING PHOENIX BIRD!!! From Imagination Toys.

 

 

 

 

1x Custom Leader Marvel Universe scale action figure from Issaim Customs.

 

 

 

 

 

1x Custom Elektra Marvel Universe scale action figure from Moonchie Customs.

1x $25 digital gift card to Past Generation Toys

1x $25 digital gift card to Big Bad Toy Store

And…wait for it….1x Custom made Autographed Sketch from David Vonner! (The brains behind the Marvel Universe Toy Line!)  Winner gets to choose character(s).  Nothing obscene or offensive.  Sketch may ship later than the rest of the package.

 

How To Enter: You can enter up to 6 times and each of the following is one entry (you only have to do one of the following for one entry).

  • Leave a comment on this post (You will need to include name and email in required fields so I know who you are).
  • Like MUReview on Facebook Like Us here.
  • Like Past Generation Toys on Facebook here.
  • Like BigBadToyStore on Facebook here.
  • Follow  @mureview on twitter – Follow us here
  • Post to Twitter with hash tag #MUReviewBirthdayGiveaway

Restrictions

  • Automated entries and duplicated e-mails will not be counted. Cheaters will be disqualified.
  • Previous winners must wait 60 days to participate in another giveaway.
  • Previous Twitter follows and Facebook Likes will be counted.

Entry Period: 7/24/12 – 8/02/12 (10 days).

Results:  Results will be announced 8/5/12, the winners name and state only, will be shared.  If the winner wants to pose with their winnings and send me a picture, I’m happy to post that to the site as well.

OFFICIAL RULES: Your email will not be shown and will be kept private. Giveaways are open to readers 18 years or older with a shipping address in the contiguous 48 United States only (sorry Alaska, Hawaii, and the rest of the world, shipping is expensive). If you enter, make sure you have a safe location in the USA for me to send this to.

The winner will be randomly selected. Winner will be notified by e-mail within 5 days after the entry date deadline. Winners must respond within 2 days or the prize will be forfeit and a new random winner will be selected.  If someone enters and does not have a US address to ship to, price will be forfeit and a new random winner will be selected.

The use of any automated launching or entry software or any other mechanical or electronic means that permits the participant to automatically register and/or enter repeatedly is prohibited and all such entries will be disqualified.

Fine print

MUReview is not responsible for any late or lost entries, electronic, hardware, Internet or other computer/communications related malfunctions, giveaway disruptions, injuries, losses or damages caused by events beyond the control of MUReview, any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the giveaway or prizes lost in shipment. All federal, state, local or international taxes associated with the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. By entering this giveaway, you release MUReview from any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the giveaway or delivery, mis-delivery or acceptance of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light, whether intentional or unintentional), whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty or other theory. About the prize: Donated by MUReview sponsors Past Generation Toys. Big Bad Toy Store, Imagination Toys, Moonchiecustoms, Issaim Customs, and David Vonner If you have previously won anything from MUReview you must wait 60 days to participate in any additional giveaways.  Previous Facebook likes and Twitter follows will be counted and do not need to be re-done.  Custom sketch from David Vonner is subject to design approval. Winner gets to choose sketched character only.  Sketch may be shipped separately and later from the rest of winning package.

SDCC 2012 Exclusive X-Factor Marvel Universe Team Pack

SDCC 2012 Exclusive X-Factor Marvel Universe Team Pack

The X-Factor Marvel Universe is something a lot of people have been excited about since it’s announcement.  With this set we get a really solid brand new character (Angel), and a few repaints, some in excellent costumes that we all remember and love.  This set is a Toys R Us Exclusive and was made available at the San Diego Comic-Con 2012 in the Hasbro and Toys R Us booths (I think Hasbro had it too…).  In any case, for a limited time this was up on Toysrus.com for order which is how I snagged one.  The official release was not / is not to be until 8/1 so keep your eyes peeled it’s a nice little set.  Read on!

The Good:
Cyclops –

  • Cyclops in one of his more iconic uniforms.
  • Nice even paint, clean lines.

Marvel Girl –

  • Marvel Girl in the green and gold.
  • My mom said that if you don’t have anything nice to say…say it in the bad section.

Angel –

  • The wings! Epic! The wings have more points of articulation than Marvel Girl!  The mold and coloring is outstanding.
  • While Angel doesn’t feature the full range of articulation found in the most modern figures, the addition of swivel thighs is great and allows for a lot more pose-ability.
  • The head sculpt here is just excellent with expressive and life-like features.

Ice-Man –

  • Well this is interesting…I truly appreciate the efforts to make a cloudy / clear Ice Man.
  • For the most part the figure looks great…and icey.
  • The smooth feel of the figure also lends itself well to “ice”.

Apocalypse –

  • The bright colors make the features of this figure really stand out.
  • You can see the ‘A’ on the belt!

Mr. Sinister –

  • The contrast of colors is different, interesting.

The Bad:
Cyclops –

  • I don’t know how just my complaints are here, but away they go.  The color of this Cyclops is just a hair off of the color blue of the Jim Lee Cyclops and I don’t care if it’s right or not because…
  • I wanted to do a head swap and here is why.  All the X-Factor I’ve read with blue and yellow Cyke has him without a cowl.  He wore white and blue with the cowl, yellow and blue without.  Outside of the colors though, I found the head to be molded for the newer, smaller hinged neck joint vs. the standard solid ball, couldn’t get the head on and if I did it wouldn’t have mattered because the blue is off.

Marvel Girl –

  • Phoenix, First Class…just not great Jean Grey representation. the face mold just looks wacky and that carries through here, even with the mask.
  • This is based off of one of the very early, if not the first female Marvel Universe molds and it shows.

Angel –

  • This is really an awesome figure but I do have one complaint.  Getting the wings into Angel’s back ‘to stay’ was a giant pain almost literally.

Ice-Man –

  • The clouded ice effect is actually really cool.  It would have been awesome if it was throughout the figure….there is a fully unpainted stripe across the top of his head!!
  • The belt looks …I was going to say just short of ridiculous, but just plain old ridiculous works fine.

Apocalypse –

  • The colors are closer to the classic, but this still isn’t the classic Apocalypse.

Mr. Sinister –

  • There are two Mr. Sinister outfits that I can think of and remember.  One of them is the current suit and the other one isn’t this color combination.

The Rest:

The X-Factor set is a mixed bag.  Angel is an awesome figure but he will be out on a single card this year (probably).  Cyclops is in an excellent outfit but doesn’t feel right because he is wearing the cowl.  Ice Man has his quirks but I feel like he’s an upgrade over what we have already.  Marvel Girl….I wanted more, better, and I didn’t get it.  Apocalypse in this paint is definitely worth owning and Sinister is worth owning if you didn’t find him already.

 

Mandarin and Silver Centurion Marvel Universe Greatest Battles 2-Pack

Mandarin and Silver Centurion Marvel Universe Greatest Battles 2-Pack

Folks who have been following our favorite Marvel Superheroes in 3 and 3/4 inch form for some time might recognize these two figures.  Not necessarily because they have them both or one of the two, but because one, The Mandarin really never found it’s way to retail space….Let me asplain…no no…too little time, let me sum up.  The Silver Centurion and The Mandarin were available as part of the Iron Man 2 Toy Line.  You can find SC pretty much anywhere, but Mandarin was available in a few select locations and remarkably over-priced on eBay.  Looks like we found out why. They were busy re-painting all of those produced but not shipped Mandarins from green to orange!!

The Good:
Mandarin –

  • This is proof that he exists and you can at some point  (hopefully) buy him in a store for regular people money.
  • Bright colors and excellent molding detail highlight this much sought after figure.
  • The helmet fits…mostly.
  • He’s got 10 rings!

Silver Centurion –

  • The Silver Centurion is hands down, bar none my favorite Iron Man armor.  This second chance to pick him up is welcome!
  • The points of articulation on the shoulder pieces of the armor is always appreciated, specifically as it is done in a manner where they will not constantly or ever fall off.

The Bad:
Mandarin –

  • I wasn’t a fan of the sword accessory the first time around, and that judgment holds up here.
  • The miss here for me is that we don’t get a more sinister suited modern Mandarin.

Silver Centurion –

  • The paint app is just not good. There are red smudges everywhere.
  • Speaking of paint.  The name of the figure is Silver Centurion and I greatly appreciate the color of the original release of this figure.  I know on the washed out pages of an old comic we get a more shimmering white look to the armor, but if you start painting the red and gold red and off brown someone is going to get aggravated.

The Rest:

I know this is an early release but I want to go on the assumption that this set will see store shelves.  That should make a lot of Iron Man Universe fans happy.  I can’t count how many message boards I’ve been in and out of that want to know where Mandarin is.  Granted, when everyone gets this one, the green one will still be the treasure.    You can’t make everyone happy all of the time.

The Pictures: