ThreeZero DLX Iron Man Mark XLIII Photo Review

ThreeZero have been expanding their line up of high end collectibles figures over the last several years. They started primarily with 1/6th scale figures now called Figzero, then moved into high end Transformers replicas from the movies, now called Premium Scale. They’ve since created the DLX line for Transformers, which spawned ROBO-DOU, both smaller yet high end robotic themes in the 8-16 inch range. ThreeZeroX is super premium crossover re-imaginings. They even dipped into 1:12 scale clothed figures for a bit with Figzero S.

Now they are bringing that sweet spot of the DLX and ROBO-DOU line into a new segment – Marvel DLX. These are advertised as 1:12 scale figures with die-cast, high end paint, lights, and massive articulation. A serious figure at a smaller scale. The first up is Iron Man in his Mark XLIII (43) armor from Avengers age of Ultron. And pretty soon after the announcement – yes, they are also doing an in-scale Hulkbuster.

ThreeZero was kind enough to send through a copy to check out a bit early. We’ve run it for a set of pics, basic and fancy, after the break. These are currently open again for a second round of pre-orders, so if you dig it get those orders in. You can grab him at the ThreeZero Store or your preferred ThreeZero stockist. The second batch is due to ship in Q1 2022.

Read on to check out our pics and some additional thoughts!

ThreeZero DLX Iron Man XLIII

Overall Thoughts

Yeah man! I’ve been into ThreeZero stuff since they kicked off with the Premium larger scale Transformers. They were crazy well done with paint, lights, articulation. The move to DLX scale with those really got things going, now I could have more than 3 out at a time, and the prices were way more reasonable. ROBO DOU have been fun too, you can see our galleries for those here. So the DLX style scale seems to be the sweet spot, in both size and price, and when they announced MARVEL I was hyped. I basically like anything robotic, so the Iron Man armors have always been on my radar. I could never dip into the Hot Toys stuff, a little pricey. I have a chunk of S.H. Figuarts, but never went full armory. Random others like Comicave and Marvel Legends came in and out here over the years. And now ThreeZero is giving it a go which I think is a perfect fit.

First off – the figure is phenomenal. Die cast frame, high end paint and gloss. Forty Eight (!) points of articulation. BRIGHT led lights for the eyes and arc reactor in chest. Multiple hands, base, energy effects. It’s got all the stuff you expect from Figuarts, Mafex, Comicave, Hot Toys – with an execution that rivals or exceeds them all.

The line is advertised as 1:12 scale, and this figure advertised at 6.5 inches. I think it’s a little larger than that though. At base stance, he’s about 7 inches tall. That puts him more in scale with DST Selects, DC Multiverse, and NECA figures here in the States. For Marvel Legends collectors, it’s not a direct fit. They are in the zone, so a combo shelf could work depending on how particular you are. Can see some comparisons below.

In hand – feels great. Heavy, shiny. Joints move smooth, no clickeys. It’s got a high end automotive paint job feel to it. Articulation is great, accordion torso, cuts, spins at every point you need it. Legs extend downward so you can get that knee-to-chest style pose, thigh panels shift to let that happen. Shoulders rotate inward, and chest panels shift to let that happen too. This was an early copy so tolerances are not final, but what was here based on what I know they do before shipping it should be great to fiddle around with.

The LED lights are BRIGHT, well done. One pair of button 364 batteries go in the head for the eyes, and a pair go in the torso for the chest reactor. This is a bit cumbersome, especially the torso one. Requires a screwdriver to get in there just to turn it on/off. During the shoot I just left the screws out, but still a pain. You need to make a choice to turn them on, and it requires full handling to get it done, no quick on/off while in-pose, on shelf. Once on though, they are great.

The figure is designed to work with the next DLX figure, the XLIV aka the Hulkbuster. It will be in scale so the upper torso disconnects and can be inserted into the Hulkbuster. This is a smooth action and is also how you access the LED lights for the chest. I can’t wait for that. I have the Soul of Chogokin / S.H. Figuarts one, but it does not open up and let you put another figure in. And ThreeZero’s will be bigger, and bigger is always better with the Hulkbuster :).

Bottom line, this thing is fantastic. If you never upgraded your armors, or weren’t in the game while the Iron Man onslaught was happening, jumping in here with DLX would be worth it. Plus if they go deep armory, the size allows for you to display them all more easily than the 1/6th scale. They are also very reasonably priced for what you are getting. This guy is under 100 bucks most places. The Hulkbuster is going to be like 250. For 1:12 / 7 inch scale, die cast, candy paint, lights, crazy articulation – can’t beat that.

Read on to check our pics, and then hit ThreeZero or select retailers like our sponsors to grab your copies if you dig it!

Sponsor Links: Entertainment Earth, Big Bad Toy Store, Dorkside Toys, HLJ, The Chosen Prime, The Toy Source