Marvel Legends Crystar - Random Photo Shoot - The Toyark

OMFG CRYSTAR! That’s pretty much what I said to myself, and then in 20 group chats during SDCC 2023. I was there when they announced him, and was super surprised and then mega hyped. It won the weekend for me there. HOWEVER, I then realized maybe I’m getting old because a lot of folks I wouldn’t even consider young had no idea who this dude is. Crystar was a toy line in the early 80s by Remco, which had a tie in comic by Marvel. For years I always thought it was the toyline first and Marvel just did the comics, the way most things like Transformers, He-Man, G.I. Joe etc did it back then. Turns out, this was Marvel trying to get ahead of the curve, they created the property and then had others do toys for it. Hence why 40 odd years later, we now have a kick ass Marvel Legends figure. He’s also shown up in cameo form multiple times in the Marvel Universe since then, I’d suggest hitting Wikipedia and Google to do some homework if you are interested.

As a kid (yes I’m getting old), I had this guy. I wasn’t into the lore, tho I do remember having at least the first comic. He was just a cool ass figure that could mix up well with my Star Wars, G.I. Joe and other 3.75 inch figures. I also don’t think I had many if any beyond Crystar. I’ve had an eBay saved search result for over a decade that emails me about new Crystar listings. I wanted a minty fresh, not “yellowed” copy, that wasn’t sealed and not dumb expensive. I think a couple came and went before I could snag it, but not many. In the end, I never got one again as an adult. UNTIL NOW. Not the same, but maybe better.

In terms of this new Marvel Legends figure – it rocks. Construction is solid. Materials good, no rubbery plastic warping. He moves smooth at all the joints. The crystal for the main body is on point, it nails the structural look and color of the original. The red is also on point, it’s a great shade that really pops on shelf. There is a bit of texture to it, it feels different than Marvel Legends I’ve handled recently (in a good way), though I am no expert so don’t hold me to that. And a nice touch – a little digi paint on the face to give it some shadowing around the eyes and cheeks. Gotta squint to see it but cool touch.

As someone who was really REALLY looking forward to this, I am happy with it. It does it’s job, and well.

As far as things I’d want – a version where the helmet can come off. I know that can get doofy looking if not done right, I think Dwight mentioned something to that effect at SDCC. But that, and maybe some additional Crystal weapons would be nice, like the Prisma Crystal accessory, turn that into a weapon of some sort. Would I want others from the lore? Dunno. If they are as well done as this, and a nice little sub-theme of Marvel Legends began, I’d be tempted. Maybe Feldspar and a Dragon in matching colors, get a nice little red/blue nook going.

If none of that happens, I’m still happy here with Crystar proper. My collection is 6/7 inch, so having a random Crystar tucked in just like I had a random Crystar tucked into my kiddo toys in the 80s is pretty perfect.

So yeah, 10 outta 10 for me. Read on to check out some pics, I did a full set after all, was too much fun to stop. Sorry no box pic, I ripped that sucker open and tossed it without thinking. Some highlights in full mode here, and more down below!