[Shin Densetsu]

I have my doubts about the Iron Man 2 movie line. It was a move to 3-3/4"(or 4") scale for the main line, a step away from the well received 6" scale of the 1st line. Our beloved 6" scale will return in the form of exclusives, however there is a benefit to having a smaller scale. More releases. More variety.

Initially thinking I might be disappointed with these figures, like I was with the X Men Origins Wolverine line, these figures turned out differently than what I initially thought. How so? Read on...

[Shin Densetsu]

The 1st figure we are looking at is Iron Man Mark I. I am fond of the design from the 1st movie. It was a great, modernized take on the classic design from the 60's. One that was recognizable yet new. Not to mention, classic influence aside, it just looked steampunk-ish and cool. I loved the ruggedness of it, so of course I picked up the 6" figure from the 1st line.

I loved the sculpt but found the range of motion to be disappointing. Does this new 3-3/4" version share the same disappointing qualities as the 6" figure? I'm happy to say that, no it doesn't! The range of motion on this 3-3/4" Iron Man Mark I is significantly better than it's 6" predecessor. It also has much more paint apps, giving the appearance of a rugged, battered, armor constructed in not the most ideal of areas/conditions. In both paint apps/deco and range of motion, this figure is superior to it's predecessor.

I found that the missle launcher looked better as well. So it all sounds good so far, is it too good to be true? Well, this figure unfortunately has an achilles heel. Remember the uber tight joints mentioned in my Iron Man 2 Movie Series Wave 1 Iron Monger Review This figure has the same problem. Nearly all of the joints on this figure are tight, which is good because it's easier to hold poses, and tight joints are better than loose. Yet it was frustrating trying to get the hips to move, the 45 degree angle hips do not help either.

At some points I thought that the hips might snap under pressure, but luckily this has not happened yet and I don't think it will happen. Once you get the joints freed your figure should be fine, just take care in moving the hips in the future. Out of all the breakages on Iron Man 2 figures so far, the hips have the most reported breakages.

Overall I am very satisfied with this figure. The Mark III got all of the love during the 1st movie, but the Mark I is a design that I have a soft spot for. The only thing that the 6" figure has over this smaller one is higher durability. That thing was a brick and it never felt like it was going to break. If you like the Mark I, this version is worth picking up and one of the most detailed figures in the line so far. I am glad that Hasbro made some of the armors from the 1st movie into the line. Sure they might not show up in the sequel but hell they are good designs, and these are damn good figures.

7/10

[Shin Densetsu]

In the 1st movie line, the standard Iron Man Mark II was painted in gray tones, which was cool, but not movie accurate(gray is a good color to use, I mean the Hot Toys matte version looked awesome). Mark II in the movie was shiny with metallic silver.

This time around, Hasbro has let out a Mark II with metallic silver paint. Panel lines are also inked in, which is rare for any Hasbro figure outside of Spiderman. The end result is a beautiful rendition of the Mark II armor.

The Mark II and Mark III share the same mold, which is unfortunate. Why? I wanted to see the rivets sculpted into the Mark II mold, for movie accuracy, and most importantly, to be distinguish itself further from the Mark III. Don't get me wrong, the mold isn't bad, but the difference due to molded rivets would have been appreciable. It might be a small thing to some of you, but to me, it would make the Mark II a better figure.

The Mark II just comes with a missle launcher and figure stand, along with armor cards. I don't use these launchers much, but thankfully they are not gigantic.

Range of motion is good, much better than the bulky Mark I, and the neck actually has some good up/down movement. This is something a lot of fans want primarily for flying poses. The only problem I encountered was the shoulder pads flying off every now and then, while moving the arms outward. Fortunately, the pads do click into place well and they shouldn't pop off too much.

Overall this is a figure worth picking up and it's presentation is beautiful. The only thing that tarnishes the look is the fact that the panel lines are too thick in certain areas. Well that, and also the scratch that is on the face of the mask. It is a fun figure to pose, and I had no worries of breakages while handling this figure. The shiny paint makes it a significant improvement over the 1st 6" Mark II figure, and it's a highlight of the 1st wave.

8/10

[Shin Densetsu]

Iron Man Mark III is the armor used by the end of the 1st movie. It is also the armor most of us are used to seeing, so admittedly, I wasn't planning on buying my figure at 1st.

It also comes with a upper body armor with wings or something. Opening panels, which may or may not house repulsor weapons. In any case, I initially thought that the opening panels were supposed to represent the airbrakes seen in the movie but they weren't all that big in the movie.

So aside from the armor, this figure also comes the armor cards and figure stand. I appreciate the fact that Hasbro added something extra for this figure in the form of the armor but it's not something that makes it highly sought after. In fact, if you have the Mark II, the appeal for this figure is diminished. They are the same figure save for paint and the fact that this one has an additional piece of armor.

The armor helps to secure the shoulder pads, which is good. The bad thing is that the opening panels are made out of very soft plastic, and you have to force the edges in to make them flush when closed. The plastic is more flexible then I'd like, so closing or opening the panels sees the plastic work against itself. At times, the panels don't move along the hinges but actually fold into themselves.

If the Mark III was your favorite armor from the 1st movie, then this is a figure you should get. Same if you like the extra armor. If you have the Mark II and are on the fence on this one, you can pass on it. The Mark II in my opinion has much better presentation and the extra armor on the Mark III isn't a big loss if you don't have it. The Mark III is a decent figure but not for everyone.

7/10

[Shin Densetsu]

Iron Man Mark IV is the main armor that makes it's debut in Iron Man 2. It is in wave 2 of the Iron Man 2 Movie Series, and the paint job looks great. This figure and the Mark VI share the same parts sans torso/body. In person the colors look a little different.

It comes with a missle launcher, armor cards and figure stand. So for a new armor, technically it should be better than the older ones right? From all accounts, it's a better armor in the movie, and in my opinion, the figure looks better than the Mark III, mold/sculpt-wise. Yet there is something that holds it back....

The range of motion for the hips is not as good as the Mark II and III armors. The thigh armor gets in the way. You can have the figure sitting down, however either the inner thighs will face upwards, which looks weird, or the legs will be spread apart a bit. It's not enough to stop me from buying the figure and recommending it, but it was worth bringing up.

The range of motion for the head is limited to just swiveling left and right. It cannot look up or down like the Mark II and III armors. The shoulder pads on this one are glued on and made out of soft plastic. This results in the range of motion for the shoulders being quite good.

This is another great looking figure, where the paint really stands out like the Mark II. Beautiful gloss finish and one that sticks out on shelves. I was quite surprised to see that the head could not look up or down; that coupled with the hindered range of motion for the hips are the primary disappointments with this figure. Worth picking up but don't expect it to pose as well as the Mark II and III armors.

7/10

[Shin Densetsu]

The Iron Man Mark V Suitcase Armor first appeared in the 2nd trailer, and definitely had an impact on me. Admittedly, when I 1st saw the figure at Kmart, prior to the 3/1 launch date, I was immensely disappointed. See, I originally thought(after reading the initial listings), that the suitcase would turn into armor for the figure.

Technically, the suitcase armor in the movie is made from Tony Stark's suitcase. However on this figure, the suitcase is a dual missle launcher. My 1st thoughts were "uh, okay......". Now that we have seen the trailer we know that the toy companies have just included the suitcase with the suitcase armors for the sake of displayability or in Hasbro's case, as a missle launcher.

I wasn't a big fan of this figure at all upon 1st sight. I'm aware that the armor is supposed to be form fitting and slimmer than Stark's other armors. Yet this one looks too form fitting to me. Depending on who you talk to, this is more accurate than the upcoming 6" version, but I personally think the 6" movie series version looks awesome, superior, and I think it will be the best Mark V figure made unless Hot Toys makes one. It doesn't matter to me if the 6" version is not as accurate, or form fitting, to me, it simply looks better. The 6" version can be seen here:

http://www.toyark.com/news/marvel-to...e-part-2-2503/

So you're probably asking yourself why I even picked this figure up. As mentioned earlier, the 2nd trailer had an impact on me and at that point, the suitcase armor was AWESOME. Then there was a sale at Toys R Us.

I took a closer look at the figure and the details up close are very impressive. Intricate details and panel lines are molded all throughout. The detail won me over and I picked it up.

This figure comes with armor cards, a stand, the suitcase launcher and 2 missles, as well as a swappable left hand. The left hands included are an open one, and a fist. I prefer to use the fist because I don't think the launcher looks practical at all. I like how it opens up, but that's about it.

The paint job is excellent, until you get to the face. See this is the bad thing about the Iron Man 2 figures; the paint is inconsistent and random! Some look GREAT, some look bad. I mean look at the closeup on the face of mine, he looks like he is CRYING!. It's like sad-face emote suitcase armor Iron Man. Not cool.

The other bad thing is that this figure has more limited range of motion for the hips than the Mark IV/VI armors. Why? The thigh armor gets in the way of the hips when moved up. Some paint has already scratched off because of me moving the legs up. Same issue as the Mark IV/VI but worse. Yes you can get the legs all the way up but only if the inner thighs face upwards, which looks weird.

The Mark V Suitcase Armor is a decent figure to pick up, it's one of the most unique molds in the line. It could have been better. The primary reason I got it wasn't so much because of the figure itself, but because my choices are primarily character driven. So if I see something I like onscreen, chances are I might buy it.

I found the range of motion on the hips to be the most disappointing factor. The sculpted detail is very impressive, as is the gloss finish. Is it something I would have bought if not for the TRU sale? Possibly, but not right away. It's not a figure that jumped out at me right away, nor is it a must have.

6/10.

[Shin Densetsu]

Iron Man Mark VI is presumably the "ultimate" armor to be shown in Iron Man 2. The paint job and gloss finish is great. It wins on presentation, but how about as a figure?
'
As stated earlier, it has the same body as the Mark IV armor but a different body and slightly different paint job(more noticeable in person). I can see kids picking this one up because for one thing, it might be the most powerful armor in the movie.

It has a different missle and launcher than the Mark VI. The missle looks more like how a missle should look, but despite that, I don't use the launchers much. Also included are the stand and armor cards.

Same hindered hips as the Mark IV armor, but not as bad as the Mark V. For collectors, you may opt for the more accurate(silver paint apps on certain parts), Hall of Armor Mark VI exclusive to Target, shown here:

Target Exclusive Iron Man 2 Hall Of Armor Images

The Mark VI presentation won me over, and it's a great figure to handle. I just wish the head and hips could move much better. I found it to be a much superior figure over the Mark VI Power Glow Armor reviewed here:

Iron Man 2 Power Glow Mark VI Armor Reviewed

If you want a Mark VI figure, this one is for you(unless of course you are willing to pay more for the screen accurate Hall of Armor version). One of the highlights of movie series wave 2, and worth picking up.

8/10

[Shin Densetsu]

In conclusion, all of the current Iron Man armors in the movie line are decent figures. The low points are the Mark III and Mark V Suitcase Armor but they aren't terrible figures. Hasbro did a great job overall, and I can see this line being a huge hit this year. It's already gotten much praise by collectors, and once the movie premieres, I can see this being a popular line for kids.

Now I mentioned X Men Origins Wolverine earlier in this thread. After opening my 1st Iron Man 2 figures, I noticed that these figures are so much better than the Origins Wolverine line. Why?

The paint. Most of the Wolverine figures lacked paint apps considerably compared to the Iron Man 2 figures. Due to the lack of paint, they look significantly cheap compared to the Iron Man 2 figures. Sure, the paint apps on Iron Man 2 figures range from good, to very bad, to random, but at least there is a lot of paint applied.

The Wolverine figures also lacked stands and armor cards. Admittedly, the armor cards are a neat touch but not necessary, but the stands give us the feeling that we are getting more bang for the buck, compared to the Wolverine line.

Another thing the Iron Man 2 line has over the Wolverine line, is consistent articulation. Nearly every figure has the same points of articulation, with little exception except for the big figures.

The Iron Man 2 figures feel like they are of higher quality too; more sturdy and durable. There is a definite difference in quality when comparing Iron Man 2 figures to both X Men Origins Wolverine, the current Spiderman line, and any Animated Marvel line by Hasbro. The Spiderman and Wolverine toys look cheap in comparison, and the Wolverine toys feel cheaper(I have most of the XMO line).

Hasbro has raised the bar for themselves with the Iron Man 2 line. I hope that any 3-3/4" Marvel line from here on out is of equal or greater quality than this line. It is a vast improvement over previous 3-3/4" Marvel lines by Hasbro(Marvel Universe is similar in the respect that I don't have many issues with it), and it's a line that has something for both kids AND collectors. I eagerly anticipate future waves, and summer can't come soon enough!

[rsg]

I actually found some of the Wolverine series and Spiderman series 3.75's pretty nice. Super poseable spider man is nice compared to the Marvel universe version and come of the comic wolverines, deadpools and colossus were pretty good in the Wolverine line.

[TheLoudMaster]

I really have to agree with you, Shin. Hasbro has put the bar way up for its competition and more importantly itself. The Iron Man figures prove that even in a mass produced line, you can make a toy with lots of detail, tons of articulation, and good paint.

I also agree with the rankings. I really do like my Mark I but he's pretty clunky and his joints are tight as hell. My Mark II is pretty much perfect cept the pain apps for the chest rivets are black and make them really apparent. My Mark III suffers from girly arc reactor-itis, having a bad sticker application making it pink and the leg ball joints have been reversed on mine and all other Mark III's I've seen. I'm making him into my little pet project. Mark IV is really nice, paint is the best I have, but the chest is a little loose. The Mark V Suitcase armor is cool, but his face paint and articulation limitations sorta let me down. The Mark VI is definitely the favorite of the bunch, tight joints all around, good paint, and overall fun to play with. I will be getting a Hall of Armors one though so I can have a more accurate looking one.

Overall, I applaud Hasbro for actually trying to make up for past mistakes liek the Indy line or just improve upon their already amazing sculpting in lines like G.I. Joe, Star Wars, and MU. I give the line an 8/10 overall because I still haven't gotten a damn Whiplash yet >:/

[SPLIT LIP]

I'm looking forward to getting a complete line up of the six armours in this scale. They all look really good, and I have the first three, and I agree, the Mark 1 is one of my favourites, but MAN was I scared about those hips.

[dansolo]

Thanks for another great review!

I have only the Mk III so far and I love it! I'm sure once I get some of the other ones it may pale in comparison. By the looks of it, these are leaps and bounds beyond what just came out last year for Wolverine.

[Ktulu]

Quite the effort! Thanks for the extended review :thumb

[Enigma2K2]

These have hit the $6-7 point at my Wal-Mart... I really can't complain anymore... until they jack the price back up...

...and we know which ones will sell out first. The 6 inch exclusives...

[nomad1632]

great reviews Shin!! I totally agree with all that you've said I love tight joints but like you said some of the joints can be scary tight but I don't think they'll break. One thing I noticed about my mark 4 was that the torso joint was super loose almost had a dangling motion to it but that was the only one that I have that did that. I had to work on it to get it a little stiffer. I had the same views when I first saw the mark 5 in stores just didn't do it for me too tights looking just wasn't for me but after I saw the trailer I ended up getting it just like you it was the perfect time with the first 2 for $10.00 sale at toys r us, ended picking that one up with the Inferno concept armor not a crazy huge fan of repaints but that one worked really well. Since I picked up the latest concept 3 pack at toys r us my next mission is the 6inch figures and the coming hulkbuster, modern iron man, and unmasked mark 6 which has the same body as the hall of armors mark6 but like half the price so Ill just switch the heads from my first issue mark 6.

[nomad1632]

Hope you do a review of the concept 3.75 figures next

[Lifeline 71]

I have to say out of all the "official" movie armors, the Mark I is my favorite. I loved it in the movie, and it translated well into action figure form. The funny thing is, I don't care for the comic Mk 1, but there's just something about the movie version that is cool to me. Excellent review, not sure if I'll get any of the regular armors, I do want the Inferno and Hypervelocity armors, plus movie War Macine.

[nomad1632]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifeline 71

I have to say out of all the "official" movie armors, the Mark I is my favorite. I loved it in the movie, and it translated well into action figure form. The funny thing is, I don't care for the comic Mk 1, but there's just something about the movie version that is cool to me. Excellent review, not sure if I'll get any of the regular armors, I do want the Inferno and Hypervelocity armors, plus movie War Macine.

I agree with yah on the comic version not a fan, just too boring and well can like, I love the detail of the movie line, their just great, I am a big fan of the concepts as well the hyper velocity, deep-dive, Inferno mission and the power assault are phenomenal designs I hope we get some more in later releases. I will say the war machine is my top fav its just a insane design. I cant wait to get the 6 inch which is even better.

I anyone starts seeing them in stores let us know so we know to start really searching.

[Shin Densetsu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansolo

Thanks for another great review!

I have only the Mk III so far and I love it! I'm sure once I get some of the other ones it may pale in comparison. By the looks of it, these are leaps and bounds beyond what just came out last year for Wolverine.

Thanks man! Yes, they are leaps and bounds over the figures from the Origins Wolverine line from last year. The best figure IMHO for Wolverine wasn't even a Wolverine, but Sabretooth! Sabretooth was very impressive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ktulu

Quite the effort! Thanks for the extended review :thumb

Thanks man! It took a LOT longer than I thought. This review was actually supposed to go up a few weeks back but the photo shoots took longer than anticipated. Then there were times where I didn't realize that some shots were out of focus until much later. At that point I decided to reshoot some of the images, and found more to nit pick and rectify.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enigma2K2

These have hit the $6-7 point at my Wal-Mart... I really can't complain anymore... until they jack the price back up...

...and we know which ones will sell out first. The 6 inch exclusives...

Before that the movie War Machine from this scale will probably sell out quick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomad1632

great reviews Shin!! I totally agree with all that you've said I love tight joints but like you said some of the joints can be scary tight but I don't think they'll break. One thing I noticed about my mark 4 was that the torso joint was super loose almost had a dangling motion to it but that was the only one that I have that did that. I had to work on it to get it a little stiffer. I had the same views when I first saw the mark 5 in stores just didn't do it for me too tights looking just wasn't for me but after I saw the trailer I ended up getting it just like you it was the perfect time with the first 2 for $10.00 sale at toys r us, ended picking that one up with the Inferno concept armor not a crazy huge fan of repaints but that one worked really well.

Thanks! Yeah I actually got that Inferno armor as part of the sale too! I figured I might as well to complete the wave.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomad1632

Hope you do a review of the concept 3.75 figures next

Not sure if I will pick it up, need to see it in person 1st.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifeline 71

I have to say out of all the "official" movie armors, the Mark I is my favorite. I loved it in the movie, and it translated well into action figure form. The funny thing is, I don't care for the comic Mk 1, but there's just something about the movie version that is cool to me. Excellent review, not sure if I'll get any of the regular armors, I do want the Inferno and Hypervelocity armors, plus movie War Macine.

Thanks man, I LOVE the movie Mark I armor. The Hot Toys one is AMAZING. So freaking detailed. I'll probably never own it but it never ceases to amaze me.

The comic version isn't bad but the movie version seems more realistic and I just love the detail and modernized take on it. Hypervelocity and movie War Machine are definitely worth getting. As for Inferno, it shares the same mold as Power Assault and the mold is definitely awesome and worth picking up; it all boils down to which colors you like.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomad1632

I am a big fan of the concepts as well the hyper velocity, deep-dive, Inferno mission and the power assault are phenomenal designs I hope we get some more in later releases.

The concept armors are GREAT and I love toys based on conceptual art/designs. Lots of creativity. Hypervelocity is the best one so far, just wish it was painted like the Extremis armor in the Marvel Universe line(gloss finish, more solid paint apps).

Hope we see more concept armors too!

[rob_charb]

Excellent, in-depth review. I was pleasantly surprised by the Mk VI. I've never been a fan of this scale and my one Indiana Jones figure from KotCS really put me off it, but something about Mk VI just screamed "buy me". Was very, very happy with the figure, but like you say, the hips are very limited.

Fortunately, I can assure that is not an issue with the 6" Mk VI at all

I probably won't be picking up any of Tony's other armours, but I'm definitely getting War Machine (both scales, since they're both out) and most likely the 6" Mk V.

[Shin Densetsu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob_charb

Excellent, in-depth review. I was pleasantly surprised by the Mk VI. I've never been a fan of this scale and my one Indiana Jones figure from KotCS really put me off it, but something about Mk VI just screamed "buy me". Was very, very happy with the figure, but like you say, the hips are very limited.

Fortunately, I can assure that is not an issue with the 6" Mk VI at all

I probably won't be picking up any of Tony's other armours, but I'm definitely getting War Machine (both scales, since they're both out) and most likely the 6" Mk V.

Thanks man, and welcome aboard, I recognize you from the TFW Iron Man thread. The Mark VI has great presentation, but the 6" one..oh man does that look cool. The fact that the head can tilt up and down...THAT is awesome because it makes it easier to look like he is flying. Overall it looks excellent and no doubt will be the favored Mark VI figure for collectors until Hot Toys makes one.

Thanks for the heads up on the Mark VI hips!

With regards to scale, I have been integrating my Marvel figures with GI Joes. All Marvel movie stuff like the Wolverine and Iron Man stuff partner up with my GI Joe Rise of Cobra figures, and all my comic series stuff goes with my 25th anniversary GI Joes. It's cool seeing Snake Eyes team up with the bad ass comic War Machine.

6" Mark V looks to be the best 6" figure so far IMHO, and War Machine is great at small scale.