[roshan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peteparker

We really should have a sticky that defines the different types of variants in the MU line.

I believe there are running changes, paint variants, blister accessory variants, and what else?

I don't know about the community in general, but the way I categorize these things in my books are variants and variations. (I won't even speak about packaging variations/variants, because I don't tend to focus on those). It all comes down to whether or not the change is intentional from the point of manufacturing. Like with the Absorbing Man, they intended to produced twodistinct versions so that's a variant. Variations are usually more of an error in the manufacturing process that gets fixed in a running change to improve the figure. The interesting thing about the Marvel Universe line (and more a testament to the quality control) is that there really are no error variations in the line. They've kept the differences quite intentional.

But you're right, from a historical perspective, it would be nice to know how many straight repaint variants, new sculpted part variants, and revision wave variants there were.

It was easy with the Hasbro Legends line. There were no revision waves and every variant was a paint variant except for the Hydra Soldier.

Looking at the checklist, I think we have to take a closer look at some figures that are considered variants. The Dr. Doom from the subscription for example. It's not really a variant, because it's not an alternative version of a same release counterpart. It's a standalone figure. There should only be a variant Dr. Doom for that release if there is an alternate version of the sub-Doom you could randomly get by getting a sub (and what a nightmare that would be.)

Now this wouldn't necessarily be the case for running changes though, because they normally carry the same number on the package indicating that even though they are in a different wave, they are a variation of an existing figure.

Sorry if that got drawn out, but I gotta think about this stuff when I'm archiving on what makes sense when you have to put it all on paper.