[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