[TheBlueMarvel]

While I absolutely get the consternation over the grey Beast, even going as far as agreeing with the frustration strictly on general principles - especially given the current spate of monetizing the biz model of multiple, slightly tweaked reissues ie: Danis, Hulks, Cuckoos, and now Beasts (this was exactly the pattern I was pilloried for having the temerity to note just few months back with Dani - go figure - heh can a phrase be a pun?), but with all that said there are some takeaways to like about this.

A) I like that they kept this hidden - with all the drama and spectacle surrounding various fairs and conventions, these announcements, at least for me, have become a little stale and perfunctory *at times*. Nothing like a little surprise to spice shit up.

B) Even though the lazy-factor is real here, this does represent some pretty deep fan service. Many people, myself included, were left scratching their heads and thinking WTF at the sight of a grey Hank. My era of collecting was 4-5 years after that and I was never really a fan of the original X-lineup, so I had no clue what this was related to. Kudos Hasbro you taught an old dog a new trick...


C) Lastly, I think I'd like the idea of more of this with improved execution (that is a good feature of Hasbro's biz model- they do mobilize on critical feedback) in the future. Fan service surprises revolving around tweaks to existing figs could be pretty cool if done properly. I didn't really need a toy for Arno Stark, but will I buy the tweaked fig? Team America: eff' yeah...