BOB SHARE

Who else, but Marvel Universe 3.75" H.A.M.M.E.R. Files Juggernaut?  Well, hes closer to 4.5" but whos counting? ;)  I gotta give a shout out to Roc for this figure--who knew your random trip from one end of the island to the other would yield such awesomeness?  So thanks!

I have a soft spot for oversized figures.  And I dont mean 12 or 15 inchers but rather figures that belong to a certain scale but are oversized due to their physical nature.  So far in the Marvel Universe line, for bulk, theres been: Hulk (Green, Grey, Secret Wars), Red Hulk, Thing, Thor (Modern), Colossus (from the same wave as Juggie), and Juggernaut himself.

In the Iron Man 2, 3.75" line (which I find quite compatible with MU) theres Iron Monger and Hulkbuster Iron Man.

Thats at least total of 10 bulky figures and thats not even including the tall ones like Thor (Secret Wars), Sabertooth (Wolverine Origins: comic versions), Thunderball (Secret Wars), Luke Cage, etc.  I like the tall ones too, since they are after all, also oversized.  But the bulky figures always seem to be more worth your money, even if they dont normally yet come with accessories.  I get the feeling most fans feel this way too, if the evidence of whats left on the pegs is anything to go by.

Juggernaut is the same--hes so rare that if you see him and are on the fence about getting him, dont hesitate!  Then come read my review to see if hes worth crackin open the plastic for.  If you think hes not, you could just offload him to someone else. (Me! Lol.)  You could even make a quick buck in the process.

Still sitting on that fence on whether to snag Juggernaut?  Why, jump off and be swayed (either way) by the review over at Articulated Discussion!

After going on a figure opening rampage, Ive unearthed for myself some real gems from the older waves of the Marvel Universe line.  Id grown lukewarm about these figures because either I didnt remember why I got them in the first place or simply because newer stuff that I was more eager to open found its way to me.

I opened at least 11 figures in one night, from Bullseye to Electro to everyones favorite superhero lawyer here, and theyve all impressed me in one way or another.

And yes, Ive held on this long to open this guy because partially I lost interest in him as mentioned above and also because I was holding out for a newer, improved release with a slimmer body.  But the recent Wave 12 revision of him made me realize Hasbro werent gonna change things around with DD and it also got me itching to bust him open.  So I did.

What else can I say except that Marvel Universe is an awesome line?  I guess I could take some photos and talk some trash about them...What?  I did?  Oh, I guess I did!  Well, on to the review, then!

This is the last time youll see him on the ground

Like: I quite dig the red theyve used on DD.  Its a dark red with a matte finish and a light wash of black to bring out the muscle tone of the sculpt.   I also like the sharply DD transfer symbol on his chest.  Its sharp and neat, stands out when you look at him closely, and yet blends in with his costume when you don;t!

Dislike: That being said, the buck they used for DD is all wrong. Ol Matty Murdock here is a little thick across the waist and chest, and his neutral pose has him hunched forward slightly like his flexing his chest.  It doesnt help that the neck post sticks forward a little more than it sticks upwards.  DD ends up looking like a tensed Wolverine rather than a lithe acrobat that he is.

Like: The amazing chest pivot.  Yes, Hasbro have got this joint down in Marvel Universe figs.  Even with how thick the torso is, Daredevil is no less flexible in the chest area than classic Spiderman or Captain America.  Who says you cant be fat and be an acrobat? ;P
Dislike: That when you straighten DD up to get him out of that Logan pose, he ends up looking like he has a paunch.  I know!  You shouldnt do so much drinking when youre swinging from building to building, much more so when youre blind!

Seriously though, this is one thing that has really cause Daredevil fans true pain.  I like him quite a bit, though Im not a huge fan by any stretch.  yet, I still feel dissatisfied with he use of this body for some one whos supposed to be agile and nimble like DD.

Like:  His billy clubs.  I like that they stiffened them up, though this means it looks like a pair on nunchuks instead of two short clubs connected by an extendable string.  A stiff "clubs" means better posing but greatly reduces playability.  You might also argue that a soft string attachment between the two ends might even end up more poseable.  Ill agree.  But the way Hasbro made the club gives DD something to smack the likes of Bullseye with it and not look limp doing it.

Or if you prefer the dual clubs look, you could clip out the "chain" in the middle a viola, you have yerself a pair! The only trouble then is that DDs only got one gripping hand, so the dual-wield look will have to wait until you switch it with another grasping left hand.


Dislike: That he doesnt have a place to store his billy clubs.  Heres another reason to argue for making the club connected with a short string--so he can fold em and tuck em into his thigh holder. Now I can imagine a small detail like that wouldve made the figure a real must have for DD of Marvel Knights fans.
Like: His head sculpt.  Its easily overlooked because of shortcomings to body.  DDs got nice short horns, a molded-on mask, and a great stern expression that says he aint messin around!

RATINGS

Aesthetics: 7/10 - Great shade of red, great head, but wrong body. Paint is decent, face could be painted better to bring out the frown better.  Though it looks horrendous in the close-up, the paint on the face isnt as bad when you got the figure in hand.  His eyes are painted a lighter shade of red and stand out more nicely, while the DD insignia is transferred nice and sharp.
Poseability: 7/10 - Lets face it, Daredevil aint the Man Without Fear unless hes got Spidey or Captain America-like articulation.  With a Cap body, hell not only look slim yet strong, but be able to pull acrobatic poses much better. As he is, the buck isnt half bad in poses.  Its only when hes front-on that he looks a tad tubby.


Fun: 8/10 - Hes the annoying lawyer guy!  Or at least thats what he Rangerlord says.  And since hes the Rangerlords fave character, and he also knows a thing or two about the legal system, who am I to say hes wrong?  Heheh.

Yes, DD really loves that street lamp.

And who can resist the charm of a blind superhero with heightened senses whos also got the worlds most hated occupation?  You just gotta love how conflicted a character Daredevil is!

Value: 7/10 - Daredevil comes from the old Fury Files series, so no stand, one weapon, and his Fury File.  We dont really need a stand, but throwing in a holster for his billy clubs (fixed or a separate piece) would go a long way to making him more worth your money.  While were at it, why not include an alternate Matt Murdock head and his walking stick fer shits and giggles. ;)

Ok, I lied. (See 1st pic)

Overall: 7.25/10 - DD needs to be re-released with the right slimmer body, correct proportions and better articulation quick-fast!  Throw in a couple of new-fangled thigh cuts, a waist swivel, and that swivel/hinged head goodness and add that Billy club holster and youve got a figure Id buy and recommend that others buy for sure.  Daredevils a great character and iconic as well.  So lets not waste it-- its time to give the Devil his due! ;)

Well guys, its been an awesome ride but his will be my final review on Chase Variant.  Yup, thats it for me--Ive found reviewing toys takes up too much of my time and also Ive gotten to a point where its become somewhat of a drag to keep the reviews up.

So Id just like to say a huge thanks to everyone whos been following Chase Variant, whether youve been there since the beginning almost exactly 2 years ago, or if youve just discovered the site.  Also...


Yeah, I got ya, didnt I?  All right, so maybe not.  But it was worth a shot. ;P

Well, life has indeed changed over the last year.  Ive gotten married, moved into my new place, and I have a little boy on the way.  But there aint no way Im giving up on the reviews!  Its always been a passion of mine to write--the problem was always finding the right topic to write about and the right motivation.  And this is it! This site, these toys and these photos--something Id never though Id be interested in. (The photography.)

All right, you guys can stop giving me the evil eye, that Penance Stare thatll burn right through the core of my being.  What?  Did someone say Penance Stare?  I did!  And heres the owner of that very unique power: Ghost Rider!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the "very last review Ill ever do." :P

Just dont stare too hard.

Like: The excellent head sculpt.  GRs got molded translucent orange flames, a skull molded in off-white, with teeth, eyes, eye sockets, and nose cavity all done in great, sharp detail.  Throw in some yellow-white highlights for the skull, orange paint for flaming eye and nose sockets and mouth, and weve got one heckuva head!
Like: His head articulation--its got a ball joint set on a hinge, and the neck has an addition swivel at its base!  The latter is mostly to accommodate the high collar, but works superbly along with his already great head articulation.

Like: That hes got extra articulation with his waist swivel and my favorite...wait for it...thigh cuts!  Some of his regular joints are also better--legs ball-joints allow for 90 degrees movement forward, while his ankle hinges can point and pivot very well.

Dislike: That theyre still using plastic balls to fit into leg sockets.  These still pop off easily once they reach the end of their range of motion.  And while they pop back on just as easily, they tend to be less secure after the first popping.  Yes, theyve added some small studs to prevent the leg from popping off, but that isnt near good enough.  I say theyve gotta do em like GI Joes, with metal balls secured with small screws.  Perhaps they didnt do this because of the thigh cuts, which look like they would have to forego if they used screws.

Like: That he can be put in a riding position.  His hand grips also indicate that he is ready to ride--but he doesnt come with a bike!

Dislike: That hes got no flaming bike. Make him a "two-pack" Tag him with a higher price point--we dont care we want a bike!  And not just any bike, its gotta be Ghost Riders bike, flaming wheels and all!

Like: His Mystic Chain! Molded in translucent orange, partly painted silver. It gives a great glowing hot flame effect because they bothered to not fill in the recessed areas of the chain.  Bravo!

Like: That I think he looks pretty darn awesome on Transformers Animated Oil Slick!  I was kinda meh about getting Oil Slick until he went on clearance sometime back.  I found him to be an excellent TF, as almost all the Animated TFs are.  But it looks like Ive found his true calling, and thats to be ridden by Ghost Rider till his penance for being a yucky Decepticon is paid! :P
Dislike: That Ghost Rider seems so hard to find.  Come on, Hasbro!  Where are the refresher cases with GR in them?  And while were at it, why not throw in an all-black Danny Ketch redeco? :P


RATINGS

Aesthetics: 8.5/10 - Head is as good as a head sculpt Ive seen on a Marvel Universe figure.  Its got the right combo of translucent flames, off-white/yellow and orange paint that make for a fearsome visage.  I would have preferred him in Black, though I just read up and found out that black Ghost rider is Danny Ketch, not Johnny Blaze.  Perhaps if his blue were a little darker...  Yeah I know, this is the right shade of comic book accurate blue.  I just dig the black more is all--though Ghost Rider should be Johnny Blaze.  Maybe its the name.  Maybe its Nicholas Cage.  Nah, its not Nicholas Cage.  Heh. ;P

Its the China Chain Gang!

Also, I have to say his Mystic chain is excellently done and deserves to be mentioned again!

Poseability: 9/10 - I have to confess--Im really partial to figures that have thigh cuts, especially in the MU line.  Ive always maintained that the legs are what make or break a figures dynamic pose potential and thigh cuts up this potential a great deal.  Its especially evident in larger figures like the Hulk, Thing etc.  Just look at the difference between the first release of the Hulk and the recent World War Hulk.  Worlds apart!

But while he does have the chops to be put in a riding position, he doesnt have a ride.  Come one!  Hes Ghost Rider, after all!

Fun: 10/10 Spiderman and Captain America.

Also, not having a bike makes looking for one kind of a fun activity in itself.  I find myself drifting over to the 1:18 scale bike section in many a store hoping to spot a chopper or some such so that my Ghost can finally become a Rider.

Its Jodo...I mean, Johnny Blaze

But whaddaya know? I the best fit for him Ive found so far was right under my nose in TF:Animated Oil Slick.  Maybe the color doesnt match all that great, but that can always be changed...(or I could just be lazy and wait for a repaint to happen and pray that its mostly black.)


Value: 8/10 - Gives us our bikes!!!! Other than the lack of wheel, GR actually is par for the course in terms of accessories.  Hes got his H.A.M.M.E.R. file, his figure stand, and his Mystic Chain.  But the real value comes in the form of his "special" joints--the hinged/ball head, the waist swivel, and the thigh cuts.  Im really more than happy to pay retail for a figure knowing its not just the standard base MU buck with minimal PoAs.  (Ok, I admit, I just paid more than retail for an Archangel.  And we know that guy is all flash and a pair of wings...)

Yes, its Jodo Casts head

Overall: 8.9/10 - Hed be a 9 easily if he only came with a bike!  Give us one, now, Hasbro!  And throw in a couple of Hellfire blasts while youre at it! :P

As it is, Ghost Rider is still one of the better figures you can find on the pegs.  Better but rarer, so you should grab him if you can. :)

This is why you should always dismount before transformation. Always.