Finally a 3.75" Black Widow figure that I can be proud of! Avengers Assemble is a new animated series that began airing on Disney XD in May of 2013. I personally have not watched any of these episodes, but I've seen lots of print advertisements in the comics and I think the character design is really well done; simplified enough to give it that "animated" feel, but realistic enough to make it appeal to the comic and movie fans. This figure used the same body as the Avengers Movie Black Widow, but with a newly sculpted head and accessories. The accessories aren't nearly as cool (or appropriate for this character) as previous versions, but that's par for the course when it comes to a line targeted at kids. Black Widow is still a surprising choice to me as the sole female member of the modern Avengers. I would think Captain Marvel or Spider-Woman would have more mass appeal (and pack more of a punch), but she's really growing on me. The espionage angle is a skill none of the other members come close to mastering, so she's actually a very worthy addition to the roster. Let's check out this figure below!
This new face sculpt is stunning (and the body, which was reviewed before, is fantastic). However, there are a few consistent production flaws that I noticed on every Black Widow figure I saw on the shelves. First of all, the paint masking between her hair and face is uneven and sloppy. And secondly, she has a casting seam along her jaw that really stands out. These are both easily fixed with a small dab of paint and a light sanding, but just be warned that some of the figures have much harsher degrees of these flaws than others. I tried to pick the best one, so you're not seeing an extreme case.
Black Widow comes with an "Inferno Cannon" which I assume is meant to be spewing fire projectiles.
She can hold the cannon well, but not in a logical firing position. She can only hold it away from the front of her body. Looks decent enough in a still pose though.
Time for some Comparison Pics!
Here she is with the movie version and the regular Marvel Universe version.
Cheers!
I don't think I've ever seen that Marvel Select Black Widow before!
ReplyDeleteReceived the Avengers assemble figure a couple of days ago. You are right about the paint mask issues.
This is one of 3 or 4 Hasbro 4" women I've received this year & thought 'Why didn't they use a separate hairpiece?' Along with GI Joe Crimson Asp & 2013 SDCC Baroness.
I guess it is a cost cutting measure, but not one I am a fan of. I know separate hairpieces can lead to their own issues, but at least you don't get those hard to paint crevices.
Aside from that, I think this is a fantastic figure! So much nicer than the original MU Widow. Great face & fun to pose. I don't even mind the wind blown hair.
The Marvel Select black widow is a bit of a disappointment. The sculpt is nice, but the legs and hips are really thin and awkwardly articulated. Plus her head is always facing up. She's basically a statue. A waist swivel under her belt would have been nice.
DeleteHopefully the pain masking improves. I haven't picked up any of the new GIJoe ladies, but it's sad to hear it's happened there too.