I never would have guessed that a 3.75" retro Marvel line would thrill me so much in the year 2021. I bought every single female figure in the Marvel Universe line from 2009-17, which ended up being well over 30 figures, but I was always a little unimpressed with the basic proportions and body structure. Then in 2014 Super7 kicked the retro toy trend into high gear with the first ReAction offering (Aliens) in classic Kenner style. I swear almost every property in the world has been given this treatment since, but a glaring absence was Marvel Superheroes. The union of these two action figure genres finally came into existence with this new Marvel Legends Retro series. The style is a bit like vintage Kenner (the logo is on the cardback) and a bit like Mattel Secret Wars. But the solid body construction, colorful illustrative packaging, and classic character selection combine to make a truly spectacular toyline. Carol Danvers in her 1978 "Warbird" costume is the perfect choice for the first female in the line. Let's check her out!
I was never the biggest fan of Carol's Warbird costume. Most of this had to do with the way modern artists interpreted the leotard design to have a thong and super-high hips. This always seemed oddly objectifying for a character they were pitching as a hero soldier. But when the buzz of the Captain Marvel movie prompted reprints of all things Carol, I finally read the last four issues of Ms. Marvel (1977-79) when this costume first appeared. Seeing the original (thong-less) version in its original context made me appreciate the look a lot more.
Carol's sash is made of a really flexible rubbery material. It can be slipped off her legs with minimal effort.
Carol has seven points of articulation. Swivel Shoulders; Forearm Swivels, T-Crotch Legs, and a Swivel Neck. The neck feels like it might be a ball-joint, but I ruined one of my figures trying to pop the head off, and unfortunately it's a typical swivel post. The boots have a distinct line that looks like articulation, but this connection is glued solid.
Time for some Group and Comparison Pics!
Here she is with Elektra from wave 2.
Here are all my Warbird figures together. From Left to Right: Super Hero Squad, Mini-Mates, 2006 Marvel Legends, Marvel Legends Retro 2021, Marvel Legends 2014, and Marvel Universe 2009.
And here is the new Retro figure with the 2009 Marvel Universe figure.
This new line is a lot of fun and I have been buying quite a few. Here is Carol with Elektra, Spider-Man and Human Torch.
Cheers!
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