Weekly Action Review: A.R.Ms # 26: Iron Man, Mark III, 12" Repulsor Blast

Monday, February 2, 2009

A.R.Ms # 26: Iron Man, Mark III, 12" Repulsor Blast

I remember I saw a lot of this figure in Kiulap before I left for Canberra last year. I didn't give it much thought about buying it back then. I'm not a real fan of 12" figures but I couldn't pass up the opportunity when it was on sale. If I had the option of choosing a 12" Iron Man it would definitely be from Hot Toys. Those are super sweet!

Well this is not from Hot Toys but it'll do for now.

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A.R.Ms Contents:

Packaging
Detail/Sculpt
Articulation
Freestyle
Pricing

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Packaging

The packaging is standard, big and bulky with a clear plastic in the front. This even had a hole so that you can press the button for the sounds.

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Detail/Sculpt

Even back then when it came out I noticed there wasn't much in terms of articulation for this figure. The paint work looked decent enough. Usually, I would have a problem with glossy paint on an action figure. After seeing the movie, this was a must for this figure.

Even the gold paint was very even(I kinda have a problem with Hasbro and their use of gold paint on action figures).

This figure came with 3 projectiles and is inserted in the right hand as in the pic above. Not really a big feature for me, then again I'm not complaining about it either. The overall feel of the figure is very sturdy. Definitely built to withstand the occasional beating of a 4 year old.

At first I thought the sound effects were kinda cool. To activate them you could either press the chest button to hear blasting noises and Iron Man talking. Or move the left arm up and down to light up the 'repulsor' ray and sound. Or press the right heel to activate flight sound.

This whole sound effect was ok for the first 5 minutes. Then you realise the flight sound is always on because whenever you put him down in a standing position the flight button is accidentally pressed...and you start to get very annoyed.

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Articulation

Swivel neck
Swivel shoulders 90 deg to the front only
Hinged elbows
Swivel hips
Hinged knees

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Freestyle

It is really one of those action figures which was built with the word 'toy' in mind before 'collector's edition'. To display him in an acceptable manner is almost impossible. Its understandable that the makers did not want to ruin the electronics in this figure by adding to much articulation. But the hands at least could have been better.

The "I'm-in-a-boy band" pose(above) or the "Stop! Red light!" pose(below).

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Pricing

Starting from USD 25.99 at Entertainment Earth. Check it out here:Repulsor-Power Iron Man Movie Action Figure

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I saw some online pictures of the same figure in Mark II suit. Available to Entertainment Earth in Feb 2009: Repulsor-Power Iron Man Mark II Movie Action Figure. That would be interesting to have now that I already own this. I admit if this figure had more articulation it would be a great figure instead of just 'nice'. With that said, it really looks super sweet displayed with my other figures.