Oh look! It’s Captain Britain! Y’know I was half-tempted to just talk about Captain Britain for the whole review, but I figured I’d better spend some time on Spidey. And now here we are, the entire reason I bought the 2-pk relegated to page two. Sad day, right…
Like Spider-Man, Captain Britain is almost entirely a buck figure, this time the larger buck that originated last year for the bulkier characters. It’s perfect for Cap since it’s the one that was also used for the figure that featured his more recognizable (and much cooler) costume. The two make a great pair (though I can’t say the same for the comic-based movie figures; what was Hasbro thinking making those guys smaller?).
New to the figure is the original head sculpt and the Amulet of Right around his neck. Despite his face being completely covered in this costume, you can tell this is one pissed off Captain Britain. It’s a great sculpt and I love having some personality beneath the full cowl. The amulet is a little clunky, but it still looks pretty good on the figure. It is removable and can hang from his outstretched hand, so you could count it as an accessory if you were so inclined.
The paintwork on Captain Britain is impressively and oddly annoying in different places. When the figure was announced, I had serious concerns about how well the wristbands and head would be painted; they’re intricate designs and this is a line where you have to tolerate some fuzziness. I’m happy to report that both the Cap’n Britain’s I saw had some surprisingly good paint on the fine details, including that giant gold lion on his chest. Conversely, the red areas of the figure feature an odd red wash that just looks… um, odd. It’s nice that Hasbro had some leftover money to spend on the extra deco, but I don’t really know why they thought it was needed. Articulation is standard for this body and everything works great except for those aforementioned hips which are doubly offensive since this buck still lacks thigh cuts. Boo!
Finally, Captain Britain also included his Star Sceptre. The early Captain Britain featured a variety of quarterstaffs that could project force fields (or be used as intended), but by the time he came overseas to study at Empire State University, he was wielding the Star Sceptre. It’s gives him the added benefit of flight and makes for a better accessory to boot. It’s a cool piece (though it’s only detailed on one side) and it fits in the standard right hand well.
Overall, I was excited to find this two-pack even though I have to laugh at myself over the Spider-Man. I paid the $15 without a second thought even though I know Spidey is destined for the extras bin (the other red/blue Spidey is already there) awaiting use in an IAT strip or an eventual sale/trade to another collector. That makes half the 2pk not particularly worth it right there, but I’m so happy they made Captain Britain’s original costume that I don’t care. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Captain Britain turned out to be such a well done figure. Yes, the Hasbro hips are an annoyance, but the rest of the articulation does its job, the paintwork is excellent, and the newly sculpted pieces combine with the buck to make for a sharp looking toy. I still love the Alan Davis version of Cap’s costume best, but I’ll proudly display this one all the same.
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I like the eds note on the last pic!
it sucks when toys fall as you are trying to take pictures doesnt it?
As usual you’ve done me a service Noisy, I’ve got this in my pile of Loot at BBTS but honestly they look like return fodder. I’ve got enough Spideys already and that Cap is really disappointing. A shame.
That ain’t Scarlet, that ‘s PINK! I HATEHATEHATE the Webshooting attachment…
Cool, I like the two but have to pass, Space and money, But I cannot wait to get Powerman and Iron Fist though.
I actually like this Spidey. I wouldn’t mind picking up the set, but I don’t want Captain Britain.
Thanks for the review and pics, Noisy! I like the fact that this Spidey has the original chest symbol which he wore from Amazing Fantasy #15 up to the late 70’s. Thigh swivels are also appreciated as this would be the first Spidey I get that has ’em. The smaller eyes also help give him a 70’s Romita/Andru look which is my favorite version of ol’ webhead. I dig Captain Britain’s second costume (Alan Davis era) but I actually prefer this one with his Amulet of Right and Star Sceptre. That’s how he looked when I first discovered the character in the Contest of Champions miniseries. I think his weapons were neater as actual objects rather than infused as a part of his costume. Looking forward to this and the PM/IF set!
I do want a basic red/blue Spidey, and yes, I am still waiting.
I’ve been using the Showdown one, which is pretty good, but I’d prefer something a little more vivid, and slightly more solid.
i really, really want legends to get this version of the cap b outfit sooner rather than later. that god awful britain we already have is kind of bogus. like, i have nothing against that look, but the execution had bad range of motion for the buck (some for reason that buck wasn’t executed well again after it debuted on black panther… i don’t get that.) but the lack of neck and oddly shaped head made him a failure.