Review – Marvel Universe Iron Man (Silver Centurion)
Earlier this year I posted a review of the Stealth Ops Iron Man and had some favorable things to say about the toy. At the time, though, I elected to pass on the other Iron Man action figure that was released for the Marvel Universe 3.75-inch series because it was the same figure with different paint. Well, the latest wave of Marvel Universe figures are hitting stores and when I saw this Silver Centurion Iron Man — yet another repaint — his colors looked cool enough that I went ahead and grabbed him.
Did I make a mistake? Should I have left this guy on the peg?
This review’s going to be very short. Everything I said about the sculpt and articulation of the Stealth Ops Iron Man (review here) applies to this newest Iron Man action figure. In looking closely at the two I can’t find any differences at all; seriously, the only change is the paint. This guy even comes with the same lame “blast” effect piece (even if it’s a slightly different color than the piece that was included with Stealth Ops Iron Man).
A Little Sloppy
The Stealth Ops Iron Man, being two shades of blue, didn’t show quite as much slop-over as this new release does. The red paint spills over onto the silver in a few different spots and it’s not an attractive effect. It’s not terrible, but I recommend looking closely at the toy in the store before buying. Mine has a problem on the legs; fortunately there aren’t really any problems with the paint on the head or the rest of the figure.
Awesome Black Detailing
One major improvement in the paint on this version vs. the Stealth Ops Iron Man is the addition of black line detailing on the red parts of the armor. The photos above (click for larger versions) clearly show what I’m talking about, especially on the helmet and torso of the figure. Stealth Ops Iron Man didn’t include any paint in the sculpted lines and the effect on this newer release makes me hope that Hasbro will keep adding this level of detail to future Marvel Universe releases. It adds just that extra touch of depth that makes a good toy turn into a great toy.
An Unnecessary Purchase
Honestly, if you’ve already got this sculpt then you definitely do not need a Silver Centurion. Though the coloring is spectacular, the fact that the sculpt is identical makes this less useful to a collection than someone like Electro. If you’re an Iron Man fan, though, I suspect you’re just dying to add this guy to your collection. He’s a good addition, yes, but don’t worry too much about tracking one down if you’re just a casual Marvel Universe collector.
My only significant complaint with Silver Centurion Iron Man, if we overlook the paint issues, is the fact that the toy exists at all. I would have much rather seen a completely new character in this latest wave (which also includes another Spider-Man and another Wolverine) than a bunch of re-dos of existing figures.
Hasbro, I’m thinking your Marvel Universe line is the best new 3.75-inch action figure series of 2009, but you need to start giving us some new sculpts very soon or I you’ll start finding some unhappy fans on your hands.
Philip Reed freely admits that this is just a repaint of an existing figure, but that doesn’t stop him from thinking about tracking down the other Iron Man that’s also just a different paint job of this same toy.
I agree about getting new sculpts but the coloring on Centurion looks great in the pictures. I have not seen this one yet. Thanks for the review. Do you have any idea who will next be released in this line?
I might buy one eventually if the paint apps get crisper, but its not comic-accurate enough of a Silver Centurion for me to really desire this little guy.
I don’t think wave 5 came with a Wolverine. Just 2 different Spideys and this Iron Man repaint (and Grey Hulk). The next wave will have a new Wolvie and a restock X-Force Wolvie, though.
Thanks for the heads-up on the paint, both the slop and the improved dark wash. I really would have loved to see the actual Silver Centurion armor in this line, as it made one of my favorite Marvel Legends figures. I’ll still have to pick this up for completion’s sake… just like I’ll have to grab the one three-pack with the Classic armor repaint.
@Premix – The Wave 5 announcement included another Wolverine; there are photos of him over at ActionFigurePics.
Yeah, this isn’t exactly the classic Silver Centurion armor but it looked cool enough that I wanted to snag it.
I think MU has done a decent job of getting new characters out there. With Iron Man, you expect a lot of repaints. I’m open for just about any Iron Man repaint, even if it’s not 100% accurate like this one… Why? Because Iron Man is supposed to have a whole armory of suits.
I still need to pick this one up though. It’s a little tough with the price tag to pick up too many paint variants, but if I see him hanging around and want to throw away some money on toys, I’ll probably grab him.
Clarification: Wave 6 has a Spidey and Wolverine. Wave 5 doesn’t have a Wolverine. I was confused.