Review – Marvel Super Hero Mashers Hulk
That was fast. Only yesterday I was linking to a review of the Marvel Super Hero Mashers action figures (posted here) and now I have both this Hulk and an Iron Patriot. The parts swapping function of the line will be explored later, but for today I’ll look at the Hulk as a basic action figure and see how well it holds up on its own.
Pricing!
My one big concern when I encountered the Marvel Super Hero Mashers action figures at the ToysRUs register was that the price tag was too high: This Hulk cost $17. That feels remarkably high for a 6-inch scale action figure that’s targeted at kids. Fortunately, as the review at Come, See Toys points out, this figure isn’t from the basic assortment so there are lower-priced toys in the line. Still, sticker shock! And that’s not something I often encounter.
G.I. Joe: Sigma Six?
The sharp, angular design of the characters — combined with the sockets on the arms, legs, and back — really give me a G.I. Joe: Sigma Six (Amazon.com search*) vibe, making me feel like the designers of the new Marvel Super Hero Mashers took some design inspiration from those older G.I. Joe action figures. These are shorter, but I don’t think I’m all that far off to even imagine that the designers of this line looked at that earlier Hasbro line.
This, in case you were wondering, is a very good thing. I’ll let my earlier G.I. Joe: Sigma Six reviews explain why I see this as good:
- G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 Snake Eyes with Ninja Armor
- G.I. Joe Crime Boss Destro (8-inch)
- G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 Snake Eyes with Timber
- G.I. Joe Combat Squad Barrel Roll (8-inch)
- G.I. Joe Combat Squad Deep Six (8-inch)
- G.I. Joe Combat Squad Backblast (8-inch)
- G.I. Joe Toxic Zartan (8-inch)
- G.I. Joe Inferno (8-inch)
- G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 Zartan
Articulation
The key to the Marvel Super Hero Mashers series is that the toys can swap parts around, with the limbs popping off from the torso quickly and easily. The peg and socket system isn’t as vital to the toys as it is in the Glyos System action figures from Onell Design, but it works well. Each joint is a swivel-hinge on a ball, and the toy separates at the neck, elbows, hips, and knees. Additionally, joints and the shoulders and ankles provide a little more articulation (but those cannot pop apart).
This adds up to eleven total points of articulation. The only odd thing to me is that for something with so much articulation the waist doesn’t move . . . and this feels like an oversight. I am thinking more and more that toys need to be either very limited in articulation or offer enough articulation to excite adult collectors. But the design of this is definitely geared toward kids, so maybe Hasbro did the right thing in choosing the joints they included.
Fun!
The chunky, blocky design aesthetic of the Marvel Super Hero Mashers line really works for me. And even though this Hulk is only about 6.5-inches tall he feels way bigger because of how chunky he is. Just like Mattel’s Power Attack Batman action figure series (Amazon.com search*, at Entertainment Earth*) the toy is clearly a toy and goes for an animated approach and completely avoids any sense of realism. Awesome! Makes me happy, and I hope the line does well enough Hasbro applies it to other (Star Wars!) properties.
Closing Thoughts
My very first impression at ToysRUs was that this line was destined to fail only because this Hulk cost $17. But knowing that there’s a lower price point of basic figures in the line has turned my thoughts around instantly, because if parents start buying these for kids I cannot see how a little kid won’t want at least a second one so he can trade parts around. And once there’s a second, a third cannot be far behind . . .
Highly recommended if you enjoyed the G.I. Joe: Sigma Six or Power Attack Batman lines, and double recommended if you’re looking for a gift for a younger kid who loves action figures and superheroes. Now I need to get that Iron Patriot open and start trading parts around.
And does anyone know where I can find the Captain America, Spider-Man, and Doctor Doom in the Austin area? Those need to be here at home with me!
Thanks for the review. I saw these at TRU and will pick them up at a later date. They do remind me of Sigma 6. I think we may see other lines appear as mashers (Star Wars, Joes, maybe even Transformers). I guess we’ll have to see what toy fair 2014 brings.
@MB – I hope we see more! I’d love to see Star Wars figures in this style.
snagged a dr. doom tonight at TRU. (12/24) have yet to open it though. $9.99—no accessories or weapons. but, just as massive as hulk.
I’ve passed these by so far, but yes the Sigma 6 style of them definitely tempts me everytime. I imagine that when these show up at a less expensive store than TRU, I’ll probably snag at least Iron Man and Iron patriot.