MARVEL SURPRISE!

How did I miss Marvels announcement about the release of this figure!!!

I found a major surprise at my local Walmart yesterday. While perusing the action figure aisle, I came across MARVEL UNIVERSE GIGANTIC BATTLES GOLIATH VS THOR. I have no idea how I could have missed the release of a two pack featuring a 12 inch Goliath figure.

Here is a picture of the figures boxed. The Thor figure is approximately 4 inches and its actually not the real Thor but a clone/cyborg. The two figure package also comes with CIVIL WAR 4 comic. I am so stoked about this line. The other two figure set comes with Ice Giant and Loki and also includes a comic. I'm on the fence about this one. I don't know if I'll pick this one up. The ICE GIANT isn't a favorite Marvel character of mine.

Man, Marvel really knows how to hit us right in the pocket. Perfect timing with the just released THOR movie featuring the ICE GIANTS and Loki. I am hopeful that these two releases will not be the last. The 12in figures are being marketed differently but, they are MARVEL ICONS! Remember, that line was discontinued. Way to go Marvel! They have found a way to bring back one of my favorite lines.

This series also brought back the tradition of including a comic with the figure too. When the ICONS were first released, they were single figure packs that included a comic. They were priced at around $15. That was a super bargain! I didn't complain though. But, the prices creep up to around $20 with no comic included. Tough economic times. Everybody cutting corners.

This particular set is a Walmart exclusive. I have to say, I was taken aback when I did run across this figure at my local Walmart priced at $32.50. I expect exclusives to be priced a little higher but, I didn't expect it to cost quite that much. As much as I wanted this figure, I passed on it the first time I ran across it. I know $32 isn't that expensive but, considering the original price I just couldn't do it.

Hey, I work hard for my money:) Lucky for me, the second Walmart I checked had the same GOLIATH GI ANTIC BATTLES for $24. I don't understand why one was $8 cheaper. But, I grabbed this one up and saved my receipt. Walmart does price matching so, I should be able to get a second figure for the same price at my Walmart to keep MIB.

The GOLIATH figure looks awesome. He looks like they peeled him right out of the comic and made a 3D version of Bill Foster. The comic character the figure is based on. Marvel nailed his face sculpt. Makes me wonder if they have new sculptors? I don't know how to say this, and I don't mean to offend anyone but, as an African American action figure collector...I've been dying for more figures like this! There aren't a lot of  AA action figures and there are even fewer superheros. Thank you Marvel!!! I am such a major Marvel fanatic. (As if you didn't know:)

Here's a comic pic for comparison.

Action figure review:

THE HEAD

Let's start from the top. The face looks strong, manly and handsome. I love the chiseled set jaw line and his expression says he means business. The slight frown/lines in his forehead directly over his mask, finish the look. The mask is molded and not just painted on which gives it depth. Head articulation is mostly side to side with the ability to tilt down slightly. He can also tilt to the side slightly for the confused dog look. LOL There is no backward tilting so, he can't look up. I love the molded hair. It really looks textured and curly. Almost looks like he sporting a fresh cut. With the face, Marvel even added delicate lines on the lips, giving them a more realistic appeal.  

THE BODY

Like I said earlier, the body is definitely from the Marvel Icon Legends series. How sure am I. Well, if you gently peek under the awesome belt with the huge G on it, you will see another belt with an X under it. Looks like Marvel used Cyclops body with Goliath head sculpt and a new paint job. I'm not complaining. I think it's a great way for Marvel to save dollars while still offering us a new figure. GI Joe did it for years. Offering the same body with a different head and uniform/accessories. The only complaint I have for Goliath is I wish his arms were a bit more buffed to be true to character. Other than that, I'm happy. The articulation is good. He's not super articulated. He has around 28 points of articulation which is more than enough for posing. Right now, I have in a basic heroic stance which does not call for a lot of articulation. (And he looks awesome) The belt is the final touch. Love It!

Here is a pic of my Marvel Icon Cyclops beside Goliath.

My older Icon figures had a major problem with the ball joints not wanting to work. The ball and socket hips were the biggest problem. Turning this way and not that which caused some very unnatural poses and figures toppling over in the floor. My masked Spiderman toppled over and snapped his arm off. (I was able to repair him.)

THE PAINT APPLICATION

The paint job is well done. Even though my figure has one oops on his back with an accidentally small speck of white on his blue on his left shoulder. Other than that, it's perfect. The silver paint on the eyes really pop! You can see the silver from feet away. And I can't believe how flawlessly they did it in such a microscopic space.

There you have it. Can you tell I love Marvel? My favorite figures in my collection are my Marvel Icons and Hot Toys figures. Do you have a favorite line of figures?

Here's my question for Marvel. When are we going to get a 12 inch Storm figure? We got 3 of the big four. We have Cyclops, Wolverine, and Jean Grey. Where is Storm? She would complete my X-Men team!!! Please Marvel! Please!