ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN
History: We all know the friendly neighborhood web-slinger. This figure is based on the modernized re-imagining of Marvel's long-running Spider-Man comic book franchise as part of its Ultimate Marvel imprint. Peter Parker is a teenaged science prodigy who lives in Queens, New York. He is bitten by a genetically altered spider and inherits its powers, including enhanced strength, agility and reflexes. When an armed thief, whom Peter had a chance to stop earlier but didn't, kills his uncle Ben, he feels guilty and dedicates his life to fighting crime as the costumed vigilante Spider-Man. Peter tries to balance school, a job, a girlfriend, his family life with his widowed Aunt May, and his activities as Spider-Man.
First Glance: What we have is the beginning of what we know now as the Marvel Select line. As most Marvel Select collectors know, Spider-Man is not only a pillar of the Marvel comic and cinematic universe, but also for Diamond Select Toys. Spidey has had 13 individual releases. It should also be noted that Spider-Man has also been featured as an accessory on five other figures; Black Cat, Ultimate Venom and the Ultimate Venom white logo variant, Classic Green Goblin and a more articulated additional figure in the Dr. Octopus vs. Spider-Man release.
Pros: The detachable web and base are certainly noteworthy. Articulation of the figure definitely yields to sculpt. This was very prominent in the early days of the Marvel Select line. With that being said, the sculpt can not be ignored. Nearly every line is defined. The different shades of blue are beautifully applied. The box crates are sculpted together but are a good complement to other dioramas, too. Although, no detail is left behind from the floor, to the wood beams, web sling and the burglar on the highly detailed brick wall.
Cons: Well when you mention a beautiful sculpt, then the scales on the other side go down. In this, it is the articulation that take the fall. That’s about it.
Neck joint is a standard 360°.
Shoulders have a standard swivel.
No elbow articulation.
Forearms rotate, instead of wrists, a full 360°.
Waist is a standard 360°.
Each leg rotates at the thigh for a full 360° with no points of articulation at the knees or ankles.
Buyer/Collectors Recommendation: This was a great starting point for the Marvel Select line. It is not the hardest figure to find, but it can be difficult to find at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Expect to pay around $35-$60 on the secondary market. Giving credit where credit is due, sculptor Shawn Nagle really set the standard for the Marvel Select line with this figure. However, as far as necessity, this is not the definitive Spider-Man figure for the regular Marvel Select goer. For the completist, it would be recommended that you not slack off on picking this up, unless you come across a real rarity the same day. Then decisions have to be made.
Overall: 7 out of 10
WOLVERINE
History: Behold, the Ol’ Canucklehead! Wolverine has always been one of Marvel’s prominent characters. Born James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant who possesses animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, and a healing factor. He has been depicted variously as a member of the X-Men, Alpha Flight, and The Avengers.
First Glance: Wolverine is one of the core members in nearly every or any Marvel figure line, which Marvel Select is not making any exceptions. With that being said, Wolverine has been depicted in over nine individual releases. With this figure, it is impossible to ignore the 1st appearance variant (left), which is highly sought after.
Pros: It’s essential to have a 90’s style Wolverine figure and this fills that void. This figure presents a decent balance of sculpt and articulation. In the middle years of the Marvel Select line, restrictions on points of articulation were lifted which opened the doors for better articulated figures. Paint is consistent throughout the figure. The colors have great contrast and it seems Diamond Select Toys got what they were looking for. The Weapon-X helmet prop is an excellent addition as well with the little pieces of laboratory paraphernalia. This release does size up very well with his Marvel Select peers.
Cons: This figure is very easy to nitpick and it is common among fan favorite characters that even the regular hobbyist or enthusiast find things to complain about. Unfortunately, this figure does give plenty to whine about. Let’s start with the overall sculpt. As much as one would not want to admit, Wolverine did seem to skip leg day here. I believe the legs could have a little more bulk. The claws are very flimsy. They can be straightened and spaced better with dipping them in boiling water for a few seconds, but one should not have to do that. Final gripe is the leg articulation at the thighs; the range of motion just isn’t there and leaves something to be desired.
Articulation consists of a standard 360° neck with a decent range of up and down motion. Shoulders have a standard range with one direction elbow joints and a 360° wrist. No bicep swivels. There is no mid torso twist. Waist has a standard 360° range of motion. Thighs, again, are very limited and the knees only move in one direction, although the twist at the top of the boots were a much needed addition. Ankles are standard up and down.
Buyer/Collectors Recommendation: Marvel Select seems to have satiated the fan base with this release. It’s very common in many stores stateside and worldwide. You should not expect to pay anything more than the suggested retail price. Rudy Garcia did provide a staple figure for the Marvel Select line. As far as necessity, this is passable in the eye of the beholder. Consider the Uncanny X-Men (Brown Suit) Wolverine your primary. For the completist, do NOT pass on the 1st appearance variant, if you can stomach the price. Typically, they’re marked up from $75 (if you’re lucky) upwards to over $125ish…
Overall: 6 out of 10
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