History: This figure is inspired by the 2008 story "New Ways to Die" which features the return of Brock. He is found not guilty for his actions while bonded to the symbiote and has criminal charges against him dropped. Brock gets a job at a soup kitchen under Martin Li. Brock is unknowningly cured of his cancer by Li, who possesses special abilities, and Brock believes it to be a miracle. After Brock is attacked by the new Venom, Mac Gargan, the symbiote attempts to reunite with Brock. Brock's skin becomes caustic to the symbiote, and he is enveloped in a new white symbiote forged from the remnants of the Venom symbiote in his body bonding with his white blood cells charged with Li's healing energy, becoming Anti-Venom.
First Glance: Anti-Venom is certainly not the most renown Marvel persona, but the same can not be said for the renown symbiote host, Eddie Brock. In this case, Diamond Select likely had to strike while the iron was hot in creating an Anti-Venom figure, considering the standard Brock Venom is consistently depicted throughout the comics and storylines and this was a character debut. Sculptor Jean St. Jean was given early pencils from the comic and pretty specific design drawings which he assisted with art directorial comments. This figure is also the inaugural figure from Jean for the Marvel Select line.
Pros: This is nearly a spot-on representation of what we have read in the books. Colors are very bold and the minuscule detailing through the entire figure is almost unparalleled. Although some may see it as hazardous, the various barbs (which are actually quite sharp) are a beautiful compliment to the figure as a whole. The joints also withstand the test of time and stay tight. The base with its detachable symbiote offshoots are great for a static display with the symbiote pieces and a good extra for A.C.B.A. style photos with or without the symbiote extras.
Cons: Articulation is a bit primitive compared to today’s figures, but compared to its Marvel Select predecessors, it holds its own. Regardless, the ability to place the figure in different poses is lacking. The range of motion at most joints seems restrictive and it adversely effects the balance of the figure on the display.
Neck goes side to side with minimal up and down movement due to physical restrictions on the head sculpt.
Shoulders are standard 360° ball joints with no bicep swivel
Elbows move about 90° with wrists that go a full 360°
Waist is a standard 360°
Ball leg joints are sufficient but restrictive
Single joint knees that go back around 90°
Ankles are standard up and down
Buyer/Collectors Recommendation: Marvel Select and Jean St. Jean teamed up to bring this character into a proper action figure form. It is obvious that Anti-Venom wouldn’t exactly warrant numerous interpretations so don’t look for a new sculpt any time soon. Reissues do occur from time to time, but don’t be too lazy. Currently, it is not difficult to find from online retailers but it is not as common in local comic ships. As far as necessity, this is a definitive figure for a Marvel regular or the aficionado. Overall, this Anti-Venom is a solid figure. It does not belong in the pantheon of Marvel Selects but is certainly more than average.
History: Behold! The one who fights on behalf of all of Asgard, Thor Odinson. The Asgardian God of Thunder who possesses the enchanted hammer Mjölnir, which granteth thou abilities of flight and dominion over the weather amongst other asgardian attributes. Debuting in the early Silver Age of Comic Books, Thor first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962) and is said to have been conceived not by the wicked tricks of Loki, but by the peasants Stan (of the house Lee), Larry (of the house Lieber), and Jack (of the house Kirby). Thor has made himself known throughout the annals of Marvel Comics, most notably with the Avengers.
First Glance: Not even Hela could ignore the sheer power and might that strikes thee whence one’s gaze is fixed upon it. The so called Gentle Giant Studio and dwarfs of Diamond Select became as allies once again to satiate the feeble lifeforms of Midgard. Thor Odinson, again stands above all for his 6th release. Yet, it is with great disdain and turbulence that one must brave the treacherous roads to Svartalfheim (Disney Store) to obtain such a grail. One would not argue its place amongst other treasures in Odin’s Vault.
Pros: Most notably, the spinning Mjölnir captures one’s eye. The Odinson’s alternate helmetless head sculpt would make thou think they had died and gone to Valhalla. The garments of the cape doth settle well and make little trouble when balancing. Heimdall himself could not deny its craftsmanship.
Cons: As much as the Odinson regards the works of S.H.I.E.L.D., it would seem only Fury himself applied the colors in some parts. Abhorrent gobs of excess paint make an eyesore on what is nearly perfect. It would also seem that the light Midgardian elements were not the finest on the helm. Winglets sway with the wind and do not prove worthy with just the lightest touch. The lower garb does restrict the frontal and lateral leg movements.
Ball neck joint
Ball shoulders with bicep swivel
Single direction elbows
360° wrists with up and down cants
Torso twist
360° waist
Frontal and lateral movement on the hips
Thigh swivel
Double knees
Roller ankles
Buyer/Collectors Recommendation: Make haste, for the opportunity to own such a spectacle shall be more swift than the opening and closing of the Bifröst. Verily, this is truly a marvel for all the nine realms. No matter what the cost, any knave or elder of any realm must shed coin on thee.
Ok, if you haven’t figured it out, I’m a Thor fan. Bottom line, this figure, despite the minor paint flaws, might be one of Marvel Select’s best yet. It is superior in quality, sculpt and articulation against all its predecessors. It may not be rare now, but sometimes the Disney Store is stingy with their exclusives with releasing rights to Diamond Select, in order to reissue the figure to local comic shops. So if you have the chance to pick one up, don’t slack off. If you’re an international collector, make a friend in the states. Also, I do stand by my paint grades due to the fact I opened 7 to be shipped loose, internationally, and all of them had notable flaws, but everything else was nearly spot on.
*Demand is not calculated into the composite score due to it being a new figure. Demand is only calculated into the composite score based on previous sales, secondary market prices and whether the figure can or can not be reissued.