GHOST RIDER
History: The first supernatural, Ghost Rider is stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze, who, in order to save the life of his father, agreed to give his soul to the devil. Only revealed to be an arch-demon named Mephisto. At night and when around evil, Blaze finds his flesh consumed by hellfire, causing his head to become a flaming skull. He rides a fiery motorcycle and wields trademark blasts of hellfire from his skeletal hands.
First Glance: Ghost Rider has always been one of Marvel’s prominent anti-heroes; inevitably gaining the attention of the good folks at Diamond Select. It would only be a matter of time before Ghost Rider would get the Marvel Select treatment. In this case, Diamond Select and veteran sculptor Steve Kiwus bring the character to proper action figure form.
Pros: Sculpt and paint on this figure is what stands out most. Of course the loud 50’s style popped collar on the jacket contrasts very well with the highly detailed flames on his skull. Sculpts of this caliber is what Marvel Select is all about. No detail was overlooked on the base either.
Cons: When sculpt is the focal point of a figure, you know articulation is going to be lacking. Again, consider that this figure was conceived during the early stages of the articulation license restrictions being lifted, so pardon Diamond Select as they were exploring new territory. Although, this does not make up for the lack of quality on the joints. Oddly enough with flat boots and legs with little articulation, it does not stay balanced well. I hope maybe it was just my own figure, but I consistently found this figure falling forward as the ankles joints don’t have notches that support the figure as it naturally wants to lean forward. It would also seem the choice of the hellfire base with reaching hands seems to have fallen short amongst the fan’s pleading for a motorcycle base. Finally, the choice to go with the blue leather over the more common black raises question marks, as well.
Ball neck joint with little up and down movement
Ball shoulders
Single direction elbows
360° wrists
360° waist
Legs only move forward
Single knees
Single direction ankles
Buyer/Collectors Recommendation: Before its reissue, Ghost Rider was a rarity that fetched over $100 from enthusiasts. Nowadays, it’s common to see in stores and online retailers. Despite the fact that this is the only interpretation of the Spirit of Vengeance, the decision on whether this is a definitive Ghost Rider figure is subjective. Advice for the completists out there is get those rarities first, Ghost Rider isn’t exactly flying off shelves. Although if you are fortunate, or unfortunate, to come across Mephisto, then it is nearly a must-have to get Ghost Rider to stand toe to toe.
MEPHISTO
History: Mephisto first appeared in Silver Surfer #3 (1968), based on Mephistopheles – a demon character from the Faust legend. Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, along with many other Marvel legends (not the other toy line, actual legendary characters), Mephisto's appearances have spanned over four decades of Marvel continuity. Despite Mephisto’s portrayal in previous Marvel films, initially Mephisto’s perennial foe was the Silver Surfer, then onto battles with Thor, the Fantastic Four and eventually being the common foe of Ghost Rider.
First Glance: Mephisto is a figure that was sculpted during the latter years of the Marvel Select /Toy Biz era and is credited as a “Toy Biz Sculpt”. The figure also comes with a beautifully detailed rubber throne as he is commonly depicted in throughout many of his comic appearances.
Pros: It is always a plus to see the extra effort on certain caped characters. The cape and waist coverings are made from one of the lighter materials ever used by Diamond Select and flow nicely. Articulation is also an unexpected surprise for it being an older figure. Sculpt from his receding hairline to his pointy little boots is very comprehensive. Finally, the highly detailed throne completes the figure almost like no other.
Cons: There isn’t too much to gripe about with this figure. One of the few, and very menial, criticisms would be the lack of either a thigh swivel or a rotating joint somewhere on the leg. Perhaps an additional hand or just one with a closed fist would have been better as well as a bicep swivel. There is a limited range of motion on the shoulder joints as well but I would be remiss to not mention the hesitation I get whenever I move any of the joints as they are very stiff and difficult to move.
Ball neck joint with decent up and down motion, does a full 360° but no canting. Just up, down, left and right.
Ball shoulders
Single direction elbows
360° wrists
360° waist
Legs move laterally, forward and backward very well
Single direction knees
Ankles go up and down and can slant inward and outward
Buyer/Collectors Recommendation: Unless word on the street of a reissue arises, do not pass on the opportunity to pick this figure up loose or carded. Mephisto is one of the rarest figures out there that commonly fetches close to $100 loose on the secondary market and often over $100 still sealed in its original packaging. Advice for the completist would be to make this a priority to pick up at a price you can swallow. It would be highly unlikely that this figure would be found at its suggested retail price ($24.99) as the demand for this figure is almost unmatched. This is likely to be a figure that Diamond Select got on stage, rocked it out and dropped the mic. Don’t expect any reinterpretations any time soon as this is by far the definitive Mephisto figure.
*** Find these through Diamond Select Toys and other retailers.