BLACK WIDOW II
HISTORY: Not known to much of the regular Marvel fanbase, Black Widow has had numerous faces to match the moniker. This interpretation pays homage to Yelena Belova. Belova first appeared in Inhumans in 1999, created by Devin Grayson and J.G. Jones. Belova has provided services for A.I.M., Russian Federation and most notably S.H.I.E.L.D.. After a run-in with Natasha Romanoff, Belova ends up retiring from the espionage industry and becoming a businesswoman and model. FIRST GLANCE: While Marvel Select still had their training wheels on in the figure industry, under the wings of Toy Biz, Diamond Select was limited to a restricted roster of eligible characters to make into figures. Thus, Black Widow II was selected and assigned to Steve Kiwus for sculpting. Initially, this figure doesn't seem to catch the eye, however, out of its packaging, it will definitely satiate the collector.
PROS: Sculpt is essentially a tangible illustration straight out of the comics. A basic assortment of weapons consisting of a pistol, rifle and knife provide practical accessories to a figure that needs it. The paint apps seem to have been very carefully applied with little flaws. The three random barrels are great for furnishing a large or small display. From the waist up, the articulation is great and the figure is capable of many different poses.
CONS: With all early Marvel Select figures, articulation is always a downside. There is absolutely none on the legs or hips. Articulation ends at the waist. Much like the Marvel Select Punisher or Doctor Octopus, it is like a statue on the bottom, action figure on top. Flimsy plastics on the accessories can be bothersome when the barrel of the rifle doesn't line up properly either. Balancing on the shelf gets annoying too unless you find the sweet spot at the torso swivel. Finally, the torso joint doesn't seem to feel the most secure with only a small screw holding it in place with minimal threading, so try not to twist too much.
360° neck with no vertical movement
Standard ball shoulders with 360° bicep swivel
Single direction elbows
360° wrists
Torso swivel
360° waist
And that's it! No leg movement at all.
Buyer/Collector's Recommendation: If you can't wait for the Age of Ultron Black Widow (Scarlett Johannson), this is definitely the better option over the comic Romanoff that seems a bit out of scale as she towers over most of her counterparts. Released long ago, there are no variants although it isn't uncommon to find on the secondary market and very rarely, you may see one trying to be resold in your local shop. Typically, this figure can be grabbed for around $30 loose and maybe $60 carded, but that's a stretch. Whether or not this is the definitive Black Widow figure, that's subjective, but don't expect any new Yelena Belova Black Widow figures.
AVENGING HAWKEYE HISTORY: Based off the writings of Matt Fraction and art of David Aja, sporting his most recent get-up, Clint Barton makes his third appearance in the Marvel Select line. As a Marvel NOW! interpretation, as one of the most well received comic series', it was a pleasant surprise to see this figure come to form, especially with the upcoming Age of Ultron film.
FIRST GLANCE: With the help of Gentle Giant studios, Diamond Select has created a Marvel NOW! figure that has not only surprised the masses, with their very soft release (no mention online or listed, just in storefronts) but caught everyone off guard. Oh, and there is a dog. Yes, Lucky the "Pizza Dog" also got the Marvel Select treatment to accompany "Hawkguy". It may be the last thing everyone expected, to see a dog with an action figure, but it works. PROS: Where do we begin!? Articulation might be the best yet, even after the recent Mighty Thor. The paint is consistent and I had very little difficulty finding a choice figure. There were minimal flaws and lines were very accurate. Sculpt is clean, defined and precise. Six arrows with various trick shot heads, compound bow, mini-crossbow, alternate hand and alternate bandaged head provide a variety of accessories to produce dozens of presentable combinations.
CONS: The only gripe would be the plastics used on the arrows feel very light and lack any rigidity. Also, many of the dogs had black splotches on their ears, so if you can, weed through them and just try to be mindful of it.
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 hip
Thigh swivel
Double knees
360° mid shin
Roller ankles
Buyer/Collector's Recommendation: As a Disney exclusive, it is more scarce to the international world, so if you can acquire one at a reasonable price, don't hesitate. For the folks in the states, you know where to get them. Again, like the Mighty Thor, Disney may be stingy with their exclusive rights so the likelihood of a reissue is always uncertain. Whether this is the definitive Hawkeye, it is definitely a solid figure and would fit in nearly any display, as well as the classic Hawkeye. It's really either/or with the two.
*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.