CAPTAIN AMERICA
HISTORY: Created by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, The First Avenger initially appeared in 1941. Designed as a patriotic super-soldier who often fought the Axis powers during WWII, "Cap" was the end result of a weakling with a strong heart and their mind in the right place transformed into the ultimate weapon. Who knows if American scientists were actually doing this during WWII, but that's neither here 'nor there. Eventually, when comics began to lose their luster and appeal, Cap was literally put on ice until he was revived in the 60s.
FIRST GLANCE: For this Marvel Select offering, we have what seems to be a presentable figure from the Marvel world. Little demand was likely required for Cap to get sculpted, unfortunately, it is a Disney Exclusive so a little extra effort is needed to obtain one. Before unboxing, it's evident this figure is based on the 2002 Cap series, specifically the cover of #6 written by John Ney Reiber with John Cassady handling the cover art.
PROS: As sad as it may seem, it is quite difficult to find any highlights on this figure. The only things noteworthy, in my opinion, is the detailing on the higher parts of the chest as one could imagine would be time consuming to sculpt. The u-shape hook on the shield moves around slightly to get that proper angle. The additional unmasked headsculpt is a nice plus too.
CONS: There are quite a few discrepancies with this figure, but I'll try to be brief. From the head down, the chubby cheeks on the masked head are definitely awkward. It almost looks like make-up on the unmasked head. The paint doesn't match on the would-be leather parts of his neck, cowl and pants with the blue on the shoulders. I'm not entirely certain they're supposed to, but either way, seems like a fail. The hips might be the worst part. As a loose collector, there are a few Marvel Select (Diamond Select Toys/Disney Exclusive) figures that consistently fall while on the display, in the pegs or not, this is one of them. It is nearly impossible for the legs to stand straight, as they're always trying to move outward. The plastics on the ankles are also very stubborn and don't assist with the figure staying on its feet. Overall quality seems to have missed the mark as well. I hate saying this about a great company, but this figure essentially meets the stereotype of run of the mill figures.
ARTICULATION:
Head moves laterally well and vertical movement is a bit restricted, but not terrible
Ball shoulders, no bicep swivel
Single direction, rotating elbows
360° forearms
360° waist
Legs move laterally and forwards with resistance, no thigh swivel
Single direction knees
Boot swivel
Single direction ankles
BUYER/COLLECTORS RECOMMENDATION: As a pillar of Marvel's success, Cap should get better treatment than this. As a Disney Exclusive, it is still common on the secondary market for the suggested retail price. This figure in particular was a reissue that didn't previously feature an unmasked head released around the first Avenger's film. As far as this being the definitive Cap, despite the handful of interpretations we've got, I'd still put this one on ice. Unless you're a die hard 1940's style Cap fan, I'd pass on this and wait for a proper Marvel Now! Cap, if we ever get one.
WINTER SOLDIER
HISTORY: Like many characters who are presumed dead in the Marvel Universe, James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes was also created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby as Cap's sidekick. Contrary to the Captain America: The First Avenger film, Cap and Bucky were attempting to thwart Baron Zemo's evil plans by disarming a bomb aboard an aircraft, mid-flight, but attempts were unsuccessful. Cap and Bucky were then hurled into the frozen North Atlantic. Cap was discovered when The Avengers were searching the Arctic for Namor, The Sub-Mariner. Revived in 2005 by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting, decades after Cap's discovery, Russian General Vasily Karpov finds Bucky's frozen body preserved, missing his left arm and suffering from amnesia. Bucky then involuntarily becomes known as the Winter Soldier.
FIRST GLANCE: As a Disney Exclusive, it was rumored that the Winter Soldier figure was a tester to see whether the fan base would be receptive to a comic figure without producing a movie version, despite an upcoming film release. There was a bit of controversy, however, there is one thing that remains consistent regardless of pop culture tie-ins, a great figure is a great figure.
PROS: As with many Jean St. Jean sculpts, attention to detail can not be ignored. Even with the accessories, the detailing through the entire figure is almost unparalleled. As with Anti-Venom, Venom and the latest Carnage (...don't worry, that's next week...), meticulous sculpting is evident. From head to toe, there are no shortcomings. The head sculpt is clean. Detailing on the collar, pouches, straps, functional weapon sling, rotating utility belt, functional holster, exquisite sculpting on the boot laces...you get the point, is everything you expect from DST. The Winter Soldier also comes with a sniper rifle, machine gun, pistol and a random box with the soviet hammer and sickle markings. The shattered window base also features a miscellaneous canister, half full glass and bottle of whatever Bucky's drink of the day is. Joints also stand the test of time. This is the figure that took some time to get some traction, but definitely took off.
CONS: Some of the points of articulation (POAs) are slightly limited and their wasn't a movie version.
ARTICULATION:
Head goes side to side with good vertical movement
Standard ball shoulder with bicep swivel
Single direction elbows
360° wrists
Torso swivel
360° waist
Thigh swivel
Double knees
Boot swivel
Roller ankles
BUYERS/COLLECTORS RECOMMENDATION: I find myself repeating that one shouldn't sleep on the Disney Exclusives, but exclusive or not, don't miss the opportunity to pick this figure up. It can still be found at a somewhat reasonable price on the secondary market ($45-65), but is cleared from all Disney storefronts. Although, like many great figures, expect this to continue to hold its value and only go up. As far as this being the definitive Winter Soldier, Jean St. Jean and DST hit the nail on the head with this and like many great figures, don't expect any reincarnations any time soon.
There were a small handful of Winter Soldier figures that had a much lighter, brighter colored bionic arm, but do not fear, they are still official. Still unknown whether one is more valuable than the other, but the lighter arm is less common than the dark arm.