Marvel Universe Iron Man 2 Hulkbuster Quick Review

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Without a doubt one of the nicest, heaviest, and coolest Marvel Universe Figures to have been a part of the Dungeon.

This particular figure recently left the Dungeon, so we decided to give it one last look-over before it left.

This is the Marvel Iron Man 2 4" tall Hulkbuster. This is not the Hulkbuster from the Avengers: Age of Ultron movie. This armor is based upon artist Adi Granov's depiction of the Iron Man Model 32 Armor - to which there is some confusion given that it is also referred to as Model 31. The armor first made its appearance in Iron Man vol 4 # 7. Adi Granov changed gave the Model 32 it's distinctive triangle uni-beam.

The Model 32 or 31 is one of five armor made by Tony Stark collectively known as the Argonauts

MORE AFTER THE JUMP

Marvel Universe All New Wolverine Action Figure

Overall we found the Marvel Universe All New Wolverine a tad bit bland - in light of the previous X-23 figure - and we expected a bit more in terms of features and detailing. 

We reviewed the X-Force Marvel Universe version of X-23 waaaay back in 2012 waaaay before Marvel thought it would be a good idea to flood "diversity" into its books and accuse us readers of being unable to accept it.

Marvel's David Gabriel would later "retract" his statement by stating that readers were not happy with the abandonment of the core characters of Marvel in favor of their new female - or evil - versions.

Personally we think that not only did Marvel shoot itself in the head by gender bending or twisting its main roster of characters, but because their writing of late has been really bad.

Marvel Universe Shanna the She-Devil

Presenting a Shanna the She-Devil action figure from the Marvel Universe Infinite series toyline.

There are currently two Shanna the She-Devils wandering around the Marvel Universe. The first is Shanna O'Hara Plunder wife of Ka-Zar Kevin Plunder - the second character to bear the name Ka-Zar). Recently this Shanna the She-Devil was killed on a mission with Wolverine and Amadeus Cho, and was resurrected by being immersed in a bath that involved fluids from the Swamp Thing (gross). The resurrected Shanna the She-Devil had super-strength and stamina.

In 2005, an alternate universe Shanna the She-Devil was released. This Shana was bred in a test tube by Nazi scientists, and was named "Shanna" by someone who thought she resembled a comic-book character. This was illustrated by Frank Cho. Unfortunately this title which was supposed to be released under Marvel Max for a more mature audience was stripped of it's nudity by Frank prior to it's publication - under a PG rating instead.

Now that the Marvel Universe has been rebooted, we're not sure which Shanna the She-Devil will be retained. But given the very conservative look of this Shanna? We'd say it's not the near naked version that does jumping jacks

Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man

Presenting the Ultimate Spider-Man from the Marvel Universe Infinite Series Toyline.

So a black Spider-Man. Born in the Marvel Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610), this is Miles Morales the Afrian-American/ Hispanic grade-schooler who's uncle - the Prowler - stole the recreated serum (and an irradiated spider) that gave Peter Parker his super powers. Miles got bitten by the Spider while visiting his uncle and developed similar powers to the Earth 1610 Spider-Man (Peter Parker) who had recently died.

Realizing he could have helped stop the Green Gobiln, Miles is guilt stricken by the death of Peter Parker and takes up his mantle - much to the chagrin of everyone who considered the original 1610 Spider-Man a hero.

Captured by S.H.I.E.L.D., Miles proves himself a hero against the 1610 Electro and is given this black and red Spider-Suit.

Which we really like.

Marvel Universe Elektra

Presenting Elektra from the 5th Series of the Marvel Universe toy line.

To the uninitiated, Elektra Natchios is not the Mexican appetizer Foggy Nelson makes her out to be. She is one of Frank Miller's greatest and most beloved creations: a kunoichi (Female assassin), long time flame of the Daredevil  - the Man-Without-Fear (The title where Frank Miller debuted); Current member of the Thunderbolts, and; now the love interest of the Punisher (Another title that  Frank Miller is famous for writing for).

Elektra has had quite a colorful history in the Marvel Universe (And we don't just mean red). She's one of Marvel's more famous testaments to the Marvel Universe statement "Nobody stays dead forever" - what with having been killed by the assassin Bullseye and brought back from the dead by the Hand - hell she even brought Daredevil back from the dead after his death in the Shadowlands series. She is remembered by most as the 1st hero kidnapped for the Skrull invasion. Rumor has it that she was experimented on during her captivity.

She's been both a hero and a villain. Daredevil's lover and the greatest thorn at his side.

One of those rightfully called an anti-hero.

Marvel Universe Cloak & Dagger

Presenting Cloak & Dagger from the final series of Marvel Universe Action figures, the Marvel Knights (Or so we're told).

I've always liked these two but I've never really followed the Cloak & Dagger comic book series. The Marvel "Knights" did not quite interest me as much as the groups did - except for Daredevil of course.

A little known fact about Marvel's Cloak & Dagger is that both have been members of the Avengers (Secret Avengers under Captain America), and the X-Men (Dark X-Men under the White Queen, and later the regular X-Men in Utopia under Cyclops).

This is a peculiar honor because, unlike Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, Sunfire, Havok, Quicksilver and the Beast, neither of them are mutants. They were with the X-Men by circumstance, and they did leave after a while.

The only other person I believe to have done this would be Dane Whitman, the Black Knight, who was I believe a member of Excalibur.

Marvel Universe Aurora

Presenting Aurora from the final Marvel Universe series.

Born the mutant Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, she developed a split personality thanks to a strict religious upbringing that condemned her mutant flight/speed powers as demonic.

As a result, the fun loving, flirty adventurer personality that called herself Aurora came to exist and the two personalities: Aurora and the meek-as-a-mouse conservative personality of Jeanne Marie would clash and conflict over the years that she served as a member of Alpha Flight - part of why a lot of people - including myself - loved that series.

Eventually the Aurora personality would win out though she picked up several more personalities along the way.

Originally, Aurora would require physical contact with her twin Brother Northstar to generate light, but during a mission where she was critically injured, she was genetically modified and started being able to manifest light on her own. As a result of that surgery, she also should lose her powers upon contact with Northstar, but that's evolved and now physical contact with her brother allows them to generate light AND heat.

Marvel Universe Black Knight

Presenting the Black Knight from what is supposedly the last Marvel Universe series Toyline.

Here's the thing about this figure, this particular incarnation of the Black Knight is credited as being Sir Percy of Scandia - the original (Though he later claims not to be the first) Black Knight from the time of King Arthur - and not Dane Whitman, the Modern 616 Universe Black Knight - despite bearing the appearance of Dane Whitman.

This particular Marvel Universe Black Knight doesn't even bother to give the Black Knight an Ebony Blade. The sword he bears is a dull gray one. It's possible that this could be a nod to the "Sword of Light" that Dane Whitman was granted by the Lady of the Lake, but then as mentioned, this is not Dane Whitman.

Black Widow - Avengers Assemble Series

Presenting the Black Widow from the Marvel Universe Avengers Assemble Series - AKA the Inferno Cannon Black Widow.

No the Avengers Assemble 3.5"  Black Widow does NOT come with that rifle. That's courtesy of a GI Joe Retaliation Crimson Guard figure that's waiting for its photoshoot - it just looks cool in her arms.

Natalia "Natasha" Alianovna Romanova is the soviet super-spy turned Avenger, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D, lover of Daredevil, Winter Soldier and, get this, Hercules (never really saw that coming), the Black Widow.

This version of the Black Widow is off the Avengers Assemble cartoon that features a team consisting of the Hulk, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Captain America, the Falcon, & the Black Widow.

Marvel Universe Rogue

Presenting the Marvel Universe Rogue from the Marvel Universe Uncanny X-Men Boxed Set.

This is the costume that Jim Lee gave Rogue when he took over the X-Men all the way, waaaay, back in 1991 when the X-Men comic book was launched and she became a member of Cyclops'covert  "Blue Team" alongside Wolverine, Psylocke, Gambit, Beast and Jubilee. I've been reading comic books since 1986 and this is actually my second favorite Rogue outfit following the green bathing suit on black. I'm not a real fan of the "hoodie" wearing Rogue of today.

Those were the good-old days when Xavier's dream seemed so close to realization and the X-Men were a force to be reckoned with that was not militarized. Jim Lee's vision also produced the best - in my opinion - Banshee (So glad and excited that he's back!) and Forge (Not so glad that he's crazy now) outfits as well as the best kick-ass uniforms and vehicles courtesy of the Genoshan military.

Marvel Universe Scarlet Witch

Presenting the Scarlet Witch Wanda Maximoff from the Marvel Universe Toy-line.

The Scarlet Witch is one of the most controversial characters ever to be created for the Marvel Universe by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Not only is Wanda one of the hottest tails in the Marvel Universe, she's Magneto's daughter! Not only did she serve under him in the Masters of Evil before turning to evil, she chose to marry a toaster over a real person. Then Wanda realized just how powerful she really is and is now one of the most feared mutants on the planet by wiping out first all of the mutants on the planet then later, with the help of Hope Summers, wiping out the Pheonix Force.

The Scarlet Witch is a reality manipulator you do not want to mess with.

And a dear to Photoshop.

Marvel Universe: Commander Rogers

Presenting Commander Steve Rogers from the Marvel Universe Toyline.

To the uninitiated, Steve Rogers, Captain America himself, was killed at the end of the Marvel Civil War. Actually he wasn't killed and was just "Time displaced" by the Red Skull who wanted to take Steve Rogers' body for himself. Anyway that plot failed and Steve Rogers found himself in a world where he'd been replaced as Captain America by Bucky, his former sidekick - who was now going around carrying his original shield and wearing a uniform with an arrow that pointed towards his groin.

Anyway, he finds himself in a world where Norman Osborn is king and joins the resistance. When Osborn falls from grace, Steve Rogers is asked to replace him and he does. Bucky offers to relinquish his title as Captain America but Steve Rogers declines and takes on this new uniform and a new title and position: "Commander Rogers" the gun-toting head of SHIELD.

Marvel Universe: Punisher

Presenting the Punisher from the Marvel Universe Toy Line Series 1.

Ah... Apparently this is supposed to be some kind of rare Marvel Universe figure that - surprise - sells for US$ 29.99 on Amazon (Roughly PhP 1,260 plus shipping).

I picked it up from the Department Store of Robinson's Galleria for PhP 499.75 (Roughly US$ 11.89.

Having opened it, I really have to say, I'm not so sure what all the fuss is about. People and forums keep saying that it has something to do with the "white gloves", but I honestly don't remember seeing a Punisher with "Black gloves"

I'm wondering if it's because I'm not really a fan of the Punisher - though I do have to admit that I liked the version done by Ray Stevenson followed by the Punisher played by Thomas Jane.

Marvel Universe: Beast

Presenting the Beast from the Marvel Universe Toyline.

Mama McCoy's Bouncing Baby Boy has been many things in his most auspicious career since his creation in the 1960s: Student; X-Man; world renown doctor of Biochemistry ; one of the 10 most brilliant men in the comic lore (According to Businessweek); creator of the cure for the Legacy virus; X-Terminator; space-faring member of S.W.O.R.D; Defender, Secret Avenger, and the first X-Man to become a full fledged Avenger.

He is one of the most beloved comic book heroes ever to come to life in the pages of Marvel comics.

But what I, and a lot of other fans love the most about him is his constant struggle to actually control "The Beast" inside. More often than once he's been provoked into bloody act of carnage, falling prey to the bestial nature of his mutation. Yet he does bounce back - suppressing his animalistic rage beneath one of the most pacifistic, sunniest and brightest personalities in the Marvel Universe.

In other words, I love him because he never loses hope.

Marvel Universe: Daredevil (Greatest Battles 2-pack)

Presenting Daredevil from the Marvel Universe Greatest Battles 2-pack. 

This is the second and happily updated version of Battling Matthew "Matty" Michael Murdock  - reputedly the most beat up super-hero in the Marvel Universe (I would have thought it was Spider-Man but because he has the enhanced physique of a spider, he's more immune to damage). 

Honestly he's a surprise coming from a company known for simple repainting or re-issuing figures like Iron Fist and Gambit.  And quite honestly given the quality that you can see here, it's worth re-investing in getting this particular Daredevil from the 2-pack. We'll talk about the upgrades later within the review.

That and Bullseye is also pretty dope as a figure. 

Marvel Universe: Luke Cage

Presenting Like Cage from the Marvel Universe Toy-line. Real name Carl Lucas AKA Power Man.

I have to say that I was not really a fan of Power-Man  back before he became the leader of the New Avengers. It's hard to take someone seriously as a hero when he dresses like a chocolate disco banana with a golden-tiara to frame his afro and a bromance with a rich-white-boy with a tattoo fetish.

So I'm really glad that Marvel decided to modernize him by putting him into regular street clothes - no fancy latex or costumes - and getting rid of his afro. This Luke Cage looks like someone you'd see sitting on the steps of a busy Bronx apartment building keeping the streets safe from drug dealers, crime lords and common thugs.

But Marvel did give one last nod to his disco past by making sure everyone on that street knows his name thanks to that bling.

Marvel Universe Spider-Woman

Presenting Spider-Woman from the Marvel Universe toy-line. Spider-Woman is has one of the most convoluted origins in the Marvel Universe - with an origin that's more complicated than Wolverine's.

Jessica Drew AKA Spider Woman was born sometime at the turn of the 20th century in London, England (Today she's American by naturalization). She was exposed to radiation from Wundagore Mountain - home of the High Evolutionary and his Knights. Dying from the radiation, her father injected her with an experimental Spider Serum which had no affect on her till the High Evolutionary put her in a genetic accelerator. She was released decades later at the apparent age of only 17. Leaving Wundagore Mountain, she was recruited by Hydra and all the brainwashing and manipulation between Hydra and SHIELD began.

The problem is, there's another Origin Story about her that Marvel released which did away with the radiation story and instead said that while her mom was struck by a laser beam with trace Spider DNA while Jessica was being conceived. The manipulation and brainwashing after that is the only constant.

For a while it was even established the Madame Hydra was really her mother.

Today Spider-Woman is one of Captain America's Avengers - the premiere public team, not the street level team of Luke Cage.

Marvel Universe: Iron Man Bleeding Edge Armor (Modular Armor)

Presenting the Marvel Universe Iron Man Bleeding Edge Armor - which they called Modular Armor for some strange reason (Maybe the name Bleeding Edge came in late in the development of the product).

I have to say that I was not a fan of the Extremis armor that preceded the Bleeding Edge Iron Man armor because the Extremis basically transformed Iron Man into a cyborg. And despite the speed, strength, regenerative powers (Hey Wolverine! I can heal faster than you!) that accompanied the Extremis Armor, Thor still handed him his ass (But I suppose he had it coming).

The Bleeding Edge Armor is not as presumptive as the Extremis Armor even though it is, as Tony Stark put it "... What comes next." Instead of making him the pinnacle of humanity and more of a prime example of what nano-technology can do in terms of shapeshifting which I have to admit is pretty cool. Which is probably why it's also referred to as the Modular Armor because whatever Tony Stark needs, the Armor can adapt to - whether that means assuming the form and look of clothes, or forming boxing gloves, or forming a laser sword.

Though I have to admit that I'm pretty disappointed on how easy it was for Norman Osborn's Hammer group to take over his armor - and therefore control of Tony Stark himself.

Just realized that this Marvel Universe Bleeding Edge Armor is brought to you by Disney.

Marvel Universe: Storm

By Denis del Callar

Presenting the X-Men's Storm from the Marvel Universe Series 17 toy line. Ororo Iqadi T'challa nee Munroe (Ororo Komos Wakandas), AKA Storm, AKA Wind Rider (Hmmm, haven't heard anyone call her Wind Rider in quite some time - Probably because till recently Storm took a backseat to Cyclops), AKA Weather Witch; Former Goddesss; 2nd in command of Cyclops' X-Men; Leader of one the X-Men teams; Member of Captain America's Avengers; former member of the Fantastic Four, Lady Liberators and Hellfire club; Former Leader of the Morlocks and reigning Queen of Wakanda by marriage to T'Challa, the Black Panther, and; One of the most influential and important African characters ever to be developed for comic books and the big-screen.

A Marvel Character with a history almost as colorful as Wolverine's.

Personally I was disappointed that she decided to stay with Cyclops despite the clash of values simply because Cyclops begged her that he needed her from a PR standpoint.

I was also disappointed when the Schism happened because there was a third option for leadership - Storm - who has led the X-Men for almost as long as Cyclops has (And kicked Cyclops' ass without powers for the leadership of the X-Men in a classic battle between the two in X-Men # 139, November 1980 - I was 7 at the time). But I suppose with the clamor for Rogue to come into a more prominent leadership position, two strong leaders with Wolverine seemed ill-balanced.

Marvel Universe: Psylocke

Presenting the X-Men's Psylocke from the 17th Series of the Marvel Universe action-figure line.

Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock, AKA Psylocke and former Captain Britain, is the X-Men's resident psionic Japanese Ninja by way of English birth who recently declared her intention to be in as many X-Men teams as Wolverine used to be hence making her currently a member of the covert X-Group X-Force, a member of Storm's X-Men, and Cyclops' Extinction Team taking the place of the recently injured White Queen (She lost an arm).

I'm going to break tradition now here and point something out that's REALLY BAD about Marvel Universe Psylocke - her sword! You see that pink flimsy bent excuse for a "focused totality of her psychic powers?" It sucks. I won't even bother using it past this point because she can't really hold it and I have to keep maneuvering it around just to get a shot where it looks straight.  I initially replaced it with a 25th Anniversary Storm Shadow blade, only to realize that she has trouble gripping any blade similar in size to her original blade. Happily, the G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra Storm Shadow figure has a thicker hilt on his katana.