Marvel Universe 3.75" Wave 1 Daredevil

After going on a figure opening rampage, I've unearthed for myself some real gems from the older waves of the Marvel Universe line.  I'd grown lukewarm about these figures because either I didn't remember why I got them in the first place or simply because newer stuff that I was more eager to open found its way to me.

I opened at least 11 figures in one night, from Bullseye to Electro to everyone's favorite superhero lawyer here, and they've all impressed me in one way or another.

And yes, I've held on this long to open this guy because partially I lost interest in him as mentioned above and also because I was holding out for a newer, improved release with a slimmer body.  But the recent Wave 12 revision of him made me realize Hasbro weren't gonna change things around with DD and it also got me itching to bust him open.  So I did.

What else can I say except that Marvel Universe is an awesome line?  I guess I could take some photos and talk some trash about them...What?  I did?  Oh, I guess I did!  Well, on to the review, then!

This is the last time you'll see him on the ground

Like: I quite dig the red they've used on DD.  It's a dark red with a matte finish and a light wash of black to bring out the muscle tone of the sculpt.   I also like the sharply DD transfer symbol on his chest.  It's sharp and neat, stands out when you look at him closely, and yet blends in with his costume when you don;'t!

Dislike: That being said, the buck they used for DD is all wrong. Ol' Matty Murdock here is a little thick across the waist and chest, and his neutral pose has him hunched forward slightly like his flexing his chest.  It doesn't help that the neck post sticks forward a little more than it sticks upwards.  DD ends up looking like a tensed Wolverine rather than a lithe acrobat that he is.

Like: The amazing chest pivot.  Yes, Hasbro have got this joint down in Marvel Universe figs.  Even with how thick the torso is, Daredevil is no less flexible in the chest area than classic Spiderman or Captain America.  Who says you can't be fat and be an acrobat? ;P

Dislike: That when you straighten DD up to get him out of that Logan pose, he ends up looking like he has a paunch.  I know!  You shouldn't do so much drinking when you're swinging from building to building, much more so when you're blind!

Seriously though, this is one thing that has really cause Daredevil fans true pain.  I like him quite a bit, though I'm not a huge fan by any stretch.  yet, I still feel dissatisfied with he use of this body for some one who's supposed to be agile and nimble like DD.

Like:  His billy clubs.  I like that they stiffened them up, though this means it looks like a pair on nunchuks instead of two short clubs connected by an extendable string.  A stiff "clubs" means better posing but greatly reduces playability.  You might also argue that a soft string attachment between the two ends might even end up more poseable.  I'll agree.  But the way Hasbro made the club gives DD something to smack the likes of Bullseye with it and not look limp doing it.

Or if you prefer the dual clubs look, you could clip out the "chain" in the middle a viola, you have yerself a pair! The only trouble then is that DD's only got one gripping hand, so the dual-wield look will have to wait until you switch it with another grasping left hand.


Dislike: That he doesn't have a place to store his billy clubs.  Here's another reason to argue for making the club connected with a short string--so he can fold 'em and tuck 'em into his thigh holder. Now I can imagine a small detail like that would've made the figure a real must have for DD of Marvel Knights fans.

Like: His head sculpt.  It's easily overlooked because of shortcomings to body.  DD's got nice short horns, a molded-on mask, and a great stern expression that says he ain't messin' around!

RATINGS

Aesthetics: 7/10 - Great shade of red, great head, but wrong body. Paint is decent, face could be painted better to bring out the frown better.  Though it looks horrendous in the close-up, the paint on the face isn't as bad when you got the figure in hand.  His eyes are painted a lighter shade of red and stand out more nicely, while the DD insignia is transferred nice and sharp.

Poseability: 7/10 - Let's face it, Daredevil ain't the Man Without Fear unless he's got Spidey or Captain America-like articulation.  With a Cap body, he'll not only look slim yet strong, but be able to pull acrobatic poses much better. As he is, the buck isn't half bad in poses.  It's only when he's front-on that he looks a tad tubby.

Fun: 8/10 - He's the annoying lawyer guy!  Or at least that's what he Rangerlord says.  And since he's the Rangerlord's fave character, and he also knows a thing or two about the legal system, who am I to say he's wrong?  Heheh.

Yes, DD really loves that street lamp.

And who can resist the charm of a blind superhero with heightened senses who's also got the world's most hated occupation?  You just gotta love how conflicted a character Daredevil is!

Value: 7/10 - Daredevil comes from the old Fury Files series, so no stand, one weapon, and his Fury File.  We don't really need a stand, but throwing in a holster for his billy clubs (fixed or a separate piece) would go a long way to making him more worth your money.  While we're at it, why not include an alternate Matt Murdock head and his walking stick fer shits and giggles. ;)

Ok, I lied. (See 1st pic)

Overall: 7.25/10 - DD needs to be re-released with the right slimmer body, correct proportions and better articulation quick-fast!  Throw in a couple of new-fangled thigh cuts, a waist swivel, and that swivel/hinged head goodness and add that Billy club holster and you've got a figure I'd buy and recommend that others buy for sure.  Daredevil's a great character and iconic as well.  So let's not waste it-- it's time to give the 'Devil his due! ;)