Iron Man Mark III | Artist: Hot Toys | Edition Size: N/A

What’s this? An action figure review on [[AP]]?

It’s true, if you know me even a little, you’ll know that I’ve long preferred my collectibles on the sculpted polystone side of things. And in fact, this is the first ‘high end’ ($50 and up) “action figure” I’ve been impressed enough with to purchase.

One reason I’m not fond of figures in general is the use of fabric. To me, it is rarely successful even in 1/4 scale, much less 1/6.

Another is articulation, or rather the means to achieve it– cheap looking joints do not jive with my sensibilities.

Just so happens that Iron Man’s suit conveniently mitigates both ‘inadequacies’. But the appeal of Hot Toys’ Iron Man figures (they’re also pumping out the MKI and MKII) is not the circumvention of any action figure shortcomings, but their excellence overall.

When a figure is superior in most every way to its available sculpted counterpart(s)– which in my opinion almost is never the case– any collector, no matter the preference, has to take notice.

And it is the case here, with Kotobukiya’s Iron Man Mark III Fine Art statue being the only alternative I’m aware of. Hot Toys’ offering is better proportioned, better painted, better sculpted, more detailed and outclasses Koto’s offering in nearly every way. If you want to add insult to injury, consider the fact I haven’t yet mentioned the poseability, or Tony Stark head- both Hot Toys only. Similarly, Hot Toys’ Mark I figure is looking more impressive than Sideshow’s 1/4 maquette offering, but that’s a discussion for another day.

Back to the Hot Toys MKII: As mentioned, the ’sculpt’ is wonderful. There are a lot of nifty doodads that open and close, including air-brake flaps on the back (that thoughtfully conceal one of the light switches) which qualifies the ‘action’ in action figure. It’s all fine and well, but I’m more concerned with the bigger picture. The helmet looks superb with no wonky proportions. The same could be applied to the rest of the armoured pieces save for the waist area which is on the narrow side.

Contrary to complaints you may have read, the color is as close to the film costume as can be reasonably expected. Don’t believe me? See our pictures of the actual screen used suit (which also graces our header) and compare for yourself.

Despite Tony’s directive to Jarvis, the red of the film suit is more of a deep wine red than it is “hot rod” (though under the circumstances, both would be fitting). And yet it can appear considerably more vibrant under different lighting conditions. Perfect. The lustre is again accurate– shiny but not glossy or overly reflective.

The overall result is really quite visually impressive. With such astute attention paid to the actual prop it’s hard not to be. It is an expensive figure, but an incredible one. When you flick on the lights on top of it all, it really kicks things into overdrive. Great engineering. Great execution.

The alternate Tony Stark head is also top shelf by any estimation. In addition to the very faithful Downey Jr. likeness by T.J. Cha, the paintjob is also worthy of kudos. Again the word precision comes to mind, in conjunction with transparent shading that blends together with a finesse I have rarely seen for a massed produced collectible.

So, the look is nailed down tight. But how’s this bad boy handle?

At the end of the day, this is a plastic action figure- and it plays the part. I was taken aback the moment I took it from it’s plastic prison– blame it on naivete.

The articulation can awkward, which can very well be attributed to my inexperience with action figures– though I have read the sentiment echoed from other collectors. I don’t mind the stiffness of the joints, which improve stability, but the range of motion can feel limiting. Some leniency is given considering the mind numbing logistics of the ‘actual suit’ as it were.

Take it as a compliment- an action figure so visually accomplished that you are expecting to be as heavy and solid as it looks. I think if Hot Toys made a ’sculpted’ Iron Man statue cast in heavyweight metal, it would simply be one of the more serious displays of ass-kickery rarely witnessed. Now I don’t believe Hot Toys has their heart seriously devoted to anything other than the 1/6 figure with which they so excel at, but I think it clarifies my position.

My pipe dreams aside, Hot Toys can easily stake their claim to the finest Iron Man film collectibles currently available.

• Hot Toys Iron Man MK III at Sideshow | on Ebay
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