The Hasbro Marvel Legends Series Secret Wars Captain America action figure is a tribute to the iconic 1980s Marvel Comics crossover event, "Secret Wars." This 6-inch figure captures the essence of Steve Rogers during this pivotal storyline, offering collectors a blend of nostalgia and modern action figure design.
Accessories: 9/10
This figure is generously equipped with a variety of accessories that enhance its display and play value:
Lenticular Shield: A standout feature, the lenticular shield showcases dynamic imagery of Captain America, masked and unmasked, that shifts with viewing angles, reminiscent of the original Secret Wars toy line. You can also replace the Cap image with a Secret Wars logo, but why would you?
Alternate Hands: The figure includes multiple interchangeable hands:
Closed fists for combat poses.
A pointing finger, ideal for leadership stances.
A saluting hand, capturing Captain America's military background.
Item-holding hands for grasping accessories.
Alternate Head Sculpts: Two distinct expressions are provided:
A smiling face, reflecting Cap's optimism.
A teeth-gritted expression, conveying determination in battle.
Broken Shield: An additional accessory is the broken shield with two smaller broken pieces, symbolizing the intense battles faced during the Secret Wars saga.
Appearance: 8/10
The figure boasts a detailed sculpt that captures the classic Captain America aesthetic. The paint applications are crisp, with vibrant colors that pay homage to the original comic design. The inclusion of both smiling and battle-ready head sculpts adds depth to the figure's display potential. However, some collectors might desire more intricate detailing or weathering effects to enhance realism. The biggest area of concern for me, which is really minor at best is the fact that Caps shoulders are just a slightly different shade of blue than his chest/torso overlay. The waist/pelvic area is also a slightly different shade of blue than the legs. It doesn't really show up much in pictures, but in hand, the difference is noticeable.
I initially thought this was a repaint of the 20th anniversary figure, however the arms and legs are pinless, which is different from the earlier version of the figure. The waist/lower torso is also different as evidenced by the sculpted wrinkles, which are missing on the 20th A. version. The more I look at this, the more I'm convinced that the only reused part of the 20th anniversary Cap is the upper torso and the boots. That all being said, I do kind of like the lighter blue for the figure, but not quite as much as the blue on the 20th anniversary Cap. The design of the broken shield is new and really looks great. The two broken pieces are designed to sort of fit together, but the pieces cannot attach to the main body of the shield. The cracks and scratches are done very nicely, giving the shield a nice realistic appearance. I'm actually kind of torn as to which version I like better... this Captain America or the 20th Anniversary.
Articulation: 8/10
Designed with multiple points of articulation, this figure allows for a range of dynamic poses. The poseable head, arms, and legs facilitate expressive stances, from action-packed battle scenes to stoic salutes. This Cap, aside from the pinless joints, doesn't feature any new articulation, given its reliance on previous body parts. I know that the chain mail overlay would make butterfly joints a difficult prospect at best, but it would be kind of nice to have that increased range of motion. The head has no limitations on side to side turning and can look both up and down with very nice range. There is a small amount of tilt available, but as this is on a ball hinge, tilt is limited. The shoulders can raise to just beyond a T pose and can fully rotate on the pin. While I appreciate the bicep swivel, I wish that Hasbro would add blue paint inside the arm. Turning the bicep allows us to see the white plastic inside, revealing that the blue is just surface paint. The elbows bend in very well, which is fantastic, given the shape and design of the glove cuffs. All of the hands are on hinged pegs, allowing for rotation and up/down hinging. The upper diaphragm joint allows for a modest forward crunch and decent back bend. Unfortunately, it is pretty gappy when bent backward. The waist swivel works fine, as the belt sits on the lower torso, just above the waist cut. Cap can do an almost full split and I'm baffled by this. If Hasbro can engineer that kind of split for one figure, why can it not be applied to all figures? Spider-Man should be considerably more flexible and agile than Cap, yet I haven't found a Hasbro Spidey yet that can do splits like this. Both legs kick forward very high, and the thigh cuts work fine. The knees have excellent range, only hindered by the shape of the boot cuffs. I also really like the design of the kneecaps as they look more natural and organic. The boot swivel works fine and is hidden nicely at the top of the boot cuffs. Lastly, the ankles have excellent hinge and pivot range and are sturdy enough to support Cap in just about any pose.
Affordability: 9/10
Priced at $24.99, the Secret Wars Captain America offers substantial value for its cost. Considering the array of accessories, detailed sculpting, and articulation, it stands as a worthwhile addition for both dedicated Marvel Legends collectors and newcomers seeking a piece of comic history.
Overall, the Marvel Legends Series Secret Wars Captain America action figure successfully merges nostalgic elements with modern design. Its comprehensive accessory set and faithful representation make it a compelling choice for fans of the Secret Wars storyline and Captain America enthusiasts alike. With all that said, the Marvel Legends Secret Wars Captain America earns:
9 out of 10 ToyBoxes!
This is a solid Captain America figure and I'm really happy to have it in my collection. As always, I appreciate your support and until next time... GEEK OUT!!!