In this edition of Dan's ToyBox, we're diving into the world of iconic mutants with a spotlight on the latest release from Hasbro's Marvel Legends series: the X-Men '97 Storm action figure. Join us as we take a closer look at this highly anticipated addition to the X-Men lineup, inspired by the beloved '97 animated series. Can this figure live up to the legendary status of the character herself. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's discuss Storm!
Origin Story:
Ororo Munroe, also known as Storm, is one of the most iconic and powerful mutants in the Marvel Universe. Born in Harlem, New York, to an American photojournalist mother and an African tribal prince father, Ororo's early life was marked by tragedy and hardship. When she was just a child, her parents died in a plane crash, leaving her orphaned and alone.
Ororo's mutant abilities first manifested during her childhood in Cairo, Egypt, where she was living as a street thief. It was there that she discovered her ability to manipulate the weather, a power inherited from her mother's ancestry as a descendant of a line of African priestesses with the ability to control the elements. After mastering her abilities, Ororo adopted the codename Storm and joined the X-Men, a team of mutant superheroes led by Professor Charles Xavier. As a member of the X-Men, Storm has fought alongside her teammates to protect both mutants and humans alike from threats ranging from mutant extremists to cosmic entities.Throughout her time with the X-Men, Storm has served as a leader and mentor, demonstrating not only her incredible powers but also her intelligence, wisdom, and compassion. She has led the team on numerous occasions, earning the respect and admiration of her fellow mutants and superheroes. Despite her strength and resilience, Storm has faced numerous personal challenges throughout her life. From struggles with her own identity and sense of belonging to conflicts with powerful enemies and personal demons, Ororo's journey has been marked by both triumphs and tragedies. Storm's impact on the Marvel Universe extends far beyond her role as a superhero. As one of the first major black female superheroes in mainstream comics, she has inspired countless readers and creators alike. Her leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice have made her a beloved and enduring symbol of strength and empowerment. Ororo Munroe, aka Storm, is a character defined by her resilience, compassion, and indomitable spirit. From her humble beginnings to her rise as one of the most formidable heroes in the Marvel Universe, Storm's journey is one of triumph over adversity and a testament to the power of hope, courage, and perseverance.
Accessories: 4/10
The accessories included with the Hasbro Marvel Legends X-Men '97 Storm figure are somewhat limited but effective. Storm comes with one pair of open hands and one pair of fists, which allows for some basic posing options. I honestly cannot think of any reason they couldn't have included some lightning effects.
Appearance: 9/10
Hasbro has done an excellent job capturing Storm's iconic look from the '97 X-Men animated series. Initially, I think many reviewers, myself included were taken aback by the mohawk, given that Storm never had that look in the original cartoon. However, with the release of the new trailer, Storm does sport this look, so what we're getting are figures based on the new cartoon, rather than the original look. The white body suit is sleek and faithfully recreated, complete with intricate details and clean paint applications. I am very pleased with the paint apps on her head and face. Again, Hasbro seems to be shooting for a photo real look of an animated character, but in this case it looks good. Storm's mohawk hairstyle is particularly impressive, with a reasonable level of sculpting that adds depth and realism to the figure. Overall, the appearance of the figure is striking and sure to appeal to fans of the character.
Articulation: 4/10
This is the same female body mold that we've seen forever and it's disappointing that Hasbro continues to recycle it. Of course, since this is merely a repainted version of the other Retro Card version of Storm (with the long hair and pearlescent white body suit) we really ought not be surprised. Unfortunately, this figure suffers from the same issues as its predecessor. Limited head movement due to the hair sculpt, single jointed elbows limited to a 90-degree bend, minimal torso crunch, no waist swivel and sticky knee joints. On the plus side, Storm can do very good splits and has excellent ankle articulation. One immediate improvement would have been to make Storm's ponytail movable. This would have allowed for increased head motion, which would have been helpful in different posing situations. I would love to see Storm with the newer pieces used on the Target Black Widow. Double-jointed elbows, and the lower abdomen crunch with the upper torso range would be so much nicer on this figure.
I swapped their heads in the bottom two pictures... not sure which look I like better.
Affordability: 7/10
Priced at the average range of $24.99 for Marvel Legends figures, the X-Men '97 Storm offers good value for collectors and enthusiasts. While the figure's accessories are limited compared to other releases in the line, the attention to detail does justify the cost. However, some may find the price slightly steep considering the lack of additional accessories or build-a-figure parts. Nevertheless, for fans of Storm or the X-Men animated series, the figure represents a worthwhile investment.
Overall, the Hasbro Marvel Legends X-Men '97 Storm action figure excels in capturing the essence of the character's iconic appearance from the upcoming Disney+ animated series. With impressive attention to detail, serviceable articulation, and a striking likeness, this figure will look good in any collection. With that in mind, Storm earns a slightly above average:
7 out of 10 ToyBoxes.
I certainly wouldn't say that this is a "must have" figure, but if you are a fan of the X-Men, are excited about the upcoming series, or simply a completist and want to have the whole '97 line... Storm is a solid if unspectacular addition. Until next time... GEEK OUT!!!