Welcome to another Dan's ToyBox review. This figure has been out for a hot minute, and I finally decided that I needed to add some Mafex RoboCop goodness to my collection. I hope you'll enjoy my take on the Medicom Mafex #196 RoboCop 2 Murphy Version RoboCop Action Figure.
"RoboCop 2," released in 1990, picks up the tale of Alex Murphy, now RoboCop, a cyborg police officer in a dystopian Detroit riddled with crime and corruption. The situation worsens due to a police strike instigated by Omni Consumer Products (OCP), which seeks to control the city by replacing human officers with robotic enforcers. At the start, RoboCop (Peter Weller) and partner Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen) pursue a new drug called "Nuke," peddled by the vicious gang leader Cain (Tom Noonan). Following a brutal battle, Cain's gang captures and disassembles RoboCop. OCP takes this chance to advance their RoboCop 2 project, despite earlier failures caused by prototypes' inability to handle their programming. Dr. Juliette Faxx (Belinda Bauer), an ethically questionable psychologist, opts to implant Cain’s brain into the new cyborg, thinking his lust for power will make him an ideal candidate. Concurrently, RoboCop, now repaired but burdened with conflicting directives, must reset his system, which he does by electrocuting himself, erasing the new directives. The story intensifies when Cain, as RoboCop 2, becomes a wild force. The climax is a fierce battle between RoboCop and RoboCop 2 against the backdrop of OCP's city plans. Amidst the chaos of Delta City's public debut, RoboCop faces his humanity while countering Cain's onslaught. "RoboCop 2" mixes dark comedy and stark violence, delving into corporate avarice and the loss of humanity in a world of machines. Despite a complex storyline and varied critiques, it stands as a significant sequel that satirically addresses societal concerns.
Accessories: 9/10
The figure comes with an impressive array of accessories that greatly enhance its display and play value:
Auto 9 pistol: Robocop's signature handgun, accurately sculpted
Thigh holster parts: Removable sections to store the Auto 9 on Robocop's right thigh
Multiple hands:
Fists
Trigger finger hands
Splayed hands
Pointing hands
Battle damage parts:
Disassembled and damaged upper body parts
A stand to display the damaged torso
The paint and attention to detail on this additional piece is exceptional, recreating the damage done to Robocop by Cain's crew incredibly accurately.
Poseable figure stand: To help with dynamic poses and stability
The inclusion of the battle-damaged torso is particularly noteworthy, as it allows collectors to recreate the pivotal scene where Robocop is dismantled by Cain's crew. The attention to detail on these parts, including the accurate placement of damage and exposed components, demonstrates Mafex's commitment to screen accuracy. The variety of hands and the ability to holster the Auto 9 on the thigh add to the figure's posing options and play value. The accessory selection for this figure is exceptional, offering a wide range of display options and movie-accurate details.
Appearance: 9/10
The Medicom Mafex #196 Robocop 2 Murphy Head version is a stunning representation of the iconic character, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of its key visual elements:
Facial Sculpt:
The Murphy head sculpt captures the essence of Peter Weller's portrayal, featuring a lifelike expression that conveys both humanity and the robotic nature of Robocop.
The details on the face include finely sculpted features such as wrinkles, skin texture, and subtle paint applications that enhance realism.
Mechanical Elements:
The transition from human to machine is beautifully rendered, particularly in the back of the head where mechanical components are exposed.
Intricate detailing on the robotic parts showcases various textures, including metallic surfaces and intricate circuitry, giving it a highly realistic appearance.
The amount of paint detail on the back of his head is incredible, with very fine details and consistent application.
Armor Design:
The figure features a faithfully recreated armored body that reflects the design from Robocop 2. The armor plating is sculpted with precision, displaying panel lines and rivets that mimic the film's aesthetic.
The paintwork includes a glossy finish on certain areas to replicate the reflective quality of metal, while other sections have a matte finish for contrast.
The figure stands at approximately 6 inches tall, which is consistent with other figures in the Mafex line. The proportions are accurate to the character's on-screen appearance, making it an ideal addition to any collection. The bulkiness of Robocop's armor is well-represented, giving it a solid presence while still allowing for dynamic poses due to its articulation.
The color scheme adheres closely to what fans expect from Robocop. Predominantly bluish-purple tones dominate the figure, with gloss black on his midsection, joints, and gauntlets
The use of subtle weathering effects enhances realism, suggesting wear and tear consistent with a character who faces intense action.
The overall appearance of the Medicom Mafex #196 Robocop 2 Murphy Head version is nothing short of impressive. It captures both the heroism and vulnerability of Murphy as he struggles between his human past and robotic present. The combination of detailed sculpting, accurate proportions, and thoughtful paint applications results in a visually striking figure that stands out in any collection. This figure not only pays homage to its cinematic roots but also serves as a testament to Medicom's commitment to quality craftsmanship, making it a must-have for fans of Robocop and collectors alike.
Articulation: 8.5/10
The Mafex Robocop 2 figure boasts an impressive range of articulation, allowing for dynamic poses and screen-accurate recreations. Here's a detailed breakdown of its articulation points:
Head and Neck
My biggest issue is that the head is rather loose on the ball peg.
Side-to-side rotation
Up and down tilting
Subtle pivoting for expressive poses
Torso
Upper torso ball joint, enabling:
Forward and backward lean
Side-to-side tilting
Rotational movement
Lower torso/waist swivel for additional twisting motion
Arms
Butterfly joints at the shoulders for increased range of motion
Ball-jointed shoulders allowing for:
Outward arm raising, although the design limits the upward range severely
Forward and backward movement
360-degree rotation
Double-jointed elbows, providing excellent bend
Wrist swivels and hinges for versatile hand positioning
Legs
Ball-jointed hips with additional swivels, offering:
Forward and backward movement
Limited ability to do leg splits
Virtually no Thigh rotation
Single-jointed knees, allowing for 90-degree bends
Ankle rockers (limited side-to-side pivots)
Ankle hinges for up and down foot movement
Toe hinges for subtle foot posing
Range of Motion
The arms can achieve a wide range of poses, from aiming the Auto 9 pistol to crossing arms across the chest
The torso articulation allows for subtle but effective twisting and leaning, enhancing the dynamism of poses
The figure maintains stability in most poses, though the included stand can be used for more extreme action poses
The bulky nature of Robocop's armor does impose some restrictions on articulation, particularly in achieving extreme poses
The ab crunch, while present, has a limited range due to the design of the armor plates
The articulation on this Robocop figure strikes an excellent balance between screen accuracy and poseability. It allows for recreation of iconic scenes from the movie as well as dynamic action poses that showcase the character's robotic yet human nature. The engineering of the joints is thoughtful, maintaining the aesthetic of the suit while providing a wide range of motion. The articulation on the Medicom Mafex #196 Robocop 2 Murphy Head version is top-notch, offering collectors and action figure enthusiasts a highly poseable figure that doesn't sacrifice the iconic look of Robocop. While there are some minor limitations due to the character's design, the overall articulation scheme is impressive and adds significant value to the figure.
Affordability: 7/10
While Mafex figures are generally considered high-end collectibles, the pricing for this Robocop 2 Murphy Head Version is in line with other figures in the Mafex line. It offers good value considering the quality of the sculpt, accessories, and articulation. However, it may be less accessible for casual collectors due to its premium price point. I landed mine for $83.98 on Amazon.
Overall, the Medicom Mafex #196 Robocop 2 Murphy Head Version is an impressive action figure that captures the essence of the character from the film. Its strengths lie in its detailed appearance, excellent articulation, and movie-accurate accessories. While the price may be a consideration for some collectors, the overall quality justifies the investment for fans of Robocop and high-end action figures. Murphy earns a solid:
8.5 out of 10 ToyBoxes
This figure stands out as a strong representation of Robocop, offering a great balance of screen accuracy, playability, and display potential. It's a must-have for Robocop enthusiasts and a worthy addition to any action figure collection. Thank you, as always, and until next time... GEEK OUT!!!