We're back for another Dan's ToyBox Two in One review. This time we're looking at the Hasbro Marvel Legends: Retro Spider-Man VHS Series Green Goblin/Mary Jane Watson Two Pack. I'm happy to say this is an improvement over the Doc Ock/Aunt May offering, though I do have some issues, overall, I'm fairly pleased with this set!
Industrialist Norman Osborne wanted more. Not satisfied with his vast wealth and successful company, Oscorp, Norman created a formula, giving him Superhuman strength, stamina, durability, agility and reflexes. In addition, he gained regenerative powers, not unlike Wolverine's healing factor, but not quite as powerful. He also possesses a Genius-level intellect, is a master hand-to-hand combatant and martial artist and has developed several goblin-themed weapons and a Goblin Glider which has a variety of offensive weapons built in. Unfortunately, the particularly nasty side effect of the serum was that Norman was driven insane. He is considered Spider-Man's greatest enemy after discovering Peter's true identity and killing Spider-Man's first true love, Gwen Stacy. The Green Goblin first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 (July 1964) and was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Mary Jane Watson has long been part of Peter's life. For a long time, Peter's Aunt May was trying to set him up with her good friend Anna's niece; "that nice Watson girl from next door." Peter managed to dodge meeting MJ several times (as she made several cameos in the books, with her face never being revealed...) until the day we finally get to see Mary Jane. Her first full appearance took place in the pages of The Amazing Spider-Man #42 (Jan. 1967) where we hear her famous catchphrase "Face it, Tiger... you just hit the jackpot!" Mary Jane's popularity with readers continued to climb and eventually, she and Peter after many on and off attempts became a couple and married. Through the years, MJ Watson has been a constant in Peter Parker's life, making the web spinner a more well-rounded character. MJ was created by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr.
Let's dive into the review, shall we?
Accessories: 7/10
The accessories that come with the Hasbro Marvel Legends Retro Animated Series Spider-Man VHS Two-Pack are truly fantastic. The Green Goblin action figure is complemented by an unmasked Norman Osborn head, allowing collectors to display both sides of this iconic character. The inclusion of the Goblin Glider (which we've seen different versions of previously but features a new "face" sculpt on the front), his satchel of tricks, and Pumpkin Bomb adds to the authenticity of the figure, allowing for dynamic poses and imaginative play. Sadly though, he only comes with one pair of open palmed hands. Including fists would have given the Goblin more versatility in posing and play. Mary Jane's accessories, while simpler, are still a decent addition. The pair of fists and open hands provide options for various display poses and interaction with other figures. Unlike Aunt May, I can see Mary Jane punching someone, so the inclusion of fists for her is not unreasonable.
Appearance: 9.5/10
The attention to detail in the appearance of both the Green Goblin and Mary Jane figures is commendable. The figures capture the essence of the characters' classic animated series designs, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans. The Green Goblin's sinister grin, and the vibrant color palette are all spot-on. Although, I was a bit surprised to see that the waist area is a darker purple than the rest of the figure. I looked online for pix from the cartoon and found that, indeed, his trunks are darker than his tunic, gloves and boots. I'd forgotten that was the case, so bravo, Hasbro for the attention to detail! The unmasked Norman Osborne head sculpt is also incredibly well done, especially with the unhinged grin on his face, clearly showing his descent into insanity. I definitely appreciate the work that went into creating it. Mary Jane's figure is also beautifully sculpted, with accurate facial features and well-defined clothing textures. I'm very pleased with the clean paint applications on the figure, including the details on her buttons, and facial paint applications. The only real issue was a scuff on the back of one of her legs. Thankfully it's on the hinge, but still, that was a bit of a disappointment.
The figures' design truly transports collectors back to the animated series era.
Articulation: 6.5/10
The articulation of these figures is solid, though not spectacular. They offer a good range of motion in the joints, allowing for a variety of action poses. While some limitations are expected due to the characters' designs, the figures can still achieve dynamic stances that pay homage to their animated counterparts. Green Goblin's articulation works well with the Goblin Glider accessory, enhancing the play and display possibilities. Mary Jane's articulation is slightly more restricted due to her design. The Goblin's head can turn side to side easily and can look up and down, where Mary Jane has limited side to side motion and can only look down, due to her hair sculpt. Both figures' shoulders can raise to great T poses and will rotate 360 degrees. Goblin has a bicep swivel, while MJ's swivel is located at her single-jointed elbow. Both figures can't get very deep elbow bends, due to their designs. Wrists on both figures hinge and turn with ease. The Goblin has the old single abdomen joint that can bend forward and backward and a twist joint at the waist. MJ has the upper diaphragm joint that can lean forward and backward slightly but will turn and tilt side to side reasonably well. She has no waist twist. Both figures can hit about 45-degree splits and can kick their legs forward decently. Both figures have good knee bend at the double-jointed knees, though the right leg on my Goblin doesn't seem to quite bend as far as his left leg. Both figures have boot swivels and great ankle hinge and pivot.
Affordability: 5/10
This is listed as a Hasbro Pulse exclusive and as with the rest of their Two-Pack VHS series figures, retails at $52.99. Making each, individual figure roughly $26.49 each. For the Goblin with his glider, that's an acceptable price, but for MJ alone, being $1.50 above individual retail price is a head scratcher. Does it balance out? Meh... I don't think so, but I suppose it could be much worse.
Overall, the Hasbro Marvel Legends Retro Animated Series Spider-Man VHS Two-Pack earns decent scores in various aspects. With accurate appearance, solid articulation, and reasonable affordability, this set is a good addition for fans of the classic animated series and Marvel Legends collectors alike. With that in mind, I'm feeling good about giving this set:
7 out of 10 ToyBoxes
In my opinion, there is enough to like about this set to make purchasing it worthwhile. The figures look great with the other Animated Spider-Man figures on my shelf, and will look good alongside yours too! Until next time... GEEK OUT!!!