Created to fill the Goblin-shaped hole in Spider-Man’s Rogue’s Gallery after Norman Osborn went on “vacation” way back in Amazing Spider-Man #121, the Hobgoblin eventually came into his own as one of Web-Head’s most iconic villains. With a star turn on Fox’s Spider-Man: The Animated Series and his own Marvel Comics limited series, Hobby soon superseded his emerald-scaled inspiration, becoming the Goblin for an entire generation.
Released in series 17 of the Spider-Man Classics line, Hobgoblin was late to the party, but still a big hit with collectors. I guess when you’re released alongside Hydro-Man and Spider-Hulk, it’s pretty easy to be the breakout star. Hobby’s distinctive orange cloak and fanged countenance set him apart from his pointy-eared progenitor, but cues like his Goblin Glider, satchel, and pumpkin bombs kept him tied him to the greater Osborn line.
Hobgoblin was first drawn by the legendary Romitas (John Jr. on pencils, John Sr. on inks) and this ‘Goblin action figure more than lives up to his linage. Everything you could possibly want to see on this guy is front and center. From his Babes in Toyland boots to his pointy gnome-hat, Hobby is picture-perfect. Don’t believe me? Here’s a picture:
The figure is shockingly faithful to the artwork. The expression is wonderful; where the Green Goblin was manic and reckless, the Hobgoblin is methodical and cruel. His weird, almost lecherous nature comes through in the sculpt. Norman Osborn was a jerk, but this guy is a creep, and that’s all too clear when you get a good look at him.
Unlike other ToyBiz figures of the time, Hobgoblin’s hood is rendered in such a way that his face can clearly be seen. Sculpted by no less than the Four Horsemen, Hobby is grinning madly as he offers doom and destruction to all comers. That was a big part of the character’s appeal; you never knew which side of crazy he was going to come down on.
The cape drapes the way you’d expect from heavy fabric, hanging dramatically from his shoulders. It’s a bit on the thick side, and the weight and time have conspired to weaken my figure’s ankles. Fortunately, the cape is also firm enough to aid Hobby in holding some of his more extreme poses, so it’s not all bad. A softer cape, like Marvel Legends wave seven Vision, would have been preferred, but what are ya gonna do?
No self-respecting Goblin is going after Spider-Man empty-handed, and ToyBiz saw to it Hobby had his signature weapon. The pumpkin-bomb is glued into the figure’s hand, which is great because that means I still have it. All too often, little pieces like this end up as cat toys until vanishing down a heating grate, so I’m glad ToyBiz attached it permanently. Sorry, kitty.
While the mid-foot hinge is usually fairly superfluous, here it both adds to the articulation and enhances the sculpt. Between the rocker ankle and the toe-hinge, this is a remarkably expressive foot.
The paint job acquits itself nicely. Everything is clean and even; even the detailing on the mail looks good. While the blue areas gets the bulk of the attention, the figure’s orange sections get some overspray to create depth and dimension. Hobby’s face looks especially good, with a bright, almost metallic red used for the eyes. The black on the belt is a little sloppy, but this is forgivable in person. The figure has such a great look overall that small details don’t detract from it’s overall coolness.
The clip-on flame from Iron Fist attaches nicely to Hobgoblin’s pumpkin bomb if you’re looking to punch up his shelf presence. The bomb can be pried out of the figure’s hand if you’re so inclined, but why bother? Leave it where it is, he has another hand.
Because supervillains should never have to rely on public transportation, Hobgoblin comes with his trademark Goblin Glider. For being a pack-in, it’s surprisingly nice. The smoke-plume that trails from the exhaust rotates 360 degrees, allowing for some nifty posing options. Its metallic paint job adds some nice contrast to all of the orange, which is appreciated. The figure also came with a goofy wheeled base, but that’s long gone.
Hobgoblin features a ball-jointed head, ball shoulders, bicep swivel, double-hinged elbows, wrist swivels, and hinged fingers, plus an ab-crunch, a swivel waist, ball hips, double-jointed knees, boot-top swivels, rocker ankles and a mid-toe hinge. Everything works great. The figure is a little tall; I’m not obsessed with scale like some collectors, but the height difference is noticeable next to Spider-Men of the line. But crouched on his glider it’s a moot point.
Hobgoblin is a top-shelf offering from the Spider-Man Classics line and is well worth tracking down.
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Jason R Mink/TMitAH!
