Cyclops, the almost-constant-leader of the X-Men from their start in the early 1960s, is one of the great Marvel characters. He’s Scott Summers, the mutant with the ability to shoot laser beams out of his eyes. Using specially constructed ruby-quartz lenses, he can control his lazering and lead a somewhat normal life as leader of the X-Men and hero of the Marvel Universe.
During the past few years, Cyke has gone from hero to bad guy. I think he’s a bad guy, at least. He was taken over by the Phoenix Force and killed Professor Xavier and pissed a whole lot of people off. Last week Manintheanthill brought us an archive of the Sentinel Series Cyclops, and I thought it a good time to breakdown Cyclops since we’ve gotten a few of him over the years. It’s time for Cyke to finally get his own Top 5, specially when he’s got over 5 figures to choose from.
5. Marvel Legends Brood Series Astonishing X-Men Cyclops
While the figure is all over the place in terms of sculpt, with large feet and hands compared to the body and limbs, and the oddly shaped head, this is the only figure of the super popular Astonishing Cyclops. I wouldn’t mind an updated version of this costume.
4. X-Men Classic Jim Lee
I so want this to be the best Jim Lee Cyclops out there, but the super-skinny proportions just kill it for me. It’s a great figure and a great sculpt, but it’s just really small compared to the original artwork. If only he were on a bigger base.
3. Wolverine Legends Puck Series Cyclops – Utopia
I like this one. While I’m not crazy for this costume, this is the perfect base-build for Cyclops in my mind’s eye. He’s tall, big, and beefy. And, really, you can wipe the yellow and swap out the gloves and boots (and Daken belt) of another figure on this list for the perfect “Giant Sized” Cyke.
2. Marvel Legends Sentinel Series 10 Cyclops – Giant Sized
This isn’t the perfect “Giant Sized” Cyclops, but it holds the number 2 spot for being the first Marvel Legends Cyclops and is deserving of being on this list. I still love the head sculpt, it’s all brooding and serious the way Cyke should be.
1. Marvel Legends TRU All New X-Men Box Set Cyclops
This gets the number 1 spot. While I don’t have this specific figure, I do have figures with all the parts and have swapped them together. I know the complaints about the box sets, but, ignoring that, this is a rather adult-looking Cyke. It’s a great-looking figure and is definitely Cyclops. Plus, you can swap his parts with Utopia Cyke for the perfect “Giant Sized” Cyke.
There you have it. Love the list, hate the list, vehemently argue the choices. Next time around I’ll get you all to vote! Oh, and here is the rest of the Cyke figures in existence, in no particular order:
X-Men Legends Jubilee Series Cyclops
X-Men Classics Ruby Quartz Armor Cyclops
X-Men Classics Stealth Cyclops w/ Light-Up Visor & Cannon
X-Men Classics Motorbike (Cyclops)
Marvel Legends Sentinel Series 10 X-Factor
