Elektra has the pleasure of being the first Marvel Legend female action figure. Yes, the first. Her appearance in the ToyBiz June 2003 Series 4 lineup is forever etched in stone. The figure was one of the first superposable female action figures to hit the market and set the mold for female action figure to come. She even became a bit of a model when the character was used for another prototype advancement in female action figures by Hasbro.
Elektra is an interesting character that was introduced to the comic world in the pages of Frank Miller’s Daredevil run in 1981. She was part of the “dark” era of Daredevil. “Dark” characterizing not only the artistic style, but the writing as well. While I love the work from this period, especially Miller’s early contribution to the art, I find it extremely depressing. I prefer the lighter part of Daredevil’s life, but there was some really good storytelling in this era that is hard to ignore. Elektra was one of those great aspects during the Miller run.
This Greek-goddess-turned-ninja was a great character for a year in the run. She was a lover, killer, hero, and ultimately a victim of one of the greatest comic book death’s in recent history. Dying by her own sai at the hands of Daredevil’s greatest nemesis Bullseye, her death was a shocker to the “comic characters never die” mentality. If only she stayed dead. It took a while, but she was brought back to life in the ’90s and has been a staple of the Marvel Universe since. The current comic is a great read, trippy, and worth taking the time to burn through it on a monthly basis.
The action figure is not without its faults. It’s a first-of-a-kind, and, as with any FOAK, not without issues. The main issue that collectors had with the figure was the use of the v-crotch and the “hippy-hinge.” The v-crotch was a standard thigh swivel, like that of the t-crotch of 3 3/4-inch Star Wars figures, but set at an angle. This was done in order to keep the flow of the female pelvis looking female and keep the “panty line” intact. The result is that the legs don’t move directly out, instead move out in the same angle as the v-crotch cut. ToyBiz compensated for this by introducing thigh swivels, but it doesn’t fix the problem of the really wide crotch stance, nor did the hippy-hinge. This was a swivel joint that allowed the hips to extend out vertically to the sides. The joint has since been engineered on action figures to work really well and could have worked better on Elektra, but the range of motion inwards allowing the inner thighs to touch was very limited. This joint continues to be a topic of conversation amongst collectors, especially since Elektra is a fantastic figure.
The sculpt is perfect. Certainly modern female figures improved, but this is still a solid action figure, the sculpt looks like an athletic female and the overall proportions are fitting for the character. Some collectors complain about her height, but it’s fine for the modern-day superheroine. She’s got a great chest and even scultpted fabric lines. The head sculpt is OK. There is a bit of a big-eyed look on her, but I’ve seen custom repaints over the years that show off how good the face sculpt can be when non-factory painting takes over.
As mentioned, the articulation is disappointing in the hips, but the rest is damn-near perfect. She’s got a ton of articulation, and as a ninja assassin, you would expect nothing less from your ninja action figure. I love the hinged ab joint; it’s one of the few female figures that takes the time to make the transition between the upper body and lower body look right. The head movement is hindered by the hair sculpt, but short of using plugged hair (which would look awful), there isn’t much one can do.
The accessories are great with the backpack that can hold two katanas, and she also has her signature sais. The base is OK, nothing to really celebrate. But the sais? They rock. If she had a small hole in her stomach, you could reproduce her death scene with Bullseye.
While Elektra could use another redo in the modern age, I do like this figure and she should be a part of your Marvel Legends collection. However, I’ve lost or customized mine and had to rely on Benty’s picturing skills to make this article happen.
You can still pick Elektra up at:
