And you thought I was going to pick a Star Wars figure, didn’t you?
I was originally planning to. I had a list of Star Wars figures ready to go. Bandai model Original Trilogy Stormtrooper or Boba Fett, S.H. Figuarts First Order Stormtrooper or Darth Maul. Black Series Commander Cody. All fine figures, and some of my favorites. But as I was sitting in the toy room last week my eyes kept falling upon one of the few figures on my computer desk. Spider-Man Legends Ghost Rider.
The reason that Ghost Rider is on the desk is because he’s one of my “fiddle figures.” Whenever I’m sitting and waiting for something to upload, I pick him up and mess around. He’s irresistible that way. I was absolutely enamored with the AIM Soldier that this figure was based on, so it was a no-brainer that I’d like him. The articulation, the proportions, the overall look and presence just tickle my fancy.
More than that, this figure finally got the character right, at least in my eyes. Sure, we had a few come before, but they all lacked that little something that screamed “Ghost Rider.” Even the Series 7 version was a little skinny and . . . boney? Sure, this version was shortchanged the motorcycle, but fortunately he looks pretty good on the bike that came with Series 7.
The subtly painted eyes and articulated jaw complement the perfect head sculpt. The riding gear is clean, but the sculpt there fits his look to a T. Sure, I’d like to see a more classic blue version, but the black gives it a mean edge. And the changes Hasbro made to convert it from the AIM Soldier (and Star-Lord) to the Spirit of Vengeance are not huge but transforms the overall look drastically. Just an all-around excellent figure.
This Ghost Rider is a little evil-looking, a lot of awesome, and absolutely badass.
