Created under the command of Odin, the Destroyer was intended to be used to help save humanity. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out the way you’d like them to when Loki is around.
Diamond Select Toys have just released the comic version of this powerhouse construct in their 7-inch Marvel Select Line. There is no denying his sheer mass, but does this MS Destroyer have what it takes to stand up Thor? Let’s find out!
Packaging
Nothing new here! It’s the standard Marvel Select bookshelf-style box. Twist ties, nice background text, and that beautiful paint fume explosion when you open it.
Sculpt
Sculpted by Jean St. Jean and clocking in at about 9 inches, this is one gorgeous-looking figure. This is a character that could very easily be overdesigned, but they’ve chosen to go with a classic aesthetic. He’s covered in sculpted ribbing, rivets, and spikes, but none of it is overpowering. All of the elements blend so well together. I’m also loving the thick frame of the figure. This dude is boxy and big, which is a nice change from the usual “ripped bodybuilder” look. My one little nitpick is that he doesn’t have any fists. One would have been nice.
Paint
Marvel Select has certainly made the most out of such a simple character design. The metallic shine is one of the best I’ve seen, and they’ve done a tremendous job with adding just the right amount of shading. Unlike some earlier MS figures that tended to be a bit gloppy, this guy is smooth as silk and has a nice airbrush quality to him. It’s the kind of paint apps that really complement the sculpt of the figure.
Articulation
When it comes to the big guys in the Marvel Select line, we’re all pretty used to lowering our expectations in terms of articulation. I’m happy to say that this is not the case with Destroyer. Now, this guy isn’t nearly as big as some of the Hulks or the Juggernaut, so the same standards may not apply, but that’s neither here nor there. This guy can move. He only has 18 points, but each one is functional. There is a ball-jointed head, pin-and-disk shoulders, bicep cuts, single-jointed elbows, pin-and-disc wrists, ab joint, DCUC-style hips, thigh cuts, single knees, and rocker ankles. I almost missed the thigh cuts as they’re so well ingrained into the sculpt. The shoulder armor is also on a pin-and-ball, which allows ample movement in the shoulder. Really, the only drawback is the ab joint. It works mostly as a waist cut and offers very little forward/backward motion.
Accessories
With Destroyer, MS also gives you an alternate Odin head and his sword. Accessories like this are always welcome because it allows you to display an entirely different character. While the Destroyer sculpt is relatively simple, these two pieces really allowed the sculptor to shine. The paint may be a little heavy on the Odin head, but the sculpt is fantastic. He looks stern and powerful — which will blend perfectly with the Destroyer armor. The sword has some truly intricate work and it’s made with a nice firm plastic. So hopefully you won’t get that wilting effect after a while.
Overall — this an A+ effort from DST and one you should definitely not pass on.
Thanks for reading!
