Marvel Legends
Professor X and Deadpool Corps
Yes, we have had three solid previous releases in the “Rides” execution of Marvel Legends. That’s right, I dig Black Widow, Logan, and most of all Ghost Rider. That said: this new series, you know, the one feature Chuck Xavier and Wade Wilson? Yeah, this is what I am talking about!
Yes, yes, hyperbole aside, THIS is what this line should 100% be, and I am having so much fun with both of these figures. Ghost Rider ranks right up with these two for sure, but damn it, these two strike, in the parlance of our time, so much JOY. It is funny that the Prof’s hover chair has been iconic for nigh on 30 years, but of the two, that is the one I was worried we would never get. Deadpool has proven to be so relentlessly popular as of late that getting the Vespa, er, SCOOTER seemed inevitable. However, even though it was expected, that does not make it any less fun.
We are going to get that “Jim Lee” team in ML, and looking at the release schedule and pattern, it might happen before this time next year. With Storm, Iceman, and a new Jean being the only hold outs to this point, up until his reveal at SDCC last year, I was still worried we would be without Chuck to lead the way. Yeah, sure, we still have the old Toy Biz version, but after having this new edition for a few days now, we were certainly set for an upgrade.
So, these releases are just as much about the included vehicles as the figures themselves, and when a figure is some bald old dude in a suit, you would think his futuristic over chair get little competition from its driver, but man, Xavier is such a dynamic figure. I mean that. Yes, his inability to walk and the fact that his powerful mutant abilities live inside his polished dome make it difficult to make him dynamic or exciting, but somehow, this figure totally pulls it off. Sure, I could split hairs and say I still want a Chuck in his fatigues like from the cover of X-Men #1, but if that never happens, I will not be the least bit disappointed.
Since the figure is pretty much a repaint of the previously-released suit body (with a snazzy striped tie, and some fashionable brown loafers), the new head sculpt/portrait is what really carries the weight. I am happy to report that it does a magnificent job in doing so because this IS Charles Xavier. I have been a bit split on some of the recent X-Men releases with their likenesses (Psylocke and and few unmasked Wolverines come to mind), but Chucky boy is downright perfect, and probably one of the best likenesses of the whole line. The eyebrows, children! They are PERFECTION! Yeah, he comes with a cool Cerebro helmet, and even a power effect attachment for it, but I don’t think I am going to display them because covering up that head in any capacity seems like a crime. It’s a good problem to have.
That said, I know full well that the hover chair is the star of the show here, and for me, it does not disappoint. Yeah, some will likely deride the seam on the front, but it pretty much becomes invisible after having it all assembled for a bit. The fact remains that this yellow-gold chair has been a unicorn in the Legends line for the better part of 20 years, but we now have it, and it is exactly what I want. Sure, Charles has spent most of his time in a version of a standard wheelchair (and this new figure can sit fine in the old TB chair), but let’s face it, you know you would pick this ride 10/10 over a regular chair.
I love the fact that the arm rests push to the side to reveal control panels, and the base is a nice effect to show how the rig gets around. That makes the chair stand taller than a standard Legends figure, but I have to say, it works, especially if Charles is in the middle of your X-display. Which he should be. If you are not into it, the chair actually balances just fine on its own. The pieces snap together easily and the back and seat cushions help to hold it all together. Heck, even the blanket is included and it sits naturally.
Oh, and did I mention that the Shadow King head is also included in this set? Yeah, you are going to have to go get another Kingpin BAF (and Monster Venom hands) because this looks awesome as well. Plus: fez. Between the Lilandra head and now this, Hasbro got us buying all kinds of multiples for that latest Spider-Man series.
Do NOT sleep on this set. It is really awesome and it instantly becomes the dynamic centerpiece of that insane X-Men display we are about to complete.
Oh, Wade, don’t think I have forgotten about you. Whereas the Chuck set transformed a feeling of relief to instant joy upon receiving it, this Deadpool Corps (it would be remiss to just say it is a Deadpool set. A dog and squirrel are present) set never really felt mandatory (for me), but there was no way I was going to pass it up because it is every bit as fun as you would expect. I mean, people like me have been buying little Vespas from Japan for some time now for our Deadpool figures, so Hasbro had to get in on the game, right? Indeed, and they made their scooter 100% DP.
Deadpool himself is mostly a kit bash and repaint of previous releases, with a new, awesome, and appropriately screaming head sculpt. For having his entire face covered up, you can perfectly see the “oh shit” look on his ugly much, and it is perfect for medium-speed adventures on a scooter. It is not the only new head sculpt included in the set though, because like Chuck, this set also includes a new head you can use on a previous release in the form Bob, Agent of Hydra. Finally, amirite? DP’s bestie is finally on the scene, and he will be chasing this scooter for all time now on my shelf.
Since this a Deadpool Corps release, of course we must talk about the inclusion of Dogpool and Squirrelpool, and with the previous releases of Lady DP and Headpool, we have more Corps members than Serpent Society releases thus far. Dog and Squirrel are such fun additions, and they fit so perfectly on the back of the scooter that no one should be complaining if the peg for dog is a little loose. At least on mine.. Dogpool. Squirrelpool. What a fascinating modern age we live in.
The scooter itself if is fairly simple, but on-model to what you would expect, but with two giant tail pipes and wonderful horn. I am glad they did not overdue the design here and kept it pretty basic because that is the joke, right? Deadpool on a pretty regular scooter instead of something fancy like a Hell Cycle or hover chair. Everyone fits comfortably on the seat (you can even add Lady and Head) and it balances just fine with the kickstand down. A fun decal sheet is also included, and while I DO plan on adorning this ride with some of them, I have not done so just yet. I am just trying to decide on the ones I want to use. Or maybe I am just afraid of commitment.
OMG, you guys, these two sets are some undeniably fun, I can’t even. Yeah, like everyone else, I was probably looking a little past these to the Caliban wave, but man, I am so, so, so, so happy to have there, especially Chuck. He instantly becomes the center of your X-Shelf and the DP Corps can but in where ever they want. DO NOT PASS THESE UP. Do you hear me? DO NOT PASS THESE UP. I promise you will instantly regret it. So don’t do that to yourself, and get over the Dorkside Toys to place your order.
