The tale of the Netflix Marvel Series is one frought with triumph, tragedy, redemption, and being taken from us too soon. Classic, dramatic stuff, right? So it figures that the Mezco figure would pick up a little of that.
The Mezco version of this now iconic take on the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen was supposed to make it here before season three. Hell, It might have been season two, but some of this suit’s revisions reflect those that were done on the show as well.
And that’s kinda where we get into trouble. This poor guy got blindsided (heh) by revisions almost right after his first showing. Let’s be honest here- this isn’t an easy costume to begin with, but as the show made changes to improve the suit’s ability to move- for stunts especially- Mezco, at least I think, tried to keep pace. At least that’s my take on it. And things like segmented chest armor and baggier pants might make for a real-world suit working a little easier, it’s rarely such an easy transition to 1/12 scale.
So, with a little explanantion out of the way, I can be more direct with the figure. And really…. He’s not bad! He’s just a little like some people felt about season three- a little short of the mark they’d hoped for.
The stuff that worked out good: The base body is great. The articulation is on par with the comic one, although I think this uses some new body components. Double elbows, double knees, socketed shoulders, some nice neck range and pretty damn good ankles make this guy really look just that much better when posed. The suit has a ton of great detail and texture going on, with only the little rivets done in vinyl. While it might be a bit puffy, the torso armor and the pleather interior on the pants look good and offer good range- probably why that torso piece is puffy in the first place.
The stuff that didn’t quite take: The suit overall has an odd… weight? How do I put this…. it “drapes” somewhat unflattering when he’s in a generic pose. And why is that a downside? Well, as much as some of us wish otherwise, a lot of our figures spend a fair amount of time standing on attention with their brothers and sisters on the shelf. Like I said; get him in motion, he looks pretty good, but it’s tough to get a good “look” with both heels on the ground. The other quibble I have, and I know it’s sounds like a backhanded compliment- I don’t love the headsculpts, but even so, they’re the best in this scale. Detail and paint are there, but I always think of this Daredevil with some stubble. As it is, I would much rather have him clean shaven than have some half-assed “wash” applied and call it stubble.
And lastly, which is really my only real problem, he’s light in the accessory department. He does have his billy clubs and a holster, and the clubs do peg together for a fight stick, and he does have the usual compliments of hands and a spare angry head. But I would have loved a battle damage and/or unmasked head like the comic one. A wired set of clubs would have been icing on the cake.
When it comes to Netflix and Daredevil, and especially Punisher, I already have a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. And that’s something that any figure is going to have trouble overtaking- and franky, it’s not a fair burden. But I can’t help but line him up against the comic Daredevil or the movie Spiderman and think, damn, good in the company of great. So if you’re a big fan of the series, I think you will find things to enjoy with it, and you’ll ultimately be glad you picked him up. If you’re just in need of a Mezco Daredevil… I might almost steer you toward that classic, if I’m being totally honest.
