The toy community was unsure of how to react when Mezco’s One:12 Collective The Dark Knight Returns Batman figure first appeared at San Diego Comic-Con in 2014. Since then, Mezco has had figures delayed, hit both highs and lows, and had more figures delayed. While the brand is still forging its legacy, their Captain America figure is proof that they have the potential to revolutionize the industry.
Before the line hit, there were questions about the long-term durability of soft goods, whether the articulation would be impeded by those same soft goods, and what licenses Mezco could actually acquire without stepping on any toes. With every new release and reveal, I think Mezco has answered those questions resoundingly. That’s not to say that all One:12 Collective figures have been home runs like Captain America and Batman v Superman Batman, but this is an innovative product in its infancy. Mezco has stumbled along the way, but including Spock, Mezco actually made two of my five favorite figures in 2016. With Spider-Man, Joker, Superman, Daredevil, and a lot more coming next year, I suspect Mezco will populate the majority of my 2017 list.
As far as Steve Rogers himself, the figure is a masterpiece. He comes packaged with his iconic shield, a shield harness, 11 hands, 2 grenades, a pouch and canteen, an extra head, and a display base and stand. Although the soft goods do impede the upper arm articulation, the figure moves well. In fact, aside from limited ankles and ab crunch, he moves about as well as Spider-Man. The paint work is nearly impeccable (as you’d expect from an $80 toy), and the sculpt is detailed and precise. Some are unhappy with the creative liberties Mezco took on the costume, but I see it as an amalgam of what Cap would’ve worn in WWII and what he’d wear today. If you haven’t picked him up yet, put that holiday check from Grandma to good use. He’s still available at BBTS. 