Mega Man. As you probably know by now, I am a huge fan. Sentinel has released some pretty incredible figures of the little blue bomber over the past year or so, and I have done my best to cover them all, even those that are not really in my wheelhouse. The latest release is the Star Force Mega Man, and while it is another great figure release, I am being stretched when it comes to different variations on the main theme for this line.
I have admitted in the past, and will do so again, that the “classic” Mega Man continuity is my jam. I have the longest connection to it in terms of the actual games, and I love the overall aesthetic so much – that series is my all-time favorite video game series. However, I recognize the importance of most of the other canons, and while some have been much more successful than others (the “X” series is held in high regard), Sentinel has done a great job in making very successful figures of the “X,” “EXE,” and “Volnutt” so as you can imagine, this new Star Force version is very nice, which is good since I took a leap of faith with this one, as I have zero connection to the particular mythos.
Mega Man Star Force as a game was built more on the role playing style, like the Battle Network/EXE style, and as you can see, the design took a pretty sharp departure from that good old classic feel. This makes for an interesting figure, but it just doesn’t scream “Mega Man” to me. As always, Sentinel has done exceptional design in realizing this as an action figure, and if you have any of the previous releases, you know that means wonderfully engineered joints and great range of movement. I stand by my previous assertion that, while these figures definitely are not cheap, they are some of the best constructed figures I have ever owned.
The sculpting work and paint also continue to be highlights in this line, and this figure has a lot going on with it’s somewhat odd (for MM, anyway) design. He is set apart not only by his color palette, but by the red visor, wild spiked hair, and what I can only describe as his “Voltron” arm. As these are “adult collectibles” the sculpting is precise and that means the green flames on the arm are pointed and, honestly, sharp to the touch. The arm is neat, but I don’t know, since I don’t exactly know what it is for, I try to refrain from being judgmental about it. It does look cool, but that is just not Mega Man to me. However, since I am putting together a “Mega Man Through the Ages” collection, this is a neat piece. Oh, I will say that this figure, more than those that came before, is a bit “fidgety” as the little points of the helmet that come down around the face like to fall off, so be careful.
The accessories department is generally where I fault Sentinel releases as they have never been exiting to me. I mean, they are definitely serviceable with swappable hands, face plates, etc., but never anything to write home about. that pattern is continued here with the standard Sentinel base, an alternate “yelling” face plate, an open hand, a hand holding a card (again, no idea on this one), and a different head for the “Voltron” arm. Like I said, I like options, but man, what I would not give to return that extra lion head for a little enemy bot or something at this point.
Look, I think this is a nice figure, and certainly of high quality. I have no experience with this iteration of Mega Man, but like I did with the EXE and Volnutt figures, I supported canons I am not really into to help support the line. However, now we are truly at a crossroads, because I do not think I can support another version of Mega Man I do not really care about before we get other characters. I am a broken record with calling for more Robot Masters from the classic series (poor Cut Man is so lonely), but at this point, I would take Proto Man, and even Bass, whom I do not really like. Something. Anything.
However, that might be a moot point as, for the first time in the line (I think) we have had a release without knowing what is coming next. The alarmist in me worries about the future of the line, but maybe they are taking some time to do some new tooling for new characters, but we will see. At any rate, if you are good with just collecting Mega Man figures, this will make an interesting addition, so you can order him HERE. Hopefully, Sentinel will come through and more interesting things will be in our future.
