Robo is fond of talking about, much to my financial detriment, the power of what a good figure can do for a property. That might sound kind of weird when it comes to a Marvel Cinematic property, sure, but hear me out on this one.
I like Thor, and I like movie Thor, probably more than I do the comic iteration, but for me Thor is more of a “checking off a box” figure than he is a must have. I know that sounds harsh, but he”s just never been one of my main dogs. Now, the movies have elevated him significantly, but even then, he usually ends up my 3rd or 4th favorite Avenger. And Hemsworth? man, who doesn’t love that guy? He and Jeff Morgan almost made that awful Red Dawn remake watchable.
So buying a movie Thor isn’t a stretch, in fact it’s a better sell for me than a comic one. But I had kinda figured I’d want a Avengers standard Thor, in one of his suits that blended the cinematic with the better elements of some of his comic suits. His Ragnarok look has a definite cool factor, but I dont’t think it is inherently “Thor” when you see it. And when I did see it on film, it was almost incidental- I liked the movie, but I almost enjoyed it as a Guardians spinoff- not a “Thor ” movie. What I’m feebly attempting to qualify here is that while it was fun, it’s not one of my favorite Marvel movies.
So then these here Mezco figures start shipping. And Hulk, while impressive, is a long way from the perfection that might have been a little unfairly expected of him. Thor followed shortly after, and I don’t know exactly what my expectations were for him…
I was certainly not expecting him to be this damn good.
Let’s start at the top. These headsculpts are just excellent. Intimidating, accurate, and the additional neck joints are a nice new touch. The standard head is my favorite for versatility sake, but the armored and charged up ones are just as striking- and a lot of that really takes them being in person. I echoed some of the initial thoughts that they looked a little soft in pictures.
The standard Mezco articulation is all here and all good on Thor, and while there may be some previously used parts in here, the new ones have helped make this a very proportionate build. He can come off a touch short next to some of the comic versions, but I suspect the more movie Marvel figures we get, the better he’ll fit.
The torso armor is a great flexible plastic that allows most of that torso articulation to work pretty freely. the pants have nice vinyl details like kneepads, and like Hulk, the mix of media here almost feels effortless as it transitions from cloth to armor to skin.
For accessories, you get your assortment of fists and holding hands, a very nicely detailed mace and shield, and some alternate sword hilts and sheathes, to work with his energy swords, and a lightning effect.
I don’t really like false sheaths or holsters on just about anything, but given the nature of the swords (and how sweet they look), I’m not going to really hold that against them. A little direction on tnr shield, though. It’s a little tricky, with both a handle and a forearm wrap. What I recommend is fitting the grip hand seperately first, then sliding the shield over the forearm and reconnecting.
Listing parts and accessories is all fine and good, it’s kinda what we do when we review things, but the real “special feature” of Thor is just how well all these things gel on this figure. The weapons and articulation just flow. The costume gives off an armored, regal, and even battle-worn appearance without getting in the way of the action. The likenesses are very screen worthy, and yet still “Mezco” enough to feel right with other figures. This Thor is just a really well blended set of elements of what Mezco does best, and because of that, he’s my favorite Thor figure- a position I didn’t even know I had- and he gets to do so in a costume that doesn’t even really make me think “Thor” when I see it.
And that, well, it kicks ass. Get this guy. Let him be your movie Thor, customize him into your Skyrim character, or have him beat on your Mythic Legions guys. He’ll do it, he’ll look awesome doing it, and you’ll be glad you did.
