Back in 2016, Marvel toy fans were inundated with exciting news from New York Toy Fair. Amidst all the buzz, the first series of Spider-Man characters stole the spotlight. And right in the center of it all was the highly sought-after Marvel Legends Venom figure. But is this elusive figure truly worth the hunt? Let’s dive into the details and find out!
The Right: A Bulky and Powerful Symbiote
Without a doubt, Venom is one of the most iconic villains in the Spider-Man universe. However, it had been quite some time since Hasbro released a classic Venom 6″ figure. Thankfully, the Spider-Man Legends Absorbing Man Series brought this fan-favorite character back to life.
Hasbro made an excellent decision by using the “heavyweight” mold for Venom’s body. This choice perfectly captures the symbiote’s bulkiness and power, creating an intimidating presence when showcased alongside the slimmer Spider-Man action figures.
From an articulation standpoint, this $20 toy paves the way for an exceptional play experience. Hasbro incorporated almost every possible point of articulation, including ankle rockers, swivel calves, thighs, and biceps, double-jointed knees and elbows, ball-hinge shoulders and wrists, an upper torso ab crunch, swivel waist, and ball-hinge head.
While the hips could have been improved with ball-hinge joints, it’s a minor complaint considering the overall articulation scheme.
On top of these impressive features, the Marvel Legends Venom figure comes with two different heads. Neither achieves the level of detail in the Marvel Select Venom figure from years ago, but they do capture the two best looks for classic Venom: one with the tongue out and one without. The inclusion of these heads adds versatility and enhances the dynamic aesthetic of the character.
The Wrong: Claw Hands and Quality Control Issues
When envisioning Venom on the attack, we imagine him with claw hands and symbiotic tendrils striking fear into his opponents. Unfortunately, the Marvel Legends 2016 Venom figure disappoints in this regard. It comes with only grasping hands and lacks more deadly accessories. For a character known for his distinct method of offense, this decision is puzzling.
Additionally, quality control becomes a concern with this figure. The black rubbery-feeling plastic used throughout the wave, including on Venom, makes him feel less sturdy and stable compared to other figures in the Absorbing Man Build-A-Figure Series. Moreover, while the paint deco is generally good, there are a few stray marks on the white portions, slightly diminishing the overall appearance of Venom’s deco.
Overall: A Worthy Classic Venom Figure
In conclusion, the Marvel Legends Venom figure teeters on the edge of greatness but falls just short. This figure earns a solid ‘B+’ due to a few nitpicks. The inclusion of two fantastic head sculpts and the impressive level of Legends super-articulation are definite highlights. However, the absence of claw hands, the rubbery plastic, and the imperfect paint deco prevent this figure from surpassing the definitive classic Venom figure status achieved by the Marvel Select version.
If you’re a die-hard Venom fan or a collector looking to complete your Spider-Man Legends series, the Marvel Legends Venom figure is still worth adding to your collection. Despite its minor flaws, this figure captures the essence of Venom and brings the character to life in an impressive and detailed way. Happy hunting, true believers!
