"If you're not having fun collecting toys, you are doing it wrong." Absolutely true, Anthony. I hope people take your advice to heart. Marvel Legends is surviving on collectors chasing the dragon, and the quality and love is virtually gone from the line. I can't support it anymore.
I wonder if sunk cost is a factor for Marvel Legends collectors. If you have been collecting ML for a while, even if you only buy one or two figures a wave, you would have a huge collection by now. With the company still pumping out fan favorites and desired characters as well as oddballs you will never get from anywhere else a lot of collectors don't want to exchange that consistency and familiarity for higher quality. More often I see people slowing down their spending and choosing better options when they can (mafex, shf, etc). But it is just too much of a change for people to stop supporting a line that constitutes 90% of their collection, especially when it is making cult classic characters that would never be made anywhere else.
I was one of those ppl. But the quality and quantity in legends dropped off. I'm happy with mezco or mafex and figuarts at times. Even the some 3rd party companies I'll go to because their figure are better than a legends. I'll still get a legends, like beast, but that's about it. Oh and some has lab stuff. Was excited about the ghost rider haslab but with mezco coming out with their own I'm not sure if I might just get the mezco and mix and match with the haslab on secondary markets.
This would make a killer custom Mac (Bill Duke) from the movie Predator 😎👍 I like these Defenders of the Earth figures from Neca 😎👍 But I really only wanted the Phantom and Flash Gordon figures 🤷♂️
Lol, Same here. Only ever got Phantom & Flash from the original line. Wanted the rest but they were never "Must Haves". But I'm definitely getting the whole series of these. They are just too good. Got the whole first wave so looking forward to picking this wave up.
I pick and choose. For Hasbro, Black Series & GI Joe mostly get a yes, Marvel Legends has really dropped off. Last 4-5 waves, I've just picked up the odd figure that interested me from the wave or that I needed to complete a team. I picked up the first wave of Defenders, because I wanted a Phantom and a Flash Gordon, but I'm passing on the rest.
RE: question of the day: I always preferred to buy fewer figures of a higher quality than a lot of mediocre ones. That doesn't mean that I won't buy a cheaper figure if it's cool (like some McFarlane ones or some re-releases of vintage figures), but more often than not I'd rather get something from Bandai (multiple lines) or Medicom (Mafex). Also some expensive lines are NOT worth the money so I don't even bother with those (Super7).
Marvel legends is probably 85% of my collection, but I think I'm pumping the breaks on them and getting more Neca figures. Yes, they're a bit pricier, but the quality and accessories are far superior. Also, being an international collector (Brazil), we only get about 40% of what comes out, leaving huge gaps in my collection (we didn't get modok and comic Doctor Strange; we aren't getting Rhino, retro Beast and Ghost Rider). At least with Neca we get most of what I'm interested in.
I started buying figures a few years ago and I've always been focused on quality over quantity. The only "line" I can say I am invested in is the Mafex comic figures and even with those I'll only get them if I really like the character. However, if marvel legends releases a really nice figure of a character I don't have (the lab coat beast is a good example) I'll pick it up. That doesn't happen very often though.
There is so much you can collect now that I have had to key in on just the stuff that really resonates with me (where I either love the property (nostalgia) or just think the figure is impressive enough to merit owning it (Plunderlings for example)). I do love MCU stuff but the legends are just not doing it for me, so there I trend towards higher end.
I’m still collecting most Black Series. Marvel I’ve stopped and just sold off the vast majority of my collection. I still pick up the occasional DC and some Transformers. I’ve also got this new wave of DotE incoming. But my buying general has slowed right, right down. I used to buy anything/everything but the cost is not justifiable anymore.
As for your question...Yep, Ive been pretty much only collecting SH Monsterarts. Instead of buy $20-30 figures, I just save my money and get imports. Still, even Bandi's newest figures I go from really loving it, to thinking I wasted my money when we get no accessories or the figure just falls apart out of the box. My wife collects the Mattel Jurassic World toys, but thats about it as far as new collectables. For years I was into statues, mostly video game characters from Prime 1, GamingHeads, and especially First4Figures. But statues have gotten insane and just arn't worth it. I use to get really good polystone statues for $3-500, but now i'm paying $6-800 for the same if not worse quality statues. Being a collector right now is kinda brutal.
Question of the day: I am nearly done with Hasbro. After the No Way Home 3PK, I am done with ML. I already sold my Power Ranger Lighting Collection in order to get Super 7's figures. G.I.Joe and Transformers are the only lines I'll continue but even those have an end in sight. Other brands are okay. Mattel's MOTU and WWE are fine, McFarlane stepped up their game since the first wave of DC, and NECA is NECA. I buy mostly horror and pop culture movie figures, that isn't going away.
Quality is very important to me specially since I love action figures per se and not only the franchises or characters associated with them. I buy loads of lines from loads of companies, Marvel Legends aren't the main focus of my collection and I tend to look at them as a whole with loads of characters, as I do with Neca TMNT and SH Figuarts DB/DBZ/Super and GT. Those are three of the four lines where I collect almost every character that's released. The forth is Transformers, both official and 3rd party, masterpiece and legends scaled. From those four, the first three I buy because I love the comics and the animations, the forth I buy because I love the engineering and the character designs. I collect a lot more companies and lines but I normally pick and chose taking quality into consideration. Some times I even I buy characters I don't know just because the action figure is amazing, I particularly love original designed a. figures. I normally have a very clear idea of what I want in my displays and how I want them to look before I start buying the figures. I buy those three above mentioned lines because I love the franchises and I want as many characters as possible from each one of them. Even though as individual action figures some are definitively not amazing, when displayed correctly as a very big group they will most definitively look amazing. If I had to spend as much for each ML as I do for each Storm Collectibles, Mafex or Mezco one:12 I wouldn't be able to own so many different Marvel comics characters or display them in the way I plan to. There is another display form I use where the quality of some action figures is underwhelming. I have a special shelve with some of my favorite lose movie, comics, game and animation characters, each will be represented by 5, 6 or 7 different interpretations, made by different companies, using different styles, materials and scales. I can start with a Flame Toys Kuro Kara Kuri and then go through a 1/6 Hot Toys, a 1/12 Mafex, a 1/18 Hiya toys, a chibi Nendoroid, a lego minifigure and end with a monochromatic mini figure, as long as all of them are of the same exact character (I may choose different character versions as long as all of them are in different scales and styles but I normally try to go with the exact same character version). In the end Marvel Legends serve their purpose in my displays but I will never fail to manifest my opinion and critics, regarding both their bad marketing strategies and the poor quality of their products, I'm not a fan boy. Even though I don't need or expect Marvel Legends to be perfect I would like them to be as good as possible. Most of the issues Anthony points out would be solvable without any financial investment on Hasbro behalf and if we organize and plan to enforce Hasbro into taking responsibility through boycotting some releases, I'm up for it. I'm not whiling to do it alone because it would only damage my collection, it wouldn't damage Hasbro or get a point across but if as I said the collectors organize and do it together... I'm most definitively in.
Marvel has been my thing for the characters. I started pumping the brakes on Legends last summer for a variety of reasons (reducing spending, running out of space, etc) , and I'm glad I did. Legends has been disappointing on a number of fronts, and while they do the occasional one well, having fewer - but better quality - figures is appealing
I agree with you about buying what makes you happy. a lot of people (fomo aside), only buy figures because they want everything in that line, regardless if it's crap or not worth the price. I've been there, believe me; and once you break that habit, you will feel a lot less stressed about it, and you will enjoy the figures you have more.
I've never understood this. Do people just store them in tubs or do they have massive shelves for them? Lack of real estate is the best thing to make me be more choosy.
Great video as usual Anthony. I love Defenders of the Earth, I use to watch the cartoons and had most of the original toy line. This Lothar figure looks Great, brings back memories. 👍👍
Great vid Anthony! Yeah figures like this are definitely worth what you pay as opposed to other figures. I can't remember the last time I bought a whole wave of ML. With so many toylines out there from big companies & smaller independent creators, i'm certainly getting a little more selective in what I buy. By the way how is your Rival Clans coming along? Looking forward to adding them to my list of worthy purchases.
It wasn't until wave 1 of the retro spidey figs that I started to feel like I was collecting them for the sake of completion. Trying to get the whole Spidey cast, it's not enough anymore, I'd rather have less Spidey figures that are higher quality than mediocre ones just to fill the roster. So I sold everything and got the Diamond select versions instead, less cramped shelf and much prettier figures.
I agree 100% with buying only worth-it toys. I have 0 reuse in my marvel legends collection now. Comment if you wanna know which ones as a guide for your collecting. I also stop buying Marvel Legends from now on, and just buy the DC Counterpart. For example I want a Moon Knight figure, but the hasbro one looks wonky, so I buy Mcfarlane Atom Smasher since they look similar. I also buy John Stewart for my Nick Fury since he'll be in Secret Invasion. I love mixing and matching Marvel Legends and Mcfarlane, they are displayed together. The 6 inch Marvel Legends grounds the Mcfarlane's 7 inch scale. You can also ask about this in the reply if anyone is interested in mixing and matching.
Quality over quantity. Mostly. Theres definitely times where it's a character I have no options for and really like, or I want to army build, but when space is at a premium as well as the figure, I'd rather just get the one thing I'll really enjoy instead of 2 or 3 that I'll kinda like but will go into storage fairly promptly. That being said, there's still a pound for pound plastic cost. I'd rather have a NECA or even McFarlane for the price point vs Hasbro's current out put. But I also like playing and posing figures so chipping paint is one of the most irksome problems.
Yes I've stopped buying Marvel Legends completely. I'm satisfied with my existing ML collection until I decide to sell the whole thing off.... As for Lothar, no the face sculpt does not accurately represent his cartoon look. However, considering the fact that Lothar is originally from the pulp era, it's a pretty good representation of his roots. And I agree, I'd be more willing to spend the additional money to buy this line with its superior sculpts and paint.
I'm tempted. He looks really nice and has accessories and articulation to back it up. Don't have much NECA aside from movie TMNT and I'm not that familiar with Defenders of the Earth but I really like what I see here. I buy only small part of ML, just the characters I really like. From Hasbro what really gets me collecting is their Transformers line, I love that staff(even with their flaws). Thanks for great review.
I collect a little bit of everything. I get a fair amount of Storm figures and really enjoy their quality, I get some higher end Japanese figures like Kotobukiya's Bishojo line (and will be dipping my toes into Pop Up Parade with their upcoming Street Fighter figures)... but I also really enjoy collecting stuff like MOTU Origins! The lower price means I can basically buy a whole wave for the cost of a single Storm figure, and having a shelf packed full of fun, colourful figures has a big appeal on its own. I get the occasional McF figure but find them really frustrating to collect with all their weird issues - I'd be happy paying at least $5 more for each if it meant getting proper hands/head options and functional articulation! The price creep and declining quality of lower end/mass market lines is a bummer, but I find it hard to predict what figures I'll actually be excited for once I have them in hand. I got the TMNTxMMPR Green Ranger Shredder in my latest haul and found it such a cool, fun figure - even with limited paint apps etc, the design, sculpt and articulation just gives it a great fun factor and ultimately I liked it better the Storm figures I got in the same batch.
Love NECA. They are a little pricey but the quality is there checking all the boxes. Marvel Legends is going down putting the last nails in the coffin. Price, blind packaging and quality. I use to get everything but nowadays am extremely choosey and also very picky; not a beger though 😁
I don’t remember him from the cartoon at all, but I like the way he looks. I’ve pretty much stopped buying Marvel Legends and mostly pick up NECA, and a few other high-er end companies. There are certain characters I will have to breakdown and buy from Hasbro, but not too many. The thing is, I finally picked up a couple GI Joe figures. They are really good! How come female figures in GI Joe get better molds than Marvel female characters? Cobra Island Baroness is bad-ass.
My regular Target that I frequent still doesn't have any Fall Geek-Out stuff (in fact they still have a Summer Geek-Out endcap), the other local one did get some Fall Geek-Out stuff in, and I grabbed Mandrake, Lothar, and Usagi Yojimbo when they were available on the Target site.
1) I prefer middle range, somewhere around $50ish. But I collect everything, from Hiya Toys Robocop, to Mafex Robocop, to Hot Toys Robocop. 2) Do your Neca figures ever break? Ive had two figures break right out the box, and Im always terrified to buy new ones. 3) Bandai is making lower end collectible lines like Dragon Stars and Gundam Universe. They're also doing $35 Dragon Ball figures as well. What if Tamashi did a $35 line of Marvel figures and released them in collectors stores?
Nice figure! Yes, I'm buying more expensive figures now (Neca) and haven't felt the regret after I do like most of the Marvel Legends I've bought this year. I also am buying the lower end Super Powers and Marvel Legends Kenner styled figures (only on clearance or as a bundle so they're under $10). Those are meant to all look cheap, have minimal paint and reuse parts, so Hasbro is nailing it there!
I definitely do not enjoy paying a bunch of money for an action figure just for the sake of doing so. I do think there are some brands out there that run a high MSRP that are not even close to worth it. At the same time, I also hate spending 28 bucks on a figure that looks and feels cheap. When I get a figure I want to be able to see where my money is going. And lately, NECA has been killing it in that department. This figure right here or their recent Mummy Michelangelo are both figures that I think are around 37 bucks and it looks like all 37 of my dollars went into it. To the point where it's hard to figure out how NECA can make a consistent profit on these if Hasbro needs to charge what they do for their reused, under-painted, no accessory Marvel Legends. Obviously, there are licensing fees at play too, but still, if I have to pay 37 bucks for a good Marvel Legends figure then I'd much rather Hasbro do that rather than give me something that sucks at 28 bucks.
I've stopped buying the lower end, still get about the same amount of the higher end. I've reallocated the savings to building out my gundam shelves. If I'm going to have to fix and paint stuff anyway, might as well
Most people in my local toy group are big into Mythic Legions right now. Most people are selling off legends and black series to fund Legions purchases
I'd rather buy good priced premium figures than a lot of cheaper ones. I still buy both since I'm picky, but with less I can appreciate them more with what they offer.
AnthonysCustoms This review is spot on. I am in agreement with you on the face paint. He needed a warmer skin tone. The lips look to pinkish red as well. The sculpt is fine, but the paint makes things look a bit exaggerated.
There needs to be a change, Anthony. We have to vote with our wallets, specifically for RIVAL COLLECTIBLES. What you showed was amazing. Hasbro and McFarlane are terrified about what's coming...
Haven't got a new marvel legend since the black silver Surfer came out. Like u said , the price doesn't match the product. Much rather mafex and mezco to legends now, and that wasn't the case for me 5 years ago.
I've seen people saying the "new" Mystique from Hasbro is $37 after taxes, not sure if that's true, but if that figure and this one are at the same price range... Oof. Edit: Please keep bullying Darwin and rating McFarlane figures' cakes, I live for that stuff, lol.
I mostly collect figures based on comic books, video games and movies/tv shows. I have been getting more selective with my purchases in recent years. The drop of quality in the entertainment industry as a whole has been a factor. Marvel Legends was improving somewhat consistently until they just stopped completely, like three years ago or so and now they just try to put out the cheapest made collectibles on the market. They are shamelessly cutting every corner they can so I very rarely get anything at full price. I lost interest in Star Wars a while ago, Gi Joe and Transformers are the only lines from Hasbro that seem to respect their consumers and not just assume they'll just buy anything. Mcfarlane has been getting better with the DC Multiverse line but it's mostly Batman and based on very recent comics with designs that I don't care much about, Neca and Hiya have a level of detail and care that makes their products worth getting in general on their respective scales. I don't buy much from premium brands but they are usually reliable on satisfying expectations.
I think the overall figure looks really interesting. It has a lot going for it that collectors enjoy. Your observation on the lower to high end figures is right on point. If one is unhappy & voices a strong criticism of their purchase, then why buy them? It's an addiction very difficult to break. Especially, if it has been many years doing the same thing. It could be that their remarks are just another way of agreeing with you, why such a plain figure when for a few dollars more we get so much more for the money. It could be the better development of figures and a better product. This makes other companies
Face wise, they really went hard on the face. Like he's been chiseled out of rock vs having a softer face. I don't mind the skin color because honestly when it comes to black skin, there is a bit of favoritism towards a lighter brown. But they could do a version with a softer face like the animation. They will likely do alt versions like they've done with others. Though this is one of those situations where certain looks might need modernization, especially given his origins. I do hope NECA revisits the superhero body with pinless joints and QOL features.
I am only in higher priced collectibles...i got 8 Marvel legends in all the years(5) of collecting...low priced collectibles don't do justice to the source material nor worth the money to me(my opinion)...so for me it's a nono but i wouldn't judge anyone that do it...everbody can Collect what he/she wants!
this is a really nice figure. you get the best bang for your buck with neca. I personally lean more toward higher end figures now. neca is probably my favorite overall company.
I stopped collecting Marvel legends when they released Marvel Girl, that figure was a spit in the face. I am collecting some higher end figures, but I am actually looking more at KO figures so I can use them to customize, but even KO figures have gotten more expensive.
I know Marvel claims their "standard" price is now $25, but really it's more like $30 because more often than not they find excuse after arbitrary excuse to jack those prices up (slapping some sort of "anniversary" on it, for example). And in return you get next to zero value. On the other hand you have NECA. I paid $32 for an Usagi Yojimo, and look at all you get for that extra $2. They beat out Hasbro in every possible category. At this point I'm looking to more figures such as Lothar here. For a couple of dollars more, ML isn't even in the same ballpark as this.
I refuse to buy cheaper lines I'd rather pay a little extra and get stuff that feels like it's worth collecting and lines like McFarlane and Hasbro really just aren't worth collecting at this point imo. Alll I care for is now is pretty much SHF, Mafex & Mezco (though I'm lucky to get one figure a year because they're terrible when it comes to releasing their shit...). Honestly it's become rare that I ever buy NECA stuff anymore because the quality of their figures are not worth the price they are here ($60-80 AUD).
Whoa thats steep. But i agree with the mentioned companies. But for under lets say 40$ ish, neca is the best bet. But yeah collecting ML or McFarlane are meh, at least mcfarlane has more new sculpts. Side note: are you also waiting for the mezco 89 batman?
@@tonileo9849 I used like neca but the last few years their prices have gone up here (Australia) like some of them are $60-80 (AUD) and I can't justify paying that much for them especially because you can only get them online so there's no way to avoid QC issues at least with most import figures that's rarely a problem.
I've been cherry-picking toys for years. Mostly action figures but I dabble in almost all isles in the toy section. Variety is the spice of life and lately Legends have been so plain and redundant that I buy maybe a half-dozen a year. Same bucks, same characters, same accessories...sometimes repaints can be great, but only the top tier stuff. I've always felt that one's display is only as good as the worst piece, so most recent MLs are easy passes.
With the prices skyrocketing on every line im now more selective on what i buy,i want pisces myth cloth ex OCE, of course, is beatiful but not gonna pay 400$ for it when i can buy another OCE like Scorpio or Shura at 100$, not gonna happend, is a shame, but is what it is.So yeah you have to buy what you enjoy, and be sure not gonna buy something and have regrets later.
The subtle, or not so subtle bash on Marvel Legends is too funny. Too bad also, because I would have liked to like the line. But those figures are so underwhelming. I pick carefully with the low-end and the high-end figures.
I'm really trying to reduce my Legends collection, but is so hard cause I really love Marvel, which pisses me off so much. I hope at least 7" Marvel license went to a more competent brand
Between the price hikes in the domestic companies and the ongoing cost of living being utterly ridiculous, it’s caused me to be more discerning and also choose an occasional higher quality release. I’m sad to say it, but 95% of Marvel Legends feel like a total waste of money. I hope this trend (because I’m seeing it on socials too) is observed by Hasbro and they start putting some effort again. The Legends line deserves so much better than what Hasbro is giving it right now.
Idk if they’ve changed plastics or not but in my opinion the plastic is WAY higher quality. More flexible and durable. And they don’t feel sticky anymore either. Leg joints can get a little squeaky but that’s about it.
I'm getting my lasts Super 7 TMNT and that's it, they're expensive and not worth it. When I was to get into ML, I went for mafex instead. I prefer a definitive figure than a bunch of crappy ones. For me all figures are import so there's no so much of a difference. Prefer quality all the way.
I'm cherry picking every figure I buy, either high end or low end. As for ML, if the figure is not worth the retail price, then I'll wait until it drops in price greatly. If I miss out, because I waited-so be it.
Honestly... at this point I've just been buying less. I've made a few major purchases, in 1/6 scale... BUT, even though my purchasing has gone dramatically down. It's still the 20/30 dollar price point.
"If you're not having fun collecting toys, you are doing it wrong." Absolutely true, Anthony. I hope people take your advice to heart. Marvel Legends is surviving on collectors chasing the dragon, and the quality and love is virtually gone from the line. I can't support it anymore.
I wonder if sunk cost is a factor for Marvel Legends collectors.
If you have been collecting ML for a while, even if you only buy one or two figures a wave, you would have a huge collection by now. With the company still pumping out fan favorites and desired characters as well as oddballs you will never get from anywhere else a lot of collectors don't want to exchange that consistency and familiarity for higher quality. More often I see people slowing down their spending and choosing better options when they can (mafex, shf, etc). But it is just too much of a change for people to stop supporting a line that constitutes 90% of their collection, especially when it is making cult classic characters that would never be made anywhere else.
^^^ this ^^^
Sometimes you need to let go
I was one of those ppl. But the quality and quantity in legends dropped off. I'm happy with mezco or mafex and figuarts at times. Even the some 3rd party companies I'll go to because their figure are better than a legends. I'll still get a legends, like beast, but that's about it. Oh and some has lab stuff. Was excited about the ghost rider haslab but with mezco coming out with their own I'm not sure if I might just get the mezco and mix and match with the haslab on secondary markets.
This would make a killer custom Mac (Bill Duke) from the movie Predator 😎👍
I like these Defenders of the Earth figures from Neca 😎👍 But I really only wanted the Phantom and Flash Gordon figures 🤷♂️
Lol, Same here. Only ever got Phantom & Flash from the original line. Wanted the rest but they were never "Must Haves". But I'm definitely getting the whole series of these. They are just too good. Got the whole first wave so looking forward to picking this wave up.
I pick and choose. For Hasbro, Black Series & GI Joe mostly get a yes, Marvel Legends has really dropped off. Last 4-5 waves, I've just picked up the odd figure that interested me from the wave or that I needed to complete a team. I picked up the first wave of Defenders, because I wanted a Phantom and a Flash Gordon, but I'm passing on the rest.
RE: question of the day: I always preferred to buy fewer figures of a higher quality than a lot of mediocre ones. That doesn't mean that I won't buy a cheaper figure if it's cool (like some McFarlane ones or some re-releases of vintage figures), but more often than not I'd rather get something from Bandai (multiple lines) or Medicom (Mafex). Also some expensive lines are NOT worth the money so I don't even bother with those (Super7).
Marvel legends is probably 85% of my collection, but I think I'm pumping the breaks on them and getting more Neca figures. Yes, they're a bit pricier, but the quality and accessories are far superior. Also, being an international collector (Brazil), we only get about 40% of what comes out, leaving huge gaps in my collection (we didn't get modok and comic Doctor Strange; we aren't getting Rhino, retro Beast and Ghost Rider). At least with Neca we get most of what I'm interested in.
Yup, sold most of my collection and only collect high end like Mezco. Went from 850 figures on display down to 240 and it looks so much better now.
I started buying figures a few years ago and I've always been focused on quality over quantity. The only "line" I can say I am invested in is the Mafex comic figures and even with those I'll only get them if I really like the character.
However, if marvel legends releases a really nice figure of a character I don't have (the lab coat beast is a good example) I'll pick it up. That doesn't happen very often though.
There is so much you can collect now that I have had to key in on just the stuff that really resonates with me (where I either love the property (nostalgia) or just think the figure is impressive enough to merit owning it (Plunderlings for example)).
I do love MCU stuff but the legends are just not doing it for me, so there I trend towards higher end.
Yes, I’ve 100% stopped with Legends and started in with fewer, but higher priced figures.
I love the detail and accessories! I agree with you, people vote with their $. Love your channel Anthony ❤️
I’m still collecting most Black Series. Marvel I’ve stopped and just sold off the vast majority of my collection. I still pick up the occasional DC and some Transformers. I’ve also got this new wave of DotE incoming.
But my buying general has slowed right, right down. I used to buy anything/everything but the cost is not justifiable anymore.
As for your question...Yep, Ive been pretty much only collecting SH Monsterarts. Instead of buy $20-30 figures, I just save my money and get imports. Still, even Bandi's newest figures I go from really loving it, to thinking I wasted my money when we get no accessories or the figure just falls apart out of the box. My wife collects the Mattel Jurassic World toys, but thats about it as far as new collectables.
For years I was into statues, mostly video game characters from Prime 1, GamingHeads, and especially First4Figures. But statues have gotten insane and just arn't worth it. I use to get really good polystone statues for $3-500, but now i'm paying $6-800 for the same if not worse quality statues. Being a collector right now is kinda brutal.
Defenders of the Earth is a fun 80's cartoon.
Target had it for $30 at geek out. $5 improvement from Darwin at least.
Question of the day:
I am nearly done with Hasbro. After the No Way Home 3PK, I am done with ML. I already sold my Power Ranger Lighting Collection in order to get Super 7's figures. G.I.Joe and Transformers are the only lines I'll continue but even those have an end in sight.
Other brands are okay. Mattel's MOTU and WWE are fine, McFarlane stepped up their game since the first wave of DC, and NECA is NECA. I buy mostly horror and pop culture movie figures, that isn't going away.
Quality is very important to me specially since I love action figures per se and not only the franchises or characters associated with them.
I buy loads of lines from loads of companies, Marvel Legends aren't the main focus of my collection and I tend to look at them as a whole with loads of characters, as I do with Neca TMNT and SH Figuarts DB/DBZ/Super and GT. Those are three of the four lines where I collect almost every character that's released. The forth is Transformers, both official and 3rd party, masterpiece and legends scaled. From those four, the first three I buy because I love the comics and the animations, the forth I buy because I love the engineering and the character designs.
I collect a lot more companies and lines but I normally pick and chose taking quality into consideration. Some times I even I buy characters I don't know just because the action figure is amazing, I particularly love original designed a. figures.
I normally have a very clear idea of what I want in my displays and how I want them to look before I start buying the figures. I buy those three above mentioned lines because I love the franchises and I want as many characters as possible from each one of them. Even though as individual action figures some are definitively not amazing, when displayed correctly as a very big group they will most definitively look amazing.
If I had to spend as much for each ML as I do for each Storm Collectibles, Mafex or Mezco one:12 I wouldn't be able to own so many different Marvel comics characters or display them in the way I plan to.
There is another display form I use where the quality of some action figures is underwhelming. I have a special shelve with some of my favorite lose movie, comics, game and animation characters, each will be represented by 5, 6 or 7 different interpretations, made by different companies, using different styles, materials and scales. I can start with a Flame Toys Kuro Kara Kuri and then go through a 1/6 Hot Toys, a 1/12 Mafex, a 1/18 Hiya toys, a chibi Nendoroid, a lego minifigure and end with a monochromatic mini figure, as long as all of them are of the same exact character (I may choose different character versions as long as all of them are in different scales and styles but I normally try to go with the exact same character version).
In the end Marvel Legends serve their purpose in my displays but I will never fail to manifest my opinion and critics, regarding both their bad marketing strategies and the poor quality of their products, I'm not a fan boy. Even though I don't need or expect Marvel Legends to be perfect I would like them to be as good as possible. Most of the issues Anthony points out would be solvable without any financial investment on Hasbro behalf and if we organize and plan to enforce Hasbro into taking responsibility through boycotting some releases, I'm up for it. I'm not whiling to do it alone because it would only damage my collection, it wouldn't damage Hasbro or get a point across but if as I said the collectors organize and do it together... I'm most definitively in.
Marvel has been my thing for the characters. I started pumping the brakes on Legends last summer for a variety of reasons (reducing spending, running out of space, etc) , and I'm glad I did. Legends has been disappointing on a number of fronts, and while they do the occasional one well, having fewer - but better quality - figures is appealing
I agree with you about buying what makes you happy. a lot of people (fomo aside), only buy figures because they want everything in that line, regardless if it's crap or not worth the price. I've been there, believe me; and once you break that habit, you will feel a lot less stressed about it, and you will enjoy the figures you have more.
I've never understood this. Do people just store them in tubs or do they have massive shelves for them? Lack of real estate is the best thing to make me be more choosy.
Great video as usual Anthony. I love Defenders of the Earth, I use to watch the cartoons and had most of the original toy line. This Lothar figure looks Great, brings back memories. 👍👍
thanks! neca has a particular set of skills for doing the whole nostalgia thing.
classified needs those removable jackets and vests
Great vid Anthony! Yeah figures like this are definitely worth what you pay as opposed to other figures. I can't remember the last time I bought a whole wave of ML. With so many toylines out there from big companies & smaller independent creators, i'm certainly getting a little more selective in what I buy. By the way how is your Rival Clans coming along? Looking forward to adding them to my list of worthy purchases.
It wasn't until wave 1 of the retro spidey figs that I started to feel like I was collecting them for the sake of completion. Trying to get the whole Spidey cast, it's not enough anymore, I'd rather have less Spidey figures that are higher quality than mediocre ones just to fill the roster. So I sold everything and got the Diamond select versions instead, less cramped shelf and much prettier figures.
I agree 100% with buying only worth-it toys. I have 0 reuse in my marvel legends collection now. Comment if you wanna know which ones as a guide for your collecting. I also stop buying Marvel Legends from now on, and just buy the DC Counterpart. For example I want a Moon Knight figure, but the hasbro one looks wonky, so I buy Mcfarlane Atom Smasher since they look similar. I also buy John Stewart for my Nick Fury since he'll be in Secret Invasion. I love mixing and matching Marvel Legends and Mcfarlane, they are displayed together. The 6 inch Marvel Legends grounds the Mcfarlane's 7 inch scale. You can also ask about this in the reply if anyone is interested in mixing and matching.
I would have preferred the 60's Lotar with the red bonet and the yellow vest and the lazed sandals. If I remember correctly.
Slowly phasing out marvel legends only get cyclops but thanks to you I branched out to neca maffex and shf
Quality over quantity. Mostly. Theres definitely times where it's a character I have no options for and really like, or I want to army build, but when space is at a premium as well as the figure, I'd rather just get the one thing I'll really enjoy instead of 2 or 3 that I'll kinda like but will go into storage fairly promptly. That being said, there's still a pound for pound plastic cost. I'd rather have a NECA or even McFarlane for the price point vs Hasbro's current out put. But I also like playing and posing figures so chipping paint is one of the most irksome problems.
My friend says he looks like the singer Seal. I almost died!
Yes I've stopped buying Marvel Legends completely. I'm satisfied with my existing ML collection until I decide to sell the whole thing off....
As for Lothar, no the face sculpt does not accurately represent his cartoon look. However, considering the fact that Lothar is originally from the pulp era, it's a pretty good representation of his roots. And I agree, I'd be more willing to spend the additional money to buy this line with its superior sculpts and paint.
I'm tempted. He looks really nice and has accessories and articulation to back it up. Don't have much NECA aside from movie TMNT and I'm not that familiar with Defenders of the Earth but I really like what I see here. I buy only small part of ML, just the characters I really like. From Hasbro what really gets me collecting is their Transformers line, I love that staff(even with their flaws). Thanks for great review.
I collect a little bit of everything. I get a fair amount of Storm figures and really enjoy their quality, I get some higher end Japanese figures like Kotobukiya's Bishojo line (and will be dipping my toes into Pop Up Parade with their upcoming Street Fighter figures)... but I also really enjoy collecting stuff like MOTU Origins! The lower price means I can basically buy a whole wave for the cost of a single Storm figure, and having a shelf packed full of fun, colourful figures has a big appeal on its own. I get the occasional McF figure but find them really frustrating to collect with all their weird issues - I'd be happy paying at least $5 more for each if it meant getting proper hands/head options and functional articulation! The price creep and declining quality of lower end/mass market lines is a bummer, but I find it hard to predict what figures I'll actually be excited for once I have them in hand. I got the TMNTxMMPR Green Ranger Shredder in my latest haul and found it such a cool, fun figure - even with limited paint apps etc, the design, sculpt and articulation just gives it a great fun factor and ultimately I liked it better the Storm figures I got in the same batch.
Love NECA. They are a little pricey but the quality is there checking all the boxes. Marvel Legends is going down putting the last nails in the coffin. Price, blind packaging and quality. I use to get everything but nowadays am extremely choosey and also very picky; not a beger though 😁
I don’t remember him from the cartoon at all, but I like the way he looks.
I’ve pretty much stopped buying Marvel Legends and mostly pick up NECA, and a few other high-er end companies.
There are certain characters I will have to breakdown and buy from Hasbro, but not too many.
The thing is, I finally picked up a couple GI Joe figures. They are really good!
How come female figures in GI Joe get better molds than Marvel female characters?
Cobra Island Baroness is bad-ass.
My regular Target that I frequent still doesn't have any Fall Geek-Out stuff (in fact they still have a Summer Geek-Out endcap), the other local one did get some Fall Geek-Out stuff in, and I grabbed Mandrake, Lothar, and Usagi Yojimbo when they were available on the Target site.
Neca really dropped the ball on the face. It's hideous.
1) I prefer middle range, somewhere around $50ish. But I collect everything, from Hiya Toys Robocop, to Mafex Robocop, to Hot Toys Robocop.
2) Do your Neca figures ever break? Ive had two figures break right out the box, and Im always terrified to buy new ones.
3) Bandai is making lower end collectible lines like Dragon Stars and Gundam Universe. They're also doing $35 Dragon Ball figures as well. What if Tamashi did a $35 line of Marvel figures and released them in collectors stores?
my breakage rate is about the same for ml and neca.
Nice figure! Yes, I'm buying more expensive figures now (Neca) and haven't felt the regret after I do like most of the Marvel Legends I've bought this year. I also am buying the lower end Super Powers and Marvel Legends Kenner styled figures (only on clearance or as a bundle so they're under $10). Those are meant to all look cheap, have minimal paint and reuse parts, so Hasbro is nailing it there!
I’m mostly into hi-end stuff. I prefer to have less figures but better figures, though of course I’ll get a Marvel Legends fig every now and then.
I definitely do not enjoy paying a bunch of money for an action figure just for the sake of doing so. I do think there are some brands out there that run a high MSRP that are not even close to worth it. At the same time, I also hate spending 28 bucks on a figure that looks and feels cheap. When I get a figure I want to be able to see where my money is going. And lately, NECA has been killing it in that department. This figure right here or their recent Mummy Michelangelo are both figures that I think are around 37 bucks and it looks like all 37 of my dollars went into it. To the point where it's hard to figure out how NECA can make a consistent profit on these if Hasbro needs to charge what they do for their reused, under-painted, no accessory Marvel Legends. Obviously, there are licensing fees at play too, but still, if I have to pay 37 bucks for a good Marvel Legends figure then I'd much rather Hasbro do that rather than give me something that sucks at 28 bucks.
Picked up Mandrake the magician
Vary cool 😎
Playing the long game on the the other figures 👍🏼
I've stopped buying the lower end, still get about the same amount of the higher end. I've reallocated the savings to building out my gundam shelves. If I'm going to have to fix and paint stuff anyway, might as well
Most people in my local toy group are big into Mythic Legions right now. Most people are selling off legends and black series to fund Legions purchases
I just picked up LOTHAR and MANDRAKE.
In really old comics he did look monstrous. In the cartoon and newer comics, his factions where softer so to say.
I'd rather buy good priced premium figures than a lot of cheaper ones. I still buy both since I'm picky, but with less I can appreciate them more with what they offer.
AnthonysCustoms This review is spot on. I am in agreement with you on the face paint. He needed a warmer skin tone. The lips look to pinkish red as well. The sculpt is fine, but the paint makes things look a bit exaggerated.
There needs to be a change, Anthony. We have to vote with our wallets, specifically for RIVAL COLLECTIBLES. What you showed was amazing. Hasbro and McFarlane are terrified about what's coming...
Good save on the “I’d still buy Neca” 😂
Haven't got a new marvel legend since the black silver Surfer came out. Like u said , the price doesn't match the product. Much rather mafex and mezco to legends now, and that wasn't the case for me 5 years ago.
I've seen people saying the "new" Mystique from Hasbro is $37 after taxes, not sure if that's true, but if that figure and this one are at the same price range... Oof.
Edit: Please keep bullying Darwin and rating McFarlane figures' cakes, I live for that stuff, lol.
yeah. after shipping, the pulse figures are 38 bucks
Very good review. Really dig this fig
I mostly collect figures based on comic books, video games and movies/tv shows. I have been getting more selective with my purchases in recent years. The drop of quality in the entertainment industry as a whole has been a factor.
Marvel Legends was improving somewhat consistently until they just stopped completely, like three years ago or so and now they just try to put out the cheapest made collectibles on the market. They are shamelessly cutting every corner they can so I very rarely get anything at full price.
I lost interest in Star Wars a while ago, Gi Joe and Transformers are the only lines from Hasbro that seem to respect their consumers and not just assume they'll just buy anything.
Mcfarlane has been getting better with the DC Multiverse line but it's mostly Batman and based on very recent comics with designs that I don't care much about,
Neca and Hiya have a level of detail and care that makes their products worth getting in general on their respective scales.
I don't buy much from premium brands but they are usually reliable on satisfying expectations.
I think the overall figure looks really interesting. It has a lot going for it that collectors enjoy. Your observation on the lower to high end figures is right on point. If one is unhappy & voices a strong criticism of their purchase, then why buy them? It's an addiction very difficult to break. Especially, if it has been many years doing the same thing. It could be that their remarks are just another way of agreeing with you, why such a plain figure when for a few dollars more we get so much more for the money. It could be the better development of figures and a better product. This makes other companies
Compete in a better way, with a better product.
Great review! Are you gonna review Mandrake's figure?
Not sure
Face wise, they really went hard on the face. Like he's been chiseled out of rock vs having a softer face. I don't mind the skin color because honestly when it comes to black skin, there is a bit of favoritism towards a lighter brown. But they could do a version with a softer face like the animation.
They will likely do alt versions like they've done with others. Though this is one of those situations where certain looks might need modernization, especially given his origins.
I do hope NECA revisits the superhero body with pinless joints and QOL features.
Yep, I'm pretty much done with modern "$20" toy lines and buy Mafex for my superhero needs.
Defiantly the G.O.A.T!!! Great perspectives and insights, thx
I am only in higher priced collectibles...i got 8 Marvel legends in all the years(5) of collecting...low priced collectibles don't do justice to the source material nor worth the money to me(my opinion)...so for me it's a nono but i wouldn't judge anyone that do it...everbody can Collect what he/she wants!
I used to watch defenders of the earth, box art matches the cartoon more.
this is a really nice figure. you get the best bang for your buck with neca. I personally lean more toward higher end figures now. neca is probably my favorite overall company.
His mugginess aside the figure looks good
I stopped collecting Marvel legends when they released Marvel Girl, that figure was a spit in the face. I am collecting some higher end figures, but I am actually looking more at KO figures so I can use them to customize, but even KO figures have gotten more expensive.
I shyed away from Hasbro, and leaned alot heavier into McFarlane. I've been very happy with my decision!
I know Marvel claims their "standard" price is now $25, but really it's more like $30 because more often than not they find excuse after arbitrary excuse to jack those prices up (slapping some sort of "anniversary" on it, for example). And in return you get next to zero value. On the other hand you have NECA. I paid $32 for an Usagi Yojimo, and look at all you get for that extra $2. They beat out Hasbro in every possible category. At this point I'm looking to more figures such as Lothar here. For a couple of dollars more, ML isn't even in the same ballpark as this.
I refuse to buy cheaper lines I'd rather pay a little extra and get stuff that feels like it's worth collecting and lines like McFarlane and Hasbro really just aren't worth collecting at this point imo.
Alll I care for is now is pretty much SHF, Mafex & Mezco (though I'm lucky to get one figure a year because they're terrible when it comes to releasing their shit...). Honestly it's become rare that I ever buy NECA stuff anymore because the quality of their figures are not worth the price they are here ($60-80 AUD).
Whoa thats steep. But i agree with the mentioned companies. But for under lets say 40$ ish, neca is the best bet. But yeah collecting ML or McFarlane are meh, at least mcfarlane has more new sculpts.
Side note: are you also waiting for the mezco 89 batman?
@@tonileo9849 I used like neca but the last few years their prices have gone up here (Australia) like some of them are $60-80 (AUD) and I can't justify paying that much for them especially because you can only get them online so there's no way to avoid QC issues at least with most import figures that's rarely a problem.
@@retroguy95 i agree. How much are the mafex , mezco or shf figs in austalian dollars?
@@tonileo9849 they all usually go for anywhere between $120-200 AUD
@@retroguy95 damn, that means you re very selective with your buys
I've been cherry-picking toys for years. Mostly action figures but I dabble in almost all isles in the toy section. Variety is the spice of life and lately Legends have been so plain and redundant that I buy maybe a half-dozen a year. Same bucks, same characters, same accessories...sometimes repaints can be great, but only the top tier stuff. I've always felt that one's display is only as good as the worst piece, so most recent MLs are easy passes.
buying high end like mafex and SH. Every time i get a ML i get disappointed, so no more
I pretty much get most stuff but imports and higher end stuff feels like you're getting more bang for your buck.
Lothar looks realistic to me. 👌
awesome line
Nice figure
I think it's the lips. Looks like they went a bit overboard with the lip color.
With the prices skyrocketing on every line im now more selective on what i buy,i want pisces myth cloth ex OCE, of course, is beatiful but not gonna pay 400$ for it when i can buy another OCE like Scorpio or Shura at 100$, not gonna happend, is a shame, but is what it is.So yeah you have to buy what you enjoy, and be sure not gonna buy something and have regrets later.
what do you do after reviewing figures you dont collect? sell them or straight to trash where they belong?
The subtle, or not so subtle bash on Marvel Legends is too funny. Too bad also, because I would have liked to like the line. But those figures are so underwhelming. I pick carefully with the low-end and the high-end figures.
I'm really trying to reduce my Legends collection, but is so hard cause I really love Marvel, which pisses me off so much. I hope at least 7" Marvel license went to a more competent brand
Idk who that is but if I find that in store , I’m making Chapel out of him
Between the price hikes in the domestic companies and the ongoing cost of living being utterly ridiculous, it’s caused me to be more discerning and also choose an occasional higher quality release.
I’m sad to say it, but 95% of Marvel Legends feel like a total waste of money.
I hope this trend (because I’m seeing it on socials too) is observed by Hasbro and they start putting some effort again. The Legends line deserves so much better than what Hasbro is giving it right now.
If neca counts as high end then I've switched to high end. I might pick up like a character or 2 from ml but otherwise I'm like neck deep in neca tmnt
Zup Anthony, I am holding for higher end figures, and absolutely not buying anything from ML, thanks for the video
Neca still making figs out of bakelite or they using better plastics now?
Idk if they’ve changed plastics or not but in my opinion the plastic is WAY higher quality. More flexible and durable.
And they don’t feel sticky anymore either.
Leg joints can get a little squeaky but that’s about it.
Face a little weird. Looks like Seal. He about to start singing Kiss from a Rose any minute now.
QOTD: Absolutely. I'm not wasting my money on lame figures anymore
I'm getting my lasts Super 7 TMNT and that's it, they're expensive and not worth it. When I was to get into ML, I went for mafex instead. I prefer a definitive figure than a bunch of crappy ones. For me all figures are import so there's no so much of a difference. Prefer quality all the way.
His face is jacked smh
You must read the original 1930’s mandrake comic strip to learn who lothor is
Looks like Road Block from G.I. Joe
I'm cherry picking every figure I buy, either high end or low end. As for ML, if the figure is not worth the retail price, then I'll wait until it drops in price greatly. If I miss out, because I waited-so be it.
The best GI Joe Classified figure Hasbro has done to... wait, it's NECA and he's not a Joe??
This one looks dope 🔥🔥🔥🔥🤙🏻
Honestly... at this point I've just been buying less. I've made a few major purchases, in 1/6 scale... BUT, even though my purchasing has gone dramatically down. It's still the 20/30 dollar price point.
awesome looking figure, but I dont see Lothar.
Good 1
🤘
This is why i abandoned Legends and Mcfarlane, spend most of my cash on either Neca or Mafex.
I bought a lot less but more expensive but good figures
Haha reminds me of gi joe roadblock
Shake my head Hasbro is down bad. Neca provided👍.
I’m not a fan of the face sculpt because it makes him look older than he actually is.