Action Figure Barbecue: Action Figure Review: Wolverine & Psylocke from Marvel Legends Series: Wolverine by Hasbro

Another Wolverine two pack today? Yup! Another Wolverine two pack. This time we get Wolverine in his sleek black outfit from his time operating in Madripoor and Japan and Psylocke in her armored outfit. Well, this is Betsy Braddock as Psylocke, but, thanks to the machinations of The Hand and Spyral, she's inhabiting the body of the assassin Kwannon and going by the name of Lady Mandarin. Huh. I think quite a few collectors were wanting to see Betsy's earlier armored costume, but this one is a solid pick as well. It really offers up something quite different. This Wolverine seems to be tied with the Brood Wolverine as the least popular of the four new Wolverine figures as he was released in the Retro Series a few years back, though this is clearly a much better figure than that one. Still, wouldn't a figure of Matsu'o Tsurayaba have been a cool addition? Of course, then the pack wouldn't have fit in to the Wolverine theme. Ready to check out these two ninja level warriors? Then join me after the break...

The Facts: Wolverine

Height: 5 3/4 inches

Articulation: Swivel/hinge ankles, double-hinged knees, swivel thighs, ball-jointed hips, swivel waist, hinged mid-torso, swivel/hinge shoulders w/ lateral pec hinges, swivel biceps, double-hinged elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, hinged neck, and a ball-jointed head.

Accessories: 4 swappable hands, 2 glove covers, and 2 swappable portraits.

The Facts: Psylocke

Height: 6 1/2 inches

Articulation: Swivel/hinge ankles, double hinged knees, swivel thighs, ball-jointed hips, balljointed mid-torso, swivel/hinge shoulders, bicep swivels, double hinged elbows, swivel/hinge wrists, and a barbell jointed head.

Accessories: 4 swappable hands, 2 swappable portraits, 2 energy effects, and a psychic knife.

Non-Scalper Price: $50 dollars

Comparison:

* Here's a shot of the new Wolverine with the Retro Collection ninja Wolverine/ Patch figure. The headsculpts are the biggest approval here, and they can work well with any Wolverine figures.

The Positives:

* Wolverine is decked out in all black here with only a red belt to break things up. He's a plain figure, but not a bad figure at all. I typically like most Wolverine figures as he's just a fun character to mess around with. His outfit is basic, but everything looks fine. He's has a rather stealthy look to him, doesn't he?

* This might be a plain Wolverine figure but, dang, his headsculpts are incredible. You can also share them with other Wolverine figures to spice up some old favorites or bring new life to some figures that might feel a bit outdated. This is my favorite in the set. Wolverine just has such a great expression here. He looks slightly amused, but also like he's just thinking about how many ways he can stomp a mudhole in someone who has just pissed him off.

* The hair is grand on both of these figures. It's perfectly sculpted and gets some nice blue highlights which really brings out the detail and enhances the comic book feel. I love it.

* The second portrait for Wolvie is pretty serious. He's pissed. Like really pissed. Not snarling, not growling; he's barely keeping his crap together. If you're in his way you'd best lookout; a berserker rage is imminent!

* This Wolverine uses the previous claw style, so the claws are separate pieces from the claw holders on his gloves. They're nice and straight and pop in and out just fine.

* From the back you can check out Logan's hairy arms and his hairy neck visible above his shirt. I don't know why I think this is such a cool detail, but it is. Wolverine's short, hairy, and he has a temper. All of those things are captured here perfectly.

* Wolverine has two pairs of hands: A pair of fists with the claws retracted and a pair with the claws extended.

* Both the arms and legs are new and pinless here, so you're getting a fully upgraded ninja Wolverine. He's got claws and an attitude, so he's fun to play with and moves quite well. He's got the pectoral/ butterfly hinges, too, so he looks awesome in battle poses. He's ready to cause some crap for the Hand and whoever else gets in his way.

* Betsy Braddock as Psylocke in Kwannon's body going by the name Lady Mandarin is a really, really impressive looking figure. If she reuses anything from a previous figure it's definitely not something I recognize. Her armor not only looks impressive but also has some paint flourishes to bring out the details. This is a really great sculpt and an impressive look for Psylocke.

* She has two portraits, the first of which shows Betsy looking pretty normal. She's gorgeous and definitely makes me anxious for when Hasbro releases a new basic version of Psylocke in her bluish-purple one-piece. Her hair is incredible. I also love the funky helmet think that's around her head. It's quite out there but gives her a very unique look and silhouette.

* Not only does Psylocke's hair have a nice texture and a sculpt that portrays it as blowing in the wind but it also has a dark wash to really highlight it.

* When Psylocke is in her full on Lady Mandarin mode she is pretty fearsome, so Hasbro decided to include a very sinister face for her. This portrait is pretty creepy with pupilless eyes and a very unsettling grin. Yikes!

* Her cape is swooshing a bit, too. It's not really pliable or anything but it does look cool and and gives her a dramatic aura.

* It's always a very welcome thing to get a Marvel Legends figure with such a unique and detailed sculpt. Psylocke's Lady Mandarin armor has lots of unique design elements on the thighs, boots, and on the padded skirt around her waist.

* Four swappable hands are included: A pair of hands with open palms and a pair of fists.

* Psylocke is built with a new pinless body, so her articulation all feels nice and smooth here. While her cape may inhibit some poses, overall she's still pretty mobile and she looks great, especially when you start using her energy effects. She uses a single upper torso balljoint which is a bit restrictive than some figures, but overall it's not too bad. The design does ensure that her armor still looks impressive rather than broken up and gangly like some of the older Legends figures.

* Psylocke comes with a few energy effects, the first being a pair of these bubbly energy effects. They can fit on her wrists and they looks pretty cool just giving her a bit of extra spice when posing in battle.

* She also comes her psychic knife effect. You can put it over either of her fists and it stays on very nicely. I remove the fists before putting it on so that it doesn't put any wear on the clips.

You know what? I think this is the coolest of the four new Wolverine sets. The Logan vs Sabbretooth set is close, very close, but this one takes the cake for me. Yeah, this is a Wolverine figure we have already but this new one has two of the best Wolverine portraits we've ever seen. And Psylocke/ Lady Mandarin? She's an incredible figure that really feels like one of the best Marvel Legends releases of the year. This is an Epic set and while the Logan vs Sabretooth set seems to be a little more popular, this one is is clear winner. These are both excellent figures!

Interested in more of Wolverine, AKA Logan, AKA James Howlett, AKA Patch? Then check out my reviews of the Marvel Legends Retro Collection Wolverine (Strike Force), Marvel Legends Series Wolverine & Lilandra Neramani, Logan vs Sabretooth, and the Juggernaut BAF Series Wolverine, and the Marvel Legends Retro Series Wolverine.

Looking for more of Psylocke, AKA Besty Braddock, Captain Britain, Lady Mandarin, and Kwannon? I've also reviewed the Marvel Legends Series set of Banshee, Gambit, and Psylocke.

For more Marvel Legends Series reviews check out the following:

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