Action Figure Review: Professor X (Savage Land) from Marvel Legends Retro Collection by Hasbro

 

   I'm really excited to have Professor X in his green adventuring suit. That's what I've always called it, anyway. Hasbro calls the figure Professor X (Savage Land) and refers to this outfit as his "Safari Suit." Interesting. He's part of the Marvel Legends Retro Collection and is a Target exclusive figure that I managed to find rather easily. I've seen him multiple times, too. There wasn't a retro version of this guy in the Toy Biz X-Men line or anything; they just like to use the Toy Biz inspired cards. I love the look of the carts, though since I open my figures they don't do much for me after that. This has always been a Marvel Legends figure I've wanted and it's long been on my top 10 most wanted Legends list. It's both a great look for Chuck and it helps to flesh out a Savage Land display, which I absolutely adore. Professor X mysteriously regains his ability to walk when in the Savage Land, so this guy is absolutely ready for action. Ready to check out Professor X (Savage Land)? Then join me after the break...

The Facts:

Height: 6 1/2 inches

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

Accessories: 5 swappable hands and Cerebro helmet..

Non-Scalper Price: $25

Comparison:

* Just for fun here's a comparison between Professor X (Left) and Hank Pym (right) from the West Coast Avengers 5-pack. Hank's wearing a jumpsuit here and most of the figure was reused here for Charlie. Professor X does get new lower arms with rolled up sleeves, though, which definitely makes this figure feel much more accurate than it would with sleeves. It's good reuse and I imagine Hasbro's Legends team has had it in mind for quite some time. 

The Positives:

* Appearance wise, this is about as perfect of a Professor X in his adventuring gear/ safari suit/ fatigues as I could hope for. Charles wore this outfit quite often in the animated series but he also wore it on multiple occasions in the comics as well, sometimes when he was able to walk and sometimes when he was in his hoverchair. It's a bit more olive drab in some comic appearances, but this one seems to be a pretty close match for the cartoon. It looks accurate to Xavier's build and proportions, has some nice details like the collar, buttons, pockets, etc, and the black t-shirt exposed with a visible ribbed collar. After the classic suit-wearing, hoverchair flying, kiss stealin' version of Professor X, this is my second favorite look. The hoverchair version has received a rerelease this year, too, so you can track it down much more easily if you missed it the first time to build your own favorite version of good ol' Chuck. 

* The portrait is excellent and easily recognizable as Professor X and not just some random bald guy. This one has the face printing on it, so it really looks impressive. It really is incredible how much better the portraits that use the face printing technique look than the older figures that didn't use the technology. No wonder ladies across the galaxy swoon for Professor X; he's a tomcat, baby!

* The Retro Collection figures don't come with Build-a-Figure pieces (few Legends these days do) so someone like Professor X is a bit light on accessories. He does come with a Cerebro helmet, though, so you can change up his look a bit. This is a reused part, but it's not a bad piece to have around. It also would keep the top of Charlie's head from getting sunburned. 

* The sleeves are really well done. I like how there's a different color where they're rolled up, like you're seeing the other side of the material. The gloves also have removable cuffs that fit over the forearm, making them look much better than just a green hand on its own would. Lastly, you've got the X-Men "X" logo on each shoulder. Represent!

* There aren't any real surprises here, but Professor X's articulation is just fine. He's based on a new enough sculpt to have all pinless joints though he doesn't have the lateral "butterfly" joints or a balljointed chest. He does have a balljointed neck base and a barbell jointed head, though. His articulation is nice and tight and he can move just fine. Not much to say here; Marvel Legends figures are usually pretty consistent, so just looking at this guy pretty much clues you in on what to expect. I could see customizers getting some mileage out of this body as the fatigues are fairly different from most Marvel Legends sculpts. 

* Five swappable hands are included, which is a decent selection. There's a pair of fists, a pair of trigger grips, and a left hand with two fingers extended so Xavier can show off his telepathic abilities. It's not a bad selection. I imagine the pistol grip hands could be used for holding a variety of weapons as Charlie ain't afraid to throw down when he needs to. 

   Professor X in these cool duds has been one of my most wanted figures for quite some time, so I'm thrilled to finally have him. He turned out really well and it's hard to wish for much more. He's a Great figure. The only thing I would have liked to have seen is an alternate portrait, or perhaps even a Savage Land spear or something. He does have a decent assortment of hands and the Cerebro helmet but he still feels a bit light. That's a problem with a lot of the Retro Collection figures, though. Still, he's a never before made version of one of the most popular Marvel mutants, so jump on him now if you're interested. 



Oddly enough, this is the first Professor Charles Xavier figure I've reviewed on the site. For more Marvel Legends Retro Collection reviews check out the following:

Marvel Legends Retro Collection by Hasbro

Loki

Scarlet Witch

The Vision (West Coast Avengers)

Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Fantastic Four by Hasbro

Psycho-Man

Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Iron Man by Hasbro (2023)

Iron Man (Model 01- Gold)

 

Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Spider-Man by Hasbro

Hobgoblin
Lizard
Rhino

Shocker

Symbiote Spider-Man

Marvel Legends Retro Collection: X-Men by Hasbro
Apocalypse
Avalanche
Dark Phoenix
Gambit
Longshot
Spiral
Wolverine (Strike Team)