Action Figure Barbecue: Action Figure Review: Emma Frost (Diamond Form) Marvel Legends Retro Collection by Hasbro

So, know, this isn't a Masters of the Universe review, but I've had Emma Frost (Diamond Form) sitting on my desk for a month or two and I decided it's finally time to check her out. Emma Frost has received a few figures over the past five years or so and this one is a Target exclusive that's part of the Marvel Legends Retro Collection. What's that mean? She comes on a classic Toy Biz inspire card with no Build-a-Figure piece. This version of Emma is largely a repaint of the Astonishing X-Men version of Emma Frost from 2023's Ch'od Build-a-Figure series, though now she has different portraits, a couple new accessories, and her skin is showing off her secondary mutation of taking on a diamond form. It's a neat variant and one that I don't believe we've seen for 20 years, since Hasbro's 2006 Toys 'R Us exclusive version of diamond Emma Frost. Ready to check out this version of Emma Frost as part of the X-Men? Then join me after the break...

The Facts:

The Height: 6 1/4ths inches

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

Accessories: 4 swappable hands, 2 swappable portraits, dossier, and book.

Non-Scalper Price: $28 dollars

Comparison:

* This Retro Collection Emma Frost (Diamond Form) is on the left while the Emma Frost from the 2023 Ch'od series is on the right. Both use the same body, though I don't think either head on the Diamond From version of Emma is the same as the standard Astonishing X-Men version. The one show here is obviously different but the other portrait seems like a different sculpt as well.

The Positives:

* When the standard version of this Emma Frost figure first came out in 2003, it was definitely offering up a new, unique body that was undeniably and exclusively Emma Frost. All of Ms. Frost's distinctive style flares are present (exposed midriff, bicep length opera gloves, and a bustier) but now, instead of her visible slim and toned body, you can see her diamond skin. In 2001 Emma's secondary mutation came about and she can now change her body into an organic diamond. This is conveyed through the use of clear plastic and it looks pretty good with a nice, very clear appearance. Emma's outfit is still all white, as you'd expect, with the only color coming from the red and gold X-logo belt buckle.

* Two portraits are included, both of which are incredible clear. Only Emma's eyes, eyebrows, and lips are painted in any way. It's a solid effect. It's not shiny or glittery, but the clear plastic does a nice job of conveying the effect. The first portrait does look incredibly similar to the Astonishing X-Men version of Emma shown above though the face looks shaped differently. I do think it's a different sculpt. If not different, it seems to be slightly modified.

* The second portrait is reused from the Walgreens exclusive Emma Frost from 2019. I actually like this one a little better, especially the shape of the face and the eyebrows. Her hair is pulled around to one side and it just looks more unique when displaying this figure. Tat's a personal opinion, though, and some of you likely prefer the other one that looks closer to Emma's Astonishing X-Men look.

* Just like the previous Emma Frost figure this is based on, she has a fairly unique body with all pinless joints. She's sturdy and well made despite having a slender figure an all of her joints feel nice and tight. The cape she wears does interfere with her arm articulation (which I'll get to in a minute), but what's available is solid, particularly her hidden mid-torso joint.

* The included hands are nothing special and are mostly the same two pair that most female Legends come with. You get that standard pair of gesturing hands, a right hand fist, and a gripping left hand for holding the included accessories.

* Since Emma Frost became the co-headmistress of the Xavier School during her time with the team, Hasbro through in some extras befitting of an educator. She has a file with the Xavier school crest printed on it that says "Mutant Pathogen Research" and a small book that says "Danger Room Programming Manual Vol.1" on the cover. These are reused from previous releases though the stamps are all new and actually make for a nice extra. You could use these with multiple figures and they're neat extras to have.

The Negatives:

* It might be hard to see in this picture but there is a weird stain on the back of Emma's cape. It's brownish yellow and I'm not sure that it really matches any paintwork on the figure. Maybe the belt buckle? I tried just scraping it and it didn't come off, so it seems like it might have leached into the plastic.

* As I hinted at above, there really isn't a great range of motion for Emma Frost's arms due to her cape. The way it sets over her biceps prevents most shoulder movement and some elbow movement. The cape looks great and fits just the way it should, but I'm not sure it's worth sacrificing so much arm movement for. I had this problem with the previous version, too, so it's not a huge surprise.

I kind of picked this one up on a whim just because the Diamond Effect seemed neat. Ultimately, though? This is kind of an Eh and a 1/2 figure. If you're really a huge fan of Emma Frost or hardcore into collecting X-Men, this isn't a horrible figure. It's not going to fall apart right out of the package or anything and Hasbro did try to throw in some cool extras. Still, I don't think this is as exciting as it could have been. The articulation issues of the previous figure are still here and Emma's usefulness here is kind of limited. The Retro Collection figures can definitely be hit or miss when it comes to accessorization and this one tried, but it still comes up a bit lacking.

Looking for more of Emma Frost, AKA the White Queen? I've also reviewed the Marvel Legends Series Astonishing X-Men version of Emma Frost from the Ch'od BAF series and the X-Men '97 Emma Frost.

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

She-Hulk

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

Iron Man (Model 01- Gold)

Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Secret Wars by Hasbro (2025)

Iceman