Toys - Marvel Legends Iceman : An In-Depth Review of Diamond Select Toys' Latest Release

By Mulder, 01 april 2024

The new Marvel Select Iceman figure from Diamond Select Toys is an impressive addition to the Marvel Select series, capturing the essence of Bobby Drake in a fresh and innovative way. This 7-inch action figure is a must-have for X-Men fans, especially those who have followed Iceman’s journey from his debut in the 1960s to his present-day adventures. Diamond Select Toys has poured a lot of effort into this figure, making it a standout piece that will excite collectors and casual fans alike.

One of the first things you notice about the Marvel Select Iceman figure is the packaging. True to the traditional Marvel Select style, the large bubble packaging showcases the 7-inch figure along with its multitude of accessories. This packaging style not only protects the figure but also displays it beautifully, making it clear why this toy is a fair deal at its $29.99 MSRP. The card back provides a brief bio for Iceman, a nice touch for those new to the character, and credits the artists involved in its creation.

The figure itself is made of a mixture of clear and translucent tinted blue plastic, with white frost deco applied to certain areas. This combination of materials gives Iceman a unique look that stands out among other action figures. The use of both clear and translucent parts is visually striking, though it does expose the inner workings of the toy, including the elbow and shoulder joints. While some might find this transparency intriguing, others might feel it detracts from the overall aesthetic, making the figure appear somewhat bizarre.

Diamond Select Toys has gone above and beyond with the accessories included with this Iceman figure. The Ice Slide, a significant and much-hyped accessory, is particularly noteworthy. Sculpted to look like a small ocean wave frozen mid-crest, it is reminiscent of a Japanese Zen painting in its detail and elegance. The base includes two foot pegs for Iceman to stand on, as well as two holes for support bars to assist with dynamic poses. These support poles, while somewhat fiddly and prone to coming apart during setup, help hold up the heavy ice blasting effects hands, enhancing the figure’s display possibilities.

In addition to the Ice Slide, the figure comes with five interchangeable hands, two heads, two belts, and two support stands for the ice sled effects. This generous spread of extras clearly sets this figure apart value-wise from a $25 Marvel Legends figure. The belts, featuring a snap in the middle, fit remarkably well and offer a choice between the classic X-Men belt and an 80s-feeling oversized buckle belt. This allows collectors to display Iceman in different styles, catering to fans of various eras.

The interchangeable heads also provide a fun way to customize the figure. The classic bald head evokes nostalgia for Toybiz’s first Iceman figure, while the modern “hairy” head adds a playful touch that suits Bobby Drake’s jovial personality. These options make the figure versatile and appealing to a wide range of collectors.

Where this figure truly excels is in the execution of its ice effects. The ice blast hands are heavy but fun, and the alternate left hand featuring an arc of ice daggers adds a novel display option. These effects are pre-attached to bonus hands that can be swapped out, a smart design choice that enhances the figure’s playability. The ice slide itself is a fantastic accessory that many Hasbro Marvel Legends collectors might covet just for its dynamic display potential.

However, the figure is not without its drawbacks. The articulation scheme, while decent, feels somewhat antiquated. The Iceman figure features a ball-jointed head, ball-hinge shoulders, a ball-jointed upper torso, swivel waist, swivel biceps and thighs, ball-hinge knees and elbows, swivel-hinge wrists, and hinged feet with rockers. Despite this range of movement, the lack of double-hinged elbows and knees, a hinged neck, swivel calves, and butterfly swivel shoulders limits the poses you can achieve. This makes Iceman feel a bit stiff compared to the more articulated Marvel Legends figures from Hasbro.

Nevertheless, there are still fun poses you can achieve, and the accessories more than make up for the articulation limitations. The belts fit well, and the heads and hands offer great customization options. The support poles, though tricky to manage, are a nice touch for those who want to display Iceman in more dynamic poses. The figure’s ability to integrate with 6-inch Marvel Legends figures might be limited due to its larger size, but it still stands out as an impressive collectible on its own.

Diamond Select Toys has done an admirable job with this Marvel Select Iceman figure. While it may not perfectly integrate with 6-inch Marvel Legends figures, its stunning design, detailed accessories, and sheer presence make it a worthy addition to any X-Men fan's collection. The thoughtful inclusion of multiple heads, hands, and belts, along with the super cool ice sled, provides a highly customizable and enjoyable figure that celebrates the legacy of Bobby Drake in style. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of X-Men, this Iceman figure is a great way to honor one of Marvel’s most enduring and beloved characters.

Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville