Toy News and Reviews
Marvel
Mini-Mates
Series 4 and 5
by The Toyman
Welcome back once again, toy fans!� This week, yours truly, the Toyman, will be reviewing the newest releases from Art Asylum and Diamond Select�s Marvel Mini-Mates lines.
Series 4 features three two-packs:
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Unmasked Spider-Man and Doc Ock
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Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy
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Battle-Damaged Daredevil and Bullseye
Series 5 features:
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Juggernaut and Civilian Logan
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Thing and Dr. Doom
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Absorbing Man and Captain America
And, as always, there are chase two-packs as well.� The Series 4 chase is Unmasked Daredevil and Bullseye, while the Series 5 chase is the Thing and Unmasked Dr. Doom.� This line has proved amazingly popular and hopefully the future DC line will be just as great.
Series 4 and 5 Complete Line-Up � Click for a Larger Image
Initial Thoughts
What are these � little toys with a massive amount of play value?� How is that possible?� It is impossible to pick up a Mini-Mate and not play with it.� They are infinitely posable, easily balanced, and everybody�s favorite Marvel characters are either available now or will be soon.� And have I mentioned how addictive they are?� You can�t stop with just one.
Art Asylum started their Mini-Mate line with larger-scale Mini-Mates based on rock stars, Star Trek, Crouching Tiger, and other popular properties.� With the Marvel line, the figures got smaller but didn�t lose any of their fun.� And with the future Lord of the Rings line, Art Asylum has made the Minis to make anyone happy.
Packaging�
After
the first three regular carded waves of Mini-Mates, the
packaging has changed.� We received a preview of the new packaging on the Professor X
and Magneto set, as well as on the Giant-Size X-Men set.� The Mini-Mates now come in a
small sealed box, with action shots of the featured figures on the front.� Initially,
when the packaging change was announced, I was a little skeptical � but
now that I�ve seen it in person, I really like it.� Sturdy boxes, bright graphics
and easily identifiable characters.� Even the variants are well labeled.
The figures are encased in an inner bubble, which is incredibly collector friendly.� If the desire strikes you, the Mini-Mates could easily be placed back into their boxes.� Sure, MOC/MIB collectors can�t see their new figures � but they can drool over the box.� 5 stars out of 5!
Sculpts�
Like all mini figures,
Mini-Mates feature their own basic body
style.� That body style is then modified with add-ons to create the desired
character.� The basic body is very simple, and most of the character
representations come across in the paint jobs.� Belts, hoods, capes, hair, and the
occasional accessory are about as elaborate as the sculpting gets.
I really can�t give a score on sculpt.� The basic body is great, there is no mistaking the characters, and they did sculpt some massive hands for the Thing.
I take it back.� For sculpt, the Mini-Mates get a 5!
They aren�t overly detailed statues, but they aren�t supposed to be.� Love them or hate them, the Mini-Mates have style, and they couldn�t do that if the basic body sculpt wasn�t sound.
Articulation�
14 points of articulation on every Mini-Mate!� That�s an amazing amount for a figure that�s only 2 inches tall.� None of the add-ons get in the way, there are no stuck joints, and you can mix and match parts to create your own characters.
That was an easy decision. 5 stars out of 5, yet again.
Paint�
The paint applications on figures like these can really make
or break them.� The paint jobs make these figures!� All the lines are clean, the
colors are consistent, and even the basic details are perfect.�
The rock texture
on Thing and Absorbing Man looks great, and Battle-Damaged Daredevil actually
looks like he hurts.
Their expressions are great, as well.� From Daredevil's blind eyes to Logan�s snarl and Doom�s scowl, everybody looks appropriately emotional.
They just keep packing a lot into a tiny figure.� 5 stars out of 5!
Accessories�
Accessories, too?� You betcha!
Captain America has
his shield, Absorbing Man has his ball and chain,
Doom has his cape, Spider-Man
has his webbing, Daredevils has his billy clubs, and Bullseye has his knife.� For
some reason Daredevil has one club and Bullseye has two knives on the box.� Inside the box, it�s completely the opposite.� (However, if you can
find the chase
set, at least one of your Bullseyes can have two knives.)
Even Juggernaut has a separate hairpiece to put on his head when you remove his helmet.� And let�s not forget Doc Ock�s tentacles (which technically add another four points of articulation).
5 stars out of 5 again.� Every accessory is almost like a little bonus.� They are spoiling us, making these figures this much fun.
Price�
$6.99 at the Dragon.� That�s the SRP, and it�s completely fair.� These little toys pack a lot of punch in a little box, and they won�t tug too hard at your wallet.
Considering that most mini-figs run in the $4-6 range, $3.50 each is a great deal.� I would have paid more, and for as much enjoyment as I�m getting out of these little buggers, they get another 5 stars.
Overall Playability�
A perfect score!� 5 stars out of 5.
These are great toys!
Another slow news week:
McFarlane Monsters 3 exclusive Club accessory pack revealed!� Click here for a peek!
McFarlane Toys has secured a licensing agreement to produce figures of Wayne Gretzky.� See the press release here.
Star Wars Unleashed Clone Trooper variation revealed!� Click here for a glimpse.
That�s all for this week, kiddies.
Next week:� MUPPETS SERIES 7!!
See you then, toy fans � same toy time, same toy channel!
Feel free to ask questions, suggest a
review, or share toy news with the Toyman!