INTRODUCTION:
Captain America is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, and was created by back in 1941 by cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby.
He was originally designed as a patriotic super-soldier who fought off the Axis powers of the Second World War, and was very popular both as a comic book hero and a cultural icon throughout this period. But the appeal of comic book superheroes waned following the war and the Captain America comic book was discontinued in 1950, with a short-lived revival in 1953. However Captain America has remained in publication since 1964 after Marvel revived the character.
Captain America is usually depicted as the alter-ego of Steve Rogers- a frail young man who is picked to undergo a radical experiment where he is injected with an experimental serum which turns him into the perfect super-soldier to aid the United States government's efforts in World War II.
But towards the end of the war, he was trapped in ice and was in suspended animation until he was revived in the present day. Cap usually refers to himself as the "man out of time", a description of his struggle to maintain his ideals in the modern world.
Captain America wears a costume that bears an American flag motif, and is armed with a nearly indestructible shield made from vibranium that he throws at foes.
I've always been a fan of Cap, and was completely floored when I read about Mezco Toyz's plans for a 1:12 scale Cap figure complete with a Steve Rogers head sculpt. Although other companies like Bandai's SH Figuarts Line and Hasbro have come up with many Cap figures, there's always some prevalent weaknesses which prevent me from really liking them.
PACKAGING-7/10
Cap comes wrapped in your standard Mezco Toyz's packaging- a sealed boxed cover which opens up to reveal Cap as well as his many accessories neatly stowed away.
ACCESSORIES-8/10
Cap comes well stocked with various accessories, which include:
One Standard helmeted portrait One Unmasked Steve Rogers Portrait One pair of Fists (L&R) One "Thumbs Up" hand (L) One Saluting hand (R) One Pointing hand (R) One pair of Posing hands (L&R) One pair of Holding hands (L&R) One pair of Shield throwing hands (L&R) One Shield with magnetic attachments One Harness with magnetic attachment One Knife (fits in sheath on the boot) A Grenade set (can clip onto the back of the belt) One Interchangeable pouch and canteen (can clip onto the belt) A Display base with posing post
FIGURE-7/10
I'm tempted to give Cap a higher rating for this section, because in terms of a figure this scale he's almost perfect. Mezco Toyz hit the nail on the head with Cap's costume as it looks more like a military uniform than a superhero costume, and the cloth fabric does not hinder the figure's movement in any way.
Another plus factor is Cap's shield and the use of magnets on the harness which allows him to store it behind his back when he's not using it; as well as magnets on his arms which makes it much easier for him to wear the shield. One of my peeves with SH Figuarts' Cap was that it was quite difficult to wear his shield, and Mezco found a solution to that!
The level of detail on both Cap's headsculpts is commendable, simply because it really looks like Steve Rogers from the comics, and not the movie version.
But there is a reason why I didn't give Cap a higher score here. After taking him out of the box, and playing with him for a while, I noticed a slight wearing out of the top part of his costume. Although its nothing serious, I hope this won't become an issue in the future.
ARTICULATION-7/10
Cap is a solid figure in the sense that you can get him to do a myriad of poses without fear of breaking him. Certainly a very fun figure to play with and to take lots of pictures. HOWEVER the lack of articulation in his ankle joints is slightly frustrating as it limits some poses- like getting him to go down on one knee or to squat.
But that's a minor gripe which I can live it :)
POSEABILITY- 8/10
Cap does not pose nearly as well as Mezco's Dawn of Justice Batman, but he does come at a pretty close second place. Nevertheless he kicks some serious ass in the poses he can do :)
VALUE-8/10
If you're a Captain America fan and don't mind parting ways with some extra cash, I'd say do so and you won't be disappointed or frustrated. What the Cap figures from other lines lack, Mezco Toyz more than makes up for it in terms of quality. The company's efforts and dedication in producing figures is undeniable, and Cap is one in a growing list of figure favourites of the One:12 Collective line.
You can still get him at Big Bad Toy Store for US$80 (RM354.61).
OVERALL SCORE- 7.5/10
Did you like the review? Have something else to add? Leave a comment below! Please like, share and subscribe to The Abah-Geek!