How Do You Figure?

In 2009, I chose the 3 and ¾ inch Marvel action figures over the Marvel Legends 6 inch action figures. At the time, there were the Marvel Universe single and double packs, Wolverine and the X-Men, and Wolverine: X-Men Origins lines running in the smaller size. That meant four times the chances that the figures I wanted would come out (and yet still no Arcade). It also meant they’d be the same size as my G.I. Joe and Star Wars figures. (This was the dark days, before Star Wars Black was a twinkle in it’s Father’s eye).

Since, I’ve been questioning myself. A lot of the Wolverine and the X-Men figures were cartoonish.

Pretty soon that line and Wolverine: X-Men Origins were discontinued. More important than any of that, the Marvel Universe sometimes fall apart out of the package. It’s incredibly frustrating to buy a figure and pull off the leg before it’s entirely out of the package, and I haven’t had that problem with the Marvel Legends, although my sample size is the one Wolverine I bought for this article.

But let’s get to the brass tacks. I’ve got a 3 and ¾ inch Wolverine and a 6 inch Wolverine, because who doesn’t have enough Wolverine figures.

Has anyone even heard of this guy?

The bigger figure balances better, has more points of articulation, while the smaller one’s shoulder pads block him from raising his arms over his head.

In terms of detail, the smaller one has the classic X on his belt (which, in my opinion, should come on every action figure and non-action figure belt standard) and his claws look better. Even with the paint starting to fade from wear, the solid bar looks better.

The smaller one is also easier to store, and if you live in a city like I do, that makes a big difference. I pay nearly a grand a month for the “privilege” of living in a bread closet, so anyway I can save space I’ve got to take it.

The way a figure moves outweighs how well the details are executed, because if I really wanted the “X” on my bigger Wolverine’s belt, I could paint it on. But we still haven’t talked price. The 6 inch figure may look better now, but the list price difference of $21.99 versus $9.99. Is it $12 better?

Of course, there are other scales of figures that are more posable and look better, and cost $50 plus. If any of my esteemed readers would like an article comparing those to these two, feel free to get into contact and I’d be happy to let them send me some of those incredible figures. Until then, I’m going to stick with 3 and ¾ inch action figures.

A Call to Action (Figures) is a weekly column published every Wednesday, chronicling my rants and raves about all things action figure. Join me next week and find out why there’re so many Wolverines, and how we, the consumers, can change that.

What scale do you collect? Let me know in the comments