Superhero Times: a service of Action Online
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Hasbro has recently begun re-releasing some past Toy Biz Spider-man sculpts under the new Spider-man: Heroes and Villains banner, and below we'll be taking a look at the "new" Wrestling Spider-man, a re-release of a Spider-man movie figure of the same name from back in 2002.
Wrestling Spidey is packed on a bright yellow, kid-friendly blister that looks okay but is nothing really incredible. Frankly, it’s a little bit too "Sesame Street" for me, and I would have preferred something more in line with the movie logo and a blue and red promotional color scheme. However, it's understandable that Hasbro is making this a new packaging presentation, so that new molds can be released in this same line in the future.
The sculpt, originally by Toy Biz and re-released under the Hasbro banner, features low articulation for a Spider-man figure but still has enough joints to make the figure fun and poseable. However, the playability in this particular Spider-man is NOT in countless POAs but rather in the interchangeable parts. The figure is solid and well sculpted, but those looking for a definitive, super-poseable Spidey may be disappointed given the others available on the market.
The paint on the figure is adequate and balanced but imperfect. It’s not bad--not bad at all, it’s just kinda "too kiddish"—overly soft and bright is the best way to describe it. Peter's eyes are incredibly bright and a bit offputting, but that’s a minor qualm for an acceptable--though bright--paint job. Again, the soft colors may be more attractive to some than they were for me; but I felt the paint could have been a shade or two darker.
While this Spidey does not include the usual web accessory to hang from or the like, he does feature interchangeable parts and costuming for hours of play and numerous display opportunities. The interchangeable joint system is also such that it the joints stay firm after popping them in and out of place multiple times. While I did not attempt to place the mask, pants or shirt on any other figure, I am fairly certain they would fit snugly; and overall, this feature is what sells the figure. It's fantastic and offers countless hours of creative fun as one can develop loads of unique Spidey-costumes or put the figure in 1 of 3 film-accurate costumes as well.
The real deal on cost/value on this figure is simple. You get one body but countless figures. The many interchangeable parts allow for dozens of combinations; and while only three are directly from the Spider-man film, the opportunity to essentially customize your own "Human Spider"/Spider-man figure is an incentive and bonus this figure offers that few others due.
I’m very grateful to Hasbro for re-releasing this figure on the market, and the $9.99 price point is certainly reasonable considering the hours of enjoyment one can get while making different versions of Spidey through the various interchangeable parts. The minor qualm about the paint and packaging can be overlooked since (a) the figure is best enjoyed loose anyway and (b) the paint is not necessarily bad, only brighter than I would have liked. This is a great interactive toy that will be a PERFECT GIFT for Spidey-fans this summer, and while the slimy soft plastics of the interchangeable costume feel strange at first, once one gets used to them, there’s loads of fun to be had.
Check out the full Wrestling Spider-man picture gallery HERE, and see below for TONS OF COSTUME OPTIONS due to the figure's many interchangeable parts!
Review and Images by C.J. Stunkard
