REVIEW: Hot Toys MMS BLADE II

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Marvel's deadly anti-hero - BLADE - steps into the Movie Masterpiece spotlight this month thanks to the creative efforts of Hot Toys. Based on his appearance in the second film, this new Blade figure features an arsenal of weapons and actor Wesley Snipe's likeness.

PACKAGING: The figure comes inside a shoe-box styled package similar to Hot Toys' Wolverine figure which came out a few months ago. The figure sits on a molded tray which includes two separate covers for added protection. There is an additional plastic tray attached to the inside of the box lid which houses Blade's arsenal of weapons. There is also a removable cardboard insert which features a full color image of the figure.

The outside of the box lid features the Blade II logo along with a photograph of Blade in one of his iconic battle poses with gray clouds in the background. As I stated before in my Hot Toys MMS Wolverine review, it seems that the company is allocating a lot more money into the actual Marvel figures and straying away from the incredibly elaborate package designs they have done in the past. This is most likely a budgeting strategy to avoid having to raise the price on these already pricey collectibles.

SCULPT/PAINT: The portrait head sculpt on this figure is amazing and captures the likeness of actor Wesley Snipes almost flawlessly. The texture on the hair and face is porous and incredibly life-like. The tattoo on the back of Blade's neck is perfectly rendered and movie-accurate.

Blade also includes three sets of interchangeable hands ,which are very well sculpted, as customary of all Hot Toys figures. Blade's head is colored with absolute precision and the highest level of detail which breathes life into the 1:6th scale figure.

ARTICULATION: The Blade figure is incredibly versatile thanks to the vast articulation its TrueType body includes. This figure can be placed in an endless amount of ways including several movie-accurate poses. One of the best things about this figure is that the costume does not limit the range of motion on the body so it can be posed quite easily.

COSTUME: Blade comes with a very high quality trench coat which has micro wiring sewn into the seams making it possible to pose the coat in several dynamic styles. The trench coat also has a triangular slit on the back through which you can easily slide his scabbard just like in the film. The scabbard latches on to a clip on the back of Blade's vest. The vest is very well made and features elastic material on the back which makes it easy to snap the buttons shut without tearing the fabric in the process.

The figure also includes a removable black jacket which fits perfectly on the figure and fastens snuggly around the body thanks to a handy Velcro strip. The rest of Blade's costume, including his pants and undershirt, are also very well made and movie-accurate. The pants include an elastic strap around the left thigh which holds up to 5 silver stakes, just like in the film. The level of quality and precision put into Blade's costume is by far one of the best jobs I have seen on a Marvel MMS figure, placing this character in a league of its own.

ACCESSORIES: Another amazing thing about this 1:6th scale figure is the plethora of accessories and weapons it includes. The arsenal of weapons this figure comes with adds even more display possibilities. Every single weapon the figure includes is painted and detailed with the highest level of precision as possible. The Blade II Movie Masterpiece figure includes:

- Highly detailed movie-accurate sunglasses

- Foldable Glaives (2)

- Shoulder Holster

- Extendable Hand Armors (2)

- Authentic Sword with Scabbard

- Interchangeable Booby-Trapped Sword Handle

- Silver Stakes (5)

- UV Bombs (2)

- Machine Gun

- Hand Guns with Removable Clips

- 4 Sets of Interchangeable Hands

- Movie-Accurate Boots

- Figure Stand with Blade II movie logo and nameplate

OVERALL: Hot Toys has done a fantastic job with their 1:6th representation of Blade with its impressive costume, realistically accurate head sculpt and abundance of cool accessories. This is by far the best human Marvel character Hot Toys has ever made and I just cant wait to see what's next from them in the Marvel universe this yera.

This powerhouse of a figure is available now through several online retailers or at a comic shop near you priced at around $160. If you're as big a Blade fan as me or just love to add all of the MMS Hot Toys figures to your personal collection, I recommend you do not hesitate in getting this excellent piece as it is worth every single penny.

For over 150 images images of the MMS Blade II action figure, CLICK HERE!

Review and Photos by Jorge Pelaez

Review Sample Courtesy of Hot Toys