Note: This classic review page preserves the original review links. Once all classic reviews have been updated, we will update the links.
Click here to go back to the new Minimates Central
Marvel Minimates - Giant-Sized X-Men 6-pack Part One
Here we have a pack containing 6 of the "second wave" of the X-Men from 1975. Fan favourite Wolverine joins Colossus, Storm, Cyclops, NightCrawler and Thunderbird in this unique set. This initial review will concentrate on the Packaging and the first 3 figures (Cyclops, Storm and Colossus). The second part of the review will focus on the other 3 characters (Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Thunderbird).
Packaging
The packaging is markedly different from previous Minimates releases. The most jarring change is the move away from the window boxes which showed the figures inside. The newer Marvel Minimates packaging now simply has an enclosed box with pictures of the Minimates on. However, the front of this particular box is very clever as it emulates the actual comic cover that these figures are from and "Minimate-ises" the characters, as shown in the picture below:
The back of the box shows the usual waves 1 to 3 of the Minimates plus the Silver Surfer exclusive. The sides of the box each have 3 of the Minimates heads on, with their names. This is the only place on the packaging that names the figures.
The size of the box is smaller than I thought it would be, bearing in mind it contained 6 figures. It is not all that much bigger than the DST 2-pack, and the TRU 5-pack is longer whilst being nearly as wide. Here is a comparison shot of the 6-pack, along with a 2-pack and a 5-pack:
The 6 figures are packed in a bubble tray, and have NO twist-ties holding them in. Instead, a second clear tray piece fits over the top and then locks in, meaning that these figures are held in well and can be seen from each side:
Overall, the packaging is functional, bright, clear and works really well.
The Figures
Cyclops
Scott Summers, also known as the X-Men field commander Cyclops, is the first figure in this set. He has his customary visor over his eyes, which, unlike the Ultimate version, is attached to a full mask. The mask is removable to reveal his red eyes, which symbolise his laser shooting capabilities. The face is a lot less "cartoony" than the Ultimate Cyclops and more in line with the other Minimates with its stern expression.
Cyclops's X-Men uniform is even less detailed than his Ultimate version. However, this version just seems to look far better. Maybe because of the brighter colours - The blue is a lighter colour and the brighter yellow looks better than the more orangey-looking yellow of the Ultimate costume. Also the costume has long sleeves, so this Cyclops is not plagued with the "blue elbow-skin" syndrome of the earlier figure. The look is a lot cleaner and much more visually appealing.
The figure isn't without a flaw, though, and that's down to the paint. There is some paint bleed on the visor itself, right in the middle of the visor where it is most noticable.
Overall, this figure is much better than the previous one. Some might think that the plain blue look is a tad on the boring side, but I think it suits the character better.
MMC Score - 7 out of 10
More pictures
Storm
The second figure in the set is Ororo Munroe, AKA Storm. This figure looks quite different to the Ultimate version of Storm, which is a good thing, although her face is very similar to her previous version. Still, it is a very nicely detailed face, with her customary white eyes. Interestingly, Storm's skin tone is slightly darker than on the Ultimate Storm.
Storm is dressed in a very fetching black outfit, with a very stiff cape as a separate piece. The cape limits movement slightly but as a costume it looks great, and the paint detailing is very crisp and clean with no blotches anywhere.
The first Storm Minimate was noticable for it's huge white hairpiece - easily the biggest one we had seen... Until now. This version of Storm has a hairdo that is so large it's almost a separate accessory! One worry I had was that it might not sit well on her head, but the hairpiece is molded to envelop her head and fits very firmly, which is a must for a piece that could potentially be knocked off all the time during play. It also limits head movement but looks so good that I don't mind.
Overall, Storm is a superb figure, very different to her Ultimate version but with an incredibly unique look.
MMC Score - 8 out of 10
More pictures
Colossus
The third figure in the set is the Russian mutant Colossus, who has not had a previous Minimate figure. The first thing that strikes you about Colossus is his silver metallic finish, which is similar to the Silver Surfer Minimate. Colossus's face is excellently detailed with an angry, grimacing expression. He also has a black hair piece with silver ears.
Colossus's uniform is brightly coloured, the red and yellow goes well with the silver of his skin. He has several outfit pieces to help bulk him up, with the big red boots and chest piece he does look wider than the average Minimate.
Colossus is incredibly detailed. The texture of his skin is hinted at with very thin black lines, and white marks give a sense of being a shiny surface. This paint application is really clean and looks great. When you remove the chest piece you can also see that the detailing extends to the front and back of the chest block, with muscular definition lines painted on similar to the Hulk Minimate. However the paint on the removable chest piece itself is a bit sloppy, with the red bleeding into the yellow.
Overall, Colossus is a one of the best Minimates available, the level of detail is amazing and really brings out the character.
MMC Score - 10 out of 10
More pictures
Back to Marvel Reviews Index
Click here to go back to the new Minimates Central