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Here we have a pack containing the leader of the X-Men and the main villian of the X-Men which is an exclusive to the online store Action Figure Xpress. Quite why they pick arguably the 2 most important X-Men characters and put them in an exclusive pack together is beyond me, although with the news that Wave 7 consists of former exclusives it wouldn't surprise me to see these Minimates split up and given a wider release in the future.

Packaging

This set is the first 2-pack to feature the newer Marvel Minimates packaging which now is an enclosed box with pictures of the Minimates on.



It is slightly smaller than the carded 2-packs, and while it has the X-Men logo on the side, the drawing of Wolverine that featured on the X-Men items previously is missing. The back of the box shows the now-customary waves 1 to 3 of the Minimates plus the Silver Surfer exclusive. It'll be interesting to see if that finally gets updated on the Wave 4 Minimates.

The 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.



The packaging does look acceptable but at the moment I prefer the carded packaging of the earlier waves. I'm sure the boxes will grow on me once the new waves hit.

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The Figures

Magneto

Magneto, the master of magnetism and one of the most dangerous mutants alive, is the first figure in this set. He has his trademark helmet, which has enough of a space to show his white eyebrows and arrogantly smirking mouth. They really captured a "I'm better than all of you and I know it" look to him, which obviously works well for a supervillain who believes he is the leader of the new evolution of man.

The helmet is removable, and very nicely detailed and painted. It's definitely one of the best helmets in the line so far. Without the helmet, you get a better look at the expression on his face.

Magneto's costume is red and purple in colour and has some good paint apps and detailing on it, including the gloves and boots which are simple yet work well. The other standout piece (apart from the helmet) is Magneto's cape, which really adds an imposing air to the figure. It's solid plastic and hinders some of the articulation but just looks great. There are even folds sculpted in on the edges of the cape.

Overall, Magneto is a must-have Minimate, both in character terms and as a very fun, playable toy.

MMC Score - 10 out of 10

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Professor X

The second figure in the set is the founder of Xavier's School for the Gifted; Professor X. The first thing that you notice about this figure is that Professor X has his wheelchair, which is the first "vehicle" in the Marvel Minimates line. The wheels roll and Professor X sits in it very nicely - the arms rests and footplate are in the perfect position. It's a simple accessory but fun to use, and a welcome addition to a line that due to clauses in the contracts can't have vehicles in it.

And now onto Charles Xavier himself. He has a very stern expression on his face which makes sense considering the role he has. However because his eyes and mouth need to be seen clearly when he is wearing the Cerebro helmet, his eyes seem very high up on his face when the helmet is not on. Unlike a lot of the other Minimates, Professor X has painted on ears.

Professor X is formally dressed in a khaki-coloured suit. The paint apps are simple but effective, with the detailing being very crisp and clear.

As well as the wheelchair itself, Professor X comes with a blankie that fits over his legs whilst sitting in the wheelchair, and, as mentioned above, he also has the Cerebro helmet, which has played a huge part in the two X-Men films to date. All the accessories are nicely done, and add a lot to the figure.

Overall, Professor X is a very unique figure, an essential character and just like Magneto, a very playable toy who excels in Minimate form.

MMC Score - 9 out of 10

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