Yeah, I already had one Black Widow figure, but this one is from a different movie.
Hong Kong collectible toy company Hot Toys has released other figures since my last review, but as anyone familiar with their Movie Masterpiece line knows, they cost a pretty penny, and as much as I would like to have them all, I simply don't have the deep pockets to make that dream come true.
As such, when I can, I only get the ones I really, really want. And since Captain America: The Winter Soldier is my favorite Marvel movie thus far, getting what figures I could from that lineup was kind of a given. The first release was the badass spy, Black Widow.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
- A plastic Scarlett Johansson look-alike
- 4.5 sets of hands (4 right hands and 5 left)
- 2 pairs of wrist tasers
- 2 Pistols
- Flip phone
- Stand with base, post, and figure grip
- Extra wrist joints
- Instructions
WHAT I LIKED
The Usual – As always, the facial features on the figure is one of the closest I've seen for a figure this size. At first I assumed they had simply recycled the head models from previous Black Widow figures, but upon closer inspection, while perhaps the initial mold may be the same, there is a definite evolution in the details and paint jobs. I love how Hot Toys will often go the extra mile where it counts.
The Props – Black Widow's pistols have clips magazines that you can load and remove and even the gun itself has a spring that lets you pull back the slide barrel. Way cool. [Update: Toshi is not a gun guy]
Stuff You Don't Remember Seeing – One thing I love about figures is that they let you get a close look at all the details you miss while they're in motion on the movie screen. I remember seeing Cap 2 and noting, aside from Black Widow's change in hair style, a change in the color scheme and fabric of her suit (when she was wearing it), but otherwise it seemed indistinguishable from the suit she wore in The Avengers. Looking at the figure, I really got to soak in and appreciate all the effort that must have gone into designing and redesigning what is essentially just a black jumpsuit.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
Bad Hair Day – Much like the previous Black Widow figures, this one has real hair that can be styled (the instructions suggest using real hair products to style it). While this adds to the realism of the figure, it is also a pain in the butt to try to make it look exactly like it does in the movie. As it stands now, Black Widow doesn't look bad, but she also doesn't look perfect – and certainly not like the promotional photos from Hot Toys.
Not Enough Toys for My Toy – In terms of accessories, Natasha Romanoff does not come with a lot. Considering how much the figure costs, it would have been nice for maybe a few more options in terms of props.
MY VERDICT
Of all the figures of Black Widow that Hot Toys has released, Cap 2 Black Widow is definitely my favorite. While the lack of extras is a bit of a turn-off, I'm still glad I got it. I've given away my Hot Toys Avengers figures to a friend with cancer, so in terms of replenishing my collection, this is a fine start. While the price tag makes me hesitate to tell you to run out and get one of your own, if you're like me and you love the Marvel movies and you love figures, this is the best Black Widow figure you could get.
The Hot Toys Captain America: The Winter Soldier Black Widow is currently available in the west through Sideshow Collectibles.
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