War Machine

I bought Toy Toys’ Iron Man Mark VI, and while it has no die-cast, I loved it. I balked at buying the War Machine that was released at the same time. The grey bugged me for some reason. Then it came out and I regretted not getting it. One thing I have learned lately is that if you like something modern and popular DON’T pay a bundle to get it after you miss it, because it will be reissued, re-released, or something (For example: Marmit: Andromeda Metallic, Fewture: Black Getter, Fewture: Gatchaman repaints, etc…). Sure enough, Hot Toys re-released the War Machine mold at the end of 2011, but now in a terrific black and white color scheme. Once again, with modern toys, practice patience… I regret when I don’t.

It came in a cool all flat black box with a silver War Machine inlay and brief synopsis of the War Machine creation in the movie.

The box contains the typical plastic tray and War Machine with plastic protectors on his arms.

There is no Jim Rhodes head like the first release, but you do get a cool light up stand in addition to the typical one.

This guy actually caused me to need the instructions (it has an English side) and the small wand to pop open his gimmicks.

The light-up features are a stark red, and look both menacing and imposing. It should be said that new out of the box the eyes and hands began to dim. I took apart the figure to replace the batteries and they came back to bright red… somehow… go figure.

The tool is needed to pop the shoulder missile launchers (it even comes with “The Ex-Wife” missile). They are intricate and very detailed… go Hot Toys

The Gatling gun mounts on a sliding back turret, and has a plastic ammo belt that slides very well into the slots. It is a solid, well crafted design and works well side to side. Note: it does not tilt up and down.

The guns are put on by flipping up arm brackets. They are hard to align but stay on well.

The solid closed hands need to be switched with the light-up enabled and movable fingered hands.

Finally, the calf booster aspects look crisp and clean.

The new stand has the normal padded claw holder…

…which allows for many great positions and angles.

It does not have the very easy posability of the Iron Man Mark VI, but a more “blocky” feeling, which seems accurate and in no way takes away from War Machine.

He does not come with as many accessories as Iron Man Mark, VI but again, it makes sense… they are already inside his armor and just need to be popped open (still missed having extra arms, armor, and heads like Iron Man).

I love having this figure in my collection and I am so happy I picked/got this version (the black and white equate more to the comic book), BUT for some reason it was NOT in my top ten for the year (around four out of five stars). It displays great next to Iron Man Mark VI and my signature Tab.

It is expensive, around $250 after shipping, but if you missed out on the first release or want this version it is a must have and does NOT disappoint. Like I alluded to, however, I would not sacrifice the $$$ for this baby over Iron Man or maybe the soon to be released Fewture Black: Getter