Points of Articulation: Apocalypse Variants

I've got a short column for you, a supplement to almeister's great review of the ML Apocalypse series. I promised I'd put up some pictures of three variant figures from that series, so here you go. First up, red costume Iron Fist.

As you can see, the main difference is the red costume and angry face. Danny's mask is ripped, and his hair peeks through in a few spots. If you click on the picture you should be able to make out how the flame accessories wrap around the hands.

My knowledge of Iron Fist dates back to some old issues of Power Man & Iron Fist, so I can't tell you anything about red-costume IF, except that I understand its from Byrne's run on Iron Fist vol. 2. Apparently, Danny wore red during a period of time when he had done something dishonourable.

I really like the Iron Fist figures, they're very poseable!
















Next we'll take a look a Bishop.

Variant Bishop is bald and is not wearing a red scarf. There are a few other minor colour differences as well. I like the variant figure a little better because the head has a greater range of motion, what with the scarf and all that hair out of the way. I don't really like Bishop and I had no intention of getting this variant but the hips on my Apocalypse build-a-figure broke on the first day out of the package, so I needed to get a replacement.

And let me tell you, it was a ***** to take Apocalypse apart. The head and upper torso locks onto the waist with some kind of ratchet-type mechanism, and once I put it together I could not pull it apart. I had to use a hacksaw to cut through the waist and up into the body, all the while trying to not cut the upper torso.

Last, take a look at white variant Sasquatch!

The only difference is the paint job but that's fine by me - unlike the Bishop figure, I had my eye on this variant from Day One. It fills the role of Wendigo in my collection. Plus, many Maestro figures failed to include the arm cable for the BAF, so by getting Wendigo I got that missing cable.

My only complaint about this figure is the "loincloth" of hair that covers the groin area. As it is attached to the upper torso - above the waist cut instead of below - it can restrict the ability of the figure to twist to the left or right when in a crouching pose. Click on the picture and you should be able to see what I mean.

Finally, although I generally don't think much of the typical "who'd win in a fight" topic, I can't help but ask: who would win, Wendigo or Ant-Man?

I'm gonna say Wendigo.

There are two more variants in this variant-heavy series, unmasked Wolverine and black-costume X-23. If I saw Wolvie at a good price, I might get him but there's no way in hell I need another X-23 figure.

Well, that's pretty much all there is to say. Post your comments here or email me at notoriousuli@yahoo.ca and I'll respond right here at Waiting for Wednesday.