Review of Iron Man MK XXXV Red Snapper - Power Pose action figure

Introduction

Not too long ago, I reviewed the first in Hot Toys new "Power Poser" series, the MK 42. The idea behind this new series is to provide a high quality sculpt and paint job, but cut back on the articulation and extras to keep the price point down.

The second release is now shipping - the Red Snapper, or MK 35. This is a much larger figure, topping out at about 13 1/2". He's not quite Iron Monger size, but he's certainly bigger than the normal suit variant, not just in height but in bulk, making he a good choice for the Power Pose alternative.

I'm not convinced that the trade off with articulation and price is really working quite as well this time, however. This guy will run you about $250, not all that far off from the price of any other sixth scale suit. He has been selling out at some retailers though, so clearly it's a popular MK variation.

Packaging - ***
The box is pretty straight forward. The outer box has the usual graphics with little text, while the inner plastic trays house the figure. There's no assembly, and other than the display stand, no accessories.

It's all collector friendly of course, and they've done a nice job ensuring the paint doesn't get damaged around the joints by adding in some soft foam rubber pieces. But it's still pretty basic work considering the current state of packaging in the sixth scale market.

Sculpting - ****
This is a big, bulky design, and they've matched the screen version extremely well. I love the look of the clamps, but it's really the offset boots that do it for me. This really looks like a Mark suit with extended arms and legs, as though the 'boots' and 'hands' are pieces added to a basic design, and not an overall fluid single piece. This mecha look really works well, and is a nice change of pace from the usual Mark design.

As I said, he's big, almost 13 1/2" in a full upright position. He also has the added bulk throughout the body and legs, making him seem more formidable next to the smaller suits.

The individual components are extremely realistic, and all the faux metal armor pieces are sharply defined. While he doesn't have a second head sculpt, they were smart enough to make the neck compatible with previous releases, allowing you to pop on your favorite Tony head if you so desire.

Paint - ****
As always, the various plastic bits look fantastic, with bright metallic surface finishes contrasting with duller hues on the machine-like components. There's no wear effects this time, and some of the armor looks a bit more plasticy than usual, but it's a very minor nit. This guy will fit in perfectly with the other MMS and Die Cast figures, both in paint and sculpt.

There is zero slop, and the smaller detail work looks terrific. Finishes and colors are very consistent and even as well, and the larger palette this time around adds some additional visual interest.

Articulation - ***1/2
The first Power Pose figure came with a relatively static body, plus a couple extra limbs to make switching poses possible. There's no extra limbs here, but there is a surprising level of articulation, almost...almost...as good as a regular release. Not quite, and you'll certainly notice the difference, but it's much more than I had expected.

The neck is a double ball, and it works fantastic. The head can move tilt, lean and turn both below the jawline and at the torso.  Even with the bulky armor you'll have no trouble getting personality into every pose.

The ball shoulders work well, but are slightly restricted by the armor. The shoulder armor is jointed so it can move out of the way, making it possible to raise the arm almost parallel to the body. There's also a standard pin elbow, again restricted by the armor sculpt a bit. The wrists are also cut joints - at the actual hands, not the claws - and they can turn inside the armor.

There's no torso joints - no cut waists, ab-crunches or anything else - so the upper body will remain static in all poses.

The hips are ball joints, and the armor on the front of the thighs is attached to springs, allowing you to push it down out of the way, move the leg into a tighter position, then let the arm snap back into place. It's an excellent solution, and allows the legs quite a bit more mobility than you'd expect.

There's pin knees and pin ankles too, and once again, pieces of the armor around the 'foot' can be moved out of the way to increase the range of movement.

The final spot worth mentioning is the claw-like hands. Each side of the clamp can move independently, and can actually grip smaller items. While this figure isn't about to rival something like the recent Iron Patriot, it has much more articulation than you might expect from the Power Pose series.

Accessories - *1/2
This is where the costs were really cut.  He comes with one extra, the usual display stand. Here, the post is a clear plastic, and there's a large saddle at the top. A metal pin on the saddle fits inside a hole in his crotch, keeping him safely perched on high. This thick post can easily hold his weight (he's quite light considering his size), but because he has no torso articulation and the post is straight, the only flying poses you'll get are those where his upper body remains vertical. This base does not light up.

And that's it. You can swap in a Tony Stark head from another release, if you'd like - the neck post is compatible. But you'll have to supply that extra head, or pick one up on ebay.

Light Feature - ****
You've come to expect four lights on any Iron Man, and that's what you'll get here.  A big plus this time is that most are very easy to reach.

All the watch batteries are included and already in place. To reach the battery compartment and switch for the eyes, you have to pop off the head, but it's very easy to do. It pops right back on as well, making it a reasonable location for the control.

The back is a little trickier, but not awful. There's a triangular plate on the top, just below the large collar armor, that pops out to reveal the switch and compartment. The easiest way to remove it is to lift up on the silver opening - it will pop right out. It's a little more difficult to get to, but still far easier than any of the hidden switches on the recent die cast suits.

The hands are truly easy peasy, with the switches right on the backside, opposite the light. Nothing to remove, and it's even easy to reach with fat fingers.

All the lights are very bright, and the batteries haven't shown any signs of weakening yet. Obviously, your mileage may vary based on the batteries you get.

Fun Factor - ***
I'm quite pleased with the posability of this figure, particularly after the statuesque nature of the first Power Pose release. This is actually a figure, just slightly less articulated than the norm. You can still get some decent poses, and you'll have no trouble finding several different looks for the display, swapping them up once in awhile just to keep things interesting.

Value - **
I'm not quite sure that the price point properly lines up with the reductions in articulation and accessories. Consider the Iron Patriot, who has a large number of real metal components, a good set of extras including a second head sculpt, and a very articulated body, and yet costs just $50 more. In fact, it was only recently that the regular Iron Man suits were even at the $220 level, suits that are much better articulated and with lots more goodies.

This suit is bigger, you have to give them that. It's not huge, but it's large enough to make a difference. The scariest thing about this price point isn't specifically related to this figure, it's the idea that if they are charging $250 for a Power Pose, what do they plan on charging for future MMS releases?

Things to Watch Out For -
With any figure like this, you're greatest risk is when posing. Pay attention to the instructions and their description of the various joints, and don't push anything past where it feels safe. Take particular note of the upper thigh armor - it's on a spring, and can be pushed down, out of the way as you work with the hips. That will help avoid any scratches, and allow you to get the full range of movement.

Overall - ***1/2
I don't expect that we'll ever see another version of the Red Snapper outfit in the Movie Master or Die Cast series, making this one a critical addition to the display. I really, really like the look of the Snapper, and it adds some truly unique style to the line up.  The light up feature works great, and the unusual look to the clamps and feet will set him apart from the 'herd'.

I'm really glad I picked this guy up, although I do have a rough time reconciling the price.  Since it's unlikely we'll be getting another Red Snapper, it was worth it to me to add him to the Hall of Armor, but not everyone will feel the same compulsion.  I think the Power Pose concept works best for figures like this - too big to be able to do in a cost efficient manner in the traditional MMS series or new Die Cast series, but figures that fans will want nonetheless. I'm far, far less inclined to go after the smaller Power Pose designs based on suits we already have, or will potentially get in the other series.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ****
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - *1/2
Light Feature - ****
Fun Factor - ***
Value - **
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Check out the earlier Power Pose MK 42, as well as the recent diecast series Iron Patriot.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

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