Packaging - *1/2
The packaging used for the Marvel Select line does not speak of a deluxe line at the best of times and in this instance where it contains a heavy figure it really shows. Basically we have a bubble with card partially wrapped around it. All the packs of Thanos that I have seen so far were bent or creased in some way. It seems to me that packaging at least is designed to be ripped open rather than stored. This will indeed be a tough purchase for the mint in box crowd.

Sculpt - ****
It is a difficult to think how the sculpting on this figure could have been improved upon. Although imposing Thanos’s look is fairly clean and the sculptors and In turn the manufacturers have done a superb job of bringing the big 'T' to life. This is the Thanos that we have all been waiting for.

Paint - *1/2
One word describes the paint on every single Thanos I have seen so far BAD! Every figure I looked at had a totally different finish on the face. The pink/purple shading around the eyes stopped at the bridge of the nose on some figures and went down to the lips on others. Many figures had paint chipped off of the hands and body and one even had a big chunk missing off its nose. Now how did that get past quality control? The colours used were correct though. The gold boots and gloves set the regal tone of Thanos nicely. Unfortunately though all of the soul gems on the Infinity Gauntlet were very dull indeed. The blue used fits the bill well enough and the shading wash is reasonable if perhaps a little underdone. Most of the faults I noticed were due to the poor application of these paints.

Articulation - ****
This figure is leagues ahead of the first couple of releases in the Marvel Select range. Absolutely everything required by us fans is here and it is all usable. All the necessary ball joints are in place such as neck shoulder and hip and the same goes for the important hinge joints on the elbows and knees and feet. It feels like at least some of the joints have been ratcheted as well. Cut joints are where you would expect them to be on the waist and where the gloves end. One glove is allegedly removable; though mine is so firmly fixed on I have thus far been unable to remove it, or it could be of course that Thanos is just not meant to wear the Infinity Gauntlet again! I was afraid at first that the skirt looking part of Thanos’s uniform would some how impede the movement of his thigh ball joints but it is flexible enough to allow him to pose in kicking and running positions (something I have never actually seen the big man do in the comics mind you) so all in all this is a huge step forward for Marvel Select if you ask me.

Accessories - ****
Thanos comes with three extras one is the all important Infinity Gauntlet. The other extras though are a real plus in my books for we have been given a real treat here by being given an extra figure, hence the four stars. Packed with Thanos you will find his one true love. Death or rather the living embodiment of death. Although not articulated this is a fantastic extra to own. Lastly Death herself gets the third accessory, in the form of her human face that you can cover her skeletal head with.

Value - **1/2
These figures are horrifically expensive in the UK I had to pay £16.99 ($30.00ish) for mine and that is just heck of a price for a figure that has been painted and packaged so poorly. You yanks can add an extra ½ star though if you can get if for around the $18.99 mark that it seems to be priced at the in the U.S.

Things to Watch Out For:
On the whole a pretty robust figure but take note of the configuration of the webbing should you remove it, as it's tricky to get back on if you don't. And take care when undoing the press studs as they are plastic and one of mine has split a little.

Overall - ***
This really is a figure of highs and lows. It is one of the most eagerly awaited figures amongst Marvel fans especially fans of the Marvel Legends line, who he fits in very well with (he really is only a tad to big to be a Marvel Legends figure) This easily could have been a full marks score but sadly the great sculpt and articulation are very much let down by the poor paintwork and high purchase price. I can however forgive the box it comes in as I think most collectors are like me and are not mint in box people. But for the sake of a final polish this diamond remains ever so slightly in the rough.

Score Recap:
Packaging - *1/2
Sculpt - ****
Paint - *1/2
Articulation - ****
Accessories - ****
Value - **1/2
Overall - ***

Where to Buy - 
Comic shops and specialty retailers are your best bet.  Online options include:

- Yikes Comics has him listed at $16.

- Alter Ego Comics has him for $16.

- CornerStoreComics has him for $17.

- Amazing Toyz has him for $17.