Close-up of Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure with articulated pincers
Close-up of Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure with articulated pincers

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus: A Deep Dive Review of the Sinister Six Villain Figure

Hey there, action figure aficionados! Welcome back to thebootdoctor.net for another in-depth look at the latest and greatest collectibles hitting the shelves. Today, we’re strapping on our tentacles and diving deep into the Hasbro Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure. While officially listed as inspired by Spider-Man 2, this figure is undeniably channeling the iconic villain’s return in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Regardless of the movie inspiration, one thing is clear right out of the box: this Doc Ock figure is a significant step up and easily one of the best iterations we’ve seen in years. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the sheer level of detail packed into this figure makes it a standout addition to the Marvel Legends lineup.

Spider-Man: No Way Home was a cinematic event that needs no introduction for Marvel fans. The film brilliantly shattered the multiverse, bringing together three Spider-Men and, of course, a rogues’ gallery of iconic villains. Among them, Alfred Molina reprised his unforgettable role as Doctor Otto Octavius, aka Doctor Octopus. Doc Ock’s return was a highlight for many, and Hasbro has capitalized on this with a Marvel Legends figure that aims to capture his on-screen presence. From the moment this figure was announced as part of the No Way Home wave, anticipation was high, and I’m thrilled to say that for the most part, Hasbro has delivered. Let’s dissect what makes this Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus a must-have for collectors.

A Detailed Look at the Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus Figure

Unboxing and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure commands attention. The packaging is standard Marvel Legends fare, but the figure inside immediately impresses with its heft and detailed sculpt. The initial feel is substantial, hinting at the quality and articulation we’re about to explore. It’s clear that Hasbro has put significant effort into capturing the essence of Doc Ock in this 6-inch scale figure.

Accessories: More Than Just Tentacles (8/10)

The accessory count for the Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus is commendable. While Doc Ock isn’t typically known for a vast arsenal, Hasbro smartly focused on what truly matters: his iconic tentacles. The figure comes with multiple interchangeable pincer sets for his tentacles, adding a layer of customization and playability that collectors will appreciate. You get articulated pincers for dynamic posing, clawed pincers for a more aggressive look, and flat-based pincers which ingeniously double as stands to elevate the figure. This thoughtful inclusion of different pincer types significantly enhances display options and allows for recreating various iconic Doc Ock poses. Beyond the pincers, the figure also includes extra hands – a pair of fists and item-holding hands. These hand options further broaden posing possibilities and allow for more diverse displays.

While the accessory suite is strong, the only minor critique is the absence of an object for Doc Ock to hold. Perhaps a piece of debris or a Stark Tech accessory would have been a welcome addition. However, this is a minor quibble considering the robust selection of pincer options. The interchangeability of the pincers is seamless, and the variety provided is a significant win for Hasbro.

Close-up of Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure with articulated pincersClose-up of Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure with articulated pincers

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure using flat pincers as standMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure using flat pincers as stand

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure with clawed pincersMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure with clawed pincers

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure with closed claw pincersMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure with closed claw pincers

Screen-Accurate Appearance: From Film to Figure (9/10)

Appearance-wise, the Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure is a home run. Capturing his look from Spider-Man: No Way Home, the sculpt is remarkably detailed. The figure impeccably recreates Doc Ock’s layered outfit, from his black undershirt and brown duster to his signature overcoat. Paint applications are subtle yet effective, highlighting details like buttons, zippers, and even the texture of his clothing. The facial sculpt is a standout, bearing a strong likeness to Alfred Molina and capturing the character’s intense and somewhat menacing demeanor.

Close-up of Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus head sculptClose-up of Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus head sculpt

Upon closer inspection, the level of sculpted detail is genuinely surprising. The texture on his black shirt, complete with wrinkles and creases, and the pockets and panel lines sculpted into the brown duster under his overcoat showcase Hasbro’s commitment to accuracy. Even details that might be easily overlooked are meticulously rendered. While the floating harness for his arms could perhaps benefit from slightly more intricate paintwork, this is a minor point in an otherwise exceptional visual presentation. In terms of screen accuracy within the Marvel Legends No Way Home wave, Doc Ock is a close second only to the Green Goblin figure.

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus full body shot showcasing clothing detailsMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus full body shot showcasing clothing details

Articulation and Posing: Unleashing the Tentacles (7/10)

Articulation is where the Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure presents a mixed bag. There’s potential for great posing, but some limitations hold it back from perfection. Head movement is decent, with good side-to-side rotation and some up and down tilt, though range in both directions is somewhat restricted. Shoulder articulation is excellent, unhindered by the coat, allowing for a full range of motion, including a 360-degree rotation and raising the arms to a T-pose. The bicep swivel functions well, but the single-jointed elbows, while bending well past 90 degrees, are a slight drawback compared to double-jointed alternatives.

Torso articulation is somewhat limited. While the “floating harness” design doesn’t restrict movement much, the figure only features what appears to be a waist ball joint. This allows for turning and some limited crunch and side tilt, but the long coat significantly hinders more dynamic poses. Leg articulation is also impacted by the coat. Leg splits are restricted, although forward kicks are decent. Thigh swivels are present and functional. The double-jointed knees offer deep bends, even with the coat, although some joints might initially be stiff and require gentle heating to loosen. Ankle articulation is a highlight, with excellent hinge range and superb ankle pivot, unhindered by the sculpted pant cuffs.

The tentacles are both the best and most challenging aspect of articulation. They are securely anchored to the figure, eliminating the frustration of pop-off tentacles. Bendy wires run through them, which is essential for Doc Ock figures. However, the tentacles are sculpted very thick, making them quite stiff and difficult to bend. This sturdiness, however, means they can easily support the figure’s weight, allowing for impressive dynamic poses and the ability to hold other figures aloft. The trade-off between sturdiness and flexibility is noticeable, and while the robust tentacles are great for stability and posing potential, manipulating them requires considerable effort. Whether heating the tentacles might improve flexibility without compromising durability is a question for experimentation.

Is the Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus Worth It? (Affordability & Value) (6/10)

Considering the overall quality of the sculpt, paint applications, and the included accessories, the Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure presents a decent value proposition at its price point. Hasbro designates this as a “Deluxe” figure, and while the justification largely rests on the elaborate tentacles, there’s a valid argument to be made. The extra work in designing and implementing the tentacle system, along with the multiple pincer sets, does elevate it beyond a standard release.

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus price point considerationMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus price point consideration

However, at $39.99 USD, the price is undeniably steep for a single figure, even a “Deluxe” one. While the figure’s design and appearance are top-notch, the price point places it on the higher end of the Marvel Legends spectrum. If the price were closer to $35 or even $30, the value proposition would be significantly stronger. Despite the price, the consistent pricing strategy Hasbro maintains, compared to the fluctuating prices from some competitors, offers a degree of predictability and fairness. Ultimately, while slightly pricey, the quality and features of the figure justify a just-above-average rating in terms of affordability.

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus with Spider-Man figure comparisonMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus with Spider-Man figure comparison

Final Verdict: 8 out of 10 ToyBoxes

Overall, the Hasbro Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure is a stellar addition to any Marvel action figure collection. Its impressive array of accessories, screen-accurate and highly detailed appearance inspired by Spider-Man: No Way Home, and decent articulation make it a standout release. While the stiffness of the tentacles and the slightly elevated price point are minor drawbacks, they don’t detract significantly from the figure’s overall appeal. For fans of Doctor Octopus, Spider-Man, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this figure is a must-have. If you spot this Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure on shelves, don’t hesitate to add it to your collection. It’s a figure with immense shelf presence and playability that will undoubtedly bring hours of enjoyment to your display.

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus dynamic pose with tentaclesMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus dynamic pose with tentacles

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus with Spider-Man figure comparisonMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus with Spider-Man figure comparison

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus close-up portraitMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus close-up portrait

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus action pose with tentacles extendedMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus action pose with tentacles extended

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure standing tallMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure standing tall

Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus close-up portraitMarvel Legends Doctor Octopus close-up portrait

Thank you for joining us for another action figure review! Until next time, keep geeking out!

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