For fans craving a truly classic representation of the Master of the Mystic Arts in their collections, the wait is finally over. After years dominated by modern and movie-inspired iterations, a definitive, classic Doctor Strange has arrived in the Marvel Legends line. This new figure promises to bring the iconic comic book Sorcerer Supreme to life on your shelves, and in this review, we’ll delve into whether it lives up to the magical expectations.
The previous Toybiz Doctor Strange figure, while a landmark release in its time, was perhaps more defined by its expansive cape than the figure itself. This new Marvel Legends Doctor Strange aims to rectify that, offering a more balanced and arguably more playable rendition of the character. With Doctor Strange’s soaring popularity in mainstream media, the demand for a top-tier classic figure has only intensified, and Hasbro seems to have taken note.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure standing in dynamic pose, showcasing detailed sculpt and paint.
Close-up of the Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure, highlighting the intricate details of the costume and cape.
This new figure is a blend of both familiar and newly tooled parts. While some components might be recognizable from previous Marvel Legends releases, a significant portion of Doctor Strange is refreshingly new. The legs appear to originate from a standard bare-legged figure mold, but the arms and torso are distinctly new sculpts. Notably, the torso features a beautifully sculpted symbol on Doctor Strange’s chest, adding a layer of detail that elevates the figure. The cape itself is reused from a more recent modern Doctor Strange figure, while the skirt piece is also a brand new addition. The combination results in a figure that feels largely fresh and specifically tailored for the classic Sorcerer Supreme.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure side profile, emphasizing the flowing cape and detailed costume design.
One point of discussion surrounding this Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure has been the subtle difference in blues between the chest symbol and the tunic. While some initial images may have exaggerated this, in hand, the distinction is more apparent. While a slightly more pronounced tonal shift would have been ideal, it’s not a major detractor. The colors are rich and capture the classic aesthetic effectively.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure demonstrating arm articulation and mystic pose.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure close-up, showcasing hand details and spell-casting gesture.
Detailed shot of the Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure’s torso, highlighting the sculpted chest emblem and blue color tones.
Articulation and Cape Design
In terms of articulation, the Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure performs admirably in most areas. However, there are minor limitations. The skirt piece, while visually appealing, could have benefited from slits on both sides rather than just one. The single slit does offer some leg movement, but a dual-slit design would have allowed for a greater range of motion, particularly for achieving dynamic, cross-legged magical poses. Customizers could modify this themselves, but ideally, such adjustments shouldn’t be necessary straight out of the box.
The cape is a significant element of Doctor Strange’s design, and here, Hasbro has opted for a fixed, plastic cape that is glued to the figure’s chest. Plastic capes are often a point of contention among collectors, and while they can sometimes look less dynamic than fabric alternatives, the glued approach here has both pros and cons.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure back view, showing cape attachment and overall figure construction.
On the positive side, gluing the cape eliminates the common issue of loose, floating capes that plague many Marvel Legends figures with peg-attached capes. The cape stays securely in place, maintaining its intended position. However, for collectors who prefer fabric capes for enhanced poseability and aesthetics, the glued plastic cape presents a challenge. Removing it for replacement would require careful deconstruction and potentially leave behind visible damage. This design choice is a trade-off, prioritizing stability and a clean look with the plastic cape over customization options. For those accepting of plastic capes in the Marvel Legends style, the glued approach is arguably a functional improvement over less secure cape attachments.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure in a mystical action pose with spell effects.
Close-up of Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure using spell-casting hands and magical accessories.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure demonstrating hand articulation and interchangeable spell effects.
Accessories and Head Sculpts
The Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure comes generously equipped with accessories. He includes two sets of interchangeable hands: a set of gripping/fisted hands and a set of spell-casting hands. These aren’t simply reused “thwipping” hands; they are uniquely sculpted for magical gestures. The spell hands come in two variations: one with tightly closed fingers and another with slightly more open fingers, allowing for nuanced spell-casting poses.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure with interchangeable hands and magical accessories displayed.
Adding to the figure’s versatility are three distinct head sculpts. The primary head sculpt perfectly captures a classic Doctor Strange appearance, evoking a Bronze Age aesthetic that resonates with long-time fans. The paint application and printing technology on the comic-based figures greatly enhance the quality of the sculpts, moving away from the sometimes generic expressions of older figures.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure with the standard head sculpt, showcasing comic-accurate details.
The second head sculpt depicts Doctor Strange in a state of serene concentration, with closed eyes and a more relaxed hairstyle. This head is ideal for displaying Strange in meditative or deeply focused poses. While excellent as is, the inclusion of a sculpted, open Eye of Agamotto on this head would have further enhanced its thematic purpose, reflecting a common visual for the character in deep concentration.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure with the closed-eye meditative head sculpt.
Close-up of the meditative head sculpt, highlighting the peaceful expression and hair texture.
The third head sculpt is a blue-masked version, representing a less common but still notable look for Doctor Strange. While this masked head might not be universally recognized by casual fans and may be associated with a different costume era in the comics, it’s a welcome inclusion for dedicated collectors seeking variety and deeper comic book accuracy. For most, however, the classic, unmasked head sculpt will likely be the preferred display option.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure with the blue masked head sculpt.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure displaying the alternate blue masked head sculpt and costume details.
To further enhance the magical display options, the figure includes translucent magical effect pieces that attach to the hands, simulating mystical energy blasts and spell effects.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure showcasing hand magic effects and accessories.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure utilizing various magical hand effects and poses.
Close-up of hand magic effects pieces attached to the Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure performing magic with translucent hand effects.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure demonstrating dynamic spell-casting poses with included accessories.
Finally, Doctor Strange comes with two iconic mystical artifacts: the Wand of Watoomb and the Axe of Angarruumus. The Wand of Watoomb is a long-standing and recognizable magical item from Doctor Strange lore, while the Axe of Angarruumus is a more recent, yet equally intriguing addition to his arsenal. The inclusion of both offers different display and play options, catering to fans across different eras of Doctor Strange comics. The concept of Doctor Strange wielding a magical axe adds a unique and powerful dimension to the character’s display possibilities.
Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure holding the Wand of Watoomb and Axe of Angarruumus accessories.
Final Thoughts
Despite minor critiques regarding the skirt articulation and the fixed plastic cape, this Marvel Legends Doctor Strange figure is a resounding success. It stands as an excellent addition to the growing roster of definitive, classic character figures within the Marvel Legends line. The wait for a new classic Doctor Strange has been considerable, but Hasbro appears to have utilized that time to deliver a figure that feels thoughtfully crafted and not rushed. While a few aspects could be refined further, the overall product is highly satisfying. For collectors who have waited years for a worthy classic Doctor Strange Marvel Legends figure, this release is undoubtedly a welcome and essential addition to their collections.
