Since its debut in 2010, Outer Space Men figures have been erratically priced - bafflingly so, in some cases - so a higher-dollar figure like Colossus Rex inspires scrutiny. At $26, you might ask "is it any good?" The good news is that unlike the fairly awful Gamma X from the same release, Mr. Rex is actually pretty awesome. When you pick it up, you can see details that remind you that yes, this was indeed designed by the same Four Horsemen that bring you Masters of the Universe Classics and other greats, while Gamma X reminds you that some things really aren't worth the wait. Oh, and I should also remind you that the original design comes from the great toy collector and designer Mel Birnkrant, be sure to look him up if you don't know who he is.
I can say that this figure shines out as one of the best - if not the best - of the recent batch of new releases. I'm sure Outer Space Men fans will look at this one as the best in the line. History should be very kind to him. Molded in white plastic, the metallic green scales and matte green fins come to life with all-new armor designed for the 21st century release. He's really big, and every piece on him looks like love and care was introduced to make sure we all love this update of a property older than most of its potential customers.
As one of the biggest figures in the line, it's remarkable just how well it "works." The hip joints are tight enough so it won't tip and dive on the ground (like Cyclops), and the movement is free enough so he can indeed sit down if you're so inclined. The figure's assembly is like most of the line - the actual creature is about 15 pieces (plus two swappable hands), and 4 accessories. The most impressive piece in his arsenal is his armor - this wasn't on the original 1960s figure, but oh, is it gorgeous. I collect MOTUC and its influence shows here - the metallic purple gear has a different shade of metallic purple for its spikes and rivets, and a wonderful Jupiter is stamped in the middle of a black orb on the chest. There is no better looking accessory in the entire line - I can't point to another figure that looks quite this good.
His other accessories are all just fine - nothing fancy, just good. The purple mace has sharp spikes and is a great update of the original bendable Coloroforms figure's weapon, while the shield and axe are brand new and cast in a matching purple. They feel sharper, more dangerous than most kids toys - and more brittle. Be careful, I suspect a bad fall and the axe could snap like a twig. The shield sports Colossus Rex' face on it plus a few spikes for good measure. I like it - I wish I could see a fully-painted version of this design, because it sure is striking.
The figure itself is just so good, I can't believe it - I wrote this after the Gamma X review, which hasn't gone up yet, and I hate that figure so much it isn't funny. I'm so disappointed by it that the love I usually have for these guys has been absorbed entirely by the scaled warrior from Jupiter. The metallic green on his skin is so perfect, and the tiny red eyes sit in a small sea of black that makes him look just dangerous enough. Even his mouth is well-decorated - the black mouth is surrounded by a big green lip and a matching nose, plus individually painted white teeth. This is how a toy company should do an update - it has everything that made the original great, and more, just at a smaller size and a higher price. I won't say it's $26 good, but it's certainly "I don't regret having paid $26 for it" good.
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