.

Standard Marvel carton featuring the usual cut-outs through which the toys can be viewed. A marked difference between this and previous cartons is that the control art breaks into the window. Quite a cute idea as otherwise the art would have been horribly compromised. Side flaps feature the usual photos and the back of the pack has a group shot of the wave and biography boxes.

While paying tribute to the original costume this version of Thor has more the look of a warrior than a superhero. As is only right and proper.

Firstly the face is a marked improvement on wave 16’s Thor. This time the features fill out the face, there’s a much better expression and a lot more detail. Perhaps too much detail though, as the detailing under the mouth gives the appearance of a double chin. Another improvement is the helmet. This time around it’s wings are white, they way they should be. The hair is part of the helmet and doesn’t interfere with the rotation of the ‘mate’s head. Unfortunately it is a bit of a loose fit and does tend to slip.

The bare arms and blue and black trunks and spandex combination of Thor’s original costume is replaced by a suit of large-link chainmail armour. Over this sits a heavy leather tunic with Thor’s signature armour plates, this time in gold rather than silver. The cape is part of the chestpiece. There are some nifty bits of detailing on the chestpiece comprising of a leather strap that goes across the chest and a belt. Both are detailed with some intricate applications of gold paint. I really like the ‘graining’ effect that’s evident on the front of the chestpiece as it makes it appear more leathery. Of interest are the boots. Much like the recent high-legged boots of recent Wolverine’s and those of Captain Britain they’re comprised of two pieces, a regular Minimate foot and an extra piece that gives the appearance of a boot, rather that the clunky affairs Minimates used to have. On Thor Reborn the extra piece slips over the leg instead of being an insert that’s kept in place by the peg between foot and leg. This slip over piece works quite well and there’s some nice gold detailing on the sides.

What isn’t apparent on first appraisal is that this Thor is a good half a head taller than its predecessor. This has been achieved by using the pelvis piece originally used on the modern BSG Cylons, and later on Ultimate Hulk. It’s a great idea as it gives Thor much needed extra stature while being all but invisible thanks to the chest piece.

Thor Reborn is accessorised with the enchanted mallet Mjolnir. This time around the hammer appears to be made of stone and is much larger than the wave 16 accessory.

In conclusion: True to the character and a much needed update. If I have one complaint it’s that the large chestpiece severely limits posability. I wanted to get a photo of Thor smashing his hammer into the ground. Instead I get what looks to be Thor about to throw down some serious moves in a breakdance dance-off!

MMC Score – 8 out of 10

Lady… Loki? No, but seriously? What was going on at Marvel in the last couple of years? Seems like every hero and villain had a female equivalent called Lady whatever. According to the Bio on the back of the box, when the Asgardian gods returned following Ragnorak, Loki was reborn as a female. Or was he? (s)He is, after all, the Trickster god.

Despite finding the whole concept of a Lady Loki a bit lame, this isn’t a bad looking Minimate. The face is fairly neutral (as usual) but is framed by that very impressive hair with its incredible headdress featuring Loki’s signature horns. Some excellent work going on here, not just on the headdress – the little gold coins threaded through the hair look great on this figure. The only problem is that the big hair combined with Lady Loki’s cloak severely constrains movement of the head. In fact there is no movement whatsoever. She’s an eyes forward kind of gal.

The cloak is very heavily textured and looks excellent on the ‘mate. Lady Loki wears a variation of Loki’s green outfit, though the front is quite a bit lower and shows off a mightily impressive cleavage. Another extra piece is a belt/sash that sits on the waist of the Minimate. Again some good detail work going on here, I particularly like the asymmetric nature of the gold discs and the gold paint app around the edge of the piece is nice and crisp. The boots are the (by now) standard insert which is far more aesthetically pleasing as well as allowing the figure to stand properly. All in all this is a perfect complement to Thor Reborn, though DST’s timing could be better as Loki reverted to his male body just as these ‘mates were released.

Lady Loki has no accessories.

In conclusion: Unessential, but not unwelcome. A great looking ‘mate but we badly need an updated regular Loki now.

Review and pictures by Rad Kerrigan

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