But that's not what today's review is all about. Toybiz and Marvel also do another line, specifically marketed to the adult collector - Marvel Select. This line is sold through comic shops and specialty stores like the Musicland family. It started with Spider-Man, and they've released Elektra, Black Cat, Punisher, and Captain America since. Today's review covers the latest release, Origin Wolverine.

Why mention Marvel Legends if the review is about Marvel Select? Because most collectors seem confused by the need for both lines. They love Marvel Legends, and the figures are as good or better than the Select series. They are also a lot cheaper. So why both lines? Toybiz is trying to use the Select line to give versions of the characters that we might not otherwise see, but only time will tell if this works out successfully.

You should be able to find Wolverine at your local comic shop soon, or at the Media Play or Sam Goody down the street. Prices are usually around $18-$20, depending on the retailer.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, you can always reach me at mwc@mwctoys.com. If you enjoy this review, take a minute to check out my other site at Michael's Review of the Week, and let me know what you think. Now on to the review!

"Origin Wolverine"

You could never complain that there aren't enough Wolverine figures in the world. Second only to Spider-Man in popularity over the last couple decades (and some would argue he's really first), there have been dozens of versions. But how often do we see him with bone claws?

That's the version we have here - Wolverine without the adamantium. This is Logan in his early days, and it's nice to get these types of variations. It's unlikely we'll ever see the bone claw Logan in any kid's themed line, so the Marvel Select touch makes perfect sense for this variation.

Packaging - ***

While some companies, like McToys, are going for minimalist packaging, the Marvel Select line has the big old bubbles and cards of yesteryear, sort of like a pink caddie with big ole tail fins. They look good, although shelf damage to the large card is a bit of a problem, and storing these things for the MOCer's is going to be an issue. They are designed to sit on a shelf like a book, but they take up an incredible amount of space.

Sculpting - ***1/2

Of the Marvel Select figures to date, this is my favorite sculpt. Logan is posed in a half-crouch, with his bone claws extended and face snarling. The work on his face, and the detailing on his body and claws is good, although still not at the top quality of some other lines. I really like the bone claws in particular, and they are sturdier and less prone to weird bending than the softer 'metal' versions have been. The sculpt is good, and while it's unlikely that you'll put an eye out with them, they are stiffer than I expected (insert juvenile joke of your choice).

The weird thing here though is the design. Looking at him, I keep getting confused...is a he a wolverine or a werewolf? No shoes, no shirt...no service. I'm not sure why he's only wearing pants, although I'm happy he's got those at least. I'm also not sure why he's running with three wolves, as good as their sculpts might be. I suppose having his face snarling up out of a hole in the ground wouldn't have been quite as effective.

Paint - **1/2

The paint application is nice, if a bit minimalistic. The wash used on the upper body isn't particularly realistic looking, and there should be more detail overall, but the general paint application is clean and neat. There's no bleed, the colors are consistent, and the lines and edges are clean.

Articulation - ***

Marvel Select figures are more statue than action, and that's by design. Wolverine follows that mold, but gives you enough articulation to do some basic posing. Logan has neck, ball jointed shoulders, pin elbows, cut wrists and waist. There's nothing below the waist (insert second juvenile joke of your choice), but the crucial joints are in the arms. You can pose him in various menacing ways with the articulation provided, but you'll need the display stand to keep him standing.

Accessories - ***1/2
There are four accessories - the three wolves and his forest display stand. One of the wolves is designed to stand on his own, separate from the stand, but the other two only work with the appropriate foot pegs on the mossy log. The sculpts on all the wolves and the display base are excellent, but the paint application is a bit disappointing. More highlighting and more color would have improved all the accessories.

Pop the paws on the pegs, and the display stand comes together well. Again, I have to whine about the design, since it seems to exploit a wolf aspect of the character. This is based on the ORIGINS comic which I haven't read, and it's quite possible that this is how the book represented Logan's wild side. Still, it's a little weird to see him looking so Lon Chaney Jr.

What I can't whine about is the quality of the accessories this time around. I was disappointed in the display stand for Spider-Man, but the quality of the sculpt is much better with this set.

Value - **1/2
DC Direct figures run around $15 - the ill-fated Stan Winston lines did as well. Actually, a comparison with the Stan Winston line isn't out of place, since the figures sport a similar level of sculpting, and come with a nifty base/diorama. However, that appears to have failed for Stan, and he's going back to the drawing board with a smaller scale to get the price point down. And the price point is the big problem for the Marvel Selects as well. At $20, they are pushing the envelope of what people are willing to spend, and hurting their chances for a long and happy life. This is a niche product, with only enough produced to fulfill basic demand, and that drives the price to levels above the competition.

Overall - ***
I ragged on the Marvel Select line pretty hard with the Ultimate Spider-Man release, but the later releases show improvement in sculpting and particularly paint ops. They don't have a lot of 'action', but most buyers of these are looking more for statues than action figures. Still, the $20 price point keeps them from getting a higher score.

That being said, for the Wolverine fans this figure is a welcome addition. You won't get him with bone claws very often, and they did a great job with the ORIGIN look.

Where to Buy -
Most comic shops will be getting these in, and Media Play and Sam Goody have had some of the earlier releases.