INTRODUCTION:
The Red Skull (Johann Schmidt) is a fictional character, a supervillain, appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
He is usually depicted as the arch-nemesis of Captain America. He was originally portrayed as a rogue Nazi agent, and was conceptualised and created by Joe Simon, Jack Kirby, and France Herron.
Red Skull made his first appearance in Captain America Comics #7 (October 1941). Schmidt was a Nazi general and close confidante of Adolf Hitler, until he decided that's the latter's political agendas was too short-sighted.
He has been closely linked with Hydra and is generally considered an enemy of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers, as well as the entire Marvel Universe super-hero community in general.
Although he has no superhuman abilities, Red Skull possesses a high intellect and inventive genius, and is a highly gifted subversive strategist and political operative.
At one point, Red Skull's mind inhabited a body cloned from Captain America's, and was endowed with a body that was in perfect physical condition, with strength, speed, durability, agility, dexterity, reflexes, coordination, balance, and physical endurance.
Red Skull has in several instances been portrayed as a skilled martial artist; though never on the same level as Captain America.
The character has been adapted to a variety of other media platforms, including animated television series, video games and live-action feature films.
US actor Hugo Weaving took on the role of the Red Skull in Marvel's 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger.
PACKAGING- 7/10
Red Skull comes in the standard Mezco Toyz packaging for their regular figures- window cover, as well as two plastic trays to store the figures.
I'm digging the simple yet effective design, and the use of the Hydra logo really makes the box look more appealing.
ACCESSORIES- 8/10
I was initially tempted to give a 7/10, but then settled on an 8 because I found out his coat can be removed, as well as his holster. Rad!
Red Skull comes with:
- Two headsculpts
- Six interchangeable hands
- One gun
- One gun holster
- One cosmic cube
FIGURE- 8.5/10
I'll admit I wasn't entirely sold when I first pre-ordered this figure last year. The promo pictures were just OK, and the lack of accessories really bothered me.
But as soon as I got Red Skull in hand, my doubts and concerns were immediately assuaged. What the figure lacks in terms of accessories, it more than makes up for it with the figure's headsculpt details and uniform.
Just looking at him sends a chill down your spine. Dude like he's about to announce World War III, or his plan for world domination.
ARTICULATION- 7/10
In order to show you the full extent of Red Skull's articulation, I removed the coat. The holster is removable. All you have to do is this.
And this is how he looks like without the coat, and with the holster back on.
Articulation's not as good as other Mezco figures, but it's still a solid, sturdy figure.
POSEABILITY: 7/10
Although the coat does hinder the articulation to a certain extent, Red Skull can still execute a variety of sweet poses.
In hindsight I think the only concern I have is with regards to the material of the coat, and whether it'll give way in the long run, especially in humid countries like Malaysia.
VALUE- 8/10
Despite some minor gripes, this is probably the best 1:12 scale Red Skull out right now. He's a must get especially if you plan on posing him alongside good ol' Cap Steve Rogers!
OVERALL SCORE: 7.6/10
What did you think of my review? Leave a comment below!
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