Marvel Legends X-Males 97 Wave 1 turned out to be a terrific shock within the latter half of 2023, bringing us what many followers take into account to be definitive variations of a number of iconic mutants. And subsequent 12 months, Hasbro is retaining the get together going with one other animation-inspired lineup, because the X-Males 97 Legends Wave 2 going up for order in 2024 brings us one other half-dozen figures, together with Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Jean Gray and the never-before-done ML X-Cutioner and Goblin Queen Madelyne Pryor!
I used to be an general large fan of the inaugural Marvel Legends X-Males 97 sequence, as I believed it gave us excellent takes on each character within the lineup—simply with a dearth of equipment typically.
Fortunately, Hasbro has upped not simply the amount and high quality of extras on this second wave, but additionally the breadth of characters! For the very first time, we’ll be getting Marvel Legends Madelyne Pryor and X-Cutioner figures as a part of this lineup!
X-Cutioner is legitimately not a personality I ever thought-about asking for a contemporary 6” determine of, regardless that there was a complete 90s X-Males crossover story titled after him.
The X-Cutioner has a really very 90s feel and look to him that make him a masterful alternative as a villain within the upcoming X-Males 97 cartoon, regardless of the character’s appearances being few and much between within the comics over the previous decade or so.
I believe the X-Males 97 X-Cutioner determine and general design are actually nice. The determine is a 100% new instrument and appears superior. The arm cannon feels acceptable for the period, and I like his outsized rifle. This can be a character that’s by no means precisely set the world ablaze popularity-wise, however I hope he positive aspects some degree of notoriety because of the approaching Disney+ present.
Given her important position within the present period of X-Males comics, I used to be mortified when the fashionable Madelyne Pryor determine was misplaced to followers perpetually when the Ghost Rider Haslab failed final 12 months. Fortunately, Hasbro has seen match to incorporate a really totally different Goblin Queen as a part of this X-Males 97 Legends lineup, so Jean’s clone can lastly be a part of our cabinets in 6” type.
That is positively an animated-style motion determine of Madelyne, however I’m thrilled to get her nonetheless. She will get 5 equipment together with alternate palms (fists), results items that seem to match Chasm’s, and a complete different little pack-in figurine.
Goblin Queen didn’t seem within the unique X-Males Animated Collection, however except her story has modified dramatically, that’s child Cable (Nathan Summers) that she comes filled with. The newborn is well probably the most distinctive and attention-grabbing accent within the first two waves of ML X-Males 97!
The rest of the set brings us up to date variations of 4 top-tier X-Males characters that I believe followers are going to be throughout. Probably the most high-profile of the 4 might be the primary 6” Nightcrawler Legends determine because the 2019 Wendigo sequence. Whereas it might appear like a minor repaint at a look, there’s really lots new right here.
Nightcrawler now has double-pinless legs and arms, sculpted gloves and boots, plus shading round his eyes on the heads. The shading would hassle me on many characters, nevertheless it simply feels “proper” to me for Kurt Wagner.
The fuzzy blue elf misplaced his sword from the earlier launch, however nonetheless has alternate palms and an additional head. This might be Common on condition that demand was by no means absolutely met for the Wendigo Collection model.
Additionally getting a giant replace is Marvel Legends Jean Gray, who Hasbro has kindly given us long-haired and short-haired heads off as a part of this launch.
With a 100% new pin-less physique, articulated ponytail, and alternate telekinesis palms, that is very simply the most effective Jim Lee styled Jean Gray we’ve ever seen from Hasbro or Toybiz. This can be a actually candy Jean Gray motion determine.
Maybe the largest improve of all, although, goes to the X-Males 97 Cyclops Legends determine. In addition to having a noticeably deeper blue for his costume, his numerous straps are all now completely affixed in order that they don’t incessantly slide down his limbs and drive me right into a rage.
Cyclops comes with 5 palms, an optic blast results piece, and an interchangeable offended head that each one add tons of dynamic posing potential.
Like Wolverine within the first wave, this looks as if it is going to set the bar for a definitive Jim Lee Cyclops determine for years to return.
Lastly, we’ve received a determine whose success will actually rely upon the discharge of the brand new animated sequence, in my view. Whereas Wave 1 introduced us a really iconic-styled Magneto, Wave 2 brings us Magnus in his new black and purple costume from X-Males 97. This costume is harking back to the 80s comedian e book costume from when Magneto was affiliated with the Hellfire Membership, so it’s not a wholly unprecedented look.
Whereas the prior Magneto solely had one head (with helmet completely connected), this one has two heads—each unhelmeted and displaying off Erik’s flowing white hair.
This can be a well-done and impressively articulated six inch determine, however I’m skeptical of if the mass viewers might be rabid for a $25 toy of this explicit iteration of Magneto.
The X-Males 97 Marvel Legends Wave 2 figures are anticipated to go up for pre-order in early 2024, with an anticipated arrival date not too lengthy after.
What do you consider this wave, Marvel collectors? Something immediately destined on your shelf? What X-Males characters do you hope to see added in future sequence if the road continues?