Marvel Universe Scarlet Spider

Let’s downscale a bit from my last Marvel Universe review of the SDCC Sentinel, and take a look at the 3-3/4″ Scarlet Spider that was just recently released. There have been many Spider-Men released in the MU line, so what makes this one unique?

Some people hate Scarlet Spider’s design. True, it is very 90s – but that is exactly why I love it. I first got into Marvel comics and heroes in the early 90s with Marvel Masterpiece cards, the Spider-man cartoon, and of course, the Maximum Carnage comic stories, which included the Scarlet Spider. The idea of a Spider-Man clone just as strong as he was, who could fight along side of him against my favorite villains Venom and Carnage just really drew me in. So in short, I knew I had to get this figure the instant I saw one.

If you have any other MU Spider-man figure, you pretty much know what to expect with this guy – but there are a few changes. First, he finally has thigh swivels, THANK YOU HASBRO! These figures were almost useless without them, and with a character like this, you really need articulation options.

However, those thigh swivels are attached to incredibly loose hip joints, to the point that my figure’s left leg constantly wants to fall off when being positioned.

Scarlet Spider finally has his signature belt (missing from the Legends version) and pouches on his ankles, as well as his wrist capsules. The hoodie is a rubber piece that is pretty much glued in place over the torso, but it does not hinder articulation at all. It is a little weird feeling, almost sticky, but it looks great and has a darker color wash.

One other gripe I have is the neck joint. Newer MU figures like Cyclops & Cable have had great neck & head articulation, but again here Scarlet is lacking. His head goes from left to right fine, but he has virtually no up or down movement, which again with a character like this, really hurts it.

Overall, I really like this figure – but mostly because Im looking at it through rose-colored lenses because of my love for the character. The legs are frustrating, and the figure overall can be quite floppy and hard to position. For the $7 to $8 these regularly go for, and considering his only accessory is a stand, this left a sour taste in my mouth from a collector’s standpoint.

Regardless, I really like this guy and look forward to more 90s era characters.