So then, the good and the bad.
The Good:
* It's a beautiful figure overall. The nicest IM design/mark IMO.
* The detail on it is fantastic.
* The neck allows a lot more movement.
* New repulser hands.
* The BD paint work is much better than previous marks, I mean the actual quality of the detailing not the overall effect. So the BD version should be amazing when it comes out.
* The arc looks great, much more detailed and cool.
* The extra armor pieces, hands and bits are great. Escpecially the thigh bullet pieces.
* Box is nice, same as other Avengers but nice all the same.
The Bad:
* Magnets and new faceplate design is just stupid. I spent 40 minutes just trying to get the tiniest of magnets (this is really small even by HT standards) to stay in the right place. Then the other came off. Putting the button inside the mask is a step backwards.
*The mask itself: Eyes are horrible, there I've said it. I waited until having this in hand to decide properly, but looking at it now, they ruin this figure IMO.
* Rubber joints, really soft rubber too. I love the fact that HT had stopped doing this, but here they are again, how long for is anyones guess!
* The RDJ sculpt is awful, same soft detailing as I've been banging on about for ages, but really noticable on this especially the hair, and the likeness? Not sure which actor they were going for but it sure ain't RDJ. Very poor.
* The exclusive hologram:
a small very undetailed piece of jello.
Stand him on a light box and you have a glowing piece of undetailed jello.
* The electronics on my arc are ****ed, as was my Ghost Rider bike and my Tron Legacy bike. They work, but just don't turn off properly, tiny amounts of power leaking into the LED to create a pretty dim flickering effect, which will slowly wear down the batteries. I stuck the plastic separator back in to stop it. Not too pushed about it to be honest, but expect better from HT.
So that's it.
It looks great on display, coolest IM out there IMO. But has some real drawbacks. At least mine does.
iphone pic warning:
This Arc is "off":
Beautiful, if you could eat it:
Great design: