After further analysis, here's some theories and conclusions:
1. The crystal armor is intended to represent a force field effect.
2. I feel it IS removable. Note in the image especially in the center where you see areas depicted without these attached (see around the gauntlets and around the hip-discs). Furthermore, you would not be able to get to the battery compartment or switch were it not removeable. The compartment has to be unscrewed and hinge out like most HT Iron Man figs. I believe the flaps are so that you can more easily grasp the plastic and pull off.
3. Note the IM on the left and on the right. I believe they are trying to give a 2 in 1 IM possibilities with the Horned Mask preceding (?) the era of the smoother mask.
4. As Iron Man is probably their top seller, they are trying to find ways to keep producing this character since he was killed off in the MCU. I could see other Comic versions of this down the road.
1. The crystal armor is intended to represent a force field effect.
2. I feel it IS removable. Note in the image especially in the center where you see areas depicted without these attached (see around the gauntlets and around the hip-discs). Furthermore, you would not be able to get to the battery compartment or switch were it not removeable. The compartment has to be unscrewed and hinge out like most HT Iron Man figs. I believe the flaps are so that you can more easily grasp the plastic and pull off.
3. Note the IM on the left and on the right. I believe they are trying to give a 2 in 1 IM possibilities with the Horned Mask preceding (?) the era of the smoother mask.
4. As Iron Man is probably their top seller, they are trying to find ways to keep producing this character since he was killed off in the MCU. I could see other Comic versions of this down the road.