So, I've had this displayed for 2 days now and I've really been able to look it over and admire it. I've waited a long time for this piece and I have to say SSC nailed it. This is one of SSC's most impressive statues of the last few years. As a matter of fact, this piece runs with the Lobo PF IMO. It's not a surprise given the uber talented Martin Canale sculpted both of them.
Here are the thoughts I have on the piece. The overall sculpt is stunning. Martin KILLED it. Wolverine is in pure berserker attack mode and the HULK is raging and looking to inflict major bodily harm on Wolvie. The poses on both of them is very dynamic. The details in the sculpt are spectacular. HULK's muscles are well defined and the vein work on both characters really stand out. It's just a top notch sculpt by a master sculptor. The paint apps on Wolvie are solid but the paint apps on the HULK are nothing short of stellar. This may be the best painted HULK statue ever released. The shading on him is superb and the little details like the dirt/mud on the HULK's feet really set it apart. This is just a great sculpt with impressive paint apps on it.
I've heard the complaints and seen the pics of Wolvie's teeth before I received my MAQ. After getting it, I can honestly say I feel that issue is way overblown. Could it have looked better? Sure, but when displayed, Wolvie's teeth on both portraits are a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. He looks great IMO. Also, some peeps have a gripe because there's no battle damage on either HULK or Wolvie. While I also think this piece would look better with battle damage, Misney didn't allow it. I can't fault SSC on that since it was not an option for them. My only issue with this MAQ is one I've brought up repeatedly....the seam on HULK's neck. There's just no reason to have the head detach if there's no COH for the HULK. For some, this isn't a big deal, but for me personally, it's an eyesore and a totally unnecessary one. I absolutely HATE unnecessary seams and wish SSC would take every opportunity to eliminate them in their merch. That all said, I still LOVE this MAQ but I just feel it would have looked even better with no seam on the HULK's neck.
On a personal note, I really wish SSC would have pushed the envelope on this and made the MAQ in 1/4 scale. I know it would have been expensive, but can you imagine if this piece was in 1/4 scale? I think this EPIC statue would have blown minds in 1/4 scale. Oh well, this MAQ is till a jaw dropping piece and after all these years, I'm beyond thrilled to finally have it in my collection. A tip of the hat to SSC for a job well done!
