cant put my finger on it but when I first saw the pics I instantly thought of Hot Toys 
so gonna play it safe and stick with all the Sideshow maquettes from here on in as I also passed on the XM MK42 also 
After much deliberation last night I've decided to pass on this XM version of the MKVII and opt for Sideshows version instead. Not taking anything away from the XM version but I wasn't getting that amazing WOW feeling when I first saw the reveal pics of the painted prototype. I totally dig all the optional extras you get with it like the cool two way display base and all the weaponary and armour on show plus the two options of display poses...however, there is just something about it that doesn't grab me
After much deliberation last night I've decided to pass on this XM version of the MKVII and opt for Sideshows version instead. Not taking anything away from the XM version but I wasn't getting that amazing WOW feeling when I first saw the reveal pics of the painted prototype. I totally dig all the optional extras you get with it like the cool two way display base and all the weaponary and armour on show plus the two options of display poses...however, there is just something about it that doesn't grab me
Okay, what have you done with the real Andy?
He doesn't pass on anything Iron Man, even Fruit of the Loom undies.
Eric, I have imprisoned Andy with the rest of the 'real' Italian football team...what you saw at the World Cup were all frauds playing for Italy hence their piss poor performances!!! Hahahahaha!!!! 
but I still love my light up features on my Iron Man collectibles and that isn't going to go away before everyone strikes me down, it isn't the sole reason for me passing on the XM Iron Man statues, as explained in my previous post, the MKVII from XM Studios just didn't have me saying WOW if im being totally honest and the MK42, despite looking great I may say, just wasn't a dynamic enough pose for me to order it infront of Sideshows version
I know for example that with the Christopher Reeve Superman PF, they have him in a similar hovering pose, however, they've done it in a way where you cant see how he's attached to the base therefore giving it a sense of realism...with the XM MKVII you can clearly see the rod holding him up, and although its not a major thing, you can still see it, so again, it brings me back to Hot Toys again where they have the visible stand when you have the figure in a dynamic pose...
I know I'm gonna raise a few eyebrows and get a few bashes from fellow collectors
One thing that I do dig about XM Studios is there optional extras, like swap out heads, arms, etc...I think Sideshow need to be doing this on a much more frequent basis with their collectibles....long gone are the days of the Silver Surfer comiquette where they offered like 10 switch out arms and 10 switch out headsculpts!!
I am sure they will find a way to hide that rod Andy... Like a flame effect.Yea, I guess that could be partly the reason
but even if they did, I don't think it would change my mind as the light features are not the sole reason for my passing on the XM versions its Sideshow all the way for me in regards to the maquettes 
As far as I know Spidey, I believe that its been confirmed that neither the MK42 or the MKVII will have a light up feature buddy
I know I'm gonna raise a few eyebrows and get a few bashes from fellow collectors
One thing that I do dig about XM Studios is there optional extras, like swap out heads, arms, etc...I think Sideshow need to be doing this on a much more frequent basis with their collectibles....long gone are the days of the Silver Surfer comiquette where they offered like 10 switch out arms and 10 switch out headsculpts!!
I understand your point, I know you're very big on the light up features but I rarely ever use them so it's not a make-or-break for me. 
The flying pose and gorgeous base is something I cannot pass on!
but its an optional feature which I'm really glad is there. For me personally, when I turn on the lights on my Iron Man busts or statues, it totally brings it to life and despite it possible becoming defective in years to come, it's a risk that i'll have to take. Touch wood, I've never had a light up feature that has since failed over the years so I guess they can be long lasting...My MKIII LSF and Lifesize bust are now approx. 3 or 4 years old and the lights work fine on them I'm all for dynamic poses for Iron Man pieces as opposed to the more museum ones that we're seeing for the Sideshow LSF range 
same for the Iron Man maquettes...I think the Sideshow ones are usually quite pricey, not because of the lights but because the statues are in collaboration with Legacy Effects. So your kinda paying extra for the name/brand, just like you would buying designer clothes if you like...
Thanks Eric, yea...I certainly don't turn on each and everyone of my Iron Man light up features when I come home from work each night
I certainly agree with you in regards to originality of the poses and base
You're a lucky charm! Glad you never had any issues my friend.
So, here's an idea regarding the post holding the Mk 7 in flight -> How about XM makes a resin flame emitting from the boot thruster and pointing downward?
That would be a neat way to hide the post and also give the impression of lift to the flight pose. XM could also add another resin flame emitting from the opposite boot, and they could both attach via magnet(s).
although the flames would have to be done in a way to make it as realistic as possible and not to make it look to comicy if you know what I mean...if this was a Comic based Iron Man then that idea would work great!
Sounds like an epic idea Eric
Hey Mag, do you think that light up features generally increase the price of a collectible? Personally, I don't think they increase it by that much. The majority of Sideshows LSF's don't have light up features, whereas the Iron Man ones do and they are still the same price
It is a marketing trick! In these days I am seeking more different things rather than a light up feature. For example I want to learn how durable are the colors of statues? In my opinion all the companies have to write general informations on their boxes! Cause if a Lobo statue is 570$ then I am not interested in his light up feature! Just want to learn how will I have to keep it safe and what is the best way of it!
