Super Hero Squad: Phoenix and Wolverine

What can I say?  I love these little guys.

This is the third time we've looked at Marvel Super Hero Squad figures.  The other two were packs I got on clearance, but I'd be impressed if you found these much lower than their retail price.

Today we're examining a pack containing two figures, one of which is my absolute favorite from this entire line.  These are, of course, produced by Hasbro, who's responsible for most of the Marvel figures you'll find in toy stores.

Appearance: 9

Both of these are excellent figures, but Wolverine is of course overshadowed by Phoenix, who is awesome for more reasons than I can easily name.

I'm going to start with Wolverine.  He's wearing an older costume, more like the one he wore in the 80's (appropriate, given the pairing).  As I've mentioned before, I have more Super Hero Squad Wolverines than I know what to do with.  At least this one deviates from the pack.  Both his sculpt and color scheme differentiate him from the others, and, to this collector, that's a good thing.
 
Phoenix.  Where to begin?  I could shower praises on this little collectible for days on end.  The sculpt is beautiful.  The design is inspired.  The clear orange plastic creates a lovely effect.  The paint... the paint...
 
Well, actually, the paint lines are a little sloppy.  Not so much that they seriously hurt the figure, but enough to notice.  That's why these got a nine rather than a ten.

Packaging and Extras: ----

Unlike the larger packs, these came in little white plastic boxes with ugly pictures on the back.  On the other hand, they probably store well.  But who cares?  I don't even have pictures, because I threw the packaging out too fast.  It's the figures you want, anyway.
 
As before, beside the figures, you get... nothing.  But what else do you need?

Play and Display ----

I'm tempted to boost the score here to reflect just how awesome Phoenix looks on the shelf, but we really already did that in the "Appearance" category.
 
Wolverine has some great articulation, as does more of this line.  Phoenix is an exception, however: she's molded together, a miniature plastic statue for all intents and purposes.

I'm certainly not going to dock them points for this.  If every figure in this line were set in a single pose, it wouldn't be awful.  The fact they gave us as much articulation as they did is a gift, and I won't penalize them for not being able to duplicate it here.
 
At the same time, getting one figure who's articulated and one who's not just isn't enough to justify a bonus, especially since Phoenix is really the star here.

Price Tag and Final Thoughts: 9/10

These are going for about seven bucks new, and that's if you can find them.  The Phoenix packs didn't last long on the shelves around here, which doesn't surprise me.
 
Are they worth it?
 
Well... how much do you like Phoenix?  Of course, every collectible's value is subjective, but these are a little more so.
 
$3.50 each is pushing what I think these are objectively worth.  Moreover, because you're getting a two pack, you need to decide whether you want both figures.  Otherwise, you're looking at $7.00 for a small toy.  Honestly, though, I'd have paid a lot more if there was no other option.  But then... I really like the figure.

I said she was my favorite figure from this line, not my favorite Phoenix: that honor resides with the custom above, made by my wonderful wife.

Got questions about these reviews?  Stop by The Middle Room and pull up a chair.