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That Figures: REVIEW: Marvel Universe's Rocket Raccoon & Groot
The Marvel Universe (and soon-to-be Marvel Infinite) Rocket Raccoon and Groot figures are, like the characters themselves, something of an oddity. Just as fans of spandex-clad, roof-swinging superheroes may find a genetically-enhanced furry critter and a sentient tree a little hard to handle, so too fans of pose-able, super-detailed superhero figures may not really warm to this pair.
It's too easy to look at them and see what's missing, rather than what's actually here though and that's a shame, as once you get past the lack of articulation and diminutive size (which is actually to-scale with the other figures and so isn't something you really should get hung up on) you'll see that there's a lot to like. The sculpting is really quite excellent, with Rocket Raccoon's facial detail and ''animal parts'' having a great, ''natural world'' look to them and the uniform sports enough in the way of folds and accessories to really sell the idea of it being a costume (rather than part of the character himself.) Even Groot, for all his diminutive scale, has some cool little touches and although it would have been great to have a humanoid-scale ''big'' Groot, this version is a neat little addition to the line.
What I like is that there's a charm to both figures. They have personality and character. Whether that's because they're just so strange-looking or whether it's because very single piece used is bespoke I don't know. All I do know is that they look great, especially when placed beside other Marvel Universe/Infinite figures, as at that point it becomes clear that whilst they're definitely of the same line they're so odd and off-the-wall that they highlight just how ''flat'' Hasbro's offerings can be at times (I mean, how many figures in the line-up are simply the same buck repainted? Too many if you ask me...)
My only reservation - complete lack of articulation aside - is that this pairing carries a pretty hefty price tag. I'm really not sure how Hasbro can justify charging almost $12 for these figures (although with that said, I don't know how they justify that price for a single ''regular'' figure either), especially considering that the original four-figure pack retailed at $20 and included Star-Lord and Drax to boot...
Here's the thing though: if you love Rocket Raccoon (and to a lesser degree, Groot) then this figure set will make you happy. And sure, you'd be even happier if it were cheaper or the figures had some actual, working articulation but if you're a fan of the pair (or indeed the Guardians in general) or you want something a little different from the hundreds of Iron Fishing Super Spider-Man or Electro-Power Math Class Wolverine figures that come with every other movie release then I think you'll find these two are just what you're looking for.
Great-looking figures, let down by non-existent articulation and a high price point.
Full Review and Pics Here:
That Figures: REVIEW: Marvel Universe's Rocket Raccoon & Groot
