2017 Target Exclusive Weapon X

Before we take a look at the figure, let's just have a quick recap on the background of the character. He is after all one of the most iconic (and most successful, with regards to superhero movies at least) Marvel characters ever created.

James Howlett (aka Logan) is probably best described as a loner who often does his own thing...and an angry one to boot. He is so driven by instinct that he is quick to act before thinking. Some of this may also stem from being able to heal from almost any wound in a matter of minutes. Add in his powerful instincts and he pretty much becomes feral, brutal and unforgiving.

The effects of Weapon X (which this figure is based on the birth of) cannot be understated. While his anti-social personality was well-defined beforehand, Weapon X only made it worse by treating him as a test subjecting and putting him through the painful processes of bonding his bones with an indestructible metal called adamantium. This process further robbed him of his humanity and he became very much the Wolverine that identifies him. The more he is treated as an animal, the more enraged he becomes which shows when he turns on 'berserker rage' (an instinct which completely takes over, upping his use of violence without thinking first).

Now that we know what makes him tick, let's take a look at how Funko has portrayed this legendary character via their ever-growing Pop! line. The Washington-based Toy company has given us 7 versions of this classic character so far (as of this review) and they cover a wide range of his history. We have him in his most recognisable attire (the Yellow suit) in his Grey X-Force gear, in the strange (but original, and fan favorite) Brown suit, we have him unmasked, a Black and White version, we have him on a bad ass bike (as per the 2009 X-Men Origins Wolverine film) and we even have him glow in the dark 2013 Toytastik exclusive version of him, but this newest figure, the 2017 Target exclusive is by far the best and the reason? detail.

Not only is this individual Pop really well painted and sculpted, but it's also a good example of just how far Funko has come with these figures. After all, the whole idea behind Funko Pop! figures are that they are simplified versions of our favorite characters. It's part of their charm, but let's be honest, we all love some intricate details too, and this is spot on.

If you Google 'Marvel Comics Presents; Weapon X' issue 79 you will see just how pitch perfect this translation (from panel to plastic) is. They could have cheaped out and given us all black cables leading up to a Grey helmet (or even worse, have them painted on the Pop!) but instead we get these wonderfully sculpted cables leading up to this huge perfectly designed helmet. Even his body hair and 'mutton chops' are a nice touch too.

This figure is supposed to be a Target exclusive in the USA, but it can be hunted down (stickerless) elsewhere. (Don't even get me started on the whole sticker exclusivity, and the fact that we Brits can find them without. We'll leave that for a future article.)

I picked mine up from my local Forbidden Planet, so if you do live outside the states and want to try to find one 'in the wild' (i.e. on shop shelves) you're best off hunting for one in comic book stores and specialist collectible shops.

I think this Pop appeals to not just comic book fans (both Marvel and DC) but also Toy collectors and general appreciators of good art. Yes, this might be a toy or a 'lump of plastic' (as some of those who don't understand geek life would describe it) but it really is a tiny piece of art. Straight out of the comic book pages and onto your shelf. If you're, not a collector already, this will sure to be the one to kick off your addiction.