While theMCUis currently in a rocky place withThe Marvelsvastlyunderperforming at the box office, the universe as a whole is still a massive achievement. Especially when we look back on the early days of this cinematic experiment, it shouldn’t have worked as well as it did. The biggest example of this was 2010’sIron Man 2,and nowSideshow Collectiblesis releasing a newHot Toyversion ofTony Stark’s Mark VI armor from Marvel Studios’ first sequel.
The latest quarter scale Iron Man figure from Hot Toys is based on the armor from the final act of the sequel and would again show up in the first half ofThe Avengers. The figure has over 40 points of articulation, battle damaged interchangeable parts, functional LED lights on multiple parts of the armor, a removable helmet, and aRobert Downey Jr.unmasked head sculpt. As usual for Hot Toys, the Downey Jr. likeness is spot on. Just looking at him will instantly bring you back to the MCU’s Phase One. While there have been an endless number of Iron Man Hot Toys covering the character’s various MCU appearances,Iron Man 2has one of the bestsuitdesigns of the series. The classic hot rod red and gold pop with the unique triangle arc reactor will instantly remind fans of Tony’s connection to his dad. A heartfelt plot point that would pay off inAvengers: Endgamewhen Iron Man and “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” go back in time to collect the Infinity Stones before Thanos did.
WhileIron Man 2’s reception was mixed when the film released in 2010, in the 13 years since, it was the framework that made the “Infinity Saga” brilliant. It expanded the MCU with the proper introduction toSamuel L. Jackson’s Nick Furyand “The Avengers Initiative”, which includedScarlett Johansson’s Black Widow. The sequel doesn’t compare to the original in terms of its cultural impact or quality, and it suffers from problems that would become a staple in the MCU like a lackluster main villain, but we couldn’t have gottenThe Avengersfilms if it wasn’t for the success ofIron Man 2. Also, despite the sequel’s lower quality, the action is still awe-inspiring and characters likeSam Rockwell’s Justin Hammerare among the best in the entire universe.
‘Iron Man 2’ Excels Thanks to Robert Downey Jr.’s Star Power
The main reason the film is so rewatchable is Downey Jr.’s commitment to the Iron Man character.Iron Man 2saw a more confident version of the actor step into the role. The original Iron Man was the test drive and the sequel was Downey Jr.’s start to his Godfather reign in the MCU. Downey Jr. would appear in seven more sequels, including the four epicAvengersfilms,Iron Man 3,Captain America: Civil War, andSpider-Man: Homecoming. After his weighty sacrifice inEndgame, fans wondered if Iron Man would return to the universe, but recently,Kevin Feige put those rumors to rest. Downey Jr.’s legacy as Iron Man is one of cinema’s best and, even though his MCU appearances are over, the character’s presence will always be felt in this universe.
Iron Man 2’s currently streaming, along with the rest of the MCU, onDisney+. Tony Stark’s Mark VI Hot Toy is also up forpre-order now onSideshow’s websitefor $640 USD. you’re able to preview the figure below.
Iron Man 2
With the world now aware of his identity as Iron Man, Tony Stark must contend with both his declining health and a vengeful mad man with ties to his father’s legacy.
