I did a little bit of a double take when I saw this week’s Diamond Comics Distribution shipping list, as it confirmed that a figure that’s been delayed a handful of times was finally on its way to collectors’ hands this Wednesday. Though the Iron Man 3 movie was released in theaters close to two months ago now, the Marvel Select Iron Man 3 figures have been lagging behind a bit. But hungry Iron Man fans don’t have to wait any longer–the Iron Man 3 Marvel Select Iron Man Mark XLII figure was finally released in stores today!

There’s no shortage of online retailers selling the Marvel Select Iron Man 3 figures, but I really wanted to see the Iron Man Mark 42 Marvel Select figure in person before deciding to buy him. So I decided to head to my local Newbury Comics tonight with hopes of checking him out personally. Luck was with me, as they had one freshly unpacked Iron Man Mark XLII figure sitting on the table o’ movie merch, just waiting to be bought.

My thoughts on the figure after having him in my hand are largely positive. The topmost piece of the Mark 42 chest armor that’s supposed to be gold has bafflingly been painted red instead, which is highly frustrating, but otherwise I think this is aesthetically speaking the superior Iron Man Mark XLII action figure when compared with the Marvel Legends version.

The Marvel Legends Iron Man Mark 42 clearly has more articulation, but as far as I can tell, the Marvel Select Mk 42 has all of the really essential points of flexibility. I love Hasbro Marvel Legends and think that they’re a steal for their price, but it’s hard to deny that they’re frequently a step below Diamond Select’s exquisite Marvel Select figures’ sculpting and paintwork.

I probably would have bought the Marvel Select Mark 42 Iron Man then and there–if not for the inflated $27.99 plus tax that Newbury Comics was charging for the figure. Rant time: I don’t typically buy action figures from Newbury Comics because the chain is one step removed from an eBay scalper store. No, seriously. As soon as their toy cases come in, they mark up ever figure in the cases to what the figures are selling for shipped on ebay–and then maybe a little extra on top of that. Want a $39.99 Marvel Legends Archangel? No? Me neither.

As I am not presently out of my freaking mind, I rejected the $30+ after tax it would have cost me to pick up this Marvel Select Iron Man Mark 42 from Newbury Comics, and went home and ordered him for $21.99 with free shipping from Amazon instead. Sorry, Newbury Comics–I really want to buy from you guys, but not when your prices are so far out of whack.

The Diamond Select Toys Iron Man 3 Marvel Select Iron Man Mark XLII figure is now available from online stores, comic book shops and specialty retailers. I ordered mine from Amazon for $21.99 shipped, but you may find a better price (I couldn’t). The Iron Man 3 Marvel Select War Machine figure (yes, the one that doesn’t appear in the movie) should be shipping out to join Tony on the shelves next week. I’ll post photos of War Machine once he shows up in stores.