It’s been a little while since I actually reviewed a Marvel Legends action figure (I’m not itching to go traipsing through the snow for photos like I was as a youngin’), but my newest arrival is a figure that really caught my attention as a sure-fire must-have for many. Marvel Legends Secret Wars Daredevil just restocked on Amazon, but you can also get one from EE once that sells out again. Is this retro throwback Man Without Fear worth a spot in your collection? Here’s my review…

I had been planning to review Secret Wars Constrictor Legends figure that just started shipping as my first coverage of this wave, but I was so astounded and disappointed to learn that Hasbro unacceptably cheaped out and left the back of the figure unpainted (unlike the vintage Mattel one from 40 years ago) that I decided to forgo that review entirely and focus on a figure I knew would be worth its $38 MSRP: Marvel Legends Secret Wars Daredevil.

Hasbro just released a Daredevil 6” figure in his black costume last year, but that’s not what most fans wanted. Nor were the VHS Animated Daredevil or the Netflix Daredevil figures Hasbro put out in the last couple years. No, what fans have been crying out for is a classic comics-styled Daredevil in his iconic costume— and that’s just what we get here in ML Secret Wars Wave 2!

Like every Secret Wars Marvel Legends figure, Daredevil comes in oversized throwback packaging styled after the Mattel 1980s line. It’s sort of a shame to destroy it to release the figure, but I collect toys, not packaging. Some of you may want an extra to display packaged—but I ain’t got money for that anymore personally, what with prices being what they are now.

Inside the package, we find a very iconic looking Matt Murdock figure with a whopping half dozen accessories: two Billy clubs that combine tightly into one big baton, two extra hands, a clear radar sense effects piece and a vintage-styled lenticular “Secret Shield”.

The Secret Shield with its lenticular image of Matt Murder shifting to Daredevil attaches to the figure’s arm or back. It’s all kinds of goofy, but Mattel included them 20+ years ago, so we also need them here. They’re harmless, stupid fun, and I love them.

The large concentric circles “radar sense” effect is a blast and I’m glad to get this visual representation of Daredevil’s super power. It feels very sturdy and plugs snuggly into DD’s back.

The Billy clubs each have the handle ends painted silver, which looks nice. There’s a small connector (I will inevitably lose) to link them into one larger baton. Ol’ Hornhead can grip either permutation tightly and looks excellent doing so. They also tuck securely into his hip holster, which is a terrific storage option for when not in use.

Finally, there’s two alternate hands to swap out for the default gripping ones: an open gesturing hand and one fist. I really like the open hand, so I’ll begrudgingly forgive the lack of a second fist in this instance.

The Daredevil action figure looks and feels awesome. The joints are all the perfect degree of tight and smooth, with the paint apps like the chest logo and belt buckle cleanly applied. The plastic quality feels sturdy and not at all “gummy” to me this time.

And articulation-wise, everything I want is present and fully pin-free for a seamless aesthetic: ball-hinge head and shoulders, swivel-hinge wrists. Ab crunch, ball-jointed upper torso and hips, double-jointed knees and elbows, swivel biceps boots and thighs, hinged ankles with rockers… the works.

I know some collectors really favor the modern hinged toes on their action figures, but I have bad luck with them and end up having figures fall over when those points are built in. I’m happy to not have them, but your preferences may vary.

Overall: Maybe I’m just easier to please in my old age, but I’m almost completely content with what Hasbro has given us here. I don’t like or want toe articulation, and I’m willing to look past only one fist being included when we get so many strong accessories here. From the nostalgic novelty packaging to the superb articulation, solid quality control and good variety of accessories, this is Hasbro’s definitive classic comic book Daredevil Legends figure. Don’t miss this one, because I doubt Hasbro tops it anytime in the next few years.

GRADE: A+