When I asked readers on social media what recently-released Hasbro Marvel Legends figures I should prioritize reviewing first, I was pretty stunned to see a multitude of votes for the Venom Legends Poison figure. Having never read even one panel with the character before, I rushed to buy the Venomverse TPB so I wouldn’t be writing blind. Now that I’m thoroughly acquainted with both the character and the Marvel Legends Poison figure that’s now available, what’s the verdict? Read on…

I like to think I have my finger on the pulse of what’s popular with Marvel fans, but I got taken completely off-guard by the popularity of the recent Venomverse and Venomized story arcs. I ended up ordering both online and reading them over the weekend so I’d be well-informed for this Poison review.

For those who don’t have a clue who this “Poison” dude is, the “Poisons” are an alien species introduced in the Venomverse story who merge with Venom symbiotes and consume their hosts for fuel. This particular Poison merged with alternate universe Symbiote Spider-Man and devoured Peter Parker’s essence to achieve its full power. Creepy, right?

Considering that Disney put the kibosh on Marvel Zombies, I’m a little surprised they’re cool with what’s basically aliens living in the husks of hero bodies like this, but whatever. This is definitely one of the scarier and more compelling superhero concepts in quite some time.

Since the Peter Parker Poison has only appeared a handful of times—all with a consistent appearance—Hasbro had a pretty definitive blueprint of exactly what the character design should look like in toy form. And they recreated the design in plastic perfectly.

Depending on the shot, sometimes the artwork of Poisoned Spider-Man has eyes that look slightly squintier or lining that look just a bit different, but I can definitely see the main design for this character captured splendidly here in toy form.

The beauty of this Venom Legends Poison figure is that its pure simplicity—with a few minor tweaks that really stand out. While black and white figures always look striking (I still love my Future Foundation Spider-Man), Poison has a pearlescent white paint that gives him a sinister, otherworldly look that feels just a bit sickly on a living being.

Meanwhile, just like in the comic books, Venom Marvel Legends Poison features something we’ve never seen before on an action figure—a Spider-Man “tummy symbol” with extending Symbiote tendrils! The six black tendrils are made from a soft black plastic that holds its shape nicely—and they really pop to make this ML Poison 6” figure stand out from the crowd.

Some people might gripe that this figure should be bulkier, but looking at all the artwork of the character, I think he’s precisely the size he should be. While Venom is oftentimes a powerhouse, this is a Poison that consumed Peter Parker, and I think Hasbro has recreated the proper scale faithfully.

For hands, we get one fist hand (for bashing) and one clawed hand (for slashing). That’s basically this character’s whole schtick, so no complaints in that department.

The head sculpt is crazy different from any Spider-Man or Venom figure we’ve seen before, and definitely conveys that this is an inhuman creature to take seriously. The rigid, armor-like “scales” covering his body also give off this same deadly, robotic feel. This is some scary shit. I like it!

Accessories-wise, there’s nothing here other than the Monster Venom Build-A-Figure left arm part—but I can’t really find fault with that. I just read all the issues with this character, and I can’t think of a thing I’d want for an accessory. In this instance, nailing the look of the characters and implementing that awesome, creepy spider symbol is enough.

Finally, on the articulation front, we find the usual level of super-articulated goodness present on Poison Peter Parker:

• Ball-Hinge Head and Shoulders
• Upper Torso Ab Crunch
• Double-Hinge Elbows and Knees
• Ball-Jointed Hips
• Swivel-Hinge Wrists
• Swivel Waist, Biceps, Thighs and Boots
• Hinged Ankles with Rockers

We’ve seen this same articulation scheme what feels like hundreds of times, and it works as well as ever here. Poison doesn’t need to be busting out Bruce Lee kung fu, and the poseability built in is just fine.

Overall: While Poison Spider-Man isn’t a character that the majority of collectors are going to be familiar with, there’s no denying that Hasbro has absolutely nailed his design with this Venom Legends Poison figure. Consistent with the character design, there’s not a ton going on with this action figure—but it’s excellent with regard to both its authenticity and simplicity.

As a representative of the character and as just as plain cool toy, this ML Poison Spider-Man figure is pretty swell. This is miles away from being a favorite character of mine, but I just don’t know what Hasbro could or should have done better here. Outstanding work.

GRADE: A