Art Design: Standard carded Action Man figure. This is the annual re-vamp of Action Man's Arch Enemy, Dr. X.
Headsculpt: Unfortunately, Action Man himself has only had his headsculpt changed about three times in the past fourteen years. So often, the most interesting new release is Dr. X and any other villains. This year, Dr. X continues to be a Cyborg, but this time his left arm has a four-missile launcher. Dr. X also has a Bionic Eye and Skull Cap with a link-up through his ear. Perhaps Dr. X has a wireless internet connection? He looks like one of the Cyborg Zombies from the VIRUS movie which starred Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Sutherland.
The Action Figure: The body has articulated legs, knees, right arm, and swivel neck. The Cyborg Arm however only moves up and down. Action Man seems to be aiming for the children's market with these kind of clunky action figures. However the price of a Dr. X is approximately $15.00 which is the same as a carded G.I. Joe with some gear.
The Outfit and Gear: The outfit is a molded on purple shirt with a green X across the chest. Baggy pants and the big Frankenstein-style short boots finish the outfit. A non-removable black plastic cape gives Dr. X a stylish DR. DOOM look. The non-Cyborg arm has a molded-on black coat sleeve and the hand is molded as a black glove.
Price and Availability: The cost is approximately $15.00 in Europe, plus postage to the USA. This item can be located on e-bay or some of the online vendors.
Overall: The headsculpt of a Cyborg Dr. X looks good, but it is hard to fit him into any kind of photo-story or display because the missile-launching arm screams "kiddie-toy." Dr. X looks sinister, but he also looks silly. I guess that is the perfect kind of villain for a child to have. As an adult collectible or display piece Dr. X cannot hold a candle to any of the current crop of villains, monsters, creatures, etc. that are being released by many other action figure companies.
Grade: C
