Not exactly a frequent star of the cartoons, Whiplash is often cited as a favorite figure among fans, although the original is damned ugly. The 2002 redesign is more dinosaur-like, while the original seems like some sort of classic cartoon fantasy ogre type. Somehow the new 2010 figure tries to capture both versions to varying degrees of success. Standing about 7-inches tall, this evil lizard guy spots two very different head sculpts as well as weapons based on his 1980s and 2000s counterparts. Oh, and he was also reissued just this past Wednesday, and sold out nearly immediately. The kids still love their Whiplash!
This figure takes most of its inspiration from the original 1980s action figure, as the 2002 version was a beefy, shirtless bruiser. The 1980s figure has a darker green torso and the tail seems to be attached to it as part of either his back or his armor, depending on how you want to look at it. The 2002 version was unquestionably some sort of lizard-man complete with tail. Because of this, the 2010 figure is really an update of the 1980s toy, as the 2002-era body type is very different looking. Sometimes swapping a head and a weapon is enough, but in this case it seems that to accurately replicate the 2002 figure, you'd need an entirely new body sculpt. This is not to say the 2010 figure is bad-- far from it.
Matty's interpretation of Whiplash is really close to the original. His legs have the strange dinosaur-like claws, his arms are green, his torso is essentially striped, and he's got that ugly, ugly face. The new version looks better, of course, but the Four Horsemen sculpted this figure to look a lot like the original, down to the ridges on the legs and a blue version of He-Man's furry loincloth. The spear is still ribbed, and orange, just like you remember it. The revised figure has a much better pose and crisper sculpt, so there's very little question as to which one looks better.
Oddly, the new figure has a "broken" left hand-- the much wider opening prevents him from holding most arms, but it's just perfect for the grip of his alternate, bladed weapon. His right hand has no problems carrying his default spear.
As always, this figure sold out quickly. The secondary market isn't crazy about him yet, so expect to get him for issue price-- about $20-$35. Because of the wonderful sculpting, the exquisite paint job-- just look at the heads up close-- and the great weapons, he definitely feels like he's worth the asking price. While I prefer the 2002 redesign more than the 1980s original, this figure is certainly nice enough to warrant picking up. Articulation is basically standard for the line, but the snap-on backpack has the added bonus of an articulated tail to help with balancing or posing. (The figure has no holes in his feet, which is unusual.)
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