Released in April 2023, Star-Lord is part of the Marvel Legends Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 wave that is exclusively turned over to MCU figures from the movie and includes a Cosmo Build-a-Figure, although Star-Lord is not packed with any parts. The wave is packed in plastic-free packaging, using figure imagery alongside the usual artwork around the standard Marvel Legends box to depict the contents.
Considering the new outfit, the figure is actually partially re-used from older Star-Lord figures with the legs and arms from the GOTG2 releases (short jacket version). That leaves the waist, torso, and head as the new additions. This still works aesthetically although it won't be 100% accurate if you compared the figure closely with the onscreen costumes. The body is cast in the base blue, which is too bright compared to the movie and potentially based on earlier concept images and colour schemes. Over the blue, we have painted red piping, black panels on the arms and right shoulder, and a couple of silver buttons on the tunic. The Ravager icon sits on the front of the chest as sculpted detail and is painted bronze.
The head is probably the best Chris Pratt likeness to date although the facial hair is still not quite right and looks muddy in places under the sideburns. The head features the now standard photo-real paint printing and sculpted hair which would have benefited from a darker wash. Controversially, Star-Lord did not wear his helmet at all in GOTG3 so that iconic look is not replicated in figure form - but I can tell you the older helmet will fit the neck peg although they are quite tight.
As the arms and legs are re-used from the 2017 figure they are pinned, but do provide 21 points of articulation including a small range of movement at the boot cut, double joint knees and elbows, waist swivel, and torso T-joint, and a ball joint neck. Star-Lord is a breeze to pose with plenty of options for display with or without his included blasters.
The pair of blasters are new pieces and based on the pair he gives to Groot to hide before they head to face the High Evolutionary. The blasters themselves are nice enough and include a two-tone gunmetal silver finish and clip securely into each hand - with both hands presenting a trigger finger. The problem is the fact that Star-Lord’s standard Quad Blasters used through GOTG3 - are not included. You can borrow these from previous releases, and they do fit in the hands, but there is no holstering option - again a look seen in Vol. 3.
The 2023 release of Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 delivers the best Chris Pratt / Star-Lord head to date in the line, but a slightly disappointing execution of the classic comic-inspired blue uniform which is too bright across all of the figures. It is also a shame the blasters are incorrect, but thankfully the older parts are compatible for those who want to pose Star-Lord with his usual blasters.
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About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...