Review : Marvel Legends Erik Killmonger, Black Panther

Mephitsu
Apr 21, 2019
4 min read

Welcome to our review of the Marvel Legends 6 inch Erik Killmonger figure from the 2nd wave of Black Panther figures, released in 2019. Erik is released in his mercenary outfit, complete with the stolen ceremonial mask. He is packed with a piece of M'Baku who is the build a figure for this wave.

Packaging 5/5

Killmonger's packaging carries on fro the original Black Panther wave design with a golden backdrop to the figure and blue hues to the illustration of a masked Killmonger on the side panels.

The rear of the packaging see's a change in design with what used to be a promotional image of the actual figure now replaced with an image inspired by the movie. Alongside this we still get the same short bio.

"Seeking vengeance for his father's exile from Wakanda, Erik Killmonger returns to challenge T'Challa for the right to the Wakandan throne."

Killmonger is the most crowded box of the whole wave coming with his mask and weaponry at one side, and the BAF M'Baku's head and staff at the other. He is positioned slightly oddly in the box with his right arm curved as though he should be carrying something under it.

Paint & Sculpt 5/5

The head is the same Michael B. Jordan sculpt as was used in the 2-pack with Everett Ross, and why not as it is an absolute triumph and for me one the most impressive Marvel male head sculpt to date. It really shows what the face print technology is capable of with realistic eyes, coupled with the skin shading round the eyes and cheeks and the facial hair which actually looks like hair and not smudged paint.

The outfit is just as impressive and carries some in depth sculpted detail like the panelling on the vest, to the various clips and clasps. There is plenty of colour application too with the blue shirt, yellow strapping and even touches of green running up to the shoulder panels.

The combat trousers are also well executed with a camouflage pattern, and they are adorned with a sculpted thigh holster and topped off with a separate belt piece complete with pouches and grenades.

If you want to nit pick at all then there is a slight issue with the left leg which seems to be bent outward to the side at the knee. The head also can look a little undersized on this bulkier body compared to the slimmer Golden Jaguar body it was originally designed for.

Accessories 4/5

Killmongers accessories start with the tribal mask he steals from the British Museum, and later wears to break Klaue out of CIA custody.

The mask is cast in a softer plastic with the shape of Killmonger's face imprinted into the back, allowing it to be placed over the head sculpt and hold itself in position. It is a clever design and one that works well.

The mask is not quite as well painted as the main figure with a lot of the front left in the grey plastic from which it is cast. From this is the mane which is painted a single brown tone. There are then some pink highlights added to the mouth and forehead.

The horns are painted a varying grey while the eyes are coloured in darker to contrast with the main body of the mask.

Of course Killmonger also needs weapons and the first of these is a simple handgun cast in black plastic. This unfancy piece with limited sculpted detail and zero paint fits into either hand - with Killonger given a trigger finger grip on both left and right hands.

Sadly, while there is a holster on Killmonger's belt it has been sculpted with a gun fixed into it and not as a working holster where this weapon can be stowed.

We also get a larger assault weapon, cast again in black plastic with no additional paint application. Again this will fit in either right or left hand - with the articulation also supporting a two handed posed grip if so desired.

Articulation 5/5

We have the standard male buck 19 point of articulation on Killonger starting with the ball jointed pivot neck joint and a similar pivot in the chest. Under this the torso can be rotated by means of a waist swivel.

Arms are ball jointed at the shoulder with a bicep swivel leading down into double jointed elbows. The wrists sit on a rotating pivot.

Legs are ball jointed at the hip, with a thigh swivel and double jointed knees that support kneeling and crouching poses. The figure is supported on ankle rockers which are tight and make Killmonger easy to stand and solid in a number of stances.

Summary

It is clear from the design, paint apps and accessories that this version of Erik Killmonger was the planned "star" of this 2nd wave of Black Panther movie figures. It really showcases the sculpting prowess of the Hasbro team and what can be achieved with the face print technology - even if many will want to hid that face behind the cleverly engineered mask.

The figure has few flaws. Yes the weapons could have been painted, and yes we could have had a working holster - but when you consider what we do get for our £20 you can see why these decisions were made. The head can look a touch undersized, but this is easily solved by using the mask or by angling the figure on display. The dodgy knee seems to be an issue with our review figure and can be resolved with some hot water.

Erik Killmonger is about as good as it gets at the moment from Hasbro, and still under £20 with the new lines of UK distribution. It is only fair he therefore walks away with top marks - a five out of five performance.