Originally published May 24, 2017. This article preserves One Sixth Society’s original reporting and images; product availability, pricing, and opinions reflect the original publication period.
For a newer example of the 2.0 label, see the Iron Man Mark XLIII (2.0), MMS865D80. Compare its listed portraits, armor details and accessories with the edition you already own; a new release is not automatically a worthwhile upgrade.
A Hot Toys 2.0 figure is worth considering when its portrait, body, costume or accessories improve something you care about in the original. The label alone is not a reason to replace a figure you like. The comparisons below record how those choices looked in 2017, including releases from later films that were not branded 2.0.
We will begin by discussing what 2.0 means in this context. Hot Toys has made figures like the Bank Robber Joker 2.0 a few years after the release of the initial version. That is essentially a straight redo of an existing figure, where something like the DX06 Jack Sparrow and the Hot Toys DX15 share a lot of visual similarities, but they are ultimately from different films. Let’s look at some examples.
Hot Toys: Star-Lord
As with most Marvel films, Guardians of the Galaxy got the Hot Toys treatment, as did Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The Star-Lord figure from the first film had been catching high prices on the aftermarket, so some collectors who just wanted a Star-Lord on their shelves were likely pleased to see the figure from the sequel.
But how do they stack up to each other? That is where this example gets interesting. While the sculptural and paint details on the figure from Vol. 2 look to be nicer from the promo photos, some have noted that the neutral expression is not fitting to Star-Lord. The sculpt from the first film has a smirk across his face, where the sequel head is more stoic. Other than that, they are pretty similar. Vol. 2 has more options in terms of clothing so it really comes down to what you find important.
Hot Toys: Jack Sparrow
As with a lot of figures being discussed on this list, Jack Sparrow DX06 was a highly sought-after piece. When Hot Toys announced the DX15 from the new Pirates film, many noted the figures are very similar, albeit with a few small costume and accessory changes. Most notably they both come with two interchangeable faces with nearly identical expressions. The DX15 shows sharper sculpting in places and adds some rooted hair.
Hot Toys: Bank Robber Joker
Bank Robber Joker was a figure way ahead of its time, released all the way back in 2008. That being said, the figure was very difficult to find on the aftermarket for a reasonable price. In 2014, Hot Toys released a ‘2.0’ version of the figure for Toy Fair. However many noted that it was not much of an upgrade at all.
The first version of the figure came with a rubber removable mask and a headsculpt to put the mask on, while the second version came with a sculpt with the mask sculpted on. The other head sculpts are virtually identical, although the second version may have a better paint application.
The second version included a shotgun, while the first included a submachine gun. Neither of these weapons was used by the Joker in the scene.
The 2014 version retailed at $269.99. For an owner of the first release, the different mask construction, weapon and paint would have to justify that cost. It also gave collectors who missed the original another chance at the costume.
Hot Toys: Batman DX12 Vs. Batman Armory
The DX12 was an impressive Christian Bale Batman release. The later Batman Armory set included a similar figure with some changes, creating another comparison for collectors who already owned DX12.
The DX12 came with a diorama stand, as well as his EMP gun. If one bought the Armory set that included Bruce Wayne and Alfred, they also had access to the unmasked sculpt.
Interestingly enough, many noted that the cowl on the Armory release was a bit more accurate to the film’s costume. However, Batman fans also noticed that they could buy the Armory set in addition to their DX12, swap the heads, and display the empty suit in the Armory. It was a win-win situation!
Hot Toys: Iron Man MK.VI
Iron Man is bread and butter for Hot Toys; a staple for the company. In recent years most of the Iron Man suits are being made in die-cast material. Older Iron Man suits are being remade in die-cast as well.
The MK.VI figure made for Iron Man 2 was plastic and was fairly simple in its presentation. The newer die-cast version looks sharper and more visually impressive. Additionally, the inclusion of more accessories sets it apart from the earlier release.
At the time of writing, the new Tony Stark portrait had not been revealed. The armor and accessory changes could be compared, but the head sculpt could not yet be judged.
What does this all mean? Well, with some exceptions it really comes down to the situation and the buyer. Personally, I am a huge Guardians of the Galaxy fan so I will likely be buying the Vol. 2 Star-Lord in addition to my figure from the first film. However not everyone will feel the same way. Most of the time it is safe to say that if you are happy with the original release you have you will likely not need to upgrade. Compare the improvements with what you value in your current figure before deciding.
