Marvel Universe - the Guardians of the Galaxy are truly out of this world!

Hasbro's Marvel Universe line has exceeded expectation in terms of the number of characters it's been able to cover in its relatively short life. I've run out of room for the display of action figures in my display as the statues have well and truly taken over, but I am still wholeheartedly collecting the Marvel Universe line simply due to its amazing scope.

The set of characters I'm reviewing tonight are a fantastic example of what I'm talking about in regards to my admiration for this line. The Marvel Universe Guardians of the Galaxy Boxed Set is something that I am confident will be held up as one of the MU line's true successes. The set consists of Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Rocket Raccoon and, in very miniature form, Groot. Being a huge fan of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning's Guardians of the Galaxy ongoing series, and their approach to the cosmic corners of the Marvel Universe in general, this set was a very welcome addition to my collection.

Drax the Destroyer is essentially a reprinted Absorbing Man, but depicted in his trademark colours, he almost takes on a completely different look and feel. He really would have benefited from a custom headsculpt, as some of the definition on the Absorbing Man headsculpt is lost when painted green. Thankfully the rest of the paint work that makes Drax who he is is very solid. The wash over his green skin really brings out his muscle detail, and his red markings and vibrant with clear lines. Drax is armed with his two knives, which he can either hold or holster in his belt. Drax is certainly getting some love from Hasbro at the moment, having been released in 6" form in the new Marvel Legends as well.

Star-Lord is also a clever re-use of parts, sporting a new head sculpt atop the Ghost Rider body with the custom sculpting. Again, a solid paint job does much of the work here, but there are some nice additions to the sculpt that make this a pretty true representation of Peter Quill. He comes with two guns and looks great when he's holding them both.

Drax and Star-Lord may be mainly comprised of reused parts, but Rocket Raccoon is something new and special, and he makes any re-use of parts in this set well and truly worth it. This is just a lovely piece. There only articulation here is at the neck and tail, but he is sculpted in an action pose which creates a dynamic look. There aren't really options for the position of his tail, because he needs it resting on the ground to be able to stand up. Not being an articulation guy, this doesn't worry me - getting a 3 3/4" Rocket Raccoon that looks like he's jumped out of the pages of a comic is more than enough to satisfy me - and the fact that he has a big-ass gun doesn't hurt either!

Last and, well, least, we get a small pack-in version of Groot in this set. This is Groot in very tiny pot plant form, and while he's good fun, I do hope we see a full-size Groot down the track.

Once again - this set is a brilliant example of what a toy line can do when they really put their mind to it. Hats off to Hasbro for this one, and here's to more!

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Until next time!