Force of Nature
11-23-2013, 03:04 PM
Some evil won't stop. Some evil no prisons can hold, no force can contain, no plea can soften.
Sometimes to truly save lives, the only option is to take them.
The burden of that truth falls on a secret, covert team of mutants assigned to those jobs which are too dirty and too dangerous for the X-Men.
That team is the...Uncanny X-Force!
Hi guys,
last week I was able to add the X-Force Archangel Fine Art Statue by Kotobukiya to my collection and I am very impressed by it.
I received statue no. 711/1,000 and have proudly given it a nice spot in my collection.
I have always liked the idea and concept of the Uncanny X-Force being a secret and covert team of mutants which does what needs to be done even though they might get dirty hands while doing so.
If the 'Dirty Harry'-approach is called for in certain situations in our daily world, then why should not it also be needed in the Marvel Universe?
Evil can be very difficult to overcome and sometimes you have to be tough and unforgiving if you want to do the right thing... And let me tell you guys, when looking at the focused and determined look on Archangel's face he is ready to take care of business! :buttrock:
This is a man who is ready to clean the house and chase the rats away the nasty and ugly way if that is what it takes.
Apocalypse believed in a natural selection in which the strong would survive and that believe has struck with Archangel since he looks like he is going to hit hard and fast first and only ask questions later.
The first thing I noticed when I unpacked the statue was how heavy it was and how solid it felt.
I am a firm believer of the school which says that the weight of a statue is way less important than the sculpture itself but that being said I must admit the statue feels assuringly solid.
Kotobukiya certainly did not cut any corners when it came down to the quantity of resin used for this statue!
Before I unpacked the statue I was a bit afraid that assembling Warren's wings might be a bit difficult but it turned out that nothing could be further away from the trusth. The left and right wings are separate pieces but on te wings themselves no further assembly is necessary except for aligning the iron rod with the holes in Archangel's back. It's really a plug and play statue which consists of four pieces: Warren himself, the base and his left and right wing.
As far as I can ascertain the wings are not made of resin (would make them too heavy I suppose) but of a very sturdy and durable plastic.
That may sound cheap but I do not think the statue's look and feel are degraded in any way because of this.
I am considering getting the wings chromed, if possible, in the future since that would make for a spectacular display but for the time being I am perfectly happy with the statue the way it is.
The paintjob is meticulous and the colours of Warren's uniform are very well done and realistic. I always liked Angel in his blue and white uniform but this X-Force uniform really kicks a$$ as well.
The base is designed as a small tower of rubble and bricks which works well since in my imagination it shows the destruction which Archangel and X-Force can cause.
The base works closely with Archangel's pose to give the impression Archangel has almost landed after a quick flight to meet the danger heads on.
I have noticed that some fans criticise the fact that Warren seems to be balancing on the tip of his toes but the way I see it this is because Warren has not fully descended from above yet.
In my honest opinion this statue is solid and righteous from every angle you look at it but of course I will let you make up your own minds based on the pictures I will post shortly.
But before we enter the battlefield and see Archangel in action I would like to express my thanks to Ramon (http://www.galaxyshop.eu) who enabled me to welcome Archangel home in my collection.
Thanks a million Ramon, you are a stand up guy and an ace in my book. It was a pleasure meeting you again and I am looking forward to the next time. Take care buddy!
Alright then, let's get ready to see Warren in action. Be careful guys since you do not want an Archangel to even consider the possibility that you might be a threat to him... so tread carefully and cautiously.
I hope you will enjoy the pictures nevertheless though; have fun! :D
My verdict
Sculpt: 9 out of 10
What's good: Archangel is sculpted in a very menacing and majestic pose. The former Horseman of Death has entered the scene and he is determined to carry out his mission!
The pose showing Archangel landing on a pile of rubble is very effective since it also refers to Archangel's primary mutant ability of flight.
The wings are sculpted really well showing Archangel's awesome and dangerous metal wings and they might look even better when chromed.
Warren's concentrated look and his clenched left fist add to the impression Archangel has come not to fight but to overcome and win.
What could be better: It's nitpicking but instead of rubble and bricks I think the base would have looked even better if it would show a piece of destroyed machinery since that would match better with the futuristic appearance of Archangel.
Paint (application): 9 out of 10
What's good: The paintjob is solid and well done. The colours used are not glossy but rather matte but I think it suits the grim and covert mission statement of X-Force really well.
What could be better: I would have loved his wings to have a glossy metallic finish or even be chromed.
There is room for improvement here.
Base: 8 out of 10
What's good: I like the rubble and bricks of the destroyed building on the bae since it an explicit reference to the destruction and mayhem which Archangel can cause. Archangel used to be one of the four Horsemen and his awesome power is reflected in the rubble on the base.
What could be better: A more complex base (for example a destroyed piece of machinery) could have looked even better and would have matched the futuristic appearance of Archangel better.
Accuracy (size comparison, likeness, extras, etc.): 9 out of 10
What's good: When I look at the statue I see X-Force's Archangel. What more could be said? The aqccuracy might not be 100% when compared to the comics but the resemblance to the comic book Archangel in his X-Force uniform is still excellent and very convincing.
What could be better: I would have loved it of the wings would have been sculpted with a bit more details to show the individual flechettes which Archangel can fire from his wings.
All in all an average score of 8.75 which represents the awesome presence and incredible coolness of this statue. A job well done by Erick Sosa and Kotobukiya!
==============================================
Background Information
Real Name
Warren Kenneth Worthington III
Education
College degree from Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters
Physical Attributes
Height
6'
Weight
150 lbs.
Eyes
Blue
Hair
Blond
Powers and Abilities
Warren is a mutant, and also the only (possibly the last) known representative of the subspecies known as the Cheyarafim.
Archangel has fully feathered wings that span 16' and have a very flexible skeletal structure. He can fly by flapping his wings, and can reach speeds of up to 150 mph. Though he generally flies below the height of clouds at 6,500 feet, Archangel can reach a height of 10,000 feet with little effort.
With severe strain he can attain the highest recorded altitude of a bird in flight (African geese at 29,000 feet (8840 meters) above sea level), but he could only remain that high for several minutes.
Archangel's normal cruising speed averages around 70 miles per hour (112 kph), though he is capable of diving swoops that reach up to 180 miles per hour (290 kph). He can fly at 150 miles per hour (240 kph) without the help of a tail wind for up to half an hour at a time before tiring to an appreciable degree.
Archangel's musculature produces less fatigue toxins during physical activity than the musculature of an ordinary human. He can physically exert himself at peak capacity for several hours before the build up of fatigue toxins in his blood begins to impair him. His physical stamina while in flight is considerably greater. He can fly non-stop under his own power for a maximum of approximately twelve hours.
The tissues of Angel's body are somewhat harder and more durable than that of an ordinary human, though he is far from invulnerable. While he can be injured in ways comparable to an ordinary human, his body is structured to withstand the friction caused by flying at high speeds. He can also withstand impact forces that would severely injure or kill an ordinary human with only mild to moderate discomfort.
His wings are strong enough to carry aloft at least 200 pounds in addition to his own body weight.
Archangel's entire anatomy is adapted for flight, having hollow bones; a body virtually devoid of fat, granting him enhanced proportionate muscle strength; eyes that can withstand high-speed winds; enhanced eyesight enabling him to see at distances far greater than the average human; and a special respiratory membrane that extracts oxygen from the air at extreme velocities and altitudes.
Due to his body's natural mutation, Archangel possesses greater physical strength than an ordinary human equal to him in body weight and can lift about 500 lbs.
Following his secondary mutation, Archangel can heal fatal injuries and cure most known diseases at an accelerated speed by mixing his blood with that of the victims, so long as they have a compatible blood type. However, the mutants known as the Neyaphem, can be harmed if they come in contact with his blood.
After genetic alteration by Apocalypse, Archangel's wings became composed of a razor-sharp organic steel-like material, allowing him to use them as slashing weapons. He can also expel his feathers at great speed and with tremendous force, enabling them to pierce even steel. The feathers are tipped with a paralyzing chemical generated by his body (he is immune).
He also briefly possessed the ability to convert his life-force into solid light to form a pair of energy wings.
After his metamorphosis by the Celestial Life Seed he is seemingly gain the ability to raise the dead.
Besides that Warren appears to have gained the ability to see the true essence of whomever he looks upon. He has demonstrated this ability twice, when looking at himself he sees himself as something more than a mutant (initially believing himself to be an angel) and when looking at Evan Sabahnur he sees Apocalypse. He can also use this ability to sense the life energy of other living beings.
Warren also displayed the ability after his metamorphosis to fire energy blasts and to create weapons out of pure solid energy like a sword.
Abilities
Archangel is a skilled combatant, especially in aerial hand-to-hand combat. Warren aced in his fencing class without ever picking up a sword, and using only his wings. He proved himself to being a match for the new Silver Samurai. However, he is perfectly capable of using a real sword as well.
He is also a talented businessman and heir and CEO of Worthington Industries whose wealth ranks him in the Fortune 500 list.
Weapons
For a short time, Archangel wielded the Soulsword of the Exile Magik.
Paraphernalia
Archangel often wears a harness to help conceal his wings underneath his clothes. When blue-skinned, Archangel used a holographic image inducer to grant him a normal appearance.
When the Angels arrive, the devils leave.
-Egyptian proverb
There is no reason why good cannot triumph as often as evil. The triumph of anything is a matter of organization. If there are such things as angels, I hope that they are organized along the lines of the Mafia.
- KURT VONNEGUT, JR., The Sirens of Titan
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk317/Force-of-Nature-2008/My%20statues/IMG_5063_zpsd32597c9.jpg (http://s283.photobucket.com/user/Force-of-Nature-2008/media/My%20statues/IMG_5063_zpsd32597c9.jpg.html)
Rainer
*************************************
Nothing can stop The Juggernaut... NOTHING!
Sometimes to truly save lives, the only option is to take them.
The burden of that truth falls on a secret, covert team of mutants assigned to those jobs which are too dirty and too dangerous for the X-Men.
That team is the...Uncanny X-Force!
Hi guys,
last week I was able to add the X-Force Archangel Fine Art Statue by Kotobukiya to my collection and I am very impressed by it.
I received statue no. 711/1,000 and have proudly given it a nice spot in my collection.
I have always liked the idea and concept of the Uncanny X-Force being a secret and covert team of mutants which does what needs to be done even though they might get dirty hands while doing so.
If the 'Dirty Harry'-approach is called for in certain situations in our daily world, then why should not it also be needed in the Marvel Universe?
Evil can be very difficult to overcome and sometimes you have to be tough and unforgiving if you want to do the right thing... And let me tell you guys, when looking at the focused and determined look on Archangel's face he is ready to take care of business! :buttrock:
This is a man who is ready to clean the house and chase the rats away the nasty and ugly way if that is what it takes.
Apocalypse believed in a natural selection in which the strong would survive and that believe has struck with Archangel since he looks like he is going to hit hard and fast first and only ask questions later.
The first thing I noticed when I unpacked the statue was how heavy it was and how solid it felt.
I am a firm believer of the school which says that the weight of a statue is way less important than the sculpture itself but that being said I must admit the statue feels assuringly solid.
Kotobukiya certainly did not cut any corners when it came down to the quantity of resin used for this statue!
Before I unpacked the statue I was a bit afraid that assembling Warren's wings might be a bit difficult but it turned out that nothing could be further away from the trusth. The left and right wings are separate pieces but on te wings themselves no further assembly is necessary except for aligning the iron rod with the holes in Archangel's back. It's really a plug and play statue which consists of four pieces: Warren himself, the base and his left and right wing.
As far as I can ascertain the wings are not made of resin (would make them too heavy I suppose) but of a very sturdy and durable plastic.
That may sound cheap but I do not think the statue's look and feel are degraded in any way because of this.
I am considering getting the wings chromed, if possible, in the future since that would make for a spectacular display but for the time being I am perfectly happy with the statue the way it is.
The paintjob is meticulous and the colours of Warren's uniform are very well done and realistic. I always liked Angel in his blue and white uniform but this X-Force uniform really kicks a$$ as well.
The base is designed as a small tower of rubble and bricks which works well since in my imagination it shows the destruction which Archangel and X-Force can cause.
The base works closely with Archangel's pose to give the impression Archangel has almost landed after a quick flight to meet the danger heads on.
I have noticed that some fans criticise the fact that Warren seems to be balancing on the tip of his toes but the way I see it this is because Warren has not fully descended from above yet.
In my honest opinion this statue is solid and righteous from every angle you look at it but of course I will let you make up your own minds based on the pictures I will post shortly.
But before we enter the battlefield and see Archangel in action I would like to express my thanks to Ramon (http://www.galaxyshop.eu) who enabled me to welcome Archangel home in my collection.
Thanks a million Ramon, you are a stand up guy and an ace in my book. It was a pleasure meeting you again and I am looking forward to the next time. Take care buddy!
Alright then, let's get ready to see Warren in action. Be careful guys since you do not want an Archangel to even consider the possibility that you might be a threat to him... so tread carefully and cautiously.
I hope you will enjoy the pictures nevertheless though; have fun! :D
My verdict
Sculpt: 9 out of 10
What's good: Archangel is sculpted in a very menacing and majestic pose. The former Horseman of Death has entered the scene and he is determined to carry out his mission!
The pose showing Archangel landing on a pile of rubble is very effective since it also refers to Archangel's primary mutant ability of flight.
The wings are sculpted really well showing Archangel's awesome and dangerous metal wings and they might look even better when chromed.
Warren's concentrated look and his clenched left fist add to the impression Archangel has come not to fight but to overcome and win.
What could be better: It's nitpicking but instead of rubble and bricks I think the base would have looked even better if it would show a piece of destroyed machinery since that would match better with the futuristic appearance of Archangel.
Paint (application): 9 out of 10
What's good: The paintjob is solid and well done. The colours used are not glossy but rather matte but I think it suits the grim and covert mission statement of X-Force really well.
What could be better: I would have loved his wings to have a glossy metallic finish or even be chromed.
There is room for improvement here.
Base: 8 out of 10
What's good: I like the rubble and bricks of the destroyed building on the bae since it an explicit reference to the destruction and mayhem which Archangel can cause. Archangel used to be one of the four Horsemen and his awesome power is reflected in the rubble on the base.
What could be better: A more complex base (for example a destroyed piece of machinery) could have looked even better and would have matched the futuristic appearance of Archangel better.
Accuracy (size comparison, likeness, extras, etc.): 9 out of 10
What's good: When I look at the statue I see X-Force's Archangel. What more could be said? The aqccuracy might not be 100% when compared to the comics but the resemblance to the comic book Archangel in his X-Force uniform is still excellent and very convincing.
What could be better: I would have loved it of the wings would have been sculpted with a bit more details to show the individual flechettes which Archangel can fire from his wings.
All in all an average score of 8.75 which represents the awesome presence and incredible coolness of this statue. A job well done by Erick Sosa and Kotobukiya!
==============================================
Background Information
Real Name
Warren Kenneth Worthington III
Education
College degree from Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters
Physical Attributes
Height
6'
Weight
150 lbs.
Eyes
Blue
Hair
Blond
Powers and Abilities
Warren is a mutant, and also the only (possibly the last) known representative of the subspecies known as the Cheyarafim.
Archangel has fully feathered wings that span 16' and have a very flexible skeletal structure. He can fly by flapping his wings, and can reach speeds of up to 150 mph. Though he generally flies below the height of clouds at 6,500 feet, Archangel can reach a height of 10,000 feet with little effort.
With severe strain he can attain the highest recorded altitude of a bird in flight (African geese at 29,000 feet (8840 meters) above sea level), but he could only remain that high for several minutes.
Archangel's normal cruising speed averages around 70 miles per hour (112 kph), though he is capable of diving swoops that reach up to 180 miles per hour (290 kph). He can fly at 150 miles per hour (240 kph) without the help of a tail wind for up to half an hour at a time before tiring to an appreciable degree.
Archangel's musculature produces less fatigue toxins during physical activity than the musculature of an ordinary human. He can physically exert himself at peak capacity for several hours before the build up of fatigue toxins in his blood begins to impair him. His physical stamina while in flight is considerably greater. He can fly non-stop under his own power for a maximum of approximately twelve hours.
The tissues of Angel's body are somewhat harder and more durable than that of an ordinary human, though he is far from invulnerable. While he can be injured in ways comparable to an ordinary human, his body is structured to withstand the friction caused by flying at high speeds. He can also withstand impact forces that would severely injure or kill an ordinary human with only mild to moderate discomfort.
His wings are strong enough to carry aloft at least 200 pounds in addition to his own body weight.
Archangel's entire anatomy is adapted for flight, having hollow bones; a body virtually devoid of fat, granting him enhanced proportionate muscle strength; eyes that can withstand high-speed winds; enhanced eyesight enabling him to see at distances far greater than the average human; and a special respiratory membrane that extracts oxygen from the air at extreme velocities and altitudes.
Due to his body's natural mutation, Archangel possesses greater physical strength than an ordinary human equal to him in body weight and can lift about 500 lbs.
Following his secondary mutation, Archangel can heal fatal injuries and cure most known diseases at an accelerated speed by mixing his blood with that of the victims, so long as they have a compatible blood type. However, the mutants known as the Neyaphem, can be harmed if they come in contact with his blood.
After genetic alteration by Apocalypse, Archangel's wings became composed of a razor-sharp organic steel-like material, allowing him to use them as slashing weapons. He can also expel his feathers at great speed and with tremendous force, enabling them to pierce even steel. The feathers are tipped with a paralyzing chemical generated by his body (he is immune).
He also briefly possessed the ability to convert his life-force into solid light to form a pair of energy wings.
After his metamorphosis by the Celestial Life Seed he is seemingly gain the ability to raise the dead.
Besides that Warren appears to have gained the ability to see the true essence of whomever he looks upon. He has demonstrated this ability twice, when looking at himself he sees himself as something more than a mutant (initially believing himself to be an angel) and when looking at Evan Sabahnur he sees Apocalypse. He can also use this ability to sense the life energy of other living beings.
Warren also displayed the ability after his metamorphosis to fire energy blasts and to create weapons out of pure solid energy like a sword.
Abilities
Archangel is a skilled combatant, especially in aerial hand-to-hand combat. Warren aced in his fencing class without ever picking up a sword, and using only his wings. He proved himself to being a match for the new Silver Samurai. However, he is perfectly capable of using a real sword as well.
He is also a talented businessman and heir and CEO of Worthington Industries whose wealth ranks him in the Fortune 500 list.
Weapons
For a short time, Archangel wielded the Soulsword of the Exile Magik.
Paraphernalia
Archangel often wears a harness to help conceal his wings underneath his clothes. When blue-skinned, Archangel used a holographic image inducer to grant him a normal appearance.
When the Angels arrive, the devils leave.
-Egyptian proverb
There is no reason why good cannot triumph as often as evil. The triumph of anything is a matter of organization. If there are such things as angels, I hope that they are organized along the lines of the Mafia.
- KURT VONNEGUT, JR., The Sirens of Titan
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk317/Force-of-Nature-2008/My%20statues/IMG_5063_zpsd32597c9.jpg (http://s283.photobucket.com/user/Force-of-Nature-2008/media/My%20statues/IMG_5063_zpsd32597c9.jpg.html)
Rainer
*************************************
Nothing can stop The Juggernaut... NOTHING!