They've been briefly reviewed by other fans, but here's what I have to say about both figures...
SPIDER-MAN
PROS
-huge... this toy could almost be packaged as a Voyager... no wonder it's selling for $20 and not $15
-clear windshield
-missiles-as-exhaust-pipes
-dual kickstand
-some nice mechanical detailing in motorcycle mode (disc brakes, chain) and robot mode (on the thighs/head/torso, etc.)
-good poseability: head, shoulder, bicep swivel, elbow, wrist, mid-torso
-good proportions
-stable
-launching missiles in robot mode (webslingers)
-handsculpt (traditional Spider-Man webslinging pose for both hands)
-nice transformation (similar to Arcee, but with some new/better twists - wheels are less in the way)
-definitely looks like Spider-Man in robot mode
CONS
-windshield is not really securely attached in motorcycle mode (should snap or peg somewhere) but it doesn't really move)
-backpack is not really securely attached in robot mode (should snap or peg somewhere) but it doesn't really move)
-no knee or thigh swivel
-could have had more mechanical detailing in motorcycle to better define an engine block or something and break up the traditional Spider-Man colors more
-motorcycle is bit too long
-handsculpt (webslinging pose might bother some who would prefer more traditional fists)
VENOM
PROS
-massive car mode, almost as big as an Alternator!
-cool muscle car with nice detailing all over (purple flames, "VENOM" license plate, painted tail lights and head lights, agressive front grill with molded teeth, air intake in the hood, stylish rims, painted and molded door handles, etc.)
-complex transformation, on par with Alternators
-missiles can be stored under the car
-car underside is nicely finished with a foldable series of panel down the center of the car... something that could easily have overlooked on a regular non-Alt. TF
-amazing and very detailed headsculpt, down the teeth and crazy tongue
-firing missiles in robot mode
-missiles can be stored on the backside of the forearms in robot mode
-articulated fingers (1+3... thumb doesn't move)
-good articulation (head, shoulder, bicep swivel, elbow, wrist, fingers, hip, knee, swivel, ankle)
-nice mechanical detailing in robot mode (head, thighs, feet, etc.)
CONS
-odd proportions in robot mode... shouldn't Venom be taller and less massive? maybe too bulky and squat in robot mode...
-odd head placement: you get the impression that the head should be moved at least 1'' to the back
-torso looks odd when viewed from the side
-kibble on the back of the legs gets in the way when you try to pose him
-while at it, mirrors could have been painted silver in car mode (can't really complain though)
-painted windows... would be nice if they were clear
-doors are likely to pop off during transformation, no matter how careful you try to be
-limited head posebility: can only turn right and left about
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After playing a while with the 4 figures (Hulk and Iron-Man being the other 2), I can say this: quality is well above SWTF (but equal to Han Solo/Chewbacca and Death Star Darth Vader) but still not TF-like, but very close. I think it has to do with some of the joints they use. If some of them are nice, clicky and solid, some other joints, without being floppy, just feel slightly cheap (as in flexier?). It's hard to describe, you'd have to play with them to understand.
Still, Spider-Man and Venom are once again the answer to my no-non-transformable-toys rule. " I love superheros, I love Transformers: Marvel Crossovers are the ticket.
So far, I would rank them like this...
VEHICLE MODE
1. Venom (wins because it almost looks like an Alternator)
2. Iron-Man (good seeker)
3. Spider-Man (solid motorcycle but slightly too long)
4. Hulk (loses because of the so-so tank mode, mostly because of how unfinished it looks when viewed from the rear)
ROBOT MODE
1. Iron-Man (my favorite, more weapon options, overall sculpt, minimal kibble)
2. Hulk (best poseability, spring-loaded gimmicks)
3. Spider-Man (overall look, not too kibbly)
4. Venom (looks good but loses to odd proportions and impaired poseability)
Two more pictures...
