Another Hajime Sorayama Iron Man Metropolis Variant?
So eBay recently suggested I buy something, because that’s one thing eBay does. It said, “hey, buy this Python statue.” As much as I thought the python aspect might have something to do with my Iron Man codpiece blogs, ‘twas not meant to be. They wanted me to buy a 9” statue of Iron Man Mark 20 from the MCU, the black and gold armor. As I take a look at the images, I see this…
…and I realized that that’s not Python, that’s the Black and Gold Model 42 from the comics, the one that first appeared in Iron Man vol. 5, #1. The listing on eBay was completely mislabeled. This particular statue is actually a pre-painted plastic model kit that comes in six pieces and is in 1/10 scale (about 9”). It is part of the Marvel NOW! series of statues from Kotobukiya ARTFX. (In a moment of weakness I ordered one from Australia, only to be sent the wrong statue. A kerfuffle ensued.)
Anyway, why order one? I don’t even like the black and gold coloring. Well, I’m a huge fan of the Hajime Sorayama Metropolis Variant. So much a fan that I wrote the complete guide to the variant, the most comprehensive on the web. The Model 42 provided the base for the Sorayama variant.
So, we’ve already established that that’s the comic version of the Model 42. So what got me to hit the Buy It Now button? The pose. That’s the Sorayama pose, no doubt, just flipped. Now I’m not saying that that pose has never been used in Iron Man before, but the fact that it’s the same model number makes me think that it’s too much of a coincidence.
So, is this another piece of Sorayama Metropolis Variant merchandise?
No.
It’s the Model 42, no doubt about that, and it has the same pose. But while I think there’s inspiration, it does not have the metallic-blue and gold color scheme.
So if it’s not a piece of Hajime Sorayama merchandise, why bring it up? Well, since it’s a model, it should be very easy to paint and make into a custom Sorayama Iron Man variant. It wouldn’t be official, but if someone is displaying the statue and the comics cover and the Be@rbrick and the bootleg minfig, then a repainted version of this would certainly be welcome.
Am I wrong that the pose suggests a direct connection? Maybe. Take a look at the image below and judge for yourself.
