Human Torch: So Much Orange. Pretty...

McFarlane’s Marvel statue line is basically taking comic-book covers and turning them into shelf pieces, which is a pretty solid idea when it works. This Human Torch is one of the better examples.

The figure is based on the cover of Marvel 2-in-One: The Thing and the Human Torch #10. It comes with the statue, flame effects, a display base, comic-book backdrop, reprinted comic, and art card. It is not articulated, so this is strictly a display piece. Nobody is putting Johnny Storm into a dramatic crouching pose unless they are also comfortable snapping him in half.

The box is huge. Not “slightly oversized” huge. More like McFarlane assumed every collector has unlimited storage space and a spare warehouse.

It does look good, though. The large window shows off the figure, and the comic artwork on the sides and back ties the whole presentation together. Sealed collectors can display it in the box, but the plastic window hides a lot of what makes the translucent figure interesting. This one looks much better opened.

The pose is strong. Human Torch is floating above the base with one arm extended, the other raised, and flames coming off the body. The silhouette looks great from the front and has enough movement without going completely overboard.

The translucent orange plastic was the right choice. Light passes through the thinner areas and gives the figure a natural glow, especially around the head, shoulders, and flame effects. The sculpted flames running across the body add texture and keep him from looking like one solid orange mannequin.

The face is decent, but the translucent plastic softens some of the detail. From normal shelf distance, it looks fine. Up close, it starts looking a little waxy.

The flame rings around the hands are probably the best part. They add movement and make the upper half of the figure much more interesting. The flames around the base also help sell the idea that he is launching into the air.

My biggest complaint is that nearly everything is the same shade of orange. Some yellow, red, or darker shading would have added a lot more depth. Fire usually has more than one setting.

The metal support rod keeps the figure secure and is mostly hidden from the front. From the back, it is completely visible and looks like Johnny Storm has been mounted to scaffolding. This was clearly designed to be displayed from the front or at a slight angle.

The comic backdrop helps a lot. The Thing artwork adds contrast behind the orange figure and makes the whole setup feel like an actual comic-book scene instead of Human Torch floating over an orange floor tile.

You can display it without the backdrop, but I think it looks much better with it.

This is a simple statue, but it does what it is supposed to do. The pose is strong, the translucent plastic fits the character, and the comic backdrop gives it real shelf presence. The lack of paint variation and obvious rear support rod keep it from feeling truly premium, but neither one ruins the display.

It is a good-looking Human Torch piece that works especially well in a Fantastic Four collection. Just keep him facing forward, because the illusion falls apart the second that support rod enters the conversation.