I have heard collectors use the term “grail” 
when referring to a highly sought after figure or item. I don’t think that there was any one figure out there that I needed so much that I would call it my “grail.” The only figure that might meet these criteria would have to be the Gladiator Hulk in the Marvel Select line from Diamond Select Toys. I missed out when it was first released and I thought I would never have one for my collection; this is the one time that being wrong was a good thing. I finally have my Hulk.
The Gladiator Hulk figure from Diamond Select Toys was released back in 2017 to coincide with the release of Thor Ragnarok. Fortunately, I got lucky and my long sought after figure made it to me. Since this figure is only currently available on the secondary market, I am referring to this review as a “retro review”.
Produced by Diamond Select Toys, this Marvel Select figure is massive. The Hulk stands approximately 10 inches tall (10.5 if you measure to the top of the crista or crest). Gladiator Hulk weighs approximately 1 pound and 10.5 ounces. I never had to weigh a figure before but in this case I thought it would help convey the heft of this stout figure.
Gladiator Hulk has multiple points of articulation. These are:
- Head
- Shoulders
- Bicep
- Elbow (double)
- Wrist
- Chest
- Waist
- Hips
- Thighs
- Knees (double)
- Ankles
- Feet
He also comes with an extra set of hands, molded into fists. The hands that are on the figure are made to hold his weapons which are his hammer and an axe. I find this funny because Thor carried a hammer until his sister destroyed it and then he wielded an axe. I never noticed this before I started the review. Did you…?
The figure looks great although I am getting more of “from the comics” than Mark Ruffalo from the face. This really is an incredible figure (pun intended). I still say that the Hawkeye from The Avengers (2012) is the best Diamond has ever produced but this Hulk has to be in the top 5.
There are a couple of down sides to this figure. First, because of the size, getting him posed is a bit of an issue. Second, and this is usually not a problem, the joints are very tight. I have opened figures in the past that the joints are way too loose but his is just the opposite. I am actually afraid of breaking it because the joint aren’t as giving. I did just have an incident a couple of days ago when I was trying to pose a figure and snapped the arm clean off. I don’t want that to happen again.
I know it is different doing a review for something unavailable but someone out there might want it regardless of the price. Gladiator Hulk is definitely a must for your collection.
