In the early 90s, fans everywhere got to know Marvel’s mutants via the incredible X-Men: The Animated Series, unarguably one of the best and most famous cartoons of all time. The first few episodes introduced the main characters, with iconic heroes and villains and their relationships. But on January 30^th 1993 the fifth episode, “Captive Hearts,” aired, and it changed everything. It was then that we truly learned about the depth of Wolverine’s feelings, most notably his unrequited love for Jean Grey! Stymied by her relationship with Scott Summers, Logan pines for Jean in the most dramatic fashion, laying on his bed in full costume while staring wistfully at a framed photograph of the happy couple. Instantly memorable, this scene would become an indelible part of a generation’s understand of the character, and later a popular internet meme about “Wolverine’s Crush.” And now, WizKids has brought this scene into the game of HeroClix with a super fun new Iconix figure called Captive Hearts Wolverine!

Iconix is a new line of non-randomized HeroClix figures from Marvel and DC featuring iconic scenes and memes from comics, animation, and beyond. Among the initial offerings are Thanos Snap, Knightfall (featuring Bane breaking the Bat), Spider-Man Double Identity (pointing at each other), Death of Superman, and Batman slapping Robin! WizKids came up with a really fun packaging style for these, and it’s possibly best used here with Wolverine. Each Iconix pack comes in a window box with opening book-style front flap that reveals the figure or figures in an iconic scene.

Open the box here and you’ll see the Wolverine figure on his bed in his X-Mansion room on the right, and a full-size reproduction of the Jean and Scott photo on the left! It’s a really fun gimmick, and I can see some collectors keeping their figures mint in the box. There’s also a nice description of Wolverine and this scene on back panel of the box, along with 3D renders of the figure on the other sides.

Let’s take a look at the figure itself. It’s unique, and it’s a bit odd, it’s Wolverine laying down! Logan comes here on a double, “peanut”-style base that’s typically reserved for larger characters or vehicles but is also perfect for a shape like a bed. And it is a very detailed tiny bed for a tiny man with head and foot boards, pillow, and realistically creased sheets. Wolverine himself has a nice sculpt, captured in a rare relaxed pose with one leg up as he gently caresses the photograph. Despite laying on his bed he wears his full costume with cowl (and boots, yuck), and there are nice details down to the over-the-shoulder stripes, gray patches on the back of the hands, red belt with “X” logo, and sad eyes. And, of course, the photo! Check out my close-up pics to see it in all its glory, looking just like it did in the show.

So how does this unique Wolverine actually play on the tabletop? He costs 45 points, and comes with the X-Men team ability for healing allies. Logan has two traits, perfectly named and thematic from the episode. “Pining After Jean” lets you pick Wolverine’s “Crush” at the start of the game; when that ally is nearby, he can heal, and when they’re far apart Wolverine nerfs the attack and damage capability of ALL other characters within 2 squares!

Meanwhile, “RAAAGH!” gives Wolvie permanent Blades/Claws/Fangs and a once-per-game ability to boost his damage based on how many X-Men allies have been knocked out up until that point. On the dial Logan has solid attack and defense stats (damage is fine with his B/C/F), half a dial of Combat Reflexes and a back half of Toughness along with Precision Strike, and full runs of Battle Fury and a special power giving him Sidestep (that helps offset his slow, bed-ridden movement) and a fantastic aid against being targeted by ranged attacks. And in another really neat touch the back side of his character card also recreates the photo frame!

Captive Hearts is the first Iconix figure I’ve seen in person, and I think it’s great. Your mileage will vary on this series depending on your love of the character(s) represented and the origin of the scene/meme, though it’s cool to have non-random options especially if you are a big fan of Wolverine, or Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, etc. Wolverine has an MSRP of $19.99 and is currently sold out at WizKids, though it is available at various places online and you can (and should!) check with your local comic book or game stores to see if they have any in stock or can get one for you. And if you are interested in this series, make sure you ask if your FLGS can get the others!

Review and photos by Scott Rubin.

Review sample courtesy of WizKids Games. You can find more information about this and other HeroClix Iconix figures at WizKids.com.