Marvel Legends X-Men Nemesis Series
The Wave: A Mutant Melting Pot
It’s been a hot minute since we got a full-on X-Men wave—think back to spring 2024’s X-Men ’97 Wave 2 with Madelyne Pryor. Sure, we’ve had stray mutants like that gorgeous Deluxe Phoenix, but this is Hasbro going all-in with a seven-figure spread that spans the X-verse. Pre-orders are up now (links below!), with shipping set for spring 2025. Here’s the lineup:
The Build-A-Figure for this assessment is “Nemesis”, the more kind pseudonym that Hasbro has given to the 616 (primary Marvel Universe) character Genocide. This may be a bit confusing, since Hasbro called the character of Holocaust (from the AOA) “Genocide back in 2009, and the two characters look very similar (but Genocide and Holocaust are totally different Apocalypse-related characters, I swear!).
This character, Genocide, was a main villain in the legendary Uncanny X-Force run by Rick Remender. I thought this son of Apocalypse was permanently dead at the end of that series, but he showed up alive in last year’s Geir of Apocalypse mini, so it gets kind of murky (that might have been a virtual reality version).
Regardless, the Genocide BAF (sorry, “Nemesis BAF”), looks super cool and will fit right in for collectors of the Four Horsemen’s Cosmic Legions toy line. I think this character choice may actually push many fans to purchase this whole set of 6” action figures (and it’s a good one!).
The probable headliner of the single-packed series is a new classic X-Factor Cyclops figure, who looks straight off the cover of the original volume of X-Factor #1.
Cyclops gets an all-new and very cool attachable second optic blast effect, which will supposedly be compatible with past effects. At this point, I genuinely wouldn’t mind Hasbro finishing off the original 5 in these X-Factor #1 costumes.
Fast-forwarding to the 90s main universe, we get figures of Husk, Marrow and Fabian Cortez. Of this trio, only Marrow has ever had a mass released action figure before (in Toybiz’s 5” Generation X Series 2). That version was a bit more monstrous-looking (how I prefer her), but I know a “pretty” version is necessary for the growing Marvel vs Capcom lineup.
The articulation on Marrow looks absolutely insane! I’m not at all confident I can pose her as well as Hasbro did for their official photos, but I am impressed that the potential is there nonetheless.
Husk (Cannonball’s sister, Paige Guthrie), ironically did not get an action figure in Toybiz’s Generation X line, despite being a founding member of that team. In fact, the only previous bit of merch she’s received is a little inarticulated Heroclix figurine. I’m a little surprised that we’re getting Husk before Synch, with how very prominent Synch has been in the X-Men comics the last few years, but I’m optimistic he’s high on Hasbro’s to-do list regardless.
With her mutant power being the bizarre ability to tear off her own skin and reveal an adaptive body underneath, it’s not a mystery why Paige hasn’t gotten more merch. I think Hasbro really did a swell job with the skin-ripping hand and face pieces here to make this Marvel Legends Husk figure feel unique and interesting.
Fabian Cortez is the type of arrogant, scheming scumbag that can be fun to hate (like Starscream). He’s got his ponytail and energy effects, and I’m glad to get the first non-Heroclix of a character that’s really grown on me in recent years. A nice figure, although I’m doubtful about getting any of the other Acolytes (beyond Exodus, who really seems inevitable in the next year or so).
As a pretty easy repaint/retool to do, I’ve been expecting the grey costume X-Force Nightcrawler Legends figure to be released for years now. Hasbro has gotten really excellent at making Kurt Wagner figures, and this violent Uncanny X-Force version will complement the Genocide (Nemesis) figure in the wave nicely.
Age of Apocalypse Gambit is a really “out of left field” pick, as all the previous AOA Legends characters came in their own themed waves. AOA Gambit is perhaps the biggest name left that needed a figure from this story (Storm was not as central in Age of Apocalypse as she is in the 616), so I’m tickled to get him. More AOA figures please, Hasbro!
Finally, we’ve got Ultimate Wolverine from the original Ultimate universe (not to be confused with the Ultimate Wolverine whose solo book is launching this week in Jonathan Hickman’s new Ultimate universe). I was never a big fan of this Earth-1610 Logan (beyond his spectacular death having every cell in his body destroyed by Magneto), and he’s the one figure in this wave without a Nemesis Build-A-Figure piece, so I feel comfortable skipping this guy personally.
- Cyclops (X-Factor): Straight off X-Factor #1’s cover, this blue-and-yellow classic comes with a slick new optic blast effect—supposedly retro-compatible with older figures. He’s packing the Nemesis right arm, and I’m already dreaming of a full original X-Factor squad.
- Marrow: The ’90s wild child’s back, prettier than her monstrous ToyBiz days but loaded with insane articulation and bone swords. She’s got the Nemesis left arm and sold out fast on Amazon—grab her at EE if you’re quick!
- Age of Apocalypse Gambit: A curveball pick with a fresh sculpt, staff, and that signature cloak. He’s got the Nemesis right leg—more AoA love, please, Hasbro!
- X-Force Nightcrawler: Kurt’s grey Uncanny X-Force look is a no-brainer retool, complete with a sword, two heads (yellow and red eyes), and the Nemesis dome/back piece. Perfect for brooding next to the BAF.
- Ultimate Wolverine (Earth-1610): The OG Ultimate Logan, sans BAF part. Combat fatigues and extra hands are cool, but his brutal Magneto death aside, I’m passing—your mileage may vary.
- Husk: Paige Guthrie finally gets her due with skin-ripping hands and a metal-face head sculpt. She’s hauling the Nemesis torso/head, and her Generation X vibes are a win.
- Fabian Cortez: The Acolytes’ scheming jerk rocks a ponytail and energy effects, plus the Nemesis left leg. He’s a solid deep cut—Exodus next, maybe?
The BAF: Nemesis (aka Genocide) Steals the Show
The Build-A-Figure is where this wave flexes hard. Dubbed “Nemesis” to keep things family-friendly, it’s actually Genocide from the 616—son of Apocalypse and a standout from Rick Remender’s Uncanny X-Force. Not to be confused with the AoA Holocaust (who Hasbro once called Genocide back in ’09), this guy’s a distinct terror with a fiery skull, removable dome, and arm-cannon tubes. He popped up alive in last year’s Heir of Apocalypse mini (maybe VR, maybe not—who knows?), and his Cosmic Legions-esque design might just drag collectors into buying the whole set. It’s a bold choice, and I’m here for it.
Standouts and Surprises
Cyclops is the likely headliner—X-Factor fans have been starving for this update, and that optic blast seals the deal. Marrow’s articulation and rarity make her the hot ticket (already a scalper’s dream), while Husk’s skin-shedding gimmick is a clever nod to her weird power. Fabian Cortez brings some Acolyte spice, and Nightcrawler’s a reliable crowd-pleaser. AoA Gambit’s a left-field gem—proof Hasbro’s still got surprises up their sleeve. Ultimate Wolverine? Meh, he’s skippable unless you’re an Earth-1610 stan.
Thoughts and Your Move
This wave’s diversity is its strength—X-Factor, ’90s X-Men, Uncanny X-Force, AoA, and Ultimate all in one go. At $24.99 a pop, it’s a hefty haul to snag Nemesis, but the BAF’s cool factor might tip the scales. Pre-orders are live (check Entertainment Earth or Hasbro Pulse if Amazon’s dry), and spring can’t come soon enough. So, collectors, what’s your play? Grabbing the full set for Genocide, or cherry-picking faves like Marrow and Cyclops? Any X-Men you’re still itching for—Synch, maybe, or more AoA? Drop your takes—this wave’s begging for a debate!
