As a toy collector who has taken a deep dive into the wonderfully obsessive world of Marvel Legends, the latest Nemesis Build-A-Figure (BAF) wave is a spectacle worth savouring. Not only does it spotlight some fan-favourite X-Men characters, but it also brings us the infamous Nemesis (a.k.a. Holocaust) from the Age of Apocalypse storyline, looking every bit as menacing as I remember from the comics. Let’s break it all down.
The Figures in the Nemesis Build-A-Figure Wave
Age of Apocalypse Gambit
First up, Gambit is always a fan favourite, but this version is particularly exciting. He features pin-less limbs, a sharp new head sculpt, and accessories including his staff, a flowing cloak, and alternate hands. From the photos, the detail on his hair and facial expression nails that “charmingly dangerous” vibe. He’s got an undeniable “cool uncle” energy—if your uncle threw explosive playing cards.
X-Treme X-Men Wolverine
Next, we have Wolverine, rocking his X-Treme X-Men attire. Although he doesn’t include a BAF piece, he’s still a great addition to any collection. The sharp claws and alternate hands are standard, but his unique suit design pops. It’s a fresh look for Logan, even if he’s perpetually in “ready to scrap” mode.
Acolytes Fabian Cortez
Fabian Cortez may not be the most popular X-Men character, but Hasbro has done him justice. The pin-less limbs, removable cape, and power-effect accessories make him a must-have for collectors building their villain rosters. Personally, I love that he looks like he’s plotting your downfall while maintaining impeccable hair.
Generation X Husk
Husk had me grinning from the start—she’s such a delightfully niche addition to the lineup. Her alternate peeling skin head sculpt is pure brilliance, capturing the eerie essence of her power perfectly. Yes, it’s gross, but that’s the point! Husk’s whole deal is shedding her outer layers (sometimes in unsettling ways), and this figure nails that in style. The detail on the Generation X body mold adds an extra layer of authenticity, making her one of the weirdest and most intriguing entries in the wave.
Marrow
Speaking of weird, Marrow is here, with her bone weapons and fierce, 90s-attitude sculpt. The level of detail on her bone armour is impressive. She’s the type of figure that makes you want to re-read some old X-Men comics to relive her rebellious energy.
X-Factor Cyclops
Cyclops fans, rejoice! This X-Factor version comes with two head sculpts—one standard and one with an optic-blast effect. The body sculpt is from the Vulcan mold, so you get great articulation for posing. Cyclops rarely steals the show for me, but this version might end up in more photo shoots than I care to admit.
Uncanny X-Force Nightcrawler
Finally, we have Nightcrawler, who comes with two head sculpts, one regular and one with glowing eyes. Add a sword and some hand options, and you’ve got yourself a solid, dynamic figure. His tail articulation looks promising, too. The Uncanny X-Force costume design suits him perfectly.
The Star of the Show: Nemesis Build-A-Figure
Now let’s talk about the main event—Nemesis. This version captures his modern comic-book design, complete with a removable dome revealing an articulated skull head engulfed in fire. The translucent fire effects and the intricate arm cannon make him a centrepiece-worthy addition to any shelf. Building him feels like assembling a piece of Marvel history, which brings me to…
A Quick History of Build-A-Figures
The Build-A-Figure concept has been a game-changer for collectors since its introduction. It’s like a bonus level for toy collecting—buying individual figures and then assembling an exclusive character piece by piece. The feature debuted with Toy Biz’s Marvel Legends line and became a staple when Hasbro took over. Iconic BAFs like Sentinel and Lizard (which I recently reviewed here and here) have kept fans hooked.
This approach encourages collectors to complete waves, which is both genius and evil. (Hasbro, my wallet would like a word.) It’s a testament to how much we love these characters—and how much we love a challenge.
Nemesis Build-A-Figure Wave
The Nemesis Build-A-Figure wave strikes a perfect balance between classic fan service and fresh faces. The sculpts and accessories show Hasbro’s commitment to quality, even if the price tag has climbed in recent years.
If you’re an X-Men fan, this wave is a must-have. The mix of heroes and villains feels satisfying, and Nemesis himself is worth the effort. My personal favourites? Husk and Marrow for their sheer weirdness, but Cyclops and Nightcrawler are close runners-up.