Iceman Ia

Year of release:1992
Figure Number: 4934
Accessories: Ice Sled
Action Feature: Color Changing Icicles (Thermochromatic Paint)

Comments: In keeping with the spirit of this character, Toy Biz attempted to make an Iceman that could actually be frozen (referred to as Iceman Ia). The figure came with an "ice sled" on which the figure could be affixed via foot peg holes. The ice sled could be filled with water and, when frozen, a small rectangle of ice would be frozen around the figure's feet. This rectangle of ice could then be removed from the ice sled and the figure would slide fairly easily down the ice sled or on smooth surfaces.

Unfortunately, freezing this figure had some undesirable complications. The Iceman was molded from an almost clear plastic. When exposed to reduced temperatures (or frozen), small patches of opaque icicles would appear on the figure's surface. However, when the figure was frozen, the joints had a tendency to become very stiff and difficult to move. This resulted in the figure becoming quite brittle and breaking more easily than other figures.

The original print run of this particular figure was equal to that of the other figures in the line. However, a replacement figure was created for subsequent shipments and releases (1993). The replacement figure (referred to as Iceman Ib) used the same mold as the original figure but was molded with transluscent blue plastic. The replacement figure did not have the color change action feature though it could still be placed in the freezer to use with the ice sled accessory.

One unconfirmed (but highly possible) variation may exist with this figure. It has been rumored that two colors of the ice sled accessory exist. The common version is colored light blue. There may also be a white version of this accessory. Please e-mail [email protected] if you can confirm this or if you have one to trade/sell.

This figure remains the most sought after figure from any of the second year releases. In addition, many price guides list this figure as the most valuable of all X-Men figures produced to date. Reasons for this include its reduced print run (after first release) and collector interest.

In 1995, the Iceman was radically redone with new sculpting and no freezer action feature (Iceman II). However, the thermochromatic paint was brought back for a new Iceman I figure included as part of the Puzzle Zoo exclusive "Hall of Fame" set released in 1996.