I was initially moderately excited for SSC Gambit. The facial expression isn?t as bland as Wolverine or Cyclops but it still never gave off a badass rebel vibe or looks like it will lend itself well to dynamic posing. So far that?s been my biggest criticism of the SSC line; the figured look as if they?re simply made to stand in museum poses and that?s just not my display style. I want my shelves to look like front cover comic art with characters leaping in all directions. The illusion of capturing movement is very important to me.
All things considered, SooSoo?s design choices are far more up my alley.
Comparison pic-
Hair- SST has a dynamic, windswept swoosh. SSC looks lifeless in comparison; a bit like an iced gem.
Face- SST appears rugged, determined and the creases and crinkles hint at a history of hardship. The higher cheek coverage and more angular lines on the face mask also add to his more heroic appearance. SSC has an awkward semi smile which doesn?t convey any cockiness. He looks soft and the ears and similarities to Stiffler can?t be unseen. SSC seem struggle with mouths and lips.
The chest piece- SST takes the less angled approach here to give a more naturalistic, muscular appearance. It seems less like an armoured plate and more like a space aged protective sheet for the buff body underneath and it looks unrestrictive. The hexagonal details really liven it up and give it that extra dab of realism/movie magic.
SSC is unmistakably a flat, unmoving piece of armour and I find it a little on the bland side but enjoy the neck piece and simple is in keeping with the line?s aesthetic. It seems to have a sculpted belly button as well so looks like they want to give Bat-nips a run for their money.
Pants/Trousers- SST has gone pleather- this holds up well in my climate so not a concern- what I do prefer is the more prominent purple blocks. I?ve heard these be compared to charging bars so I like to imagine they have a practical purpose in enabling Gambit to channel and store his kinetic blasts. I may even ideally like these details to be raised more so it looks like they are some sort of tech.
SSC will potentially have greater leg articulation and longevity with their material.
Boots- SST look a bit more weathered and the shoe part is more heavy duty like some serious armour. SSC has a more integrated design but the shoe part looks like a spray painted boot. It?s too smooth.
Jacket- SST has the exaggerated collar and lapel which lends some serious swag to Gambit and, most importantly, includes the ?rippled? stitched details which I just really enjoy and was sad to see no sign of with SSC. Leather seems more Gambit to me as well so I think their decision here is more appropriate. It looks lived.
SSC will no doubt have fantastic tailoring and the inner lining is beautiful but that?s not really something anyone thought they wanted until they saw it and ultimately won?t be that visible. Quality wise it?ll win but I?d prefer it to look more like waxed cotton than pure cloth so it has some sheen and creasing. The whole SSC look is too clean and polished like it?s all freshly bought items which is lending to that cosplayer vibe.
I?m buying both so am definitely not trying to talk myself away from the SSC version. SooSoo have just happen to have produced a Gambit far more suited to my ideals. All that remains to be seen is how the final product comes out.
