This updated guide is a sequel to a previous guide which I have written here on eBay entitled, "Guide to Collecting NBA McFarlane Figures" (http://reviews.ebay.com/Guide-to-Collecting-NBA-McFarlane-Figures_W0QQugidZ10000000000953910) This particular guide will focus on loose McFarlane NBA Figures which I own, assembled, and observed over the course of the last couple of weeks.

The Answer

Allen Iverson's (Second Edition; Series 6) figure in my opinion is arguably the best among the three that McFarlane Toys has released on Philadelphia's mercurial superstar.  The figure is the only one that depicts "AI" in a scoring pose as he attempts a lay-up (His Series 1 figure focuses on his dribbling and explosion towards the "basket," while the most recent Series 8 figure represents the only "posing stance" among all the McFarlane NBA figures which have been released to date).  The aforementioned Series 6 Allen Iverson figure comes in three colors; Black (Basic), White (Variant), and Light Blue which is a 2004 convention exclusive.

 Series 6 Regular Figure     White Variant

The Problem

As seen in the pictures below, Iverson is on the verge of hitting a 45-degree angle due to uneven weight distribution.  This flaw, which is causing great strain and disfigurement to Iverson's right foot, that serves as what I call, the figure's "base socket" (the point wherein the placement rod bridges the floor board and the figure).  Needless to say, Iverson's Series 6 figure could serve as yet another metaphor to prove the validity of Isaac Newton's theory of gravity, wherein, "everything that goes up, must come down."

 Using my index finger to help Iverson up.

 Iverson tilting against Wilt the Stilt.

 Another angle.

The Plight

The Iverson scenario which I have shared can also been seen in the Series 5 & 7 LeBron James, the similar sculpted figures of Series 3 Paul Pierce and Series 6 Carmelo Anthony, Series 4 Amare Stoudamire, and basically almost every other McFarlane NBA Figure (which is suspended in mid air) whose base socket is located in their foot.

However, all is not lost.  I suggest that as collectors, you may need to become more discerning in the figures you plan on purchasing by keeping these facts on hand.  First, figures which have base sockets located on their hips (E.g., Similar sculpts Series 1 Vince Carter & Series 2 Elton Brand, Series 8 Shawn "The Matrix" Marion, Series 9 Kobe Bryant, and Series 10's LeBron James, Tracy McGrady, and Steve Nash) have shown a lot more durability than their foot base socket counterparts.  Second, if you really want to purchase a figure which falls under the foot base socket category, remember, if that player is really "that good," he is bound to have another edition out sooner or later.  Take Kobe Bryant for example, "KB" is on the verge of being the only McFarlane NBA Figure to have four versions out in the market with the impending release of his new sculpt in the Series 11 line.

I hope that this guide was of some help to you in your collecting efforts.  If so, kindly vote for this guide.