ToyBiz X-Force Wave 1 Gideon (1992)
Gideon was one of the more unusual characters in ToyBiz’s original X-Force lineup, representing the deeper and stranger corners of Marvel’s mutant mythology. In the comics, he is one of the Externals, a group of exceptionally powerful mutants with extraordinary longevity. His own ability allows him to copy the powers of other mutants, making him a dangerous opponent who can potentially turn an enemy’s strengths against them. ToyBiz brought Gideon to store shelves in 1992 with a distinctive costume and two accessories—a sword and a briefcase—along with a sword-slashing thrust action feature. The combination of a futuristic-looking mutant, a businessman’s briefcase, and a built-in combat gimmick gave the figure an unusual personality compared with the heavily armed soldiers in the same assortment. Gideon may not have been the first name casual fans thought of when discussing X-Force, but that is part of his appeal for collectors who enjoy the obscure characters and wonderfully eccentric designs of the vintage ToyBiz era.
