Random

Year of release: 1994
Figure Number: 49357
Accessories: Three (3) missiles
Action Feature: Missile Blasting Arm

Comments: A competently made and executed figure. The major drawback to this figure is the limited articulation (no elbow or knee joints). Again, hopes were raised for more modern X-Factor figures (which would slowly come over the next two years). The action feature is notable for two reasons. First, the missile launcher had no locking mechanism. Missiles were simply inserted into the spring slot and then released. This design prefigured the designs of later years.

More interestingly, this figure is the subject of one of the most persistant and amusing urban toy legends associated with the X-Men line of figures. I will repeat it here with many elements from all the different versions I have heard.

According to the rumor, the Random figure was pulled from production and recalled after a bizarre accident. It is said that a young boy fired one of Random's missiles up his nose so far that it became lodged. The boy's mother, despearte to remove this foreign object from her son's nose, tried to see where the missile had come to rest. At that very moment, the boy was said to have sneezed with such force that it dislodged the missile and launched it into his mother's eye, blinding her in that eye.

As absurd as this rumor may sound, I have personally heard it in at least 3-4 versions both in person and over the Internet. Often, these types of rumors seem to be spread by dealers who would like to sell a figure for more than retail price. However, the truth is that no Toy Biz figure from this line has ever been recalled for any reason. Some figures have been changed in some way or have variations that exist, but none has been changed for safety reasons.

Still, stories such as this are amusing in their own way. Perhaps by repeating the story here, the rumor can be laid to rest permanently and enjoyed for its historical curiosity and entertainment value.