He is the poster boy for rage. Since 1992, Scorpion has been the face of NetherRealms’ bloodiest franchise, and honestly, the sheer volume of plastic dedicated to this hell-spawned ninja is staggering. If you are looking for a Scorpion Mortal Kombat figure, you aren't just looking for a toy. You’re looking for a piece of fighting game history.
Collecting these things is a bit of a minefield. You've got the $20 mass-market stuff that looks okay from a distance, and then you have the $600 statues that look like they might actually breathe fire if you look at them wrong. The "Get Over Here!" spear is basically the most iconic accessory in gaming history. But which version actually nails the look?
The Evolution of the Yellow Ninja
Early on, things were simple. In the original Mortal Kombat, Scorpion was just a palette swap of Sub-Zero. A bit of yellow fabric, some black trim, and a mask. Fast forward to Mortal Kombat 11 or the recent Mortal Kombat 1, and the designs are incredibly intricate. Collectors generally split these figures into three eras: the Klassic era (MK1-UMK3), the 3D era (Deadly Alliance through Armageddon), and the modern NRS era.
Storm Collectibles basically owns the high-end 1/12 scale market right now. Their figures are beefy. They feel like they have weight. When you hold a Storm Collectibles Scorpion, you notice the articulation is designed specifically for martial arts poses. You can actually get him into a proper crouching stance without the legs popping off. It's frustrating when cheaper figures use ball joints that have zero range of motion. Storm fixes that, though you'll pay a premium—often $100 or more on the secondary market because they sell out instantly.
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Why Scale Matters More Than You Think
Most people start with McFarlane Toys. They’re cheap. You can find them at Target or Walmart for about $20. Todd McFarlane’s team is legendary for sculpt detail, but the "22 points of articulation" can be hit or miss. Sometimes the ankles are loose, and Scorpion ends up face-planting off your shelf at 3 AM.
If you want something that looks like a museum piece, you move into the 1/6 scale world. Companies like World Box have produced incredible figures with real fabric clothing. There is something fundamentally different about seeing actual stitched leather and cloth on a Scorpion Mortal Kombat figure rather than just painted plastic. It brings a level of realism that makes the character feel like he stepped off the screen.
What Most People Get Wrong About Condition
People obsess over "Mint in Box" (MIB). Here is the truth: Mortal Kombat figures are meant to be posed. The internal joints in these figures, especially the ones from the mid-2000s like the Mezco lines, can actually degrade if they aren't moved occasionally. Plasticizer migration is real. It makes the figure feel sticky.
If you're buying a vintage Scorpion from the Toy Island era, be careful. Those figures were... well, they weren't great. They had weird action features like "slashing arm motion" that usually broke within an hour. Honestly, unless you're a completionist, those early 90s figures are more about nostalgia than actual quality.
The Mezco Era: A Turning Point
Before Storm Collectibles took the throne, Mezco Toyz had the license for Mortal Kombat X. These figures were a solid middle ground. They weren't as expensive as imports, but they had better paint than the basic retail stuff. The "Kold War" Scorpion variant from Mezco is still one of the coolest-looking figures ever made. It’s a bit niche, sure, but the gas mask aesthetic really worked.
The Holy Grail Statues
We have to talk about Pop Culture Shock (PCS) and Iron Studios. These aren't "action figures" in the traditional sense. They are statues.
PCS released a 1/3 scale Scorpion that is massive. It stands nearly 30 inches tall. It features LED lights in the eyes. It costs as much as a used car from 2005. Why do people buy these? Because the presence is unmatched. When someone walks into a room and sees a life-sized bust of Scorpion's skull, it sends a message. Usually, that message is "I have a very specific hobby," but it's also a testament to how much this character resonates with people.
Finding the Balance: Price vs. Quality
- The Budget Choice: McFarlane Toys. Look for the MK11 versions. They are widely available and the sculpts are fantastic for the price point.
- The Collector's Choice: Storm Collectibles. If you can find the "Exterminator" or the "Hanzo Hasashi" versions, grab them. The accessories (blood effects, multiple heads) are top-tier.
- The High-End Choice: Hot Toys or World Box. This is for the 12-inch crowd who wants real fabric and museum-quality paint.
Dealing With Bootlegs
The market is flooded with fakes. If you see a Storm Collectibles Scorpion Mortal Kombat figure on a random site for $25, it is 100% a bootleg. The plastic will smell like chemicals. The paint will be sloppy. The joints will be limp.
Real collectors look for the holographic stickers on the box. Check the "NetherRealm" or "WB" licensing logos. If the face looks like Scorpion had a stroke, walk away. It’s better to have one real, high-quality figure than five knock-offs that fall apart when you touch them.
Articulation Secrets
One thing nobody tells you is that you can "mod" these figures. Many serious collectors use a hair dryer or warm water to soften the plastic joints before posing. This prevents the pegs from snapping—a common tragedy with the thinner joints on the Mezco figures.
Also, look at the "hidden" articulation. Some figures have "butterfly joints" in the shoulders. This allows Scorpion to reach across his body to grab his sword. Without these, he looks stiff. He looks like a guy in a stiff costume rather than a deadly assassin.
Why Scorpion Always Sells Out First
It’s simple: the colors. Yellow pops on a shelf. Sub-Zero is great, but blue can blend into the background. Scorpion’s vibrant gold and black armor stands out. Plus, he usually comes with the coolest gear. Swords, kunai, chains, fire effects—he’s a visual powerhouse.
Essential Maintenance for Your Collection
Dust is the enemy. It gets into the crevices of the armor and becomes impossible to remove. Use a soft makeup brush. Seriously. It’s the best tool for cleaning a Scorpion Mortal Kombat figure without scratching the paint.
If you have a figure with "seamless" skin—usually made of silicone or TPE—you have to use unscented talcum powder. If you don't, the material will eventually tear or become tacky. This is mostly an issue with the very high-end 1/6 scale bodies, but it's worth knowing if you're dropping $300 on a figure.
Lighting Your Display
Don't just put him on a bookshelf. Use some cheap LED strips. Red or orange backlighting makes a Scorpion figure look like he’s actually in the Netherrealm. It changes the whole vibe. Direct sunlight, however, is a killer. It will fade that iconic yellow to a dull cream color in less than a year. Keep your ninjas in the shade.
The Future of Mortal Kombat Merch
With the new timeline in Mortal Kombat 1, we’re seeing a shift in designs. The new Scorpion (who is actually Kuai Liang in this timeline, which is a whole other debate) has a cleaner, more refined look. Companies like Diamond Select are starting to produce statues based on these new designs.
The detail is getting insane. We’re reaching a point where the 3D files used to make the game are being used to create the molds for the figures. It’s a 1:1 translation.
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Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Collector
If you're ready to start your hunt, don't just buy the first thing you see.
- Check BigBadToyStore or Entertainment Earth: These are the reliable giants. You won't get scammed here.
- Join Facebook Groups: "Mortal Kombat Kollectors" is a great place to see real-world photos of figures before you buy. Stock photos are often "beautified" and don't show the actual production flaws.
- Decide on a Scale: Don't mix 6-inch and 12-inch figures on the same shelf. It looks messy. Pick a lane and stay in it.
- Invest in Stands: Scorpion is a dynamic character. He should be in the air or mid-strike. Standard "doll stands" won't cut it. Look for "Act 4" or "Act 5" clear action stands that can support the weight of the figure in a leaping pose.
Building a collection of Scorpion figures is about more than just owning plastic. It’s about celebrating a character that has survived three decades of gaming evolution. Whether you want the pixel-perfect look of the 90s or the gritty realism of the modern era, there is a version of Hanzo Hasashi out there for you. Just make sure the mask is straight and the spear is sharp.