Toys / Comics to Toys

Superman DC Super Heroes

By Yik-Hai Chan
June 7, 2006 - 15:27

Superman – DC Superheroes Wave 2

MATTEL

Sculptor – Four Horsemen

 

With almost 70 years of comic appearances, this figure is by no means the first of the Man of Steel though it is the first to appear in Mattel’s DC Superheroes line.  While the initial wave focused primarily on Batman, the latest wave’s release coincides with DC’s upcoming blockbuster based on the Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created character, who made his first appearance in Action Comics #1 as the last son of Krypton.

 

Packaging

 

The DC Superheroes line utilises a traditional blister-card packaging with a frontal insert, stating the name of the line and the figure packaged.  The card back is far from dull with the attractive use of colour and the pack-in comic aiding the visual aspect.  Superman is displayed nicely and is visible making it good for the MOC collectors.  However, using blister-card means easy shelf wear and non collector-friendly.

 

Likeness

 

Without a doubt, it’s instantly recognisable as Superman from the flowing red cape to the hair curl that Lois likes so much.  Unlike recent DC Direct figures, it’s not based on a specific artist so it’s generic in that respect.  It is based on Modern-Age Superman so the longer cape and style of the “S” shield is as expected, although I would have liked to have seen it sculpted as opposed to painted on as seen in “One Year Later” and “Superman Returns” because of the darker use of red.

 

Sculpt

 

Comparing with the prototype image on the back of the packaging, the head sculpt seems to have been tweaked for the final release.  The expression shows a stern (but not angry) look and is balanced very well.  The sculpted musculature is clearly visible around the torso and is appropriate for Superman.  The hands are sculpted as clenched fists while the cape is large with multiple folds to simulate it flowing.

 

Paint

 

The paint job is good but not perfect.  On the figure being reviewed, although minor, there is some bleed between the skin tone and blue paint around the neck area while the “S” shield, at first, seems perfect until closer inspection shows a visible yellow paint spot different to the other use of yellow around it.  A darker red is also used possibly to reflect the same colour being used for Brandon Routh’s costume in the movie, although this line has no immediate relation to the movie.

 

Scale

 

Superman is just over 6 inches tall, indicating a true 6” scale.  Because of this, the figure fits in well with all DC Superheroes figures released so far as well as Mattel’s now discontinued Batman line.  When comparing with DC Direct, Superman is shorter then most of the recent Modern Age released figures.

 

Stability

 

Due to the moulded large flowing cape making the figure slightly top-heavy, there are some issues with standing.  Although the soles of the feet are sculpted flat, the ankle joints are much weaker then expected where balancing the figure in an upright position becomes a minor challenge but not impossible.

 

Articulation

 

With 21 points of articulation, this is where the Superman figure truly excels.  The all important ball jointed shoulders and neck are present as well as pivoted elbows, knees and torso.  However, the ball jointed neck is slightly restrictive in that the head can’t be pushed back a lot but the shoulders make up for it by allowing the hands to meet when posed in mid-flight.  Rather then using hideous ball-jointed hips seen on Marvel Legends, Mattel have used a system which is easier to the eye and allows a vast range of motion.  Other points include cut wrists, waist, thighs and biceps.

 

Accessories

 

When the 2-up prototype was first shown, it was displayed with an elaborate base of the “Daily Planet” globe.  However, the bases have been excluded from all DC Superheroes figures.  Superman doesn’t come with any accessories other then a reprint comic featuring Electro-Superman Blue, which is hardly appropriate.  A simple transparent stand would have been ideal for the in-flight positions (the one used in the photos were from a Marvel Legends figure with careful balancing)

 

Cost/Value

 

£9.99 for a mass market 6” figure with no accessories is a little steep considering the use of plastic similar to those used in Marvel Legends figures and the overall paint quality.  I would have appreciated the figure more had it been in the £6.99 - £8.99 range, although it is arguable that a toy with great articulation without hurting the aesthetically appealing sculpt deserves it.

 

Availability

 

In a case with the other three figures in Wave 2, this seems to be the highly packed figure so expect to find Superman quite easily.  However, with collectors shunning the appalling looking Superman from the Superman Returns line, expect this figure to be their replacement so I advise you to grab one as soon as you can for the best price you can find.

 

Overall

 

Is this the definitive Superman figure?  With some of the minor issues aside, it could well be.  With a fantastic sculpt showcasing a generic yet easily recognisable icon and articulation where various poses can easily be achieved, it is let done by paint discrepancies, loose joints, a restrictive ball jointed neck and no stand nor any accessories.

Grade

8

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Mattel Superman

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12