Superhero Times: a service of Action Online
When DC Direct first introduced their 13” Deluxe Collector Figures they ran into a few problems with collectors, low quality along with high prices seemed like it was going to doom this line before it even had chance. Recognizing this, DC took a step back and changed the way they looked at this line; dropping the price point and turning it into a huge hit for them. The line up is really starting to fill out with new heroes, villains and even female characters.
Enter the new “updated” Classic Superman. When the average person thinks of DC Comics the first thing that comes to them is the “Man of Steel” himself. DC Direct has done two versions of him before, Superman Returns in the likeness of Brandon Routh and the first Collector’s Edition. If you missed him that time, you now have another change to pick up Superman with a few updated features.
PACKAGING:
Any marketing or design guy can tell you that packaging can make or break a sale, the product really needs to stand out on the shelf to catch your attention and in this case it worked, bright colors with a huge picture of Superman on the front do the job very well.
Seeing that a product like this is more collector driven, DC Direct has given the “Mint-In-Box” people a change to still enjoy this figure with an opening front cover giving you access to a clear window box, showcasing Superman.
SCULPT/DETAIL:
This is where the figure really shines, the head sculpt is that of the classic Superman comic book design and it looks fantastic. The suit is tailor cut and fits perfect so you don’t have to worry about it getting stuck in the joints when you pose your figure, it will stretch accordingly and still hold it’s shape. Accenting the suit is removable red trunks complete with yellow belt (also removable), one of the best looking red capes I have even seen on a Superman figure and red zip up boots.
The part that really stands out to me is the detail they put into the hands and forearms. The veins actually match up (seen below). Sure, your thinking “big deal”, ”who cares,” well the sculptor cared and it shows. That attention to detail is something I can really appreciate.
ARTICULATION:
The standard body that DC Direct uses for these figures puts them at the 28-point mark. With this many you can really pull off quite a few poses. The only thing that could make this better would have been a ball neck joint allowing Superman to look up giving you the ability to pull off the classic “Up, Up and Away!” pose.
PAINT:
The head is perfect, the blue eyes really jump out at you. There is no paint bleeding what-so-ever on my figure, the skin tone matches well with the neck, the hands are a slightly darker color then the arms but unless your looking for it you really wouldn’t notice it.
ACCESSORIES:
“Big Blue” comes with two sets of hands open and closed (fists) and a black display stand.
The open hands set have bendable fingers. They can’t really make a fist so this is where the second set of hands come in. Alas, I would have liked to have seen something else besides a second set hands, maybe some kryptonite.
RECOMMENDATION: Buy It
If you already own the first Superman figure released in this line (that gave you a chance to chance him into Clark Kent), you could probably pass on this one. Of course if you are collecting the entire line of 13” Deluxe Collector figures, a die-hard Superman fan or someone looking to start your collection, this one is a no brainier.
You can order it today at Cornerstore Comics for only $54.99.
