Review - Mongul DC Superheroes

Mongul is the Xerox of supervillains. Jim Starlin allegedly used Darkseid as a model when he created the Marvel character Thanos. Fair enough but a few years later he created him again at DC under the name Mongul. Why he didn't just use Darkseid is beyond me, but fans don't seem to mind. Maybe it's the fantastic Alan Moore story he starred in (which was adapted for JLU). Maybe it was his role in the Return of Superman. Or maybe it's the fact that, over the years, Mongul has developed his own unique personality and agenda. Whatever the reason, he makes a great action figure.

The packaging is purple and more striking than the old yellow cards. Unfortunately, the comics are gone. I guess Mattel figured if Hasbro could drop the books on Marvel Legends, they could too. Disappointing not only for the freebie but for the look of the packaging. The Select Sculpt, S3 and DC Superheroes logos put together don't have the impact of the classic Superman font from the book over a figure.

The figure himself is great. Mongul is big, though not as big as his DC Direct version. That version is both rotocast and ludicrous. His card was twice the size as the rest of the line! It was alarmingly over the top for a conservative company.

This Mongul is more restrained and more realistic. He stands just a hair over Darkseid and his face portrays a scowl that says he's plotting something bad. It's classier than the lopsided scream of the DC Direct.

I'm not as crazy about all the bolts. He looks like he's adorned with buttons. I'd have preferred the simpler look from the 80's. Then again, I really like the two tone costume and the lines that bisect them. It's very Dave Cockrum and very effective.

By the way, Mongul is actually Mongul II, Mongul's son. The original Mongul got killed in one of those giant crossovers nobody remembers anymore. A son is better than a clone I suppose.

The paint job is complex and well delivered. There's a great wash around the eyes that add a subtle intensity. It's another touch that shows the subtle class of a Four Horseman sculpt.

The articulation is typical for DCSH. They still come up short when compared to Marvel Legends but are the most poseable DC figures we've ever had. And, better than that, since he's from a major mass market company, there's no worry of breakages right out of the package. That puts them ahead of even Toy Biz’ products.

He comes with nothing. And yes, I'm counting the green cardboard backdrop as nothing. There's no space gun, no Superman cage, no clear eye beams. No accessories at all. And Mongul doesn't need them. That's typical for the line. Mattel has only included them when they make sense (batarangs, Steel's Hammer, Scarecrow's scythe). I'm fine with that. I'd rather have nothing than a spring loaded Kryptonite blaster taking up space in the toy drawer.

The DC Superheroes line has been praised regularly for the superior sculpts and craftsmanship of the Four Horsemen. But it's groundbreaking for another reason.fans forget something else. This is the biggest rogues gallery for Superman we've ever gotten. Superman has had his own line several times and usually only managed to squeeze out a Luthor and a Brainiac. DCSH, a line shared with Batman, has already surpassed those. And with the standards set by Mongul, the next villains planned should be fantastic. Now where's the multi poseable Mr. Mxyzptlk?

review and images by Jon Clarke