Superhero Times: a service of Action Online
Mattel’s DC Superheroes is a hit at the toy store, as many of the characters never stay on the shelves for long. One such popular figure is the second version of Supergirl, also known as Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin.
The first version of Supergirl released was with the white tee while this newer release reflects the more current costume worn by Supergirl.
Packaging: Sitting on the pegs of your local toy store, these figures are most certainly attractive. Nice vibrant colors, a clear shot of the figure inside, big words… but that’s pretty much it.
The cardbacks offer no character driven artwork or photography, no character bios, origins, or anything of interest. There is absolutely no reason to keep the packaging unless you want to see the other figures offered in the line-up.
I think Mattel should at least TRY to emulate what Hasbro and Toy Biz have done with their Marvel Legends. Geeks and future geeks alike crave the extra bits of information about the characters, and I know that kids just might be more interested in getting a figure if they knew exactly what it was they were getting.
Sculpt: Supergirl is well, sculpted rather nicely. Definitely a sexier look compared to the previous figure, though the upper body and cape are virtually the same. What’s new here is the head, arms, and legs.
The headsculpt, I’m assuming sculpted by the Four Horsemen, has a bit of a She-Ra look to her – confident, serious, definitely meaning some business. The hair though, is a bit out of control. Blowing to one side, it’s a great sculpt but definitely looks funny when trying to get a certain pose.
The plastic is a much more natural look compared to Hasbro’s Marvel Legends and I’m thankful for that.
Paint: Being a figure that’s produced in mass quantities, the plastic is usually molded in the appropriate color but paint is still necessary. On the whole, Supergirl is a solid entry. There are some spills and leaks with the yellow here and there on the boots and outfit, but the S shield is just fine (thank goodness). What’s important here is the headsculpt and this is done very well. Even the hair has a wash that makes each strand look as if individually painted. Pretty impressive.
Articulation: While articulation isn’t quite up to speed with the Marvel Legends, some would argue that the sculpts benefit from this. Supergirl has 22 points of articulation which is pretty amazing and actually works better than many of the female Marvel Legends figures. For one thing, she can stand up on her own!
Supergirl has neck articulation, two in each shoulder, bicep, elbow, wrist, upper torso, two in each leg, upper thigh, knee, and heels.
Accessories: Absolutely none unless you count the cardboard backdrop to be displayed on. Not impressive at all. I would rather Mattel provide a stand or a base to allow Supergirl to be displayed in flight position.
Value: These figures will run you $10 even at Wal-Mart so if you’re an ultimate Superman or Supergirl fan, these will be worth the money.
Overall: This is the Supergirl figure for the purists. I passed on the previous release because she was fugly and I wasn’t fond of the white tee, but this is an impressive figure and looks great with the rest of the DC Superheroes collection. Solid sculpt, decent paint, good articulation makes this one a worthy buy.
Visit our Image Gallery for more image of Supergirl. Review and Images Courtesy of David Yeh
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Posted by Jeff Saylor on June 11, 2007 10:16 AM
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