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Cyborg Superman was created as a dark parody of Reed Richards, became the evil imposter of Superman and is now one of Green Lantern’s greatest villains. Not bad for a 90’s gimmick character.
The original Cyborg Superman quickly became one of DC Directs most sought after figures. How does the new one stack up?
Pretty well. First off, do you like the regular Four Horseman sculpted Superman? Then you’re most of the way there. Unlike Bizarro, who had a wider torso, Cyborg uses the entire Superman sculpt with a new head. The Four Horseman sculpt still portrays all the fun of the line. What’s lost is the creepiness. The older Tim Bruckner sculpt cut into Superman’s flesh with holes drilled into his limbs. The Four Horseman builds upon the sculpt. The result looks more like Superman in armor rather that a bionic man.
His face, on the other hand, sells the entire figure. It conveys the menace and authority Hank Henshaw used against Superman, Green Lantern and the entire known universe. Even if you’re an eight year old kid who’s never read the "Return of Superman" graphic novels, you know something is seriously wrong with Kal-el here.
The paint apps get the job done, but aren't spectacular. In fact, it wasn’t until I studied the paint apps that I realized how little resculpting had been done. I would have liked the dark wash on the head to have continued on into the body. Also, the spray pattern doesn’t carry the rights sense of foreboding and it’s completely absent on the torso. Also absent is the dark gradient on the ‘S’ shield. It was iconic during the Reign of the Supermen and is there on the DCD version.
Articulation is standard for Mattel, which means it’s great. The bicep swivels, hinged hips and and ball joint heads we’ve come to expect from the line are here. It’s more poseable than the DC Direct version and fortunately, the new cyborg implants don’t limit his movement.
Also like the DC version, there are no accessories, just a cardboard backdrop of the last moments of Krypton. Like the real Krypton, my copy is long gone.
Cyborg Superman is a cool figure and a deserving entry in Mattel's DCSH line, even though he is essentially a glorified repaint. It’s hardly the holy grail some fans are making it out to be.
If you’re one of the lucky few that have the earlier DC Direct figure, don’t get rid of it yet. Both versions are worthy additions to my collection. I can't wait to add the Sinestro Corps version next summer.
CLICK HERE for a Cyborg Superman image gallery tour.
-Review and Photos by Jon Clarke