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Since the initial release just a couple of months ago, Mattel’s DC Universe Infinite Heroes figures have proven their worth to collectors everywhere. But, while the single carded figures may have fans flicking through the shelves, it’s been the three packs that have carried some of the coolest and most popular DC comics characters so far! Superman, Green Lantern, and the like were first released in these multi-packs, with single versions coming later down the line. These three packs are themed, with some better than others, and one of the best is hitting store shelves now: a trio of Thanagarians warriors!
Thanagar is a temperate, Earth-like planet orbiting Polaris. Its people long ago discovered a fantastic substance called “Nth Metal,” which could be used to negate the affects of gravity. Worn (most often in belt form), Nth Metal allows its user to fly and imparts augmented strength and resilience. While the security forces of the planet use the metal for their troops, it was a random outcome that would bring it crashing to ancient Egypt on Earth.
When a strange machine (really a Thanagarian spaceship) crash-landed, it was found by Prince Khufu. The metal created a loop in which Khufu would be endlessly reincarnated, and he eventually became the 20th Century archaeologist Carter Hall. Outfitted with Nth Metal belt, wings, and weapons, Hall took to the skies as Hawkman, a member of the illustrious Justice Society of America!
All of the Infinite Heroes three packs share the same packaging. The vaguely hexagonal window-fronted box is very wide and flat, showing off the trio inside. At the top of the front panel is the DC Universe Infinite Heroes logo, while at the bottom are the names of the figures and their place in the series (#6 for the Thanagarian trio). The back of the box is very similar to that of the single cards, with a variety of other available figures and biographical blocks.
In a line whose figures almost all share the same basic body, such a standout as Hawkman is immediately apparent. While the standard body has good muscle tone, Carter Hall is absolutely huge, even when compared to Superman! The great warrior has a massive chest and hugely muscled arms, though his lower body looks a bit stumpy in comparison. To his back is attached a huge pair of wings, while Hawkman wears a belt, chest harness, and helmet (none are removable). All in all he is a very imposing figure.
Hawkman has an excellent sculpt. The muscles are well marked out, and the huge wings are completely textured in a feather pattern. The belt, harness, and helmet are also nicely detailed with lots of knickknacks and doodads, weapons, buckles, etc. Even the claws on the figure’s boots are sculpted in relief!
While he may resemble an inflated version of other Infinite Heroes, Hawkman shares their articulation scheme. He has the following joints: neck, shoulders, elbows, waist, hips, and knees. The wings don’t restrict motion too much, and he’s just as poseable as the other figures (good, but not great). And much like the rest of the line to date, Hawkman has no separate accessories.
While Hawkman is the star of the set, the twin Thanagarian Soldiers aren’t slouches. They’re pretty unique for army builders, with an interesting look. The troops are of normal size, and wear pants, sleeveless shirt, belt, harness with stubby wings, and helmet. Their Nth Metal equipment makes them more powerful than ordinary Thanagarians, so they don’t require heavy armor.
The sculpt on the Soldiers is decent. Their bodies are based on the standard Infinite Heroes male body, with the non-removable additions of the belts and chest harnesses. The belts have various pouches and a central buckle, but aren’t nearly as intricate as Hawkman’s. The chest harness consists of a hawk medallion, “straps” over the shoulders, and fin-like wings. The helmeted heads are very nicely sculpted, with intricate lines and sections.
Like Hawkman and most of the other Infinite Heroes, the Soldiers are articulated at the neck, shoulders, elbows, waist, hips, and knees. Though they don’t come with any accessories, their open fists are perfect for holding weapons you might steal from other toy lines.
The Thanagarian three pack is a great addition to the Infinite Heroes line. Like the Luthor set, it offers a unique figure and two army builders, perfect for bulking up your forces. The Thanagarian Soldiers are perfect at that task, solid figures and just generic enough. Hawkman, on the other hand, is a fantastic figure and highly recommended. He’s practically worth the cost of the three pack all on his own!
To see all the pictures from the Thangarian Box Set, CLICK HERE!
Review and Pictures by Scott Rubin
Review Sample Courtesy of Mattel