REVIEW: Mattel DC Universe Fists of Clay Figure Pack

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Mattel’s DC Universe series has been expanding steadily beyond the basic figure line. While the first few series contained only single-carded figures with “collect-and-connect” parts, later lines have included “classic” repacks, and store exclusives bring favorite figures with new decos to toy stores and fans everywhere. The most famous of these are the 2-packs, the first of which were released at Toys R Us late last year. Mattel has expanded this series to internet retailer exclusives, offering great deals like the fantastic Fists of Clay Figure Pack.

If you’ve seen the packaging for one DC Universe 2-pack, you’ve seen them all. Utilizing a three-walled window box and the DCU red/orange/yellow color scheme, the Fists of Clay pack gives you a nice view of the figures in an almost diorama setting. Behind them is one of the DCU series backgrounds, with snapshots of various heroes and villains in comic panel action.

The back of the box is at once simple and informative, with a very large photograph of the included figures at the top. Below that are biographies and statistics for the two characters, full of great information. In between these is a single upsell, the Batgirl and Azrael figure pack.

One of Batman’s most perseverant (and horrifying) nemeses has been Clayface. His story has had various versions in different Batman comics and cartoons, but the end result is always the same: a madman ends up with a body of malleable clay, capable of taking on different likenesses and forming weapons. This Clayface was once the actor Basil Karlo, who murdered the crew remaking his classic film in the guise of its villain, “Clayface.” Becoming a criminal, Karlo used his cohorts’ essences to gain super powers. He can now change his shape at will and mimic others (including other powers). Batman would face this grotesquerie many times over the years in many incarnations.

The Fists of Clay Figure Pack recreates one of the epic battles between the Dark Knight and the shape-shifting menace, bringing back two excellent figures. Batman is a repaint of the DCU Classics (DCUC) Series One figure, while Clayface is a repack of the DC Superheroes figure from a couple years back (and which now sells for upwards of $45 online).

Debuting in the first series of the DCUC line was the classically-outfitted Batman complete with blue and gray costume. That figure is the basis for the Fists of Clay version, updated to a more modern look. Instead of the blue and gray, Wayne now sports the black and gray, though he gets to keep the bright yellow bat-symbol and utility belt. What really makes this deco stand out, of course, is the pattern of brown “clay” splotches mostly on the gray parts. They look very “wet,” which has led to some fan complaints regarding certain bodily functions. Up close, however, this Batman looks really good, especially when partnered with his filthy companion.

Batman stands approximately 6 ½ inches tall at the tips of his ears, making him on the tall side for the 6 inch scale line. The sculpt includes all of the world’s greatest detective’s standard elements faithfully recreated by the Four Horsemen. The cowl has crisp lines, and Wayne’s face is nicely sculpted with his traditional scowl. The long rubber cape looks great and despite its substantial bulk doesn’t drag the figure down and kill its balance. Batman’s main body is the same one shared by many of the DCU figures, with the added forearm spurs and utility belt.

Colors are crisp and clean, with the notable exception of the clay splatters. There is very little bleed across the lines, and the dark figure is nicely accentuated by the white eyes and yellow chest shield and utility belt with brown buckle. Articulation, a hallmark of the DCUC line, is excellent; Batman has no fewer than 21 points of articulation and can be posed in many different ways. Watch out for the cape as it hinders posing just a little bit. The caped crusader wields a standard batarang, a relatively flimsy piece of black plastic. He can hold it in either of his sculpted open fists.

Clayface is a figure that hasn’t been around lately. Originally part of the DC Superheroes Series 7 lineup in 2007, Karlo was hard to find and for good reason. It’s an amazing toy. I have to admit that when I first saw it in the package I was skeptical. But the more I handled it and posed it with Batman, the more I came to feel the love. ‘Face stands fully 7 inches tall, towering over most of the other DCUC figures, and has an amazing width of about 5 inches at the shoulders! He’s mean, and he is ugly.

No detail has been spared on this figure to capture the disgusting drippy clay composition. Everything is uneven and lumpy with blobs and chunks galore. The massive chest in particular sags down under the left armpit. But best of all is the horrifying head, a glob of clay with deeply sunken eyes and broken rows of teeth in a cavernous mouth. Even his tiny legs and feet (with one prominent toe) add to the overall disturbing visage.

Clayface is an all-over medium brown reminiscent of clay and... other things. There’s not a whole lot of color variation here, but some nice details in the green eyes and dingy teeth and toe. The monster has good articulation with joints at the neck, shoulders, torso, waist, hips, knees, and ankles. Best of all, the long arms are made of soft rubber over metal wires. An old technology to be sure, but still useful. The arms work especially well in conjunction with the shoulder joints, and Clayface can achieve a good variety of poses. Despite the legs being so tiny, they offer a great deal of stability. I had no problem with balance, and Clayface was even able to hold Batman straight above his head with one arm, completely unaided!

This 2-pack is an excellent way to get two great figures and look great together. For all fans of Batman, this set is highly recommended. Look for it at online retailers and Toys R Us very soon.

For even more pictures of the Fists of Clay 2-pack, CLICK HERE!

Review and Photos by Scott Rubin

Review Sample Courtesy of Mattel