SUMMARY:
Released in 2017 by DC Collectibles, this DC Icons seven-pack of DC Rebirth’s Justice League of America consists of: Superman; Wonder Woman; Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Cyborg; Aquaman; Flash (Barry Allen): and Batman, all in six-inch form. Each figure’s feet are equipped with peg holes. Articulation points will vary.
REVIEW:
The World’s Greatest Super-Heroes sport top-caliber paint jobs, including impressive facial detailing. The sculpting is a mixed bag, but the costume intricacies of Wonder Woman and Cyborg, for instance, are stellar. While the figures can be positioned to indefinitely stand without display bases (which would have been a helpful extra), one should allow time to do so. Specifically, the figures’ spry legs (especially Green Lantern) may spread-eagle, depending upon the surface. It’s also entirely possible that legs popping off on various Leaguers may be a recurring problem. Hence, this seven-pack works best as a display choice because some of the figures are either too immobile or too frail for playtime.
As for each figure’s merits individually:
- Superman: The “S” is in vintage form on his chest and decorating the back of his red rubber cape. His excellent paint job (including terrific facial details) is counter-balanced by stiff elbow and knee joints. While his wrists rotate a bit, Superman displays good flexibility stretching his arms, legs, and ankles. His head only slightly turns, but his torso allows him to bow. This Man of Steel’s best attribute is the muscular sculpting of his physique, which stays in bounds of some reality. As the set’s centerpiece, Rebirth’s Superman is a solid figure for all purposes.
- Wonder Woman: Imbued with an excellent paint job (her rubbery skirt and faux golden knee pads are permanently attached), this figure has reasonable articulation. Specifically, Wonder Woman’s head turns; the arms, legs, and ankles sufficiently move; her torso allows her to bow; and the wrists swivel a full 360-degrees. Her display options are surprisingly ideal. The sole detriment of this figure’s pristine sculpting are frail elbow joints. Yet, what stands out is her head’s exquisite facial detailing and perfectly-molded black hair. Though she is more of a display choice than a toy, this figure is among DC’s best renditions of Rebirth’s Wonder Woman.
- Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Beyond a shiny paint job, Green Lantern is this set’s weak link. The limited articulation is mostly in his ultra-limber legs (i.e. he can do the splits far too easily) and rotating wrists. His flimsy elbow and knee joints are likely to break, if one dares bending them. His head doesn’t turn, but his torso allows him to slightly bend. What stands out is a compact sculpted physique, which makes him excessively lanky. Unfortunately, all this Green Lantern really offers is an immaculate rendition of Hal’s Rebirth costume.
- Cyborg: His sculpting and metallic paint job are both superb. While his head barely turns, his arms and legs benefit from active elbow and knee joints. His wrists fully rotate while his torso and ankle joints sufficiently bend. This Cyborg’s stand-out feature is a super-sleek and tightly muscular sculpting, which seems odd considering that the character has a bulkier appearance. Still, Cyborg’s unexpected mobility is a major plus, making him one of the set’s best inclusions for all purposes.
- Aquaman: This well-sculpted Aquaman has the set’s second-best articulation. In terms of a checklist, his head easily turns; his torso and ankles comfortably bend; the wrists rotate; his strong elbow and knee joints deploy reasonable flexibility, though his arms are a bit stiff; and his various pose options are a plus. A solid paint job includes detailing his stern facial expression just right. Accordingly, Aquaman is this set’s underrated asset.
- Flash (Barry Allen): The Fastest Man Alive enjoys a flawless paint job on a well-sculpted likeness. Ironically, mobility is only middle-of-the-road. His head turns easily, as do his rotating wrists. His torso and ankles bend well enough. Yet, his legs are only adequately flexible despite the sturdy knee joints. The more noticeable problem are the stiff arms, which are hampered by flimsy elbow joints. Although this Flash has some fine display options, one should tread cautiously re: any vigorous workouts.
- Batman: Of this set, the Dark Knight is almost the complete package. Not only are his paint job and sculpting both superb, he likely has the most articulation points, too. Considering his black rubber cape doesn’t hamper him much, his flexibility is a major plus. His head easily turns while both the rotating wrists and bending torso and ankles are excellent. Batman’s sturdy elbow and knee joints allow maximum movement, though his arms are slightly stiff. However, his ultra-limber legs have a disadvantage: the legs can easily pop off. They can be re-attached without super-glue, but it’s a design flaw to remember.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Neither display bases nor accessories (i.e. the magic golden lasso, the emerald lantern; or a batarang) are included. The lack of accessories may explain why all these figures were sculpted with clinched fists.
PACKAGING:
Being well-protected in their promotional box, the figures can be removed easily enough. Via a clear window, the box displays everything the consumer needs to see.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
