DC Universe Classics - Superman (Gotham City 5 Pack)

Mattel's DC Universe Classics Gotham City 5 Pack includes a classic version of Superman, something we have not gotten to date in the DCUC toy line.   

There have been many variations of Superman however.  So far, we've seen Blue and Red Superman variants from DCUC wave 2, mullet head Superman in his classic and recovery suit variants in wave 6 and Heat Vision Superman from the "Clash in the Cosmos" Brainiac/Superman 2 pack.

As you can see below, Gotham City Superman (left) is essentially the same action figure as the Clash of the Cosmos Superman figure (right) with the exception of Superman's eyes. So I'm not going to go into to much detail on this review. You might as well read my Clash of the Cosmos review (click on the link).

Here's a close up of GC5 Superman.  Seems like black paint around Superman's left eye (your right) ran a bit towards the inside.  Other than that, the paint job on this figure is great. 

Comparing Gotham City Superman (below right) to Mattel's previous toy line's DC Superheroes Superman which was released in 2006, there are a number of differences, which in my opinion, are an improvement for one, the red colour of his cape, boots and trunks are all a brighter read on GC5 Superman.  Also with GC5 Supes, his cape is now shorter and includes the yellow "S" symbol plus his legs are not stuck in a wide stance as with DCSH Superman. 

Articulation on the figure is great just like any other DCUC action figure and there were no major issue with regards to loose joints.  Unfortunately, if you're looking for accessories, you'll be disappointed as GC5 Superman doesn't come with any extras. 

Is the Gotham City 5 pack worth the price?  We'll that's for you to decide.  Do you want a classic version of Lex Luthor and Superman?  Than yes.  Do you own the DC Superheroes versions of Two Face and Catwoman? No? Then yes, go buy it.  Do you like repainted versions of your favorite action figures? ....only you can decide.   Even for the casual collector, this set gives you some classic characters so there are plenty of reasons to go buy this baby. 

The Gotham City 5 Pack is a wal-mart exclusive, so if your local wal-mart is not carrying this product, there are plenty (currently) listed on ebay.  Just be prepared to pay for shipping costs. 

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics Gotham City 5 Pack on ebay, click here. 

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics Superman action figures on ebay, click here.

Be sure to check back for another DC Universe Classics Action Figure review.  I've added a poll on the left menu so you can choose what the next DCUC review will be so be sure to vote!

DC Superheroes - Superman

Looking for information on DC Comics Action Figures? You've come to the right place. Welcome to Action Toy Review. My main focus is the DC Universe Classics and DC Superheroes toy lines by Mattel but I will also throw in some DC Direct and even the odd Marvel Legends & Star Wars figure just to mix things up.


Today's review will be from Mattel's DC Superheroes series 2 - SUPERMAN.

Since I've already gone through a few Batman characters from this toy line, I figured it's time to look at DC's other poster boy.

This Superman was originally released in the 2nd series of the DC Super Heroes toy line back in 2006. It was re-released again in the 5th series in the newer purple packaging. The only other difference was the Series 2 Superman came with a short comic book. The series 5 figure did not. Check out my Mattel DC Superheroes checklist for the others figures from these sets. This figure also came in 2 separate Two-Packs. One packaged this figure with an original Clark Kent figure. The other pack included both Superman & Bizarro from DCSH series 2.

If you only get one Superman action figure, then the DCSH Superman is the one you need to get. The face sculpt is the best I've seen. DC Direct as a few decent figures but I really like this one. The figure has a strong and classic look. I'm not a fan of the older looking Supes either. The cape is big and looks great but it is very heavy and can sometimes weigh the figure backwards. Like some of the other figures from this line, Superman's legs have a bit of a wider stance and can't be closed together.

The rest of the figure's design is also just classic Superman. Red undies & boots, blue tights and a yellow belt.

DCSH Superman (below middle) about 6.25 inches tall. About the same as the DCUC series 2 Blue Superman (below right) and a bit shorter than the DC Direct Doomsday Collectors set Superman (below left). If your collection mainly consists of DC Direct figures, then this DCSH version may be a bit short compared to the rest of your figures.

Like all the figures from this toy line, the paint job on DCSH Superman is reasonably well done considering it is a mass market toy. Generally, it's not uncommon to find some minor issues with the toy's paint job in certain areas. My Superman has a few sloppy areas. In the pictures below, you'll see on his right hand, a bit of the blue has run over onto his hand. (click pics to enlarge). Also the red paint on his belt is a little sloppy. The other issue was on the face. One eyebrows was painted on thicker than the other. As i mentioned, each figure might have some minor issues like this. You're best bet when buying anything from the store is to examine it before you purchase it and pick the best one.

Superman does not come with any accessories. The DCSH series 2 version came with a comic book but the series 5 does not. The Superman from the Doomsday set also comes with a Doomsday figure and the Death of Superman comic graphic novel. For info on Blue Superman, check out the DC Universe Classics series 2 review.

DCSH Superman has great articulation, like all of Mattel's DC toys in the 6 inch size range. Starting from the top, he's got joints at the neck, shoulders, biceps, elbows, wrists, abdominal, waist, those awesome Mattel hip joints, thighs, knee and ankles. The same as Blue Superman. DC Direct Superman lacks the waist and abdominal joints. None of the joints on DCSH Superman gave me any problems out of the package.

Overall, I really like the look of the DCSH Superman. The face makes the figure. The paint job is great and it fits in nicely with the other DCSH & DCUC toys. I really feel its the best of the bunch.

Sculpt/Design - 8.5, Paint - 8.5, Accessories - 5, Articulation - 9, Fun - 9

Overall Score - 8.5/10

This figure is discontinued but can still be found at many online retailers, eBay & Amazon. You should be able to find it still in the $10 range or even less for a "loose" figure (meaning out of the package). Just watch out on the shipping.

If you're into the DC Direct instead, you can probably find the DC Direct Doomsday Collectors set for around $25 bucks. For 2 figures and a graphic novel, that's pretty good value.

Mattel's DC Superheroes Superman on eBay

DC Direct Superman/Doomsday set on eBay

Series 4 of Mattel's DC Universe Classics should arrive next week at my door step. Living in Canada, I pretty much have to rely on eBay and online stores to get these toys. Other than Series 1 of the DCUC toy line, I haven't seen any of figures at my local toy stores from series 2, 3 or 4. Once I receive series 4 (aka wave 4) a review of each figure will follow. Apparently Series 5 & 6 will be coming out soon just in time for Christmas shopping followed by series 7 early 2009. My DC Universe Classics checklist will show you which characters you can expect to see in the upcoming waves.

Thanks for reading my action figure review blog. Be sure to check back for more reviews on Mattel's DC Universe Classics, DC Superheroes and other action figures.

DC Universe Classics - Series 2

Welcome to my action figure review blog - ActionToyReview.


Today's review: DC Universe Classics - Series 2 (Mattel)

This set comes with 5 action figures which are on average about 6 to 6.5 inches tall. Each figure also comes with a piece of a 6th figure and if you purchase the full set, you can put together the additional action figure. This is referred to "Build a Figure" (BAF) or as Mattel specifically refers to them as,"Collect & Connect" (CAC).

The characters from the DC Universe Classics - series 2 are Aquaman, Black Manta, Harley Quinn, Firestorm and a variation of Superman from the Superman Red/Superman Blue comic series. The CAC figure is of Gorilla Grodd.

Certain figures have more than one versions or variants. In this series, Aquaman and Firestorm can both be purchased in either a classic or modern uniform. Superman also comes in either the red & white or blue & white costume.

The first figure is Aquaman. I chose the classic variant as it was more appealing to me. This figure has a fantastic sculpt, highlighted by the great head, face and upper body. The face and hair are very well detailed. The shirt has a scaly look and feel to it.

Overall the figure is painted very nicely with no runs or smudges. Aquaman comes with the right arm piece of the "CAC" Gorilla Grodd figure and a Trident, which is also well designed and fits nicely into either or both of his hands.

The articulation is a good as it gets. Neck, shoulders, biceps elbows wrists, abdominal, waist, hips, thighs, knees and ankles. All joints out of the box were not too loose or tight.

Overall, great figure. Probably the best of the set.
Sculpt/Design- 9

Paint - 9

Accessories - 8

Articulation - 9

Fun - 9

Aquaman Overall Score - 9

Aquaman needs an enemy to fight and who better than his arch enemy Black Manta. Another great figure put out by Mattel and the Four Horsemen, however, this one is not quite as nice as Aquaman.

The body is somewhat generic, nothing but a plain black outfit. But that is what the character looks like. He has an oxygen tank on his back which is silver and purple and his helmet is a silver with a dark paint wash to give it a bit of a weathered look. The body is painted in a matte black.

In addition to the left leg of the Gorilla Grodd "CAC", B.M. also comes with a trident. Its not quite as flashy as Aquaman's, but he also comes with a ray gun of some sort. Both are silver and have a decent amount of detail, but nothing fancy.

Articulation is as good as Aquaman's, even his helmet has a decent range of motion. All joints were in good condition out of the package.

 

Sculpt/Design - 8

Paint - 8

Accessories - 9

Articulation - 9

Fun - 9

Black Manta Overall Score - 8.5

Firestorm is not one of my favorite characters, but this figure does not disappoint for those who are fans. This is the classic variant Firestorm. The head is topped with a clear yellow/orange/red transparent plastic to give the illusion of flames. The body sculpt and face are nicely done.

 

Overall, great villain character and a must have for DC toy collectors.

Firestorm comes with two attachable "molecular structures" which pop on around his wrists (nothing too exciting) plus the right leg of Gorilla Grodd.

Firestorms articulation is a good as the others. A great job by Mattel in giving us the right amount of articulation without taking away from the design of the figure.

Overall, trying not to be bias, its a good figure. There are a few minor paint issues but nothing that drastically effect my rating. He is still a fun looking toy good for play or display.

Sculpt/Design - 8

Paint - 8

Accessories - 6

Articulation - 9

Fun - 8

Firestorm Overall Score - 8

Harley Quinn is a newer member of the Batman Rogue Gallery. Originally created for the Batman: Animated Series cartoon in the 90's, she eventually got her own comic book due to her high popularity.

This figure is her classic jester outfit. The actual body design is basically the same as the Catwoman figure from the now discontinued Mattel DC Super Heroes toy line. The arms are very skinny and there is not much muscle tone in the entire body. The paint job is nice with the exception of the face. Mattel has chosen to use a blue wash over her face instead of going all white. Not sure why they've gone this route but i think it takes away from her look. The rest of the paint job was well done.

In addition to Gorilla Grodd's torso piece, Harley also comes with a giant mallet and a pop gun however, neither weapon fits very well in her small girl hands. It is very hard to get them to stay in.

One area this figure does not disappoint is her articulation as she has as many point as the others. She is probably hardest figure to pose of the set probably due to her thinner legs and clunky accessories.

Overall, Harley was a bit disappointing. It appears she is made of recycled parts which I'm not too fussy about but the blue face and the fact that she can barely hold her weapons are the main downers. That being said, she fits in nicely with the other Batman villains from Mattel's DC Super Heroes toy line as well as the Universe Classics.

Sculpt/Design - 5

Paint - 5

Accessories - 9

Articulation - 9

Fun - 6

Harley Quinn overall score - 6

Superman Blue and Superman Red were probably the figures i was least looking forward too. When i ordered my set it actually came with both the blue and red variants. The Red is still sitting in its box in my basement as I type this (edit: taken out a year later).

The figure itself is a fairly standard sculpt. A muscular superman. His body size is roughly the same size as the other figures in this set. The face very much resembles Superman Blue from the comics as expected and hair wavy standing straight up.

The paint job isn't bad. The entire uniform is painted on except for where it opens up around the head. There are some blue marks where there shouldn't be. There are basically 2 shades of blue. One shade on the uniform and hair, a lighter shade on his face.

In addition to the Grodd CAC piece, Blue Supes comes with detachable electricity bolts. 2 that pop nicely into his back and 2 that loosely fit around his forearms.

Articulation is pretty much the same as all the other male characters from this set and all joints were in fine working order when opened.

Overall, i would've preferred to see a different character but it is a decent figure. The figure matches up to the character fairly well, its just not the first Superman toy you'd go for if you a choice of just one. If you're not interested in the CAC Gorilla Grodd piece and you've already got the DC Super Heroes Superman figure, then you could probably pass on this one. Unless of course, you're a die hard Superman fan.

Sculpt/Design - 7.5

Paint - 7.5

Accessories - 5

Articulation - 9

Fun - 7

Superman Blue Overall Score - 7

Finally we come to the Collect and Connect figure, Gorilla Grodd. Grodd towers over the other figures standing at almost 8.5 inches tall. He is very well designed with plenty of detail throughout his body.

The paint job appears to be well done. Its hard to point out any blotches because of the dark grays the figure is painted in. The face and eyes are paint cleanly and the entire figure is nicely shaded and highlighted.

There are no accessories for this figure since Grodd himself is the actual accessory. His helmet is not removable.

The figure falls short on articulation, especially compared to the others from this set. He has joints in his neck, shoulders, biceps, elbows wrists, hips and ankles. Noticeably missing are abdominal, waist and knee joints. However, all joints move nicely and the figure is still fairly easy to pose.

Overall, Grodd is an added bonus to a great set and would be a good toy for either kids or for display. All we need now is a figure of The Flash to go with him, however, we'll have to wait until the 7th set DC Universe Classics set for that.

 

 Sculpt - 9

Paint - 8

Accessories - n/a

Articulation - 7

Fun - 8

Gorilla Grodd Overall Score - 8

All these figures are relatively hard to find in the stores these days however, they can be purchased at various online merchants, Amazon.com and eBay. Store prices are in the $10-$12 range but you're looking at about 12-20 bucks per figure to purchase online + shipping. The full set will run you about $70 -$80 (plus shipping) if ordering online. If you're looking for the classic variant of Aquaman, it will be hard to find and more expensive. I've seen eBay auctions as high as the $50 range for him.

That's it for Series 2. Stay tuned for my review on Series 3 which I'm planning to receive the 2nd week of September 2008. Series 3 will feature Green Lantern, Sinestro, Nightwing, Robin, Deathstroke and the CAC Solomon Grundy.

Thanks for reading my Action Toy Review Blog.

The outfit is basically yellow and red. There are a couple different shades of red, for instance, the symbol on his chest is the brightest shade of red and his knees seem to be a darker tone. Some may complain but I'm not too picky about this figure. There are some minor red paint smudges on yellow areas but nothing to cry about and is sometimes expected with these "mass market" toys.