DC Universe Classics - The Riddler - Wave 16

With all the announcements last month, I'm starting to fall behind on reviews a bit.  When wave 16 was announced, it was bitter sweet for me.  As a Batman fan, I really wanna see Mattel give us as many DC Universe Classics Batman related characters as possible. So when I saw the line up for wave 16 with Riddler, Robin and Bane specifically, I was happy with the way they looked in the demo pictures but a bit ticked too.  We've already gotten 2 versions of Robin and a Riddler already.  Plus Bane as covered in the DC Superheroes toy line back in 2007-08.  Give us new Batman characters Mattel!!!  They are DC's bread and butter!  Hopefully we'll see more with the new Batman Legacy toy line.  So with regards to The Riddler, this is a different version compared to the DCUC Wave 5 Riddler.  Wave 16 Riddler resembles the more "campy" version that people may most remember from the Super Friends cartoon back in the late 70s early 80s.  So lets take a closer look. 

I don't like to spend a lot of time going over the packaging but here are the pictures for those interested. 

This is the version of the Riddler in his jumpsuit.  Body parts used here have been seen before on countless DCUC action figures.  You've got the very basic torso, arms and legs that we've seen so many times.  The paint job makes The Riddler unique.  It is spot on to his classic look covered in question marks. 

The head sculpt is unique and supports some good detail and a classic sinister smirk.  Mattel couldn't really use the same head sculpt from Wave 5 as that version of the Riddler supports a hat and does not really fit in with this version. 

Here's a close up shot, you can see the great detail work in the face.  No complaints with the head sculpt or the paint job.  He's does look pretty good.  The color scheme used is spot on to this version of the Riddler. 

A side by side comparison between Wave 16 (left) and Wave 5(right) Riddler's, its looks as though the Riddler has been on steroids between wave 5 and wave 16.   This is a much more muscular version, perhaps too muscular some might say.  But i think its a good fit.  The torso is less boxy and has bigger legs, arms and shoulders in Wave 16 Riddler. 

For the Riddler to be the same size Batman is probably not accurate but i still think Mattel has pulled off a good look. If you look at the picture below of the Riddler, he does have some pretty good muscle definition in the comics.  If you're gonna wear a jump suit, you better be in good shape!  I'm pretty sure if a smaller sculpt was used, say the size of Wave 16, Mercury or even a shorter body type like Wave 2 Sinestro, people would complain that he is too small.

As for accessories, in addition to the collect and connect action figure piece of Bane included with the Riddler, you will also get the same Question Mark Staff that we got in the Wave 5 version.  It fits nicely into his left had.  Riddlers right hand is a closed fist this time.

As for The Riddlers articulation, its the same as we've been use to since this toy line began.  He has joints in the neck, shoulders, biceps, elbows, forearms, wrists, abdominal, waist, hips, quads, knees and ankles.  There are no double jointed knees or elbows or hinged wrists or ankles on this action figure unlike some of the others DCUC wave 16 action figures (like Robin).  All joints were in find working condition out of the package.  Not to loose or too stiff.  Another plus over wave 5's Riddler, is the leg joints can get more movement now that he does not have that long suit jacket on. 

Overall, I'd say that the Riddler is a great action figure.  If you're putting together a classic Legion of Doom collection, this is the Riddler you want over the Wave 5 version.  Also, if you're a Batman fan, its a must have.  The paint job is close to perfect and along with the usual great articulation you are getting a awesome action figure.  I really, really like this version of the Riddler.  I think those of you that collect this toy line will be quite happy with it.

Sculpt - 9, Paint - 10, Accessories - 5, Articulation - 9, Fun - 8, Value 8

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DC Universe Classics Wave 16 Preview

Time for another preview, very recently, Mattel announced their next DC Universe Classics line up.  This time for wave #16 and it has a little bit of a Batman theme going.  So lets get to it:

First we have "The Creeper"

Johan Hex:

Mercury:

We have a 2 different versions of classic Robin.  The only difference is the head.  This appears to be the only character in wave 16 with a variant.  First we have "Classic Robin : Vintage Head":

and then we have "Classic Robin: Modern Head" :

For those of you not happy with The Riddler from Wave 5, we're going to be given a more classic look (Think Superfriends version):

And finally, Azrael Batman:

The CnC action figure for wave 16 and a pretty good choice IMO, but Mattel has given us 2 versions of this character in the previous DC Superheroes toy line.  Judging by the pictures though, this will be a much better action figure.  Bane:

So there you have it.  Personally, the most appealing figures here are the Riddler, Modern head Robin and possibly the Azrael Batman.......maybe Creeper too....maybe.  Bane was a good choice for the CnC figure considering the DC Superheroes Bane version lacked articulation and quite frankly, was sub-par.  That being said, Im still waiting for a whole slew of Batman characters to be released in the DCUC lineup, starting with Ra's Al Gul, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Black Mask and who would be better in the Batman universe for a CnC figure than Killer Croc??  (the DC Superheroes version of Croc was crap!) Get on it Mattel!!  Not sure i want SOOOOO many versions of Batman, Riddler and Robin when there are so many more characters they can tap into. 

This set won't be out for some time, probably Q1, 2011 but if you'd like to search for your favorite DC Universe Classics action figure, the best place to find the one you want, is ebay! 

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DC Universe Classics - 2008 Year in Review

Before i finish off my review of the DC Universe Classics wave 5 set, lets take the time to review all the DCUC action figures Mattel brought to us over the past year.

Early 2008, Mattel released the first wave of the DC Universe Classics action figure toy line. The line-up of this first set was not too impressive in my opinion. Mattel had just finished of their DC Superheroes toy line in 2007 which consisted of mostly Batman and Superman characters. So who do we get in the first wave, Batman and Penguin. They are actually both really good looking toys but some may have been looking for more characters outside the Batman world. The rest of the set consisted of mostly B list characters. Etrigan, Orion, Rex Mason and Red Tornado.

Wave 2 came along in the 2nd quarter of 2008 with a much better cast. The best of this set were probably Aquaman and Firestorm. It must be hard to stay away from Batman and Superman related characters as this set also included Harley Quinn and both Blue and Red Superman figures. Black Manta rounded out the 2nd wave.

Gorilla Grodd was the Collect and Connect figure for wave 2.

Wave 3 was headlined by Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) and Sinestro. Both were good toys, but they were far from the best figures of this set.

The best figure of DCUC wave 3 had to be Deathstoke by far. A cool sculpt with a lot of accessories makes a bad ass action figure.

The Collect and Connect figures seem to be getting bigger and bigger and for wave 3 we got a very tall Solomon Grundy toy.

We were give a few other Teen Titan characters, Robin, Nightwing from wave 3 and then Cyborg from wave 4.

The headline figure of wave 4 was Wonder Woman. An improved female sculpt by the 4HM but the joints still seem to stand out on this model.

The best figure of wave 4 was without a doubt, Ares. Great sculpt with a lot of detail and design work and 2 cool weapons to boot. Rounding out wave 4 was Batman Beyond, Captain Atom and the Collect and Connect figure, Despero.

Mattel also re-introduced the 2 packs concept, re-releasing some of the hard to find DC Superheroes action figures while adding a couple new 2 pack exclusive characters.

Finally the last set of 2008 came around the end of November and turned out to be a Walmart exclusive set. The Riddler was the only Batman related character from this set.

The Atom, Black Lightning, Eradicator and Amazo rounded out wave 5 with a Collect and Connect figure Metallo who is just as tall as Wave 3's Solomon Grundy.

Most of these figures can easily be found on eBay but they will vary in price depending on the character and/or variant.

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Thats it for 2008. Mattel has already announced the next 3 sets and a new round of 2 packs so be sure to come back to Action Toy Review for more news, info and reviews. Happy New Year!