Review: DC Universe Action League 2-Packs:
Superman Vs. Bizarro, White Lantern Sinestro Vs. Green Lantern, and The Flash Vs. Captain Boomerang
If you've been reading for a while, you know I'm a sucker for miniature, cute superheroes. Hasbro started the trend with their line of Super Hero Squad figures (along with assorted other related lines). But while Hasbro has the rights to Marvel characters, Mattel holds DC's, which were what I really wanted, anyway.
Last year, Mattel muscled into the game with their line of "Action League" figures based on Batman: Brave and the Bold. When those came out, I picked up a Batman. In my review, I wrote:
"For the time being, the 'Action League' toys appear to be tied to Brave and the Bold. However, considering how stylized these are, that's more or less academic. These come off as miniaturized cartoon DC characters far more than they reflect the show... with one significant exception. So far, the characters which have been released have mirrored the ones who appear on the show. Personally, I'm hoping that they deviate a bit and put out a Superman and Wonder Woman."
Last year, Mattel muscled into the game with their line of "Action League" figures based on Batman: Brave and the Bold. When those came out, I picked up a Batman. In my review, I wrote:
"For the time being, the 'Action League' toys appear to be tied to Brave and the Bold. However, considering how stylized these are, that's more or less academic. These come off as miniaturized cartoon DC characters far more than they reflect the show... with one significant exception. So far, the characters which have been released have mirrored the ones who appear on the show. Personally, I'm hoping that they deviate a bit and put out a Superman and Wonder Woman."
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Well, I'm still waiting on Wonder Woman (more on that later), but Mattel's expanded the line to the DC Universe proper, just like I'd hoped they would. And, naturally, their first wave included Superman. There are four two-packs in all, three of which I'll be looking at. The last features Firestorm Vs. Deathstorm (who's actually another version of Firestorm during Blackest Night). I skipped that one, because it's not a character I'm obsessed with. I found these at Toys R Us, and I'm guessing most other major toy retailers are stocking them, as well. |
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Appearance and Construction:
Superman Vs. Bizarro: 9/10
White Lantern Sinestro Vs. GL: 7/10
The Flash Vs. Captain Boomerang: 7/10
First off, these are an improvement over the designs we've previously seen. The character sculpts and poses are more dynamic and interesting, and Mattel's making some intriguing choices regarding the characters they're releasing (Black Lantern Firestorm?!!!).
The Superman/Bizarro pack is far and away the best of the bunch, with Superman posed mid-takeoff and Bizarro hunched over. There are near-perfect, and if the yellow on Superman's costume had been a little brighter, I think I'd have given them the ten.
The other packs are strong, but nowhere near as close to perfection. Actually, Sinestro is right there, with a beautifully executed costume and fantastic head sculpt. Unfortunately, Hal Jordan is a bit disappointing: something just isn't working in his face sculpt, and that drags the pack down to a seven.
The final pack, featuring The Flash and Captain Boomerang, also gets a seven, though the two figures are closer. While I love that The Flash is posed running, his right arm is horribly awkward. At the best of times, the oversized hands on these figures are an odd choice; here, they just look stupid. His costume is also a bit pale, though that's a minor quibble. His opponent, Captain Boomerang, is nice up close, but a little visually plain at any distance. In addition, there are stray paint marks on his arm.
White Lantern Sinestro Vs. GL: 7/10
The Flash Vs. Captain Boomerang: 7/10
First off, these are an improvement over the designs we've previously seen. The character sculpts and poses are more dynamic and interesting, and Mattel's making some intriguing choices regarding the characters they're releasing (Black Lantern Firestorm?!!!).
The Superman/Bizarro pack is far and away the best of the bunch, with Superman posed mid-takeoff and Bizarro hunched over. There are near-perfect, and if the yellow on Superman's costume had been a little brighter, I think I'd have given them the ten.
The other packs are strong, but nowhere near as close to perfection. Actually, Sinestro is right there, with a beautifully executed costume and fantastic head sculpt. Unfortunately, Hal Jordan is a bit disappointing: something just isn't working in his face sculpt, and that drags the pack down to a seven.
The final pack, featuring The Flash and Captain Boomerang, also gets a seven, though the two figures are closer. While I love that The Flash is posed running, his right arm is horribly awkward. At the best of times, the oversized hands on these figures are an odd choice; here, they just look stupid. His costume is also a bit pale, though that's a minor quibble. His opponent, Captain Boomerang, is nice up close, but a little visually plain at any distance. In addition, there are stray paint marks on his arm.
Packaging and Extras: ----
The packaging borrows from the larger DC Universe Classics line, and it works well in this scale, if you care. Personally, I don't, but if you like keeping figures mint in their packages, these are pretty nice, at least from the front.
I like the graphics on the back, but I'm less thrilled with the bios. I've heaped a lot of praise on Mattel's marketing department over the years because of the writing on the back of the Classics line. Well, the pendulum swings both ways, and I'm a little disappointed to see how simplistic these are. Not to mention wrong: Sinestro wasn't fighting Jordan when he found the white battery: they were on the same side (okay, so technically he did sucker punch him to get to the battery first - but they were both still ultimately after Necron).
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Normally, there'd be nothing more to discuss here: in most cases, two inch figures don't come with extras. However, there actually are a few items to consider this time. Both Superman and Flash come with small, clear stands they need to retain their balance. In addition, Bizarro come with what looks like a huge chunk of Kryptonite, a nice little present I wouldn't have expected. Nice, but not nice enough for a bonus. It's ultimately kind of plain looking. If it had been transparent, I'd have given them the point. |
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Play and Display: Superman/Bizzaro: +1; Others: ----
In terms of joints, these figures all have four cuts: at the shoulders, neck, and waist. It lets you get them balanced - though most of these are a bit wobbly - and, in some cases, gives you a few interesting poses.
As I mentioned above, Superman and Flash require their stands to stay upright. With them, they're well balanced, but otherwise they're falling right over.
No matter how you turn Superman, you keep finding interesting and natural poses. This design works best for him. Bizarro can hold his rock collection over his head and is also well balanced. The pair earns a bonus point.
While I'm glad the others have some articulation, it just doesn't have the same impact. Green Lantern and Sinestro WOULD have useful articulation if it weren't for their costume designs. As it is, the paint lines only match up in one pose for the arms, so there's not much in the way of options.
Captain Boomerang can get some personality out of his arms, but his coat greatly limits the range of his head and waist. Meanwhile, it's hard enough finding one good pose for the Flash's outstretched right arm, let alone two.
As I mentioned above, Superman and Flash require their stands to stay upright. With them, they're well balanced, but otherwise they're falling right over.
No matter how you turn Superman, you keep finding interesting and natural poses. This design works best for him. Bizarro can hold his rock collection over his head and is also well balanced. The pair earns a bonus point.
While I'm glad the others have some articulation, it just doesn't have the same impact. Green Lantern and Sinestro WOULD have useful articulation if it weren't for their costume designs. As it is, the paint lines only match up in one pose for the arms, so there's not much in the way of options.
Captain Boomerang can get some personality out of his arms, but his coat greatly limits the range of his head and waist. Meanwhile, it's hard enough finding one good pose for the Flash's outstretched right arm, let alone two.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: Superman/Bizarro: 10/10; Others: 7/10
While I like all of these quite a bit, the Superman/Bizarro pack is by far the strongest, featuring two exceptional figures.
After checking about half a dozen times, I found these going for $7.99 at Toys R Us. I'm not crazy about paying that kind of money for a pair of two inch toys, but there's no denying that's pretty much normal these days.
The Superman Vs. Bizarro pack is definitely worth it, even as something for your desk at work if you're not a collector.
The others are probably for collectors only (which makes me wonder why they seem to be marketed towards kids).
Which brings up a final question: Where are the female characters? In particular, where's Wonder Woman? The next wave looks great, but... still just guys.
Hopefully, they'll add some women in a future wave.
After checking about half a dozen times, I found these going for $7.99 at Toys R Us. I'm not crazy about paying that kind of money for a pair of two inch toys, but there's no denying that's pretty much normal these days.
The Superman Vs. Bizarro pack is definitely worth it, even as something for your desk at work if you're not a collector.
The others are probably for collectors only (which makes me wonder why they seem to be marketed towards kids).
Which brings up a final question: Where are the female characters? In particular, where's Wonder Woman? The next wave looks great, but... still just guys.
Hopefully, they'll add some women in a future wave.
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