Review: Teen Titans Terra
I'm embarrassed to admit I've never read any of the famous Teen Titans comics involving Tara Markov, a.k.a. Terra. I hear they're pretty good, though.
Today's figure was picked up by my wife, who's often on the lookout for organ donors for her unholy toy customization experiments. But, before this figure goes under the knife, I thought I'd take a look.
For those of you who don't spend your summers in the DCU, Terra is one of comic's most famous traitors. A double agent (and underage lover) of the enemy, Terra betrayed the Teen Titans to their nemesis, Deathstroke. While I haven't read the issues themselves, the Teen Titans animated series did a surprisingly effective arc based on her story. I understand there were several changes, which isn't too surprising given some of the original's adult themes. Still, these are among my favorite episodes, only eclipsed by the phenomenal fifth season.
This version is based on the original design. It's produced by DC Direct, and available in comic stores everywhere - often for less than retail, I might add.
Today's figure was picked up by my wife, who's often on the lookout for organ donors for her unholy toy customization experiments. But, before this figure goes under the knife, I thought I'd take a look.
For those of you who don't spend your summers in the DCU, Terra is one of comic's most famous traitors. A double agent (and underage lover) of the enemy, Terra betrayed the Teen Titans to their nemesis, Deathstroke. While I haven't read the issues themselves, the Teen Titans animated series did a surprisingly effective arc based on her story. I understand there were several changes, which isn't too surprising given some of the original's adult themes. Still, these are among my favorite episodes, only eclipsed by the phenomenal fifth season.
This version is based on the original design. It's produced by DC Direct, and available in comic stores everywhere - often for less than retail, I might add.
Appearance: 6/10
For what it's worth, this is a high six.
Lets start with something positive. The sculpting on the hair and outfit is fairly cool, though there is a noticeable molding line that cuts through the hair. As always, DC Direct doesn't cut corners on the paint: the legs are painted in a realistic flesh tone that I wish Mattel would integrate in their DC Universe Classics line.
I also like the hands, which are nicely sculpted in interesting - and appropriate - poses. They certainly help give the impression that she's telekinetically controlling the landscape.
The biggest issue with the character is in the face. Her mouth is hanging open; I assume the attempt was to show surprise. The effect just makes her look like a chipmunk.
In addition, there's just something muted about the figure's appearance. Personally, I think DC Direct tried a little too hard to match the original art style. I love the artwork this was based on, but it's important to remember that the dull color scheme was more a side effect of the cheap printing methods than artistic vision.
I know I'm being harsh, but this figure just feels like a six to me. When I look back on some of the toys I've given a seven to, she just can't compete.
Lets start with something positive. The sculpting on the hair and outfit is fairly cool, though there is a noticeable molding line that cuts through the hair. As always, DC Direct doesn't cut corners on the paint: the legs are painted in a realistic flesh tone that I wish Mattel would integrate in their DC Universe Classics line.
I also like the hands, which are nicely sculpted in interesting - and appropriate - poses. They certainly help give the impression that she's telekinetically controlling the landscape.
The biggest issue with the character is in the face. Her mouth is hanging open; I assume the attempt was to show surprise. The effect just makes her look like a chipmunk.
In addition, there's just something muted about the figure's appearance. Personally, I think DC Direct tried a little too hard to match the original art style. I love the artwork this was based on, but it's important to remember that the dull color scheme was more a side effect of the cheap printing methods than artistic vision.
I know I'm being harsh, but this figure just feels like a six to me. When I look back on some of the toys I've given a seven to, she just can't compete.
Packaging and Extras: +1
Terra was carded, which always makes me worried. As I've said before, I've had a lot of these break on me. But there was no cause for alarm: she came out fine.
Terra comes with not one, but two bases. The first is a fairly conventional round base containing the title of the comic she's from. This isn't one of DC Direct's more inspired offerings, unfortunately.
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The other base is a bit more clever. Terra, who controls the earth, has a mound of dirt she can stand on. While it could have been better, I have to admit it was a good addition. The dirt mound has two pegs, one for each foot. Be aware the pegs are different sizes, so you're pretty much stuck using the way it was designed. |
Thanks to a small hole on the bottom of the dirt mound, the two bases can connect. It's not a perfect situation, since the mound blocks some of the logo, but it was a good idea.
I expect a base from DC Direct's figures, but I'll hand over a bonus point for the second. I'd have liked to see some additional accessories, though: maybe some alternate "energy" hands or some other pieces of rock or something. Maybe then we could have talked about a second bonus point.
I expect a base from DC Direct's figures, but I'll hand over a bonus point for the second. I'd have liked to see some additional accessories, though: maybe some alternate "energy" hands or some other pieces of rock or something. Maybe then we could have talked about a second bonus point.
Play and Display: ----
DC Direct has a long history of disappointing articulation. Every time I get a figure, there's some joint missing that's really needed.
This time it's the elbows. That's not meant to imply the elbows are the ONLY joint that's missing, just the most annoying. I'll get to the others in a minute, but this is a good starting point. A pair of simple pin joints, like the ones the figure has on her knees, would open up a great deal of posing options. No such luck.
DC Direct included the usual: ball jointed shoulders, cut wrists, ankles, and neck, the 'T' style hips, and pin-jointed knees. I say that's the "usual," but let's be honest: I've seen figures from this company missing most of those.
In addition to the elbows, there's no cut joint on the waist, despite the fact Terra's belt would have concealed it nicely. Also, I feel the need - once again - to complain about the lack of pin joints on the ankles. Someone should send these people a couple of DC Universe Classics, so they can see how it's done.
Her redemption comes from her display options, courtesy of her display stands.
Since you need to match up the peg holes to the different sized pegs, the 'ground' base really only gives you one option for posing. I'm convinced that some pin joints on the ankles could open up some other options... but I've already been over that. At least the pose is a good one.
She can stand upright with or without her other base, as well. I certainly can't justify deducting anything, but, once again, I find myself wondering why DC Direct is so reluctant to include more articulation.
This time it's the elbows. That's not meant to imply the elbows are the ONLY joint that's missing, just the most annoying. I'll get to the others in a minute, but this is a good starting point. A pair of simple pin joints, like the ones the figure has on her knees, would open up a great deal of posing options. No such luck.
DC Direct included the usual: ball jointed shoulders, cut wrists, ankles, and neck, the 'T' style hips, and pin-jointed knees. I say that's the "usual," but let's be honest: I've seen figures from this company missing most of those.
In addition to the elbows, there's no cut joint on the waist, despite the fact Terra's belt would have concealed it nicely. Also, I feel the need - once again - to complain about the lack of pin joints on the ankles. Someone should send these people a couple of DC Universe Classics, so they can see how it's done.
Her redemption comes from her display options, courtesy of her display stands.
Since you need to match up the peg holes to the different sized pegs, the 'ground' base really only gives you one option for posing. I'm convinced that some pin joints on the ankles could open up some other options... but I've already been over that. At least the pose is a good one.
She can stand upright with or without her other base, as well. I certainly can't justify deducting anything, but, once again, I find myself wondering why DC Direct is so reluctant to include more articulation.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 7/10
Terra's a decent figure, but she's miles away from being great. Honestly, I'd have a hard time recommending this anywhere near retail price.
Figures like these tend to start out around $16, where a few are picked up by die hard fans and completists. Over time, they decrease in cost: my wife rescued her from a bin at FAO Schwartz for six bucks.
Even at that, I wouldn't have bought her for display. She's just not an interesting enough figure. But my wife tends to have a good eye for potential, so who knows what she might turn into down the road.
Figures like these tend to start out around $16, where a few are picked up by die hard fans and completists. Over time, they decrease in cost: my wife rescued her from a bin at FAO Schwartz for six bucks.
Even at that, I wouldn't have bought her for display. She's just not an interesting enough figure. But my wife tends to have a good eye for potential, so who knows what she might turn into down the road.
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