Review: DC Infinite Heroes Adam Strange
This will be a short one, because there's not a lot to discuss. Today, I'm looking at the single packed DC Infinite Heroes Adam Strange figure.
I should start by acknowledging that Strange is one of those characters I don't understand well. From the scattered stories I've read, he seems to be a space hero in the vein of John Carter of Mars. Yes, it's the timeless tale of an earthling who gets teleported across the cosmos to a distant world, where he must rise up as a savior.
Kind of the Superman story in reverse, only Earth seems to fare better than Krypton.
Adam is mainly a tech hero, using the weapons and tools of his new home to fight for peace and justice or something. Good for him.
DC Infinite Heroes are 3 3/4 inch figures produced by Mattel. They're less articulated and less impressive than Hasbro's Marvel Universe figures of the same scale. If you are interested in collecting these, they're available just about everywhere; many stores are letting these go for next to nothing.
I should start by acknowledging that Strange is one of those characters I don't understand well. From the scattered stories I've read, he seems to be a space hero in the vein of John Carter of Mars. Yes, it's the timeless tale of an earthling who gets teleported across the cosmos to a distant world, where he must rise up as a savior.
Kind of the Superman story in reverse, only Earth seems to fare better than Krypton.
Adam is mainly a tech hero, using the weapons and tools of his new home to fight for peace and justice or something. Good for him.
DC Infinite Heroes are 3 3/4 inch figures produced by Mattel. They're less articulated and less impressive than Hasbro's Marvel Universe figures of the same scale. If you are interested in collecting these, they're available just about everywhere; many stores are letting these go for next to nothing.
Appearance and Construction: 6/10
I almost let him get by with a seven, but I'm in a mean mood today. The figure isn't awful - in fact there are some good elements - but he's unimpressive and he's got some serious issues.
The strongest element is the sculpt on the head/helmet and the vest/jet pack. The helmet, in addition to being a good likeness to the original design, is a detailed piece of work. Sadly, most of the detail is lost under the below average paint work.
The vest and jet pack is also very well designed; I like that this is a separate piece rather than just something molded to the body. But there's not a drop of paint on it. Sure, it's white in the comics, but it's supposed to have some detail: panels, decorations, etc. Here, there's nothing.
The paint work, overall, looks cheap and gaudy from top to bottom. In addition, the construction just doesn't match the price point.
I find it baffling that Mattel made these as cheaply as they did.
The strongest element is the sculpt on the head/helmet and the vest/jet pack. The helmet, in addition to being a good likeness to the original design, is a detailed piece of work. Sadly, most of the detail is lost under the below average paint work.
The vest and jet pack is also very well designed; I like that this is a separate piece rather than just something molded to the body. But there's not a drop of paint on it. Sure, it's white in the comics, but it's supposed to have some detail: panels, decorations, etc. Here, there's nothing.
The paint work, overall, looks cheap and gaudy from top to bottom. In addition, the construction just doesn't match the price point.
I find it baffling that Mattel made these as cheaply as they did.
Packaging and Extras: -2
The one area these things shine, in my opinion, is the least significant. The front of the package this came in is awesome, no question about it:
I particularly like that price tag.... Also, the plastic hand reaching out at the figure - and presumably your universe - is a great nod to DC's history. Whoever designed this should be commended on doing good work to sell an inferior product.
While I like the front of the box, I'm less than thrilled with the back: the "Power Scores", in particular, are completely off base. This isn't an effective way to gauge comic book characters.
The reason for the two point deduction is the lack of any accessories. Where's the ray gun? In fact, where are the ray GUNS? This should have at least two; preferably three, as well as some character specific object I don't know about because I don't read these comics. And, while we're on the subject, a stand would be nice, too.
While I like the front of the box, I'm less than thrilled with the back: the "Power Scores", in particular, are completely off base. This isn't an effective way to gauge comic book characters.
The reason for the two point deduction is the lack of any accessories. Where's the ray gun? In fact, where are the ray GUNS? This should have at least two; preferably three, as well as some character specific object I don't know about because I don't read these comics. And, while we're on the subject, a stand would be nice, too.
Play and Display: -1
A funny thing happens when you give a small toy a big jet pack: they can't stand up straight anymore. If a base had been included, this wouldn't be an issue... but it wasn't. Sure, I'm kind of hitting them twice for that, but it's deserved.
In terms of articulation, you get less than you want. Pins in the knees and elbows; balls on the shoulders, cuts on the neck and abdomen, and a T shaped waist. Could it have been worse? Sure: female characters in this line don't seem to have the elbows.
But, as is, this is really bare. The neck should be ball-jointed, the wrists should have cuts, the ankles should have pins, and the waists need to be improved. Is it too much to ask for a scaled down version of the DC Universe Classics style hips?
In case you were wondering, the jet pack is not removable, though I don't consider that a problem.
Mainly, the deduction is being taken out for the balance problems, though I'd probably have looked the other way if there'd been better articulation.
In terms of articulation, you get less than you want. Pins in the knees and elbows; balls on the shoulders, cuts on the neck and abdomen, and a T shaped waist. Could it have been worse? Sure: female characters in this line don't seem to have the elbows.
But, as is, this is really bare. The neck should be ball-jointed, the wrists should have cuts, the ankles should have pins, and the waists need to be improved. Is it too much to ask for a scaled down version of the DC Universe Classics style hips?
In case you were wondering, the jet pack is not removable, though I don't consider that a problem.
Mainly, the deduction is being taken out for the balance problems, though I'd probably have looked the other way if there'd been better articulation.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 3/10
I appreciate that these are intended for a younger audience than the six inch DC Universe Classics line, but the original price points weren't far enough apart to reflect this. What kid or parent is going to buy this for eight bucks when there's a figure twice as big with far superior paint, sculpt, and accessories for twelve or thirteen?
Come on, most of the build-a-figure pieces that come with the DC Universe Classics figures are worth more than Adam Strange here. These were originally selling for between seven and eight bucks... in some places, even more. These have since dipped in price: I usually see them selling for five now at larger outlets. I've actually seen this going for two bucks or less and passed him up.
Finally, while wandering through the clearance aisle of a Walmart, I came across Adam Strange for a whopping fifty cents. I decided that it was worth fifty cents just to tear into the figure in a review. If this is a scale and character you like, I'd suggest shopping around: you should be able to find him for three bucks or less. He's not worth any more than that anyway.
Come on, most of the build-a-figure pieces that come with the DC Universe Classics figures are worth more than Adam Strange here. These were originally selling for between seven and eight bucks... in some places, even more. These have since dipped in price: I usually see them selling for five now at larger outlets. I've actually seen this going for two bucks or less and passed him up.
Finally, while wandering through the clearance aisle of a Walmart, I came across Adam Strange for a whopping fifty cents. I decided that it was worth fifty cents just to tear into the figure in a review. If this is a scale and character you like, I'd suggest shopping around: you should be able to find him for three bucks or less. He's not worth any more than that anyway.
Don't forget: I've a blog as well, where I consider all kinds of fascinating things. Well, really just the geeky kind. But what else matters?
Also, ah... book. Yeah.
Also, ah... book. Yeah.
