Review: DC Universe Classics, Wave 3: Nightwing

Of the toy lines currently being produced, I would say I'm actively collecting four.  That isn't to say I never buy anything else, because I do - a lot.  Similarly, I'm not a completist.  I buy what I like, which is almost always a figure here and space ship there.  But there are four lines I keep my attention focused on, watching every item that comes out, waiting for the next I need.

The first of these could actually be considered two lines: the Galactic Heroes and Super Hero Squad figures being made by Hasbro.  The second line is the Star Wars "Titanium Series' vehicles being produced by Micro Machines (and, by extension, Hasbro).  Next, there's NECA's Cult Classics figures and related lines.

But my one and only favorite line of toys currently in production is, without a doubt, the DC Universe Classics figures, made by Mattel.

I picked up several of the wave 3 figures.  If you buy all five you get the pieces to build your own Solomon Grundy.  And you know something, I'm going for it.

We'll be reviewing the figures in this wave over time, starting with Nightwing.

Appearance: 7

Nightwing is a nice looking figure, make no mistake, and I was tempted to rate him higher.  However, as is often the case, there were... issues.  Lets start with the head.  The sculpt is excellent, and the paint is good around the hair and mask.  There are a few points where the paint lines are less than sharp, though you need to look closely to see them.

I should also mention that the decision to cast the head in flesh-colored plastic hurts the overall look a little.  I'm hesitant to even bring this up: he doesn't look bad, just not as good as some of the earlier DC Superheroes figures who had their faces painted.

I also want to point out the pegs in Nightwing's back which hold his weapons.  The effect is actually pretty good when they're in place, but less good when he's holding them in his hands.  It's easy to partially hide the pegs by facing him forward, but it doesn't do the figure any favors.

The final issue is a little one.  Or rather, it's a big one, but it isn't worth making a big deal out of.  Furthermore, it's more an issue with the entire line, not just with Nightwing.  Presumably as a cost cutting measure, DC Universe Classics tend to favor paint over sculpting for distinguishing costumes.  Oh, the head sculpts are fine - better than fine, in fact - but that's pretty much the extent of sculpting work on the figure.  Besides the head, all he has are sculpted gloves and those pegs on his back.

  His chest symbol is just painted on.  It's painted well, I should add, but it does make him look a little generic in the presence of similar figures.

Ultimately, these are minor issues.  But, even though I like him, he's far from the best figure in this line - or this wave, for that matter.  I'm awarding Nightwing a score of seven out of ten for appearance, but... hold that thought.  There are a few other things that should be taken into consideration....

Packaging and Extras: +2

The packaging is fairly simple, fairly generic.  It was easier to open than a lot of what's out there, and it looks fine:

I do want to draw your attention to one detail I like.  On the bottom of the back, they've provided not only statistics and back story, but also information about the character's first appearances.  It's not a major thing, but I do appreciate the little details that demonstrate an appreciation of the characters... and the fans.

Still, I don't award points for packaging.  I do award them for accessories.  And Nightwing comes with... some little sticks.


Now, to be fair, these are actually pretty nice.  They're textured and they look good on his back and in his hands.  I'd have also liked a bat-a-rang (traditionally, he has a large blue variant), but I can make do.

Still, these aren't really worth any points in and of themselves.  Oh, he also comes with this:

If you buy every toy in this series, you end up with a very large Solomon Grundy figure.  With the other five, you get Grundy's arms and legs.  But Nightwing comes with his entire torso and his head.  And it is huge.  By volume, it's at least as big as Nightwing himself.  Standing them side-by-side, it's easy to forget which came with the other.

I'd have liked a few other accessories, and he would have been greatly enhanced by the inclusion of a base.  But, at this price point, Grundy's torso is worth at least two points.  We'll discuss this a little more in our closing thoughts.

Play and Display: +1

There is a real sense in which the DC Universe Classics line is an answer to Marvel Legends.  Well, 'answer' is one description; 'rip-off' is another.  Either is in a sense accurate, but so is this: these are an improvement.

There are collectors out there who will scream and yell and defend Marvel Legends to no end.  But, at the end of the day, Mattel saw what worked and fixed what didn't.  And these have more useful and less obtrusive articulation.

Really, it's the waist that makes the difference.  While Hasbro used ball joints to connect the legs to the body, Mattel went with something far more ingenious.  You get an impressive range of motion without interfering with the look of the figure.

You don't get quite as many points of articulation as you might want (I do miss the palm articulation the Marvel Legends had), but most of what's there is sturdy, effective, and gives you a range of options.

Alone, this isn't helpful.  All the articulation in the world is wasted if a figure can't hold a pose.  But Nightwing can hold quite a few.  He's well-balanced and looks good.  You can position him how you want to, and he'll stay there.

Plus, you get a few options with his clubs.

All that's worth at least a point.

Price Tag and Final Analysis: 10/10

Well, that's our first ten.  Keep in mind that due to our 'bonus point' system, it's possible for a toy to score even better.  Keep your eye on our next review: I haven't crunched the numbers yet, but it just might give Nightwing a run for his money (or yours).  And speaking of money....

I've heard these can be found for ten or eleven bucks.  Well, not around here.  I paid fourteen for Nightwing, and I was glad to find him at all.  To be fair, I live in New York, where toy collecting is a bit more ruthless and expensive than in other parts.  But the DC Universe Classics still seem to have some distribution issues to work through.

So, is it worth it at fourteen?  Definitely... as long as you want Grundy's torso.  Even without the big guy, Nightwing is still a solid figure.  But the real deal here includes the build a figure (or collect and connect, or whatever they're calling it).

If you're new to this hobby and looking to start an impressive collection, picking up this wave wouldn't hurt... as long as you've the sixty or seventy bucks to drop.

As always, if have any thoughts or questions, head on over to my blog and leave me a comment.