Review: DC Universe Classics: Collect & Connect Kalibak
Superheroes aren't the only ones with sidekicks. Take, for instance, Darkseid's son, Kalibak, who really, truly believes he's a match for Superman.
Oh sure, Kalibak was considered tough once upon a time, but these days he's more of a punching bag for more important characters.
Personally, I kind of like him. Like a lot of DC fans, I mainly know the version that was on the Superman animated series and Justice League, though I've seen him in a few comics as well. He's not a particularly complex character, but he has a great design - courtesy of Jack Kirby - and, if you ask me, you can never have too many strong alien menaces running amok. Of course, I might feel differently if it was my world they were on, but that's beside the point.
Today, I'm looking at the Collect and Connect version of Kalibak from wave six of Mattel's DC Universe Classics. The only way to get him is to buy the whole set and snap him together.
I'm sorry. Did I say the ONLY way? My mistake: I only picked up three of the figures and bought the other pieces on Ebay. I've got nothing against Mr. Miracle and the 90's Superman variant, but I really didn't need them for my collection.
The wave six figures I did buy and review were Killer Moth, Hawkman, and "Shazam!" In addition, I've also looked at Solomon Grundy, another DC Universe Classics Collect and Connect figure.
Oh sure, Kalibak was considered tough once upon a time, but these days he's more of a punching bag for more important characters.
Personally, I kind of like him. Like a lot of DC fans, I mainly know the version that was on the Superman animated series and Justice League, though I've seen him in a few comics as well. He's not a particularly complex character, but he has a great design - courtesy of Jack Kirby - and, if you ask me, you can never have too many strong alien menaces running amok. Of course, I might feel differently if it was my world they were on, but that's beside the point.
Today, I'm looking at the Collect and Connect version of Kalibak from wave six of Mattel's DC Universe Classics. The only way to get him is to buy the whole set and snap him together.
I'm sorry. Did I say the ONLY way? My mistake: I only picked up three of the figures and bought the other pieces on Ebay. I've got nothing against Mr. Miracle and the 90's Superman variant, but I really didn't need them for my collection.
The wave six figures I did buy and review were Killer Moth, Hawkman, and "Shazam!" In addition, I've also looked at Solomon Grundy, another DC Universe Classics Collect and Connect figure.
Appearance and Construction: 7/10
He may be larger than the normal figures in this line, but his merits and flaws are similar. To put it directly, the sculpt is fantastic, while the paint leaves something to be desired.
Actually, the paint applied to his face and the wash over the hair on his body are pretty good. The teeth could be a little cleaner, but that's a minor issue. The ears are absolutely fantastic, and the molding line is well hidden in his mane of hair.
As is too often the case, it's the suit that gets ignored. The musculature and detailed costume pieces sculpted in are awesome - particularly on the gloves - but the simple green is just a little too plain. It needs some shading or, at the very least, some paint to make the green plastic look less like, well... plastic.
The metallic green belt, on the other hand, looks great, as do his feet (though, again, some paint would have been much appreciated).
Actually, the paint applied to his face and the wash over the hair on his body are pretty good. The teeth could be a little cleaner, but that's a minor issue. The ears are absolutely fantastic, and the molding line is well hidden in his mane of hair.
As is too often the case, it's the suit that gets ignored. The musculature and detailed costume pieces sculpted in are awesome - particularly on the gloves - but the simple green is just a little too plain. It needs some shading or, at the very least, some paint to make the green plastic look less like, well... plastic.
The metallic green belt, on the other hand, looks great, as do his feet (though, again, some paint would have been much appreciated).
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In terms of construction, the figure's pretty well made. The one exception is that the arms sometimes drop off, but that seems to be the norm for build-a-figures. As long as they go back in again, which these do, I'm willing to let it slide. The legs, on the other hand, locked in tightly. So much so, in fact, I haven't been able to get them back out. Other than that, he feels sturdy and solid: I'm not too worried about breaking him. I was going to give Kalibak an eight until I remembered that's what I gave Grundy. And, while Kalibak certainly looks good, he's no Grundy. So I'll go with a seven here; just be aware I'm being harsher than I'd be on a smaller figure. |
Packaging and Extras: ----
I briefly considered posting a photo of the envelope I received some of the pieces in, until I realized that would mean showing my home address. After all, I hate to receive a visit from some sculptors....
Unless you order through Ebay, the "packaging" is the same that came with your DC Universe Classics figures. If you need a reminder, the links are up top.
Other than that, you get a pair of extras: a sash that can hold Kalibak's club and the club itself. Honestly, while I liked the sash at first, after a while I decided I liked the toy better without it. There are a few reasons for this, but the main one is he already has a place to wear his club on his belt.
That actually brings up something worth mentioning. When I was researching purchasing options for the last few pieces, I came across something claiming that Kalibak was originally supposed to have a few more accessories. I can't find my way back to that page (which is why you're not getting a link) but it would certainly explain the extra holder.
I like the club, though it could have used some paint and a less conspicuous placement of the word, "China." It's almost enough for a bonus... but not quite.
Unless you order through Ebay, the "packaging" is the same that came with your DC Universe Classics figures. If you need a reminder, the links are up top.
Other than that, you get a pair of extras: a sash that can hold Kalibak's club and the club itself. Honestly, while I liked the sash at first, after a while I decided I liked the toy better without it. There are a few reasons for this, but the main one is he already has a place to wear his club on his belt.
That actually brings up something worth mentioning. When I was researching purchasing options for the last few pieces, I came across something claiming that Kalibak was originally supposed to have a few more accessories. I can't find my way back to that page (which is why you're not getting a link) but it would certainly explain the extra holder.
I like the club, though it could have used some paint and a less conspicuous placement of the word, "China." It's almost enough for a bonus... but not quite.
Play and Display: +1
The articulation on Kalibak is par for the course. Say it with me: ball joints on the head and shoulders, pins on the elbows, stomach, knees and feet, cuts on the upper legs, waist, biceps, and wrists, and the Mattel hips, which are basically an ingenious hybrid of a pin and ball joint.
There's a missed opportunity at the top of the boots where another cut could be added with no impact on the sculpt. I should also add that the cut waist only gives you a little range of motion due to the belt, but the small changes are pretty effective here. Also, unlike some figures in this line, his head does have some up-and-down motion. It's limited, but it's actually a little more than I expected given the sculpt.
When I reviewed Grundy, I mentioned that I expected articulated hands on a figure of his size, but I don't really feel like that's an issue here. Kalibak's a smaller figure with larger hands: it would just look silly if there was a hinge on his palm.
Kalibak's articulation would be deserving of a bonus point - maybe two - if he were a normal sized figure, but here it's just the expectation. The reason for the bonus has nothing to do with his joints.
It's his balance. Sure, Grundy can stand all right, but Kalibak can stand on one leg, at least for a while. He can also stand on his head.
There's a missed opportunity at the top of the boots where another cut could be added with no impact on the sculpt. I should also add that the cut waist only gives you a little range of motion due to the belt, but the small changes are pretty effective here. Also, unlike some figures in this line, his head does have some up-and-down motion. It's limited, but it's actually a little more than I expected given the sculpt.
When I reviewed Grundy, I mentioned that I expected articulated hands on a figure of his size, but I don't really feel like that's an issue here. Kalibak's a smaller figure with larger hands: it would just look silly if there was a hinge on his palm.
Kalibak's articulation would be deserving of a bonus point - maybe two - if he were a normal sized figure, but here it's just the expectation. The reason for the bonus has nothing to do with his joints.
It's his balance. Sure, Grundy can stand all right, but Kalibak can stand on one leg, at least for a while. He can also stand on his head.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 8/10
He's no Solomon Grundy, but Kalibak is an impressive figure when all's said and done. So, how about value?
That gets a little tough, since he wasn't originally "for sale" at all. You were supposed to collect all the figures in this wave then connect the pieces together.
I guess that's why they call it a "build-a-figure."
If you bought all five figures at, say, eleven bucks each, then you wound up paying fifty-five dollars for five normal-sized toys and one large one. I don't care how you break that down; it's a great deal these days.
Of course, I paid more than eleven each. I spent thirteen on "Shazam!" and Hawkman, while Killer Moth ran me seventeen. It then ran me another twelve buying three appendages packaged together on Ebay (I ended up with an extra right arm). That's fifty-three, not including tax, for the set. By my reckoning, I figure I spent about twenty bucks on Kalibak and eleven on each of the three figures.
Is he really worth twenty bucks? That's a tough one. While Grundy towered over the normal sized figures, Kalibak's really only marginally larger. Still, he's got some heft, and he's a good toy. I certainly don't think he's worth much more than twenty.
I certainly feel better about the deal than if I'd hopped on Ebay and bought a complete Kalibak for thirty, which is what he'll run you with shipping. Still, if I'd have had the option of just dropping fifty five on the whole set, I'd have been a lot better off. But there are downsides to living in New York City: not a Walmart in sight....
That gets a little tough, since he wasn't originally "for sale" at all. You were supposed to collect all the figures in this wave then connect the pieces together.
I guess that's why they call it a "build-a-figure."
If you bought all five figures at, say, eleven bucks each, then you wound up paying fifty-five dollars for five normal-sized toys and one large one. I don't care how you break that down; it's a great deal these days.
Of course, I paid more than eleven each. I spent thirteen on "Shazam!" and Hawkman, while Killer Moth ran me seventeen. It then ran me another twelve buying three appendages packaged together on Ebay (I ended up with an extra right arm). That's fifty-three, not including tax, for the set. By my reckoning, I figure I spent about twenty bucks on Kalibak and eleven on each of the three figures.
Is he really worth twenty bucks? That's a tough one. While Grundy towered over the normal sized figures, Kalibak's really only marginally larger. Still, he's got some heft, and he's a good toy. I certainly don't think he's worth much more than twenty.
I certainly feel better about the deal than if I'd hopped on Ebay and bought a complete Kalibak for thirty, which is what he'll run you with shipping. Still, if I'd have had the option of just dropping fifty five on the whole set, I'd have been a lot better off. But there are downsides to living in New York City: not a Walmart in sight....
There's nothing more important than family. Except, perhaps, the anti-life equation. If you want to find out the anti-life equation, just analyze this site using the same methodology used in The Bible Code. That'll probably work!
And, once you're done enslaving all of creation to your whim, come back and take a gander at the following bonus pictures:
And, once you're done enslaving all of creation to your whim, come back and take a gander at the following bonus pictures:
