Review: DC Universe Classics: Kid Flash
Wally West is one of those characters who's hard to describe. He has, in my opinion, one of the most absurd origin stories in the history of comics. Barry Allen, the second (and debatably most iconic) Flash, was showing his nephew the forensic crime lab where he was struck years before by a bolt of lightning that turned him into the fastest man alive. Then, out of the blue, a second bolt of lightning struck Wally, giving him the same powers.
Now, there are two ways to look at this: either the same random and impossibly unlikely even occurred a second time, or (preferably) fate intervened twice. Let's go with the latter, since it's a little less ridiculous. Unless, of course, you want the Flash to be ridiculous, and I suppose that's perfectly fair.
Anyway, contrary to the figure, Wally didn't stay young forever: he eventually grew up and took the mantle of the Flash when Barry was killed during Crisis on Infinite Earths. Then Wally died, and Bart Allen, the replacement Kid Flash, magically grew up and took over. Then Bart died, Wally came back, Barry came back, Bart came back young again, and, last time I checked, all the Flashes were alive and fighting crime.
Then again, I haven't been following the events of Blackest Night, so, honestly, I have no idea anymore.
This version of the character is based on how he looked as Kid Flash, when he was Barry Allen's sidekick and a member of the Teen Titans. Made by Mattel, it's meant to fit in with the DC Universe Classics line.
Now, there are two ways to look at this: either the same random and impossibly unlikely even occurred a second time, or (preferably) fate intervened twice. Let's go with the latter, since it's a little less ridiculous. Unless, of course, you want the Flash to be ridiculous, and I suppose that's perfectly fair.
Anyway, contrary to the figure, Wally didn't stay young forever: he eventually grew up and took the mantle of the Flash when Barry was killed during Crisis on Infinite Earths. Then Wally died, and Bart Allen, the replacement Kid Flash, magically grew up and took over. Then Bart died, Wally came back, Barry came back, Bart came back young again, and, last time I checked, all the Flashes were alive and fighting crime.
Then again, I haven't been following the events of Blackest Night, so, honestly, I have no idea anymore.
This version of the character is based on how he looked as Kid Flash, when he was Barry Allen's sidekick and a member of the Teen Titans. Made by Mattel, it's meant to fit in with the DC Universe Classics line.
Appearance and Construction: 7/10
You may recall that when I reviewed The Flash I complained that the plastic looked cheap and toyish. Well, in comparison, The Flash is looking pretty good right now.
The coloration on Kid Flash's outfit is dull and faded. If I hadn't just pulled him out of his packaging, I'd think he had spent some time in the sun.
That said, the sculpting work here is solid. Of course, the sculpting work on this whole line is great: that's what happens when you hire brilliant sculptors.
I'm betting the problems here occurred in production. My guess is that when Mattel ordered these, they expected them to come back looking a little better.
Appearance aside, I have no issues with the construction here: this is a sturdy figure. I just wish it looked better.
In terms of scoring, I almost gave Kid Flash a six, but relented at the last minute. Why? Because, for all his faults, he still looks good standing beside his boss.
The coloration on Kid Flash's outfit is dull and faded. If I hadn't just pulled him out of his packaging, I'd think he had spent some time in the sun.
That said, the sculpting work here is solid. Of course, the sculpting work on this whole line is great: that's what happens when you hire brilliant sculptors.
I'm betting the problems here occurred in production. My guess is that when Mattel ordered these, they expected them to come back looking a little better.
Appearance aside, I have no issues with the construction here: this is a sturdy figure. I just wish it looked better.
In terms of scoring, I almost gave Kid Flash a six, but relented at the last minute. Why? Because, for all his faults, he still looks good standing beside his boss.
Packaging and Extras: -1
We've been through this before; we'll go through it again. The packaging looks fine. It looks just like it always has:
There's still some character information on the back. Doesn't count for much, but it shows Mattel cares enough to do their homework.
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What this section really boils down to is value, and unfortunately that's not an area this toy shines in. Beyond the figure and packaging, you get one of Atom Smasher's arms. Other than that, there's... ah... nothing. Zip.
Now, if Kid Flash were a larger figure, I could overlook this. In fact, if he were a character wearing a cape (like Robin), I could probably let this slide. But a figure this small with this little ornamentation needs more. Kid Flash doesn't just need accessories: he needs great accessories. He needs an amazing stand or alternate head sculpts or some sort of clear plastic "energy" you can attach. |
Otherwise, he's just a small, dull figure with a big price tag. At least he comes with a piece of Atom Smasher. For what it's worth, it's a good arm.
Play and Display: +1
Is the coloration a bit dull? Yup. Are you getting ripped off in terms of accessories? Sure. But, when push comes to shove, this is still a DC Universe Classics figure, and that means great articulation and balance.
Kid Flash comes with everything you're used to: a ball jointed head that really just turns, ball jointed shoulders, pins in the ankles, knees, and elbows, and cut joints on the wrists, legs, waist and biceps. And let's not forget the hip joints that make this line stand out.
Kid Flash gives you some posing options. Sure, his small size means you're not getting your money's worth, but it also means he has better balance. If you've got a spare stand (which, granted, he should have come with), you can strike a "running" pose with one foot in the air - that's something, you may recall, I couldn't get The Flash to do.
I'm giving Kid Flash the default +1 I give almost every DC Universe Classics figure. He's got issues, but they're not in this category.
Kid Flash comes with everything you're used to: a ball jointed head that really just turns, ball jointed shoulders, pins in the ankles, knees, and elbows, and cut joints on the wrists, legs, waist and biceps. And let's not forget the hip joints that make this line stand out.
Kid Flash gives you some posing options. Sure, his small size means you're not getting your money's worth, but it also means he has better balance. If you've got a spare stand (which, granted, he should have come with), you can strike a "running" pose with one foot in the air - that's something, you may recall, I couldn't get The Flash to do.
I'm giving Kid Flash the default +1 I give almost every DC Universe Classics figure. He's got issues, but they're not in this category.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 7/10
This is probably the least impressive DC Universe Classics figure I've got, but it still isn't bad. These started around twelve bucks or so, and there's no way he's worth that. Not even close.
But these things have a way of working themselves out: I picked mine up off Amazon during the week before Christmas (one of the best times of the year for online shopping) for $5.99. That's a bit more reasonable. In fact, at that price, he's a fine toy.
Just don't pay more than eight bucks for him.
But these things have a way of working themselves out: I picked mine up off Amazon during the week before Christmas (one of the best times of the year for online shopping) for $5.99. That's a bit more reasonable. In fact, at that price, he's a fine toy.
Just don't pay more than eight bucks for him.
So, you're through the review. What now? Well, you could stop by my blog and see if there's anything new. Or you could pick up my new novel: then you'd have something to read when you're offline.
Just kidding. You should never go offline. There are creatures out there in the real world. Horrible, horrible creatures. Stay on the internet, where it's safe. But buy my book, anyway.
Just kidding. You should never go offline. There are creatures out there in the real world. Horrible, horrible creatures. Stay on the internet, where it's safe. But buy my book, anyway.
