Review: DC Universe Classics: Spectre
The Spectre, in the DC Universe, is the vengeance of God, and he's usually pretty good at his job. From the start, his stories had a tendency to be darker than the norm. Batman might be frightening, but he always turns the criminals he catches in to the cops. The Specter is more likely to turn them into giant wax candles then light the wick.
And yet Batman occasionally teams up with him. Figure that one out.
To stay sane, The Spectre needs a host soul. Otherwise all that power - and it is CONSIDERABLE power - gets pointed in the wrong direction. In recent years, The Spectre has been attached to a Gotham detective, a Green Lantern, and, well, nothing (that didn't go well), but originally he was anchored to Jim Corrigan.
It's no surprise that Mattel used this version as the basis for the DC Universe Classics figure I'm looking at today.
And yet Batman occasionally teams up with him. Figure that one out.
To stay sane, The Spectre needs a host soul. Otherwise all that power - and it is CONSIDERABLE power - gets pointed in the wrong direction. In recent years, The Spectre has been attached to a Gotham detective, a Green Lantern, and, well, nothing (that didn't go well), but originally he was anchored to Jim Corrigan.
It's no surprise that Mattel used this version as the basis for the DC Universe Classics figure I'm looking at today.
Appearance and Construction: 8/10
This is an awesome figure despite some pretty substantial issues. What really works here is the head. The combination of the eyes, face, and hood is stunning.
In addition, Mattel wisely released this figure with hands posed with a finger extended. You almost have to feel sorry for whoever he's pointing at.
I promised issues though, so we'd better cover them. First, there are the feet. Are they bad? No, not really: the shoes are well sculpted and they're probably accurate. Maybe too accurate. Regardless what he wears in the panels, this figure should dress in a manner a tad more imposing than Errol Flynn.
I'm also not a big fan of the cape. Actually, I've never been a huge fan of the capes on this line. I appreciate the need for articulation, but this just doesn't work with the figure.
Finally, there's the old issue with a lack of shading. The head looks good, but the rest really needs more detail.
Even with all these issues, I can't drop lower than an eight. This might not be a perfect figure, but it's still a great one.
In addition, Mattel wisely released this figure with hands posed with a finger extended. You almost have to feel sorry for whoever he's pointing at.
I promised issues though, so we'd better cover them. First, there are the feet. Are they bad? No, not really: the shoes are well sculpted and they're probably accurate. Maybe too accurate. Regardless what he wears in the panels, this figure should dress in a manner a tad more imposing than Errol Flynn.
I'm also not a big fan of the cape. Actually, I've never been a huge fan of the capes on this line. I appreciate the need for articulation, but this just doesn't work with the figure.
Finally, there's the old issue with a lack of shading. The head looks good, but the rest really needs more detail.
Even with all these issues, I can't drop lower than an eight. This might not be a perfect figure, but it's still a great one.
Packaging and Extras: ----
The packaging is more or less the same as always. This time, there are skulls sculpted into the tray around The Spectre. Nice touch:
The back offers a decent synopsis of the character's background and situation. Once again, no complaints.
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The Specter doesn't come with any accessories, but there are a few extras included. First up, you get the obligatory build-a-figure piece. In this case, it's one of Darkseid's arms. You even get an extra, swappable hand.
I have to admit, I'm very impressed with how the arm looks. If I didn't already have a decent version of Darkseid, I'd be very tempted to try and build him. As it is, there's no way I can justify the expense. Pity. In addition, there's a collectible pin. Yup. Still not loving these. All in all, there's enough here to buffer the figure from a penalty, but not enough for a bonus. |
Play and Display: ----
This figure has the same basic joints as almost everything in this line: ball-jointed head and shoulders, pins in the elbows, knees, and ankles, cuts in the waist, upper legs, wrists, and biceps, a hinge in the abs, and swivel/hinge hips.
I do want to mention that, as is often the case, the cape does a good job propping the figure up.
So, why isn't he getting a bonus when so many toys in this line do?
Let's talk a bit more about those joints, shall we? Several joints in The Spectre's legs, along with his cut waist, are absurdly loose. His shoulders, on the other hand, are extremely stiff. And his head, thanks to the sculpted hood, barely moves at all. I don't think I'd trade that last one for a worse looking sculpt, mind you, but it still needs to be considered.
None of those issues are major, but there are just too many to justify a bonus.
I do want to mention that, as is often the case, the cape does a good job propping the figure up.
So, why isn't he getting a bonus when so many toys in this line do?
Let's talk a bit more about those joints, shall we? Several joints in The Spectre's legs, along with his cut waist, are absurdly loose. His shoulders, on the other hand, are extremely stiff. And his head, thanks to the sculpted hood, barely moves at all. I don't think I'd trade that last one for a worse looking sculpt, mind you, but it still needs to be considered.
None of those issues are major, but there are just too many to justify a bonus.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 8/10
I picked this up for $11.99 on sale at Big Bad Toy Store (shipping was about eight bucks, but I was already getting something else). I don't think I could recommend this figure at fifteen or higher, but twelve to thirteen feels fair to me.
Ultimately, I look at Spectre, and I start wondering. See, I've already got Etrigan. And supposedly Zatanna's coming soon. So...
When do we get Swamp Thing?
Ultimately, I look at Spectre, and I start wondering. See, I've already got Etrigan. And supposedly Zatanna's coming soon. So...
When do we get Swamp Thing?
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