Mattel’s Retro Action DC Super Heroes Black Adam

In every collector’s life there comes a time when he or she picks up an item simply because its needed to finish a set or collection. That time is now for me with the Retro Action Black Adam. However I do want to point out that while I could care less about this character in general, the figure is indeed fun looking, better body quality than previous Waves from Mattel and also funny looking. That goes a long way in my Toy Box.

1. What it is.

2. Where it came from.

3. The Good.

The body is fixed! The costume looks very snazzy with the gold accents. And it is good to have another bad guy in the balanace. For that I must applaud Mattel for their strategy in releasing an equal amount of both good and bad guys. Too bad Mego didn’t take this same approach back in the 70’s.

 

 

4. The Bad.

Considering I’m pretty indifferent when itcomes to the character I can’ t objectively find any faults. I do have two things that strike me as odd and or kinda stupid. The first is the boots. What gives with the dotted black lines? I’m not sure what effect the designers were going for but in this example I’m totally clueless.

Another thing that I’m not to overly impressed with is the head sculpt. He looks okay (I actually like his likeness, we’ll come back to that in a minute) but his head seems to be too small for his neck. Leaves him looking like a pin head.

5. Why I like it.

Outside of it being another “new” Mego style super hero to add to the Toy Box, the biggest thing to me is silly but hey it’s my collection right? In all joking seriousness the fact that this figure is a dead ringer for comedic actor Harland williams is simply too cool for school. I’d say Harland do two things here; 1. sue for likeness rights and 2. Agree to drop the suit so long as he is guarenteed the role if they make a live action “Shazam” movie. Again, my two cents.

 

6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.

You should because…

You gotta collect ’em all! Seriously he is a well made figure with an improved body over previous waves. The shiny gold accents do look cool when on display with other figures.

You shouldn’t because….

If your not a big Shazam fan you probably have no real interest in this guy. I understand completely. Honestly had I not got him so cheap I probably wouldn’t be writing this review today.

In Conclusion

The Mattel Retro Action Black Adam is a well made figure especially when compared to his counterparts in Wave’s 1 and 2. He’s also a ‘fair’ representation of the character, not great but not too terrible either. Overall i woould recommend this figure to the RA collectors out there because of the quality. I however can’t see this guy ever going for big bucks on the secondary market. Had this wave actually made it to Toys R Us locations (I have no idea why they didn’t btw) I’m sure this fellow would be a peg warmer even more so than Sinestro still is from Wave 1. Maybe they could have tea or something? 

Thanks again for stopping in dear reader. Now, Go Play! Jim 5/01/11

 Jim Bumgardner is a 20 year veteran of the broadcast industry and currently serves as the news director for television station TKO 8 in Harrison, Arkansas. Jim is the father of two the husband of one and firm believer in the power of toys for both the mind, body and soul. You can contact Jim via email at jimstoybox@gmail.com or visit his website at www.jimsmegos.com

 

All images and products are the sole copyrighted property of it’s respective owners. Specialty photographs and graphic work used for this article were done by Jim at the TKO 8 Studios located at 500 N. Main St in Harrison, Arkansas. “Little Jim” was created by Dawn O’Connell of Little Buddies Action Figures. Learn more about getting your own Little Buddy at www.littlebuddiesactionfigures.com