Mattel Toys Sucks. Period. They cancel lines blaming lack of fan base support while they themselves offer the products o market in the most piss poor manner possible. I went out on a limb with these reviews as a fan trying to push the product. In the end Mattel showed that they are not worthy of mine or your accolades or MONEY. I’m not editing the reviews however. At the time of their writing I meant what I said and in regards to the figures themselves I feel the same way, however the emotional connection is gone – Signed, Jim 01/14/12
Introduction
Coming hot off the heels of the Smallville series finale where Clark finally embraced his destiny, put on the cape and kicked this guys butt, I think this is a good day for this review. And say what you want but without Smallville’s season 10 the average household now knows the name Darkseid. That’s a good thing especially considering Toys R Us and Mattel’s lack of advertising and promotion for this line. But then again that’s what I’m here for. Let’s sell some darkness folks!
1. What it is.
2. Where it came from.
As with all other DC Retro Action Super Heroes (and Super Villains) he’s a Toys R Us exclusive in the brick and mortar world. I however got mine off of ebay from the seller: page3au (http://cgi.ebay.com/Retro-Action-DC-Super-Heroes-Series-3-Darkseid-New-MOC-/370493548571?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564322e81b ) who did such a great packaging job I have to give him some props and a plug. Seriously this figure came layered in protection; Layer 1. Plastic Bag, Layer 2. Newspaper wrapped like a gift, Layer 3. Cut to size cardboard sheets laid on top and bottom of the figure and taped into place, Layer 4. Another wrapping of paper, Layer 5, A padded envelope also taped securely, and finally Layer 6, packed in a Priority Mail box with bubble wrap and packing paper filling in the gaps in the box to prevent any shaking or movement. Impressive.
3. The Good.
The look of this fellow really grew on me. He looks as if he jumped straight out of the television set from the old Super Powers cartoon. The large “upsized” gloves and boots as well as the padded suit are a very nice touch really. I thought they would be cheesy and gimpy but actually they add to the figures appeal. In a minute you’ll also find out why they are also very crucial to the figures play value.
Another thing that I would like to point out is that even though the bulk-suit is just placed on a regular (but grey colored) RA body it is still very possible with all of the pieces on it. Again we’ll talk about how important and ironic this feature is in a moment.
4. The Bad.
I didn’t see the padded suit as a bad thing when I first heard about this figures make up but it would have been nice to have a larger sized body for the customizing world to devour. But the “bad” part that I refer here is the fact that the body is completely useless without the suit. the pic you see is it in its natural state. All other suit-less shots were propped up.
Now before I get schooled that the body must be this way for the suit to work, I point this out for those who may be wanting a grey body for customizing. If that’s the case you will need to restring the body to make it useable.
Another thing that may be a downer for loose collectors is that Darkseid has been given a tail of sorts. Manufacturing/Consumer safety standards state that a label explaining what exactly the padding is made up of is a necessary evil. Plus you can cut it off. But that does take away the “mint” value of the figure.
A cape would also have been nice. But then again that’s what customizing is for. Play people, play!
5. Why I like it.
Again the comic book / cartoon look and style is excellent. The addition of this “Super Powers” character adds to the future possibility of this line, which of course makes me all kiddy, again like a prom date. The character’s head sculpt being not esactly human is a nice breakaway from the “regular” look of the line. Plus those eye’s! They burn through to your very soul. Okay maybe not but they are painted well.
6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.
You should because…
This figure is in my opinion one of the best interpretations of the character so far when it comes to the other Retro Action Heroes and Villians. The designers really kncked it out of the park with this on.
You shouldn’t because….
If you want to buy it for the grey body, don’t. If you want it out of the package and refuse to cut off the tag but think it looks silly wiith it, then don’t. Other than those two reasons I got nothing.
In Conclusion
Darkseid here is a figure I will easily recommend when it comes to this line. As long as he’s clothed; he’s fun and functional. Plus the balance of good guy / bad guy that Mattel has stuck to with the regular Wave releases makes it crucial to bring this guy home to keep the playing field fair. He’s a great figure overall and I do recommend this one so long as you keep his clothes on. Remember kids, to quote another 80’s tune that’s not quite so racey, “We don’t have to take our clothes off to have a good time. Oh no.” Now, Go Play! – Jim 5/14/11
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
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