DCUC Jemm & OMAC

Within the first three months of writing this blog back in 2010, I'd already started collecting DC Universe Classics. The very popular 6" Mattel action figure line was easy to find and affordable, featuring many of the characters in the DC books I was reading at the time. The aesthetic uniformity of the line also appealed to me. I can't tell you how many times I saw Jemm and OMAC warming the pegs at K-Mart, but I couldn't resist picking them up on eBay for only six bucks each shipped recently. The seller sent the buttons that were originally included with these figures, both from the 15th wave of DCUC figures.
 

I discovered Jemm, Son of Saturn back in 2011, catching up with the Ostrander/Mandrake run Martian Manhunter Vol.2. Jemm first appeared in 1984 under his own title, a creation of Greg Potter and Gene Colan. John Ostrander used his similarity to J'onn J'onnz to retcon a backstory of the Saturnians being a creation of the Martians, modelled after their own race. This figure, however, is not a simple repaint of the DCUC Martian Manhunter. I wasn't wild about the color scheme on this figure for years, but my nostalgia for the DC Universe Classics line has softened my opinion over time. I think he would have looked better in black, like the button he came with, but his brighter, traditional colors do reflect his first appearance. The long spindly fingers are a unique feature among the DCUC line, and emphasize his alien character. 

Below, Jemm, Son of Saturn with my DC Universe Classics Martian Manhunter...

I've read none of the OMAC comics artist Jack Kirby created back in '74, but did read the retconned version featured in OMAC Project, Infinite Crisis, and Justice League: Generation Lost. A new volume of OMAC was published as part of  DC Comic's New 52 relaunch, but I have yet to read any of that. As an action figure, OMAC can stand alone on the sheer merits of his "toyetic" appeal, and that's what I like about him- his colorful out fit and outrageous mohawk make him singular among the DCUC line and action figures in general.

Below, OMAC with my DCUC Cyborg, another cybernetic DC Comics character...

Below. Jemm and OMAC with my DCUC Adam Strange and Booster Gold...

And finally, Jemm and OMAC with my DCUC Doctor Fate and Hawkman...

I have great memories of getting into action figures ten years ago when I started this blog, and DC Universe Classics were definitely a part of that nostalgia. Collectors had not been treated to a superhero action figure line as vastly encompassing before, as they were introduced to a somewhat new Golden Age of action figures there at the end of the 2000s. Exciting times! I have more DCUC figures in my collection to show you- stay tuned!

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DC Direct 1:6 Classic Batman & Robin

I have long been a fan of DC Direct's 1:6 scale deluxe figures, produced from 2005 to 2008, a large portion of which measuring in at 13", a full inch taller than a lot of other 1:6 scale figures on the market. They are touted as "realistically proportioned, super-heroic", so their measurements make sense to me, plus I love their slightly oversized presentation. The adult males among this collection have a pretty beefy buck, and are of mostly sturdy construction, able to stand unaided, though I'd encourage using the included base. The Classic Batman and Robin had been on my wish list for years, so when I was presented with a reasonable deal, I took them both. Check out the video:

Boasting 28 points of articulation, these figures still have there limits- the pegged hands are mostly limited to a 360 degree swivel without hinges, and the ankles lack the pivot joints we see more of today. The are serviceably poseable however, and were purchased for their aesthetic value in my case. Their cloth and vinyl outfits are of good quality, needing minimal adjustment when posing, particularly in the utility belt/shorts department. Really nice though! Batman came with the most accessories, all of which can be shared with the Boy Wonder, and they both fit comfortably on their respective doll stands. For all their flaws, this short-lived line of deluxe figures were fantastic and sought after to this day. I'm a huge fan, and own at least seven other figures from this line- I sold a Green Lantern and Sinestro within the last three years, so Batman and Robin brought me right back to a total of nine in my collection, I believe. In truth, I'd love to have several more of these, but they take up a lot of room and are mildly cost prohibitive, so purchases are carefully considered. many of these now go for over $100 now, sometimes considerably more depending on desirability.

Below, Batman and Robin next to my DC Direct 1:6 scale Classic Superman- that figure was my first step into this larger scale DC Direct nine years ago. I am still mad for that figure, and I love having the Dynamic Duo to stand next to him, all in their classic colors!

 

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DC Collectibles Stargirl

Like the figures in my last post, I picked up this DC Collectibles New 52 Star Girl eleven months ago, circling back for some of the DC Collectibles and DC Direct figures I'd missed in years past. I was less familiar with the character, but thought she was a beautiful figure. Star Girl was created by writer Geoff Johns as a tribute to his sister Courtney, a victim of the TWA Flight 800 crash. I read more about her recently in the regrettably inflated Brightest Day books, which at points seemed directionless. Too long! Regardless, I liked Courtney Whitmore as a character, the stepdaughter of the original Star-Spangled Kid who is given Starman's cosmic staff upon joining the Justice Society, becoming Stargirl.

DC Collectibles was adding more articulation to their figures when Star Girl was released, so she has swivels in her ankles, wrists and biceps, and ball-joint hips. These new points of articulation did make her a little more poseable, but only a little. That said, I was always a fan of DC Direct's paint and sculpt detail, as well as their comic art-specific aesthetic. This is a fantastic figure I'm very pleased with, here's a few too many photos of her...

Below, Star Girl with her 2014 wave mate, Hawkman- another DC Collectibles New 52 figure that I picked up last year. The detail on this figure is stunning- a must-have for any Hawkman fan. Reccomended!

Below, Star Girl with her Justice League of America teammate, Martian Manhunter. J'onn J'onnz is probably my favorite DC character, and I loved this DC Collectibles New 52 version I got back in 2013. Fantastic action figure!

And finally, Stargirl pictured below with Huntress and Power Girl from the New 52 2-pk I reviewed in my last post. I think she complements them well. Her construction is very similar, but she is a more sturdy sample of DC Collectibles product from this particular moment in 2014, which actually had some beautiful figures that are sought after still today. See more of those at the DC Direct/DC Collectibles Archive!

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DC Collectibles Worlds Finest Huntress & Power Girl

I picked up this DC Collectibles Worlds Finest Huntress & Power Girl 2-pk eleven months ago, circling back for some of the DC Collectibles and DC Direct figures I'd missed in years past. These two had a real connection for me as I was reading World's Finest in 2012, part of DC Comics' second wave of New 52 books after their 2011 relaunch. I dipped my toe into a few of New 52 titles, this one of interest to me due to it's Earth 2 ties. I read all of the first volume, but moved onto other monthly titles after about the 8th issue, circling back to pick up an annual that crossed storylines with Earth 2.

While Power Girl's outfit didn't get the same treatment as in Vol. 1 of World's Finest, these are two beautiful figures, representative of the classic versions of the characters. They also have serious engineering issues that limit posing, and in Huntress' case, completely fail. The right knee joint on the aforementioned figure just came completely undone. I did manage to cobble it back together for a photo shoot, limited with the additional issue of the stuck joint at her right shoulder/bicep. As unfortunate as this was, reports of QC issues upon the release this 2-pk were well known, and I knew what I was getting into. I didn't pay a fortune thankfully, and was happy with the photos. I actually prefer DC Direct/DC Collectibles earlier figures with a little less articulation- these later first attempts to add articulation were a mixed bag with little improvement on posability. Power Girl has issues simply standing due to lack of a solid, flat footprint and weak ankles. There's seemingly little in the way of a good stance for her, as though her ankles aren't at the correct angle.

Complaints aside, I do love the aesthetic of these figures. I like the segmented armor on the gauntlets and boots, a unifying element on a lot of the New 52 character designs. A lot of fans didn't like the updates to their favorite DC heroes during this period, but I did. DC Collectibles changed their name back to DC Direct before folding recently, and their QC issues may have contributed, but I'm sure an oversaturated action figure market came into play. I hunted down several I missed in the past, and have been happy overall with their clean paint apps and design. I expect less articulation with DC Direct/DC Collectibles, and would have given this pair higher marks if Huntress' leg had not come apart at the knee. I can't recommend them because of poor engineering, but they sure look beautiful.

And finally, Huntress and Power Girl with my DC Collectibles Earth 2 Hawkgirl and Katana ...

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McFarlane Toys Batman Earth-44 (Murder Machine)

I saw the entire wave this Batman Earth-44 figure was part of several weeks ago at Walmart for under $16.00 each, but was mainly interested in him, due in large part to his fantastic character design. I've not read any of DC's Dark Knights series, featuring a number of elseworlds versions of Batman, all villainous mashups with other DC characters. Murder Machine is a mix of Batman and Cyborg, the result of a guilt ridden Earth-44 Bruce Wayne having downloaded the brutally murdered Alfred Pennyworth's conscious. The consequences of Cyborg's assistance in this task was his own gruesome beheading when the A.I. turns against everyone, taking over Bruce's body, replacing it with a murderous mechanical Batman. Pretty dark, but I liked the figure.

Like the other McFarlane Multiverse figures, Murder Machine came with a collector card made of thick, durable stock, and a base upon which to stand him. I really hated when DC Collectibles and Mattel stopped giving us figure bases, and it's classy of McFarlane to bring that back.
 

I love the tentacle accessory included with this figure, and only wish he came with another! I can't imagine displaying him without it, so I'll need to fina a little baggie to store his other fist. A large blade, clamp, or gun could have also been excellent accessories for Murder Machine.

Below, Murder Machine battles my McFarlane Toys Nightwing, another fantastic figure from this Multiverse line. While collectors have had a launder list of complaints about McFarlane's Multiverse line, this is the best Nightwing I've seen in awhile- the sculpt detail and articulation are really great.

And finally, Murder Machine Batman vs. the Hellbat, the figure from McFarlane's first DC Multiverse wave, and still likely my favorite! This chunky, armored Batman got my attention immediately. I've seen previews of a few McFarlane DC figures forthcoming that interest me, but am ready for some other characters. I'd like to believe we could see Silver Age characters like Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Dr. Fate, but we've only  received contemporary characters so far. Only time will tell!

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