By Yik-Hai Chan
July 6, 2006 - 09:48
Earth
2 Superman – Crisis On Infinite Earths: Wave 2
DC Direct
Sculptor – John G. Matthews
Back in 1961,
Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash, discovered that there existed
parallel worlds among the Earth that he lived in with the Justice League.
The alternate world that was first shown was Earth-2, a place that
showcased the much loved Golden Age characters. For twenty years,
the Justice League of Earth-1 teamed with the Justice Society
of Earth-2 in annual crossovers until a Crisis that threatened
the destruction of DC’s Multiverse. One of the main protagonists
against the growing threat was the much older Man of Tomorrow, the Superman
of Earth-2.
Packaging
Although
packaged in the blister card approach, the packaging for Earth 2 Superman
and all of the other COIE figures is actually very different and quite
attractive. The blister is rounded, almost as if it is showcasing the
figure while the graphics on the back of the card are appropriate, showing two
Earths colliding. The logo base is packaged at the top and doubles as the
logo for the packaging itself. The original solicitation image of the
figures of the second wave is shown on the back as well as a brief summary of
the characters as usual.
Likeness
Although
some would argue that the Supermen of the two Earths are very similar,
the subtle differences that distinguish them are definitely included.
These available differences comprise of the Kal-L figure sporting the
grey streaks of hair on the sides of his head, the “S” shield logo being the
one seen of Earth-2, the cape being much shorter and the detail around
the cuffs being present. True DC fans would definitely notice the
difference even if the “Earth-2” were absent from any labelling.
Sculpting
The
Earth 2 Superman figure is not specifically based on the art of George
Pérez
but it is a good sculpt for a generic version of the character. The
sculpt of the face is quite long and thin which is appreciated considering the
character’s more mature age. Another thing to note is the detail on the
costume where I particularly like the sculpted cuffs and the seams running down
the sides, through I have never seen drawn in the comics. One problem that I do
have is the size of the musculature. When comparing with Modern Age Superman,
it gives the impression that Earth 2 Superman is not as well built, in
respect to body size. This is not the case as seen in Infinite Crisis
where they are portrayed as equals.
Paint
The Crisis On Infinite Earth
figures were recalled and delayed to apply better quality practice and control
where the main area that failed was paint work. Although not awful, the
paint job on the figure is still has its problems. The belt is the worst
area on the figure where there is yellow paint bleeding with the surrounding
blue and red. There is also a little bleed on the sculpted “S” shield on
the back of the cape. Be weary of the painted eyes as well, since it
seems that one is painted slightly off center. The “S” shield on the
front is printed well and is centered although I would have liked it to have
been a little bigger.
Scale
Some good news finally arrives in the
ever changing DC Direct scale. When placed next to Modern Age
Superman, they are approximately the same height at just over 6.5
inches. I do not own any Silver or Golden Age figures so I
can’t compare with them but if you want to check the scale before you buy, you
can simply use the Modern Age Superman for comparison in height (but not
in size).
Stability
Earth 2 Superman is fairly stable on its own without
the support of the included logo base which is surprising, considering the
sculpted feet, pointing more outward than any of the previously released Superman
figures. If you are having any doubts, it is probably safer to use the
base.
Articulation
This figure has been given 9 points
of articulation which is no surprise as it is very much the DC Direct
standard. The ball jointed points include the neck and shoulders which
all have good ranges of motion. The cut joints in the wrist are
definitely appreciated as it adds to the range of poses available. The
pivoted knees and the cut hips are not particularly useful other then for
balancing while the pivoted elbows are fairly standard.
Accessories
Other then the “Crisis on Infinite
Earths” logo base, there is not anything else packaged with the
figure. I do like the base as it goes not use up more space then it needs
and it is very different to the usual as it uses clear plastic as opposed to the
standard black.
Cost/Value
£9.99 is a decent price for most DC
Direct figures and I am fairly pleased with the price I paid against the
figure I received. However there are still some minor quality
issues. Other than the small paint problems, there are also some minute
scratches on the torso which are visible up close. I have heard other
people with similar problems so it is something to look out for.
Availability
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a much loved series so I would
expect that the figure line would get the same treatment, especially with
characters we may only see done once in plastic form. Earth 2 Superman
is no exception and I am sure it will be very soon that it won’t be on the
shelves for long, especially with his popularity increase since Infinite
Crisis. If you see one, grab it now before you regret it.
Overall
In conclusion, it is by no means a
bad figure but it does not raise the impress enough to be a great figure.
Although I do value the work done of the head sculpt and the costume, I feel it
would have been better if the musculature were sculpted slightly bigger.
The articulation is good but could have benefited from bicep cut joints while
the paint is still carelessly done in some areas. Definitely an above
average figure and one I have been patiently waiting for, it will make a great
center piece for the upcoming Infinite Crisis figures.
Grade
7