Toy Hunt: DC Infinite Heroes
I finally broke down and bought my first DC Infinite Heroes figures this weekend. I picked up the 3 3/4ths scale DC figures, because it was a three pack that was on sale and… okay I got it because the set contains Supergirl and I’m a Supergirl fanatic. Apparently Target is running a short sale on the three packs and I was lucky enough find the only Superman/Supergirl/Wondergirl power trio that I’ve seen so far.
I’m not an expert toy reviewer, but I do believe I have somewhat of an informed opinion. Therefore I can say without a doubt that the Superman figure is pretty sucky. Sure he would have made a great figure in the ’80s, but his extremely limited articulation and strange proportions really reminds me of a toy from that era of collecting. I can’t understand why his hands are so friggen large. Supes could palm a watermelon without a problem. The hands on the male figures have really made toys that I would have bought without a second thought on the extreme low end of toy purchasing wants. I’m placing the blame for this on the fact that Mattel hasn’t had a lot of experience in the last few years with a 3 3/4th line. The only reason Hasbro’s G.I. Joe and Star Wars figures look so good in comparison is that it took them years to get to where they are. Mattel needs to catch up and do it fast.
The female figures are a lot better, though. The limited articulation works a bit in their favor, because I’m used to female figures like them in the Star Wars line. The only problem I have with Supergirl is that her neck appears to be a bit thick and both her and Wondergirl have waists that come right out of Rob Liefield’s twisted view of what a woman should look like. They also have some really large breasts, if that’s the sort of thing you want in a female toy. Supergirl is supposed to be a teen, so she’s seriously some super jail bait with those cans.
Overall, I’m satisfied with this set, even though I would have liked a better Superman. If Mattel could put a little more improvement into the male characters, the line could be a little more successful. Until then, I’m sticking to my must haves of Powergirl and Dr. Fate and skipping almost anything else.
As an aside, I find it strange that ToyBender is the number one search on Google for, “DC Infinite Heroes.” Not to knock this super awesome blog, but nobody must be talking about these things if I’m number one. That’s not a good sign for this line.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:55 am
I also broke down and bought my only “must-have” 3 pack from this line, the Green Arrow - Green Lantern - Black Canary pack, mostly because I must eventually have every Green Arrow toy ever released by anyone anywhere to put in my little Green Arrow Shrine (better not to ask).
At any rate, I generally share your opinion and will post pics and a review on my blog soonish. This could’ve been a great, great property. Marvel’s “Furyfiles” 3 3/4″ figures are going to blow these away.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
yeah, the only one I will ever buy is probably the Green Arrow set. i also have a man crush on Green Arrow. isn’t it the SUPER TOUGH hooded version and not the sweet robin hood hat version, though? oh well
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I only have Guy Gardner but I hope to get a Power Girl very soon. She’s a big want for me.
I also want the Starfire/Raven 3 pack, for some reason i want to make the Giffen JLI team and the Teen Titans.
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:15 pm
nice score Paul. Would go into this line if their articulation were on par with Marvel’s equivalent.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:12 am
Shaun I would probably buy a lot more of them, but I think they’d also have to improve their sculpts at the same time. What’s with those damn monkey hands!?
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:15 am
DCIH won’t be around this time next year.