One of the first comics I can ever remember reading was an issue of the 1980s Doom Patrol run that I found in some dusty old book shop. Of course I was familiar with Superman and Batman, but what the Doom Patrol was a strange collection of superheroes I had never even imagined could exist. A number of years later, and here I am looking at an action figure of the character in that comic that captured my attention most, Robotman. And thankfully, Mattel managed to make a figure that I could love just like I loved that first comic so much. 

Name: Robotman
Line: DC Universe Classics, Wave 10, Figure 1
Manufacturer: Mattel
Released: Fall 2009
Price: Retail: $13-$15, Online: $60.00-$90.00
Scale: 6 In. (figure is 6.50 in. tall)
Accessories: Removable head plate
Collect & Connect Piece: Imperiex's upper and middle torso

     If you're a long-time collector of DCUC, there isn't much that's new to see here. Robotman is composed of the standard thinner buck with a few new additions, namely his hands, forearms, chest, and head. Thankfully that's all the new tooling that was needed to make him comic-accurate, because this is a nice looking physical representation of a beloved classic character. Some might suggest there is too much muscle tone visible through the metal shell, but I'm okay with it, and think he's a attractive figure. The gadget on his chest is ever so slightly tilted on mine, and the red straps holding it on don't actually continue on to the back of the figure, which seems like a problem, though I can't confirm whether or not that's how he appears in other mediums. Either way, I'd prefer that the straps keep going, especially since his back is a newly tooled piece (because of the shoulders attachments) anyway. The hands and head both have lots of small details to bring out his more robotic nature, and despite the strange shape of his face, it carries some expression and looks swell. His "scalp" can be removed to reveal the brain inside, which looks realistic enough, except that the details don't quite run all the way to the base of the brain, leaving a bare line around the edge, again a small problem in the scheme of things. Although Robotman is a rather simple looking figure, he still captures the look of the character and makes for a stylish figure with a few problems like the flat crotch, lazy design on the back, "cloth" wrinkles at his ankles, and oddly shaped feet (a pet peeve I'm finally going to start mentioning for DCUC figures).

Sculpt Score: 7 / 10

 

     I'm actually rather impressed with Mattel's efforts towards great paint on DCUC as of late, and Robotman isn't changing my mind in any way. His bronze is a beautiful consistent shade that properly conveys his metallic sheen without looking outrageous, and the few accompanying colors look just fine too. There aren't a lot of nooks and crannies on this fellow that require a deft touch, but the straps on his chest look okay, the color switch from his undies to metal are very crisp, and even his black and red eyes turned out clean. The brain inside his head is a dirty pink with a dark wash to bring out texture, with just a little excess bleeding onto the outer rim of his cranium. Even the tiny gold dots on his forehead and above his ears look perfect, depsite their tiny size. The only small problem I have is a wild speck of gold on his head and a couple spots with some minor rubbing, but it's nothing major, and overall, this is about as good a job as could have been done in a mass-market line.

Paint Score: 9 / 10

 

    There isn't a lot to say about the articulation here, because it's the same old model you've seen 100 times in DCUC before (if you're not familiar, all his joints are listed above). Of course, you'll notice I didn't even claim his neck is a ball joint, even though all the necessary components for a ball joint are there. Something about the production process has created an issue with the necks, and Robotman is another figure that has been reduced to a swivel, a considerable deficit when it comes to posing and personality. Mine's left ankle is also a little loose, which isn't a big problem, but occasionally causes him to tumble and can look a little odd thanks to its weirrd placement on the calf. Other than those problems, it's all tight joints and smooth moving, and he's easy to play with or throw into a dynamic stance on the shelf. He could always use a few more points and the full range at his neck, but this is still a strong set of articulation. 

Articulation Score: 8 / 10

 

     Robots are undoubtedly cool, but then again, Robotman is mostly man in appearance. He's just an average sized 6 inch scale figure, looks much like every other figure (thanks to the basic buck use), and is just bronzed to show that he's metal. I don't think kids are going to throw themselves at this guy on the shelf (given they actually see him before the collector swoops in for the steal), and that's actually pretty representative of how a lot of collectors will think of him too, kind of generic. I obviously love the figure (you read the intro right?), and I'm enjoying him quite thoroughly (read that as you will), but I'm still willin to recognize that not everyone will feel that way. Take that lack of character, and add in the lack of accessories for entertainment, and he's not left with much. The visible brain is a neat diversion for sure, and including the Collect & Connect Imperiex pieces helps, yet there is still some killer edge missing from this one. Thankfully the good articulation helps make him playable and displayable, because that saves an otherwise rather pedestrian toy. 

Fun Score: 7 / 10

     Robotman isn't an enormous figure, doesn't include any accessories, and isn't a big name character. That's not a great combination for a good value, though the C&C pieces are a big aid, and he's not ridiculously priced anyway. Basically, if you like this character or are completing Imperiex, you won't be feel totally ripped off, and if you aren't invested in the line or the character, then you might think he's a tad too high at $13 or so. There aren't any problems or production errors to hold him back, and there aren't any intense paint applications or new pieces to make him feel worth more, leaving him somewhere in the middle of a decent deal. 

Value Score: 7 / 10

78 / 100 - This is a Good Toy

DC fans and Doom Patrol fanatics are likely to adore this figure, but for everyone else, he's just another good entry into the line. There is definitely no reason to avoid him, and even for casual collectors, there's a good chance you'll appreciate Robotman. I just don't think there's any reason to go way out of your way to track him down.   

-The Articulated One

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