We keep cruising along with our DC Universe Classics Wave 11 reviews, and this Sinestro Corps inspired version of Cyborg Superman is up next. Is there any reason to buy a figure that's practically been released twice already? Read on to find out.
Name: Cyborg Superman (Sinestro Corps)
Line: DC Universe Classics Wave 11, Figure 4
Manufacturer: Mattel
Released: November 2009
Price: Retail: $15.00-$18.00, Online: $16.00-$24.00
Scale: 6.00 in.
Collect & Connect Piece: Kilowog's head and lower torso
Accessories: None
Sponsor Listings: Ka-Razy Kings of Toys-$18.89(sale price), Mike's Comics N' Stuff-$16.99, Past Generation Toys-$19.95
If you have either of the past two releases of Cyborg Superman, then you'll be quite familiar with the sculpt here. He shares a lot of pieces with the past figures, and only his legs and right hand are different. The legs are just the standard Superman DCUC legs we've seen a number of times (which is a vast improvement since they don't naturally split like the older Cyborg Supermans' legs), but his hand is new, prominently featuring four power rings of various shapes. Unfortunately, this lack of new tooling really shows with Cyborg Superman, because he looks a little disheveled and thrown together. For instance, consider his tiny head, which is obviously too small for his body, and way too small in comparison to his giant gorilla fist. The hand is also looking a little soft and oddly shaped compared to the new hands, so there's that too. His cape is nicely sculpted, but the mold lines in the back are much too visible, and there is some ugly scarring along the top as well. On the more positive side, his metallic bits are quite detailed and look high-tech without relying too heavily on sharp angles, instead implementing curves and softer, more organic angles. And if the head weren't much too small, I would say it's pretty good, because it's certainly detailed and terrifying.
Sculpt Score: 7 / 10
For the most part, Cyborg Superman is very well painted. Cut lines between colors are crisp, small details like jis rings and his face turned out clean, and all the color choices look good on him too. There is some dark airbrushing on his face to bring out the details and up his evil-looks potential, but I wish the same thing had been applied to all the metallic parts. The chest emblem is done wonderfully well, blending the Superman "S" and Sinestro Corps logo. He's actually all good except for one thing that bugs me a lot, which is the application error on his chest. You see, the silver tech on his right shoulder that extends up along his collarbone is actually supposed to be black, following the line of color down his chest. The prototype was right, so they just missed the chance here (and probably because the sculpt doesn't really allow for it to be done easily). It should be easy to correct if that's your inclination, because you can just paint over that piece, or remove it altogether and paint underneath (which might provide the most comic-accurate results). All that said, the figure still looks fine the way he is, so despite his lack of comic accuracy, it's a great paint job.
Paint Score: 8 / 10
There's not much to report here. It's the usual DC Universe Classics articulation set, and all the points move pretty freely except one, his neck. His noggin might be reduced to a swivel, but all the other points feel plenty tight, have a great range, and allow for an easily poseable and entertaining figure.
Articulation Score: 9 / 10
I'm a big fan of the Sinestro Corps storyline and Green Lantern in general, so this rendition of Cyborg Superman in his Sinestro Corps fatigues is a blast for me. If you're not into the background of the character, there's a good chance you won't find him quite so rewarding. His articulation is certainly playable and makes for some interesting poses, but without any accessories to really up the entertainment value, there's only so much you can do with him. Where are the yellow lantern constructs, severed Green Lantern heads (might be asking a little too much), or even the yellow lantern? This is the Sinestro Corps version after all. One thing that is on his side is his sinister spin on Superman, not to mention that he's a robot, which might grab him a few extra glances. Let's face it, robots are more fun, especially evil ones with yellow lantern rings that look like Superman. He also features the head of the Collect & Connect Kilowog, which could potentially be fun on its own, but also adds a lot of enjoyment when assembling the final product.
Fun Score: 7 / 10
This is a basic redeco, doesn't include a single accessory, and is just an average sized 6 inch figure, yet it also costs $15. That's simply not comparable to similar lines out there right now, and not even comparable to other figures in the same wave who offer so much more value than does Cyborg Superman (i.e., Steppenwolf, John Stewart). Neither paint, sculpting, nor extras warrant this kind of price. The C&C piece is definitely something to consider, and I suspect will lead to many purchases of Cyborg Superman on its own, but since this is a slight variation of a character that many people already own, it's hard to recommend him at this price point. Mattel had just settled into the $13 range when they upped the cost needlessly, and now it's going to push people away from the line. For this figure to be worth so much, he would need multiple light constructs, a figure stand, a new unique head sculpt, and more attention to detail in regards to paint. He has none of those things.
Value Score: 4 / 10
70 / 100 - This is a Good Toy
If Cyborg Superman weren't so expensive, he'd be a no brainer for any DC Comics fan or Superman collector. Instead he's an overpriced toy that just barely made the cut thanks to a nice articulation model and attractive colors. This is a good toy, but there just aren't a lot of reasons to own him. As always, he's a decision you'll just have to make on your own, and I hope the information here is helpful in that regard.
-The Articulated One
This could be the figure given away in this month's Review Commentator Contest. Join the discussion by leaving a comment on this review for a chance to win!
_________
