I've been sitting on this review for quite some time, and now that I'm as excited as a little kid to review Battle Cat, I have to get Kilowog out of the way first due to principle. That doesn't mean this isn't an exciting figure too, because all things considered, this big Green Lantern is a big addition to the DC Universe Classics line.
Name: Kilowog
Line: DC Universe Classics Wave 11, Collect & Connect figure
Manufacturer: Mattel
Released: Late 2009
Accessories: Figure stand (which is useless thanks to a lack of peg holes in his feet)
The first thing of note about Kilowog is that he's huge. As big as almost any other C&C figure in the line so far, he's probably a little bit too big compared to his regular protrayal in the comics. I'd rather have too large than too small, so it works here, and as long as he's not standing next to a ridiculously undersized Chemo, he should look fine. Not only is it his height that grabs your eye, but it's his width too. He's packed with swollen muscles that are more detailed than usual, including veins and striations that you don't normally get in the smaller figures. There are also great costume wrinkles along his feet and wrists to bring him to life that extra bit. The real triumph in regards to detail here is where his skin is visible. It's a wrinked, pocked mess along his shoulders all the way up to his wonderfully intricate (and softer plastic) head. Hs expression is clearly a determined one, and comes across great despite his alien physique. I love all the extra flesh and odd shapes that make this a great head sculpt. Kilowog is basically the best of the Four Horsemen sculpting team on display, and in a forum much larger than we usually get, so all the great detail is just magnified. And somebody must have been listening to me all this time (it's good to think so anyway), because we've finally got a slightly bumped crotch. Women of the DC Universe, rejoice!
Sculpt Score: 10 / 10
The paint here is good, but not quite so fantastic as the sculpt. The cut lines are generally crisp, the colors are consistent both within the figure and across to other Green Lanterns in the line, and there are some good wash and airbrushing effects to bring out details. Some problems relate to slop issues, primarily some yellow/brown gunky stuff on his right hand, along with a small stain on his emblem. The big issue is that his head doesn't match his shoulders, and it very much should. The head is a softer plastic, and took the pink differently than the hard plastic of his torso, so there's a clearly distinct color shift from one to the other, without a reasonable explanation. Other than that, everything is good, if not quite great. I will admit that his eyes and face washes turned out perfect, and though it might be my imagination, it seems like his mouth and nose have a gloss applied, making them look slobbery, which is an amazing touch if intentional.
Paint Score: 7 / 10
Some of the Collect & Connect figures have had limited articulation for good reasons, for instance Chemo. Kilowog has nearly standard joints, with one giant gaping omission that bugs me a lot: a thigh swivel. Some people will tell you a thigh swivel isn't necessary, but I'm not one of them, and due to an issue with his hip joint, it's hard to get Kilowog to stand flat footed thanks to this missing joint. I had to shave off a bit of the inside of his hip to get his leg to close at the hip all the way in, allowing him to stand flat footed. The rocker ankles are nicely implemented here, but still weren't enough to allow for natural flat feet. Other than those problems (which aren't as bad as I might make them sound), this is a set of tight joints with decent range. He's not going to be doing any Oan ballroom dancing anytime in the near future, but there are some good posing options for such a meaty character. Of particular interest is his neck, which actually allows for quite a bit of movement, a welcome respite from recent stiff-necked releases.
Articulation Score: 7 / 10
He's a giant alien that wields the most powerful weapon in the universe, plus he's got a great comic book personality. That all makes for a very entertaining character, which translates pretty well into this figure. Something about his heft and visual presence just commands the shelf or floor, and he's one of the more naturally entertaining figures the line has produced yet. A little better articulation model along with some cool green light constructs would have pushed him to the top of the pile, but as he stands now, he's still a blast.
Fun Score: 9 / 10
To buy all the requisite figures to build Kilowog, you'd have to spend around $100 or so. That's not to say Kilowog himself costs that much, because that's a hard thing to determine, but you can probably expect to pay at least $30-$50 if you try to buy him outright or purchase his parts individuallly. I'm not sure he's completely worth that price, but given his size, he's close. There were some problems with his hip, and he doesn't come with any accessories to add to the value, but his sheer size and presence, along with his sturdy feel make him a reget-free purchase. Don't go too far out of your way to get him, but if you only need to buy an extra figure or two to finish him off, it might be worth a shot.
Value Score: 8 / 10
81 / 100 - This is a Great Toy
Better attention to paint applications and a less problematic articulation model would have made this a must-have action figure. As he stands now, his sculpt is stellar and he's a lot of fun, yet it might not be worth all the trouble it takes to collect and connect him. DCUC collectors and DC Comics fans won't be disappointed, while curious bystanders might be nicely surprised if he's not too much trouble to assemble.
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!
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