It might seem a little odd to take a step backwards in time and go from a Wave 12 review to a Wave 11 review, but we can't skip over great figures like this one in our quest to review every new DC Universe Classics release, just because Mattel put out lots of figures all at once. Steppenwolf deserves his time in the spotlight, and he's getting it right now.
Name: Steppenwolf (Classic)
Line: DC Universe Classics Wave 11, Figure 7
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 figure stand
Accessories: Sword, whip, and horn
Sponsor Listings: Ka-Razy Kings of Toys-$18.89(sale price), Amazon-$18.95
Figures like this are so refreshing, because unlike a vast majority of toys released in the line, Steppenwolf has lots of new tooling and really stands out. All the pieces are fantastically sculpted, detail-laden, and character appropriate. Little touches like the flap on the back of his cape (which hangs wonderfully flat and straight), the raised Kirby zig-zags on the thigh boots, and the intricate pattern around his neck are all wonderfully well done. I can't find a single spot on the figure that doesn't look good, proving just how masterful the Four Horsemen are when they're able to go all out with a character such as is the case here. The whip and horn accessories have a great New Gods style, while the sword looks good if a bit more generic though still good. Even though it would have been hard to do, I wish the horn was actually hollow, or at least the gap ran deeper inside so it looked better. His head has all the requisite details too, albeit a slightly dull and odd expression. His sword fits in either hand well once it's there, but since the sword is ridiculously flimsy, be careful putting it in, because it might easily tear.
Sculpt Score: 9 / 10
For a wave that's heavily populated by Green Lantern characters, the surprise winner for "Most Green" is without a doubt Steppenwolf. There are very few places that aren't green, but the look still works thanks to some dark airbrushing and slight color variations. He doesn't lose the sense of depth and three-dimensionality that the sculpt provides, which is tough to accomplish when he's all the same color. His yellow skin certainly stands out and looks good thanks to some orange sprayed in. Unfortunately the gold areas of his costume aren't so bright, instead thinly covering the green plastic underneath and sometimes barely visible at all like with the smaller dots decorating his belt. Most of the applications feel pretty sloppy, particularly around his collar, on the shoulder plate, and on the color switch above his gloves. Oddly enough, other spots are wonderfully done, like the thin line on his hate or the black covering the recesses of his shoulder puffs. His face is crisp and clean, although his accessories are pretty barren. Only the sword has varying colors, but it also suffers from some chipping .
Paint Score: 6 / 10
Looking at Steppenwolf, you won't notice too many obvious points of articulation. It's a blessing that it's all so well disguised because he looks amazing without all those ugly joints breaking up the sculpt. What that usually means is that, in trade, he isn't very poseable, yet Steppenwolf actually manages to both look good and pose well thanks to some neat tricks. His legs retain their full articulation with only one joint visible thanks to some thigh-high and skirt coverage. His upper body does the same, swivels hidden in wrinkles at the wrist, shoulders tucked into sculpt elements, and even his chest crunch is covered by some costume bits. And he still retains about 90% of the poseability you would expect. His shoulders are tough to move straight up, his hips are a little restricted by the skirt (not too much though), and his bicep swivels can be finicky, but they all still work. Even his neck works relatively well, with up up-down and side-to-side movement, if not quite a perfectly unlimited ball joint. Everything's also tight and free of problems, making this a near perfect set of joints.
Articulation Score: 9 / 10
Steppenwolf is one DCUC figure that's actually quite a bit of fun on his own as a toy. I hope I'm not the only one who gets a pirate vibe from him, swashbuckling through space with his sword and puffy shoulders. He's the accessory packed figure in the line, coming with three, two of which are entertaining weapons that make him a blast to pose or play with. I do wish his sword were a little firmer, because it's made of extremely soft plastic (as you can see below), and that's occasionally a little limiting in regards to posing and definite in regards to playing. His articulation combines with the extras to add that little bit more fun. He lacks the inclusion of an important Collect & Connect piece that some figures benefit from, but thankfully it isn't totally necessary here. You may not know Steppenwolf (I have to admit, even I'm not very familiar with him), and that doesn't help him any, and it doesn't hurt too much either.
Fun Score: 8 / 10
Steppenwolf is a little better off here thanks to his unique look and new tooling. A figure that doesn't look just like 30 others you have definitely feels like he's worth a little more, and Steppenwolf does stand out from the crowd. He also includes more accessories than your average DCUC figure, although on the other hand, he doesn't come with an important C&C piece, so some collectors may ignore him altogether. He's made well, though the paint doesn't necessarily stand up to $15 standards in this scale. For a few dollars less, he'd be a strong buy, but at the current retail price and even higher prices you'll find him for online, you could find a better way to spend your three Lincolns.
Value Score: 6 / 10
77 / 100 - This is a Good Toy
Steppen wolf looks great and poses well, a pretty deadly combination in the world of action figures. That's still not enough to help him overcome his price and weak paint, so there's no reason to track him down unless you're a big fan of the character or the line. DC figures are going to have to be absolutely stellar to escape the problematic pricepoint from now on, and Steppenwolf isn't quite good enough to jump up a scoring category.
-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!
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