Mattel is undoubtedly committed to turning the DC Universe Classics line into a modern day version of the classic superhero toy line, Super Powers. An idea that I'm totally fine with, as long as the Super Powers figures are restrained to variants, which for now, has been the case. This rendition of Steppenwolf is exactly that, and actually makes for an interesting and refreshing update to the classic version. Keep reading to find out more!
Name: Steppenwolf (Super Powers)
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: Axe (connected to backpack)
Sponsor Listings: Ka-Razy Kings of Toys-$22.49(sale price), Mike's Comics N' Stuff-$16.99, Past Generation Toys-$19.95
Steppenwolf takes advantage of new tooling to make himself a unique figure compared to most in the line. The basic DCUC body is there as a base, but new pieces for his boots, gloves, backpack, and harness help to capture that Super Powers design accurately. It's a weird costume, but it's done well within that weirdness. Details are abundant, points are sharp, lines are straight, and wrinkles look realistic. The only problems I have, and these are small ones, are the crooked belt buckle and the lack of a sculpted line for the bottom of his "shorts". The head sculpt feels somewhat flat, despite the multiple depths achieved by raised helmet layers. It's still crammed with details like the hairy mustache, riveted helmet, and creased forehead. The final piece of the Steppenwolf puzzle is the large axe and backpack, which are attached to one another by a nicely flexible hose. The weapon itself has a smooth curved head, and features some 4th world-esque designs, while the backpack takes the 4th world style even further and looks fantastic. I do wish the axe fit better in either hand, as one is a bit too loose, and the other is too tight.
Sculpt Score: 9 / 10
The paint here is mostly good, but lacks in a few areas. For instance, though the cut lines on his shoulders, feet, and crotch are perfect, those on his boots and gloves feature some pretty heavy outside-the-lines work. There are also a few issues with slop here and there, specks of brown making their way to red areas, and black scraping onto other spots. Another issue I have is a color match one, in which some red areas (i.e., the chest) turned out more pinkish-orange than the redder shoulders and crotch. The black is much more consistent, as are the browns. Detail applications are great on the face, with clean eyes, thin eyebrows, and a distinct mustache. Even the small silver markings on his head and backpack turned out very crisp despite their small size. Those tiny details also show that Mattel wasn't skimping on the paint.
Paint Score: 7 / 10
This is an articulation model you'll know well if you're at all familiar with DC Universe Classics. I appreciate the line-wide consistency, and Steppenwolf sticks pretty close to conventions. Unfortunately that means his head is still limited to a swivel, even though technically it's designed as a full ball joint. You may also have some trouble with his upper arms, because the large shoulder pads limit the range of his shoulders and the swivel biceps. His legs, on the other hand, are totally free to move, including around the loin cloth, which isn't the least bit restrictive. His swivel waist and hinged abs do work, but not to their full extent thanks to the belt-connected shoulder harness. It might seem like that's a lot of articulation limitations, but it never really felt like they were getting in the way of productive posing, so they don't hurt his score as much as they might otherwise. It's also worth noting that this figure really seems to hide his articulation well, resulting in a toy that's more attractive than usual.
Articulation Score: 8 / 10
If you owned the Super Powers version of Steppenwolf as a child, then this will likely be one of the most fun toys of the year for you. For the rest of us, he's still got some enjoyment to offer. The axe is a big intimidating weapon that is fun to swing around at other figures and makes posing him all the more entertaining too. I like that it can be stored away on the backpack as well, because it provides options and that's always a benefit. His articulation is lots of fun as well, so once you combine that with his unique looks and intriguing historical appeal, he's definitely a fun toy. I do wish that a vital piece of the Collect & Connect Kilowog figure was included here as well, because that's a really fun figure. At least the figure stand can be used with Steppenwolf even if you don't complete the C&C. There could always be more accessories, slightly better articulation and an action feature, and those are the only things holding back this figure at this price point.
Fun Score: 8 / 10
Steppenwolf has a couple small advantages over other recently reviewed DCUC Wave 11 figures, in that he includes an accessory and also features a fair amount of new pieces, unique to him. That definitely improves the perception of value, because he doesn't feel like 25 other figures you already own. The fact that he's a nod to a figure of old is a nice touch that will make him worth lots more to many collectors, but certainly not all of us. And in the same way that including a piece of Kilowog would make him more fun, it would also make him more valuable. As it stands, he's just not worth the $15 or more that he's going for at base retail, and with prices stretching much higher online, it's tough to argue that he's worth the cost, regardless of all his positive traits.
Value Score: 5 / 10
77 / 100 - This is a Good Toy
There's something charming about this version of Steppenwolf that I can't exactly identify, but it makes him a better figure than his constituent parts might suggest. He looks good and plays well, without a doubt the major components that determine how good an action figure really is. He just costs too much, and similar or even lesser quality figures can be obtained for so much less. If you're willing to spend the money, you'll be happy with what you get, but if you're hesitant, consider him carefully.
-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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