I've already reviewed the black Wildcat figure from Wave 9 of DC Universe Classics, but thankfully Mattel decided a blue version would be a great addition to the line as well, and I have to agree. Despite being almost identical to the other version, this blue Wildcat is a better figure in a variety of ways, so read on to see why!

Name:  Wildcat (Blue)
Line: DC Universe Classics, Wave 9, Figure 1
Manufacturer: Mattel
Released: Summer 2009
Price: Retail: $12.50-$14.99, Online: $12.99-$19.99
Scale: 6.00 in. (figure in 6.50 in. tall)
Accessories: None
Collect & Connect Piece: Chemo's torso

     This sculpt is identical to the black figure's, and is just as wonderful. It might be a simple base body, but a few new pieces diversify the character just enough, including his hands and feet. His muscle groups look outstanding, and all the proportions are just the right size for how the character is usually depicted. He just looks like Wildcat should look. His head sculpt is near-perfect with the wide-set chin and raised mask that adds dimensionality and a touch of reality to his appearance. It's crisp cuts and smooth lines all around, showcasing the talent and experience of the Four Horsemen sculpting team that worked on him.

Sculpt Score: 9 / 10

 

     This is one area where this figure gains on his all black version. The blue is a beautiful color (some say it's purple, but I think it's exactly the right shade) that catches light perfectly and draws in your eyes. There is a very subtle dark airbrushing that looks enormously better than the regular version's and brings out sculpt details really well. I do wish that it were more consistent across pieces, because there are noticeable shifts in some areas (i.e., the back of his thighs), and it's jarring once you notice it. Close-quarters applications aren't fantastic, but they're better than the norm, with clean lines and distinct color switches in most spots. His eyes are a little off, and there is a little overspray on his fingers, but it's not that distracting in either case.

Paint Score: 8 / 10

 

    Wildcat has a huge advantage over a lot of my DCUC figures as of late, his joints aren't too loose! Well, that is except for his head, which flops around like a rag-doll, much like the other Wildcat I have, so that might be a consistent problem across this release. Other than that, all's well, with tight joints and full ranges of motion across the board. It's easy and enjoyable to pose this figure with personality, ready to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Without any sort of belt or other sculpting addition, or even paint to cover up his waist area, that set of points (from abs to hips) looks a bit messy when thrown at you altogether, but I wouldn't trade the visual appeal for the lessened movement, so I can't complain. A tighter neck joint would sure be nice, but as it is, you can still pose it well with a bit of patience, and that's really the only problem I have with this articulation model. 

Articulation Score: 8 / 10

     Wildcat isn't a super entertaining toy, just because as a character there's not a lot to do with him, and as a toy he's accessory barren. His basic costume and lack of superpowers leave him secondary on many people's list of favorites. But for what he does, his articulation is enough to make boxing look natural and fights (whether on display or on the floor) enjoyable to set up.  And fortunately, unlike my black version, there aren't any loose joints and thusly regular tumbles to add that element of frustration, so he protects his score there. The last big score booster here is the inclusion of a humongous Chemo Collect & Connect piece, and since that guy is such a hoot to assemble, Wildcat benefits from that enjoyable process by proxy.

Fun Score: 7 / 10

 

     Looking at Wildcat doesn't reveal a lot of information about high costs. There's very little new tooling, he's a basic repaint of the standard body, very little paint is actually used, and he doesn't include a single accessory. Toys like this one allow us to get other accessory-packed figures, but that doesn't make Wildcat himself any more valuable. Thankfully at $12-$13, he's competitively priced for action figures this size, and he also includes the previously mentioned chunk of Chemo that's like getting a major part of a 10 inch toy for "free". If DCUC really does face higher prices soon, figures like Wildcat will really be hurting, but as of right now, he's not a terrible deal. 

Value Score: 7 / 10

79 / 100 - This is a Good Toy

This version of Wildcat is my favorite of the two, thanks in part to improved paint and a lack of articulation problems that the other faced. If you're a DC Comics fan or love this character, then Wildcat is a must buy, and even if you're neither of those things, he might be worth some consideration.

-The Articulated One

This could be the figure given away in this month's Review Commentator Contest. Join the discussion by leaving a comment for a chance to win!

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