Each week we take a close look at comic book collectibles. That means taking them out of the package. This week's selection might seem a little odd. They are geared towards 3-8 year-olds but, come one, let's be realistic. Some of these are hard to resist. Let's take a look at the DC Super Friends figures from Imaginext.
Imaginext has been making DC figures periodically for some time. My daughter had a Batman figure as well as the Green Lantern Planet Oa playset. Lately it seems as if they've been pushing the Super Friends line more with the individual figures seemingly more available. So of course I've been picking them up. There are also more playsets and other figures available as well.
The set including Superman and Wonder Woman is an interesting pairing. It's almost as if they planned it because they happen to be a couple in comics nowadays.
I do have to say Superman's face is pretty weird. He has a cleft on his chin but it looks more like a soul patch. He does have the New 52 costume (so that means no shorts on the outside). The arms have the ability to move up and down as well as rotate out to the sides. The legs, unfortunately have to move together. You can't move one leg up separately.
Superman also comes with a cloth cape that adds a little more to the look.
You have to be impressed that Fisher Price does include female characters. My daughter is proof that it's not just boys that are interested in superhero figures. There may not be a huge selection of female characters but at least there are some.
Wonder Woman also comes with her Lasso of Truth in which she can ensnare whomever she sets her sights on.
The next two-pack we'll look at is Hawkman and Flash (we'll assume it's Barry Allen because, who the heck is Wally West, right?).
I think I might have to say that Hawkman is my favorite figure here. He has a really great look and mold. He has the same friendly look but not quite the cheesy grin some of the others have. There's also the little detail on his wings that adds to the look. Coming with his mace is pretty cool as well.
Having a Flash figure is cool. I just wish this one, in particular, had a better paint job. Just random bad luck in the packaging.
The next isn't quite a full two-pack. But it's pretty cool, nonetheless. It's Aquaman...and Robo Shark. Who or what is Robo Shark and why does he/it come with Aquaman? Who really cares, it's absurdly cool.
You can also make Robo Shark's jaw open and close by pushing the fin on his back.
The last two-pack is Joker and Harley Quinn. Another "couple" and another female figure. (There is a Catwoman and motorcycle set but I haven't seen it in stores).
Joker has a strange half-smirk on his face. And of course he's wearing a snazzy suit.
Harley comes with her mallet. Joker just better make sure he treats her properly or she might end up using it on him.
I happened to come across my daughter's old Batman figure. There are other sets with Batman and more of his villais as well. It seemed fitting to include him in these pictures.
That's it for this week. Let us know what you thought of these figures. They may not be for everyone. Their small size (about 3") make it easy to pick some up to display on your desk or work area. If their cutesy look doesn't appeal to you, perhaps you have some young ones in your life. It's important for the next generation to grow up appreciating these characters as we do.
We'll have another selection feature next time.