Even though the DC Universe Classics line is still trucking along in the form of the Matty Collector DC Club Infinite Earths, we have fared really well in getting a robust line-up of Justice League members. So, like all things in the geek collector sect, we feel a need to categorize and rank these figures based on a myriad of factual and completely subjective criteria. Mattel has done a good job in spacing these characters out of the life of the line(s) to keep our interest up, so picking entrants to this list is kind of like taking another look over the life of the line so far. We have gotten so many figures, but here are the JLA members that we feel have risen to the top of the plastic pile.
5. Martian Manhunter
Good Grodd did they hold the Martian Manhunter hostage forever. The lovingly-titled “Den Father” of the JLA did not make his appearance in Classics until series 15(!) and we saw a great deal of reserve and one-shot members take the stage ahead of him. The good part is that he was well worth the wait and many of the questions fans had in the numerous Top Ten discussions (where he traditionally came in at number one) were answered in the form of a great figure that is true to J’onn’s vital statistics. He is an overall imposing figure and has the thick chest and increased height that his Martian physiology demands. He looks like he stepped out of a Bronze Age book so he fits in seamlessly with the style an era of most of his JLA cohorts.
4. Plastic Man
Eel was always a big question for this line due to the practice of heavy base body reuse for most of the characters. If anyone needed some special handling to meet expectations for his slender build and zany shapes, is was Plastic Man. Luckily Mattel was acutely aware of this, and even though he was slotted in at an oft-maligned Comic Con exclusive slot, that was the only way were were going to get the Plas’ we deserved. Fortunately, he was made available outside of the convention hall in San Diego on Matty Collector, because every DC fan needed to be able to get all of his springs, stretchy limbs and paddle to make their DC display 50% more fun. Plastic Man is certainly the most fun figure in the entire line, just as he should be.
3. Aquaman
Coming to us early on in wave two, Arthur Curry remained at the top of many “Best of” lists for a long time. He was really the first figure in the line that showed just how serious the Four Horsemen were about making the most iconic figure of every character ever in plastic. Let’s face it, while Aquaman has his share of devotees (me included), he is not traditionally the most respected member of the JLA. Well, his DCUC figure turned everyone on their heads and he remains the best Aquaman figure ever.
2. Hawkman
Considering the look of Hawkman and the talent of the Four Horsemen, it was going to be hard NOT to make this figure fantastic, but that does not lessen the impressive nature of the final product one bit. Carter introduced us to the “large” chest base piece (he has nipples!) and while they are not the most articulated out there, his wings are very solid and move quite well (not to mention the feathery details). His stern look requires his included mace, so he comes all packaged and ready to be your JLA tank fighter. Woe betide any evil strongman or super-intelligent ape that gets in his way.
1. Green Arrow
You know, sometimes a figure just speaks for itself, so I will just let Green Arrow do that… No really, he is fantastic though, isn’t he? To me, he is the perfect example of some reuse coupled with required new pieces (like his vest chest and nifty hinged wrists) and that combination built what many consider to be the definitive Green Arrow figure. Ollie moves well and can achieve all kinds of archer poses (once you get him a suitable bow), so the conscience of the League is also their overall best figure.
So, what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments below and vote for your favorite entry on this list. Thanks for reading!
[polldaddy poll=7219107]
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What, no love for Aquaman with the polling? Heathens.
going to say you forgot about The Question, but now I remember that it was only league member in the animated series
#1.DETECTIVE JOHN JONES! the Manhunter from Mars! JLI 4EVER! Greenflame/Fire soon arrives! Thank you CIE sub! Love all DCUC! Was there from day one. Acquired 98.99% of the commercial line and 100% of C&C figures!
My other #1. Would be G.L.John Stewart as resident Lantern for the JLA, followed by Kyle and Guy,of course(He’s JLI) lol as for Green Arrow, yes nice work of art the faux Robin Hood Oliver is,but that stupid fixed bow&arrow of his defies logic,
considering the pack in of his different array of trick arrows!
Wdh?! Hawkman does it right! A shield,mace and sword:weapons galore
that can all be used! Which brings me to the Princess Diana
with shield and eagle-battleaxe! Didn’t care for the Plas’ figure. Either BlueBeetle is aewsome or either Firestorm/Jason or Ronnie IMO. Last and none the least Kudos to the King of the seven seas! Aquaman looks like he just dived off the page or tv if you watching Superfriends! I regret that I sold the variant. Now, if we could only get a Queen Mira,Garth(as Tempest) and Oceanmaster!! Matty? Oh, MATTY! lol
I pretty much agree with this list,except I have the variant Aquaman with the wristbands and no black trunks.I don’t have Plas,so I would also replace him with Firestorm.GA and Hawkman have been the crown jewels of my DC collection for years until they were replaced this year by…..Green Arrow and Hawkman(DCUC wave 20 and DC Unlimited respectfully).
JUSTICE LEAGUE HUMILLIATES AVENGERS
Remember when they said they were going to reuse the plastic man mold to make flashpoint plastic man? I now kick myself because I was waiting for that to save the five dollars and shipping cost…yeah other then that I liked all the others and they are on my shelf
This is a good list…only it brings back one bad memory. I bought Plas sealed on eBay about 6 months after that year’s SDCC, and alas he came with two left fists. I called all the Mattel CS numbers I could find, but they said they had none of his parts left. I even suggested using parts from a Flashpoint Plas, since he had been announced for an All-Star wave. The lady at Mattel had no idea what I was talking about. I ended up having to buy an extra Cyclotron (for only 6 bucks!) and used his right fist instead. Great figure though, otherwise.
Hawkman is a great figure until you get up to his duck bill. Hawkwoman, in my opinion would make a better substitution = more durable legs than most of the other ladies, same great wings as the big man, and a far more awesome head sculpt to boot! I also don’t Plas as a real JLA-er. Firestorm would have been a good pick. ’80s pop and that fiery head sculpt –c’mon!
I resisted getting into DCUC for the longest time. The only two figures I bought – indeed, was compelled to buy – were Green Arrow, and Hawkman. I saw them on the shelf and simply couldn’t see how they could be any better. Of course, within two years, I had most of the rest. Cheers, DC Unlimited!