Much to the delight of Greg Capullo fans everywhere, DC Collectibles have continued to release figures based on the Batman artist’s designs in their DC Comics Designer Series. We’re now seeing the release of the line’s first civilian in Commissioner James Gordon. Does Gordon have what it takes to keep this line going? Let’s find out!
Package
DCC has been using a simple and clean design for their boxes. It has a large window that showcases the figure well and photos of the other figures in the wave on the back. Gordon was held in with a couple of twist-ties, and he arrived in the mail safe and sound.
Sculpt
DCC has earned a reputation as being one of the top companies producing artist-specific items, and Jim Gordon is a perfect example of why. This sculpt is just outstanding—both in terms of Capullo’s reference material and in terms of just being a great looking toy. Suit wearing working stiffs can be a tough sell—even with a character so essential to the Batman world as Gordon. I realize that my perspective may have changed some being that I, myself, am a suit wearing working stiff, but this figure just flat out looks cool. Gordon’s determined and serious expression balances well with his everyman attire, and every tiny detail is sculpted. From the buttons on the coat to the hairs in his cop-stache, DCC went all out at bringing Capullo’s intricate line work to life. These also happen to be some of the best sculpted glasses I’ve ever seen at this scale.
Gordon also comes with a handgun and radio. Both are well done, made of hard plastic, and fit perfectly in his hands.
Paint
A sculpt like this can be easily ruined by bad paint apps, but Gordon’s are a close to perfect as I can hope for. The eyes are straight. There are no notable areas of sloppy cuts. And there is just the right amount of shading on the skin tone. Even the glasses are perfectly painted. DCC has really done an outstanding job.
Articulation
Yikes. I’ll admit that, other than character selection, I haven’t been keeping a close eye on this line. I purchased Batman and Talon when they were first released and loved them. They were beautifully sculpted and some of the best articulated DCC figures around. So you can imagine my surprise when I found out that Jim Gordon had cut shoulders and T-hips! Madness! Those joints are as dated as the mustache he’s sporting. To give a quick rundown, the Commish has a great ball jointed head, cut shoulders, cut lower bicep, single pin elbows and knees, cut wrists and ankles, cut waist, and T-hips. It should also be noted that they chose to make the cut waist below the belt—which makes it look a little weird and unnatural.
I don’t pretend to know what it costs to make a figure like this. It’s a far more complicated sculpt than the highly articulated Capullo Batman, so maybe cuts had to be made in the articulation department. I do know that I paid the asking retail price of $25—which is way too much for a figure that can’t strike a pose more extravagant than a military march.
Overall, as an easy to please collector, I have to say that I’m happy with this figure. It’s beautifully sculpted, well -painted, well-constructed, and looks just like Capullo’s art—which I happen to be a huge fan of. What I’m not pleased with is the lack of modern articulation and the price they’re charging. $25 is just way too much. If you can get him for closer to $17 or $18, then I’d say you’d be getting a more reasonable deal.
Thanks for reading!
