DC Universe Classics is one of my all-time favorite toy lines from Mattel, or, heck, from anyone. So when we found out that the DCUC 6-inch line from Mattel and the Four Horsemen was coming to an end, I decided I was done with Mattel DC figures. Then out of nowhere I came across Mattel’s new 6-inch affordable DC retail line. Getting a 6-inch comic book figure for $10? What is this, 2008?? So, of course, I passed on them, right? Well, maybe not. Today I will be taking a look at two of the newest in this line: Green Lantern Hal Jordan and Yellow Lantern Sinestro.
Mattel made it an art form at using a “buck” system with their DCUC and MOTUC lines. But Total Heroes takes it to the next level. Other than a paint job, a head, and hands, these two are the same figure. They are also the same figure as the other four retail figures. But you know what? I DON’T CARE! For the first time in years, it is just fun to buy and play with a 6-inch superhero figure. At the $10 price point, I find I am nowhere near as picky as I was with the $20 DCUC lines. They feel like chunky, fun hand-candy, as my friend would say.
Sinestro features his now standard yellow and black costume. The paint lines on it are a bit hit or miss in most spots. Up close you notice it a lot more mistakes, but sitting on my shelf it’s not as bad. I am very happy with how clean his corps logo is on his chest. I think the face sculpt is a pretty good likeness to what I know as Sinestro. His bright pink/purple skin color really shines against his black-and-yellow color scheme.
He has his fear-powered yellow power ring on his left hand as he should. I would have liked to have seen his Sinestro corps logo on his ring, but I get it, we are talking $10. He includes one accessory, a translucent yellow axe. It is suppose to be a construct, but I would have preferred a clip-on weapon as opposed to one he just holds in his hand.
Hal is in his New 52 green, black, and white costume. For this being a kids-based $10 line, I can live with the New 52 designs. Well, other then Superman — ick! He has the same paint issues as Sinestro. Great from a distance, a bit scary up close. The Green Lantern logo on his chest is very clean. His head sculpt makes me think “Hal Jordan” when I see it, so that makes me happy.
His green power ring on this right hand is blank just like Sinestro’s ring. He also comes with a single weapon: a double-bladed translucent green axe.
This line will never be about collectors or 100 percent accuracy or even scale. This line is pure and simple about FUN. This is a kids’ retail line, so we will not see very many off-the-wall character choices. Luckily there will be some $20 versions showing up on Mattycollector that will feature some figures that do not fit at retail, plus some extra weapons, heads, and other extras.
I think once we get a good JLA out of this line, they will look great on display, but, more importantly, you can get down on the ground and play with your kids with these and not have the fear of a “collectible” being broken. These are toys, so play with them and be that big kid we are all inside.
