Mezco definitely showed up this year at the 2015 San Diego Comic Con, and they came with some serious surprises.
It will come as no surprise to you guys that while this Con had lots of things I was watching, it was the Mezco booth I watched most intently. As expected, there were some great examples of the previous Dark Knight Batman, including the sold-out Puerto Rico Comic-Con version (Daaaaaaamn yoooooooooo!), as well as a better look at on-deck Judge Dredd. The standard blue, the dark black/blue, and the surprisingly electric metallic Scorched Earth versions were on display, and I’m now particularly excited for the latter. The SDCC Batman vs Mutant Leader set was also in attendance, as well as the Lawmaster, but we’re still waiting for more info on that one.
The new stuff was an exciting mix of characters and styles, covering mostly DC, but also some Hanna Barberra and Univeral Monsters: Flash and Superman, Space Ghost, and Frankenstein’s monster.
Let’s address the divisive issue up front — these were noted in the cases as not-final, works-in-progress figures; therefore, I don’t really have all that many concerns about uniform fitments, capes, etc. Keep in mind, Batman was first revealed as a complete product, not a prototype, so seeing them in progress requires a little bit of adjustment in what I was expecting.
Now, that said, there are some things I really like, and maybe a couple don’t likes, particularly where Superman and Flash are concerned. Superman has a really iconic build and head sculpt, which I love; deeper colors, which I like; and a raised, plastic-ish-looking S-shield on his chest — which I don’t like. Batman’s vinyl/rubber/whatever-the-hell-material is the single best emblem I’ve ever seen on a cloth figure. It looks very subtle and flush at a glance but still has excellent detail and finish. Please stick with that. (Note: I looked at some of the Fwoosh staff’s images again before posting this, and while it could do with being a bit slimmer, I think it maybe looks better up close, or I’m warming to it. Or both.)
Flash and Space Ghost look a little further along in the process, and they both look damn good. If anything, I think I’d maybe like a little less stylized noggin on Space Ghost, and Flash would look just a little nicer without that New-52-style chin strap.
The big surprise for me? Seeing Franky, and seeing how damn cool he looks. Ol’ School Fwoosher Colirio and I were talking about Universal Monsters before the con, and I was telling him how I’d really lost steam on them and felt somewhat indifferent at that point. He warned/reminded me how classic designs like the monsters, when nailed, are almost impossible to pass up because their iconic status puts them in any collection. And yeah, I’m back on board for these.
So, really, my only complaint is not seeing any Klassic Mortal Kombat. But hey, I’ve made it this long without classic MK, so I can hold a little longer. Special thanks and kudos are in order for the Fwoosh staff for taking these excellent pics, and surviving four nights of drinking and three mornings of Jack-In-The-Box breakfasts!
