Collectibles come in all shapes and sizes, and Jada Toys is out to prove that size AND weight matters with their signature Metals offerings!
Action figures, vinlys, and a myriad of other formats have been vying for the hottest properties for a while now, and Jada is literally casting their lot with die cast collections of some of the biggest properties out there. While die cast toys and collectibles is one of the oldest formats out there, the resurgence in the play and collector sects is relative recent, but that has not stopped Jada from already establishing several different lines in their Metals execution, based off of hot properties like TMNT, Ghostbusters, Mortal Kombat, and, in this instance, DC Comics. It is impressive to realize how much is already out there, but it seems as though Jada is just getting started, and the future looks to be busy with all kinds of new figures to collect.
If you are a collector, you probably know that we live in an age where licenses are divided and parsed down to the slightest detail to make it possible to distribute products across various formats. It appears that major properties like Marvel, DC, TMNT, and, of course, Star Wars can support a market saturation like this, and that is cool because it offers us a lot of different things to collect, but also helps ensure there is always something for everyone. Jada Toys is traditionally a die cast car company, but being able to produce figures of popular properties is right up their alley, and they are RUNNING with it.
Die-cast is a relatively new medium for me, and it has become more apparent in my collecting over the past several months. SH Figuarts, for example, has implemented die-cast pieces in their TMNT line, but the Metals figures from Jada are primarily constructed of die cast, so that opens up a very different format in terms of style and construction. These figures are (obviously) heavy for their size (hence the “Heavy Metals” tag) and they are designed with an aesthetic that is unique to Jada’s offerings, so right out of the gate, these figures are great at owning an identity and a predictable pattern to collect.
Obviously this approach has been mastered by Funko via their Pops! expression, and if you are not familiar with those, then I don’t know where you have been. Pops have become so ubiquitous, it seem like you can even buy them at the hardware store these days. I am not into them at all, though I have a few for some properties that are VERY important to me and I have no other collecting outlet, but they have run amok with little real competition. The big appeal I see with the uniformity within the execution, so you can have characters form all sorts of properties hanging out in a uniform aesthetic, so Jada looks to be entering that arena as well, and really, that is something I really appreciate.
Right away with these DC females, I much prefer the design aesthetic over something like a Pop or a myriad of other stylized vinyl figures. Sure, these definitely have their own look and style, but I appreciate the retained detail and more humanoid form these retain. The cartoon style is well done and pleasing, but the characteristics of each one is not lost due to the style itself. I think that is my biggest turn off with something like Pops, the faces have a very specific look that is prevailing over individuality. I respect keeping to a branded look, so there is certainly no fault there, but the look that Jada is using with these Metals is much more in my wheelhouse.
Jada is also working within a lot of properties that I like, and these DC Women figures certainly fit within that. The cartoon style really lends itself to these females, and Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Batgirl, and Harley Quinn all look great. I am looking at both their 4-inch and 2.5-inch figures (they have 6-inch figures, too) and the paint applications are all very well done without any apparent bleed, slop, or rubbing. These figures have been assembled in pieces, with most being made of the die cast metal, but some are also plastic; with that being said, there is not any articulation or movement in these figures. I don’t know the ins and outs of the licensing details for these figures, but to me, these are all about the format and the overall look rather than the ability for the figures to move.
Personally, I prefer the larger 4-inch format for these, but my four year-old daughter definitely likes the smaller figures better, so even within my own household, I have proven there is room for multiple scales in this format, even if the figures look the same. Of the four characters, I think Batgirl is the best – her costume is the most visually interesting in terms of a design that is highlighted in this format, and I think her face has a lot expression and personality. Catwoman is right up there as well, and the all black costume with its patent leather sheen lends itself well to the metal materials. A subgroup to collect, the “Gotham Girls” is really the perfect group to have in a style like this, so even if you did not want to go any deeper with the DC female line, these four make for a fun group.
Call me intrigued by these Heavy Metals because I am pretty sold on the overall aesthetic of these figures. The die cast material is something new to me, but these most certainly feel like substantial collectibles, so if you are going whole hog, make sure you reinforce those display shelves. As I said, the visual aesthetic of these appeals to me much more than a lot of the most stylized and designer offerings out there, so even if the material wasn’t unique, the look is definitely strong. Jada is getting good distribution of these to a variety of different retailers (I spotted these at the local grocery store!) so these should be easy to find. With the different variations and scales there is something for everyone, and the diverse portfolio means Jada is probably getting heavy with a property you love. Oh, and stay tuned — Robo will have some video reviews of some of the other new DC Heavy Metals coming soon.
