I don’t think any set of figures in recent memory has been as big a surprise as this set. I mean, there are a lot of surprises that pop up here and there, but a two-figure set built around a slightly obscure, extremely niche and slightly unlikely crossover comic from 1978? Yeah, NECA dug deep for this one.
Back when DC Universe Classics was in its heyday, there was a part of me that always wanted to see something like this. DCUC went deep with some of their choices, so I figured maybe this could be for an SDCC set or a special offering on Matty. I didn’t hold out much hope for it, and I even got a pair of boxing gloves ready to put on a Superman, intending to try to put together a Muhammad Ali figure from … something. But time wore on, Mattel never did anything like this, and I never got any further than the planning stage.
See, some things imprint on your psyche when you’re a youngster. I remember seeing the ads for the Superman/Muhammad Ali comic at the time, and I was intrigued. I didn’t know who this Ali dude was, but if he was tough enough to go toe-to-toe with Superman, then he must have been something. It wasn’t long after that when he showed up in an episode of Diff’rent Strokes — 1979 to be exact. And I was all, “Oh, that’s the dude that fought Superman.” So basically, to me it’s entirely in canon for Superman to have dinner with the Drummonds and for Arnold to ask Superman what he’s talking about.
Now that I no longer have any idea what I’m talking about, let’s get on with the review.
This set is piecemealed from older figures with some new sculpts. Superman comes from the previously released Christopher Reeve Superman, and Muhammad Ali is from the Rocky line. When you look at it like that, with the figures already existing in NECA’s catalogue, then this set makes perfect sense. I’d like to tip my hat to whoever actually decided to make the set a reality, though, because it’s frickin’ genius.
In order to evoke their comic-bookiness (and more than likely for some kind of licensing reason, although that’s just a guess), these figures have been given the same type of “plucked from the pages” paint job given to NECA’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures, with faux-inked lines in the crevices. I really like the effect that creates, as they truly look more like comic-book action figures than many actual comic-book action figures. I’m sure the effect will be met with some scorn from those who just want plain figures, but I really dig the look of them.
From neck-down the figures are not new, but both naturally feature brand new heads unique to this set. Muhammad Ali has a well-done likeness that is instantly recognizable. I’d be interested to see how it look with a regular paint job.
The original Superman/Ali comic was drawn by Neal Adams, and this Superman head definitely evokes a Neal Adams-styled head. Oddly enough, with the squinty eyes he has, there’s a bit of a Captain Marvel effect going on, and there’s also some very strong notes from the old Fleischer cartoon Superman. It’s almost as if Neal Adams did an interpretation of the Fleischer cartoon. While I wish the eyes were open and not squinty, I have to say I like this head much more than any Superman head from either DCUC, DC Direct, or DC Collectibles. I’d be interested in seeing this one done with a regular paint job as well.
As many of you know, the Christopher Reeve version of this body had some quality control issues, with stuck or breaking limbs and a lot of issues. I’m happy to say this version moved fine right out of the box, with no need for heat and no panic. The paint is mostly good, although the red on one of my boots is peeling away, showing the blue underneath — you can see it in certain pictures. I’ll have to do something about that.
Ali features the same flexible shorts as the Rocky figures. I will say his shorts seem to be a bit stiffer than the shorts on the Rocky figures, so his legs really don’t get as much movement as those figures do. I don’t know if they’ll soften up over time or if they were just made with a slightly stiffer material. It does hinder his posing a bit, but everything outside of the shorts area still poses as well as any of the rocky figures, if you’re familiar with those at all.
There’s no real accessories to speak of, but Superman does get the two sets of hands the Reeve Superman came with: fists and flying hands. This means that not only does this Superman have the quirk appeal of sparring with Ali, he can also double as a just plain Superman. Well, a Superman with comic-styled shading, but still.
As it seems can be expected with NECA product the skin tone is already rubbing off the joints, exposing the blue, but like I said, that’s a bit of an expected thing.
Overall, I’m still kind of surprised that this is a thing that happened. Sets like these are what make collecting toys as an adult fun for me, and I wouldn’t have missed out on grabbing it. While not a perfect set, it’s still great to have this concept realized in plastic form.
The set is available at Big Bad Toy Store