Frank Miller’s Batman universe remains a potent well of inspiration for candidates in Mattel’s 6-inch DC Multiverse line. The latest wave to see release features the ever-popular Joker as depicted in Miller’s eponymous Batman series The Dark Knight Returns. The appeal of Miller’s work has endured and expanded over the decades, with the recent Zack Snyder movies borrowing liberally from it, but the Joker stands out as such a unique take on the character. At once classy and psychotic, this Joker is the one I’ve wanted to see released as a highly articulated figure for some time, so I’m thrilled it’s finally here. Let’s take a closer look!
I know this isn’t the first time this version of the Joker has seen wide-release in figure form. Back in the late ’90s/early ’00s, DC Direct released a set of four figures based on that series, including the Joker, but where DCD was at the time meant the figures were little more than pre-posed statues, much like McFarlane figures, so I gave them a pass at the time, so I’m thankful to be getting another shot at these characters in Mattel’s Multiverse line.
Packaging is standard but awesome, with Miller’s artwork depicting the Joker from the comics. Looks good, displays the content well, but I don’t need to keep it. In the bin it goes.
The sculpt of the figure is a solid attempt at an oddly proportioned body in a suit. All the Dark Knight Returns males resemble Masters of the Universe characters in terms of build, and the Joker here is consistent with that with a suit draped over his build. It almost looks like an old-timey zoot suit the way it’s cut, and that has always made this Joker appear to be rather dapper in such an “’80s” way.
The Joker comes with two choices for head sculpts. The first is his looking almost as though he’s sweet-talking someone (Selina?), and the other is reflective of (spoiler alert!) his demise at the hands of Batman toward the end of the series. There’s even a removable Batarang-blade-thing that can be inserted into his right eye, recreating that pivotal scene from the series. It’s a great, grizzley detail.
Accessories include a pistol and a knife/shiv. Both adequately do their job of giving him something to hold, but he can only hold either with one of his hands, and I always find that annoying. I would have been fine with one or the other, but I also guess it’s good to have options.
His articulation is … okay. It’s consistent with other recent Mattel offerings, so it’s not great, but I guess it could be worse. The articulation cuts do a decent job of not disrupting the sculpt of his suit too drastically, but it still looks a little bit weird. I’m curious to see if Mezco will ever get around to this Joker because I do think soft goods will do better justice to this suit than sculpted and cut plastic. His jacket is a softer plastic overlay that doesn’t hinder his articulation too badly, but it does prevent thorough hip movement. His ankles rock back and forth, but not side to side, which is limiting. Otherwise, it’s swivel/hinge elbows, knees, hips, and shoulders; swivel wrists; ball-jointed head; and I’m pretty sure there’s an ab crunch, but the suit overlay makes it difficult to engage.
I love that we’re getting more and more characters from Miller’s comic. Joker looks great when displayed with Carrie and Batman, and I can’t wait till I’m all moved and unpacked so I can finally have all the figures based on that series all displayed together.
Joker also comes with a piece of the King Shark Collect & Connect figure. The large torso piece helps to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
I found Joker at Target, but he seems to be popping up all over. I saw him in stock and sold by Amazon, so you may want to keep an eye there if you’re after him.
