Kotobukiya ArtFX + Super Powers Classic Superman Statue Review

Front Box Art

So I finally bit the urge to acquire my first Superman Statue (DC Direct's limited points of articulation not withstanding), and this figurine/statue looks awesome for my collection. I never really bothered to get into statues because they usually are more pricey compared to your standard action figures but when I saw this at a steal price, I didn't let the opportunity pass. This line of statues by Kotobukiya are based on the 1980's classic Kenner Super Powers toy line that was a tie-in based on the Super Friends cartoon series. Though they upgraded and improved the look, it still has a classic feel to it.

Back Cover Box Art

The box art was done in a clever way as it draws nostalgia all over. Utilizing almost a replica of the original Super Powers toy line packaging, it even simulates the creases and worn out appearance that one could find on a not so mint Super Powers collection. The back cover art also gives us a sneak peak of the other figures in this series, namely Green Lantern, The Flash, and most probably Batman and Robin as based on the silhouette.

Side box art

This statue was sculpted by Atelier Bamboo/Gotaro Takeuchi who is famous for sculpting Japanese anime PVC figurines. Hence, the asian look of Superman.

The statue stands at approximately 8 inch tall with no articulation. You'll find cuts on the shoulder, hips, knees, and neck as was like the original Kenner action figure but these are just for show only. I will post some comparison shots with other DC Direct figures below.

Front View

Side View

Back View

The statue is draped with a cloth cape which falls nicely on his back. Kotobukiya however skipped the removable cloth cape gimmick from the original Kenner Super Powers line. The photos that I took of the cape is kind of messy because it has to have a nice fold on the shoulders to make the cape flow nicely on his back.

The Punching Gimmick

In the original Kenner toy line, Superman has this punching gimmick wherein if you squeeze both legs together, Superman simulates a punching motion. Kotobukiya however makes a very ugly version of this gimmick as it makes Superman look like he has three right arms. But you have to understand that this look was based on the card back art in the original Kenner toy line.

In whichever angle you look at it, this statue looks gorgeous and I definitely love the kind of Blue and Red that this statue's suit is painted with. This totally captures the type of color of my favorite Superman art renditions. I definitely hated the darker blue costume that Superman was wearing during his come back from death.

Comparison shot with the Original Kenner Super Powers Superman

I also took a snapshot of him standing beside the Original Kenner Super Powers Superman action figure and you can definitely see the huge improvement in terms of appearance. But still, that does not take away the nostalgia factor.

Kenner Super Powers Superman?

I also took a photo of the Original Kenner Super Powers Superman on top of the Kotobukiya box and well what do you know, it could pass on as a carded Kenner Super Powers Superman.

The Kotobukiya Superman statue and the DC Direct Alex Ross Superman

DC Direct John Byrne Superman, Kotobukiya Superman, and Alex Ross Superman

Here, I took scale comparison photos of the statue standing alongside two DC Direct figures that I feel are closest to it in terms of size. And you could really see that this statue still looks great displayed alongside DC Direct figures. I've always viewed DC Direct as articulated statues because DC Direct has amazing quality when it comes to its sculpts. While some toy collectors prefer the more articulated action figures, visually I still prefer the DC Direct figures despite its notoriety of suffering joint breakages overtime.

And here he is finally displayed together with my other Superman action figure collection. He looks imposing and huge compared to the others, but still he looks great on display. I have no regrets in purchasing this non articulated figurine. Loving this Kotobukiya ArtFx Super Powers Classic Superman.