My Top 5 Modern Superman Action Figures

To Celebrate Superman Day this day, I'm rolling out my Top Five Superman Action Figures. First, the qualifiers: This list will only include those in the 6-7 inch scale. So no Hot Toys and the vintage 5 inch ones from Kenner. Listing will be from 5 to 1 with 1 being the best in my opinion. The list will also be limited to those that I have. So Mezco is out of here as I did not mind purchasing one as the "doll" like appearance does not quite appeal to me. No Movie Figures will also be included, so no NECA Christopher Reeve or DC Films Henry Cavill Superman. So with that settled, let me roll out my Top 5 Modern Superman Action Figures.

5.) DC Direct Justice Superman
He has to be put here because aesthetically he is still the best Superman Action Figure for the simple reason that it is a perfect 3D Rendition of Alex Ross' art. However, movement articulation is what puts him down on my list. But the strength alone of Alex Ross designs' made him reach my list. It was also during this period where DC Direct began releasing comic book artist design centric action figures. Some of the comic book artists that were given the action figure rendition was those by Joe Shuster, Curt Swan, Frank Miller, Ed McGuiness, Jim Lee, Phil Jimenez, Ethan Van Sciver, Adam Kubert, and Gary Frank among others. There was also a re-use of this body using a new head which I call the John Byrne Superman. For some reason I wasn't able to do a review of this Alex Ross Superman but the John Byrne one is similar to this, so that should suffice for the time being.

4.) DC Essentials Superman
Perhaps being on this list is a case of recency bias? I don't think so. DC Essentials movement articulation wise is one of the best if not the best well articulated Superman action figure ever. But the too much articulation kinda sacrificed the aesthetic of the figure. For one, collectors are complaining about the "gorilla" arms that this figure sports. That double jointed elbow seems to be the culprit. The smallish cape design also takes away the grand majestic look of Superman. I've done a complete review of this action figure which can be accessed here.

3.) Mattel DC Superheroes Superman
Mattel has been battered by Toy Collectors for the longest time because they seemed to be steps behind when compared to rival Toy Manufacturer Hasbro who holds the rights to the Marvel Legends franchise. And just recently, Mattel also lost the DC license to produce action figures in 6 inch form to McFarlane Toys. Effectively ending more than 2 decades of DC action figure releases. But despite all the criticisms, Mattel's role in the modern action figure evolution remains to be a significant part of action figure history. And their DC Universe Classics (DCUC) line will still probably stand as the most expansive DC Universe Action Figure collection of all time. And their very first rendition of the ultra articulated Superman via the DC Superheroes toy line (which was a pre-cursor to DC Universe Classics) is still one of the best Superman action figures of all time. I even put this Superman on top of the recent improvements done on the DCUC version. You can read my full review of this figure here.

2.) McFarlane Toys Superman
Despite being new, McFarlane Toys Superman deserves to be this high on the list and this is just not another case of the recency bias. Everything seems to be going right with this figure. It features very strong aesthetic features. The movement articulation are all very well thought of. The paint works are very strong. Its only the weak ankles which kills this figure's chances to be the best. And yeah, the scale too since this is more 7 inch rather than the 6 inch scale which most old time collectors prefer. But there's nothing much you could knock from this figure. And if you are new to toy collecting, then this is a great starting point as I see McFarlane Toys still coming out with a very strong assortment of DC Action Figures. You can read my review of this action figure here.

1.) DC Direct Superman
And the best modern Superman Action Figure of all time in my list is none other than the DC Direct Superman. And despite being in existence for almost 2 decades, this Superman figure is still very hard to top even with the dearth of new Superman Action Figure releases utilizing modern production technology. The movement articulation in this figure coupled with strong aesthetic designs is still top notch and never gets old. I know that there are newer action figures out there with more improvements on the articulation but I still can't see them topping this. I also like the paint colors of this figure specially the lighter blue hues on his suit than the generally modern Superman colors of a darker hued costume. Everything just looks perfect to me. This figure's body was also re-used with two other versions featuring a different head sculpt (although I don't remember which of the three was released first.) You can access my complete review of this figure here.

So who's your pick? Do hit me some thoughts. Happy Superman Day!

The post-pandemic Comic Book Distribution Wars

First thing's first, I'm located in the Philippines, a small market player in the comic book industry. BUT, we are home to a lot of talented international comic book artists and illustrators who have contributed to the comic book industry since the 70's, from the likes of the legendary artists Tony De Zuniga, Alfredo Alcala, Nestor Redondo, Alex Nino, and Steve Gan, the 90's comic book boom headlined by Whilce Portacio, Gerry Alanguilan, Gilbert Monsanto, Ed Tadeo, Reno Maniquis, to the new millennium artists like Leinl Yu, Harvey Tolibao, Stephen Segovia, Carlo Pagulayan, and a host of others that are just too many to mention (and apology to those who I wasn't able to name here). Filipino illustrators have contributed to the industry for much of its existence. Now basically, the comic book industry in the Philippines is mainly controlled by Comic Odyssey, Filbar's, Planet X, Druid's Keep, and Comic Quest. These are the physical stores that are located in the capital, and which basically supplies the demand of the 7,000 plus islands in the country. Now with that background set, here's my take on the 2020 Comic Book Distribution Wars.


The Story thus far...

Well it seems the Corona Virus Pandemic has hurt the comic book industry so bad that not only the temporary stoppage of monthly comic book distribution has affected the monthly readers, but a new business landscape has emerged that it shook the decades long comfort zones of long time Comic Books store operators. In a nut shell, Diamond Comic Distributors (the sole exclusive worldwide distributor of comic books) who holds the monopoly of all the American comic book industry made announcements that they will shut down their operations (along with withholding payments to the publishers), affecting the distribution of monthly comic books worldwide. This left comic book publishers in a dilemma as they were forced to stop working on new monthly comic books due to the uncertainty of the resumption of the distribution. Some Local Comic Book stores were also affected, specially those who were allowed to open and continue doing their business. Realizing that putting too much power on Diamond's hand would result to the eventual collapse of the industry, DC Comics decided to open new distributors in the interim so that there would be a resumption of shipping new monthly books. But when the dust settled and Diamond resumed their Businesses, DC decided to effectively end their exclusive partnership and appointed new distributors UCS Comic Distributors and Lunar Distribution. This was met with violent reactions from Local Comic Shops (LCS)  in the U.S. because fellow Local Comic Shop operator/competitor Midtown Comics owns UCS, while another huge client of Diamond, Discount Comic Book Service (DCBS), owns Lunar Distribution. This results to Diamond losing 30% of their business as represented by DC's  market share for Diamond's total comic book business. This is an industry shattering catastrophe because Diamond basically finances (for a lack of a better term) majority of the local comic book shops because they are enjoying credit terms from Diamond. And the transfer to UCS and Lunar will greatly affect the LCS credit standing (and finances) with them because basically the LCS will come out as new accounts with no existing credit confidence with UCS and LCS. This possibly requires them to shell out additional capital for the purchase of DC Products. So this really affects the LCS' comfort zones and business health. Now with that established, let me share my thoughts how this Comic Book Distributor Wars will affect DC, their market, the LCS, and the industry as whole.


DC's Post Pandemic Strategy  

Covid or any world changing pandemic/event has always been the great equalizer. It is times like these where either you make it to the next evolution or break you down if you get stuck to the old ways. You have to act fast. And big changes like this are only applicable when there's a restart needed. Many LCS were furious at DC's move. But the thing is, they would have a hard time implementing changes like this if this was done when the market has recovered and the business running smoothly. Imagine if the backlash was so bad that they immediately lose all their customers and stuck with monthly books who nobody is willing to distribute. This was a calculated move. DC is forced (despite the stiff resistance) to change the Business model at a time like this because they look at the marketplace as damaged. Not doing this at a time like this will only see resistance. A resistance that they could not afford. So this gamble they are making right now is either they win big or lose big. And they are probably happy to take that gamble, whatever the outcome is. I mean I can understand the outrage of LCS operators because this will open up new distribution channels and in effect competitors and it lessens the "collectability" of the comic books and turn it into disposable consumer products. Relegating it as disposable entertainment. And the new executives at Warner probably never believe the comic book's value as a collectible. Personally I never believe Comic Books will turn you into a millionaire or something. Not unless those old books from the Golden Age, and even those are only limited to Superman, Batman, and probably Spider-Man. Beyond that, nothing worth millions. So instead of focusing on the speculator market who see comic books as collectibles, DC is focusing instead to reach out to more readers. And I don't mean to be insensitive to our LCS, but DC's move is basically about evolving to keep the business of comic books afloat by changing their business model.They are de-monopolizing the sources where you could enjoy their books. (And yes, to reiterate, Diamond withholding their payments to DC also freaked them out!) 

And one of those perceived intents is the gradual shift to the digital world. There are whispers that the endgame for this is for DC to shift their monthly books to digital format with the intention to have them collected as a whole and released as Trade Paper Backs and Graphic Novels in book stores and other retail channels (LCS included). This, according to sources, costs lesser to produce. And the success of their Kid friendly Original Graphic Novels and Young Adult Graphic Novels in book stores has been their model and basis for shifting their monthly books to trade and graphic novel formats. The monthly books will still be retained, but this will mostly be cheap reprints (like those currently found in Walmart stores, the 100 page monthly books that costs cheaper per page than the regular books right now). And by opening up the comic books to mainstream availability thru other non-traditional channels like bookstores and supermarkets, then they could probably encourage new readers to be brought in to their current and up to date stories thru their monthly digital releases. And if this pans out, DC is probably looking at it as an opportunity if those casual readers brought in by the mainstream availability will turn to become a serious comic book buff. Maybe it could revive the industry as they finally are able to tap a new market. Remember, the comic book industry began as reading materials easily accessed in Supermarkets, Drugstores, News Stands, and the likes. So this feels like a restart to the roots of the industry.


How this Affects the Direct Market/Local Comic Book Shops

This move by DC will open up more competition to LCS because if we could readily get these books anywhere, then the LCS will be severely affected. Right now, the LCS have the monopoly when it comes to the supply of comic books. And we loyal readers have no other channels to source it from but the LCS when it comes to our monthly fix. Of course digital is available, but it is a business model that is still not widely accepted by longtime readers. In my case, I still like to feel the pages of the books in my hands and see the vibrant art before me in person rather than obscured by the digital feel of the color hues of your gadget screen. So it is well and good that longtime readers such as myself have remained loyal to our favorite LCS, but on the flip side, does the LCS really get new readers beyond us? This new threat that DC seems to be head starting by expanding to new retailers to tap new markets, will the absence of this guarantee that LCS will continue to expand readership and patrons? I doubt that. Because the rise of new readership has become a constant struggle in the past few years, and the rise of sales has mostly been credited to publisher gimmicks that are more geared to the speculator market. People buy multiple copies of speculated books or variant cover incentives, thus temporarily rising the sales figures. Which I find temporary and artificial. And overall unhealthy once these people move on from the hype of the thought that comic books are worthy investments. In fact comic books for the most part is now treated as an art collectible/commodity like paintings more than as a reading commodity, as a source of entertainment. And also these readers' attention is being lured by other alternative entertainment like online games and Netflix. The publishers need to fight back to retain their readership. 

So while the threat is real for the Direct Market. What I could see however is LCS getting to benefit from this in the long run because these reading materials will be the entry point for casual readers. Remember those Dollar Comics by DC and True Believers reprints by Marvel? These are being sold at $1 each and serves as an entry point to the collected trade. Paid promo materials. If they want to enjoy the world of comics, then the LCS will have to be their source to get those back issues and other old runs. If the new readers reached by these new retail outlets is successfully fascinated by the world of COMICS, then they'll have to go back to the LCS for an even wider assortment of the books that they will begin to love. This drives more sales (if successful) to LCS and more patrons. Perhaps reinvigorating the love for comic books. As of the moment, it hurts for the LCS and their outrage is rightfully understood specially that they are dealing in the unknown. But granted that they'll have to deal outside their comfort zones, they have to quickly gather their wits and capitalize on new opportunities. This will be hard at first (like everything is) but if this pays off, they'll be more thankful and be able to expand their business outside the norm. The thought of having to deal with Mainstream competition is probably what scares them the most (apart from financial, logistic issues, and added work). But then they'll have to look at the flip side of things and what are the other opportunities available. They are mad at DC right now, and rightfully so. But the new ownership executives (they were just recently bought by telecommunications giant AT&T) running DC right now though is not loyal to anyone except to their Business. And that's how corporate entities work. They are not charitable institutions.

Our LCS will have to innovate and adapt. So far we have five. Comic Odyssey, Planet X, Filbar's, Comic Quest, Druid's Keep. They each have their own specialty. Filbar's have so far shifted to Pops. CO/Planet X are also bringing in Pops, and they have some trading card games and even KPOP photo cards, DK is more on the Action Figure and Statues variety besides the comic books. CQ is also a mix store. I understand it will be hard for them and we have to continue supporting them. In fact on my end I continue to get my TPBs (apart from my weekly pulls) in Comic Odyssey even if Fullybooked is more accessible to me. If I own an LCS, it will really be stressful for me during these times. And Diamond has really been a big supporter for our LCS especially if they enjoy credit terms. So eliminating Diamond and then forced to shift to other distributors and not offering the same perks will really hurt them. But I'm hoping in whatever the changes, by DC's plan to widen the Distribution, this will help draw in new committed fans and readers of comic books. After all, we all used to get our source in Supermarkets and other retails stores for our books. If we can get these new readers to buy them in our LCS (because our LCS is still the best source for pristine, well handled books) then it is a win for everyone.

How this affects me as a Consumer

So I put consumer there so that I could accommodate everyone. Comic Book consumers are basically divided into three, the readers, collectors, and the speculators. I basically fall on the reader/collector category. I don't join in the speculation and the slabbing (grading them and preserved in acrylic plastic) of comic books (though I own two for posterity purposes). CGS and CBCS (comic book grading systems or slabbers) for me is overrated. They are business models that are benefiting or driving the speculator market. And in my belief, speculators are not healthy to the totality of the business. Comic Books were created to keep us entertained. And like all art/entertainment forms, I believe it will survive for the years to come because people need entertainment in their life. Books are meant to be read, not to be framed. And the speculators bulk buying the speculated books most of the time leaves a bad taste in the mouth for those seeking books to read. Case in point, I was thinking of buying Hell Arisen books just to connect the events from Justice League and Dark Nights: Metal, but when issue 3 (or was it 2) sold out because it was heavily speculated, I decided to nix the book altogether. And if I could not get the monthly books regularly, then it would be better to shift to trades so that you'll get the entire story. In short, speculators took out the joy of reading the books on a monthly basis. And since I am a reader first and foremost, any format will do for me (digital or trades) as long as I get to enjoy my books. I enjoy buying the monthly books because of the variant covers and the likes. And that's why I continue buying them.  

Of course people say that if you are a regular customer or if you have a good relationship with the LCS owners, or Pre-Order in advance, you'll be prioritized and get what you need. Sure that is an option. But on the other hand there's a part of me who hates to beg for my entertainment. And I should not be stressed with my hobby. I'm also speaking in behalf of walk in or new readers who just discovered the joy of reading monthly books. So the thought of current monthly books would be released in digital format and with the intent of collecting them in trades is fine with me. So if you are a reader first and foremost, then you won't see this as a problem as you'll just subscribe the monthly digital books and opt to keep the printed collected trade if you like the book so much by buying one. Less clutter (and my house is filled with clutter really!!!), but you still get to enjoy the literary and art experience. DC (or any publishers) on the other hand still wins, because you get to pay for their services on a fixed monthly basis (like Netflix). But of course online digital piracy is another thing. And they'll have to deal with that too.

Oh and what benefit lies for the speculators if the comic book industry dies? Well, they can hold on to those comic books, because it may be of some value as OLD Art Relics from the PAST.

Final thoughts

I think DC is moving away from the "traditional" collector driven market. In short, they don't care about the business of speculators and collectors. They care more about the reading public. They just want the books sold. They don't care what you do with those books. They look at the speculator and collector market as unhealthy. Remember the 90's comic book boom that was driven by speculators? We are almost on that same state right now. Case in point, Marvel recently released a Filipino Character named Wave, and almost all Filipino comic book Fan bought that first appearance issue to own a piece of history. But did those people really sustain the title? You go to Filbar's and some comic shops you'll still see those New Agents of Atlas 1 lying around. If the LCS over ordered on those books due to catering to the speculator market, you know what's next. We are just one wrong decision away for the 90's comic book mistake to happen again (which bankrupt Marvel back then). And as I've read multiple articles about Marvel's strategy to gain "extra" sales, some LCS in the U.S. are closing down because Marvel forced them to over order just to get those speculated high price variants. Sometimes, that high priced variant is just enough for LCS to break even from those unsold regular covers. DC's plan for the industry is ambitious. It is for me the right strategy to ensure the health of the comic book reading public. Now for it to actually work, that remains to be seen.

McFarlane Toys Superman Action Figure Review

It's been awhile since my last action figure purchase because the Corona Virus Pandemic shut down malls, toy stores, and international shipments. I've been waiting for this figure since the first quarter of 2020 to be released in stores, I Pre-Ordered it via DC Superheroes Cafe but is still waiting for the shipment. I chanced upon this figure when I went to the mall to get my comic book pulls from Comic Odyssey. Since I could not wait for the shipment to come, I decided to purchase this figure anyway and will just sell the extra one. And now the long wait is finally over. Todd McFarlane's Superman action figure is finally in my hands. So what are my thoughts? Read on...

Aesthetically, this has got to be one of the best looking Superman figure in awhile. McFarlane Toys, which made its name since the late 90's was one of the pioneering toy companies that totally improved how action figures look like. But back then, they were mostly known for producing mini-statues (or 7 inch action figures that has limited to no articulation). They made a name producing and releasing ultra detailed SPAWN toylines (an original comic book character creation by founder Todd McFarlane), and ultra realistic looking NBA Basketball figures (still non-articulated), which made other toy companies up their game by improving their action figures' aesthetic looks while doubling down on featuring massive amounts of articulation. McFarlane Toys was late in the articulation department, and only had their taste of success in articulated action figures via the Fortnite action figure series (which was only around three years ago). It was that Fortnite action figures which became the basis for McFarlane toys to bag the DC Action Figure License as they wrested control from Mattel. Mattel after decades of owning the rights to DC Action Figures finally ceded control of the license. Mattel had an epic decade run on the DC License and their high point which by now is considered to be a classic are the 6 inch DC Universe Classics action figures. But the latter releases were just too boring to most collectors as rival toy company Hasbro kept on beating them with their Marvel Legends toyline. McFarlane getting the license means that toy collectors will be getting highly detailed action figures for the mass market that could pretty much rival DC's own adult collector geared DC Essentials toyline.   

When it comes to DC action figures, the standard for ultra detailed and highly articulated action figures are the ones from DC Essentials, or formerly DC Direct. But these figures were mostly marketed towards adult toy collectors and not the mass market. Their figures aren't as sturdy as the Marvel Legends from Hasbro's when it comes to playability. Mattel offered sturdier figures, and is pretty much in scale at 6 inch with Hasbro's Marvel Legends. McFarlane's on the other hand feels like a duplication of the Dc Essentials and I feel like it would probably eat up the sales of DC Essentials. The figures feel sturdy I guess, but the feel is pretty much the same as those from DC Essentials (price point is about the same or cheaper). You could see the details of McFarlane toys as so much superior than Mattel's. But most collectors' gripe is the scale size. Standing at 7 inch (similar to DC Essentials), 6 inch collector's will have to think twice before totally diving into the line. So for those who had built their DC collections with Mattel would feel McFarlane Toys like a sore thumb in their collection. They can't be displayed side by side with Hasbro's Marvel Legends, and would also not fit with the old DC Direct (Pre-DC Essentials) and Mattel action figures.  

Articulation wise, this figure features a Ball Jointed head, swivel and hinged with butterfly shoulders, swivel biceps, hinged elbows, ball jointed wrists (with interchangeable hands), ball-jointed abs, swivel waists, and this weird looking hip articulation (see photo above), double jointed hinged knees, ball-jointed swivel and hinged ankles, and hinged toes. Now that's a lot of articulation but the most disappointing thing for me is that it does not have a swivel thigh. Which really kills it for me because I had a hard time making this figure stand. The rubber cape is heavy for the weak ankles to carry. This basically has the same problem with the DC Essentials Superman.  

The paint applications on the figure is top notch but I noticed a few bad splotches in the other figures on the shelf. The figure really feels like a DC Direct/Essentials figure and I could say that fans of the old DC Direct and the DC Essentials will surely love this figure. I really love the sculpt work, this is very traditional McFarlane Toys and would really seamlessly fit with your DC Direct/Essentials display collection. I could probably say this is the best looking Superman action figure in a while and looks way way much better than the very feminine DC Essentials. 

Here is a comparison photo with the DC Essentials Superman. A lot of collectors are having a hard time choosing which of these two is the better one. And in my opinion, McFarlane Toys Superman is the winner between the two. But take note, I'm not saying MCF Superman is the best one. I still feel the lack of thigh articulation takes a lot of points away for me. His rubber cape meanwhile looks great on him compared to the one DC Essentials put on their figure. Actually, DC Essentials looks like Superboy when you put him together with the McFarlane one side by side.

Here in this photo is the McFarlane Superman on a DC Direct Superman base. I'm lucky I managed to dig some discarded DC Direct bases since I'm really having a hard time making this figure stand (I didn't open the flight stand that this figure came with). And this Superman base really looks perfect on him. I'm just not sure if it will hold over time without breaking its ankle. I'm keeping mine in the box though due to the lack of display space LOL.

Like I said, this MCF Superman fits nicely with the old DC Direct action figures. Here he is with the classic DC Direct Alex Ross Justice Superman. MCF really improved where the old DC Direct failed, the massive articulation. Aesthetically, they are a match.

MCF Superman and DC Essentials Superman with another variation of the Justice Superman, this one is from the DC Direct Superman through the ages box set.

I still think (the one on the far left) the old DC Direct Justice League Superman (or those who are similar to this from the DC Direct Superman line and the JLA Boxset) is still the best Superman action figure.

MCF Superman scale fits nicely with this DC Direct Justice Lex Luthor. 

MCF Superman is pretty low on accessories. He has a flight stand (which I did not bother to open) which is really needed considering his ankles are bad at standing. The figure also comes with alternative hands, an open fisted and close fisted one (which I used on some photos here) with the open flying hands as the standard ones on the packaging. It also comes with a Jim Lee art trading card from the cover art of the Action Comics 1000.  

Box art features the art of Jim Lee from the cover of Action Comics 1000 but I really don't agree that this figure is based on the Jim Lee art. In my opinion the figure is based on the art of Ivan Reis. Yeah, I'm not a huge fan of Jim Lee's recent works, especially the cover for Action Comics 1000.

The MCF Superman with an Ivan Reis Art Superman comic book cover. Fun Fact: The MCF Superman is basically based on the return of Superman's red trunks after years of having a trunkless Superman in the comic books (from New 52 to Rebirth). Jim Lee got a first crack of Superman's new costume (red trunks with wrist cuffs similar to Henry Cavill's Man of Steel Superman) by doing the art chores for the cover of Action Comics 1000 where this costume of Superman debuted. But it was Ivan Reis who did the art chores longer which started in the Man of Steel mini-series (see photo below) and the current Superman titles (see photo above).  So which is which? Jim Lee or Ivan Reis?

Another comparison shot with a comic book featuring the art of Ivan Reis.

The Front Box looks simple and clean. Not too much art but the figure really pops at first glance.

FINAL VERDICT. MCF Superman is one of the best Superman action figure ever created. It really is a tribute to the old DC Direct Superman action figures (and I couldn't help talking about it), from its aesthetic, the feel of the figure, everything. Even the tightness of the joints. But sadly I could not say it is the best. Until now, the search for the best Superman action figure for me continues. So is the figure worth your money? You bet it is. I've tried posing and looking at it in different angles and the figure really looks great. Now as far as the entire McFarlane toyline, I think this is a great line to start if you are a new collector because not only are they releasing old classic stuffs, they are also releasing new characters not yet made in toy form. Those armored Superman and Batman figures looks neat, as well as the Batman who Laughs figure. I on the other hand would not dive into the entire line and might just cherry pick. I belong to the jilted 6 inch action figure collector, and I'm sill fairly satisfied with my Mattel DCUC. I hope McFarlane Toys can hold on to the license in the long term, I really feel they have a great opportunity to come up with perhaps DC's greatest modern toy line ever. I'm still scratching my head though why DC Direct/Essentials is allowing themselves to face a very tough competition like McFarlane Toys. More toy pics below. Until next time!

MCF Superman with the art of Jorge Jimenez

MCF Toys Superman v.s. DC Essentials Superman