Customer Reviews

Shazam 13" Deluxe Collector Figure

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4 star:		(2)
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I think it is fantastic that I live in a world where this is for sale. For most of my life, as a Captain Marvel fan the only figures available were the 1986 "Super Powers Collection" and the Mego "World's Greatest Superheros" figure from the 1970s. Now, not only is the entire Marvel Family ailable in different versions, but we have this goliath to tower over them all.

This is the only 13" DC Direct deluxe figure that I own, since I am primarily a Marvel Family collector rather than getting a wide range of figures. Normally I don't like figures this big because they are difficult to display and just take up too much room, but they really did a fine job on Captain Marvel here and I am happy to have him.

The articulation and costume are excellent, using the gold color emblem with yellow boots color scheme that has become the standard since Alex Ross's re-design for Kingdom Come. There doesn't seem to be any particulars artist's style followed here, and the costume is a mix of elements from the Golden Age Fawcett costume to modern versions. I would have liked the genie sash instead of the belt, but that element rarely survives for modern figures.

The only problem I have with this figure is the head sculpt; Instead of the smiling, cheery hero shown in the picture, this Captain Marvel is a scowling, grim faced avenger. I have learned that this is a re-sculpt due to fan dissatisfaction with the original, but I can't say that I like it. The reason why I like Captain Marvel more than other superheroes is his lightness and sense of fun. He is the smiling hero, This held sculpt takes away from that and was disappointing.

If you own other 13" DC Direct deluxe figures then you'll have some idea of what you're getting with Captain Marvel, however, I feel it is one of the best along with Aquaman. Unlike DCD's Aquaman, who is somewhat restricted in movement by his outfit, the Captain Marvel figure moves very smoothly and freely, creating the opportunity for great poses. All the joints are sturdy without being stiff and thankfully are not loose. The figure has cut joint hands to be used with the supplied swappable hands but I have decided not to use the extra "bendy" hands as I have read elsewhere people have experienced chipped paint just removing them from the packaging.

The initial head sculpt shown by DC Direct was scrapped after much fan protest, the new head walks the fine line between stoic and friendly, without being constipated and goofy. While the sculpt doesn't show a smile per say, it does look as though he's confidently smirking; the picture shown on this site is the scrapped head so don't let that dissuade you from buying. The neck joint allows for a wide range of movement including an upward, flying pose. The paint application is slight but well done with a clear distinction shown between the hair line and forehead. The fist hands also have some nice veins giving the appearance of strength and a tight grip.

The costume allows for great movement and includes the chest button flap from the original design of the character, a must for true Captain Marvel fans. And while I would have preferred the original sash over the belt DCD used, it's not a deal breaker. The cape looks fantastic and I think you'll like the material DCD used. It does, however, pull at the neck a bit and will appear as though it's strangling the good captain. A great touch is the knotted rope flourishes down the cape's left side. Fans of the SHAZAM! TV show from the 70's will recall those flourishes were interpreted as a kind of flower print, as the comics did as well; this original interpretation is far superior and appreciated.

Captain Marvel comes with the typical DCD display stand that isn't as good as Sideshow's, but it serves its purpose. The figure includes a character in lieu of an accessory but it's a great one; one of comics' most original villains, Mr. Mind. Fans of Captain Marvel will appreciate the attention to detail on getting the classic, golden age version exactly; right down to his radio voice box.

As a life long fan of Captain Marvel I highly recommend this figure as the only Cap figure to own. Compared to the various 6" figures of Captain Marvel, DC Direct's Deluxe 13" version is a stand out.

The figure has a good sturdy body build and nice costume with vivid colors, but the head sculpt in my opinion appears like something that was sculpted by an uninspired artist. It has a very generic look to it. The head sculpt in my opinion does not embody the essence of the Captain Marvel (Shazam) superhero.

The pictures that are floating on the web of the original prototype head sculpt with Captain Marvel (Shazam) smiling, in my opinion captured the essence of the Captain Marvel (Shazam) Superhero, more so than this redesigned head sculpt. (Just think, if you were an orphan child (Billy Batson) and were suddenly given amazing powers by the wizard Shazam, wouldn't you be smiling too?)

Overall this figure is still a keeper. A good value. It is a decent figure for your collection, especially for the lower price compared to other Superhero figures of the same brand.

I recieved my figure in the mail yesterday and a few days ahead of schedule i might add.
I have been purchasing things from Amazon for several years now and i want to say that iam very pleased with there website. they keep me very imformed on the things in my buy later list and inform me when prices on items change. ive not had nothing but excellent experince with them and as far as Shazam goes the figure i recieved is just as pictured iam very pleased with it. It brings me back to the time when in was a kid and watched the Shazam and Isis hour on TV. i also ordered Superman in the same size i cant wait for it to come in as well