Customer Reviews

DC Universe World's Greatest Superheroes Superman Figure

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First of all, yay! I have waited for toys like this to return in some fasion and they do not disappoint. The cloth outfits, the elastic band holding the torso together, the huge boots, and packaging all hail nostalgic times. I remember playing with the Mego figures of the 80s and while they did tend to be poorly constructed and often broke, thats just what toys were like back then. Compared to them, these are more durable, but that isn't saying a lot. You can't go swinging your action figure around and yanking on the legs and torso and expect it to last. Toys like these, like all toys in my opinion, should be played with. Just be careful when you do.

So what's the same? The look and feel mainly. The bodies are all the same build, but have different hands for different colors and accessories. They have that same floppy feel to them due to the elastic band holding them together. The outfits snap together using plastic snaps. They are as basic as it gets in terms of design and form. So much fun. Even the packaging has a dull, faded look to make them seem as if they had been in a special storage area since the early 80s. No annoying twist ties or anything holding these toys in place in the package. They are loose inside, but there isn't much to move and break so its fine.

So what's different? I remember the older figures, particularly the ones with capes, having the cape sewn to the costume and the buttons buttoned them up at the back of the neck. These aren't like that. The outfits snap together in back, but with plastic snaps unlike the metal ones that used to rust easily. The capes are sewn on the front of the costume only, and have elastic in the neck so that it fits tightly against the figure. The fabric appears to be of a higher quality and not so easy to tear and become loose. The boots do not come off, eat least not without considerable effort that would likely break the toy. The former Mego toys had hard plastic boots that could slip on and off, which often resulted in them getting lost within minutes of playing. These stay on, and are made of a soft rubber. This means the feet can't bend, but that's okay. The characters with gloves now have shaped and colored hands instead of a huge glove that slides on. For example, Green Lantern's hands are made of white molded plastic and his ring hand is a fist and features the ring on his finger. That's the kind of small detail the old figures lacked. The forearm part of the gloves is sewn into the costume, so it can't slip off and get lost, plus they're made of a soft leather-like material. Instead of a mere rubber band to hold the figures together in the middle, these figures use an elastic material that is kind of like a bungie cord. Its durable, but can break with enough force. Granted they are not nearly as delicate as the former rubber bands though. The most common problem with these figures back then was that rubber band. Since rubber bands become brittle with age and continuous strain, they broke easily. These use a more modern material that can hold up to time and strain.

So what's bad about it? Well, I've heard people complain about it being floppy in the waist and that they don't stand up well. That's true, but that's how the old Mego figures were and that's what they were going for. I think its great because it has that classic feel to it when they move. The bodies are made of a more sturdy plastic than in the past, and have a nice weight to them. I've also heard others complain about durability and the symbols on the costumes wearing out. That's true too, though I haven't had any problems with mine coming apart. I have noticed a bit of wear on the "S" symbol on Superman's chest. This wear is to be expected of printed symbols on fabric. As the fabric stretches more and more, the decal will tear in places. But the good thing is that the material of the outfits is stretchy and tear resistant in most cases. The only problem I've had is that sometimes the snaps come undone easily. That's the trade off with plastic versus metal snaps though.

All in all, they're pretty good. As of writing this, the Batman figure wave hasn't come out yet, so I can't say if they've improved on those or not. These figures are great for children of the late 70s and early 80s as they bring back fond memories. They are definatly worth getting if you have the chance. If you get them, I suggest treasuring them during play and not subjecting them to strenuous play. You could leave the figures in the package, but what fun is that? ;-) I would hope that Marvel and other companies follow suit and remake their old Mego-like figures as well.

Yeah I bought one I'll be honest it was a great blast from the past,
Let's put it on the table though these are being made for collectors not kids.
I still have my original megos, and when I was young every kid was able to get one or a clone,my main problem is that the price I feel is
a little high for this toy, really 20 bucks is too much I see 10-12 bucks more than fair,
I see that they (dc) are capitalizing on all us adults who played with these guys back in the day,
but really for the cost conscious parents and relatives out there the price is a little steep,
I don't need any lectures about the economics of pricing, it's all blah,blah,blah ceo needs another mansion and royalties need to be paid to me.
I find it sad that good toys are being over priced.
just my opinion.

Well, First off this action figure is beautiful to look at. Makes me remeber my days with my Mego's in the 70's. At first Superman held up to play, but his waist elastic broke. So I just duct taped the waist together for a quick fix the play continued. Next the silk screen "S" emblem started to split like a old T-shirt. Finally I descided to send him back for a replacement, and finally the head started to seperate from the torso. The neck plastic ripped. Maybe my house hold recieved a defective one? The figure does look amazing and was a real hit in my family, but the durability for one afternoons worth of normal play really surprised me as poor. Will be returning him for a refund due to the play toughness just not being there for $20.00

My son loved this toy as well,..I will say these may be better suited for display rather a 3 year old play with them,but very nice over all

My son is 4 and loves this and his similiar Batman. I love that it's so close to the toys I had as a kid. It's made some terrific memories for me, and pictures I can show him. Well done! I wish they'd keep making this line.

Something very large and heavy was placed on his head---and smashed it flat. Then a mold was made of it and it went into production. No one knows how this happened--but it is VERY SAD. D+

Unfortunately most Superhero figures today, have bulging muscles on muscles, protruding veins, 12 packs, and are generally freakish looking.

I wanted to get my 4 year old a Superman that didn't look like he mainlined steroids for breakfast. A figure that wasn't too heavy, or with sharp edges, that would fit perfectly into his little hand. A real toy, not a statuette.

This is that Superman.

Sure he got trashed pretty quickly, but that's because he is played with a lot.
He still survives, removable boots and all (after all, he is the man of steel).

I would recommend this toy to any parent looking for a Superhero figure for their child to roll-play with.

The other Retro-Action DC Super Heroes Figure by Mattel are also great. Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern and Batman...of course, alas no Robin...yet)