Comments on: Super Powers redux?

By: Rann

Rann — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 02:32:53 +0000

Kenner Super Powers (KSP) figures initiated my toy collecting in the 80s. For a few bucks, I picked up KSP Green Lantern on a whim, and it was all downhill from there. I would have killed to have had these as a 10yo…Captain Action notwithstanding. By today’s standards KSPs were a bit stiff (but nowhere as bad as the Secret Wars or Star Wars toys of the day), and I’ve never been a fan of cloth capes, and KSP “Action Features” struck me as just plain silly, but I still feel that KSPs were/are a superior experience to DCUC figures in a number of ways:

1. Although certainly not hyperarticulated, KSP figures had very subtle joints, with no evident pins. DCUC guys have HUGE, distracting joints. IMO, the size and number of joints ruin the 4H sculpts, making the figures look robotic. (Hyperarticulated figures do not have to look like robots. Many Japanese-made figures today are very poseable, but simply have better designed/engineered/concealed joints.) DCD figures are far from perfect, especially when it comes to consistent scale, but DCDs have that on-model, just-stepped-out-from-a-comic look that I prefer.

2. I bought 99.99% of my KSP figures at local toy stores, in those pre-Internet, pre-scalper days. DCUC figures continue to be very difficult to find at retail. I could find & buy them online, but frankly don’t find them worth the effort…not when I can find DCDs at my local comic shop, and don’t have to hike through (and subsidize) WalMart, dodging screaming toddlers while they roller-skate down the aisles.

Again, in terms of distribution, with DCDs I know exactly, to the day, to the hour, when new figures will be available at my comic shop. I don’t have the time anymore to haunt WalMart on the off-chance that something new will be hanging from the pegs.

3. Paint. KSP figures were well-painted and sported bright colors. I have never liked washes, which dull the bold, bright colors that super heroes should wear. Most washes look overdone and poorly applied to me.

4. Price. DCUCs cost 3x more than KSPs did. Yes, inflation is up and the US dollar is down, but come on…DCUCs are toys for kids. DCDs are only slightly more expensive than DCUCs, but are designed for the adult collector.

Just my opinion, mind you. DCUCs aren’t terrible, and are evidently well-liked by many. For what it’s worth, I prefer DCUCs to Marvel Legends, which look even worse, and are just as hard to find in brick & mortar stores.

By: DC Biased

DC Biased — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:45:22 +0000

Super Powers also wins in the vehicle/playset category, too, superfriend. Was there anything cooler than the Hall of Justice? How about the Batmobile, Batcopter, Supermobile, etc. JLU will never catch up with that! You’re totally correct about the stand test, too! Ugh!

By: Poe Ghostal

Poe Ghostal — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:40:54 +0000

Great piece, TO. I agree with all your points–there has never been a true successor to DCSP until now. And the consistency is what seals the deal.

By: superfriend

superfriend — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:17:50 +0000

TO – Did the 4H make that Joker?
DCB – JLU handles the chaaracter selection, but fails the standing test, the scale test (Amazo smaller than everyone), and has no action features. Love the SP too.

By: MoMoney

MoMoney — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:17:17 +0000

Otter, you are dead-on. I was too young for Super Powers, and I agree that the sculpts are nothing compared to what we’re seeing today, but it was the benchmark for all future DC toy lines.

Until now.

¡Viva la DC Universe Classics!

By: DC Biased

DC Biased — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 04:10:55 +0000

Toyotter, you and I share the same enthusiasm and unhealthy worship of Super Powers. What a great article! Although, I will disagree with you on one point. JLU is pretty close to Super Powers