Review of Harley Quinn New 52 - Cover Girls of the DCU Statue

Introduction

DC has had plenty of changes over the last year. One that's obvious (and controversial) is the new logo, but more critical is the re-inventing of the entire universe through the 'new 52', the re-launch of the major (and many of the minor) characters we know and love.

Many characters got new costumes and new back stories, including the Joker's femme fatale, Harley Quinn. Gone is the perky but slightly goofy red and black costume - the new Harley has a bit more rodeo clown in her.

The statue series collectors know as the  Cover Girls of the DCU has also been revamped. Where once the line highlighted the cover artwork of the terrific Adam Hughes, it's now the showcase for the New 52 female designs.

That means this latest release of Harley follows her new look, a look I do not like. It would be rather silly of me to complain about her being over sexualized - female comic book characters always are, and Hughes work was pretty much pin up art - but this new design loses all the charm for me.

More on that in the review - you can pick her up right now at most retailers for around $90. These are no longer a 'limited' collectible.

Packaging - ***
Since these are no longer limited editions, there's no numbering and there's no Certificate of Authenticity.

The box is sturdy, and the dense inner foam trays work fine. I don't like the new plain white scheme, and the overall appearance is very dull, but it does keep the statue safe.

Sculpting - **1/2
The statue is a single piece - no need to assemble. It's also about the same size as the rest of the line, standing about 8" tall including the base.

I've already said that I don't like this costume, so you know I'm going to have some aesthetic issues. 

The best feature of the outfit is the gun belt and holsters. They're well sculpted, and I like the way they hang off her hips.

The goofy stockings and sneakers aren't doing it for me though, and the silly little cape really bugs me.

For me, the original Harley costume is still the winner, and shows creativity and imagination. It also made sense with her connection to the Joker, but this new version looks like just another goth chick gone bad.

I will say that the pose is well done, however. They did the best they could with what they had, and I like the slightly coy-ish look, coupled with the deadly knives hidden behind her back.

Paint - **1/2
At first glance, I was happy with the paint work. First glance always means the face, since that (contrary to popular belief) is the first thing you notice.

The mask lines are clean, the hair colors are consistent and bright, and even the eyes are fairly decent. One is *slightly* off center, but it's very minor, and the red lips and white teeth are well done.

But then I started paying a little more attention to the costume, and I found that there were a LOT of bad edges. The cut lines between the costume and skin are bad, and even the edges of the fingers holding the knives are sloppy and uneven. Considering the price, this is not acceptable.

Value - *1/2
Although these statues are no longer limited editions, they still carry the limited edition price tag. Unlike the Batman Black and White statues, which also dropped the limited nature AND the price tag, these remain at $85 - $90 at most retailers. That's too much for this rather basic statue.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.

Overall - **1/2
For me, there's only one Harley costume - this one. Her original look (and voice) were about as perfect as you can get, and even when they took that look and turned it realistic, it still worked.

But this design isn't doing it for me, and I remain adamant that DC made a major mistake shifting to the New 52 designs. If they continue to ignore the history of these characters and only put out collectibles based on the new style, they are shooting themselves in the foot.

If you do like this design, there's really only two issues - the paint quality, which is not at the level that most of the other ladies has been, and the high price. Even the most diehard fan may find it a tough sell at $90 or more.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - **1/2
Paint - **1/2
Value - *1/2
Overall - **1/2

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth is at $90 too.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Other Cover Girls include:

- the New 52 Catwoman was very recent.

- also in the New 52 theme was the New 52 Wonder Woman.

- prior to that was the Starfire statue, Raven, Hawkgirl, Armored Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and just prior was Poison Ivy, Batgirl, Harley, Power Girl, Catwoman/Wonder Woman, Zatanna, and Black Canary.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

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