Packaging - **1/2
The package sports the new DC style including the really boring white. That's strike one. Then there's the really dull presentation of the figure that does nothing to show off either the sculpt or the articulation. Strike two. Strike three is pretty common - too damn many twisty ties. They manage to save themselves from a basement score with a nice window and a very collector friendly box and tray, but there's enough not to like about this large box.

Sculpting - ***1/2
The sculpt looks terrific, following the crazy design developed for the game. The huge chompers and large mouth are offset by the small forehead and beady eyes - very crocodile.

The scaly skin texture looks great, and is very sharply defined. They added the neck and arm restraints, and the chains are real metal, always a nice touch.

This is a big figure, coming in at about 9 1/2", towering over the other figures in the 7" scale set. The hands are sculpted to work with a variety of poses as well, and he stands great on his own.

In fact, the only thing holding him back from a perfect score is the pretty obvious mold lines along the edges of the teeth. There's an edge spur along quite a few of them, throwing off an otherwise great sculpt.

Paint - **1/2
Unfortunately, I'm not loving the paint quite as much as the sculpt. Looking at this figure, I thought back to the great work of companies like McFarlane, NECA and Mezco when they were at the top of their game. Considering the price point on this guy, he should be at least that good - he's not.

The eyes are oddly life-less, the teeth are too sloppy, and the overall wash isn't really working for me. The transition on the pants between regular color and dirty lower legs is too abrupt. The transition between the skin colors isn't as smooth as I'd like either - nothing is really doing it for me in this category. It's not terribly sloppy, but there's an aesthetic quality that's missing.

Articulation - ***1/2
I was very surprised at how good the articulation worked, allowing the figure to pose in both crouches and full height stances equally well.

The ball jointed neck is a little restricted, and I would have loved it if I could tilt it back a bit more. That would have allowed the jointed mouth to open wider, but it still does work well enough for most poses.

The ball jointed shoulders work well, with the cut shoulders, cut wrists and pin elbows. There's also pin knees, and these and the elbows have a much better range of movement than I expected just looking at them.

There's a cut waist too, but most impressive is the ball hips. They have a huge range, and really allowed the legs to pose in a lot of ways. The pin ankles work well too, allowing you to keep the center of gravity properly aligned.

Accessories - Bupkis
You can get the neck restraint off with a little work, but I'm not counting it. nope, not a thing. Considering the price, that's a big downer.

Fun Factor - ***
Even with the aforementioned issues, this is a pretty decent toy. You could easily give your big brother a concussion with it, and it could handle the toughest sand box play. Too bad they don't make 'real' toys this well.

Value - *1/2
Let me get this straight - this is a 9" action figure with NO accessories, no features, and it costs...forty five dollars?

Things to Watch Out For -
It took some effort to free up the joints, but I didn't have any fear of breakage. Take your time nonetheless, and use an even pressure - or the freezer trick.

Overall - **1/2
When I first got this figure, I had no idea that I was going to grade it overall this low. I do love the sculpt, and we just don't get enough large scale figures like this any more. But the lack of accessories and ridiculously high price point gave me PTOSD - post toy opening stress disorder. Is this guy worth three DC Universe Classics or Marvel Legends figures? Nope, and for that he takes a big hit.

Score Recap:
Packaging - **1/2
Sculpting - ***1/2
Paint - **1/2
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - Bupkis
Fun Factor - ***
Value - *1/2
Overall - **1/2

Where to Buy -
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Mike's Comics N Stuff still has him in stock at $45.

- Big Bad Toy Store and Urban Collector had it for $45, but are amazingly both sold out.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
I covered the first wave of DC Direct figures here, and don't forget that there's a Batman Black and White statue.

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