Review of Supergirl - DC Bombshells statue

Introduction

Once upon a time, I was in love with the DC Direct series of statues called Cover Girls of the DC Universe. Based on the designs of the talented Adam Hughes, they reminded me of the 40's and 50's pinup style of famous artists like Vargas.

Sadly, DC Collectibles decided that their New 52 designs were better, and went in that direction with the series. Since, they've been far less appealing, so much so that I don't think I'll buy any more after Supergirl (who I'm reviewing soon), and I'll probably sell all the New 52 based statues.

Thankfully, DC Collectibles did listen to the complaints of collectors like me, and came up with a solution - a new series of statues, called the DC Comics Bombshells. These designs are based on the actual pinup style, much like what you would have seen on the side of a bomber in World War II.

The first release is Supergirl, and she is not a limited edition. Up next is Wonder Woman and Poison Ivy, followed by Batgirl and Harley. While the initial releases are not limited editions, they re-instate that policy with Harley and Batgirl.

This statue will run around $100 depending on the retailer, which is about $20 more than the very similar Cover Girls.

Packaging - ***
I'm not a big fan of the dull white boxes that we've been stuck with since the new logo debuted. Not a big fan of the logo, either.

But at least the box keeps the statue safe and the trays are well designed. That's important, since here scarf is high risk.

Sculpting - ***1/2
These aren't exactly like the original Cover Girls statues. Those were a subtle reminder of the old pinup art, while these are a direct copy. That's not a bad thing though, and they've managed to reproduce that style and keep the attributes of the particular superhero.

I love this design, with it's dynamic pose and flowing lines. The high red boots, short blue skirt, and blowing red scarf look terrific, and the costume is very much in the appropriate style. I love the addition of the lace-like design on the gloves and bodice - perfect!

By flowing the scarf up and out, the viewer instantly knows that she's landing, and visual clues like that are important to keep a dynamic sculpt clear and understandable. You don't want the viewer to have questions about what's going on - there's none here.

Of course, the scarf isn't particularly safe - just as Isadora Duncan - but this is Supergirl after all.

The only reason I'm deducting slightly here is the hair. There's a little too much, and the huge size tends to pull your eye away from the beautiful face.

It's a minor nit though, and this debut figure has me looking forward to the future releases.

The statues are similar in size to the Cover Girls, so they should look good on the shelf together. Supergirl stands about 10 1/4" tall without the base. That might seem slightly bigger, but remember, she's on her very tippy toe with some big hair.

I also wanted to mention the base design. It looks like an industrial floor, and the front name plate looks like a hunk off the side of a plane, complete with Bombshell artwork. Very nice!

Paint - ****
I love the paint work, which supports the style of the sculpt with just the right colors and shading. Edges are neat and clean, the skin tone is very even, and even the glamor make-up fits with the times.

Great paint can make a great sculpt even better, and I think this is one of those occasions. The bright colors and clean lines really make this statue stand out on the shelf.

Value - **
You can pick this lovely lady up for around $100 or so, depending on the retailer. That's at the top end for statues in this size range, and something in the $85 - $90 range seems a lot more in line. That's still how much the Cover Girls statues are, and these are about the same size and not limited.

Things to Watch Out For -
With a statue like this that is two separate pieces, you always want to take care inserting the metal post on the bottom of her foot into the softer resin base.

Overall - ***1/2
I've been disappointed with the direction of the DC Cover Girls statues, but it's been hard to go cold turkey away from the line. Without any other decent super heroine statues out there, they seemed like the only choice.

Thankfully, DC Collectibles has solved the problem they created - I can drop the old series like a hot potato now, and start up with this new line, happy once again.

I love the designs, quirky as some might be. While the designs are also generally dynamic, they've managed to create looks that aren't silly or off putting. Supergirl is a great start, and I can't wait to add more alongside her.

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

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth is any where from $100 to $105 depending on the character.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
This is the first of the Bombshells, but the early Cover Girls have a similar style, and you should check out Starfire, Raven, Hawkgirl, Armored Wonder Woman, Supergirl, 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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