Comparing Mattel's DC action figures to Mcfarlane's part 1
This is a post that just occurred to me to write, and I'm so excited to because it is something that I've been thinking about ever since Mcfarlane's ownership of the DC comics line of action figures started! Mattel had the license for years and gave us countless figures, many of which I've been looking at with scrutiny as action figure designing has advanced and Mcfarlane's DC Multiverse line has been one I've greatly enjoyed for these first two years. Already they've redone some of the figures that Mattel tackled during their years with the line, and taking a look at those specific figures I want to compare Mattel's DC figures vs Mcfarlane's! With Mattel's offerings pictured on the left, and Mcfarlane presented on the right.
Related posts:
1. Arrow
Both of the figures pictured above appeared in the first waves of both Mattel and DC's Multiverse line assortments. And by looking at the pictures I think there is a clear difference in the execution of these figures. While neither does a good job at catching the actor's likeness, Mattel's efforts on the left severely lack in articulation compared to Mcfarlane's which will be a trend through this series. The detailing on Mcfarlane's also blows away Mattel's, and the darker greens give it a more realistic appearance compared to the almost cartoony, and ironically toy-like paintjob of Mattel's. I will also never not find Mattel's dreadful hip joints ugly.
2. Armored Batman (The Dark Knight Returns)
Now for this one I will give Mattel credit where I do feel like I'm looking right at the comic book when looking at their figure. Mcfarlane went for a much more realistic, almost Batman v Superman melded design for their DKR armored Batman and by pure aesthetic I think Mattel actually wins this one as it looks more like the source material. From proportions to colors, and the inclusion of the sonic gun I think Mattel actually does a great job and knocks it out of the park. Mcfarlane's version is impeccably detailed with decent articulation and makes me excited for an armored Batman from the DCEU one day; however, Mattel did the better job capturing the look of the source material here.
3. DCEU Justice League Superman
For me this was a big figure to come out. Ever since Man of Steel premiered in 2013 Mattel had been giving us the same tired Henry Cavill Superman mold for each movie appearance. It wasn't great the first time we got it, and by the time we got it for the third time in Justice League I was beyond over it, even with the new flimsy, cheap cloth cape. Articulation was mediocre, and while the sculpting detailing wasn't bad, Mcfarlane really took the design and ran with it. The articulation was completely kicked up to a 10, the sculpted detailing of the body suit and cape are great not to mention perfect proportions! Both figures aren't winners when it comes to the face sculpt, though Mcfarlane's definitely looks more like a person and not a toy. Plus, Mcfarlane's gave us a bonus flight stand when Mattel's had no accessories.
4. Rebirth era Flash
These next two upcoming figures have been hailed by fans as two of the best from the entire line, and I personally find them extremely obvious examples to why I think Mcfarlane is better hands for the license. When looking at Mattel's Rebirth era Flash it utilizes the same base body mold that had been in production since DC Universe Classics! I will always take sculpted detailing over paint any day, and the Flash figure from Mattel was nothing but paint detailing over most of the entire body while Mcfarlane actually bothered to sculpt the chest emblem, belt, and elbow flairs. Mcfarlane's figure also excels at posing and articulation, you can get him into countless running poses that feel natural which you struggle to do with Mattel's lack luster design scheme. Mcfarlane's headsculpt radiates the bright, humorous personality of the figure, the lightning effect pieces are gorgeous when fully utilized, and this Flash is skinny and lanky like he should be where Mattel's had the exact same body as Superman!
5. Red Hood
Red Hood is plainly one of the best figures in Mcfarlane's line, and while many people were all over Mattel's Red Hood when it came out in the last wave of the line I think Mcfarlane less than a year later made it completely out dated. Just looking at the two figures side by side detail how much more proportionate, imposing, and just cool looking Mcfarlane's is! The dark red for the helmet is perfect, the jacket looks natural and sculpted with a great collar, and throughout the figure will be found high levels of articulation and sculpt. While I appreciate the extra accessories for Mattel's with the hands and unmasked headsculpt (though we would also eventually get the same for Mcfarlane), and the painted shin guards, the helmet looks much too large, simpler articulation impairs posing, and just like with Flash we have a painted on chest emblem whereas Mcfarlane's chest emblem for Red Hood is sculpted, eye catching, and helps really round out the figure's presentation.
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