Comparing Mattel's DC Multiverse line to Mcfarlane's part 3

Continuing the series I started where I take a look at Mattel's DC action figures compared to Mcfarlane's line of DC figures, this will be my third round coming around to compare and contrast the characters that exist in both company's lines! As I've detailed before, I am fully on board for Mcfarlane having the license and think a lot of what they're doing tops Mattel's offerings, though Mattel's figures haven't been without their merits! So with 5 more figures to take a look at, lets compare the past and present with Mattel depicted on the left and Mcfarlane on the right!

DCEU face shield Cyborg

Both Mattel and Mcfarlane gave us face shield versions of Cyborg based on the Justice League film as variant versions of the main Cyborg figure, and at this point it is easy to tell that the Mcfarlane version is more faithful to what we actually see on screen. I've gone over already how in terms of detailing and sculpt, Mcfarlane tops Mattel's attempt despite the sculpting detailing on Mattel's being appreciated, and there's no competition between the articulation, and when it comes to the face shield version there's something interesting things going on. Mattel gave this version of Cyborg a bulkier torso and arms which don't quite match the movie, and the face shield itself is much more...I don't know how to put it, robotic and helmet-like while Mcfarlane's bares resemblance better to the movie where it is more like a metal head that forms against Cyborg's face rather than a helmet.

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Rebirth Superman

Mcfarlane's take on this figure has been making some waves in collecting communities due to the red lines for the boots, which at the tip become simply painted on and don't match the sculpt which had been re-used from another figure. Aside from that little oops, I think the body shape, physique, and articulation of this character evokes Superman much more than the skinnier version Mattel used. I will always advocate for the sculpted chest emblem which Mattel almost never used, though I will give Mattel credit for painting the wrist cuffs and an 'S' on the back of the cape which Mcfarlane left out. 

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Superboy Prime

Getting Superboy Prime in Mcfarlane's line for a modern age is awesome for such a classic character in DC's roster, and this comparison is actually with a pretty aged figure at this point as Mattel tackled Superboy Prime quite a while ago. From then to now I think both figures actually bring their own wins to the table, as the blue coloring for the armor is something I agree with more that Mattel adapted, and the tattered cape is awesome; however, the same points as usual apply as Mcfarlane's modern articulation blows away Mattel's and I always found the headsculpt for Mattel's figure a bit off.

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Lobo

Mattel's Lobo came out as a build a figure in Mattel's line and I remember a lot of fans liking it when it came out. It was a very popular character, and I will agree that the real chain for the hook accessory is pretty awesome...however, Mcfarlanes renders that version almost entirely inert. Despite being a standard release in the line, Lobo still towers over the other characters without needing to be a build-a figure, sculpt and detail is glorious with sharp points, tattered clothing, and an amazing depiction of his "Bite me Fanboy" artwork on the the back of his jacket. The headsculpt captures Lobo's gnarly, almost scary visage, articulation is top notch, and Lobo has made for one of the best released in Mcfarlane's line for late 2021. 

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Damien Wayne

Both of these are Damien Waynes, and despite being based on two different costumes they are close enough in design that I wanted to still compare and contrast these two depictions of the son of Batman. I like the hooded look from Mattel's as well as the inclusion of the Court of Owl's mask but that is where I think that figure's win over Mcfarlane's version ends. Mcfarlane's Robin is undoubtedly Damien Wayne without even a moment's glance! The swoosh to the cape is very action oriented, the headsculpt renders the character's likeness much better than Mattel's, the articulation for Mcfarlane's is more impressive overall despite the restrictive single jointed arms and legs, and while different costumes I think the detailing and sculpt is much sharper on Mcfarlane's toy overall. Out of the two there's no competition for the better depiction of Damien Wayne in figure form, with Mcfarlane's taking the win.

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Related posts:

Top 5 most wanted Mcfarlane DC Multiverse Build-A waves

Most wanted alternate versions of McFarlane DC Multiverse established characters vol 6

Comparing Mattel's DC action figures to Mcfarlane's part 2