Packaging - ***1/2
I know people have expressed complaints about the packaging, but I actually like it a lot. It shows off the character nicely, and it has a very interesting formula to it- Mattel went for a style of packaging that's similar to the look of Marvel Legends, yet at the same time, has a very distinct look of its own. I love the brand name heading in that column to the left of the figure. Something about it shouts "DC" out to me- and no, it's not the DC logo on it…ok, well PARTIALLY it is. It's just overall a very nice look, and for a mass-market release looks great- and much like with the Marvel Legends has that ever-so-distinct comic book behind the figure for an added "background". My only request for it is I wish they'd gone with clamshell packaging rather than the cardboard backing. It's one area I wish they'd totally ripped off from Marvel Legends :D

Sculpting - ***
I was conflicted on this sculpt at first- you may be wondering why. Simply because every time I looked at it, it screamed out "DC DIRECT DOOMSDAY" to me- and face it, I don't give credit for scaling a previous figure down,and re-packaging it under a different toyline name and company name.

Over time, it slowly began to grow on me….then I opened it. Ok, NOW I'm impressed. Unlike DC Direct, Mattel went with a soft plastic for the bone parts sticking out of Doomsday's back and arms. I think that was a very wise( and also kid-friendly) move, and I also like it better myself. Truth be told, I don't really know what I could say about this figure, regarding sculpting. Granted, it is very similar to the DC Direct figure, but hell- they did sorta sculpt him to total perfection! The market is moving in that direction, so if it wasn't up to par with DC Direct's, that would truly be a shame. They did hit their mark on this one- his body proportions, and muscular texture are sculpted ever so perfectly…including that slight hunchback he has. I have only two major issues: You already know about the scale issue- yeah, he's a bit too small. That's bad. My other only real issue with this figure is the eyes- I'm sure the Four Horsemen could've found some way to give his face and angry & menacing look. He sorta has it- sorta. I'm sure they could've done him one better, though. Otherwise, nicely done overall.

Paint - ***1/2
The paint job on this figure is remarkable. I took half a star off cause of some ultra minor paint bleed that you'll only notice if you're REALLY looking for it, but regardless, it was there- on the boots, and some where the blue of his shorts meets the gray area. Otherwise, simply amazing. Everything else appeared to be between the lines. 

Ah, but lest we forget the paint wash- that wash that as we all know by now can either make or break an action figure's paint job. Absolutely to-the-T perfect. Everything is done absolutely perfect- and for an added touch of "AWWW YEAH", check out the bone protrusions on his back & arms- they have a bluish off white look to them. Yeah- it just don't get any sweeter than that…or does it? Apparently it does, as the muscular texture was outlined, giving it a jagged yet rugged look for the full effect. I'd like to quote Peter Griffin- "SCHWEET!!!!!!!!"

Articulation - ***
You can get some pretty sweet, amazing poses out of this bad boy. Ball-jointed neck, ball-jointed shoulders, cut elbows, cut wrists, cut abdomen, waist, semi ball-jointed legs, cut knees, and cut ankles. The joints definitely seem much tighter in the upper half of the figure than the bottom half- I'm willing to let that pass. Now, due to the bone protrusions sculpted on the arms, the articulation is a tiny bit restricted, and the poses don't look as dramatic and whatnot, but you can still get some goods out of it. 

So why not the extra star? Face it- you know you'll be comparing these like all holy hell to the Marvel Legends. It's close, but no cigar. And I can't give credit where credit isn't due. It's close though.

Accessories - *
I'll be nice and count the comic book, though I really don't want to. He otherwise comes with nothing. Now, truth be told- what could they honestly give him? Well…ok, the torn cape of Superman would've been kinda cool. Now that I think about it….now I really wanted that as an accessory. Criminy…..

Fun Factor - ****
Oh I'm definitely sure kids will love these. Plenty of articulation, amazingly sculpted- and they're super heroes! Kids and collectors combined will be drawn to these figures like a cop at a donut factory.

Value - **
I just checked my Wal-Mart receipt again…I paid $9.88 for this? Please tell me that's a joke. It's a damn nice figure, and I'm glad I got it as it is short-packed, and just beginning to become more available- but geez….$9.88? Marvel Legends usually sell more, at most, around $7-8.99. Mattel has definitely got quite a ways to go in this area….

Overall - ***
I love this figure. Great sculpt, great paint job, great articulation- even though I did fork over almost $10 for it…and it comes with nothing but a comic book. I'm still pleased to have this figure in my collection. I definitely plan on buying Superman sooner or later( c'mon, what DC collection would be complete without the Man of Steel?), as well as most of the upcoming figures in the line. Truth be told though, I'm prayin' to see Batman Beyond characters, more than anything else, get the DC Superheroes treatment. I'm also told within a wave or two, we'll be seeing something called an "R3" style of sculpting- should be interesting. The Build-a-Figure concept I can't wait to see implemented…..though I can only wonder what Mattel has up their sleeves for that. 

Score Recap- 
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpt - ***
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - ***
Accessories - *
Fun Factor - ****
Value - **
Overall - ***

Where to Buy -
Brick'n mortar stores include Wal-Mart, Target, TRU, and I think KB as well. I'm sure Meijers will also have them in. 

Online options include:

Cornerstorecomics.com has Wave 2 for $8.99 each, as well as a pre-order ready for Wave 3. They also have Wave 2 available as a set for $36.99.

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