Review of Lobo Action Figure
Justice League Unlimited

Introduction

Most of the focus at Matty Collector tends to be on the big two - Masters of the Universe Classics, and DC Universe Classics. There's plenty of love for Ghostbusters too, but most of the conversation out on the Internets amongst the Internerds is on MOTUC and DCUC.

But that's not all Matty has for the refined collector. On occasion they release figures for some of their other lines, and some of these are quite good - and quite important to the display. Once such was the recent release of Lobo in the Justice League Unlimited series.

The JLU (and just plan JL at the start) series has been around for several years, with dozens and dozens of characters produced. I think it's one of those lines that won't be fully appreciated until years later, when collectors look back and realize just how much of the DC universe they covered in this animated style series. A complete set certainly does make for a great display, and getting a complete set can be a real chore. Mattel has been plagued by poor distribution and uneven production on this series since its inception.

I always think of Lobo as a new character, but in reality he's been around for almost 30 years. He didn't become truly popular though til the 90's when Alan Grant got his hands on him.

This animated version set you back $20 at Matty Collector on sale day, but sold out relatively quick. You'll need to hit the secondary market for him at this point.

Packaging - ***
While the package is larger than what the normal single JLU figure comes in, it still follows the same general style and design. It's not collector friendly, and it's fairly basic, but it shows off the figure well, and it's pretty easy for MOCers to display. I like the personalized bio on the back to, and with the larger card back they have more room to espouse on his character.

Sculpting - ****
This is the animated version of course, who most folks will remember from a couple of the cartoons, including the old Superman: The Animated Series. This is a terrific sculpt, and comes extremely close both in detail and proportions to the animated Lobo.

He stands about 6" tall, slightly larger than the normal 5" scale figures. He looks good with the rest of the line, and the head, arms and legs are all in perfect cartoon style proportion.

Small details, like the star eye paint and mustache, have sculpted edges to give them more depth and definition. The hands are done up in a gripping pose, although he doesn't have any accessories to grip.

He stands great on his own, although with the very restricted articulation there's not too many poses he'll be taking.

Paint - ***1/2
While there's a little slop here and there, it's far less than we generally see on the mass market retail figures in this same series.

Cut lines are generally clean, and there's some nice small detail work like the red eyes and the chin stubble. Colors are bright and consistent, but the one minor issue - and it's always an issue with matte black - is rub marks and spots. Matte paints always show the slightest imperfection in the finish.

I love the gloss black boots, and how they contrast with the matte black on the hair and jacket.

Articulation - *1/2
As I mentioned earlier, the articulation is very restricted, much more than I expected. There's a cut neck, which has little use due to the hair, cut shoulders, and T hips.

There's no elbow joint...no wrist. No cut waist...nothing else on the legs either. That means he can stand in a very maquette like fashion, but that's about it.

Accessories - Bupkis
Nope, nothing, nada, zippo. at this price point, that's a rough pill to swallow.

Fun Factor - ***
The JLU series isn't quite the outstanding toy line that DCUC or MOTUC is, due to the lack of articulation and accessories in general, and even more so in specific here. Still, he's a big, ugly, mean looking character that will work with most 5" animated lines, and kids will find ways to make him more fun than he looks.

Value - *1/2
This is an eight dollar figure - ten max - that you're paying $20 for. Other figures from Matty that run $20 (MOTUC, Ghostbusters and DCUC, for example) are generally larger, have greater articulation, and a nice variety of accessories. None of that is present here.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.

Overall - ***
The sculpt and paint save this figure, and most fans of the JLU series will be happy with him because of it. The reality is that the series overall has been weak when it comes to accessories and articulation so the expectation has already been set, but generally they cost less than half of what this figure does. While I love the look of this figure in his maquette pose, I can't ignore those areas where he's lacking.

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

Where to Buy 
Matty Collector was the place to pick this bad boy up, but he's since sold out. That leaves your LCS if you're lucky, or you can hang out on ebay.

Related Links -
There's been a TON of Justice League figures out of Mattel over the last few years, but I've only covered a few. Last winter I looked at the Waller/Eiling/Batman three pack, and prior to that I looked at Wonder Pig and Batman. Before they went all 'unlimited', I reviewed the Ultra-Humanite, Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter, and the very first series with Batman, Superman, Green Lantern and Flash. I've also had a guest review of several other figures.

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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