I know this character is more of a Wonder Woman homage than a true member of the Superman family, but there's no denying her a spot in this lineup with a name like that. The Crime Syndicate first appeared in a 1964 issue of Justice League of America (#29) and quickly became classic JLA rogues. This super-team is an other-dimensional version of the Justice League where all heroes are bad and the villains are good. Superwoman is the anti-Wonder Woman, complete with a lasso and Amazonian heritage. The backstory and design of the Crime Syndicate has changed a few times over the years, but the essence of the group has remained consistent. Superwoman and her evil teammates have received very little merchandising over the years, which is a little surprising considering how "iconically evil" they look. Any kid or mom would recognize them as evil versions of the the JLA, and I think that's always a recipe for a successful villain (ie. Knight Rider's K.A.R.R. and Garth, Goateed Spock, Bizarro, etc. Plus my favorites: New Mutants vs the Hellions). But I digress. Let's check out these Superwoman figures below!
First up is the first figure produced of Superwoman...
Classic Crime Syndicate - Superwoman - DC Direct 2002
This figure is kind of awesome, but her "extreme" face takes a little getting used to. Frankly, I always found this figure a little hideous before I owned her, but now that I have her in-hand I'm a fan. The sculpt by Tim Bruckner really captures a classic feel for this character.
Next up is the requisite entry from Mattel's (former) flagship line, DCUC...
DC Universe Classics - Crime Syndicate of Amerika - Wal-Mart Exclusive 5-Pack - Mattel 2011
This is a very cool figure and definitely the most attractive sculpt of the group. The Four Horsemen sculpt is pretty standard and recognizable at this point, but it works for her and she actually stands out quite nicely in a lineup with other DCUC ladies. The only downfall is that her head is tilted down due to her hair and cape. This really limits poseability.
[[This next figure is a new addition to this Spotlight insterted on 7/10/14 - I like to keep these all-inclusive posts up-to-date as best I can]]
DC Comics Super-Villains: Crime Syndicate - New52 Superwoman - DC Collectibles 2014
Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios
Next up is the figure from the fan-favorite mega-line, JLU...
Justice League Unlimited: Fan Collection - Superwoman - Mattel 2009
This figure is very cool but suffers from a generic face. The paint application makes her look a little spacey.
She came with a lasso and a figure stand.
and finally the last piece in this review..
HeroClix - DC Comics: Legacy #48 - WizKids 2005
Here is an assortment of images showing her various looks over the years.
Time for a Group Shot!
Cheers!
GREAT post, wow! Nice work. I fancy that DC Direct, and the JLU has it's own, albeit small thing going on...
ReplyDeleteThanks! I like them all. I'm surprised we haven't seen more small-scale Crime Syndicate figures like Eaglemoss figurines or a pvc set. When additional figures are released I make it a point to try to update these Character Spotlight posts so they stay relevant, so I'll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled.
DeleteI only have the JLU figure, but the facial expression on the DC Direct version is priceless! lol
ReplyDeleteI know she's hilarious. I wonder if anyone will attempt to use her head as a custom base for that upcoming "Joker's daughter" character
Deletemy dad saw a loose figure of the DC DIRECT version but he doesn't want to buy it because of her face.. :/ i really like it though i think its really cool..
ReplyDeleteYou're lucky your Dad is *almost* buying you toys! I wish mine did. I doubt my father has seen or touched an action figure since I was a kid leaving them all over the floor :)
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Deletewe both love to collect action figures... he's collecting the heroes while i'm collecting the heroines :)
DeleteNice! My dad collects coins and bank notes but I just can't get excited about the hobby. Maybe if I focused on all the Queens and historical figures represented on them I could make him happy :)
DeleteI already have the DC DIRECT version :).. but her right knee is damage the joint is broken.. any advice on how to fix this?
ReplyDeleteUsusally the best bet is to just pose it the way you want it and glue it in place. My Hush Harley Quinn broke at the elbow and I was able to use a small blue plastic stick to act as a new hinge. It's not perfect, but it works in a pinch :)
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